The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Rhode Island

Bird Atlas Cover

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Fish and Wildlife announces the much-anticipated publication of The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Rhode Island, a rich account of the data captured in collaboration with the University of Rhode Island during the 2015-2019 survey. This publication is a must-have for anyone invested in the future of bird conservation in Rhode Island.

In 2014, the RI DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife, in collaboration with the University of Rhode Island, initiated Rhode Island’s second Atlas on breeding birds. The project was completed between 2015 and 2019 with the support of over 200 volunteers, 20 biological technicians, and dedicated project leads, authors/editors, statisticians, and mapmakers. Together, a total of 3,705 breeding season point count surveys were conducted and 173 species were detected in the state.

Written by Charles E. Clarkson, Jason E. Osenkowski, Valerie A. Steen, Roland J. Duhaime, and Peter W. C. Paton, this new resource provides key information to aid in effective land management and conservation for Rhode Island birds. The 480-page book includes the life history, breeding ecology, migration phenology, distribution, abundance, management recommendations, and climate vulnerability for all 173 species that were detected during a state inventory of avifauna in collaboration with the University of Rhode Island (URI). Over 200 volunteers, 20 biological technicians, and dedicated project leads worked together to complete a total of 3,075 breeding season point count surveys. The exclusive maps that are included were generated by pairing these data with the habitat information available through the Rhode Island Geographic Information System (RIGIS) to predict occupancy and demonstrate the changes since the first breeding bird atlas, which was performed over 30 years prior.

This project was conceived and funded by Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife, through U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration (WSFR) Program which provides support to state fish and wildlife agencies to restore, conserve, manage, and enhance populations of wild birds, mammals, and their habitats.

How to Purchase

By Mail

Purchase your book using our mail order form below. Accepted forms of payment are checks or money orders. Please allow up to six weeks for processing and delivery.

In Person - Providence

The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Rhode Island may be purchased in person at the DEM Division of Boating and Licensing offices located at 235 Promenade Street, Providence RI (directions). Accepted forms of payment at this location are cash, check, money order, or credit cart (with an additional fee of $1.50 credit card).

In Person - Great Swamp Field Headquarters

The book is also available for sale at the Division of Fish and Wildlife Headquarters at 277 Great Neck Road, West Kingston, RI (directions) between the hours of 8:30am and 4pm. The accepted forms of payment at this location is money order or check only. Cash or credit cards are not accepted at this location.