Habitats

Ponderosa Pine Forest

Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) is typically the dominant tree from about 5500-8500 feet. It can be recognized at a great distance by its (usually) reddish bark, its long needles forming large ball-like clumps, its broad but sparse crown, and its tendency to grow widely spaced. Typical ponderosa birds include Flammulated Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Williamson's Sapsucker, Plumbeous Vireo, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, Grace's Warbler (especially where there is an understory of Scrub Oak), and Western Tanager. Note that the owls and woodpeckers are best found where the ponderosas are interspersed with mature aspens.