Wildlife Specialist report

trees, and succulents dominated by paloverde (Cercidium microphyllum), pricklypear
(Opuntia spp.), and giant saguaro (Cereus giganteus) (BISON-M 2009). They are also
associated with Chihuahuan Desert Scrub. Open stands of creosote bush and large
succulents (Ferocactus pringlei, Echinocactus platyaconthus) in southern New Mexico
and southwest Texas (BISON-M 2009). Common ground-doves prefer native shrublands
and weedy areas, including such habitats in riparian areas (BISON-M 2009). In New
Mexico this minute dove is typically found in agricultural and undeveloped areas at
elevations below 1650 m, usually occurring as individuals, pairs, or family groups
(BISON-M 2009). Much of its time is spent walking about on the ground, gleaning the
seeds and other plant materials that are the major foods (BISON-M 2009). When not
foraging, the birds generally perch quietly and inconspicuously in shrubs or low in trees-although
in the breeding season males call for extended periods of time (NatureServe
Explorer 2009). Common Ground Doves are found in desert riparian deciduous
woodland, and marshes (BISON-M 2009). This dove is a very local, mainly warmseason
(April-September) visitor to the southernmost part of the state, including presently
at San Simon Cienaga (Hidalgo Co.) The common ground-dove was formerly resident in
southern New Mexico, but is now apparently only a rare visitor here (NMDGF, 1994).
Black Hawk (Forest Service Management Indicator Species, Forest Service Sensitive
Species, and Partners In Flight High Priority Migratory Bird Representative of Low
and Middle Elevation Riparian Habitat) - The Common black-hawk is a primary
indicator of low/mid riparian habitat. Common black hawks are characteristically found
in the Southwest in cottonwood (Populus spp.) and other woodlands along permanent
lowland streams. Desert Riparian Deciduous Woodland, Marsh. Woodlands, especially
of cottonwoods, that occurs where desert streams provide sufficient moisture for a narrow
band of trees and shrubs along the margins. Breeding Common Black Hawks require
mature, well-developed riparian forest stands (e.g., cottonwood bosques) that are located
near permanent streams where principal prey species are available (NMDGF, 1996).
The Common Black Hawk nests and forages in tall riparian gallery trees (usually
cottonwoods) near flowing water. Nests are 4 to 30 meters above the ground (12 to 100
feet). Common black-hawks do forage in open woodlands. Black Hawks are fairly
common summer breeding residents in the Gila National Forest (Zimmerman, 1995). In
New Mexico this species is generally an uncommon summer resident (March to October,
rarely November), being most numerous in the Gila Basin where several pairs are known
to nest. No serious decline had been definitely documented in New Mexico, but without
doubt populations of this bird had decreased as habitat had been lost or altered (BISON-
M 2010). The Black Hawk occurs more irregular in the Rio Grande Valley. On the Gila
National Forest this species is most likely to occur in larger sized drainages in lower
elevations, but has also been documented at mid elevation levels. In 1994-95, R.W.
Skaggs surveyed the San Francisco, Gila, and Mimbres basins for the New Mexico
Department of Game and Fish, and estimated a population of 60-80 pairs (BISON-M
2010). Forest personnel have noted this species in the west, middle, and east forks of the
Gila River, mainstem of the Gila River, San Francisco River, Mimbres River, Animas
River. Some of the other drainages on the Gila that are believed to have habitat include:
the mainstem, south and north forks of Negrito Creek; the mainstem, south and north
forks of the Tularosa River; Sapillo Creek; Main and South Diamond Creeks; Black
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