Least bittern and prothonotary warbler in Point Pelee National Park: critical habitat description

The Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) is a migratory bird protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 and listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act as a threatened species. In Canada, the Least Bittern occurs south of the Canadian Shield in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. It breeds in freshwater and brackish marshes with tall emergent plants interspersed with open water.

The Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) is a migratory bird protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 and listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act as an endangered species. In Canada, the Prothonotary Warbler breeds primarily along the shores of Lake Erie, nesting in cavities that were created naturally (e.g. by rot or decay) or excavated by primary cavity nesters, such as Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapilla) and Downy Woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens), or in suitably designed artificial nest boxes erected for the species.

The Multi-species Action Plan for Point Pelee National Park of Canada and Niagara National Historic Sites of Canada identifies critical habitat for these species in Point Pelee National Park of Canada.

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to subsection 58(2) of the Species at Risk Act, that 90 days after the date of publication of this notice, subsection 58(1) of the Act will apply to the critical habitat of the Least Bittern and Prothonotary Warbler, identified in the action plan for these species that is included in the Species at Risk Public Registry, and that is located within Point Pelee National Park of Canada, the boundaries of which are described in Schedule 1 to the Canada National Parks Act.

August 17, 2016

Eric Nielson
Acting Field Unit Superintendent
Southwestern Ontario Field Unit