The bird fauna of Grand Teton National Park
Houston DB. 1969. The bird fauna of Grand Teton National Park. Special Studies Report Number 1. National Park Service
The relative abundance in Grand Teton National Park of 199 species of birds, representing 16 orders, was rated from rare to abundant in a recent check-list. Eighty-three species were considered common or abundant in spring and summer; 63 species, in fall and winter. In addition, 102 species were considered rare or uncommon during spring and summer; 93 species, during fall and winter. Species diversity probably reflected the variety of vegetation and seral plant communities in the park. Spring and fall diversity probably reflected the proximity of migration routes. The adult trumpeter swan population may have increased, but has now leveled off. The number of Canadian geese nesting in the park is relatively stable. Four nesting pairs of bald eagles were seen. Osprey, grouse, heron, finches, and nutcrackers are some of the other birds seen. Grasses, willows, trees, and other vegetation make up the plant communities in which birds live and nest. Protection of all bird species and vegetation types, while allowing natural succession to occur, is the only extensive management provided the park's avifauna. This is considered adequate. Routine population monitoring of rare and unusual components of the avifauna should be initiated and continued. Aerial and ground surveys should also be continued.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Houston, Douglas
- Date of Issue
- 1969
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- GRTE , YELL
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Behavior, Birds, bitterns, Checklist, Distribution, Ducks, egrets, finches, Geese, Grass family, Grouse, Herons, Migration, Natural Resource Management, Nesting, Park Management, park protection, perching birds, Plants, Population, Population Density, quail, Sparrows, Swans, techinques, Willows