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Soil Investigations for Data Collection in the Delta Initial Study/Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration 66 California, Arizona, and western New Mexico (Halterman 1991; Johnson et al. 2007; Dettling et al. 2015; Stanek 2014; Parametrix Inc. and Southern Sierra Research Station 2015). Western Yellow-billed Cuckoos winter in South America from Venezuela to Argentina (Hughes 2015; Sechrist et al. 2012). The Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo is a riparian obligate species, primarily willow-cottonwood riparian forest, but use other tree species such as white alder (Alnus rhombifolia) and box elder (Acer negundo) in some areas, including formerly occupied sites along the Sacramento River (Laymon 1998). Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo is a highly secretive species that forages for insects and requires large insects to feed their nestlings. Nests are primarily in willow (Salix spp.) trees; however, other tree species are occasionally used, including Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) and alder. They arrive at California breeding grounds between May and July, but primarily in June (Gaines and Laymon 1984; Hughes 2015; USFWS 2014); breeding occurs in mid-June to August (CDFW 1999c). Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo is considered to have a low potential to occur within the Study Area due to minimal suitable migratory and nesting habitat. There are known occurrences within the Study Area, but no recorded breeding in the vicinity. Implementation of Mitigation Measures MM BIO-1 and MM BIO-8 would reduce potential impacts to Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo to: Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) White-tailed Kite is designated as Fully Protected under California Fish and Game Code. This medium sized raptor has long wings and tail and gray and white plumage with black wing patches (Dunk 1995). The species is widely distributed in North America; the majority occur in California. Most White-tailed Kites in the Sacramento Valley are found in oak and cottonwood riparian forests, valley oak woodlands, or other groups of trees and are usually associated with compatible foraging habitat consisting large patches of low-growing, herbaceous vegetation (Erichsen et al. 1996). The species forages primarily for small mammals in pasture and hay crops, compatible row and grain crops, and natural vegetation such as seasonal wetlands and annual grasslands (Erichsen 1995). Breeding occurs from February to October in trees with dense canopies (CDFW 2005b). Suitable foraging habitat and nesting habitat for White-tailed Kite is present within the Study Area, and there are several reported occurrences near Impact Areas. Therefore, White-tailed Kite has a moderate potential to occur within the Study Area. No take of White-tailed Kite per California Fish and Game Code Section 3511 would occur due to the Proposed Project; however, CEQA considers potential effects beyond direct take of Fully Protected species. Implementation of Mitigation Measures MM AES-1, MM BIO-1 and MM BIO-6 would reduce potential impacts to White-tailed Kite to: Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated.