Falcon Pocket Guide: Birds of the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is a loosely defined region, generally considered to include all of Oregon and Washington, the sections of Idaho and Montana west of the Rocky Mountains, and the southern section of British Columbia. On its western side, this vast area is dominated by the influence of the sea, and includes rocky shores, coastal dunes, rainforests, and lowlands estuaries. Eastward rises the mighty Cascade Range with its towering volcanic peaks, and beyond prevails a rain shadow over the eastern half of the region, drying out the land and providing four distinct seasons. There we find great grass- and shrublands, deserts of sage, and endless cropland, until the terrain once again rises toward the Rocky Mountains. This geographic diversity, with its accompanying array of climate zones and vegetation, provides for an incredible number and variety of bird species (over 400 species have been recorded). The Pacific Northwest supports habitat for resident breeders and seasonal visitors, as well as those birds passing through from other breeding and wintering grounds. From Shearwaters on the open ocean, Tufted Puffins on the rugged coast, White-tailed Ptarmigans high in the arctic zone of Mount Rainier, to Chukars in the arid, rocky basins, this guide describes 300 of the most common birds you are likely to encounter here and should give you a good start to your birding exploration and enjoyment.