Wetland birding habitat

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in California, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

7/18/20261954 California 20, Colusa, California, US (39.198, -122.033)3 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/18/2026Williams--Rookery Site1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

7/17/2026572–598 Wilson Bend Rd, Arbuckle US-CA 39.00101, -121.823872 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/17/2026San Jose Road, Colusa, California, US (39.229, -122.116)1 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

7/12/2026Pond 2 South, Willows, California, US (39.414, -122.159)1 observed

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

Aimophila ruficeps

7/10/2026Maxwell-Sites Quarries2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

7/9/2026I-5 S, Maxwell US-CA 39.23410, -122.182012 observed

White-throated Swift

Aeronautes saxatalis

7/9/2026Colusa-Sacramento River SRA4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

17/20/2026

Mallard

127/20/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

187/20/2026

Mourning Dove

187/20/2026

Black-necked Stilt

107/20/2026

American Avocet

37/20/2026

Killdeer

37/20/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

127/20/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/20/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

37/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/20/2026

White-faced Ibis

1647/20/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

77/20/2026

Snowy Egret

157/20/2026

Great Egret

257/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

77/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

77/20/2026

Northern Harrier

17/20/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

27/20/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Colusa National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Colusa National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge include Greater White-fronted Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge?
Colusa National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.