Birds of the Yukon Territory
The Yukon is a land of remarkable wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and profound beauty. It is also home to a unique assemblage of birds. As of 2002, 288 bird species have been documented in the Yukon, with 223 occurring regularly. They occupy an amazing range of habitats, from the most barren mountain peaks to lush valley bottom forests, and are an integral part of the cultural heritage of Yukon First Nations people. The vast areas of natural habitat with limited road access can make the study of birds challenging, but are key in defining the nature of birding in the Yukon.
Birds of the Yukon Territory is the result of a decade-long project initiated to gather and share what is known about the Yukon’s birdlife. Lavishly illustrated with 600 colour photographs and 223 hand-drawn bird illustrations, the book presents a wealth of information on bird distribution, migration and breeding chronology, nesting behaviour, and habitat use, and on conservation concerns. Two hundred and eighty-eight species of birds are documented, including 223 regular species, and 65 casual and accidental species. In compiling this meticulously researched volume, the authors consulted over 166,000 records in a database created by the Canadian Wildlife Service, with information dating back to 1861.
Sections on birds in Aboriginal culture and history, and bird names in the Yukon First Nations and Inuvialuit languages, enhance the book, as do the numerous easily interpreted charts and graphs. Destined to become a basic reference work on the avifauna of the North, Birds of the Yukon Territory is a must-have for bird enthusiasts and anyone interested in the natural history of the Yukon and the North.
Introduction
Yukon Birdlife
The Yukon Environment
The History of Bird Study in the Yukon
Birds in Aboriginal Culture and History
Yukon Birds through the Seasons
Bird Conservation in the Yukon
Birds of the Yukon Database and Methodology
Organization of the Species Accounts
Regular Species
Order Gaviiformes
Family Gaviidae: Loons
Order Podicipediformes
Family Podicipedidae: Grebes
Order Pelecaniformes
Family Phalacrocoracidae: Cormorants
Order Ciconiiformes
Family Ardeidae: Herons
Order Anseriformes
Family Anatidae: Geese, Swans, and Ducks
Order Falconiformes
Family Accipitridae: Osprey, Hawks, and Eagles
Family Falconidae: Falcons
Order Galliformes
Family Phasianidae: Grouse
Order Gruiformes
Family Rallidae: Rails and Coots
Family Gruidae: Cranes
Order Charadriiformes
Family Charadriidae: Plovers
Family Scolopacidae: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies
Family Laridae: Skuas, Gulls, and Terns
Family Alcidae: Auks and Murres
Order Columbiformes
Family Columbidae: Pigeons and Doves
Order Strigiformes
Family Strigidae: Owls
Order Caprimulgiformes
Family Caprimulgidae: Goatsuckers
Order Apodiformes
Family Trochilidae: Hummingbirds
Order Coraciiformes
Family Alcedinidae: Kingfishers
Order Piciformes
Family Picidae: Woodpeckers
Order Passeriformes
Family Tyrannidae: Flycatchers
Family Laniidae: Shrikes
Family Vireoniidae: Vireos
Family Corvidae: Crows and Jays
Family Alaudidae: Larks
Family Hirundinidae: Swallows
Family Paridae: Chickadees
Family Sittidae: Nuthatches
Family Troglodytidae: Wrens
Family Cinclidae: Dippers
Family Regulidae: Kinglets
Family Turdidae: Thrushes
Family Sturnidae: Starlings
Family Motacillidae: Pipits and Wagtails
Family Bombycillidae: Waxwings
Family Parulidae: Wood Warblers
Family Thraupidae: Tanagers
Family Emberizidae: Sparrows
Family Cardinalidae: Grosbeaks
Family Icteridae: Blackbirds
Family Fringillidae: Finches
Casual and Accidental Species
Hypothetical and Exotic Species
Appendices
A. List of Yukon Birds
B. Yukon First Nations and Inuvialuit Bird ames
C. Plants and Animals Mentioned in the Text
D. Place Names Mentioned in the Text
E. The North American Breeding Bird Survey in the Yukon
F. The Christmas Bird Count in the Yukon
G. The Cooperative Roadside Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey in Southern Yukon
H. The Alaska-Yukon Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey
I. The Yukon/Northern British Columbia Trumpeter Swan Survey
J. The North American Peregrine Falcon Survey
Literature Cited
About the Authors
Authors and Artists of the Regular Species Accounts
Contributors
Index
