Animals

Whitetail fawn attempts to hide in underbrush

Effigy Mounds National Monument is located where the western prairies meet the eastern forests. The monument also protects both upland and wetland habitats. The result of this mixing of habitat types is that a great diversity of animals call the monument home.

Sightings of whitetail deer, turkey, squirrel, raccoon, turkey vultures and chipmunks are a common occurence during a hike. The forest is filled with songbirds during the summer and you may even see a black rat snake laying on a sunny section of trail, trying to warm itself on a cool morning, or catch a glimpse of a five-lined skink as it scampers through fallen leaves near fire point. However, the animal kingdom includes more than just birds, reptiles and mammals - insects and spiders are part of this kingdom, too. Great spangled fritillaries and Monarch butterflies, as well as Ruby meadowhawk dragonflies, can be often seen hovering above the prairie during the summer months.

 

A gray treefrog.

NPS Photo

Amphibians

Effigy Mounds' abundant wetlands are habitat for a chorus of amphibians. In early spring, the chirping of various frog species arises from the ponds and marshes as they begin their courtship ritual. Leopard, pickerel, green and western chorus frogs, along with spring peepers lend their voice to the fray. In nearby woods, the common gray treefrog can also be heard.

The central newt is a silent inhabitant of the monument's floodplain forests. Just like frogs, it requires ponds or other semi-permanent water bodies to lay its eggs in during the early spring months. Fish are known predators of newt eggs; therefore, fishless ponds or ephemeral (semi-permanent) ponds where fish cannot survive are ideal habitat. It is a rare member of the amphibian group - it is listed as a threatened species in Iowa.

Amphibians are sensitive to changes in water quality because they require water to complete part of their life cycle. Habitat degradation is a common reason for the decline in amphibian numbers across the Midwest. Local populations are vulnerable to human crises such as chemical or pesticide spills or misuse.

 

Parent and fledgling prothonotary warblers.

NPS Photo / Pete Wintersteen

Birds

Since Effigy Mounds National Monument is in the center of the Mississippi Flyway and borders the Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge, more than 291 species of birds nest or migrate through the monument. The bluffs and hills along the Mississippi River provide a corridor for migratory species. Each spring and fall, neotropical birds use the forested bluffs for feeding and resting stopovers. Migrating raptors use the thermals rising from the bluffs on their biannual flight to and from nesting and wintering sites along the Mississippi Flyway, one of the major migratory bird routes in the country.

In the summers of 1998-99, nineteen peregrine falcons were released at Effigy Mounds by Raptor Resource Center of Bluffton, Iowa. Peregrine falcons were released from hacking boxes located at Hanging Rock.

The Yellow River floodplain has been identified as one of 12 nesting sites of the red-shouldered hawk in the state of Iowa and it the only site located in Eastern Iowa. The majestic bald eagle nest on islands and in the bluffs surrounding the river and monument. Hundreds of bald eagles may be seen in the winter along this stretch of the river. The golden eagle even makes an appearance here, as well as other places in the upper Mississippi River valley, during the late winter months.

Colonies of great blue heron, great egrets and double crested cormorants nest in trees. The rookeries are noisy places when young fledglings being fed by their parents.

The prothonotary warbler lives in the floodplain forest along the sloughs where its loud call can be heard on early summer mornings. The warbler nests in woodpecker holes left in dead snags overhanging or near the water. The males bright yellow on the head and breast and bluish wings are a sharp contrast to the green of the forest. The cerulean warbler is another warbler found high in the trees.

 

A muskrat swimming in the Yellow River

NPS Photo / Pete Wintersteen

Mammals

The floodplain and upland forests found here at Effigy Mounds provide food and habitat for larger mammals such as whitetail deer, gray and red fox, and coyote. Bobcats can also be found here, although sightings of this shy animal are very rare. The wetlands adjacent to the Mississippi and Yellow Rivers are the preferred habitat for smaller mammals such as beaver, muskrat, and river otter. Raccoon are also known to inhabit these quiet backwater shorelines as well.

Wolves, bears and mountain lions do not reside in the monument; however, young black bears have been known to travel great distances from populations to the north and may occasionally spend some time in this area before moving along.

Up until the mid-1800's northeast Iowa supported elk. Following European settlement, the elk disappeared from the region. Likewise, the timber wolf populations disappeared by the 1930's.

 

A map turtle covering its nest

NPS Photo

Reptiles

Reptiles do not receive the attention afforded the cute, furry mammals or harmonic birds but they are equally important in the web of life. They assist humans by eating insects, rodents, and other pest species. Throughout the Midwest, reptile numbers are declining, primarily due to loss of habitat.

The limestone bluffs unique to the Upper Mississippi River Valley and the "Driftless Area." The brown, northern redbelly, eastern garter, and prairie ringneck snakes are common but due to their small size they are difficult to find.

The black rat snake is the largest and most commonly seen snake within the monument. This snake is a constrictor and nonpoisonous but can inflict a painful bite if threatened.

Historically, the timber rattlesnake has been found in the region, although documented sightings have not taken place for many years. With the recent acquisition of the Heritage Addition, the protection of suitable habitat for the timber rattlesnake is more likely. This combined with the monument's use of prescribed fire increases the likelihood of rattlesnakes once again colonizing the secluded blufftops.

Closely related to the snakes are the skinks, which are members of the lizard family. The five-lined skink is an elusive creature. It is usually seen in hill prairie remnants along rock outcrops near Fire Point and Hanging Rock. It is the only lizard common to the monument.

Several species of turtles inhabit the lowlands and marshy areas of the monument. The easily recognizable painted turtle is one of the most frequently observed reptiles. Other turtles such as the map turtle, Blanding's turtle, and soft-shell turtles are seen with less frequency. The impressive snapping turtle can reach lengths of larger than 15 inches and weigh 40 pounds or more. These aquatic turtles inhabit the Mississippi River though they do often take short forays inland. Their name is well suited to their ornery disposition.