Bird Conservation Region 2
Western
Alaska
This region consists of the Subarctic Coastal Plain of
western Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula Mountains. Wet and mesic graminoid
herbaceous communities dominate the lowlands, and numerous ponds, lakes,
and rivers dot the landscape. Tall shrub communities are found along
rivers and streams, and low shrub communities occupy uplands. Forests
of spruce and hardwoods penetrate the region on the eastern edge. Permafrost
is continuous, except in southern parts of the region. High densities
of breeding waterfowl and shorebirds are found on the coastal plain
of the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers. Intertidal areas here and lagoons
of the northern side of the Alaska Peninsula support millions of shorebirds
during migration, including Dunlin, Western Sandpiper, Red Knot, and
Bar-tailed Godwit. The coast of the Alaska Peninsula supports high concentrations
of wintering sea ducks, including Steller’s Eider, Harlequin, Oldsquaw,
Surf Scoter, and Black Scoter. Passerine diversity is greatest in tall,
riparian shrub habitats, where Arctic Warbler, Gray-cheeked Thrush,
and Blackpoll Warbler nest. Gyrfalcon and Rough-legged Hawk nest along
the riverine cliffs. Mainland sea cliffs are occupied by nesting colonies
of Black-legged Kittiwake, Common Murre, and Pelagic Cormorant.
Bird
Conservation Plans
Landbirds - Alaska
Biogeographic Regions
Shorebirds - Alaska
Region
Waterbirds - Alaska Region
Waterfowl -
All Birds -
Note: Hawaii (not shown) is BCR 67