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Washoe Lake

Ecosystem Overview

The Washoe Lake ecosystem supports 49 documented wildlife species across 42 taxonomic genera. Located in washoe county, nevada, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 10 frequently observed species and 9 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. While Reno nearby has 51% more documented species, Washoe Lake offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. This location ranks #5 for species diversity among 16 washoe county County natural areas, placing it in the 69th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

49
Total Species
Documented wildlife species
42
Genus Diversity
Taxonomic genera represented
25
Common Species
Frequently observed species
24
Rare Species
Occasionally documented species
#5
Regional Rank
Out of 16 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common10 species
Common15 species
Occasional15 species
Rare9 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking
#5 of 16 locations
69th percentile for diversity
vs. Reno
-51% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 49 total documented species.

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

yellow-headed blackbird

Very Common7 obs.
Charadrius vociferus

Charadrius vociferus

Killdeer

Very Common6 obs.
Aechmophorus clarkii

Aechmophorus clarkii

Clark's Grebe

Very Common5 obs.
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

American White Pelican

Very Common5 obs.
Plegadis chihi

Plegadis chihi

White-faced Ibis

Very Common4 obs.
Ardea herodias

Ardea herodias

Great Blue Heron

Common3 obs.
Persicaria amphibia

Persicaria amphibia

Common3 obs.
Danaus plexippus

Danaus plexippus

monarch

Common2 obs.
Taraxia tanacetifolia

Taraxia tanacetifolia

tansyleaf evening primrose

Common2 obs.
Distichlis spicata

Distichlis spicata

Saltgrass

Common2 obs.
Podilymbus podiceps

Podilymbus podiceps

Pied-billed grebe

Common2 obs.
Calidris minutilla

Calidris minutilla

least sandpiper

Occasional2 obs.
Hydroprogne caspia

Hydroprogne caspia

Caspian tern

Occasional2 obs.
Sterna forsteri

Sterna forsteri

forster’s tern

Occasional2 obs.
Quiscalus mexicanus

Quiscalus mexicanus

Great-tailed Grackle

Occasional2 obs.
Xema sabini

Xema sabini

Sabine's gull

Occasional2 obs.
Spatula clypeata

Spatula clypeata

Northern Shoveler

Occasional2 obs.
Recurvirostra americana

Recurvirostra americana

American avocet

Rare1 obs.
Fulica americana

Fulica americana

American Coot

Rare1 obs.
Bombus nevadensis

Bombus nevadensis

Nevada Bumble Bee

Rare1 obs.

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No comparable locations found in this region.

Nearby Wildlife Areas in Washoe County

Discover 8 other wildlife-rich locations near Washoe Lake. Each offers unique biodiversity and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Regional Wildlife Network

These nearby locations complement Washoe Lakewithin Washoe County's wildlife network. Species counts reflect documented observations and help identify the most biodiverse areas for your nature explorations.

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