Data Corresponding to Landbird Monitoring in the Chihuahuan Desert Network: 2010-2017 Synthesis Report

This dataset was used to characterize and report trends of landbird population parameters across the Chihuahuan Desert Network from 2010 to 2014, 2016, and 2017 (Big Bend National Park only) in "Landbird Monitoring in the Chihuahuan Desert Network: 2010-2017 Synthesis Report" by Colbaugh and others (2024). As such, it is most useful for replicating or extending that landbird synthesis analysis. It was part of a larger effort to monitor landbirds in National Parks across the southwest and southern plains conducted in cooperation with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (formerly, Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory). The overall goal of the CHDN landbird monitoring program was to detect biologically significant changes in population and community parameters over time, focusing on a set of complementary attributes— species richness and composition, occupancy, and density— that together provide a comprehensive assessment of changes in bird populations and communities. We used point-transect surveys to sample two habitat classes: grassland (upland) and riparian. Sampling locations were selected within park-habitat classes, either randomly or systematically, using a spatially balanced distribution of points. Samples were replicated either spatially (for most parks) or temporally (for three small parks). The general window of breeding and sampling was from April through June, when increased territorial behavior by songbirds results in higher detection rates and greater sampling efficiency. Quality and reliability standards were sustained throughout the data acquisition and preparation process. In addition to the survey data, it includes two tables which can be found in the synthesis report: Table 2-6 - Breeding Habitat Guilds and Appendix B - Bird Species in the Chihuahuan Desert Network. More information about these tables can be found in the synthesis report.