Birds

Western Tanagers are summer residents of the park.

NPS Photo by Sally King

Birds add color, movement, and sound to all areas of Bandelier National Monument. Birds such as Steller's Jays, Canyon Towhees, and Mountain Chickadees stay year-round whereas Turkey Vultures, Western Tanagers, and Black-headed Grosbeaks are "summer only" residents. Sandhill Cranes rarely land in the park but make their presence known each fall and spring as they migrate overhead.

If you are looking for a specific bird, it is important to know the habitat it likes. Some birds are common only in the park's lush riparian areas while others prefer the drier mesatops.

 

Spotted Towhees can be seen in Frijoles Canyon but are more likely to be found on the open scrubby mesatops.

NPS Photo by Sally King

 

In the winter of 2006 there were many mixed flocks, that included Golden-crowned Kinglets, in Frijoles Canyon.

NPS Photo by Sally King

 

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  Birds of Bandelier

  11 Photos

  Bandelier, with its diversity of habitats, is home to a variety of birds. Some live here year-round, others live here seasonally, and a few simply migrate through.