High elevation; harsh winter weather; variable topography, seasons, and habitats; and shifting ranges provide for a diverse bird community in Canaan Valley and Tucker County, WV. A total of 195 species has been recorded during censuses—50 permanent residents and 145 summer residents, migrants, and accidentals—and 86 species are confirmed as breeding in the county. Bird habitats include coniferous, hardwood, and mixed hardwood-conifer forests; old field and forest-field margins; and alder swamps, spirea thickets, and wet meadows. Harsh winter conditions limit the number of overwintering birds. All of these factors affect the occurrence and distribution of Canaan Valley's birds.