The Oregon bird committee has identified at least 500 species of birds. Local birders and tourists have a wide range of options when it comes to Oregon birds, which are known for their natural characteristics such as rivers, lakes, and mountains.
A range of bird species thrive across the state, from harlequin ducks to the distinctive tufted puffin. Some birds are year-round residents, while others are migratory and require constant attention to be located at the appropriate time. For Oregon birdwatchers, here are the top 18 birds you should know!
Long-Tailed Duck
The long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis) is a species with a unique tail and plumage coloration that makes birders anticipate their arrival. The ducks’ long, needle-like tail is another way to tell them apart from other species of ducks.
Birders can identify these waterfowls by their exquisite plumage coloration, which includes a white head, brown cheeks, and darker brown patches. These Arctic birds are tough enough to fly to Oregon’s shore during the winter and are fantastic divers.
The long-tailed duck travels farther out into the ocean than other winter ducks. Birdwatchers may admire the beautiful, long tail and lovely plumage of these birds while on board.
Harlequin Duck
Along Oregon’s coast, you may see the wonderfully-painted harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus). The males of this water bird have stunning white streaks and dots on their black-slate grey plumage, which is especially dazzling. Dark patches on the head and wings of the drake harlequin are also visible.
These ducks visit Oregon’s coastal plain during the winter. Young ducks start courting and identifying their mates during the breeding season. The pair bond lasts for years, and the males are generally engaged in paternal care.
Even under water, these birds are excellent swimmers. Insects, crustaceans, and mollusks are the main sources of food for them.
Brant
Brant (Branta bernicla), a small goose, may be seen from the backyards of birders. The black, mid-length neck and head of this waterfowl, as well as a little white collar, are distinguishing features. It has brown-barred, white wings as well as white underparts. Another feature that distinguishes this bird is the black bill.
These little geese are often seen in wintering waterfowl flocks. During the winter, they’re common in coastal bays. Brants are masters of the water, and aquatic insects and crustaceans make up the majority of their diets. While wading in the water, the bird can feed itself.
Oregon Birds: Cackling Goose
The cackling goose (Branta hutchinsii), another kind of goose found in Oregon, is also a species. These waterfowls, formerly known as Canada geese, are smaller with stubby bills and were formerly considered Canadian geese. It is also considered a distinct species since it has smaller legs than Canada geese.
The cackling goose is best seen in the western part of the state. During the winter, they’re easy to spot. In Canada and Alaska, where tundra environments are readily accessible, they will return to their breeding range.
Because they feed on plant material, cackling geese are primarily herbivores. These waterfowls wade underwater and harvest aquatic plants while submerged. Insects and crustaceans are occasionally eaten by them as well.
Oregon Birds: Tundra Swan
During the winter, Oregon is home to the large, elegant yet powerful tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus). The entirely white plumage and black beak distinguish waterfowls. They also have black legs and feet, as well as a pink stripe along their jaw line.
Western Oregon is home to these enormous birds. These creatures may be found in both inland and flooded fields where they can feast on a plethora of food. Another spot to see these magnificent tundra swans is on the Pacific coast.
The bird’s distinctive call, three-noted honking, allows birders to detect their presence even before they are seen. They frequently fly in a big group.
Rhinoceros Auklet
Local birders may spend a day observing the rhinoceros auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata). With single-line white eyebrows and a white mustache, this water bird resembles his grandfather. The orange beak of the year-round dweller on the Oregon coast makes identification easy.
The horn-like basal knob on the water bird gives it its name. Interestingly, during the breeding season, the knob detached. The rhinoceros auklet migrates to the northern shore for breeding despite its year-round residency.
These birds consume mostly fish, but may also take squid or krill at sea. To obtain food, the birds dive.
Tufted Puffin
The magnificent tufted puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) may be found along the Pacific coast. This water bird is easily identified by its yellow tufts and red beak, which are referred to as crested puffin. This species is also distinguished by its white facial patch.
The coast’s cliffs and rocky islands are home to Oregon’s birds. The black-plumaged tufted puffin’s crest becomes a prominent feature during breeding season. During the summer, they establish breeding colonies.
Depending on the area and age, their diet varies greatly. These creatures feed on marine invertebrates and fish that may be obtained by diving in the water. Krill and squid are also eaten by adult puffins.
Oregon Birds: Common Murre
The common murre (Uria aalgae) is a penguin-like bird with an upright posture that comes from the auk species. Their black-and-white plumage stands out, especially since their beak is black and their eyes have lines that extend from them.
Birdwatchers should head for the Oregon coast to see these birds. The common murre stays year-round, so there’s no need to wait for summer or winter. They move to secluded cliffs and rocky islands during the breeding season.
These Oregon birds can fly at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. They’re frequently seen in flocks above the water’s surface. For food, the birds dive underwater and forage. Aquatic vertebrates make up the majority of their species:
- Fish no more than 7.9 inches
- Mollusks
- Marine worms
- Crustaceans
- Squid
Black-Footed Albatross
Among the few albatrosses that can be seen inland is the black-footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes). The black, hooked beak of the sea bird and its white facial markings distinguish it from other avian species. During pelagic trips year-round, birdwatchers may see this albatross.
Summer and late spring are the best times to see the sea bird in nature, despite the fact that it is a year-round resident. In tropical areas, the endangered bird nest is found on isolated islands. Northwestern Hawaiian island and Kaula Island are among their breeding sites.
Squid and flying-fish eggs are among the foods of this albatross. Crustaceans are occasionally included in their diet. The albatross, owing to its poor vision, is often found eating floating wreckage at sea.
Oregon Birds: Marbled Murrelet
The marbled murrelet, a bird native to Oregon, may be seen along the shore from the North Pacific. The plumage of the sea bird changes with the season. The males and females have a brown, speckled appearance during breeding season. Their small, pointed beak is also noteworthy.
Murrelets prefer to nest in old-growth forest, but they may also nest on the ground. Murrelets may be found both inland and near saltwater, including coastal lakes. Imperial Beach is where they set the furthest travel record.
Little fish and marine invertebrates are among their primary foods. Both offshore and inshore feeding occur at sea. While eating, the birds seldom gather in a huge flock.
Chukar Partridge
The chukar (Alectoris chukar) is a game bird that lives in eastern Oregon. The year-round dweller prefers a dry, rocky canyon environment. Their native habitat, Asia and the Middle East, is similar to this one.
The coloration of the stock bird is noteworthy. It has a black necklace made out of a black band that goes across the eyes to the neck. Its wings have black-white stripes, and its plumage is brown. The national bird of Iraq and Pakistan is also known as Chukar.
Males feed during the breeding season, which takes place in the summer. Insects and a variety of seeds make up their major diets. Grit is occasionally ingested by the birds for digestion purposes.
Black Oystercatcher
On the Oregon coast, the black oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) is easily visible. With dark plumage and a long, bright orange beak, the bird is immediately identifiable. This shorebird stands out due to its yellow iris and red-eye ring.
When foraging for mussels and oysters, their favorite prey, this year-round resident is an active bird. The black oystercatcher is a solitary species that has a distinct behavior. Birds like these are rarely seen beyond the water’s edge.
Greater Sage-Grouse
The bigger sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is a birdwatchers’ long-awaited sight. The characteristics and plumage coloration of this Oregon species are unusual. It features feathered legs and a long, pointed nail. During courting, the mature male develops yellowish, inflatable sacs.
This species is found in sagebrush-grassland, as the name suggests. Meadows with sagebrush around them are also preferred. They forage in the wild, specializing on sagebrush as their primary food. The preference for sagebrush is determined by their location.
Interestingly, in a few days, the larger sage-grouse can survive without access to water. It’s also possible to stay hydrated by eating succulent vegetation.
Oregon Birds: Osprey
Oregon birdwatchers have it easy identifying the osprey (Pandion haliaetus), which is one of the easier raptors to find. In Oregon, the osprey is widespread, although seeing one hunting fish, particularly during salmon season, is uncommon.
This magnificent fisherman may be seen year-round by birders. They’re visible all year, and you may see them throughout the state. It preys on hares, birds, rodents, small reptiles, and rabbits when it is not hunting a variety of fish.
A body of water provides a food source for the osprey, which builds a nest nearby. The white underpart and glossy brown upperpart of the bird distinguish it. This raptor has reddish golden or brown irises that give it a fierce appearance.
Brandt’s Cormorant
Local or foreign birdwatchers may be drawn to the Brandt’s cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus), a sea bird. This cormorant has totally black plumage with a blue patch on the neck, and is commonly sighted along the Oregon coast. During the breeding season, it also develops a buff chin.
Little fish found on the sea floor or the surface are consumed by marine birds. They forage in groups or alone, depending on the flock. Because of its ability to dive, the cormorant is an excellent hunter. This bird moves to the south during the winter, when it finds a warmer environment.
Mountain Quail
The mountain quail (Oreortyx pictus) is also found on the list of Oregon birds. This quail species has an upright crest that makes it easy to identify, and it is also known as a game bird. With its navy head, neck, and breast, the bird has stunning coloration. The underpart is also white-barred black.
Western and eastern Oregon are home to the mountain quail. The mountains and brushy foothills are home to the year-round resident. Yet, in the center area, birdwatchers are unable to locate them.
Seeds and plant materials make up a portion of their diet. Because they are insectivorous, the young eat more insects than the adults. However, as they age, they consume an increasing number of plants.
Surfbird
The surfbird (Aphriza virgata) is a species with gorgeous plumage and patterns that prefers to live on the Oregon coast. The bird can feed on the rocky shore thanks to its small, black beak and abundant mollusks and barnacles. In comparison to other shorebirds, the bird has legs with a brighter shade.
During the breeding season, the surfbird primarily eats insects. Flies, beetles, butterflies, and bees are occasionally taken. The bird migrates back to their breeding grounds in May.
Surfbirds feed on reefs and rocky coasts during the breeding season, but otherwise prefer them. While sandy beaches and muddy flats are acceptable, the spray zone becomes their favorite feeding location.
Oregon Birds:Hermit Warbler
Since it has exquisite and brilliant plumage, the hermit warbler (Dendroica occidentalis) is beautifully painted. The head of this warbler is bright yellow, with a dark toppart. The underpart of the bird is grayish, and the long tail distinguishes it.
In Oregon, especially the western part of the state, the hermit warbler is a summer visitor. It’s also found in Washington’s southwest corner. These colorful warblers go to Central America and Mexico during the winter, when the weather is warmer.
Warblers eat insects and spiders, much like other warblers. They wait for prey in shrubs and on the tree’s upper limbs. Like a chickadee, this bird can hang upside down. A nest built by a warbler is made of grass, twigs, and stems high in a tree.
Local birdwatchers may appreciate the diversity of Oregon birds. Summer visitors, winter visitors, and permanent residents are all included in the recorded birds. Oregon is a fantastic habitat for birds because of its natural features
Local birdwatchers may spend their time watching a variety of Oregon birds. Summer visitors, winter visitors, and permanent residents are among the species recorded. Oregon is a wonderful location for birds to breed and feed because of its natural features.