Birds in the Golden Gate National Parks

Colorful Anna's hummingbird perched on a branch with red flowers.

Learn more about birds in the Golden Gate National Parks.

More about birds

bird watching
Park E-Ventures Article
The Golden Gate Raptor Observatory turns 30 this fall. With the GGRO at a stage of maturity and reflection, Director Allen Fish tells the tale of the people who founded this pioneering citizen science program. Also, discover its many volunteer-driven accomplishments—and inventions!
Park E-Ventures Article
In the film “Moonrise Kingdom,” Sam pointed to Suzy and asked: “What kind of bird are YOU?” Now you’ll never get caught without an answer, thanks to our new personality quiz, released just in time for International Migratory Bird Day. Find out your feathered phenotype!
Snowy Plover
Park E-Ventures Article
On May 10, bring the whole family to Muir Beach and Muir Woods for International Migratory Bird Day! Learn the history of this unique event, now in its 14th year, and discover festivities in honor of our feathered friends across the Redwood Creek Watershed.
raven
Park E-Ventures Article
Ravens are among the most fascinating birds to observe here in the Headlands. Their antics are unpredictable, and you never know what these ultra-intelligent “corvids” will be up to next.
A Ferruginous Hawk is captured flying past Hawk Hill in November of 2016.
Park E-Ventures Article
Large and majestic, the Ferruginous Hawk is arguably one of the most beautiful raptors we see at the GGRO. And it’s spotted from Hawk Hill no more than 20 times in a given year—adding to its allure and mystique.
American Coot
Park E-Ventures Article
One of the things winter visitors in the Marin Headlands might notice is the abundance of waterfowl at Rodeo Lagoon. Most people brush the birds off as just “ducks,” but a closer look reveals a far more complex avian world.
Red-tailed Hawk
Park E-Ventures Article
As a nature lover hiking through the Marin Headlands, you might be able to quickly identify a couple of raptors flying overhead. At first glance, you also might discern their relative sizes. But what does that tell you about the sex of the raptors?
GSM transmitters at GGRO
Park E-Ventures Article
In addition to our annual hawkwatch, banding, and radiotelemetry programs, the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory has launched several new research projects to further understand raptor movements and health. Read on to discover how you can help!
Students search for migrating raptors
Park E-Ventures Article
Every autumn, up to 19 species of birds of prey make their annual appearance over the Marin Headlands. With tens of thousands of raptors counted during the fall migration, it’s the largest flight of its kind in the western U.S.! Read on for hawk-watching tips from our Golden Gate Raptor...
Searching for migrating hawks
Park E-Ventures Article
Hawk Hill isn’t just a spot for watching raptors. In the fall, visitors who point their binoculars at smaller birds might be treated to the aerial acrobatics of migrating swifts. Learn more about these amazing—and mysterious—insectivores.
Snowy Plover
Park E-Ventures Article
To humans, bird vocalizations can be inspiring and soothing—or annoying, in the case of those early morning arias. But for birds, they perform critical communication functions. Read on to learn about five types of vocalizations, and what they teach us about birds’ surroundings.
snowy egret
Park E-Ventures Article
Feathers are a uniquely avian adaptation—or are they? While feathers can only be seen on birds today, evidence has shown that many dinosaurs also had feathers. Read on to learn about the variety—and possible purposes—of dinosaur feathers.