Ecological values of riparian habitats have received much attention over the past decade. One issue confronting management agencies is the effect of intensive water management on riparian vegetation in the Southwest (e.g., the decline of native vegetation and the increase of exotic Salt Cedar (Tamarix chinensis); see Table 1).
Many bird species have declined in number or suffered extirpation along these riparian systems as habitat changes have occurred (Table 2). We examine breeding birds obligated to riparian habitats and draw qualitative conclusions on their status throughout their range below 1,524 meters elevation (Phillips et al. 1964; Ohmart 1982; Ohmart and Anderson 1982).