The different habitats of Scotts Bluff National Monument lead to a diversity of bird species. One-hundred seven species have been observed so far. Some of these are year-around residents. Some are here only during the summer months for breeding. Some are observed only during their migration through the area in the spring and fall, and a few are “accidentals” and observed very infrequently. Depending on the habitat you’re in and the season of the year, you may see the rock wrens and prairie falcons of the summit, western meadowlarks of the mixed-grass prairie, wild turkeys among the hardwood trees along the North Platte River, or bald eagles soaring overhead during the winter.
The most common birds of the mixed-grass prairie during the summer are the western meadowlark, common grackle, spotted towhee, black-billed magpie, and brown-headed cowbird. Together the western meadowlarks and common grackles make up nearly one-half of all the birds a visitor may see during the breeding season on the mixed-grass prairie, but these are just two of the many ground nesting species of the Monument.
One unique bird species of the Monument is the burrowing owl. This is the only species of owl which does not nest in trees, but nests under the mixed-grass prairie in a prairie dog burrow. The Monument’s prairie dog town usually supports six or more burrowing owls during the summer.
There are also five exotic species of birds at the Monument. They include the house sparrow, rock dove, ring-necked pheasant, house finch, and European starling. Non-native or exotic species can become a problem, as they usually compete with the native bird species for living space. The ring-necked pheasant may have been responsible for the extirpation of the native sharp-tailed grouse.
For the casual or serious “birder” Scotts Bluff National Monument offers several different habitats and lots of open country for bird watching. The best time of the day is dawn and dusk. Bring your binoculars. You never know what bird species you may add to your life list.
