Background information

Goal

Mean abundance (2008-2012)
Precision-weighted mean of the 5 annual indices from years 2008 through 2012
Mean abundance (first 5 years of survey; usually 1970-1974)
Precision-weighted mean of the annual indices from the first 5 years of available estimates for a given species
Mean abundance (first 10 years of survey)
Precision-weighted mean of the annual indices from the first 10 years of available estimates for a given species (usually used for species with highly fluctuating annual indices as an improved estimate of the species abundance at the beginning of the available time-series)
Long-term average of the time series
Quantitative goal as defined by the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP)
Long-term recovery goal (SARA)
Quantitative goal as defined in the Recovery Strategy for species listed for protection under the Species at Risk Act
Abundance required for de-listing (SARA)
Goal as defined for species listed under the Species at Risk Act (not always quantitative)
Abundance that avoids human/ecological conflict
Goal represents a level at which the species no longer causes human or ecological conflict (quantitative goal may not yet be defined)
To be determined
Goal is pending improved knowledge on the species status and/or broader consultation with other management agencies, such as provincial governments
Not applicable
Goals were not determined for non-native species, or for species that are managed solely at the subspecies- or population-level.
 

Lower level

Goal minus 25%
Species’ quantitative goal multiplied by 0.75
Highest level observed (1970-2012)
Maximum value of the annual indices of abundance for all years up to and including 2012
Mean long-term abundance (1970-2012) minus 25%
Precision-weighted mean of the annual indices of abundance for all years up to and including 2012 multiplied by 0.75
Mean abundance (2008-2012)
Precision-weighted mean of the 5 annual indices from years 2008 through 2012
10th percentile of observed abundance (1970-2012)
Annual index of abundance below which 10% of the estimated indices are found; represents a relatively low value that is still within the range of the observed variation in the species’ abundance
95th percentile of observed abundance (1970-2012)
Annual index of abundance below which 95% of the estimated indices are found; represents a relatively high value that is still within the range of the observed variation in the species’ abundance
Equal to goal
Same as the species’ goal, implying that no variation below the goal is acceptable
To be determined
Level is pending improved knowledge on the species status and/or broader consultation with other management agencies, such as provincial governments
Not applicable
Acceptable levels of variation were not determined for non-native species, or for species that are managed solely at the subspecies- or population-level.
 

Upper level

Abundance that avoids human/ecological conflict
Upper level at which species no longer causes human or ecological conflict (quantitative limit may not yet be defined)
To be determined
Level is pending improved knowledge on the species status and/or broader consultation with other management agencies, such as provincial governments
Not applicable
Upper acceptable levels are inappropriate for most native species; acceptable levels of variation for non-native species were not determined
 

Understanding the status of bird populations in the context of clear management goals is important to highlight species of concern and help prioritize the use of limited resources. In 2012, Environment and Climate Change Canada developed quantitative, species-specific population goals for most native bird species in Canada. We developed a variety of goals depending on whether: the species is harvested, distribution changed from historical levels or is very restricted in Canada, abundance declined, and/or if current abundance meets societal and ecological needs. Recognizing that bird populations vary naturally over time and thus some deviation around the goal is expected, we also developed acceptable limits relative to the goal. We assessed the current population of each species with respect to these goals. Under this system, species falling within those limits do not trigger immediate conservation concerns because they are reasonably close to their goals. Species falling below or above their limits are flagged either as possible species at risk or those that may require population management.

For more details, see the "General introduction and methods" section.