United States Department of Agriculture

Forest 

Service

Pacific Northwest 

Research Station

General Technical Report

PNW-GTR-969 February 

2019

Black Canyon

Research Natural Area

Guidebook Supplement 52

Reid Schuller and Sarah Canham
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture 

(USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and 

employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are 

prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, 

gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, 

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Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for 

program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, 

etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 

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(800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. 

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_

filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and 

provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy 

of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to 

USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary 

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(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Authors

Reid Schuller is a plant ecologist, Western Stewardship Science Institute, 

62615 Stenkamp Road, Bend, OR 97701; Sarah Canham is a botanist, U.S. 

Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District, 

Prineville, OR 97754. 

The Pacific Northwest Research Station is publishing this guidebook as part of a 

continuing series of guidebooks on federal research natural areas begun in 1972. 

Cover: Facing north through Black Canyon toward the northeast boundary of Black 

Canyon Research Natural Area, Oregon. Foreground vegetation is typical of the big 

sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass–Idaho fescue plant association. All photographs 

in this report are by Sarah Canham.
Abstract

Schuller, Reid; Canham, Sarah. 2019. Black Canyon Research Natural Area: 

guidebook supplement 52. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-969. Portland, OR: 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research 

Station. 25 p.

This guidebook describes major biological and physical attributes of the 2686-ha 

(6,637-ac) Black Canyon Research Natural Area (RNA), Wheeler County, Oregon. 

The RNA contains high-quality examples of native plant associations’ representative of the foothills of the Blue Mountains ecoregion.

Keywords: Research natural area, area of critical environmental concern, big 

sagebrush/Thurber’s needlegrass (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata/Achnatherum 

thurberianum) plant community, big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass (Artemisia 

tridentata ssp. tridentata/Pseudoroegneria spicata) plant community, western 

juniper/big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass (Juniperus occidentalis/Artemisia 

tridentata ssp. tridentata/Pseudoroegneria spicata) plant community, big sagebrush/Idaho fescue (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata/Festuca idahoensis) plant 

community, western juniper/big sagebrush/Idaho fescue (Juniperus occidentalis/

Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata/Festuca idahoensis) plant community, western 

juniper/big sagebrush–antelope bitterbrush/bluebunch wheatgrass–Idaho fescue 

(Juniperus occidentalis/Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata–Purshia tridentata/

Pseudoroegneria spicata–Festuca idahoensis) plant community, arrowleaf thelypody (Thelypodium eucosmum), threatened plant species population.
ii

Preface

The research natural area (RNA) described in this supplement1 is administered by 

the Prineville District, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Department of 

the Interior.

Black Canyon RNA is part of a federal system2 of natural areas established for 

research and educational purposes.3 Of the 211 federal RNAs established in Oregon 

and Washington, 45 are described in Federal Research Natural Areas in Oregon 

and Washington: a Guidebook for Scientists and Educators (see footnote 1). This 

report is a supplement to the guidebook. 

Each RNA is a site where elements4 are protected or managed for scientific 

purposes and natural processes are allowed to dominate. The objectives for establishing RNAs are to:

• Maintain a wide spectrum of high-quality areas that represent the major 

forms of variability found in forest, shrubland, grassland, alpine, and natural situations that have scientific interest and importance that, in combination, form a national network of ecological areas for research, education, 

and maintenance of biological diversity.

• Preserve and maintain genetic diversity, including threatened, endangered, 

and sensitive species.

• Protect against human-caused environmental disruptions.

• Serve as reference areas for the study of natural ecological processes, 

including disturbance.

1 Supplement No. 53 to Franklin, J.F.; Hall, F.C.; Dyrness, C.T.; Maser, C. 1972. Federal 

research natural areas in Oregon and Washington: a guidebook for scientists and educators. 

Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest 

and Range Experiment Station. 498 p.

2 Six federal agencies cooperate in this program in the Pacific Northwest: U.S. Department 

of the Interior Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park 

Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service; U.S. Department of Energy; and 

U.S. Department of Defense. In addition, the federal agencies cooperate with state agencies 

and private organizations in Oregon and Washington in the Pacific Northwest Interagency 

Natural Area Committee. 

3

 See Wilson et al. (2009) for a more complete discussion of rationale for establishment of RNAs.

4

 Elements are the basic units to be represented in a natural area system. An element may 

be an ecosystem, community, habitat, or organism. Taken from Dyrness, C.T.; Franklin, 

J.F.; Maser, C.; Cook, S.A.; Hall, J.D.; Faxon, G. 1975. Research natural area needs in the 

Pacific Northwest: a contribution to land-use planning. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-38. Portland, 

OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range 

Experiment Station. 231 p.
iii

• Provide onsite and extension educational activities.

• Serve as baseline areas for measuring long-term ecological changes.

• Serve as control areas for comparing results from manipulative research.

• Monitor effects of resource management techniques and practices.

The guiding principle in managing RNAs is to maintain natural ecological 

processes or conditions for which the site is designated. Activities that impair scientific or educational values are not permitted within RNAs. Management practices 

necessary to maintain or restore ecosystems may be allowed.

Federal RNAs provide a unique system of publicly owned and protected 

examples of relatively unmodified ecosystems where scientists can conduct 

research with minimal interference and reasonable assurance that investments in 

long-term studies will not be lost to logging, land development, or similar activities. 

Scientists and educators wishing to visit or use Black Canyon RNA for scientific or 

educational purposes should contact the Prineville BLM district office in advance 

and provide information about objectives, sampling procedures, and other prospective activities. Research projects, educational visits, and collection of specimens 

from the RNA require prior approval. There may be limitations on research or 

educational activities.

A person wishing to use the RNA is obligated to:

• Obtain permission from the appropriate administering agency before using 

the area (see footnote 2)

• Abide by the administering agency’s regulations governing use, including 

specific limitations on the type of research, sampling methods, and other 

procedures.

• Inform the administering agency on progress of the research, published 

results, and disposition of collected materials.

The purpose of this approval process is to:

• Ensure the ecological integrity and scientific and educational values of the 

RNA are not compromised.

• Provide information to scientists about other research occurring on the 

RNA so potential collaborations may be fostered and conflicts avoided. 

• Maintain records of research activities and research results to benefit the 

BLM, other agencies, and future researchers. 
iv

Appropriate uses of RNAs are determined by the administering agency. 

Destructive analysis of vegetation is generally not allowed, nor are studies requiring extensive substrate modification such as extensive soil excavation. Collection 

of plant and animal specimens is generally restricted to voucher specimens or 

approved research activities. Under no circumstances may collecting significantly 

reduce species populations. Collecting must also be carried out in accordance with 

all other federal and state agency regulations. 
v

Contents

1 Introduction

1 Access and Accommodations

2 Environment

4 Climate

5 Vegetation

9 Fauna

9 Research History

11 Disturbance History

11 Historical Land Use

12 Maps

12 Acknowledgments

12 U.S. Equivalents

13 References

15 Appendix 1: Plants 

21 Appendix 2: Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals
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Black Canyon Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 52

Introduction

The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM) established the 2686-ha (6,637-ac) Black Canyon Research Natural Area (RNA) because 

it supports high-quality, representative examples of native plant communities 

and sensitive plant species occurring at low elevations within the Blue Mountain 

ecoregion (ONAP 2015, USDI BLM 2015), including: 

• Big sagebrush/Thurber’s needlegrass (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata/

Achnatherum thurberianum) plant community. 

• Big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata/

Pseudoroegneria spicata) plant community. 

• Big sagebrush/Idaho fescue (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata/Festuca 

idahoensis) plant community. 

• Western juniper/big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass (Juniperus occidentalis/Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata/Pseudoroegneria spicata) plant 

community.

• Western juniper/big sagebrush/Idaho fescue (Juniperus occidentalis/

Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata/Festuca idahoensis) plant community. 

• Western juniper/big sagebrush–antelope bitterbrush/bluebunch wheatgrassIdaho fescue (Juniperus occidentalis/Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentataPurshia tridentata/Pseudoroegneria-Festuca idahoensis) plant community. 

• Arrowleaf thelypody (Thelypodium eucosmum) sensitive plant species 

population.

Access and Accommodations

From the BLM office in Prineville, Oregon, drive east on Highway 26 east toward 

Mitchell, Oregon, 72.9 km (45.3 mi). Turn left onto Highway 207 North (Service 

Creek Road) for 15.7 km (9.7 mi) to Girds Creek Road. Turn left onto Girds Creek 

Road (also known as South Twickenham Road) and continue for 6.8 km (4.2 mi) to 

a small turnout on the east side of the road. From here, the northeastern boundary 

of the RNA occurs immediately across the paved road to the west (fig. 1).

Permission to use the area for research purposes must be obtained from the 

BLM Prineville District office in Prineville, Oregon. Maps and additional information about the area are available at this office. Lodging is available in Prineville, 

Oregon. Limited lodging is also available in Mitchell, Oregon.
2

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-969

Figure 1—Black Canyon Research Natural Area access and location.

Environment 

The RNA occurs within the Blue Mountains of central Oregon in a transitional 

region between the Blue Mountain ecoregion and the Northern Great Basin ecoregion (Franklin and Dyrness 1988, ONAP 2015, USDI BLM 2015). 

Elevations range between 623 m (2,043 ft) at the northern RNA boundary 

adjacent to Girds Creek in Black Canyon and 1370 m (4,493 ft) at the summit of 

Sutton Mountain in the southeast portion of the RNA (fig. 2). An intermittent 

stream flows in a northeasterly direction off of Sutton Mountain to the northeastern 

boundary of the RNA.

Significant geologic formations in the Sutton Mountain area include the Clarno 

Formation, John Day Formation, and the Columbia River Basalt Group. The Clarno 

Formation underlies the John Day Formation and is of late Eocene to early 
3

Black Canyon Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 52

Figure 2—Black Canyon Research Natural Area (RNA) topography and boundary.

Oligocene age. It has an aggregate thickness of several thousand feet and 

contains a variety of volcanic and related terrestrial rocks, including mafic lava 

flows, coarse unsorted breccias, mudflows, tuffaceous sediments, and silicic domes 

(USDI BLM 1995).

The John Day formation is of Oligocene to early Miocene age. It is widely 

known for its abundant, well-preserved plant and vertebrate animal fossils. 
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GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-969

Approximately 914 m (3,000 ft) of varicolored siltstones, claystones, and vitric tuffs 

make up most of the formation (USDI BLM 1995).

The Columbia River Basalt Group averages 610 to 914 m (2,000 to 3,000 ft) in 

thickness. It is the youngest of the three major formations and overlies the John Day 

and Clarno Formations. It forms the walls that overlook Bridge and Girds Creeks, 

and the John Day River. The group is composed primarily of continental flood 

basalts of Miocene age. They are generally dense, black, and fine grained with 

subordinate tuffaceous sediments (USDI BLM 1995).

Twenty percent of the soils have been intensively mapped along the eastern and 

southern margins of the RNA (USDA NRCS 2017b). The general distribution of soil 

types is based on limited field reconnaissance within the RNA.1 The general soil 

pattern is dominated by Waterbury Series soils occupying 30 percent of the RNA 

and occurring within the north and northeast portions of the RNA. The Waterbury 

Series consists of shallow, well-drained soils that formed in material weathered 

mainly from basalt and tuff. Waterbury soils are on plateaus, benches, and shoulders of hills. The taxonomic class of Waterbury soils is clayey-skeletal, smectitic, 

mesic Lithic Argixerolls (USDA NRCS 2017b).

A Tub-Simas-Curant soil complex occurs within the southern and western portions of the remaining 70 percent of the RNA. The Tub Series consists of deep and 

very deep, well-drained soils that formed in old sediments of volcanic origin. Tub 

soils are on hilly uplands and have slopes of 1 to 70 percent. The taxonomic class of 

Tub soils is fine, smectitic, mesic Vertic Argixerolls (USDA NRCS 2017b). 

Climate

Climate is characterized by long, cool, moist winters and short, warm, and dry 

summers with features of both maritime and continental climates. Temperatures 

are modified by proximity to the Pacific Ocean and are generally milder than in the 

Continental climates of the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. Cyclonic storms 

still affect the area: thunderstorms often occur in the late spring and summer 

months and can be very intense (Franklin and Dyrness 1988, USDI BLM 1995, 

WRCC 2016). Temperature and precipitation data collected at the Mitchell 27 SW 

Ochoco climate station (WRCC 2016) are summarized in table 1. Precipitation 

occurs mainly during the winter and early spring. Intense, localized thunderstorms 

occur in late spring and throughout the summer (USDI BLM 1995). The July 

1 Supplement No. 53 to Franklin, J.F.; Hall, F.C.; Dyrness, C.T.; Maser, C. 1972. Federal 

research natural areas in Oregon and Washington: a guidebook for scientists and educators. 

Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest 

and Range Experiment Station. 498 p.
5

Black Canyon Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 52

Table 1—Temperature and precipitation summary

Average minimum January temperature -9.1 °C (15.7 °F)

Average maximum January temperature 1.7 °C (35.0 °F)

Average minimum July temperature 15.3 °C (41.5 °F)

Average maximum July temperature 27.8 °C (81.8 °F)

Average annual precipitation 443 mm (17.44 in)

Average July–September precipitation 54 mm (2.14 in)

through September time period receives only 12 percent of the average annual 

total precipitation of 343 mm (13.5 in) (WRCC 2016). Upper elevations on Sutton 

Mountain receive greater annual precipitation amounts than lower elevations within 

the RNA, with a higher proportion of winter precipitation falling as snow than in 

adjacent lowlands.

Vegetation

Vegetation within the RNA is characterized by big sagebrush (Artemisia 

tridentata)-dominated shrub steppe mixed with western juniper (Juniperus 

occidentalis) woodlands. Curl-leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) 

occurs sporadically throughout the RNA as a codominant within western juniper 

woodlands, and as the sole overstory species in big sagebrush plant associations. 

Large ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) individuals are scattered throughout the 

RNA. Wildfires of varying size have recently reduced the woody vegetation (see 

the “Disturbance History” section below), resulting in grass-dominated stands with 

antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) and occasional big sagebrush scattered 

throughout (Schuller and Canham 2016). Bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria 

spicata) is widespread and common throughout the RNA. Idaho fescue (Festuca 

idahoensis) codominates north-facing slopes. Thurber’s needlegrass (Achnatherum 

thurberianum) codominates with bluebunch wheatgrass on shallow and droughty 

soils (USDI BLM 2017).

Figure 3 shows the distribution of the major plant associations present in the 

area. The Juniperus occidentalis/Cercocarpus ledifolius–Purshia tridentata/

Pseudoroegneria spicata plant association (Johnson and Swanson 2005) is the most 

extensive association within the RNA (fig. 4), occupying 1080 ha (2,667 ac) or 40 

percent of the area (USDI BLM 2017). Understory shrub, herb, and grass frequency 

and cover within this association are summarized in table 2. Bluebunch wheatgrass 

predominates on warmer drier sites, and codominates with Idaho fescue on slightly 

more mesic sites, especially on north-facing slope exposures. Perennial herbs such 
6

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-969

Figure 3—Black Canyon Research Natural Area vegetation associations.

Figure 4—An example of the western juniper/mountain mahogany–antelope bitterbrush/

bluebunch wheatgrass plant association.
7

Black Canyon Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 52

Table 2—Plant association, understory coverage, and frequency of eight permanent plots in the Black Canyon Research Natural Area (continued)

Plant associationa > ARTR/PSSP6 ARTR/FEID ARTR/PSSP6 ARTR/PSSP6

Plot # > 478 478 479 479 480 480 481 481

Codeb Species name Coverc Frequencyc Cover Frequency Cover Frequency Cover Frequency

Shrubs:

CELE3 Cercocarpus ledifolius 2 + — — — — — —ARTRT Artemisia tridentata — — — — — — 18 27

Forbs: — — — — — — — —

PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 75 23 75 20 79 13 75 13

BRTE Bromus tectorum 82 8 29 + 64 4 71 9POSE Poa secunda 39 1 29 2 25 1 7 +ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 4 + 7 + 18 1 — —

ASFI Astragalus filipes — — 4 + — — — —BRHO2 Bromus hordeaceus — — 7 + — — — —CAXA Castilleja xanthotricha — — 4 + — — — —

CREPI Crepis sp. — — 7 + — — — —

CYFR2 Cystopteris fragilis — — — — — — 14 +

DRVE2 Draba verna 68 + 4 + 25 + 4 +EPILO Epilobium brachycarpum 11 + 7 + — — — —

ERFI2 Erigeron filifolius — — 11 + — — 4 2

EROV Eriogonum ovalifolium 11 + — — 7 + — —

FEID Festuca idahoensis — — 75 27 — — — —HOUM Holosteum umbellatum 39 + 46 + 14 + 36 1LUPIN Lupinus sp. 7 1 11 1 7 + — —MIGR Microsteris gracilis 43 + — — — — — —
8

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-969 Table 2—Plant association, understory coverage, and frequency of eight permanent plots in the Black Canyon Research Natural Area (continued) Plant associationa > ARTR/PSSP6 ARTR/FEID ARTR/PSSP6 ARTR/PSSP6 Plot # > 478 478 479 479 480 480 481 481

Codeb Species name Coverc Frequencyc Cover Frequency Cover Frequency Cover Frequency

PEDE4 Penstemon deustus var. variabilis — — — — — — 11 +

PLMA4 Plantago macrocarpa 4 + — — — — — —

SCAN3 Scutellaria angustifolia — — — — — — 29 2

TRDU2 Tragopogon dubius — — 4 + 7 + — —

VUMI Vulpia microstachys — — 4 + — — — —

+ = <0.5 percent cover and is converted to 0.2 percent cover in estimating cover values.a Plant associations are named based on a combination of the dominant life form plus the characteristic or dominant plant species in the various plant layers (trees, shrubs, and herbs). Plant association acronyms are a shorthand form for communicating the plant association name. Each acronym is made up of the first two letters of the genus name of the dominant or characteristic species within a layer, and combined with the first two letters of the specific epithet of the species. Life form layers are separated by a slash (/) Codominants within a layer are separated by a dash (-). b ACTH = Achnatherum thurberiana, ARTR = Artemisia tridentata, CELE3 = Cercocarpus ledifolius, FEID = Festuca idahoensis, GUSA = Gutierrezia 

sarothrae, JUOC = Juniperus occidentalis, PSSP = Pseudoroegneria spicata, PUTR = Purshia tridentata.

c Frequency is expressed as percentage of relative frequency. Vegetation cover is expressed as percentage of foliar cover. + = trace (<0.5 percent foliar cover), 

— = not recorded. Zero values are not included.

d See appendix 1 for a listing of scientific and common names.
9

Black Canyon Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 52

as lupine (Lupinus sp.), threadleaf fleabane (Erigeron filifolius), common yarrow 

(Achillea millefolium), and narrowleaf skullcap (Scutellaria angustifolia) are present 

in minor amounts. Native, annual herbs and grasses include slender phlox (Microsteris gracilis), tall annual willowherb (Epilobium brachycarpum), and small fescue 

(Vulpia microstachys). Introduced, nonnative herbs and grasses are conspicuous 

throughout the understory. These include cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), spring 

draba (Draba verna), jagged chickweed (Holosteum umbellatum), and smooth 

brome (Bromus hordaceous) (Schuller and Canham 2016).

The second most abundant plant association in Black Canyon RNA is the 

Artemisia tridentata/Pseudoroegneria spicata–Festuca idahoensis (big sagebrush/

bluebunch wheatgrass-Idaho fescue) plant association (fig. 5). It occupies 823 ha 

(2,033 ac) or approximately 30 percent of the RNA. The Artemisia tridentata/Pseudoroegneria spicata–Achnatherum thurberiana plant association occupies a variety 

of shallow, rocky soil types that collectively account for 582 ha (1,438 ac) or 22 

percent of the RNA. Two additional vegetation communities occupy relatively small 

amounts of land within the RNA, but are of ecological significance: (1) the Artemisia tridentata–Gutierrezia sarothrae/Achnatherum thurberianum–Pseudoroegneria spicata (big sagebrush-broom snakeweed/Thurber’s needlegrass-bluebunch 

wheatgrass), which is distinguished by the high abundance of Thurber’s needlegrass 

relative to other native bunchgrasses in the area; and (2) a small riparian area, 

which is both an important area for wildlife, and supports a moderate number of 

plant species not present elsewhere within the RNA (Schuller and Canham 2016). 

Numerous showy herbaceous species occur throughout the RNA, including 

Clearwater cryptantha (Cryptantha intermedia) (fig. 6). The RNA also supports a 

population of the Oregon state sensitive plant species: arrow-leaf thelypody (Thelypodium eucosmum) (USDA FS and USDI BLM 2015).

Fauna

Amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals known or expected to occur within the 

RNA are listed in appendix 2. These lists have been derived from published literature (Csuti et al. 1997), using species distribution, life history characteristics, and 

availability of habitat within the RNA as criteria for inclusion on the list.

Research History

Sutton Mountain is the site of some of the earliest paleontological exploration in the 

state of Oregon. In the mid- to late-1860s, Dr. Thomas Condon recovered specimens 

that aided in interpreting the evolution of the horse. In 1899, researchers from the 

University of California, Berkeley, surveyed and collected vertebrate fossils in the 
10

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-969

Figure 5–Representative vegetation within the big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass–

Thurber’s needlegrass plant association within Black Canyon Research Natural Area.

Figure 6–Clearwater cryptantha (Cryptantha intermedia) is a conspicuous herbaceous 

species within Black Canyon Research Natural Area.
11

Black Canyon Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 52

area. Current research on Sutton Mountain indicates that fossil localities on the 

mountain provide important information concerning the Haystack Member of the 

John Day Formation (USDI BLM 1995).

Long-term vegetation monitoring plots were established in 2016 (Schuller and 

Canham 2016). Four plots were established to characterize vegetation structure and 

composition of representative stands of Artemisia tridentata/Festuca idahoensis 

(big sagebrush/Idaho fescue); and Artemisia tridentata/Pseudoroegneria spicata 

(big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass).

Disturbance History

Lightning-ignited wildfires have been a frequent part of the Sutton Mountain landscape in recent years. Table 3 summarizes recent fire history within the RNA and 

shows the year and size of burned area occurring within the RNA since 1999 (USDI 

BLM 2017). Six wildfires have been recorded for the 1999 to 2017 period. Four 

fires have been less than 2 ha (5 ac) in size. Two fires have burned more extensively 

within the RNA. In 2001, a 243-ha (600-ac) fire burned at upper elevations on Sutton Mountain. In 2001, a 54-ha (133-ac) fire also burned within the RNA.

Historical Land Use 

Livestock grazing has been the predominant land use in and around the RNA since 

1865. Sutton Mountain, located in the southwest portion of the RNA was named 

after Al Sutton, an early stockman who first moved to Wheeler County in 1865 

(McArthur 1952). From that time until the early 1900s, sheep grazing was the primary grazing enterprise in Wheeler County. By 1900, approximately 12,000 sheep 

were grazing on lands surrounding the town of Twickenham, located just 3 km 

(2 mi) northeast of the RNA (Fussner 1975).

The first General Land Office survey completed within the RNA and surrounding township in 1881 described the area as “generally mountainous, broken and 

Table 3—Fire history within the Black Canyon 

Research Natural Area, 1999–2012

Name of wildfire Year of burn Burn size 

234 2012 2 ha (5 ac)

235 2012 0.04 ha (0.1 ac)

322 2011 243 ha (600 ac)

Sutton 2003 0.04 ha (0.1 ac)

719 2001 54 ha (134 ac)

Rim 1999 0.9 ha (2 ac)
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GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-969

rocky” with “good agricultural land” in creek valleys. The cadastral survey map 

from this time also indicates two homesteads within the RNA: “E. Bailey’s House” 

and the “Robinson House” (USDI BLM 1881 to present). Both homes were located 

in the uplands, suggesting they were used for grazing and not agricultural purposes.

There were many failed and few successful attempts to homestead the RNA 

and surrounding area from 1900 to 1919, at which point stock raising homestead 

entries began to dominate land claims in and around the RNA until 1931. Oil and 

gas leases dominated land claims after that period (USDI BLM 1881 to present). 

Maps 

Maps applicable to Black Canyon RNA: Topographic—Sutton Mountain, 7.5 

minute; 1:24,000 scale, 1987 (provisional edition); BLM Sutton Mountain and Pat’s 

Cabin Wilderness Study Area map, 2011.

Acknowledgments

The following people merit recognition for their contributions: Larry Ashton, 

USDI BLM Prineville District wildlife biologist, reviewed and improved the list 

of animals in appendix 2. Ryan Griffin, USDI BLM Prineville District archaeologist, provided input for the “Historical Land Use” section. We also thank the 

three manuscript reviewers: Todd Wilson, wildlife biologist and research natural 

area coordinator, U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station; Teal 

Purrington, planning and environmental coordinator; and Ron Halvorson, district 

botanist (retired), Prineville District, Bureau of Land Management. The project is 

funded through the BLM Oregon State Office, and is administratively supported by 

the U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station.

U.S. Equivalents

When you know: Multiply by: To find:

Millimeters (mm) 0.0394 Inches 

Centimeters (cm) 0.394 Inches

Meters (m) 3.28 Feet 

Kilometers (km) 0.62 Miles 

Hectares (ha) 2.471 Acres 

Square meters (m2

) 10.76 Square feet 

Degrees Fahrenheit (°F) (°F – 32)/1.8 Degrees Celsius (°C)
13

Black Canyon Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 52

References

Csuti, B.; Kimerling, A.J.; O’Neil, T.A.; Shaughnessy, M.M.; Gaines, E.P.; 

Huso, M.M.P. 1997. Atlas of Oregon wildlife. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State 

University Press. 427 p. + map. 

Franklin, J.F.; Dyrness, C.T. 1988. Natural vegetation of Oregon and Washington. 

2

nd ed. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University Press. 452 p.

Franklin, J.F.; Hall, F.C.; Dyrness, C.T.; Maser, C. 1972. Federal research 

natural areas in Oregon and Washington: a guidebook for scientists and 

educators. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific 

Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 498 p.

Fussner, F.S. 1975. Glimpses of Wheeler County’s past: an early history of north 

central Oregon. Portland, OR: Binfords and Mort. 134 p.

Jaster, T.; Meyers, S.C.; Sundberg, S., eds. 2017. Oregon vascular plant checklist. 

http://www.oregonflora.org/checklist.php. Version 1.7. (20 July 2017).

Johnson, C.G., Jr.; Swanson, D.K. 2005. Bunchgrass plant communities of the 

Blue and Ochoco Mountains: a guide for managers. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNWGTR-641. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific 

Northwest Research Station. 119 p.

McArthur, L.A. 1952. Oregon geographic names. Portland, OR: Binfords 

and Mort. 686 p.

Oregon Natural Areas Program [ONAP]. 2015. Oregon Natural Areas Plan. 

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the Oregon Biodiversity 

Information Center, Institute for Natural Resources–Portland. Portland, OR: 

Portland State University. 189 p.

Schuller, R.; Canham, S. 2017. Vegetation and flora monitoring in Black Canyon 

Research Natural Area, Oregon. Unpublished data. On file with: Bureau of Land 

Management, Prineville District, 3050 NE 3rd St., Prineville, OR 97754.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service 

[USDA NRCS]. 2017a. PLANTS database. http://plants.usda.gov/. (17 July 2015).

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service 

[USDA NRCS]. 2017b. STATSGO soils for Black Canyon, OR–BLM geographic 

information system metadata. Unpublished data. On file with: Prineville District 

Office, Bureau of Land Management, 3050 NE 3rd St., Prineville, OR 97754.
14

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-969

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and U.S. Department of the 

Interior, Bureau of Land Management [USDA and USDI 2015]. Enclosure

1–federally threatened, endangered & proposed species and sensitive and 

strategic species list. Interagency Special Status/Sensitive Species Program. 

https://www.fs.fed.us/r6/sfpnw/issssp/agency-policy/. (5 June 2017). 

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management [USDI BLM]. 

1881 to “present” (circa 2008). Cadastral maps and historic index, Township 

10 South, Range 21 East, Willamette Meridian. On file with: Prineville District 

Office, Bureau of Land Management, 3050 NE 3rd St., Prineville, OR 97754.

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management [USDI BLM]. 

1995. Sutton Mountain coordinated resource management plan (CRMP). 155 p. 

On file with: Prineville District Office, Bureau of Land Management, 3050 NE 

3

rd St., Prineville, OR 97754.

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management [USDI BLM]. 

2008. Unpublished field notes. On file with: Prineville District Office, Bureau

of Land Management, 3050 NE 3rd St., Prineville, OR 97754.

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management [USDI BLM]. 

2011. Sutton Mountain and Pat’s Cabin Wilderness Study Area map, 2011. 

Unpublished map. On file with: Prineville District Office, Bureau of Land 

Management, 3050 NE 3rd St., Prineville, OR 97754.

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management [USDI BLM]. 

2015. John Day Basin, Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan. 

350 p. http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/prineville/plans/files/pdo_rodrrmp_John_

Day_Basin_ROD-RMP_06102015.pdf. (19 January 2018).

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management [USDI BLM]. 

2017. Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District geographic information 

system database. Unpublished data. On file with: Prineville District Office, 

Bureau of Land Management, 3050 NE 3rd St., Prineville, OR 97754.

Western Regional Climate Center [WRCC]. 2016. Monthly climate summary for 

Mitchell 17 SW Ochoco, Oregon 6/1/1909 to 3/31/2013. https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgibin/cliMAIN.pl?or6243. (13 September 2016).
15

Black Canyon Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 52

Scientific name Common name

Trees:

Cercocarpus ledifolius Nutt. ex Torr. & A. Gray var. ledifoliusc Curl-leaf mountain mahogany

Juniperus occidentalis Hook. Western juniper

Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex C. Lawson var. ponderosa Ponderosa pine

Tall shrubs >2 m (6.6 ft) tall:

Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex M. Roem. Saskatoon serviceberry

Betula occidentalis Hook. Water birch

Celtis reticulata Torr. Netleaf hackberry

Cornus sericea L. Redosier dogwood

Holodiscus microphyllus Rydb. var. glabrescens

(Greenm.) F.A. Ley

Oceanspray

Philadelphus lewisii Pursh Lewis’ mock orange

Prunus virginiana L. var. melanocarpa (A. Nelson) Sarg. Black chokecherry

Salix amygdaloides Andersson Peachleaf willow

Salix sp. Willow

Medium shrubs 0.5 to 2 m (1.6 to 6.6 ft) tall:

Artemisia tridentata Nutt. Big sagebrush

Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. wyomingensis Beetle & Young Wyoming big sagebrush

Atriplex confertifolia (Torr. & Frém.) S. Watson Shadscale saltbush

Chrysothamnus humilis Greene Truckee rabbitbrush

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (Hook.) Nutt. Yellow rabbitbrush

Ericameria nauseosa (Pall. ex Pursh) G.L. Nesom & G.I. Baird Rubber rabbitbrush

Grayia spinosa (Hook.) Moq. Spiny hopsage

Gutierrezia sarothrae (Pursh) Britton & Rusby Broom snakeweed

Linanthus pungens (Torr.) J.M. Porter & L.A. Johnson Granite prickly phlox

Purshia tridentata (Pursh) DC. Antelope bitterbrush

Ribes cereum Douglas var. cereum Wax currant

Ribes lacustre (Pers.) Poir. Prickly currant

Rosa woodsii Lindl. var. ultramontana (S. Watson) Jeps. Woods’ rose

Sarcobatus vermiculatus (Hook.) Torr. Greasewood

Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams var. incana (Benth.) Strachan Purple sage

Tetradymia canescens DC. Spineless horsebrush

Low shrubs <0.5 m (1.6 ft) tall:

Brickellia oblongifolia Nutt. var. oblongifolia Mojave brickellbush

Ericameria resinosa Nutt. Columbian goldenbush

Appendix 1: Plants a b
16

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-969

Scientific name Common name

Toxicodendron rydbergii (Small ex Rydb.) Greene Western poison ivy

Ferns:

Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. Brittle bladderfern

Forbs:

Achillea millefolium L. Common yarrow

Agoseris heterophylla (Nutt.) Greene Annual agoseris

Allium tolmiei Baker Tolmie’s onion

Alyssum alyssoides (L.) L. Pale madwort

Amsinckia lycopsoides Lehm. Tarweed fiddleneck

Amsinckia tessellata A. Gray Bristly fiddleneck

Antennaria sp. Pussytoes

Antennaria dimorpha (Nutt.) Torr. & A. Gray Low pussytoes

Antennaria pulvinata Greene Rosy pussytoes

Aquilegia formosa Fisch. ex DC. Western columbine

Arabis eschscholtziana Andrz. Eschscholtz’s hairy rockcress

Arceuthobium campylopodum Engelm. Western dwarf mistletoe

Asclepias speciosa Torr. Showy milkweed

Astragalus diaphanus Douglas ex Hook. var. diaphanus Transparent milkvetch

Astragalus filipes Torr. ex A. Gray Basalt milkvetch

Astragalus lentiginosus Douglas var. chartaceus M.E. Jones Broadleaf milkvetch

Astragalus purshii Douglas ex Hook. Woollypod milkvetch

Boechera sp. Rockcress

Boechera pauciflora (Nutt.) Windham & Al-Shehbaz Hairystem rockcress

Boechera pendulocarpa (A. Nelson) Windham & Al-Shehbaz Dropseed rockcress

Calochortus macrocarpus Douglas Sagebrush mariposa lily

Castilleja tenuis (A. Heller) T.I. Chuang 

& Heckard

Hairy Indian paintbrush

Castilleja xanthotricha Pennell Yellowhair Indian paintbrush

Centaurea stoebe L. ssp. Micranthos (Gugler) Hayek Spotted knapweed

Ceratocephala testiculata (Crantz) Roth Curveseed butterwort

Chaenactis douglasii (Hook.) Hook. & Arn. Douglas’ dustymaiden

Chaenactis nevii A. Gray John Day’s pincushion

Chenopodium fremontii S. Watson Fremont’s goosefoot

Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. Canada thistle

Claytonia perfoliata Donn ex Willd. Miner’s lettuce

Clematis ligusticifolia Nutt. Western white clematis

Collinsia parviflora Douglas ex Lindl. Maiden blue-eyed Mary

Collomia grandiflora Douglas ex Lindl. Grand collomia
17

Black Canyon Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 52

Scientific name Common name

Collomia linearis Nutt. Tiny trumpet

Crepis atribarba A. Heller Slender hawksbeard

Cryptantha ambigua (A. Gray) Greene Basin cryptantha

Cryptantha intermedia (A. Gray) Greene Clearwater cryptantha

Cryptantha torreyana (A. Gray) Greene Torrey’s cryptantha

Dalea ornata (Douglas ex Hook.) Eaton 

& Wright

Blue Mountain prairie clover

Daucus carota L. Queen Anne’s lace

Delphinium nuttallianum Pritz. ex Walp. Twolobe larkspur

Descurainia pinnata (Walter) Britton Western tansymustard

Dieteria canescens (Pursh) Nutt. Hoary tansyaster

Diplacus cusickii (Greene) G.L. Nesom Cusick’s monkeyflower

Diplacus nanus (Hook. & Arn.) G.L. Nesom Dwarf purple monkeyflower

Dipsacus fullonum L. Fuller’s teasel

Dodecatheon pulchellum (Raf.) Merr. Darkthroat shootingstar

Draba verna L. Spring draba

Epilobium brachycarpum C. Presl Tall annual willowherb

Equisetum arvense L. Field horsetail

Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun Smooth horsetail

Eriastrum wilcoxii (A. Nelson) H. Mason Wilcox’s woollystar

Erigeron chrysopsidis A. Gray Dwarf yellow fleabane

Erigeron filifolius (Hook.) Nutt. Threadleaf fleabane

Erigeron linearis (Hook.) Piper Desert yellow fleabane

Erigeron pumilus Nutt. var. intermedius 

Cronquist

Shaggy fleabane

Erigeron speciosus (Lindl.) DC. Aspen fleabane

Eriogonum compositum Douglas ex Benth Arrowleaf buckwheat

Eriogonum microtheca Nutt. var. laxiflorum Hook. Slender buckwheat

Eriogonum strictum Benth. var. proliferum (Torr. & A. Gray) 

C.L. Hitchc.

Blue Mountain buckwheat

Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. Sulphur-flower buckwheat

Eriogonum vimineum Douglas ex. Benth. Wickerstem buckwheat

Eriophyllum lanatum (Pursh) J. Forbes Common woolly sunflower

Erodium cicutarium (L.) L′Hér. Ex Aiton Redstem stork’s bill

Erysimum repandum L. Spreading wallflower

Erythranthe guttata (Fisch. ex DC.) G.L. Nesom Seep monkeyflower

Fritillaria atropurpurea Nutt. Spotted fritillary

Galium aparine L. Stickywilly

Gayophytum ramosissimum Torr. & A. Gray Pinyon groundsmoke
18

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-969

Scientific name Common name

Gilia sinuata Douglas ex Benth Rosy gilia

Heracleum maximum W. Bartram Common cowparsnip

Hesperolinon micranthum (A. Gray) Small Smallflower dwarf-flax

Heterotheca villosa (Pursh) Shinners var. villosa Hairy false goldenaster

Heuchera cylindrica Douglas Roundleaf alumroot

Holosteum umbellatum L. Jagged chickweed

Hymenopappus filifolius Hook. Fineleaf hymenopappus

Layia glandulosa (Hook.) Hook. & Arn. Whitedaisy tidytips

Lewisia rediviva Pursh Bitter root

Linaria dalmatica (L.) Mill. Dalmatian toadflax

Lithophragma parviflorum (Hook.) Nutt. ex Torr. & A. Gray Smallflower woodland-star

Lithospermum ruderale Douglas ex Lehm. Western stoneseed

Lomatium papilioniferum J.A. Alexander & W. Whaley Gray’s biscuitroot

Lomatium triternatum (Pursh) J.M. Coult. & Rose Nineleaf biscuitroot

Lupinus lepidus Douglas ex Lindl. var. aridus (Lindl.) Jeps. Desert lupine

Malus sp. Apple

Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall. Sweetclover

Mentzelia albicaulis (Douglas ex Hook.) Douglas ex Torr. 

& A. Gray

Whitestem blazingstar

Mentzelia laevicaulis (Douglas ex Hook.) Torr. & A. 

Gray var. laevicaulis

Smoothstem blazingstar

Microseris nutans (Hook.) Sch. Bip. Nodding microseris

Microsteris gracilis (Hook.) Greene Slender phlox

Montia parviflora (Moç ex DC.) Greene Streambank springbeauty

Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton Watercress

Nothocalais troximoides (A. Gray) Greene Sagebrush false dandelion

Opuntia fragilis (Nutt.) Haw. Brittle pricklypear

Orobanche fasiculata Nutt. Clustered broomrape

Penstemon deustus Douglas ex Lindl. var. variabilis 

(Suksd.) Cronquist

Scabland penstemon

Penstemon eriantherus Pursh var. argillosus M.E. Jones Fuzzytongue penstemon

Phacelia hastata Douglas ex Lehm. var. hastata Silverleaf phacelia

Phacelia linearis (Pursh) Holz. Threadleaf phacelia

Phlox longifolia Nutt. Longleaf phlox

Plagiobothrys tenellus (Nutt.) A. Gray Pacific popcornflower

Plectritis macrocera Torr. & A. Gray Longhorn plectritis

Potentilla sp. Cinquefoil

Potentilla gracilis Douglas ex Hook. Slender cinquefoil

Pyrrocoma hirta (A. Gray) Greene Tacky goldenweed
19

Black Canyon Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 52

Scientific name Common name

Rumex crispus L. Curly dock

Salsola tragus L. Prickly Russian thistle

Scutellaria angustifolia Pursh Narrowleaf skullcap

Senecio integerrimus Nutt. var. exaltatus (Nutt.) Cronquist Columbia ragwort

Sisymbrium altissimum L. Tall tumblemustard

Solidago missouriensis Nutt. Missouri goldenrod

Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F.H. Wigg. Common dandelion

Thelypodium eucosmum B.L. Rob. Arrow-leaf thelypody

Toxicoscordion paniculatum (Nutt.) Rydb. Foothill deathcamas

Toxicoscordion venenosum (S. Watson) Rydb. Meadow deathcamas

Tragopogon dubius Scop. Yellow salsify

Tribulus terrestris L. Puncturevine

Typha latifolia L. Broadleaf cattail

Urtica dioica L. holosericea (Nutt.) Thorne Stinging nettle

Verbascum thapsus L. Common mullein

Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. Water speedwell

Grasses, rushes, and sedges:

Achnatherum hymenoides (Roem. & Schult.) Barkworth Indian ricegrass

Achnatherum occidentale (Thurb.) Barkworth Western needlegrass

Achnatherum thurberianum (Piper) Barkworth Thurber’s needlegrass

Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. Crested wheatgrass

Bromus briziformis Fisch. & C.A. Mey. Rattlesnake brome

Bromus hordeaceus L. Soft brome

Bromus tectorum L. Cheatgrass

Carex amplifolia Boott Bigleaf sedge

Carex aurea Nutt. Golden sedge

Carex hystericina Muhl. ex Willd. Bottlebrush sedge

Carex microptera Mack. Smallwing sedge

Carex nebrascensis Dewey Nebraska sedge

Carex nudata W. Boott Naked sedge

Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey Bottlebrush squirreltail

Festuca idahoensis Elmer Idaho fescue

Hesperostipa comata (Trin. & Rupr.) Barkworth ssp. comate Needle and thread

Juncus dudleyi Wiegand Dudley’s rush

Juncus nevadensis S. Watson var. nevadensis Sierra rush

Koeleria macrantha (Ledeb.) Schult. Prairie junegrass

Leymus cinereus (Scribn. & Merr.) Á. Löve Basin wildrye

Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) Barkworth & D. R. Dewey Western wheatgrass
20

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-969

Scientific name Common name

Poa bulbosa L. Bulbous bluegrass

Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii Cusick’s bluegrass

Poa pratensis L. Kentucky bluegrass

Poa secunda J. Presl ssp. juncifolia (Scribn.) Soreng Big bluegrass

Poa secunda J. Presl ssp. secunda Sandberg bluegrass

Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) Á. Löve Bluebunch wheatgrass

Schoenoplectus americanus (Pers.) Volkart ex Schinz 

& R. Keller

Chairmaker’s bulrush

Sporobolus cryptandrus (Torr.) A. Gray Sand dropseed

Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski Medusahead

Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth 

& D. R. Dewey

Intermediate wheatgrass

Vulpia microstachys (Nutt.) Munro ex Benth. Small fescue

a

 Nomenclature for vascular plants, ferns, and fern-allies follows Oregon vascular plant checklist: http://www.oregonflora.org/

checklist.php. Version 1.6 (Jaster et al. (2017). Common names are taken from the USDA PLANTS Database. http://www.plants.

gov (USDA NRCS 2017a). 

b

 Compiled from field surveys (Schuller et al. 2016, USDI BLM 2008).

c

 Cercocarpus ledifolius occurs in both tree form and shrub form within the research natural area.
21

Black Canyon Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 52

Family Scientific name Common name

Amphibians: 

Bufonidae Bufo boreas Western toad

Hylidae Pseudacris regilla Pacific chorus frog

Pleobatidae Scaphiopus intermontanus Great Basin spadefoot

Reptiles:

Anguidae Elgaria multicarinata Southern alligator lizard

Boidae Charina bottae Rubber boa

Colubridae Coluber constrictor Racer

Hypsiglena torquata Night snake

Masticophis taeniatus Striped whipsnake

Pituophis melanoleucus Gopher snake

Thamnophis elegans Western terrestrial garter snake

Thamnophis sirtalis Common garter snake

Iguanidae Phrynosoma douglasii Short-horned lizard

Sceloporus graciosus Sagebrush lizard

Sceloporus occidentalis Western fence lizard

Uta stansburiana Side-blotched lizard

Scincidae Eumeces skiltonianus Western skink

Teiidae Cnemidophorus velox Plateau striped whiptail

Viperidae Crotalus viridis Western rattlesnake

Birds:

Accipitridae Accipiter cooperii Cooper’s hawk

Accipiter gentilis Northern goshawk

Accipiter striatus Sharp-shinned hawk

Aquila chrysaetos Golden eagle

Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed hawk

Circus cyaneus Northern harrier

Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald eagle

Pandion haliaetus Osprey

Cathartidae Cathartes aura Turkey vulture

Falconidae Falco mexicanus Prairie falcon

Falco peregrinus Peregrine falcon

Falco sparverius American kestrel

Appendix 2: Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and 

Mammalsa b
22

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-969

Family Scientific name Common name

Phasianidae Alectoris chukar Chukar

Callipepla californica California quail

Oreortyx pictus Mountain quail

Perdix perdix Gray partridge

Charadriidae Charadrius vociferous Killdeer

Columbidae Columbia livia Rock dove

Zenaida macroura Mourning dove

Tytonidae Tyto alba Barn owl

Strigidae Asio otus Long-eared owl

Athene cunicularia Burrowing owl

Bubo virginianus Great-horned owl

Glaucidium gnoma Northern pygmy owl

Otus kennicottii Western screech-owl

Caprimulgidae Chordeiles minor Common nighthawk

Apodidae Aeronautes saxatalis White-throated swift

Chaetura vauxi Vaux’s swift

Trochilidae Archilochus alexandri Black-chinned hummingbird

Stellula calliope Calliope hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus Rufous hummingbird

Picidae Colaptes auratus Northern flicker

Picoides pubescens Downy woodpecker

Picoides villosus Hairy woodpecker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis Red-naped sapsucker

Tyrannidae Contopus sordidulus Western wood peewee

Empidonax oberholseri Dusky flycatcher

Empidonax wrightii Gray flycatcher

Sayornis saya Say’s phoebe

Myiarchus cinerascens Ash-throated flycatcher

Tyrannus verticalis Western kingbird

Alaudidae Eremophila alpestris Horned lark

Hirundinidae Hirundo pyrrhonota Cliff swallow

Hirundo rustica Barn swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis Northern rough-winged 

swallow

Tachycineta bicolor Tree swallow

Tachycineta thalassina Violet-green swallow

Corvidae Aphelocoma californica Western scrub-jay 
23

Black Canyon Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 52

Family Scientific name Common name

Corvus brachyrhynchos American crow

Corvus corax Common raven

Cyanocitta stelleri Steller’s jay

Gymnorhinus 

cyanocephalus

Pinyon jay

Nucifraga columbiana Clark’s nutcracker

Pica pica Black-billed magpie

Paridae Parus atricapillus Black-capped chickadee

Parus gambeli Mountain chickadee

Aegithalidae Psaltriparus minimus Bushtit

Sittidae Sitta canadensis Red-breasted nuthatch

Troglodytidae Catherpes mexicanus Canyon wren

Salpinctes obsoletus Rock wren

Troglodytes aedon House wren

Muscicapidae Myadestes townsendi Townsend’s solitaire

Sialia mexicana Western bluebird

Sialia currucoides Mountain bluebird

Turdus migratorius American robin

Mimidae Oreoscoptes montanus Sage thrasher

Bombycillidae Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar waxwing

Laniidae Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead shrike

Sturnidae Sturnus vulgaris European starling

Vireonidae Vireo solitarius Blue-headed vireo

Emberizidae Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged blackbird

Chondestes grammacus Lark sparrow

Dendroica coronata Yellow-rumped warbler

Dendroica nigrescens Black-throated gray warbler

Euphagus cyanocephalus Brewer’s blackbird

Icterus bullockii Bullock’s oriole

Junco hyemalis Dark-eyed junco

Molothrus ater Brown-headed cowbird

Passerculus sandwichensis Savannah sparrow

Passerella iliaca Fox sparrow

Pipilo chlorurus Green-tailed towhee

Pipilo maculatus Spotted towhee

Pooecetes gramineus Vesper sparrow

Spizella breweri Brewer’s sparrow
24

GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT PNW-GTR-969

Family Scientific name Common name

Spizella passerina Chipping sparrow

Sturnella neglecta Western meadowlark

Zonotrichia leucophrys White-crowned sparrow

Fringillidae Carduelis pinus Pine siskin

Carduelis psaltria Lesser goldfinch

Carduelis tristis American goldfinch

Carpodacus cassinii Cassin’s finch

Carpodacus mexicanus House finch

Mammals:

Soricidae Sorex merriami Merriam’s shrew

Sorex preblei Preble’s shrew

Sorex vagrans Vagrant shrew

Talpidae Scapanus orarius Coast mole

Verspertilionidae Antrozous pallidus Pallid bat

Corynorhinus townsendii Townsend’s big-eared bat

Eptesicus fuscus Big brown bat

Lasionycteris noctivagans Silver-haired bat

Myotis californicus California myotis

Myotis ciliolabrum Western small-footed myotis

Myotis evotis Long-eared myotis

Myotis lucifugus Little brown myotis

Myotis thysanodes Fringed myotis

Myotis volans Long-legged myotis

Myotis yumanensis Yuma myotis

Leporidae Lepus californicus Black-tailed jackrabbit

Sylvilagus nuttallii Mountain cottontail

Sciuridae Spermophilus beecheyi California ground squirrel

Spermophilus beldingi Belding’s ground squirrel

Spermophilus townsendii Townsend’s ground squirrel

Tamias townsendii Townsend’s chipmunk

Geomyidae Thomomys talpoides Northern pocket gopher

Heteromyidae Dipodomys ordii Ord’s kangaroo rat

Perognathus parvus Great Basin pocket mouse

Muridae Lemmiscus curtatus Sagebrush vole

Marmota flaviventris Yellow-bellied marmot

Microtus longicaudus Long-tailed vole

Neotoma cinerea Bushy-tailed woodrat

Onychomys leucogaster Northern grasshopper mouse
25

Black Canyon Research Natural Area: Guidebook Supplement 52

Family Scientific name Common name

Peromyscus crinitus Canyon mouse

Peromyscus maniculatus Deer mouse

Peromyscus truei Pinyon mouse

Erethizontidae Erethizon dorsatum Common porcupine

Canidae Canis latrans Coyote

Vulpes vulpes Red fox

Procyonidae Procyon lotor Common raccoon

Mustelidae Mephitis mephitis Striped skunk

Mustela frenata Long-tailed weasel

Spilogale gracilis Western spotted skunk

Taxidea taxus American badger

Felidae Felis concolor Mountain lion

Lynx rufus Bobcat

Cervidae Odocoileus hemionus Mule deer

Cervus canadensis nelsoni Rocky Mountain elk

a Nomenclature taken from Csuti et al. 1997.

b Compiled from habitat descriptions and distribution maps in Csuti et al. (1997). 
Pacific Northwest Research Station

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