The stark beauty of Nevada’s desert landscape might seem unlikely, but it’s a sanctuary for an array of species of water birds. These birds have adapted to the state’s unique environment, making homes in its few but precious wetlands, lakes, and rivers, which serve as vital rest stops in their migratory paths.
Nevada water birds
| Species | Frequency | Where to Find in Nevada |
|---|---|---|
| American White Pelican | Common | Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Pyramid Lake |
| Brown Pelican | Rare | Occasionally seen at Lake Tahoe and Lake Mead |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Common | Lake Mead, Lake Tahoe |
| Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| Great Egret | Uncommon | Lahontan State Recreation Area, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge |
| Snowy Egret | Uncommon | Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Lahontan State Recreation Area |
| Green Heron | Common | Wetland areas, especially in northern Nevada |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Common | Statewide in wetlands, Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge |
| Mallard | Very Common | Statewide in all types of wetlands |
| Wood Duck | Uncommon | Truckee River, Humboldt River |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Common | Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge |
| Northern Pintail | Common | Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge |
| Canvasback | Uncommon | Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Mead |
| Redhead | Common | Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Mead |
| Ring-Necked Duck | Common | Wetlands statewide, especially in northern Nevada |
| Bufflehead | Common | Lake Tahoe, Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge |
| Hooded Merganser | Uncommon | Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Lahontan State Recreation Area |
| Common Merganser | Common | Truckee River, Lake Tahoe |
| Ruddy Duck | Common | Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge |
| American Coot | Very Common | Lakes and wetlands statewide |
| Sandhill Crane | Uncommon | Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge |
| American Wigeon | Common | Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge |
| Osprey | Uncommon | Lake Tahoe, Lake Mead |
| Common Loon | Uncommon | Lake Tahoe, Lake Mead |
| Pied-Billed Grebe | Common | Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge |
| American Avocet | Common | Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge |
| Black-necked Stilt | Common | Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge |
| White-faced Ibis | Common | Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge |
Water Bird Species Found in Nevada
Where to Spot Nevada’s Water Birds
Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Fallon: This sanctuary is a vital wetland habitat that attracts over a million waterfowl and shorebirds every year. Species you can spot here include American Avocets, White-faced Ibis, and the Snowy Egret.
Humboldt Sink, Lovelock: This endorheic basin hosts a wide variety of water birds, especially during migration periods. Look out for species such as Northern Shovelers, Green Winged Teal and Sandhill Cranes.
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Pahrump: This desert oasis is home to more than 275 species of birds, including several types of ducks, herons, and egrets. The refuge’s clear blue waters provide an enchanting backdrop for bird watching.
Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Ruby Valley: As one of the most remote refuges in the lower 48 states, it is a haven for waterfowl and shorebirds. Species often spotted here include the Black-crowned Night-Heron, Western Grebe, and various ducks.
Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, Alamo: Located in the Pacific Flyway, this refuge attracts a variety of migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds. Watch for the Great Blue Heron, Clark’s Grebe, the Mourning Dove, northern flickerand the Northern Pintail among others.
Lake Tahoe: Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this lake is home to Ospreys, Bald Eagles, and other fish-eating birds. Birds of prey in Nevada include barn owls (very typical owls), the red tailed hawk, cooper’s hawk, new World Vultures and the ferruginous hawk who often prey on small birds.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area: This massive reservoir attracts a variety of fish-eating birds including herons, egrets, and pelicans and other large birds.
Lahontan State Recreation Area: Situated near Fallon, this area offers a good chance to see Double-crested Cormorants, American White Pelicans, and a variety of terns and gulls and a large resident Canada goose population. Canada geese can be problematic during breeding season.
Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge is located at the terminus of the Carson River and is a perfect place for spotting various species of herons, egrets, and other fish-eating birds.
Pyramid Lake: Just north of Reno, this saline lake is famous for its Lahontan cutthroat trout and also attracts fish-eating birds such as the American White Pelican.
The the Nevada Bird Records Committee (NBRC) is an organization dedicated to the documentation and preservation of information about birds in Nevada, including water birds. They maintain an official list of bird species observed in the state, evaluate reports of rare bird sightings, and encourage the rigorous documentation of birds.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
|---|---|
| California Water Birds | Salton Sea, San Francisco Bay Area, Point Reyes National Seashore |
| Oregon Water Birds | Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Yaquina Head, Sauvie Island Wildlife Area |
| Idaho Water Birds | Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Coeur d'Alene Lake, Farragut State Park |
| Utah Water Birds | Great Salt Lake, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge |
| Arizona Water Birds | Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Patagonia Lake State Park, Kino Springs |