The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) provides better trend data for this species than for many other marsh birds, presumably due to relatively higher rates of spontaneous unsolicited vocalizations. BBS results suggest little overall change in abundance in Canada since 1970 (all Bird Conservation Regions with reasonably reliable BBS results are displayed below). However, BBS results show large, inter-annual fluctuations (see graph). Both the Great Lakes and the Quebec Marsh Bird Monitoring programs also suggest little change overall or a very slight decline (since 1995 and 2004, respectively) in the areas covered by these surveys. Because all 3 sources of information agree (and despite the incomplete coverage of the species’ entire breeding range), the Sora’s national status is perhaps best assessed as having shown little change relative to 1970, with high reliability (i.e., the category is likely to be correct, or at worst within one status category of the actual status, which in this case would be a moderate increase or a moderate decrease). The Sora is currently at an acceptable level relative to its national population goal (see Canada BBS graph below). For more detailed information on Sora, see the Population Status of Migratory Game Birds in Canada report (summarized version). To obtain a copy of the full version of this report, including tables and graphs, please contact ec.scf-oismiggibiers-cws-miggamebirds.ec@canada.ca.
Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis
Additional information on: Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program
Additional information on: Quebec Marsh Monitoring Program
