For all measures, the objective is to present both status (the current condition of a group of species) and trends (whether the group is increasing, decreasing, or stable in size). For birds, measures presented here focus on the central United States, where agriculture dominates the landscape, because it is difficult to identify species that have a strong association with cropland unless the percentage of cropland is very high.

Waterfowl. Croplands often contain wetlands that are migratory stopping points, breeding areas, and wintering areas for millions of ducks and geese. [Data to be included in 2001 report.]

Grassland birds. Prior to European settlement, the central United States, now dominated by croplands, was a vast stretch of tall-, medium-, and short-grass prairie. Many species of birds were adversely affected by the loss of native prairie, yet they remain in remnant areas and, more recently, in lands set aside under the Conservation Reserve Program. (Fig. 1)

Upland game birds. Birds such as quail, grouse, turkey, and mourning dove are popular game species that often live in and around croplands. Although nonnative, pheasants are well established and are included here. (Fig. 2)

Pollinators. Bees and other insects provide valuable pollination services to many agricultural crops, including soybean, sugar cane and sugar beet, beans and peas, and cotton; and many vegetables, including potato, lettuce, carrot, cucumber and onion. Bats and birds provide pollination as well, but not generally to crops in the United States. (Fig. 3)

The majority of grassland bird species are considered "apparently secure;" only one in 25 is considered "at risk." From 1980 to 1996, five species increased in number and five decreased, whereas from 1966 to 1979, three species increased in number and seven decreased. During both time periods, species exhibiting no significant trend were more numerous than were species on the increase or in decline.

All upland game species in the central United States are considered "apparently secure." During the period 1980(1996, one species increased in number, and four decreased, whereas during 1966(1979, the trend was the reverse: Four species increased in number and one decreased.

The number of managed honeybee colonies in the United States has declined by roughly 40 percent since 1985.

Grassland Birds (1) Technical Note	Upland Game Birds (2) Technical Note
Source: USGS, Breeding Bird Survey, The Nature Conservancy, and the network of Heritage Programs

Managed Honey Bee Colonies (3) Technical Note

Source: M. Ingraham, G. Nabhan, S. Buchman, 1996