BREEDING STATUS OF THE BLACK TERN IN CALIFORNIA

Abstract

We surveyed breeding Black Terns throughout California in 1997 and 1998, following winters of very high runoff. We estimated the state's nesting population at about 4,150 pairs (±30%), of which 47% were in northeastern California and 53% in the Central Valley. The 1,940 pairs in northeastern California were at 60 sites; 59% were at 10 sites and 70% were in Modoc County.