List of fauna of Washington facts for kids
Washington state is a beautiful place known for its amazing nature, from tall mountains to deep forests and the Pacific Ocean. This article will introduce you to some of the incredible animals, also known as fauna, that call Washington home. Get ready to learn about the birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians living in this diverse state!
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Discovering Washington's Animals
Washington state is home to a huge variety of animals. From tiny insects to large mammals, each creature plays an important part in the state's amazing natural world. Let's explore some of the fascinating animals you might find here.
Birds of Washington
Washington is a fantastic place for birdwatching! Many different types of birds live here, from small songbirds to large birds of prey. They can be found in forests, mountains, wetlands, and even in your backyard.
- American Robin (Turdus migratorius): These common birds are known for their reddish-orange chests. You often see them hopping on lawns, looking for worms.
- Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens): This small, active bird has a chestnut-colored back. It makes a cheerful "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" sound.
- Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus): This bird has a striking black, white, and reddish-brown pattern. It often forages on the ground, scratching through leaves.
- Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri): With its dark blue and black feathers and a crest, this jay is easy to spot. It's known for being noisy and smart.
- Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis): These small, gray and white birds are common visitors to bird feeders, especially in winter.
- Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus): As the national bird of the United States, the Bald Eagle is majestic. You can often see them near water, hunting for fish. They have a distinctive white head and tail.
Fish of Washington's Waters
Washington is famous for its many rivers, lakes, and its long coastline along the Pacific Ocean. These waters are home to a wide range of fish, including several types of salmon and trout.
- Crescent Trout (Oncorhynchus clarki crescenti): This is a special type of trout found in certain lakes.
- Beardslee Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus var. beardsleei): Another unique trout species, often found in specific Washington waters.
- Pink (Humpback) Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha): These salmon are the smallest and most common Pacific salmon. They get their "humpback" name from the large hump males develop during spawning.
- Coho (Silver) Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch): Coho salmon are popular for fishing. They are known for their silvery sides.
- Chinook (King) Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): Chinook salmon are the largest and longest-lived of the Pacific salmon. They are highly valued for their size and rich meat.
- Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka): Sockeye salmon are known for turning bright red when they return to freshwater to spawn.
- Coastal Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki): This trout lives in coastal streams and rivers. It has a distinctive red or orange mark under its jaw.
- Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi): Found in the eastern parts of Washington, this trout also has the "cutthroat" mark.
- Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): These popular fish are known for the rainbow-colored stripe along their sides. They are found in many freshwater bodies.
- Dolly Varden Trout (Salvelinus malma): This trout has light spots on a darker body. It lives in cold, clear waters.
- Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus): Bull trout are a protected species. They prefer very cold, clean water and are important predators in their habitats.
Mammals Roaming Washington
Washington's diverse landscapes provide homes for many different mammals, from tiny shrews to large bears and elk. Some are common, while others are rare and special to the region.
- Roosevelt Elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti): These are the largest type of elk in North America. They live in the forests of western Washington, especially in the Olympic Mountains.
- Shrew-mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii): This tiny mammal is one of the smallest moles in the world. It looks a bit like a mouse but has the digging adaptations of a mole.
- American Pika (Ochotona princeps): Pikas are small, furry mammals related to rabbits. They live in rocky mountain areas and collect plants to store for winter.
- Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus): This hare changes its fur color with the seasons, from brown in summer to white in winter. This helps it hide in the snow.
- Mountain Beaver (Aplodontia rufa): Despite its name, this animal is not a true beaver. It's a unique rodent found only in the Pacific Northwest. It digs extensive tunnels.
- Olympic Marmot (Marmota olympus): This marmot is special because it lives only in the Olympic Mountains of Washington. It's a large ground squirrel known for its loud whistles.
- Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis): Grizzly bears are powerful and majestic animals. While rare in Washington, small populations can be found in remote wilderness areas.
- Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis): This is the smallest rabbit in North America. It is an endangered species, and efforts are being made to reintroduce them to suitable habitats in Washington.
- Black Bear (Ursus americanus): Black bears are common throughout Washington's forests. They are usually shy and mostly eat plants, berries, and insects.
Reptiles of Washington
Reptiles are cold-blooded animals that include snakes, lizards, and turtles. Washington has several species of reptiles, though fewer than warmer states. They often bask in the sun to warm up.
Amphibians of Washington
Amphibians, like frogs, toads, and salamanders, spend parts of their lives in water and on land. Washington's wet climate and many waterways provide excellent habitats for these fascinating creatures.
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