Learn about the proposed California condor reintroduction to Redwood National Park.
Approximately 280 species of birds have been recorded within boundaries of Redwood National and State Parks. Just over 800 species occur in all of the United States of America, meaning approximately one third of the country’s various bird species have been recorded within the parks.
Birding by Redwood Habitat
The relatively high bird diversity is a result the many strikingly different habitats scattered across the parks’ landscape. It is quite easy to visit most of these habitats in one day and see or hear dozens of species. Below are general guidelines to common species found within the different redwood habitats. Additionally, you will find links to assist you in bird identification.
The Klamath Inventory and Monitoring Network also produces online newsletters about birds found in the area. ![]() NPS Birds of the Coniferous Forest
Old-growth and second growth conifer forest, dominated by coastal redwoods, cover the majority of the parks' area. A variety of flycatchers, warblers, swifts, thrushes, jays, woodpeckers, ruffed grouse, and owls can be found here. If you are in the parks in the summertime, before the sun comes up you may even hear or see the elusive, endangered marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus). Any of the many forest trails as well as Bald Hills Road, Newton Drury Parkway, Cal Barrel Road, Howland Hill Road, Walker Road and US Highway 199 will take you deep in this habitat type. Learn more about the marbled murrelet
![]() NPS Birds of the Oak Woodlands and Prairies
In the far southeastern portion of the parks is dominated by extensive Oregon oak woodlands and grasslands. Open country birds and oak specialists are best seen here. Common species include: red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), acorn wodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus), california quail (Callipepla californica), western scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica), western bluebird (Sialia mexican), black-throated gray warbler (Setophaga nigrescens) , merlin (Falco columbarius) and western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). Access to the area is via the Bald Hills Road and the Dolason and Lyon's Ranch Trails.
![]() NPS Birds of the Riparian Forest and Streams
![]() USFWS Birds of Estuaries, Ponds and Wetlands
![]() NPS Beaches, Shore Birds
![]() NPS Coastal Cliffs, Seamounts and Open Ocean Birds
Half of the parks' coastline is made up of tall, rugged cliffs and rocky seamounts (islets). Tens of thousands of common murres (Uria aalge), three species of cormorant, and pigeon guillemots (Cepphus columba) nest within Redwood National and State Parks on cliffs and seamounts. Using good binoculars or a spotting scope, it is also possible to see thousands of scoters (sea ducks), grebes, andloons floating in large groups on the ocean. US Highway 101, Endert's Beach Road, False Klamath Cove, Davison Road, Requa Road, and the Damnation Creek and Coastal Trails are all take you to vantage points to view the ocean.
Download the bird checklist (PDF). |
Last updated: February 1, 2022