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.

Table of Contents:
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

About the Author :
The editors all live in the Yukon Territory and are avid birders and members of the Yukon Bird Club. Pamela H. Sinclair, Wendy A. Nixon, and Nancy Hughes all work with the Canadian Wildlife Service in Whitehorse. Cameron D. Eckert is Conservation Biologist for the Parks and Protected Areas Branch of the Yukon Department of Renewable Resources.