List of Birds of Oregon

List Of Birds Of Oregon

This list of Oregon birds enumerates wild bird species found in the U.S. state of Oregon. There are between four and five hundred species regularly known to frequent the state, with another hundred or more that are occasionally or rarely seen.

Bird counts often change depending on factors such as the number and training of the observers, as well as opinions about what constitutes an officially recognized subspecies. Though northern climes typically do not support as many species as southerly locations, Oregon is fifth in bird species diversity in the United States, behind Florida, New Mexico, Texas, and California. This amount of diversity is attributable to Oregon's numerous distinctive ecoregions and relatively mild winter weather, which makes it an important wintering ground for migratory bird species, especially waterfowl, on the Pacific Flyway.

Another result of the state's varying ecology is the 120 Important Bird Areas, such as the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, that are officially recognized as important conservation sites for birds. Many of these dedicated wildlife refuges have become meccas for birding enthusiasts, and Oregon has participated in formally organized birding activities such as the Christmas Bird Count since the early 1900s. Other areas are closed to human access but are very popular with birds, such as Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge which spans some 250 miles (400 km) of the Oregon Coast.

As an important U.S. region of bird diversity, Oregon has faced some serious challenges in protecting endangered and threatened avian species. In addition to high profile, threatened species such as the Northern Spotted Owl and Snowy Plover, even many common species—including Oregon's state bird, the Western Meadowlark—have declined considerably due to hunting, habitat loss, and other factors.