Western Yellow-Billed Cuckoo Proposed for Federal Protections – Please Comment ASAP!

By: Rewilding

November 25, 2013

Your comments are due by December 2, 2013

Please let the US Fish and Wildlife Service know that you value the yellow-billed cuckoo and want it protected!

On October 3, 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to list the western distinct population segment of the yellow-billed cuckoo as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in the western United States, Canada, and Mexico. In the U.S., the western yellow-billed cuckoo is known to occur in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

Comments for the proposal to list the western yellow-billed cukoo as a threatened species will be accepted through December 2, 2013. Comments may be submitted online at the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. The Docket Number for the proposed listing rule is FWS–R8–ES–2013-0104.

Comments can also be sent by U.S. mail to:
Public Comments Processing
Attn: FWS–R8–ES–2013-0104
Division of Policy and Directives Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Service is looking for information concerning the western yellow-billed cuckoo’s biology and habitat, threats to the species, and current efforts to protect the bird. To access the proposed rule and a specific outline of information requested by the Service, please go to our webpage at: http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/outreach/Public-Advisories/WesternYellow-BilledCuckoo/outreach_PA_Western-Yellow-Billed-Cuckoo.htm

“The western yellow-billed cuckoo is distinct from populations in the east and has different habitat requirements,” said Jennifer Norris, Field Supervisor for the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Service. “Populations of western yellow-billed cuckoo, and their nesting habitat along rivers and streams, have been declining over the last few decades. The Service is asking the public to review our proposal to list the western yellow-billed cuckoo as a threatened species and submit comments. We need all of the best available scientific information to help us make a final decision that most effectively protects the species.”