Birds of the Old Growth Forest

The towering old-growth redwood forests of Redwood National and State Parks can be overwhelming in their sheer size and grandeur. While the massive trees dominate the landscape, these ancient forests are also home to a rich variety of wildlife, including birds.

Although hundreds of bird species have been recorded in the parks, only a handful are commonly encountered on a hike through the redwoods. As is typical in dense forests, most birds are detected by call or song rather than sight. A small bird perched on a branch 200 feet (60 meters) above the forest floor or hiding in thick undergrowth can be difficult to spot. Fortunately, many online bird guides and mobile apps can help identify various bird calls, making it easier to recognize these elusive residents.

Common Birds of the Old-Growth Redwoods

When walking through the ancient redwoods, the five most frequently heard and seen birds include:

• Pacific-slope Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis) – Song: "ps-seet, ptsick, seet!"
• Pacific Wren (Troglodytes pacificus) – Song: A rapid, variable series of high-pitched trills.
• Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) – Song: A single, flute-like whistled note with varied pitch.
• Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) – Song: Extremely high-pitched “tsee” notes followed by a trill.
• Wilson’s Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) – Song: A rapid chatter, descending in pitch.

Other Likely Bird Encounters

Ten additional species commonly found in the redwood forests include:

• Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
• Hutton’s Vireo (Vireo huttoni)
• Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
• Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens)
• Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)
• Hermit Warbler (Setophaga occidentalis)
• Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
• Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)
• Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)
• Brown Creeper (Certhia americana)