Birds of Pinnacles National Park

California Quail

Photo by Gavin Emmons

A Rich Avian Diversity

Birds are among the most visible animals visitors may encounter at Pinnacles National Park, with over 160 species documented since 1908.

Turkey vultures circle overhead, while acorn woodpeckers and Steller's jays call noisily among the pines and oaks near the visitor centers. In winter, dark-eyed juncos and California towhees forage around the willows and underbrush. In spring and summer, black-headed grosbeaks and warbling vireos sing loudly from the oaks and pines as they establish nesting territories.

The variety of habitats at Pinnacles attracts a great diversity of birds. Many species are found along the riparian corridors of Bear Gulch and Chalone Creek, where food, water, and shelter are abundant. In these shaded areas, house wrens, black phoebes, yellow warblers, and yellow-breasted chats are commonly seen in spring and summer. Mallards and belted kingfishers are also spotted along the creeks and at the reservoir.

Certain species, like western tanagers, California quail, oak titmice, and northern flickers, thrive in the pine and oak woodlands of the park. The dense, low chaparral covering much of the park provides a home for birds such as California thrashers, spotted towhees, and bushtits.

The rocky summits and peaks offer nesting habitat and roosts for raptors, including prairie falcons and golden eagles, as well as smaller species like the vocal canyon wren and the acrobatic violet-green swallow. At night, the calls of great-horned owls echo off the cliffs, adding to the park’s natural symphony.

Learn More About the Birds of Pinnacles

Discover the diverse birdlife that thrives within Pinnacles National Park. Explore the feature grid images below to jump into detailed information about the various species found in the park's unique habitats. Select an image to begin your journey into the avian world of Pinnacles.