The Nebraska Sandhills
Sandhill Birds
The combination of the diverse habitat, central location and limited human development has resulted in an unusually high number of bird species for a grassland. In fact, over 300 different species have been recorded throughout the Sandhills. Tallgrass, mixed-grass, and shortgrass prairie plants grow on the arid dunes and in the many wetlands, creating a unique and diverse habitat attractive to many types of birds.
Located near the geographic center of North America, the Sandhills attract many species common in both the east and the west. Because the central flyway for migrating birds goes straight through the Sandhills, many species of waterfowl, shorebirds, and song birds pass through during the spring and fall. Others will visit only for the winter, while many others come only for the summer breeding season.
With limited agriculture and urban development, the natural habitat of the Sandhills is becoming increasingly important as many bird populations are decreasing nationwide. One such example is the Greater Prairie Chicken. While once abundant across central North America, it has become extremely rare or extinct over much of its range. This is primarily due to the conversion of grassland habitat into cropland. Thus the Sandhills, where crops are few and far between, remain one of the most vital areas for Greater Prairie Chickens.
Click on the pictures below to see just a few of the bird species found throughout the Sandhills.
