Colusa National Wildlife Refuge, National wildlife refuge in Colusa County, United States

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge covers 4,507 acres of intensively managed wetland impoundments in the Sacramento Valley, about 70 miles north of Sacramento, with some grassland and riparian habitat. It is one of six refuges in the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The grasslands hold the endangered palmate-bracted bird's beak and the threatened giant garter snake.

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is one of six refuges in the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex in the Sacramento Valley, about 70 miles north of Sacramento. Its 4,507 acres are mainly managed wetland impoundments, with some grassland and riparian habitat, and it winters more than 200,000 ducks and 50,000 geese.

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge draws about 35,000 visitors a year for wildlife viewing, while roughly 4,000 come to hunt waterfowl and pheasant. Bird watchers time their visits to the winter concentration of more than 200,000 ducks and 50,000 geese. The managed wetlands that draw them are flooded and drained on a schedule set for waterfowl.

The best time to visit is from September through March when most migrating birds are present. Visitors should arrive early in the morning to see the highest bird activity.

During winter months enormous flocks of waterfowl gather here as many species make a stopover during their migration. This makes the area one of the most important resting grounds for migrating birds across California.