Vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus affinis) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

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Assessment Summary

Assessment Summary – April 2006

Common name : Vesper Sparrow affinis subspecies

Scientific name : Pooecetes gramineus affinis

Status : Endangered

Reason for designation : This songbird, a subspecies of the Vesper Sparrow, is found in Canada only in coastal grasslands in the extreme southwestern corner of British Columbia, where it now breeds only at one site with a population of about 5 pairs. The taxon is declining in the United States as well, where it has a restricted distribution in western Washington and Oregon. Habitat loss is the greatest threat, both through direct destruction of habitat for urban development and through invasion by alien plant species.

Occurrence : British Columbia

Status history : Designated Endangered in April 2006.  Assessment based on a new status report.