Birds

Blue grouse
Sooty grouse are commonly spotted in mountain meadows.

Ranging from sea level to over 2,000 m, Olympic National Park encompasses a broad gradient of habitats that are vital to local populations of numerous resident and migratory bird species. Many of these species have likely been negatively affected by extensive deforestation throughout much of the Olympic Peninsula, making the park‘s well-preserved habitats particularly important

A peregrine falcon swoops down on a shorebird running along the beach. A long, cheerful, warble reveals a tiny winter wren singing hidden among the forest understory. Deep, hooting calls of a sooty grouse resonate across a mountain meadow. These are just a few of the many birds -- about 300 species in all -- that add color and song to the diverse habitats found in Olympic National Park.

Respect Wildlife and Stay Safe! #RecreateResponsibly
All wildlife in national parks are protected by federal law. According to the Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR § 2.2, the feeding, touching, teasing, calling, frightening or intentional disturbing of wildlife nesting, breeding or other activities is prohibited. Using apps to call out to animals within the park is considered harassment, especially if the species is federally listed as threatened or endangered.

  • Give Wildlife Space! All wildlife in national parks are Wild and can be dangerous.
  • Do Not Touch or Feed wild animals! Artifical food can create major helath problems for birds and can increase their conflict with each other.
  • Report Don't Rescue! If you are concerned about dead, injured, or distressed wildlife or have experienced an uncomfortable encounter with wildlife, let a park ranger know or fill out this online report. Do NOT attempt to rescue wildlife yourself. We appreciate all reports of cougars, bears, and mountain goats.
 

The North Coast and Cascades Inventory and Monitoring Network monitors lands birds as one of the region's natural resource vital signs. Periodic monitoring reports document the results and help inform park managers.  

Source: NPS DataStore Saved Search 3691 (results presented are a subset). To search for additional information, visit the NPS DataStore.

 

Read More

Loading results...
     

    Under the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan the park participates in the  Northern Spotted Owl Monitoring Program. Learn More About the Plan.

    Source: NPS DataStore Saved Search 5610. To search for additional information, visit the NPS DataStore.

     
    Photographer taking a photo at the beach.
    Ethical Wildlife Viewing

    Animals in parks are wild—Visitors are responsible for their own safety and for the safety of the animals, too.

    A skeleton lays dispersed in the woods.
    Wildlife and Natural Processes

    Learn more about how Wildness, or natural processes, are an important part of Olympic National Park.

    Marmot perched on a rock
    Olympic NP Animals

    Olympic is home to over 300 species of birds, 70 mammals, and diverse tidepool communities.

    Last updated: July 3, 2025

    Park footer

    Contact Info

    Mailing Address:

    600 E. Park Avenue
    Port Angeles, WA 98362

    Phone:

    360 565-3130

    Contact Us