Steven M Matsuoka
My research identifies 1) the terrestrial birds in Alaska that are most at-risk to environmental change and 2) the key habitats and resources these at-risk species require across their annual cycles and ranges to adapt to change.
I research the ecology and population dynamics of terrestrial birds (landbirds) in arctic and boreal ecosystems of Alaska and Canada. This large, yet poorly studied group of Federal Trust Species includes 142 breeding bird species in Alaska alone. My research produces information on status, trends, resource use, and limiting factors to identify 1) the landbird species most at risk to environmental change and 2) the key habitats and resources these species require to adapt to change. This information is used by resource managers in Alaska and Canada to prioritize limited resources for the species and habitats most in need of conservation. Many of my studies address bird populations at large spatial scales such as the state of Alaska, the western boreal forest biome, or entire species’ migratory ranges. These studies require considerable coordination among U.S. and Canadian collaborators to collect the data and often involve new approaches to analyze data compiled across multiple studies.
Professional Experience
2015 - Present Research Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska
2012 - Present Research Associate, University of Alberta, Boreal Avian Modelling Project, Edmonton, Alberta
2010 - 2012 Quantitative Ecologist, University of Alberta, Boreal Avian Modelling Project, Edmonton, Alberta
2002 - 2015 Supervisor Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Migratory Bird Management, Anchorage, Alaska
1996 - 2002 Research Wildlife Biologist, USGS, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska
1993 - 1996 Cooperative Education Student, National Biological Service, Alaska Biological Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska
1992 - 1993 Biological Technician, USFWS, Alaska Fish and Wildlife Research Center, Anchorage, Alaska
1989 - 1992 Various volunteer and technical field positions in avian monitoring, fisheries management, plant ecology, and environmental impact assessment
Education and Certifications
M.S. 1996 University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska Wildlife Biology
B.S. 1992 California State University, Hayward, California Biology
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Ornithological Society
International Rusty Blackbird Working Group
Partners in Flight
Science and Products
Biogeography of boreal passerine range dynamics in western North America: past, present, and future
Reviving common standards in point-count surveys for broad inference across studies
Epizootic of beak deformities among wild birds in Alaska: An emerging disease in North America?
Estimation of avian population sizes and species richness across a boreal landscape in Alaska
Prevalence of Influenza A viruses in wild migratory birds in Alaska: Patterns of variation in detection at a crossroads of intercontinental flyways
Nesting ecology of boreal forest birds following a massive outbreak of spruce beetles
Additions to the avifauna of St Matthew Island, Bering Sea
Densities of breeding birds and changes in vegetation in an alaskan boreal forest following a massive disturbance by spruce beetles
Townsend's Warbler (Setophaga townsendi)
The relative importance of nesting and foraging sites in selection of breeding territories by Townsend's Warblers
Nesting ecology of Townsend's warblers in relation to habitat characteristics in a mature boreal forest
Non-USGS Publications**
**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.
Science and Products
Biogeography of boreal passerine range dynamics in western North America: past, present, and future
Reviving common standards in point-count surveys for broad inference across studies
Epizootic of beak deformities among wild birds in Alaska: An emerging disease in North America?
Estimation of avian population sizes and species richness across a boreal landscape in Alaska
Prevalence of Influenza A viruses in wild migratory birds in Alaska: Patterns of variation in detection at a crossroads of intercontinental flyways
Nesting ecology of boreal forest birds following a massive outbreak of spruce beetles
Additions to the avifauna of St Matthew Island, Bering Sea
Densities of breeding birds and changes in vegetation in an alaskan boreal forest following a massive disturbance by spruce beetles
Townsend's Warbler (Setophaga townsendi)
The relative importance of nesting and foraging sites in selection of breeding territories by Townsend's Warblers
Nesting ecology of Townsend's warblers in relation to habitat characteristics in a mature boreal forest
Non-USGS Publications**
**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.
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government