{ "name": "US Protected-Species Survey Windows and Agency Survey Protocols", "description": "Survey windows, tree-clearing restriction windows, methods, regions and the governing agency protocol for 19 commonly surveyed US protected species and species groups (bats, birds, raptors, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and invertebrates), each with its source.", "url": "https://www.fieldtap.app/species-survey-windows", "publisher": "FieldTap", "publisher_url": "https://www.fieldtap.app", "license": "CC BY 4.0", "license_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/", "license_note": null, "attribution": "Survey windows and methods are summarized from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state wildlife agency protocols cited on each row. Compiled by FieldTap (https://www.fieldtap.app).", "last_updated": "2026-06-10", "methodology": "Each row was compiled from the published USFWS or state-agency survey protocol linked in its source_url column. Where a protocol sets a firm range-wide window, window_is_firm is true; where the window varies by region, year or Field Office, it is false and the row says to confirm locally. Months are the calendar months the window touches, for filtering only. This is a planning reference, not regulatory advice: the official agency protocol always governs, and most listed-species surveys also need a recovery permit.", "sources": [ { "name": "U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey protocols and guidelines", "url": "https://www.fws.gov/" } ], "columns": [ { "key": "common_name", "label": "Species" }, { "key": "scientific_name", "label": "Scientific name" }, { "key": "status", "label": "Status" }, { "key": "agency", "label": "Agency" }, { "key": "survey_window", "label": "Survey window" }, { "key": "survey_months", "label": "Months" }, { "key": "window_is_firm", "label": "Window is firm" }, { "key": "method", "label": "Method" }, { "key": "region", "label": "Region" }, { "key": "clearance_window", "label": "Clearance window" }, { "key": "taxon", "label": "Taxon" }, { "key": "protocol", "label": "Protocol" }, { "key": "note", "label": "Note" }, { "key": "source_label", "label": "Source" }, { "key": "source_url", "label": "Source URL" }, { "key": "id", "label": "ID" } ], "rows": [ { "common_name": "Indiana Bat", "scientific_name": "Myotis sodalis", "status": "Federally Endangered", "agency": "USFWS", "survey_window": "Summer survey season: May 15 – Aug 15", "survey_months": "May; Jun; Jul; Aug", "window_is_firm": true, "method": "Mist-net or acoustic (per current Guidelines)", "region": "Eastern & midwestern US (species range)", "clearance_window": "Tree clearing generally restricted ~Apr 1 – Oct 15 in occupied summer habitat; confirm with the local Field Office", "taxon": "bat", "protocol": "Range-Wide Indiana Bat & Northern Long-Eared Bat Survey Guidelines", "note": "Summer presence/probable-absence window is May 15–Aug 15 for both mist-net and acoustic options. Tree-clearing dates and any post-season survey extensions are set by the local Field Office — confirm.", "source_label": "USFWS Range-Wide IBat/NLEB Survey Guidelines", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/range-wide-indiana-bat-and-northern-long-eared-bat-survey-guidelines", "id": "indiana-bat" }, { "common_name": "Northern Long-Eared Bat", "scientific_name": "Myotis septentrionalis", "status": "Federally Endangered", "agency": "USFWS", "survey_window": "Summer survey season: May 15 – Aug 15", "survey_months": "May; Jun; Jul; Aug", "window_is_firm": true, "method": "Mist-net or acoustic (per current Guidelines)", "region": "Eastern, midwestern & much of the US (species range)", "clearance_window": "Pup season ~Jun 1 – Jul 31; reclassified to ENDANGERED 3/31/2023 — the former 4(d) tree-clearing exemptions no longer apply", "taxon": "bat", "protocol": "Range-Wide Indiana Bat & NLEB Survey Guidelines", "note": "Now federally ENDANGERED (effective Mar 31, 2023); the prior threatened-species 4(d) rule was removed, so the full ESA take prohibition applies. Survey window aligns with the Indiana bat guidelines.", "source_label": "USFWS Range-Wide IBat/NLEB Survey Guidelines", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/range-wide-indiana-bat-and-northern-long-eared-bat-survey-guidelines", "id": "northern-long-eared-bat" }, { "common_name": "Tricolored Bat", "scientific_name": "Perimyotis subflavus", "status": "Proposed Endangered", "agency": "USFWS", "survey_window": "Summer survey season: May 15 – Aug 15 (aligned with IBat/NLEB)", "survey_months": "May; Jun; Jul; Aug", "window_is_firm": false, "method": "Mist-net or acoustic", "region": "Eastern & central US (species range)", "clearance_window": "", "taxon": "bat", "protocol": "Range-Wide IBat/NLEB Survey Guidelines (tricolored-bat habitat guidance)", "note": "PROPOSED endangered — verify the current listing status before relying on a determination. Species-specific consultation tools take effect only upon a final listing rule; the survey window is inferred from alignment with the IBat/NLEB guidelines.", "source_label": "USFWS IBat/NLEB Guidelines + tricolored-bat guidance", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/range-wide-indiana-bat-and-northern-long-eared-bat-survey-guidelines", "id": "tricolored-bat" }, { "common_name": "Nesting Migratory Birds (general)", "scientific_name": "Various (MBTA-protected)", "status": "MBTA / BGEPA", "agency": "USFWS", "survey_window": "General nesting season ~Mar 15 – Sep 15 (varies by region/species)", "survey_months": "Mar; Apr; May; Jun; Jul; Aug; Sep", "window_is_firm": false, "method": "Pre-construction nest / clearance survey", "region": "Nationwide", "clearance_window": "Avoid vegetation removal ~Mar 15 – Sep 15; if unavoidable, a nest-clearance survey is required", "taxon": "bird", "protocol": "Migratory Bird Treaty Act — general nesting-season avoidance", "note": "The Mar 15–Sep 15 window is a widely-used regional recommendation, NOT a single federal date. Actual nesting windows shift by latitude, elevation, and species — confirm with the local USFWS Migratory Bird office / state agency.", "source_label": "USFWS — Migratory Bird Treaty Act", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/regulations/mbta", "id": "nesting-migratory-birds" }, { "common_name": "Nesting Raptors (general)", "scientific_name": "Various (MBTA-protected)", "status": "MBTA / BGEPA", "agency": "USFWS / state agencies", "survey_window": "Breeding season typically Jan/Feb – Aug (species-specific)", "survey_months": "Jan; Feb; Mar; Apr; May; Jun; Jul; Aug", "window_is_firm": false, "method": "Nest-occupancy survey; species-specific buffers", "region": "Nationwide", "clearance_window": "", "taxon": "raptor", "protocol": "MBTA nesting-season avoidance; species-specific raptor buffers", "note": "Many raptors initiate nesting earlier than passerines (some by Jan/Feb). Buffers and timing windows are species- and state-specific — confirm with the local USFWS office and state wildlife agency.", "source_label": "USFWS — MBTA (raptor nesting)", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/regulations/mbta", "id": "raptor-nests" }, { "common_name": "Golden Eagle", "scientific_name": "Aquila chrysaetos", "status": "MBTA / BGEPA", "agency": "USFWS", "survey_window": "Breeding-season nest occupancy & productivity surveys, ~Jan – Jul", "survey_months": "Jan; Feb; Mar; Apr; May; Jun; Jul", "window_is_firm": false, "method": "Aerial (helicopter preferred) + ground nest surveys; multiple visits", "region": "Western US (and range)", "clearance_window": "", "taxon": "raptor", "protocol": "USFWS Region 6 Eagle Nest Survey Protocol (wind) / eagle monitoring guidance", "note": "Survey effort and exact timing depend on project type (wind vs. other) and region; failed nests are monitored at least through ~Apr 1. BGEPA disturbance/take permitting applies. Confirm scope with the local USFWS office.", "source_label": "USFWS Region 6 Eagle Nest Survey Protocol (2021)", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usfws-r6-eagle-nest-survey%20protocol-recommendations-wind-energy-projects-v3-2021.pdf", "id": "golden-eagle" }, { "common_name": "Coastal California Gnatcatcher", "scientific_name": "Polioptila californica californica", "status": "Federally Threatened", "agency": "USFWS", "survey_window": "6 surveys, ≥1 week apart, Mar 15 – Jun 30", "survey_months": "Mar; Apr; May; Jun", "window_is_firm": true, "method": "Protocol pedestrian survey with taped call playback", "region": "Coastal southern California (coastal sage scrub)", "clearance_window": "", "taxon": "bird", "protocol": "Coastal California Gnatcatcher Presence/Absence Survey Protocol (1997)", "note": "Six presence/absence surveys at least one week apart between Mar 15 and Jun 30, in suitable coastal sage scrub. A USFWS recovery permit is required to conduct the protocol.", "source_label": "USFWS Survey Protocol (Jul 28, 1997)", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/survey-protocol-for-coastal-california-gnatcatcher.pdf", "id": "california-gnatcatcher" }, { "common_name": "Least Bell's Vireo", "scientific_name": "Vireo bellii pusillus", "status": "Federally Endangered", "agency": "USFWS", "survey_window": "≥8 surveys, ≥10 days apart, Apr 10 – Jul 31", "survey_months": "Apr; May; Jun; Jul", "window_is_firm": true, "method": "Protocol riparian pedestrian survey (dawn–~11:00)", "region": "Southern California / Southwest riparian", "clearance_window": "", "taxon": "bird", "protocol": "Survey Guidelines for the Least Bell's Vireo", "note": "At least 8 surveys spaced ≥10 days apart between Apr 10 and Jul 31 in suitable riparian habitat. Requires a USFWS recovery permit.", "source_label": "USFWS Least Bell's Vireo Survey Guidelines", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/survey-protocol-for-least-bells-vireo.pdf", "id": "least-bells-vireo" }, { "common_name": "Southwestern Willow Flycatcher", "scientific_name": "Empidonax traillii extimus", "status": "Federally Endangered", "agency": "USFWS / USGS", "survey_window": "5 surveys / 3 periods: May 15–31, Jun 1–24, Jun 25–Jul 17 (≥5 days apart)", "survey_months": "May; Jun; Jul", "window_is_firm": true, "method": "Call-playback protocol survey (around dawn)", "region": "Southwestern US riparian (AZ, NM, CA, NV, UT, CO, TX)", "clearance_window": "", "taxon": "bird", "protocol": "Survey Protocol for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (USGS TM 2A-10, 2010)", "note": "Five surveys across three periods (1 in P1, 2 in P2, 2 in P3), each ≥5 days apart. Requires a USFWS recovery permit.", "source_label": "Sogge et al. 2010, USGS TM 2A-10", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/survey-protocol-for-southwestern-willow-flycatcher.pdf", "id": "southwestern-willow-flycatcher" }, { "common_name": "Western Yellow-Billed Cuckoo", "scientific_name": "Coccyzus americanus (Western DPS)", "status": "Federally Threatened", "agency": "USFWS / USGS", "survey_window": "≥4 surveys across survey periods ~Jun 15 – Aug 15", "survey_months": "Jun; Jul; Aug", "window_is_firm": false, "method": "Call-playback protocol survey", "region": "Western US riparian", "clearance_window": "", "taxon": "bird", "protocol": "Survey Protocol for the Western DPS of the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (2015)", "note": "Minimum four survey visits during the breeding-season survey periods (cuckoos arrive mid-June; nesting late June–late July). Confirm exact period boundaries against the current protocol. Requires a USFWS recovery permit.", "source_label": "USFWS/USGS YBCU Survey Protocol (2015)", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/media/survey-protocol-western-distinct-population-segment-yellow-billed-cuckoo", "id": "western-yellow-billed-cuckoo" }, { "common_name": "Marbled Murrelet", "scientific_name": "Brachyramphus marmoratus", "status": "Federally Threatened", "agency": "USFWS / Pacific Seabird Group", "survey_window": "Survey season ~Apr 15 – Aug 5 (dawn audio-visual stations)", "survey_months": "Apr; May; Jun; Jul; Aug", "window_is_firm": false, "method": "Dawn audio-visual stations; multi-survey, multi-year", "region": "Pacific NW coastal forests (CA, OR, WA)", "clearance_window": "", "taxon": "bird", "protocol": "PSG Inland Survey Protocol (Evans Mack et al. 2003; revised 2024)", "note": "Survey 'weeks' run ~Apr 15 through early Aug; surveys start before sunrise. A 2024 revised protocol exists — confirm the number of surveys/years and exact weeks against the current PSG/USFWS version.", "source_label": "Pacific Seabird Group Inland Survey Protocol (2003; rev. 2024)", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/survey-protocol-for-marbled-murrelet.pdf", "id": "marbled-murrelet" }, { "common_name": "Northern Spotted Owl", "scientific_name": "Strix occidentalis caurina", "status": "Federally Threatened", "agency": "USFWS", "survey_window": "6 visits/year over 2 years; survey period ~Mar 1 – Aug 31", "survey_months": "Mar; Apr; May; Jun; Jul; Aug", "window_is_firm": true, "method": "Nighttime/daytime call-back surveys", "region": "Pacific NW (CA, OR, WA)", "clearance_window": "", "taxon": "raptor", "protocol": "Protocol for Surveying Activities That May Impact Northern Spotted Owls (2012)", "note": "Two-year, six-visits-per-year protocol; initial visits late March/early April. Barred-owl presence complicates detection — coordinate survey design with USFWS.", "source_label": "USFWS NSO Survey Protocol (Jan 2012)", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/media/protocol-surveying-proposed-management-activities-may-impact-northern-spotted-owls", "id": "northern-spotted-owl" }, { "common_name": "Western Burrowing Owl", "scientific_name": "Athene cunicularia hypugaea", "status": "State / Other", "agency": "CDFW (California)", "survey_window": "Breeding-season: 4 visits; first Feb 15 – Apr 15, then ≥3 visits ≥3 weeks apart", "survey_months": "Feb; Mar; Apr; May; Jun; Jul", "window_is_firm": true, "method": "Habitat assessment + focused breeding-season surveys", "region": "California (and western US; check state protocol)", "clearance_window": "Breeding season Feb 1 – Aug 31 (75 m buffer); non-breeding Sep 1 – Jan 31 (50 m buffer)", "taxon": "raptor", "protocol": "CDFW Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (2012)", "note": "California-specific (CDFW). Burrowing owl is a state Species of Special Concern and MBTA-protected, not federally listed. Other states use their own protocols — confirm locally.", "source_label": "CDFW Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (Mar 7, 2012)", "source_url": "https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=83842", "id": "burrowing-owl" }, { "common_name": "Greater Sage-Grouse", "scientific_name": "Centrocercus urophasianus", "status": "State / Other", "agency": "WAFWA / state wildlife agencies", "survey_window": "Lek counts: ≥3 counts/lek at ~weekly intervals, ~Mar 15 – Apr 30 (peak ~mid-Apr)", "survey_months": "Mar; Apr; May", "window_is_firm": false, "method": "Dawn lek counts", "region": "Western US sagebrush (11 states)", "clearance_window": "", "taxon": "bird", "protocol": "Greater Sage-Grouse Range-Wide Population Monitoring Guidelines (WAFWA)", "note": "Lek-count windows vary by state and elevation (generally Mar 15–Apr 30; peak male attendance ~mid-April). Not federally listed. Each state wildlife agency sets specific dates — confirm locally.", "source_label": "WAFWA Range-Wide Monitoring Guidelines", "source_url": "https://wafwa.org/wpdm-package/greater-sage-grouse-range-wide-population-monitoring-guidelines/", "id": "greater-sage-grouse" }, { "common_name": "California Red-Legged Frog", "scientific_name": "Rana draytonii", "status": "Federally Threatened", "agency": "USFWS", "survey_window": "Multiple day + night surveys; timing per USFWS guidance — varies, confirm with FO", "survey_months": "", "window_is_firm": false, "method": "Day + nighttime visual-encounter surveys; site assessment first", "region": "California (and Baja); coastal & Central Valley", "clearance_window": "", "taxon": "amphibian", "protocol": "Revised Guidance on Site Assessment and Field Surveys for the California Red-Legged Frog (2005)", "note": "Protocol requires a site assessment, then a set number of day and night surveys (air temp ≥ ~50°F). Exact survey timing is set in coordination with the local USFWS Field Office — confirm. Requires a recovery permit.", "source_label": "USFWS Revised CRLF Survey Guidance (2005)", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/media/revised-guidance-site-assessments-and-field-surveys-california-red-legged-frog", "id": "california-red-legged-frog" }, { "common_name": "Mojave Desert Tortoise", "scientific_name": "Gopherus agassizii", "status": "Federally Threatened", "agency": "USFWS", "survey_window": "Conduct when tortoises most active: Apr–May or Sep–Oct", "survey_months": "Apr; May; Sep; Oct", "window_is_firm": true, "method": "Pedestrian transect surveys; clearance = 2 perpendicular passes", "region": "Mojave Desert (CA, NV, AZ, UT west of the Colorado River)", "clearance_window": "", "taxon": "reptile", "protocol": "Pre-Project & Clearance Survey Protocols for the Mojave Desert Tortoise (Rev. 2019)", "note": "Surveys conducted during peak surface activity (spring Apr–May, fall Sep–Oct). Pre-project and clearance protocols are separate documents — use the correct one. An authorized handler is required for clearance.", "source_label": "USFWS Mojave Desert Tortoise Survey Protocols (Rev. May 2019)", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Mojave%20Desert%20Tortoise_Pre-project%20Survey%20Protocol_2019.pdf", "id": "mojave-desert-tortoise" }, { "common_name": "Gopher Tortoise", "scientific_name": "Gopherus polyphemus", "status": "Federally Threatened", "agency": "USFWS / state agencies", "survey_window": "Warm/active season ~Apr – Oct (burrow surveys + scoping)", "survey_months": "Apr; May; Jun; Jul; Aug; Sep; Oct", "window_is_firm": false, "method": "Line-transect distance sampling or 100% burrow survey with burrow-camera scoping", "region": "Southeastern US (FL, GA, AL, SC, MS, LA — western population listed)", "clearance_window": "", "taxon": "reptile", "protocol": "Gopher Tortoise Survey Handbook (LTDS); USFWS Burrow Survey Protocol (2025)", "note": "The western population is federally threatened; the eastern population's status differs by state. Surveys are best done in warm active months (~Apr–Oct). State relocation permitting (e.g. FWC) has its own rules — confirm with the state agency.", "source_label": "USFWS Gopher Tortoise Burrow Survey Protocol (2025) + GT Survey Handbook", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025-04/gopher-tortoise-burrow-survey-protocol.pdf", "id": "gopher-tortoise" }, { "common_name": "Vernal Pool Fairy/Tadpole Shrimp (large branchiopods)", "scientific_name": "Branchinecta lynchi, Lepidurus packardi, et al.", "status": "Federally Endangered", "agency": "USFWS", "survey_window": "One wet-season + one dry-season survey within a 3-year period (follows pool hydrology)", "survey_months": "", "window_is_firm": false, "method": "Wet-season aquatic dip-net sampling + dry-season cyst/soil sampling", "region": "California & southern Oregon vernal pools", "clearance_window": "", "taxon": "invertebrate", "protocol": "Survey Guidelines for the Listed Large Branchiopods (2017)", "note": "A complete protocol survey is one wet-season + one dry-season survey (or two wet-season) within 3 years; wet-season timing depends on when pools inundate (typically winter–spring rains). Requires a USFWS recovery permit.", "source_label": "USFWS Survey Guidelines for Listed Large Branchiopods (Nov 13, 2017)", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/media/survey-guidelines-listed-large-branchiopods", "id": "vernal-pool-branchiopods" }, { "common_name": "Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse", "scientific_name": "Zapus hudsonius preblei", "status": "Federally Threatened", "agency": "USFWS", "survey_window": "Live-trapping during active season (~Jun – Sep)", "survey_months": "Jun; Jul; Aug; Sep", "window_is_firm": false, "method": "Sherman live-trapping, parallel transects", "region": "Colorado Front Range & SE Wyoming riparian", "clearance_window": "", "taxon": "mammal", "protocol": "Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse Survey Guidelines (2004)", "note": "Roughly 400–1,000 trap-nights (≈750 typical) during the active season when the mouse is above ground (it hibernates ~Oct–May). Exact trapping dates are set with the local USFWS office. Requires a recovery permit.", "source_label": "USFWS Preble's MJM Survey Guidelines (2004)", "source_url": "https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/prebles-meadow-jumping-mouse-survey-guidelines-2004.pdf", "id": "prebles-meadow-jumping-mouse" } ] }