Birds of a Feather! 

January 11, 2026 – Yosemite National Park officials celebrated National Bird Day this past week. 

National Bird Day was this week, and we’d like to celebrate by showcasing some common birds found in Yosemite National Park. An astounding 262 species of birds have been documented in the park, including 165 resident and migratory species. Designated a World Heritage Site and an Important Bird Area, the park provides a diverse habitat ranging from gently sloping foothill grasslands, through chaparral/oak woodland and giant conifer forests, up to windswept alpine meadows and peaks.

Bird enthusiasts visiting Yosemite will see and experience different bird behaviors depending on the time of year and habitat. The Yosemite Bird Checklist (www.nps.gov/.../yosebirdchecklist.pdf) can help you keep track of all the birds you see during your visit!

Whether you’re an avid birder or a novice naturalist, celebrate by birdwatching, learning more about your favorite species, or testing your bird knowledge. Can you name these common bird species of Yosemite? Answers listed below photos.

Pictured: Steller’s jay (top left), Red-tailed hawk (bottom left), Acorn woodpecker (top right), Ruby-crowned kinglet (middle right), and the Dark-eyed junco (bottom right)

Source & photos: NPS