Status of the Least GrebeTachybaptus dominicusin the United States Virgin Islands

Abstract

Abstract. The regionally endangered Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus) has nested on the three main islands (St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas) on the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) since 2002. Single pairs (occasionally two pairs) have been confirmed nesting at five man-made freshwater ponds and two salt ponds on St. Croix, at five freshwater ponds on St. Thomas, and at one freshwater pond on St. John. Breeding occurred at six of seven sites on St. Croix from 2004 into 2007 after average, or above-average annual rainfall including torrential rainfall from four autumnal storms (November 2003, September 2004, October 2005, October 2006) that filled freshwater ponds and salt ponds. Least Grebes respond rapidly to water level changes at semi-permanent wetlands and can breed year-round; one pair attempted to nest at least 20 times (eight successfully) at Windsor North Pond on St. Croix. Non-breeding birds in the USVI have occurred less frequently at other freshwater ponds and a few brackish salt ponds, wh...