Chapter 3 - Natural Resources - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

MCB Camp Pendleton, California
metropolitan areas of southern California. The wintering habitat includes Baja California,
Mexico and the western coastline of northern and central Mexico.
Regional
In San Diego County, the least Bell’s vireo population is concentrated within and along
coastal rivers, tributaries and creeks. Major sites for the least Bell’s vireo include: the Santa
Margarita River, San Luis Rey River, San Dieguito River, San Diego River, Sweetwater
River, Windmill and Pilgrim Creeks, and several other smaller drainages throughout San
Diego County (Unitt 2004).
MCBCP
The least Bell’s vireo inhabits riparian woodlands made up of willow-dominated habitats
with a dense understory. On Camp Pendleton, the least Bell’s vireo is found on the
following rivers, creeks and tributaries: the Santa Margarita River, Christianitos Creek, San
Mateo Creek, San Onofre Creek, Piedra de Lumbre, Las Flores Creek, Aliso Creek, French
Creek, De Luz Creek, Fallbrook Creek, Pueblitos Canyon, Windmill Canyon, and Pilgrim
Creek (Figure 3-14). The least Bell’s vireo arrives at Camp Pendleton from mid-March to
early April and generally leaves for its wintering ground in southern Baja California in late
September, although they may begin departing by late July (USFWS 1998c). Stragglers
have been noted in October and November, and occasionally individuals overwinter in
California (USFWS 1998c). For detailed information on the least Bell’s vireo, survey
information and its management on Base see Appendix F, Section F.9.
3.2.4.6. Light-Footed Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris levipes)
The light-footed clapper rail is a bird with a
deep cinnamon breast, and darker flanks and
back. It has long legs and bill, a short
upturned tail, and barred flanks. It is a resident
of salt marshes in coastal wetlands. It is a nonmigratory
species and the site tenacity of
adults is high (Unitt 2004). The Special
Management Season of the light-footed
clapper rail on Base extends from 1 March
through 15 September. The decline of the
light-footed clapper rail is attributed to loss of
habitat in coastal marshes and estuaries,
human disturbance and predation.
MANAGEMENT STATUS
Federal Status
FIGURE 3-16.
LIGHT-FOOTED CLAPPER RAIL
(PHOTO SOURCE: P. KNAPP, USFWS)
The light-footed clapper rail (Rallus longirostris levipes) was federally listed as an
endangered species by the USFWS on 13 October 1970 (USFWS 1970b). No critical
habitat has been designated for this species; however, a recovery plan is available (USFWS
1985b). The light-footed clapper rail is a species protected by the MBTA.
3-46 Chapter 3 – Natural Resources