Oregon is situated in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. This state experiences cool, damp winters and warm, dry summers, although is generally wetter near the coast, and sunnier east of the Cascades. Many different habitats can be found within Oregon, such as beaches, salt marshes, temperate rainforests, grasslands, and wetlands.
As well as the extensive coastline, this state also hosts the Columbia River and Snake River in addition to many smaller waterways. The largest lakes in Oregon are Goose Lake, Klamath Lake, and Malheur Lake. This variety of aquatic ecosystems supports a plethora of waterbirds, including waders, ducks, herons, pelicans, and birds of prey.
Oregon Water Birds
1) Great egret (Ardea alba)
- Native to Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The great egret grows to 90 cm (3 ft) in height and has a wingspan of 150 cm (5 ft). This is a slender, graceful bird, with an extremely long neck and a long, pointed yellow bill that is used for probing for fish, crustaceans, and insects on the mudflats. Its plumage is entirely white, and its legs and feet are black.
In Oregon, Ardea alba can be found east of the Cascades and is also present in the Klamath Basin during breeding season. As breeding season gets underway, male great egrets perform courtship displays before pairing with females – both parents incubate the eggs and tend to the young.
2) American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrohynchos)
- Native to North America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Pelecanidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American white pelican is enormous, growing to 127 – 165 cm (4 ft 2 in – 5 ft 5 in) in length, with a wingspan of 244 – 290 cm (8 ft – 9 ft 6 in). The plumage of this bird is pure white, except for the wingtips which are black and only visible in flight. Its huge bill and legs are usually yellow in coloration, however, during breeding season the bill turns bright orange and develops a yellow horn on the upper surface.
During breeding season, this species can be seen at Lower Klamath and Upper Klamath Wildlife Refuges, Summer Lake Wildlife Area, and Warner Basin. It can also be found at various locations in eastern Oregon during the summer, where it occupies lakes and marshes and feeds on fish, crayfish, and salamanders.
3) Black-necked grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
- Native to Europe, Asia, Africa, northern South America, and the southwest and western US
- Order: Podicipediformes
- Family: Podicipedidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The black-necked grebe, also known as the eared grebe, is a small but striking waterbird. It reaches just 30 – 35 cm (1 ft – 1 ft 2 in) in length and has a wingspan of 52 – 55 cm (1 ft 8 in – 1 ft 10 in). This bird has a tiny head in comparison to its body, and its eyes are unmistakable, being bright red. Outside of breeding season, the plumage is gray-black, whereas during breeding season most of the feathers are black, with chestnut on the sides and wispy gold feathers extending back from the eye.
Podiceps nigricollis can be found throughout much of eastern Oregon, and during breeding season is especially abundant in Klamath, Lake, and Harney Counties. Its preferred habitat includes ponds and prairie lakes, where it nests among reeds, irises, and rushes. This species consumes a diet of insects and crustaceans.
4) Double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Suliformes
- Family: Phalacrocoracidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The double-crested cormorant is a heavy-bodied bird that grows to 70 – 90 cm (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 11 in) in length. It has a wingspan of 114 – 123 cm (3 ft 9 in – 4 ft) and has a slender, hooked bill. The plumage of this bird is brown-black, with orange skin on its face. Its name is attributed to the double crest of black or white feathers that adult birds develop during breeding season.
This species is widespread in Oregon, although it is especially abundant during breeding season at bays and estuaries, as well as on cliffs along the coast and on the lower Columbia River. Double-crested cormorants feed on a great variety of fish species, although tend to pursue those that are not of economic importance to humans.
5) Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
- Native to North America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The great blue heron reaches lengths of 97 – 137 cm (3 ft 2 in – 4 ft 6 in) and has a wingspan of 167 – 201 cm (5 ft 6 in – 6 ft 7 in). This bird’s plumage is blue-gray, and it has a black stripe above the eye that extends into its crest. Its yellow bill is long and pointed, ideal for striking the fish, amphibians, and snakes on which it feeds. Although somewhat unusual, this species has also been reported to consume dead fish.
In Oregon, Ardea herodias can be found statewide, occupying marshes, swamps, and tidal flats. These birds nest in colonies, likely due to the reduced risk of predation, and lay between three and five eggs. Both parents incubate the nest and provide food for the young.
6) Tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The tundra swan is large, attaining lengths of 120 – 147 cm (3 ft 11 in – 4 ft 10 in), with a wingspan of 168 cm (5 ft 6 in). Individuals have heavy bodies and extremely long necks, and their plumage is entirely white. The legs and feet are black, as is the bill, and there may be a yellow spot on the face.
Cygnus columbianus can be found throughout Oregon, although it is most common east of the Cascades. It resides in lakes, rivers, bays, and estuaries, where it feeds on plant material such as seeds, roots, and stems. Although the conservation status of this species is that of least concern, it may be negatively impacted by agriculture, drainage of wetlands, and eutrophication.
7) Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Buffleheads are small with a stout build, rounded head, and wide bill. They grow to lengths of just 32 – 40 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 4 in) and have a wingspan of 55 cm (1 ft 10 in). Female buffleheads are gray-brown in color with a white patch on the cheek, while male buffleheads are much more striking, with a white body, black back, and a dark, iridescent head that has a white patch wrapping around the back of it.
This species can be seen throughout Oregon, typically residing on lakes, ponds, and rivers. Its preferred breeding habitat is small water bodies surrounded by mixed forest, where it nests in tree cavities – the female tends to the eggs and young alone. The diet of the bufflehead includes aquatic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.
8) Common merganser (Mergus merganser)
- Native to North America and Europe
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common merganser is a large duck, reaching lengths of 54 – 71 cm (1 ft 9 in – 2 ft 4 in) with a wingspan of 86 cm (2 ft 10 in). It has a long body with slender wings and a straight bill. Females are gray in color, with a white chest and cinnamon-colored head with a shaggy crest. In contrast, males display a white body, black back, and a dark, iridescent head with a bright red bill.
Mergus merganser is widespread in Oregon, where it occupies wooded lakes and rivers, usually avoiding areas with muddy water or dense vegetation. This bird feeds on fishes, mussels, and shrimp – populations have been found to feed most intensely at sunrise and sunset, diving into the water to pursue their prey.
9) Snowy egret (Egretta thula)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The snowy egret is relatively small for a member of Ardeidae, with a length of just 56 – 66 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 2 in) and a wingspan of 100 cm (3 ft 3 in). This bird has a slender build with a long neck and legs, and its plumage is white in color. The bill and legs are black, while the feet and face are bright yellow.
In Oregon, Egretta thula can be found breeding in the eastern part of the state. It may also be seen in the Klamath Basin and in northeast Malheur County. This species occupies marshes, ponds, and swamps, where it forages for fish, insects, and crustaceans by walking slowly and disturbing the substrate using its feet, head poised and ready to strike.
10) Eurasian teal (Anas crecca)
- Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Also known as the green-winged teal, the Eurasian teal is between 31 – 39 cm (1 ft – 1 ft 3 in) in length and has a wingspan of 52 – 59 cm (1 ft 9 in – 1 ft 11 in). Males have gray bodies with a speckled chest and a cinnamon-colored head with a broad green stripe extending back from the eye, whereas females are brown in color with yellow on the tail. Both sexes have green feathers on the wings, which are visible in flight.
Eurasian teals can be found in much of Oregon throughout winter, where they occupy marshes and rivers. Their diet consists largely of plant material such as seeds and pondweeds, but they will also feed on aquatic insects and tadpoles. A study of the feeding habits of this species found that individuals consumed around 60% plant and 40% animal matter.
11) Green heron (Butorides virescens)
- Native to the southern US and Central America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Green herons are small, growing to just 41 – 46 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 6 in) in length with a wingspan of 64 – 68 cm (2 ft 1 in – 2 ft 3 in). Compared to most herons, these birds have short legs and thick necks, giving them an overall stocky appearance. Their plumage is green across the back and on top of the head, while the underside and the neck are chestnut.
Butorides virescens is a secretive species that may occasionally be seen in western or south-central Oregon. This species resides on lakes, ponds, marshes, and swamps, where it feeds predominantly on fish, but has also been seen to predate on frogs and dragonflies. During breeding season, females lay 3 – 5 eggs – both parents contribute to the incubation and feeding of the young.
12) American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American bittern reaches 60 – 85 cm (2 ft – 2 ft 9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 92 cm (3 ft). This bird is exceptionally well camouflaged, with brown and white streaks down the chest and back which enable it to blend in with vegetation. It has a stout build with long legs and a long bill.
This species is solitary and can be found on marshes or reedy lakes. Wintering birds are common throughout Oregon, and some populations are known to breed east of the Cascades. The American bittern can be negatively impacted by habitat loss; wetland protection has been suggested as a potential conservation strategy.
13) American wigeon (Mareca americana)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American wigeon grows to 42 – 59 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 11 in) in length and has a wingspan of 84 cm (2 ft 9 in). Females are brown, with a gray-brown head and a dark marking around the eye. In contrast, males have a rusty brown body, white patches on the sides of the rump, a gray-brown head with an iridescent green patch sweeping back from the eye, and a white cap.
Mareca americana is abundant in Oregon, with the best places to spot this bird being in the Willamette Valley and along the coast. American wigeons feed on plant material and are known for stealing from other birds such as coots. Populations of this species are declining, possibly due to habitat loss, pollution, and avian diseases.
14) Black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Recurvirostridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The length of the black-necked stilt is 35 – 39 cm (1 ft 2 in – 1 ft 3 in), and its wingspan is 72 – 76 cm (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 6 in). This bird has a white underside, while the back, top of the head, and back of the neck are black – although in females these black patches may be brown instead. The black bill is long and pointed, and the legs are pink.
In Oregon, this species may be found in Klamath, Lake, Harney, and Malheur counties, with the largest breeding colony in the state being found at Summer Lake. Black-necked stilts prefer grassy marshes, mudflats, and shallow lakes, where they can be seen probing for insects and crustaceans.
15) Wood duck (Aix sponsa)
- Native to the US and Canada
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The wood duck is a medium-sized duck with a slender neck and a crest, which gives the head an unusually large appearance. Female wood ducks have a brown body and a grayish head, with a distinctive white ring around the eye. Males are striking in appearance, with a white belly, chestnut breast, dark back, and tan-colored sides. Their head is iridescent green in color with white stripes, and they have a bright red bill.
Aix sponsa resides in wooded swamps, rivers, and ponds. Due to this species nesting in cavities in trees, the availability of suitable woodland is an important factor when selecting a habitat. Wood ducks feed on aquatic plants and seeds, and may also consume insects and crustaceans. Habitat degradation may affect the population dynamics of this bird.
16) Snow goose (Anser caerulescens)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The snow goose is large, reaching 69 – 83 cm (2 ft 3 in – 2 ft 9 in) with a wingspan of 138 cm (4 ft 6 in). This bird has a heavy body and a thick neck, and displays two different color morphs: white and blue. White morphs have white plumage with black wingtips, whereas blue morphs are dark in coloration with a white head.
Snow geese reside on marshes and in ponds and grain fields. The best places to spot this bird in Oregon include Sauvie Island, Summer Lake, and the Klamath wildlife area. During breeding season, females lay 3 – 5 eggs which she incubates alone, although the male contributes to parental care after hatching. Hatching in this species usually coincides with peak food availability.
17) Northern pintail (Anas acuta)
- Native to North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The northern pintail is 51 – 76 cm (1 ft 8 in – 2 ft 6 in) in length, with a wingspan of 86 cm (2 ft 10 in). This bird is slender, with a very long and pointed tail. Females are mottled brown in coloration with a dark bill, while males are gray across the back of their neck and body, white on the underside, and have chocolate-colored heads.
In winter, this species can be seen in western Oregon, where it occupies marshes, prairies, ponds, and lakes, consuming a diet of seeds and insects. Populations of Anas acuta are declining due to habitat loss and hunting. Conservation of habitat has been suggested, however thus far, these birds seem to have responded poorly to this strategy.
18) Pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Podicipediformes
- Family: Podicipedidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The pied-billed grebe is a small, stoutly built bird that reaches just 30 – 38 cm (1 ft – 1 ft 3 in) in length. It has a wingspan of 45 – 62 cm (1 ft 6 in – 2 ft) and is brown in color, with the back being slightly darker. In summer these birds develop black feathers on the crown and the nape of their neck, and during breeding season the bill turns from yellow to white with a black band running vertically around it.
Podilymbus podiceps can be found throughout Oregon and is usually seen on ponds, lakes, or marshes. During breeding season, individuals select a habitat with abundant vegetation to screen the nest from potential predators. The female lays between 4 – 7 eggs, which are incubated and tended by both parents – the young may even ride on their parents’ backs when they first hatch.
19) Hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Hooded mergansers are very distinctive birds, with a large crest that gives the head an oversized, rounded appearance. This species grows to 40 – 49 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 7 in) and has a wingspan of 60 – 66 cm (2 ft – 2 ft 2 in). Females are brown in color with a cinnamon-colored crest, while males have a black back, white chest, and chestnut-colored sides. Their head is black with a large white patch on the crest.
This species isn’t especially common in Oregon, but is distributed throughout the state. It can be found on wooded lakes, ponds, and rivers, where it feeds on fish and crayfish. During breeding season, the female lays 10 – 12 eggs, usually laying one every two days. After each egg is laid, she carefully covers it with down and other nesting material. The young leave the nest soon after hatching.
20) White-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Threskiornithidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The white-faced ibis is around 46 – 56 cm (1 ft 6 in – 1 ft 10 in) in length, with a wingspan of 90 – 93 cm (2 ft 11 in – 3 ft 1 in). This bird has long legs, a long neck, and a very long curved bill. Its plumage is maroon across the body and neck, while the back is an iridescent green-bronze. There is a band of white on the face that runs from the bill around the back of the eye, and the legs are pink.
This species forages in marshy areas with shallow water and emergent vegetation, consuming insects and crustaceans. It is also known to feed in irrigated fields, where it can find an abundant supply of earthworms. Plegadis chihi can be found breeding in Oregon in Harney, Lake, and Klamath counties.
21) Chukar (Alectoris chukar)
- Native to the Middle East and Asia
- Order: Galliformes
- Family: Phasianidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The chukar is a type of partridge that was introduced to North America in the late 1800s. It has a plump body and short legs, and grows to 34 – 38 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 3 in) in length, with a wingspan of 51 cm (1 ft 8 in). The plumage is sandy brown, with a distinctive patch of vertical black and white stripes on the sides. The head is white, with a dark band extending through the eye and down the throat. The eye is surrounded by a ring of red.
Alectoris chukar occupies rocky or grassy slopes, mountains, and canyons, where it feeds on seeds, grasshoppers, spiders, and ants. In Oregon, chukars can be found near the lower Deschutes and John Day Rivers, Snake, Malheur, and Owyhee Rivers, and the Steens, Hart, and Trout Creek mountains.
22) American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus)
- Native to coastal North, Central, and South America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Haematopodidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American oystercatcher is a stoutly built bird, with a long, heavy bill. It reaches lengths of 40 – 44 cm (1 ft 4 in – 2 ft 1 in) and has a wingspan of 89 cm (2 ft 11 in). The plumage on the underside is white, while across the back and wings it is dark brown, and the head and neck are black. The bright yellow eye and striking orange-red bill make this species unmistakable.
Haematopus palliatus is found along the coast of Oregon, usually seen on beaches and tidal flats. Its diet is composed largely of shellfish and marine worms, but it will also feed on mussels, clams, and oysters. A study found that juveniles were less efficient at handling prey and had more unsuccessful encounters with prey than adults – their skills develop as they mature.
23) Black oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani)
- Native to the West Coast of North America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Haematopodidae
- Conservation status: Near threatened
The black oystercatcher is 42 – 47 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 7 in) in length and has a wingspan of 71 – 91 cm (2 ft 4 in – 3 ft). This bird has a heavy body with thick legs and a long, bright red bill. Its plumage is black with some dark brown patches on the wings and tail. The eye is yellow and encircled with red skin, while the legs are pale in color.
Haematopus bachmani can be found on the coast of Oregon, residing on sandy, rocky, or gravelly beaches. Individuals consume mussels, limpets, and other shellfish, using their specialized bill to access each organism within its tough exterior. This species is threatened by factors such as nest predation, pollution and contamination from oil spills, and disturbance of nest sites.
24) Leach’s storm petrel (Hydrobates leucorhous)
- Widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere; native range difficult to determine
- Order: Procellariiformes
- Family: Hydrobatidae
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
The leach’s storm petrel is a small seabird, reaching just 18 – 21 cm (7 – 8 in) in length, with a wingspan of 43 – 48 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 7 in). This bird has brown-black plumage, with a paler patch on the upper wing, and white patches on the sides of the rump. The tail is a distinctive forked shape.
Hydrobates leucorhous breeds along the coast in Oregon; it reproduces in colonies and nests in crevices in cliff faces. Females lay just one egg, and both sexes contribute to the parental care, regurgitating food – usually crustaceans – for the young. Populations of the leach’s storm petrel are declining due to nest predation by rats and gulls.
25) Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
- Native to the southern US and Central America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Pelecanidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The brown pelican is very large, reaching 100 – 137 cm (3 ft 3 in – 4 ft 6 in) in length with a wingspan of 200 cm (6 ft 7 in). This bird has a heavy body and a thick neck, topped with an enormous bill that has a flexible pouch for catching fish. The body plumage is gray-brown, although during breeding season the back turns reddish-brown. The neck is white, and the top of the head is yellow.
This species can be seen along the Oregon coast in spring, summer, and fall, residing on salt bays and beaches, as well as the ocean. It feeds on fish species such as menhaden, smelt, and anchovies, and may also consume crustaceans. Pelecanus occidentalis was once severely threatened, but populations have made a comeback and are now increasing.
26) Common murre (Uria aalge)
- Native to the Pacific Coast
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Alcidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common murre grows to 38 – 43 cm (1 ft 3 in – 1 ft 5 in) in length and has a wingspan of 64 – 71 cm (2 ft 1 in – 2 ft 4 in). This bird has a very upright stance with a heavy body, short tail, and slender wings. The plumage is very dark brown to black across the back, wings, head, and neck, and white on the underside.
Uria aalge can be found all along the Oregon coast, however, it is especially abundant in the north and south. Breeding populations form colonies along the cliffs, heading out to sea to dive for their prey, which typically consists of fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. This species has been found to be very flexible in its foraging, depending on prey availability.
27) Brandt’s cormorant (Urile penicillatus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Suliformes
- Family: Phalacrocoracidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Brandt’s cormorant is heavy-bodied with a long neck and grows to 70 – 79 cm (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 7 in). The plumage of this bird is black, and breeding adults have vivid blue eyes and bright blue skin on the throat. There are also whiskery white feathers on the sides of the head.
This species can be found along the Oregon coast in summer, and nests in colonies on offshore islands. Populations form foraging groups called ‘rafts’, which dive together – many birds may congregate on a school of fish and follow it. During breeding season, females lay four eggs, which are incubated and cared for by both parents.
28) Pigeon guillemot (Cepphus columba)
- Native to the North Pacific
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Alcidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The pigeon guillemot reaches 30 – 35 cm (1 ft – 1 ft 2 in) in length and has a wingspan of 55 – 59 cm (1 ft 10 in – 1 ft 11 in). This bird has a short neck and short tail, and short wings that aid it in swimming underwater. Its plumage is dark brown, with white patches on the wings. The legs and the inside of the mouth are both scarlet in color.
Cepphus columba can be seen along the Oregon coast, wherever offshore islands or rocky cliffs exist. The diet of this species is varied, including fish, shrimp, crabs, polychaete worms, octopus, and mollusks – research has found that during breeding season, adults that bring larger prey items to their chicks produce more fledglings than adults that bring a variety of prey sizes.
29) Pelagic cormorant (Urile pelagicus)
- Native to the North Pacific
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Phalacrocoracidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The pelagic cormorant is 51 – 76 cm (1 ft 8 in – 2 ft 6 in) in length, with a wingspan of 100 – 121 cm (3 ft 3 in – 4 ft). This species has a long, slender neck, and a small head atop an upright body. Breeding adults have black plumage with an iridescent purple or green sheen – this fades outside of the breeding season. There is also red skin on the face, and white patches on the sides.
Urile pelagicus can be found along the entire coast of Oregon: it prefers rocky bays with deep water at the base of the cliff, where it may form small groups. Pelagic cormorants breed in colonies, with females laying 3 – 5 eggs that are tended by both parents. Colonial nesting reduces the risk of predation on the eggs and young.
30) Western gull (Larus occidentalis)
- Native to the Pacific Coast
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Laridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The western gull is heavy-bodied with a large head and reaches lengths of 56 – 66 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 2 in). Its wingspan is 120 – 144 cm (3 ft 11 in – 4 ft 9 in). Breeding adults display white plumage on the underside, while the back and tops of the wings are black. The legs and feet are pale pink, and the bill is yellow with red near the tip.
This gull is found along the Oregon coast in areas such as estuaries and beaches. It has a varied diet, exploiting other birds’ nests for eggs and chicks, as well as consuming fish, clams, crabs, and sea urchins. Individuals have also been reported to scavenge on carrion and refuse. Research has found that this species consumes more fish during breeding season, after its eggs have hatched.
31) Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
- Native to North, Central, and South America, Europe, and North Africa
- Order: Accipitriformes
- Family: Pandionidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The osprey is a slender bird that is 54 – 58 cm (1 ft 9 in – 1 ft 11 in) in length, with a wingspan of 150 – 180 cm (4 ft 11 in – 5 ft 11 in). The plumage of this bird is white on the underside, while the back and tops of the wings are brown. The head is white, with a brown stripe extending back from the yellow eye.
Pandion haliaetus can be seen in Oregon from April to September, usually residing on lakes, rivers, and estuaries. They prefer areas of clear water without too much vegetation, as this can impede their hunting by obstructing their view of their prey. The diet of this species is usually composed entirely of fish, however, when resources are scarce individuals may also tackle reptiles, birds, and even small mammals.
32) American avocet (Recurvirostra americana)
- Native to North America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Recurvirostridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American avocet reaches 43 – 47 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 7 in) in length and has a wingspan of 72 cm (2 ft 4 in). The plumage of this bird is white, with a black patch on the back, and black and white wings. During breeding season, adults develop a rusty-colored head, which fades once the season is over. This species has a long, black bill which curves upwards at the tip.
In Oregon, this species can be seen in Klamath, Lake, Harney, and Malheur counties. It typically occupies beaches, shallow lakes, mudflats, and prairie ponds, where it consumes a diet of crustaceans and insects. A study into the time budget of the American avocet found that individuals were most active in the morning and afternoon, with a period of rest mid-morning. As well as foraging, time is spent preening, nesting, and interacting with conspecifics.
33) Short-billed dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus)
- Native to the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Scolopacidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The short-billed dowitcher is 25 – 29 cm (9.8 – 11.4 in) in length with a wingspan of 46 – 56 cm (1 ft 6 in – 1 ft 10 in). The plumage of this bird during breeding season is mottled gold, brown, and black across the wings, while the chest and belly are orange with darker speckling. Outside of breeding season, individuals are a much plainer grayish-brown. This bird has a long, straight, black bill.
Limnodromus griseus can be found along the Oregon coast, as well as on mudflats further inland. Individuals feed on aquatic invertebrates – when prey is scarce, short-billed dowitchers can become aggressive towards each other. During breeding season, females lay four eggs which are incubated by both parents, although the male is reported to care for the young alone after they have hatched.
34) Semipalmated plover (Charadrius semipalmatus)
- Native to North and South America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Charadriidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The semipalmated plover is a very small wading bird that reaches just 17 – 19 cm (6.7 – 7.5 in) in length and has a wingspan of 47 – 50 cm (1 ft 7 in – 1 ft 8 in). It has a round body, fairly long legs, and a tiny orange bill with a black tip – the bill is slightly longer in males than in females. This bird has a white underside, while the back, wings, and top of the head are brown in color. There is a black band across the breast and another on top of the head.
In Oregon, the best place to spot Charadrius semipalmatus is in the southeast of the state, where it is usually foraging on mudflats or on the shores of lakes. Individuals feed on crustaceans, insects, and worms, although the proportion of the diet that these make up varies depending on the habitat. For example, semipalmated plovers on salt marshes consume more polychaete worms than those on mudflats.
35) Long-billed dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus)
- Native to North America and Russia
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Scolopacidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The long-billed dowitcher is 29 cm (11.4 in) in length with a wingspan of 47 – 49 cm (1 ft 7 in). Breeding adults have striking plumage, with black, gold, and white mottling across the wings and the back. Their underside is orange-red with black markings along the edges of the feathers. The bill is long and black in color.
This species can be found throughout Oregon, although when seen it is typically in the plainer, non-breeding plumage. Individuals occupy mudflats and shallow pools, where they consume a diet of aquatic invertebrates. Interestingly, this species will occasionally incubate objects that aren’t eggs – it has even been seen to incubate mammal bones!
36) Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
- Native to North America, Eurasia, and Africa
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Scolopacidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The dunlin is a small bird whose length ranges from 16 – 22 cm (6.3 – 8.7 in), with a wingspan of 36 – 38 cm (1 ft 2 in – 1 ft 3 in). Breeding adult dunlins have bright brown and black stippling on their backs and crowns, with white underbellies and black bills, belly patches, and legs. This plumage appears in stark contrast to the non-breeding plumage, which is more grayish in color.
This species is found in the Willamette Valley, and also along the Oregon Coast. It can be found on mudflats and at the shores of lakes and has been found to forage both during the day and at night, tackling different prey depending on the time of day. During breeding, females lay four eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The male pulls grasses over the eggs to help conceal them.
37) Spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Scolopacidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The spotted sandpiper is between 18 – 20 cm (7.1 – 7.9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 37 – 40 cm (1 ft 3 in – 1 ft 4 in). This bird’s plumage is white on the underside and brown across the back, wings, and top of the head – during breeding season, it develops prominent dark spots on the breast, and has a bright orange bill.
Actitis macularius is found throughout Oregon, with most of them leaving in October and returning in April. This species nests among vegetation along the water’s edge, where it feeds on flying insects, crustaceans, leeches, and mollusks. In the past, spotted sandpipers have been seen feeding collaboratively with red-winged blackbirds – a mutually beneficial relationship.
38) Red knot (Calidris canutus)
- Native to North America, Europe, and Russia
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Scolopacidae
- Conservation status: Near threatened
The red knot is large for a member of Scolopacidae, reaching lengths of 23 – 27 cm (9.1 – 10.6 in) with a wingspan of 57 – 60 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft). This bird has a stout build and short legs. Its breeding plumage is orange on the underside, with mottled patterning across the back and wings of black, gold, and buff. The non-breeding plumage is gray on top and paler below.
Calidris canutus can be found along the Oregon Coast, as well as on Malheur and Summer Lakes. This species consumes a diet of mollusks, insects, vegetation, and seeds. Populations of the red knot are declining due to agriculture, development, pollution, climate change, and invasive species. Conservation strategies such as research into habitat quality and monitoring the use of habitats by the red knot have been suggested.
