West · Pacific Flyway
Birds in Salem, OR
Salem is located in Oregon. Oregon's Pacific coast, Cascade range, and high desert create diverse birding from puffins to sage-grouse.
Common Birds in Salem
The most frequently seen bird species in Salem, Oregon. Click any bird for full profiles and location-specific data.
Backyard Birds in Salem
Birds that regularly visit feeders and gardens in Salem. These species are your best bet for attracting birds to your yard.
Top Bird Watching Spots in Salem
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
Over 187,000 acres, established in 1908; disproportionately important as a stop along the Pacific Flyway and as a resting, breeding, and nesting area for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds.
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area
11,643 acres 20 minutes from downtown Portland with at least 275 species of birds; September to March for waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes.
Explore nearby cities in Oregon
About birding in Salem
Salem is located in Oregon and falls within the West region along the Pacific Flyway. The city's habitats—coastal, forest, wetland, desert, urban—support a diverse bird population of more than 550 species.
Whether you're setting up a backyard feeder in Salem or planning a birding trip to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, this guide covers the most commonly seen species and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Salem, Oregon.