Birds

a bald eagle in flight
A bald eagle in flight.

NPS Photo/C. Adams

 

Grand Teton National Park has many diverse communities that support a variety of birds. Some of the largest and smallest North American birds inhabit or pass through the park and parkway. The calliope hummingbird, the smallest North American bird, weighs less than a tenth of an ounce. This bird can be found around blooming scarlet gilia and near willow shrubs. The trumpeter swan, the largest waterfowl in North America, can be found at Oxbow Bend, Swan Lake and Flat Creek in the National Elk Refuge. Trumpeter swans are often found in pairs that mate for life.

Osprey and bald eagles hunt and nest near water. The sight of these birds catching a fish is a special treat. Ospreys carry fish in their talons so the fish is parallel to the bird's body in an efficient streamlined position. Osprey are often mistaken for bald eagles.

 
Western tanager with red head, yellow body, and black wings and tail
Western Tanager

NPS Photo/C. Adams

The Western Tanager is one of the most colorful birds in the Tetons frequenting the forests. The male is red, orange, yellow and black reflecting its winter range in the tropics. If you visit the park during spring, look for the courtship display of the sage grouse in the sagebrush community. During display, the male sage grouse tail feathers spread over a 280-degree angle and they expand air sacs on the chest that produce a popping sound to attract a female.

Birdwatchers are reminded to view birds from a distance especially while nesting, preferably with binoculars. As with all wildlife, birds are not to be harassed or disturbed.
 
A large, gray owl flying over a field of dried grasses
Birding

Learn how to identify different bird species in Grand Teton National Park.

a moose in trees
Park Species Lists

Find species lists for mammals, birds, amphibians, fish, reptiles, and plants

Last updated: October 17, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 170
Moose, WY 83012

Phone:

307-739-3399
Talk to a Ranger? To speak to a Grand Teton National Park ranger call 307–739–3399 for visitor information Monday-Friday during business hours.

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