Birds

A colorful western tanager sits in a tree with an insect in its mouth.
A colorful western tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) sits in a bush with an insect in its mouth.

Overview

279 bird species have been documented in Glacier, with 144 species known to nest in the park. Raptors, songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and more rely on Glacier's diverse habitats and location along important migratory pathways.

While there are currently no bird species in the park that are federally listed as threatened or endangered, there are 38—including the common loon, harlequin duck, great gray owl, and Clark's nutcracker—that are listed as Montana Species of Concern. Biologists and citizen scientists at Glacier and the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center monitor a small portion of breeding bird species, gathering information about reproduction, abundance, distribution, and habitat use.

As climate change progresses, the population and distribution of bird species in Glacier may shift. Rising temperatures and changing seasonal weather patterns can affect the timing and availability of food. While these impacts are ongoing, Glacier continues to serve as a refuge for birds, those who study them, and all who love to find birds in the wild.

Learn more about birds and birding throughout the National Park Service.

 

Species List

Use the legend below to learn where, when, and how often birds are found in the park.

Common names conform with the American Birding Association Checklist Update, 2015. List compiled by Dave Shea, November, 1971. Revised by Dave Shea, Steve Gniadek, and Lisa Bate, November, 2015.

 

Legend

Time of Year Range        
SP Spring (March-May) E East of Continental Divide
S Summer (June-August) W West of Continental Divide
F Fall (September-November) A Mountainous areas above treeline
W Winter (December-February)    
 
Special Considerations Occurrence    
+ Introduced ab abundant
# Known to Nest in Park a accidental
    c common
    u uncommon
    r rare
 

Last updated: August 23, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936

Phone:

406-888-7800

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