Animals

Redwood forests are dark and quiet places in which wildlife may seem rare or absent entirely. It's easy to remain unseen in this dense forest. Many forest creatures are nocturnal. Others live high in the forest canopy or in the soil or deep duff on the forest floor. In fact, redwood forests are surprisingly lively places.

Birds

Over 50 species of birds have been identified in Muir Woods over a year's time. Their abundance and periods of song vary with time of day, season, and weather conditions. The greatest variety of avian activity occurs during the spring mornings. A deep, wooded redwood canyon is a specialized habitat. Although this old growth forest support spotted owls and pileated woodpeckers, the overall lack of food is the primary reason for the apparent scarcity of birds. There are few insects in a redwood forest as the tannin repels insects and the deep shade limits the number of flowers and fruits produced. The following quotation from the Superintendent's annual report for 1923 indicates little change during the past 80 years in the bird life found in Muir Woods:

"Birds, as is generally the case in a redwood forest, are conspicuous by their absence - Steller's jays being the only bird seen in any numbers."