Oregon’s abundant wetlands and coastal habitats serve as home to an astonishing 28 different species of water birds, each one more fascinating than the last. Known for their striking colors, intricate behaviors, and awe-inspiring migration patterns, these birds offer a captivating peek into Oregon’s wild side.
Oregon water birds
| Species | Frequency | Where to Find in Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| American White Pelican | Common | Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge |
| Brown Pelican | Common | Cannon Beach, Yaquina Bay |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Very Common | Columbia River, Crater Lake |
| Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Willamette River, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge |
| Great Egret | Common | Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge |
| Snowy Egret | Uncommon | Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge |
| Green Heron | Common | Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Uncommon | Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge |
| Mallard | Very Common | Throughout the state in various ponds, lakes and rivers |
| Wood Duck | Common | Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Common | Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge |
| Northern Pintail | Common | Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge |
| Canvasback | Common | Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Columbia River |
| Redhead | Common | Columbia River, Crater Lake |
| Ring-Necked Duck | Common | Columbia River, Crater Lake |
| Bufflehead | Common | Crater Lake, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge |
| Hooded Merganser | Common | Crater Lake, Columbia River |
| Common Merganser | Common | Columbia River, Crater Lake |
| Ruddy Duck | Common | Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge |
| American Coot | Very Common | Willamette River, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge |
| Sandhill Crane | Common | Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge |
| American Wigeon | Common | Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Columbia River |
| Osprey | Common | Willamette River, Columbia River |
| Common Loon | Common | Cannon Beach, Yaquina Bay |
| Pied-Billed Grebe | Common | Columbia River, Crater Lake |
| American Avocet | Uncommon | Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge |
| Black-necked Stilt | Uncommon | Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge |
| White-faced Ibis | Uncommon | Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge |
Water Bird Species Found in Oregon
Oregon’s diverse habitats, from its coastal regions to its interior lakes and rivers, make it an excellent place for water birds. Here are the top 28 most common water birds in Oregon:
Where to Spot Oregon’s Water Birds
There are several prime locations in Oregon where birdwatchers can spot a variety of water birds.
The Oregon Coast is a great start. Here, you’ll find areas like Yaquina Bay in Newport, which is a wintering area for several species including the Western Gull and Brandt’s Cormorant. Cape Arago State Park near Coos Bay is another coastal spot where pelicans, gulls, and cormorants can be seen.
Inland, the William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge located in the Willamette Valley is home to a wide range of waterfowl, including Northern Pintail and Green-winged Teal, as well as Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons.
Further east, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Harney County provides a habitat for migratory and resident water birds such as Sandhill Cranes, Wilson’s Snipe, and various species of ducks and geese.
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney County: Located in the southeastern part of the state, this refuge is one of the finest bird-watching spots in Oregon. Expect to see a myriad of water birds such as the American Coot, Great Blue Heron, and Northern Shoveler as many breeding adults merge in the breeding season.
William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, Corvallis: This refuge is home to a vast number of waterfowl and water birds including the Snowy Egret, Greater Scaup, and Western Grebe. The refuge’s wetland areas offer fantastic opportunities for bird photography.
Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges, Klamath County: Situated on the California-Oregon border, these refuges are renowned for their enormous diversity of large birds. You’ll find species like the Double-Crested Cormorant, Green Heron, Cattle Egret, Great Egret (known for its yellow bill)and Western Gull in abundance here.
Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, Jefferson: Just south of Salem, this refuge provides excellent habitats for water birds, with species like the Mallard, Black-Crowned Night-Heron and other closely related herons, and Surf Scoter frequently spotted.
Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Dallas: This refuge is well-known for hosting a wide array of water birds including the American Avocet, Greater Flamingo, and Red-Breasted Merganser and many other small birds and small animals. Visit in the fall or spring for the best bird-watching experiences which are sure to beat those in your own backyard.
What threatened species of Water Birds are Found in Oregon?
In Oregon, several water bird species are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act or are of conservation concern according to various state and federal wildlife agencies.
- Marbled Murrelet: These small seabirds are listed as threatened and are most commonly threatened by habitat loss and changes in their marine environment.
- Western Snowy Plover: Listed as threatened, this shorebird's population has been impacted by habitat loss, human disturbance, and predation.
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo: While not strictly a water bird, they are associated with riparian habitats (near bodies of water). They are listed as threatened, primarily due to habitat loss.
- Short-tailed Albatross: This large seabird is listed as endangered. Threats include past hunting pressure and current threats from longline fishing and changes to their marine environment.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
|---|---|
| California Water Birds | Monterey Bay, Point Reyes National Seashore, Salton Sea |
| Nevada Water Birds | Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Lahontan State Recreation Area |
| Idaho Water Birds | Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Coeur d'Alene River Wildlife Management Area |
| Washington Water Birds | Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Juanita Bay Park |