David Ziolkowski Jr.
Dave is the Program Manager of the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center in Laurel, MD.
Dave has been actively involved in wildlife research for over 30 years, both in the U.S. and abroad, and has worked on myriad topics spanning the fields of ecology, evolutionary biology, biogeography, toxicology, and population monitoring. He works to strengthen coordination and management of the scientifically rigorous, citizen-science based BBS, including building research and multi-level inter-agency partnerships, strategic planning, project management of web-enabled database applications, and quality engagement with thousands of highly-skilled volunteer observers. He is a recognized expert on birds and birdlife as well as in many other areas of natural history.
Professional Experience
2020-present, BBS Manager, USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center at the Patuxent Research Refuge
2005-2020, Wildlife Biologist, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Oct 2007-Jan 2008, Information Specialist (Detail appointment), USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
2004-2005, Wildlife Toxicologist, Toxicology Directorate, US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine
Education and Certifications
M.S. in Biology, University of Missouri St. Louis (2003)
B.S. in Biology, Towson University, MD (1997)
A.A. in Economics, Harford Community College, MD. (1995)
Honors and Awards
STAR Award for management of the BBS program, USGS (2020)
Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award, University of Missouri St. Louis (2000)
Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award, Towson University (1996)
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 14
2026 Release - North American Breeding Bird Survey Dataset (1966 - 2025) 2026 Release - North American Breeding Bird Survey Dataset (1966 - 2025)
The 1966-2025 North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) dataset contains avian point count data for more than 700 North American bird taxa (species, races, and unidentified species groupings). These data are collected annually during the breeding season, primarily in June, along thousands of randomly established roadside survey routes in the United States and Canada. Routes are roughly...
The North American Breeding Bird Survey, Analysis Results 1966 - 2024 The North American Breeding Bird Survey, Analysis Results 1966 - 2024
This data product consists of a database of population change and abundance estimates for North American birds, estimated from North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data. Data are presented for 544 species of birds in five spreadsheets containing trend estimates for three time periods and annual indices for two time periods. Estimates are derived for each species using the 1 of 4...
2025 Release - North American Breeding Bird Survey Dataset (1966 - 2024) 2025 Release - North American Breeding Bird Survey Dataset (1966 - 2024)
This is an outdated version of the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) dataset that has been superseded by a more recent release. Unless you have a specific need for these archived data, please return to the main page and download the latest data release, which includes all BBS data available to date. The 1966–2024 BBS dataset contains avian point-count data for more than 700 North
The North American Breeding Bird Survey, Analysis Results 1966 - 2023 The North American Breeding Bird Survey, Analysis Results 1966 - 2023
This data product consists of a database of population change and abundance estimates for North American birds, estimated from North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data. Data are presented for 546 species of birds in 4 spreadsheets containing trend estimates and annual indices for 2 time periods. Estimates are derived for each species using the 1 of 4 alternative models, and a cross
The North American Breeding Bird Survey Mapping products 1966 - 2022 The North American Breeding Bird Survey Mapping products 1966 - 2022
This data product consists of raster digital data of population change and abundance estimates for 520 species of North American birds estimated from North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data. Estimates of trend (yearly % change) from 1966-2022 and mean abundances for the interval 2018-2022 are spatially smoothed from data for each species collected on BBS routes. Metadata for the...
2024 Release - North American Breeding Bird Survey Dataset (1966 - 2023) 2024 Release - North American Breeding Bird Survey Dataset (1966 - 2023)
The 1966-2023 North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) dataset contains avian point count data for more than 700 North American bird taxa (species, races, and unidentified species groupings). These data are collected annually during the breeding season, primarily in June, along thousands of randomly established roadside survey routes in the United States and Canada. Routes are roughly...
Filter Total Items: 16
Foundational science in flight—USGS bird programs support conservation, culture, and a thriving U.S. economy Foundational science in flight—USGS bird programs support conservation, culture, and a thriving U.S. economy
Birds are vital to our economy, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. Investing in bird conservation benefits communities, businesses, and working lands while reinforcing our nation’s legacy of stewardship and biodiversity. By valuing birds, we ensure a richer, healthier, and more vibrant future for all Americans. The USGS leads two national bird monitoring programs Thriving bird...
Authors
David Ziolkowski, Antonio Celis-Murillo, Jenn Malpass, Keith L. Pardieck, Julien Martin, Lauren Emily Walker
Informative priors can account for location uncertainty in stop-level analyses of the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), allowing fine-scale ecological analyses Informative priors can account for location uncertainty in stop-level analyses of the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), allowing fine-scale ecological analyses
Ecological inferences are often based on the locations at which species are present, but many species records have substantial uncertainty in spatial metadata, limiting their utility for fine-scale analyses. This is especially prevalent in historical records such as museum specimens, and in some citizen-science data. For example, the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) has 55+...
Authors
Ryan C. Burner, Alan Kirschbaum, J. A. Hostetler, David Ziolkowski, Nicholas M. Anich, Daniel Turek, Eli D. Striegel, Neal D. Niemuth
The North American Breeding Bird Survey in Mexico, 2008 to 2018—A status report The North American Breeding Bird Survey in Mexico, 2008 to 2018—A status report
Collection of avian population data has repeatedly been identified as a high priority for bird conservation in Mexico. To meet this need, in 2008 the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), a volunteer-based survey, was expanded to include northern Mexico. The BBS in Mexico (Mexican BBS) is managed by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI), Mexico’s National...
Authors
Water Resources Division U.S. Geological Survey
Maryland birds through time series— New! Maryland birds through time series— New!
No abstract available.
Authors
David Ziolkowski, John R. Sauer
Strategic Plan for the North American Breeding Bird Survey, 2020–30 Strategic Plan for the North American Breeding Bird Survey, 2020–30
The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) has been the cornerstone of continental bird conservation and management for hundreds of North American bird species in the United States and Canada for more than 50 years. This strategic plan was developed in collaboration with key partners and stakeholders and charts the ambitious course for the BBS over the next decade (2020–30). Using...
Authors
,
Migratory behavior and winter geography drive differential range shifts of eastern birds in response to recent climate change Migratory behavior and winter geography drive differential range shifts of eastern birds in response to recent climate change
Over the past half century, migratory birds in North America have shown divergent population trends relative to resident species, with the former declining rapidly and the latter increasing. The role that climate change has played in these observed trends is not well understood, despite significant warming over this period. We used 43 y of monitoring data to fit dynamic species...
Authors
Clark Rushing, J. Andrew Royle, David Ziolkowski, Keith L. Pardieck
Non-USGS Publications**
Mark S Johnson, Ward Theodore Wickwire, Michael J Quinn, David J Ziolkowski Jr, Dima Burmistrov, Charles A Menzie, Ciaran Geraghty, Michael Minnich, Patrick J Parsons. 2007. Are Songbirds at Risk from Lead at Small Arms Ranges? An Application of the Spatially Explicit Exposure Model. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 26:2215-25. DOI:10.1897/07-068R.1
Diane L. Neudorf, David J. Ziolkowski Jr, Val Nolan Jr, Ellen D. Ketterson. 2002. Testosterone Manipulation of Male Attractiveness has no Detectable Effect on Female Home‐Range Size and Behavior During the Fertile Period. Ethology 108:713 - 726. DOI:10.1046/j.1439-0310.2002.00806.x
David J Ziolkowski Jr, L. Scott Johnson, Kristina M. Hannam, William A. Searcy. 1997. Coordination of Female Nest Attentiveness with Male Song Output in the Cavity-Nesting House Wren Troglodytes aedon. Journal of Avian Biology 28:9-14. DOI:10.2307/36770
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis
This website provides visualizations of population change for North American birds using data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). The BBS is analyzed for a "core" area (contiguous United States and southern Canada, results available from 1966-present), and for an "expanded" survey area (including portions of Alaska and northern Canada with results from 1993-present).
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 14
2026 Release - North American Breeding Bird Survey Dataset (1966 - 2025) 2026 Release - North American Breeding Bird Survey Dataset (1966 - 2025)
The 1966-2025 North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) dataset contains avian point count data for more than 700 North American bird taxa (species, races, and unidentified species groupings). These data are collected annually during the breeding season, primarily in June, along thousands of randomly established roadside survey routes in the United States and Canada. Routes are roughly...
The North American Breeding Bird Survey, Analysis Results 1966 - 2024 The North American Breeding Bird Survey, Analysis Results 1966 - 2024
This data product consists of a database of population change and abundance estimates for North American birds, estimated from North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data. Data are presented for 544 species of birds in five spreadsheets containing trend estimates for three time periods and annual indices for two time periods. Estimates are derived for each species using the 1 of 4...
2025 Release - North American Breeding Bird Survey Dataset (1966 - 2024) 2025 Release - North American Breeding Bird Survey Dataset (1966 - 2024)
This is an outdated version of the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) dataset that has been superseded by a more recent release. Unless you have a specific need for these archived data, please return to the main page and download the latest data release, which includes all BBS data available to date. The 1966–2024 BBS dataset contains avian point-count data for more than 700 North
The North American Breeding Bird Survey, Analysis Results 1966 - 2023 The North American Breeding Bird Survey, Analysis Results 1966 - 2023
This data product consists of a database of population change and abundance estimates for North American birds, estimated from North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data. Data are presented for 546 species of birds in 4 spreadsheets containing trend estimates and annual indices for 2 time periods. Estimates are derived for each species using the 1 of 4 alternative models, and a cross
The North American Breeding Bird Survey Mapping products 1966 - 2022 The North American Breeding Bird Survey Mapping products 1966 - 2022
This data product consists of raster digital data of population change and abundance estimates for 520 species of North American birds estimated from North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data. Estimates of trend (yearly % change) from 1966-2022 and mean abundances for the interval 2018-2022 are spatially smoothed from data for each species collected on BBS routes. Metadata for the...
2024 Release - North American Breeding Bird Survey Dataset (1966 - 2023) 2024 Release - North American Breeding Bird Survey Dataset (1966 - 2023)
The 1966-2023 North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) dataset contains avian point count data for more than 700 North American bird taxa (species, races, and unidentified species groupings). These data are collected annually during the breeding season, primarily in June, along thousands of randomly established roadside survey routes in the United States and Canada. Routes are roughly...
Filter Total Items: 16
Foundational science in flight—USGS bird programs support conservation, culture, and a thriving U.S. economy Foundational science in flight—USGS bird programs support conservation, culture, and a thriving U.S. economy
Birds are vital to our economy, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. Investing in bird conservation benefits communities, businesses, and working lands while reinforcing our nation’s legacy of stewardship and biodiversity. By valuing birds, we ensure a richer, healthier, and more vibrant future for all Americans. The USGS leads two national bird monitoring programs Thriving bird...
Authors
David Ziolkowski, Antonio Celis-Murillo, Jenn Malpass, Keith L. Pardieck, Julien Martin, Lauren Emily Walker
Informative priors can account for location uncertainty in stop-level analyses of the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), allowing fine-scale ecological analyses Informative priors can account for location uncertainty in stop-level analyses of the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), allowing fine-scale ecological analyses
Ecological inferences are often based on the locations at which species are present, but many species records have substantial uncertainty in spatial metadata, limiting their utility for fine-scale analyses. This is especially prevalent in historical records such as museum specimens, and in some citizen-science data. For example, the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) has 55+...
Authors
Ryan C. Burner, Alan Kirschbaum, J. A. Hostetler, David Ziolkowski, Nicholas M. Anich, Daniel Turek, Eli D. Striegel, Neal D. Niemuth
The North American Breeding Bird Survey in Mexico, 2008 to 2018—A status report The North American Breeding Bird Survey in Mexico, 2008 to 2018—A status report
Collection of avian population data has repeatedly been identified as a high priority for bird conservation in Mexico. To meet this need, in 2008 the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), a volunteer-based survey, was expanded to include northern Mexico. The BBS in Mexico (Mexican BBS) is managed by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI), Mexico’s National...
Authors
Water Resources Division U.S. Geological Survey
Maryland birds through time series— New! Maryland birds through time series— New!
No abstract available.
Authors
David Ziolkowski, John R. Sauer
Strategic Plan for the North American Breeding Bird Survey, 2020–30 Strategic Plan for the North American Breeding Bird Survey, 2020–30
The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) has been the cornerstone of continental bird conservation and management for hundreds of North American bird species in the United States and Canada for more than 50 years. This strategic plan was developed in collaboration with key partners and stakeholders and charts the ambitious course for the BBS over the next decade (2020–30). Using...
Authors
,
Migratory behavior and winter geography drive differential range shifts of eastern birds in response to recent climate change Migratory behavior and winter geography drive differential range shifts of eastern birds in response to recent climate change
Over the past half century, migratory birds in North America have shown divergent population trends relative to resident species, with the former declining rapidly and the latter increasing. The role that climate change has played in these observed trends is not well understood, despite significant warming over this period. We used 43 y of monitoring data to fit dynamic species...
Authors
Clark Rushing, J. Andrew Royle, David Ziolkowski, Keith L. Pardieck
Non-USGS Publications**
Mark S Johnson, Ward Theodore Wickwire, Michael J Quinn, David J Ziolkowski Jr, Dima Burmistrov, Charles A Menzie, Ciaran Geraghty, Michael Minnich, Patrick J Parsons. 2007. Are Songbirds at Risk from Lead at Small Arms Ranges? An Application of the Spatially Explicit Exposure Model. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 26:2215-25. DOI:10.1897/07-068R.1
Diane L. Neudorf, David J. Ziolkowski Jr, Val Nolan Jr, Ellen D. Ketterson. 2002. Testosterone Manipulation of Male Attractiveness has no Detectable Effect on Female Home‐Range Size and Behavior During the Fertile Period. Ethology 108:713 - 726. DOI:10.1046/j.1439-0310.2002.00806.x
David J Ziolkowski Jr, L. Scott Johnson, Kristina M. Hannam, William A. Searcy. 1997. Coordination of Female Nest Attentiveness with Male Song Output in the Cavity-Nesting House Wren Troglodytes aedon. Journal of Avian Biology 28:9-14. DOI:10.2307/36770
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis
This website provides visualizations of population change for North American birds using data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). The BBS is analyzed for a "core" area (contiguous United States and southern Canada, results available from 1966-present), and for an "expanded" survey area (including portions of Alaska and northern Canada with results from 1993-present).