Global InformationList of birds of Oregon information
This list of Oregon birds lists wild bird species found in the U.S. state of Oregon and accepted by the Oregon Bird Records Committee (OBRC).[1] As of August 2022, there are 547 species on the list. Of them, 164 are on the review list (see below). Nine species were introduced to Oregon or elsewhere in North America; one of them and two others have been extirpated from the state.
Bird counts often change depending on factors such as the number and training of the observers, as well as opinions about what constitutes an officially recognized subspecies. Though northern climes typically do not support as many species as southerly locations, Oregon is fifth in bird species diversity in the United States, behind Florida, New Mexico, Texas and California.[2] This amount of diversity is attributable to Oregon's numerous distinctive ecoregions and relatively mild winter weather, which make it an important wintering ground for migratory bird species, especially waterfowl, on the Pacific Flyway.
Another result of the state's varying ecology is the 120 Important Bird Areas, such as the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, that are recognized as important conservation sites for birds.[3] Many of these dedicated wildlife refuges have become meccas for birding enthusiasts, and Oregon has participated in formally organized birding activities such as the Christmas Bird Count since the early 1900s.[4] Other areas are closed to human access but are very popular with birds, such as Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge which spans some 250 miles (400 km) of the Oregon Coast.
As an important U.S. region of bird diversity, Oregon has faced some serious challenges in protecting endangered and threatened avian species. In addition to high profile, threatened species such as the northern spotted owl and snowy plover, even many common species—including Oregon's state bird, the western meadowlark—have declined considerably due to hunting, habitat loss and other factors.[5]
This list is presented in the taxonomic sequence of the Check-list of North and Middle American Birds, 7th edition through the 62nd Supplement, published by the American Ornithological Society (AOS).[6] Common and scientific names are also those of the Check-list, except that the common names of families are from the Clements taxonomy because the AOS list does not include them.
Unless otherwise noted, all species listed below are considered to occur regularly in Oregon as permanent residents, summer or winter visitors, or migrants. These tags are used to annotate some species:
- (R) Review list - birds that if seen require more comprehensive documentation than regularly seen species.
- (P) Provisional - "A review species, sight record only, no video or audio verification" per the OBRC
- (I) Introduced - a species established as a result of human action
- ^ "Official Checklist of Oregon Birds - August 2022". Oregon Bird Records Committee. August 2022. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
- ^ Marshall, David B.; Hunter, Matthew G.; Contreras, Alan L. (2006). Birds of Oregon: A General Reference. Oregon State University Press. ISBN 0-87071-182-2.
- ^ "Important Bird Areas". Audubon Society of Portland. Retrieved January 12, 2009.
- ^ Stahlberg, Mike (January 10, 2000). "Faithful Oregon birders carry on annual census begun 100 years ago". The Seattle Times. The Seattle Times Company. Retrieved January 12, 2009.
- ^ "Common yard birds disappearing in Oregon". The Seattle Times. The Seattle Times Company. June 16, 2007. Retrieved January 12, 2009.
- ^ "Check-list of North and Middle American Birds". American Ornithological Society. June 29, 2021. Retrieved August 9, 2021.