The Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 90 miles north of Las Vegas in Lincoln County, Nevada, is located in the Pacific Flyway, and encompasses 5,380 acres. The name, Pahranagat, comes from the Pauite Indian word meaning valley of shining waters. Established to provide habitat for migratory birds, especially waterfowl, the refuge is a unit of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex. More than 230 different species of birds use refuge habitats. The abundance and diversity of birds is highest during spring and fall migrations when large numbers of songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors are present. Refuge habitat ranges from cattail marshes to arid Mojave Desert uplands. The refuge's lakes and marshes are a rare sight in southern Nevada.