Professional Documents
Culture Documents
OF nOrth america
eastern
region
editor-in-chief
François Vuilleumier
Content previously published in Birds of North America
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BIRDS
OF NORTH AMERICA
Editor-in-Chief
François Vuilleumier
EASTERN REGION
Content previously published in
Birds of North America
DORLING KINDERSLEY
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OF NATURAL HISTORY
Production Editors A catalog record for this book is available from the
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François Vuilleumier, Ph.D.
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CONTENTS
PREFACE 6 SPECIES GUIDE 22
GAMEBIRDS 23
HOW THIS BOOK WORKS 8
WATERFOWL 34
EVOLUTION 10
LOONS 73
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PREFACE
W
ith its eastern and western volumes, Birds of North America
attempts to fill a gap in the North American bird book market.
No other work offers, for every North American bird species, the same
combination of stunning iconography, including beautiful photographs
and precise distribution maps; scientifically accurate and readable
accounts of salient characteristics; data on identification, behavior, habitat,
voice, social structure, nest construction, breeding season, food, and
conservation status; diagrams of flight patterns; statistics of size, wingspan,
weight, clutch size, number of broods per year, and lifespan; and
geographic information about breeding, wintering, and migration.
THRUSHES Furthermore, no other bird book introduces, in such an up-to-date and
Back in the early 1900s,
the great wildlife artist lavishly illustrated manner, general material about birds: their evolution,
Louis Agassiz Fuertes already classification, anatomy, flight, migration, navigation, courtship, mating,
painted birds in the style of
modern field guides, as shown nests, and eggs. Scientific jargon has been avoided, but a glossary identifies
in this plate from Chapman’s concepts that benefit from an explanation.With its user-friendly format,
Handbook of the Birds of
Eastern North America. these eastern and western guides to Birds of North America should permit
readers either to enjoy studying one species account at a time, or browse
to make cross comparisons.
Many field guides exist, as well as treatises on groups like gulls,
hummingbirds, or sparrows; other books are dictionary-like, or focus
on species of conservation concern. However, no bird book today
can be called a “handbook,” a concise reference work that can be
conveniently carried around. I hope that these books will be useful
in this role to all persons interested in birds, whether young or older,
enthusiastic birder or beginner.
Historically, Birds of North America can be viewed as a successor to Frank
M. Chapman’s epochal Handbook of the Birds of Eastern North America,
published in 1895. During his 54 years at the American Museum
of Natural History in New York City, Chapman, dean of American
ornithologists, blazed a trail that contributed substantially to what
American ornithology, bird conservation, and birding have become.
The facts that the new book has the imprint of the American Museum
of Natural History, and that I, as its Editor-in-Chief, have worked there
for 31 years as Curator of Ornithology and as Chairman of its
Department of Ornithology, are not coincidental.
In his Handbook, Chapman treated all birds found in Eastern
North America.The description of each species was followed by data
on distribution, nest, and eggs, and a readable, often even brilliant text
about habitat, behavior, and voice.The illustrations included plates by two
pioneer American wildlife artists, Louis Agassiz Fuertes and Francis Lee
Jaques, whose style inspired all those who followed them. Some of these
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EASTERN AND WESTERN REGIONS
In a pioneering essay from 1908, Frank
Chapman realized, on the basis of his
own fieldwork, that the 100th Meridian
corresponded to a rather
clear-cut division of
North American bird Arctic
faunas into an Eastern Circle
and a Western region.
Of course there are exceptions and the
100th Meridian line is not something
that the birds themselves recognize. Western Eastern
The invisible barrier is located in Region Region
a transitional zone between habitats that
represent, respectively, Eastern versus Western
landscape types or biomes. Some, but not all, Tropic of
Cancer
modern field guides use the 100th Meridian
as a division between East and West. 100º W
plates were, already then, executed in field guide fashion. Anybody who
examines Chapman’s Handbook today is struck by how modern it is.
“Museum man” and “birder,” Chapman was also a gifted educator and
a good writer: a rare combination. Museum research gave him the
taxonomic background, and fieldwork throughout North America
sharpened his birding skills. As Editor-in-Chief of Birds of North America,
working in the department Chapman created, enjoying the same
extraordinary collection and library resources, and traveling as widely as
he did, I have endeavored to make this new book a work of which he
would have been proud. Don’t leave home without it––and bring along
binoculars and a pencil to jot down notes.
CATCHING
THE LIGHT
The only hummingbird species
breeding in the Eastern region
François Vuilleumier is the Ruby-throated
American Museum of Natural History, Hummingbird. With the right
New York City lighting, this male displays his
February 2011 brilliantly colored throat patch.
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HOW THIS BOOK WORKS
HE ICTERIDS EXEMPLIFY the wonderful COWBIRDS Conveys the main features black tail with
T diversity that exists among birds.
Most members are common and
These strictly parasitic
birds have been known and essential character of
orange outer tail
feathers
to lay eggs in the nests of
widespread, occurring from coast to
coast. They are present in nearly every
nearly 300 different bird
species in North and
the species including:
habitat in North America, from the arid South America.The
Southwest and Florida to the boreal forest males of all three North
SUBTLE BRILLIANCE
Although its plumage is VOICE olive
zone in the north but do not live in the American species are dark, the Common Grackle
upperparts
tundra. The species reveal a tremendous
readily identified by their displays a beautiful iridescence.
thick bills and dark,
A description of the species’ yellow-olive
variety in color, nesting, and social iridescent plumage.The females and immatures,
rump
behavior—from solitary orioles to vast however, are drab, brownish, or blackish birds.The calls and songs, given
colonies of blackbirds. One group of eastern species, the Brown-headed Cowbird, has
icterids, the cowbirds, are obligatory dramatically increased in recent years. phonetically where possible. pale orange
brood parasites, and make no nest, but lay BLACKBIRDS & GRACKLES underparts
their eggs in the nests of other species, This group of birds is NESTING
mostly small songbirds. largely covered with two wing
ORIOLES
dark feathers, and has a
streamlined appearance
The type of nest and its usual bars
FEMALE
Orioles are generally recognized by their due to long, pointed bills
contrasting black and orange plumage, and tails. Not as location; the number of eggs
although some species tend more toward brilliantly colored as
yellow or chestnut shades. They are common
tropical to subtropical seasonal migrants to
North America, and their intricate hanging
nests are an impressive combination of
some of the other
icterids, these are among
the most numerous birds
on the continent. After
BIG VOICE
A Meadowlark’s melodious
voice is a defining feature in
in a clutch; the number of
broods in a year; the
T he Baltimore Oriole’s brilliant colors are familiar to many
persons in the East because this bird is tolerant of human
presence.This species originally favored the American Elm for
engineering and weaving. Most oriole species the breeding season they many rural landscapes.
have a loud and melodious song and show gather in huge flocks and breeding season. nesting, but Dutch Elm disease decimated these trees.The oriole
tolerance of humans, a combination that form an impressive sight.
makes them popular throughout their range.
FEEDING since adapted to using sycamores, cottonwoods, and other tall tre
The Orchard Oriole and the Baltimore MEADOWLARKS
Oriole are widespread in the East, but the Meadowlarks occur in both North and South for its nesting sites. Its ability to use suburban gardens and parks
other North American species live either in
the West, the Southwest, or in southern
America.The North American species have yellow
breasts; the South American species have bright red
How, where, and what the helped expand its range to areas densely occupied by humans.T
Texas. The Eastern North American orioles
spend the winter in tropical America.
ones. Only one species breeds in the East. It can be
distinguished from its western counterpart by its song. species feeds on. Baltimore Oriole is Maryland’s State Bird, somewhat ironically.
VOICE Loud, clear, melodious song comprising one or two,
SIMILAR SPECIES several short notes in series, often of varying lengths.
NECTAR LOVER
The magnificently colored
Similar-looking species NESTING Round-bottomed basket usually woven of grass, h
Baltimore Oriole inserts its bill
into the base of a flower, taking are identified and key toward the end of branches; 4–5 eggs; 1 brood; May–July.
the nectar, but playing no part FEEDING Hops or flits among leaves and branches picking ins
in pollination.
differences pointed out. and spiders; fond of caterpillars; also eats fruits and sips nectar.
LENGTH, WINGSPAN,
SIMILAR SPECIES
AND WEIGHT
ORCHARD ORIOLE BULLOCK’S ORIOLE black
Length is tip of tail to tip of see p.393 see p.467 eyeline
bill; measurements and weights darker
incomplete
black hood
overall orange
are averages or ranges. chestnut- cheeks
colored huge
SOCIAL belly white
patch
The social unit the species is
usually found in.
LIFESPAN Length 8–10in (20–26cm) Wingspan 10–12in (26–30cm
The length of life, in years, Social Solitary/Pairs Lifespan Up to 11 years
MAPS
obtained from either zoo birds
or from banding and recovery DATE SEEN WHERE
In this book, North America is defined as the area from
records of wild birds. The
the southern tip of Florida and the US–Mexico border
actual average or maximum
northward to the Canadian High Arctic. Each species
life expectancy of many bird
profile includes a map showing its range, with different
species is still unknown.
colors reflecting seasonal movements.
STATUS
The conservation status of the
species; (p) means the data 394
8
HOW THIS BOOK WORKS
COLOR BAND Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus Anatidae Accidental from Greenland, Iceland, or Europe to
eastern Canada
Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus Anatidae Accidental from Eurasia to Alaska
The information bands at the top and bottom of Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata Anatidae Rare from Mexico in southern Texas (also escapees)
Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope Anatidae Rare from Eurasia along East Coast of US
each entry are color-coded for each family. Garganey Anas querquedula Anatidae Casual from Eurasia to eastern North America
Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera Anatidae Casual from West to eastern US
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Anatidae Rare from Eurasia to eastern Canada; casual
plumage variations. Significant differences relating Yellow-billed Loon Gavia adamsii Gaviidae Casual from Arctic to East Coast and Interior US
has
is no variation, the images have no label. Unless Flamingos
The stated otherwise, the bird shown is an adult. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber Phoenoicpteridae Rare or casual from West Indies to Florida
and Texas
hung
This feature illustrates and briefly describes Plovers and Sandpipers
sects The Baltimore Oriole forages alone in dense Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus Charadriidae Rare visitor from Asia to West Alaska, Pacific coast,
and the East
OCCURRENCE
Forest edges and tall, open
Very rare and accidental visitors are Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Ruff
Wood Sandpiper
Calidris acuminata
Philomachus pugnax
Tringa glareola
Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae
Casual from eastern Russia to the East
Rare visitor from Eurasia to East Coast
Accidental from Eurasia to East Coast
mixed hardwoods, especially
close to rivers; regularly uses
listed at the back of the book with a Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis Scolopacidae Rare visitor from Siberia to both coasts in
summer and fall
HABITAT/
BEHAVIOR Finch-like: light, bouncy action with flurries of Buteo-like: deep, slow wing beats between
Photographs reveal the wing beats between deep, undulating glides. soaring glides.
species in its habitat or
show interesting
behavior.
Grouse-like: bursts of wing beats between Swallow-like: swooping, with bursts of wing
short, straight glides. beats between glides.
9
EVOLUTION
EVOLUTION
O rnithologists agree that birds evolved
from dinosaurs about 150 million years ago,
but there is still debate about the dinosaur group
from which they descended. Around 10,000 species
of birds exist today, living in many different kinds of
habitats across the world, from desert to Arctic tundra.
To reconstruct how avian evolution occurred, from
Archaeopteryx on up to the present, scientists use many
clues, especially fossil birds, and now DNA.
SPECIATION
What are species and how do they evolve? Species
are biological entities. When two species of a genus
overlap they rarely interbreed and produce hybrids. The
Northern Flicker has an eastern (yellow-shafted)
and a western (red-shafted) form; after the discovery
that these two forms interbreed in the Great Plains, the
flickers, which were formerly “split” into two species, are
now considered one. In other cases, a previously single
MISSING LINK?
Archaeopteryx, shown here, is
species, such as the Sage Grouse, has been divided. Such
a 145-million-year-old fossil. It examples illustrate how species evolve, first by geographic
had dinosaur-like teeth, but separation, followed in time by overlap. This process can
bird-like feathers. take from tens of thousands to millions of years.
BIRD GENEALOGY
The diagram below is called a phylogeny, and shows how evidence, which allows ornithologists to estimate when
selected groups of birds are related to each other. The timescale different lineages of birds diverged. The names of groups
at the top of the diagram is derived from both fossil and DNA shown in bold are those living in North America.
MILLIONS OF YEARS AGO
150 125 100 75 50 25 0
Ratites, Tinamous
Gamebirds
Neornithes Waterfowl
Button quails
Jacamars, Puffbirds, Hoopoes, Hornbills, Trogons, Rollers, Bee-eaters, Todies, Motmots, Kingfishers
Colies
Cuckoos, Hoatzin
Parrots
Swifts, Hummingbirds
Pigeons
Cranes, Rails
Grebes
Tropicbirds
Gannets, Cormorants
Passeriformes (Songbirds)
150 125 100 75 50 25 0
10
EVOLUTION
BLENDING IN CONVERGENCE
This magnificent species is The evolutionary process
diurnal, unlike most other owls, during which birds of two
which are nocturnal. The Snowy
Owl breeds in the Arctic tundra
distantly related groups
and if the ground is covered develop similarities is called
with snow, it blends in perfectly. convergence. Carrion-eating
birds of prey are one example.
Old World vultures belong to
the hawk family (Accipitridae),
while New World vultures are more
closely related to storks. However,
both groups are characterized by
hooked bills, bare heads, and weak
talons. Convergence can involve anatomy
and behavior, as in the vultures, or other traits,
including habitat preference.
PARALLEL EVOLUTION
The African longclaws (family
Motacillidae) and North American
meadowlarks (family Icteridae)
show convergence in plumage
color and pattern. Both groups CAPE EASTERN
live in grassland. LONGCLAW MEADOWLARK
EXTINCTION
During the last 150 years, North America
has lost the Passenger Pigeon, the
Great Auk, the Carolina Parakeet, the
Labrador Duck, and the Eskimo
Curlew. Relentless hunting and
habitat destruction are the main
factors that have led to extinction. Some
species that seemed doomed have
had a reprieve. Thanks to a breeding
and release program, the majestic OVERHUNTING
California Condor soars once again The Passenger Pigeon was eradicated as a result
over the Grand Canyon. of over hunting.
CLASSIFYING BIRDS
Class
Aves (Birds)
All past and present animal life
is named and categorized into
groups. Classifications reflect
Order
Passeriformes (Songbirds)
the genealogical relationships
among groups, based on traits
Family
11
ANATOMY AND FLIGHT
secondaries
FLIGHT ADAPTATIONS
For birds to be able to fly, they need light and rigid bones,
a lightweight skull, and hollow wing and leg bones. In
addition, pouch-like air sacs are connected to hollow bones,
which reduce a bird’s weight. The air sacs also function as a uppertail
cooling system, which birds need because they have a high tail coverts rump
feathers
metabolic rate. The breast muscles, which are crucial for
flight, attach to the keeled sternum (breastbone). Wing and
tail feathers help support birds when airborne. Feathers
wear out, and are regularly replaced during molt.
scapulars
LEGS, FEET, AND TOES UNDERPARTS
When you look at a bird’s leg, you Underwing coverts
do not see its thigh, which is inside have a regular pattern
of overlapping rows.
the body cavity, but the leg from Short feathers
the knee down.When we talk cover the head,
about a bird’s feet we really mean breast, belly, and
its toes.The shin is a fused tibia flanks. In most primaries
and fibula.This fused bone plus birds, the toes
the heel are known as the are unfeathered.
“tarso-metatarsus.” The four
examples below illustrate some
toe arrangements.
axillaries
breast
enables enables
grip on strong grip
ground on branches
webbing
provides
thrust in used to
water grasp prey
12
ANATOMY AND FLIGHT
neck
WING FUNCTIONS
nape Flapping, soaring, gliding, and hovering are among the ways birds use their
crown wings.They also exhibit colors or patterns as part of territorial and courtship
displays. Several birds, such as herons, open their wings like an umbrella
when foraging in water for fish. An important aspect of wings is their
relationship to a bird’s weight.The ratio of a bird’s wing area to weight is
called wing loading, which may be affected also by wing shape. An eagle has
chin a large wing area to weight ratio, which means it has lower wing loading,
whereas a swallow has a small wing
throat area to weight ratio, and therefore
mantle high wing loading.This means that
the slow, soaring eagle is capable of
much more energy-efficient flight
than the fast, agile swallow.
WING AERODYNAMICS
faster airflow low air pressure
The supporting surface of a bird’s wing enables it to take off
and stay aloft. Propulsion and lift are linked in birds—which
use their wings for both—unlike in airplanes in which these
two functions are separate. Large and heavy birds, like swans,
flap their wings energetically to create propulsion, and need
a long, watery runway before they can fly off. The California
Condor can take off from a cliff with little or no wing flapping,
but the Black and Turkey Vultures hop up from carrion then flap
vigorously and finally use air flowing across their wings to soar. high air cross section
slower airflow pressure of bird’s wing
This diagram shows how airflow affects lift.
13
MIGRATION
MIGRATION
U ntil recently, the mechanics, or the “how” of
migration, was poorly understood.Today, however,
ornithologists know that birds use a variety of cues
including visual and magnetic, whether they migrate
by day or by night. Birds do not leave northern breeding NIGHT MIGRANTS
During migration, ornithologists can point
areas because of the winter cold, but because day-length a telescope on the moon and count the birds
is getting shorter and food scarcer. that cross its surface.
INSTINCTIVE MOVE
Even though many birds use visual cues and landmarks during their migration,
for example, birds of prey flying along the Appalachians, “instinctive” behavior
must control much of how and where they move. Instinct is a loose term that
is hard to define, but ornithologists generally understand it as a genetically
programmed activity. They assume that natural selection has molded a behavior
REFUELING
as complex as migration by acting on birds’ DNA; this hypothesis is reasonable,
Red Knots stop on their journey but hard to prove. Nevertheless, it would seem to be the only explanation why
from Tierra del Fuego to the Arctic many juvenile shorebirds leave their breeding grounds after their parents, and
to eat horseshoe crab eggs. yet find their way to their final destination.
OVERLAND FLIERS
Sandhill Cranes migrate over hills and
mountains, from their Arctic tundra
breeding grounds to the marshes of
the Platte River in the midwestern US.
14
MIGRATION
KEY
Trans-Pacific route
Coastal Pacific route
Arctic to Pacific route
Trans-Gulf route
Atlantic to Caribbean route
Argentina to Arctic route
Arctic-Atlantic Neotropical route
NEOTROPICAL MIGRANT
Many wood-warblers, such as MIGRATION ROUTES
this Blackpoll Warbler, breed in The map above shows the range of migration
boreal forests, before migrating routes that some North American species take
to their wintering grounds in to and from their breeding grounds.
the Caribbean, or Central or
South America. V-FORMATION
Geese and other large waterbirds fly in a
V-formation. The leader falls back and is replaced
by another individual, saving energy for all the birds.
PARTIAL MIGRANT
15
COURTSHIP AND MATING
DISPLAYS
Mutual attraction between the sexes starts with
some sort of display, usually performed by the
male. These displays can take a number of forms,
from flashing dazzling breeding plumage,
conducting elaborate dancing rituals, performing
complex songs, offering food or nesting
material, or actually building a nest. Some
birds, such as grebes, have fascinatingly
DANCING CRANES intricate ceremonies, in which both
During courtship, Sandhill male and female simultaneously
Cranes perform spectacular perform the same water-dance.
dances, the two birds of a pair
leaping into the air with wings
Because they are usually very
opened and legs splayed. ritualized, displays help WELCOME HOME
ornithologists understand Northern Gannets greet
relationships among birds. their mates throughout
the breeding season by
rubbing bills together
and opening their wings.
LADIES’ CHOICE
On a lek (communal display area), male Sage-Grouse inflate
chest pouches while females flock around them and select
a mate. Sage-Grouse are found in the West.
COURTSHIP FEEDING
In some species, males offer food to their
mate to maintain the pair-bond. For
example, male terns routinely
bring small fish to their
mates in a nesting
colony, spreading
their wings and tail
until the females
accept the fish.
MAINTAINING RELATIONS
A male Northern Cardinal offers food to the female,
which is a way of reinforcing their pair bond.
16
COURTSHIP AND MATING
BREEDING
After mating, a nest is made, often by the female,
where she lays from one to a dozen eggs. Not all
birds make nests, however. Nightjars, for example, lay
their eggs directly on the ground. In many species,
incubation doesn’t start until the female has laid all
the eggs. Incubation, usually done by the female,
varies from about 12 days to about 45 days. Songbirds
breeding from the temperate zone northward to
the Arctic show a range in clutch size, with more
eggs produced in the North than in the South. The
breeding process can fail at any stage, for example,
a predator can eat the eggs or the chicks. Some birds
will nest again after such a failure but others give
up breeding for the season.
MATING TERNS
Mating is usually brief, and typically takes
place on a perch or on the ground, but
some species, like swifts, mate in the air.
This male Black Tern balances himself
by opening his wings.
MUTUAL PREENING
Many species of albatrosses, like these
Black-footed Albatrosses from the Pacific,
preen each other, with one bird softly
nibbling the feathers on the other’s head.
POLYGAMY
This Winter Wren collects
nesting material for one of the
several nests he will build.
MONOGAMOUS BONDS
Some birds, such as Snow
Geese, remain paired for life
after establishing a bond.
SINGLE FATHER
17
NESTS AND EGGS
18
NESTS AND EGGS
NEAT ARRANGEMENT
Many shorebirds, such as plovers
and sandpipers, lay four conical CONICAL
eggs with the narrow ends OVAL
pointed in toward each other. SPHERICAL
HATCHING CONDITION
After a period of incubation, which varies from
species to species, chicks break the eggshell, some
of them using an egg tooth, a special bill feature that
falls off after hatching. After a long and exhausting
struggle, the chick eventually tumbles out of the shell
fragments.The transition from the watery medium
inside the egg to the air outside is a tremendous
physiological switch. Once free of their shell,
the hatchlings recover from the
exertion and either beg food
from their parents or feed FOOD DELIVERY
on their own. Tern chicks, although able to move around, cannot catch the fish
they need to survive, and must rely on their parents to provide
food until they can fly.
PARENTAL
GUIDANCE
Birds of prey, such
as these Snowy Owl
owlets, need their
parents to care for
them longer than some
FAST FEEDER other bird species, and
Coots, gallinules, and rails hatch do not leave the nest
with a complete covering of down, until their feathers are
and can feed by themselves sufficiently developed
immediately after birth. for their first flight.
BROOD PARASITISM
19
IDENTIFICATION
IDENTIFICATION
S ome species are easy to identify, but in many
other cases, species identification is tricky. In
North America, a notoriously difficult group in terms
of identification is the wood-warblers, especially in
the fall, when most species have similar greenish
or yellowish plumage.
BLUEBIRD VARIATIONS
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE Species of the genus Sialia,
Each bird species in North America lives in such as the Mountain Bluebird
a particular area that is called its geographic range. above, and the Eastern Bluebird
Some species have a restricted range; for example, below, are easy to identify.
Kirtland’s Warbler occurs only in Michigan. Other bright
species, such as the Red-tailed Hawk, range from blue
coast to coast and from northern Canada to wings
Mexico. Species with a broad range usually breed white
belly
in a variety of vegetation types, while species with
narrow ranges often have a specialized habitat; chestnut
Kirtland’s Warblers’ is jack pine woodland. flanks
GENERAL SHAPE
Just as birds come in all sizes, their tall, narrow
body shapes vary, but size and shape body
YELLOW-BILLED
are not necessarily correlated. In the CUCKOO
dense reed beds in which it lives,
long tail
the American Bittern’s long and
thin body blends in with stems.
The round-bodied Sedge
Wren hops in shrubby slender shape
vegetation or near the
ground where slimness is short
small
not an advantage. In dense tail
head
forest canopy, the slender and
long-tailed Yellow-billed Cuckoo AMERICAN BITTERN
can maneuver easily. Mourning Doves tiny tail
inhabit rather open habitats and their
plumpness is irrelevant when it comes
to their living space. The relative
thickset round
shape and length of the wings and body body
tail are often, but not always,
an important component on
how a particular bird long, pointed tail
species behaves. MOURNING DOVE SEDGE WREN
20
IDENTIFICATION
BILL SHAPE
These images show a range of bill
worms
shapes and sizes relative to the and fruit seeds and
tiny
bird’s head size. In general, bill caterpillars
insects,
AMERICAN HOUSE FINCH
form, including length or thickness, ROBIN
MOUNTAIN seeds
CHICKADEE
corresponds to the kinds of food worms AMERICAN
a birds consumes. With its from deep AVOCET
pointed bill, the Mountain mud
Chickadee picks tiny
small
insects from crevices in shrimps in
GREAT BLUE
HERON fish
tree bark. At another extreme, water
dowitchers probe mud with their LONG-BILLED marine mammals
DOWITCHER
long thin bills, feeling for worms. mollusks and birds
The avocet swishes its bill back
and forth in briny water, in SURF GOLDEN
search of shrimp. SCOTER EAGLE
TAIL SHAPE
It is not clear why some songbirds, long, MOURNING AMERICAN
pointed DOVE GOLDFINCH
like the American Goldfinch, have
a notched tail while other similar medium
length,
sized birds do not. Tail shapes vary notched
as much as wing shapes, but are
not so easily linked to a function
medium
or to the habitat in which length,
a given species lives. Irrespective square
of shape, tails are needed for
balance. In some birds, tail long
shape, color, and pattern are WESTERN and
used in courtship displays KINGBIRD forked
SCISSOR-
or in defensive displays RUFFED short and TAILED
when threatened. GROUSE round FLYCATCHER
21
SPECIES GUIDE
Families Cracidae, Odontophoridae, Phasianidae
GAMEBIRDS
HIS DIVERSE AND ADAPTABLE GROUP of Prairie grouse, including the Sharp-tailed Grouse,
T birds thrives in habitats ranging from
hot desert to frozen tundra. Gamebirds
are found throughout the middle of the continent.
All three tundra and mountaintop grouse or
ptarmigans are found in the extreme North and the
spend most of their time on the ground, Rockies. Grouse often possess patterns that match
springing loudly into the air when alarmed. their surroundings,
providing camouflage
QUAILS from both animal and
Among the most terrestrial of all gamebirds, quails human predators.
are renowned for their great sociability, often
GRASSLAND GROUSE
forming large family groups, or “coveys,” of up to The aptly named Sharp-tailed
100 birds.The Northern Bobwhite is the only quail Grouse is locally common in
species found in the east, and ranges over a variety western prairies. It searches for
of habitats. Each of the five species found in western grasshoppers in the summer.
North America lives in
a specific habitat or at a PHEASANTS & PARTRIDGES
particular elevation. These Eurasian gamebirds were introduced into
North America in the 19th and 20th centuries to
DRESSED TO THRILL
With its striking plumage,
provide additional targets for recreational hunters.
Gambel’s Quail is one of the While some introductions failed, species such as
best-known desert birds in the colorful Ring-necked Pheasant adapted well
southwestern North America. and now thrive in established populations.
GROUSE
The most numerous and widespread of gamebirds,
the 12 different species of grouse can be divided
into three groups based on their preferred habitats.
Forest grouse include the Ruffed Grouse in the
East, the Spruce Grouse in the North, and the
Sooty Grouse and Dusky Grouse in the West.
SNOW BIRD
The Rock Ptarmigan’s white
winter plumage camouflages it
against the snow, helping hide
it from predators.
GAMEBIRDS
Order Galliformes Family Odontophoridae Species Colinus virginianus
FEMALE
short wings
fine streaking
on breast
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widely distributed but only
MONTEZUMA QUAIL GRAY locally common in much of
PARTRIDGE the eastern US, and in Mexico,
larger black-and- see p.32 reddish
cheeks southward to Guatemala.
white facial mostly
pattern Most often associated with
gray
agricultural fields, it thrives
striped in a patchwork of mixed
dark sides
with white belly young forests, fields,
spots and brushy hedges.
A permanent resident.
24
GAMEBIRDS
Order Galliformes Family Phasianidae Species Meleagris gallopavo
Wild Turkey
MALE (EAST) tail fanned unfeathered
in display blue-and-red
head
black-and-white
barred wings
IN FLIGHT
humped no feathers
rusty tail back on head
with black
band
long legs
dark body,
IMMATURE
with bronze
iridescence
dark
overall MALE (WEST)
iridescent
bronze-and- hair-like
purplish body “beard”
on breast
FEMALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in mixed mature
GREATER SAGE GROUSE TURKEY VULTURE woodlands, fields with
see p.116 small red agricultural crops; also in
dark
head head various grasslands, close
to swamps, but adaptable
and increasingly common
in suburban and urban
white habitats. Quite widespread,
pointed breast dark
tail overall but patchily distributed
across North America.
Length 23⁄4 – 4ft (0.9 –1.2m) Wingspan 4 –5ft (1.2–1.5m) Weight 10–24lb (4.5–11kg)
25
GAMEBIRDS
Order Galliformes Family Phasianidae Species Bonasa umbellus
Ruffed Grouse
ADULT (RUFOUS FORM)
spotted gray
upperparts
IN FLIGHT
brown-barred
underparts
rusty tail
with black
band
raised
heavy white dark crest
spotting on patch
brown on neck gray-barred
upperparts underparts
ADULT
(GRAY FORM)
feathered
legs
Length 17–20in (43–51cm) Wingspan 20–23in (51–58cm) Weight 20–22oz (575– 625g)
26
GAMEBIRDS
Order Galliformes Family Phasianidae Species Canachites canadensis
Spruce Grouse
MALE paler
(FRANKLIN’S) overall FEMALE bright red comb
C. c. canadensis above eye
(TAIGA)
ADULT
heavy barring
on underparts
IN FLIGHT
black
white spots throat
on black tail
black
breast
gray
upperparts heavily
barred
underparts
triangular white
spots on underparts
MALE
C. c. canadensis
FEMALE (TAIGA)
C. c. franklinii
(FRANKLIN’S)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Present year-round in
RUFFED GROUSE DUSKY GROUSE much forests dominated by
see p.26 larger conifers, including Jack,
spotted gray Lodgepole, Spruce, Red
upperparts longer, Spruce, Black Spruce,
charcoal-
gray tail
Balsam Fir, Subalpine Fir,
grayer Hemlock, and Cedar.
gray-barred overall Found from western Alaska
underparts
to the Atlantic Coast.
27
GAMEBIRDS
Order Galliformes Family Phasianidae Species Tympanuchus phasianellus
long central
ADULT mottled tail feather naked pink
wings skin
heavily mottled
brown, white, and
IN FLIGHT black upperparts
pale, wedge-
shaped tail,
with protruding white
central feathers undertail
feathers
MALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Has a northern and western
GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKEN RING-NECKED distribution in North America,
see p.29 shorter, square PHEASANT 1 from Alaska (isolated
light
tail see p.33 brown population) southward to
northern prairie states. Prefers
longer
tail
a mixture of fallow and active
agricultural fields combined
more naked scalloped with brushy forest edges and
heavily orange pattern on woodlots along river beds.
barred skin underparts
28
GAMEBIRDS
Order Galliformes Family Phasianidae Species Tympanuchus cupido
MALE
orange skin
IN FLIGHT over eye
display feathers
against neck
barred
overall
MALE
beard-like
feathers
FLIGHT: bursts from cover with loud, rapid MALE bright
wing beats when approached. (DISPLAYING) orange skin
of “air sac”
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Separate populations occur
SHARP-TAILED GROUSE LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN in the Dakotas, Minnesota,
see p.28 pink Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas,
pronged
pointed skin feathers Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, and
tail
Missouri. Breeds in openings
smaller
overall mixed with oak-forested river
slightly reddish
orange corridors, especially where
larger
“v”-shaped skin these interact with areas
markings on of native tallgrass prairie;
underparts
resident year-round.
Length 151⁄2 –171⁄2in (40– 45cm) Wingspan 26 –29in (66–74cm) Weight 30–36oz (850–1,000g)
29
GAMEBIRDS
Order Galliformes Family Phasianidae Species Lagopus muta
MALE
(WINTER)
white
belly
MALE feathered
(SUMMER) feet and toes
FLIGHT: bursts into flight with rapid wing
beats, followed by gliding and shallow flapping.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Local in dry, rocky tundra and
WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN 8 WILLOW shrubby ridge tops; will use
all-white tail in winter; PTARMIGAN 8 edges of open meadows and
see p.31 dense evergreen stands along
smaller larger fairly high-elevation rivers and
overall overall
streams during winter. Occurs
lighter throughout the Northern
brown Hemisphere in Arctic tundra
upperparts
from Iceland to Kamchatka
in the Russian Far East.
Length 121⁄2–151⁄2in (32–40cm) Wingspan 191⁄2–231⁄2 in (50–60cm) Weight 16–23oz (450 – 650g)
30
GAMEBIRDS
Order Galliformes Family Phasianidae Species Lagopus lagopus
black
reddish tail black
brown bill
body black
all-white
bill
ADULT body
(WINTER) rich
reddish
brown
body
IN FLIGHT
lacks
MALE red comb
(SUMMER) ADULT (WINTER)
yellow-brown
body
dark,
scaly
bars
white
belly
FEMALE
(SUMMER)
MALE feathered
feet
(SUMMER)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Prefers tundra, in Arctic,
WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN 8 ROCK PTARMIGAN 8 sub-Arctic and subalpine
see p.30 regions. Thrives in willow
browner grayer thickets along low, moist
plumage plumage river corridors; also in the
low woodlands of the
smaller darker
sub-Arctic tundra.
overall
31
GAMEBIRDS
Order Gallifornes Family Phasianidae Species Perdix perdix
brown, rounded
wings
gray back
dark with fine
cinnamon tail barring
IN FLIGHT underparts
gray overall
horseshoe-shaped
belly patch
ADULT
ADULT
chestnut
barred
gray flanks
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Primarily agricultural fields
NORTHERN CHUKAR white face of crops including corn, wheat,
BOBWHITE 1 edged in and oats, as well as associated
see p.24 black
buffy red hedgerows and fallow
white streaks throat bill
on rusty red grasslands. Most birds are
and
body face nonmigratory, but there is
black some movement by eastern
barring
on white birds after breeding.
flanks
32
GAMEBIRDS
Order Galliformes Family Phasianidae Species Phasianus colchicus
Ring-necked Pheasant
pale
long MALE brown
tail body bold black
markings
short, round green-black iridescent
pale rump wings head ear tufts
white
pointed FEMALE
neck
tail red face ring
wattles
orange- FEMALE
IN FLIGHT copper
flanks iridescent
bronze
MALE sheen
(DARK FORM)
long,
pointed tail
33
Family Anatidae
WATERFOWL
ECENT SCIENTIFIC studies indicate that its long neck to reach water plants at the bottom,
R waterfowl are closely related to
gamebirds. Most species of waterfowl
submerging up to half its body as it does so. The
Trumpeter Swan of the Northwest is North
America’s largest native waterfowl, growing up to
molt all their flight feathers at once after 5ft (1.5m) long, and weighing up to 25lb (12kg).
breeding, making them flightless for several
weeks until they grow new ones. DUCKS
Classified in their
GEESE own subfamily, called
Ornithologists group geese and swans together the Anatinae, ducks
into the subfamily Anserinae. Intermediate in are more varied than
body size and neck length between swans and swans or geese, with
ducks, geese are more terrestrial than either, and many more species.
are often seen grazing on dry land. Like swans, They are loosely INSTANT TAKEOFF
geese pair for life. They are highly social, and most grouped by their Puddle ducks like the Mallard
species are migratory, flying south for the winter feeding habits. Dabblers, can shoot straight out of the
in large flocks. or puddle ducks, such as water and into the air.
the Mallard, teals, and
SWANS wigeons, eat plants and animal matter, such as
Swans are essentially large, long-necked geese. snails. They feed by upending on the surface of
Their heavier weight makes them ungainly on shallow water. By contrast diving ducks, a group
land, and they tend to be more aquatic than their that includes scaups, scoters, eiders, mergansers,
smaller relatives. On water, however, they are and the Ruddy Duck, dive deep underwater
extremely graceful. When feeding, a swan stretches for their food.
GAGGLING GEESE
Gregarious Snow Geese
form large, noisy flocks
during migration and on
winter feeding grounds.
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Dendrocygna bicolor
Fulvous Whistling-Duck
dark wings tawny buff
ADULT head and neck
tawny buff
underparts
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Permanent resident in southern
BLACK-BELLIED NORTHERN PINTAIL 1 Texas and Florida; range
WHISTLING-DUCK see p.52 expands in summer to coastal
see p.444 brown-and-
longer Texas and Louisiana. In the
neck black mottled
all-black plumage US, often found in rice fields
tail no white together with the Black-bellied
on flanks
Whistling-Duck. Casual vagrant
bold white as far north as British Columbia
wing stripe and Nova Scotia.
Length 161⁄2 –20in (42–51cm) Wingspan 33–37in (85–93cm) Weight 19 –34oz (550–975g)
35
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Anser albifrons
white tip
to tail
darker chocolate-
brown upperparts dull yellowish
orange bill
brown underparts
with black bands
larger
body
bright MALE no belly
orange A. a. frontalis (TUNDRA) barring
legs
A. a. gambeli (TULE)
JUVENILE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Different habitats are utilized for
CANADA GOOSE breeding and wintering. Nesting
see p.39 areas include tundra ponds and
black head, lakes, dry rocky fields, and grassy
neck, and bill
slopes in Alaska and northern
white chin strap Canada. In winter, coastal
marshes, inland wetlands,
HEAVY GRAZER agricultural fields, and refuges
Grass is the major component are used in the southern US
of this goose’s diet. and eastern Mexico.
Length 25–32in (64–81cm) Wingspan 41⁄4 –51⁄4ft (1.3–1.6m) Weight 4– 61⁄2lb (1.8 –3kg)
36
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Anser caerulescens
dark belly
pale
gray legs underparts
gray wing and feet
patch
IMMATURE ADULT
(BLUE FORM) (BLUE FORM)
ADULT
(WHITE)
white
upperparts
IN FLIGHT gray-brown
all over
grayish
legs
IMMATURE
(WHITE FORM)
ADULT
(WHITE FORM)
FLIGHT: direct, strong flight with moderate pink
wing beats in either V-shaped or bunched flocks. legs
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeding colonies in High Arctic
GREATER WHITE- ROSS’S GOOSE shorter from Wrangel Island in the
FRONTED GOOSE see p.38 bill West to Greenland in the East;
see p.36
dark head white a population of “lesser” Snow
and neck forehead Geese breeds near Hudson Bay.
Winters along interior valleys
much
smaller westward to coastal lowlands
overall and central plateau of Mexico;
barred
underparts Atlantic populations winter
in coastal marshes.
Length 27–33in (69–83cm) Wingspan 41⁄4 –51⁄2ft (1.3–1.7m) Weight 33⁄4–61⁄2lb (1.7–3kg)
37
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Anser rossii
short,
deeply
furrowed
neck
IMMATURE
IN FLIGHT
(WHITE FORM)
clean white
mostly dark upperparts
brown upperparts
white
rump
and tail
ADULT
(WHITE FORM)
reddish pink
legs
FLIGHT: strong and direct, with rapid
wing beats.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeding grounds are
SNOW GOOSE larger SNOW GOOSE amidst tundra in scattered,
white form; bill blue form; black High Arctic locations. Main
see p.37 see p.37 longer patch wintering areas in California.
longer neck on bill
neck On the wintering grounds,
it feeds in agricultural fields,
and also grasslands. Roosts
pink legs overnight in several types
of wetlands.
Length 221⁄2–25in (57– 64cm) Wingspan 31⁄4ft (1.1m) Weight 13⁄4 – 41⁄2lb (0.85 –2kg)
38
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Branta canadensis
IN FLIGHT
white white
U-shaped undertail
patch on feathers
smaller, white
rump ADULT chin strap
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Variety of inland breeding
GREATER WHITE- white on base CACKLING GOOSE habitats near water, including
FRONTED GOOSE of pink bill see p.40 grassy urban areas, marshes,
see p.36 steep
forehead prairie, parkland, coastal
smaller temperate forest, northern
overall
coniferous forest, and Arctic
tundra. Winters in agricultural
bright fields, mudflats, saltwater
orange
legs marshes, lakes, and rivers.
Length 21⁄4– 31⁄2ft (0.7–1.1m) Wingspan 41⁄4–51⁄2ft (1.3–1.7m) Weight 6 1⁄2–93⁄4lb (3 – 4.4kg)
39
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Branta hutchinsii
dark
plain grayish
brown wings broad, white
neck ring
ADULT
black line
small, black separates white ADULT
head chin strap B. h. minima
pale
breast
ADULT
B. h. hutchinsii
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES At the northernmost fringe
CANADA GOOSE BRANT black of the Canada Goose’s range,
see p.39 more see p.41 in the tundra, it breeds on
neck
sloped
forehead rocky tundra slopes from the
larger overall
(except one Aleutians east to Baffin Island
subspecies) and Hudson Bay. Winters from
British Columbia to California,
barred pale
belly also central US, Texas, and
flanks
New Mexico in pastures
and agricultural fields.
Length 211⁄2 –30in (55–75cm) Wingspan 41⁄4– 5ft (1.3–1.5m) Weight 2– 61⁄2lb (0.9–3kg)
40
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Branta bernicla
Brant
pale bars ADULT
across wings (WESTERN)
small, white
weakly “necklace” not
ADULT barred crossing throat
(EASTERN) flanks
dark gray-brown
upperparts
grayish white
flank patch black neck
stops
necklace pale abruptly
crosses throat belly at breast
black chest
bold, barred
flanks
B. b. hrota
ADULT B. b. nigricans (WESTERN) (EASTERN)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in colonies in northern
SNOW GOOSE CANADA GOOSE Canada and Alaska, and
(BLUE FORM) 4 see p.39 winters along both Pacific and
broad, white
see p.37
chin strap Atlantic coasts. The western
pale wing breeding population of the
feathers browner
darker coloration
underparts Brant (“black”) winters from
the Aleutian Islands to northern
Mexico, while the pale-bellied
form (“Atlantic”) is restricted
in range to the East Coast.
Length 22–26in (56–66cm) Wingspan 31⁄2 – 4ft (1.1–1.2m) Weight 21⁄2 – 4lb (1–1.8kg)
41
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Cygnus olor
small
IN FLIGHT
long, pointed blotchy brown
tail extends body JUVENILE
past toes MALE
white conspicuous
overall black knob
at base of
orange bill
long,
S-shaped neck
often arches
wings over
back
ADULT
large,
heavy body
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Bulk of population is found
TRUMPETER SWAN 5 TUNDRA along the Atlantic Coast from
see p.444 SWAN 5 pink at Maine to North Carolina;
larger much smaller; base of bill
smaller populations around
head see p.43
straighter, the Great Lakes and southern
straighter
gray plumage black bill neck British Columbia. Breeds and
lives year-round on sluggish
rivers, ponds, or lakes,
preferring still water with
emergent vegetation.
Length 4– 5ft (1.2–1.5m) Wingspan 61⁄2 –7½ft (2–2.3m) Weight 12–32lb (5.5 –14.5kg)
42
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Cygnus columbianus
ADULT
small head dull grayish
and bill body
dirty
pink bill large
yellow
bill patch
fairly thick
dark IN FLIGHT neck
legs
JUVENILE
all-white
plumage
BEWICK’S SWAN
ADULT
the other along the East Coast. The Tundra Swan can be
confused with the Trumpeter Swan, but their different
calls immediately distinguish the two species. When they are
silent, weight and bill structure are the best way to tell them
apart. In Eurasia, this species is known as Bewick’s Swan and
possesses a larger yellow patch at the base of its bill.
VOICE Clear, high-pitched yodelling whoo-hooo calls mixed
with garbles, yelping, and barking sounds.
NESTING Mound-shaped nest made of plant matter near water; WINTER FLOCKS
3–6 eggs; 1 brood; May–September. Its size, white plumage, and flocking habits make
FEEDING Eats aquatic vegetation, insects, mollusks; also grain. the Tundra Swan a conspicuous species.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Nests around lakes and pools
MUTE SWAN 5 TRUMPETER SWAN in northern tundra from the
see p.42 see p.444 all-black bill Aleutians to the Yukon, and
heavier east to northwest Québec.
straighter
pointed bodied
more edge from Winters in southern British
tail curved eye to bill
neck
Columbia, western US, and
mid-Atlantic states, mostly
New Jersey to south Carolina.
Winter habitat includes shallow
coastal bays, ponds, and lakes.
43
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Aix sponsa
long, white-flecked
dark tail maroon breast
appears black
at a distance
MALE
white, vertical
breast stripe
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Usually found throughout the
BUFFLEHEAD 1 HOODED MERGANSER 1 year, along rivers, streams, and
see p.66 white on narrower wings; creeks, in swamps, and marshy
cheek see p.69 no eye-
ring areas. Has a preference for
shorter long, tan permanent bodies of water. If
neck crest
good aquatic feeding areas are
unavailable, the Wood Duck
feeds in open areas, including
agricultural fields.
shorter tail
Length 181⁄2 –211⁄2in (47–54cm) Wingspan 26 –29in (66 –73cm) Weight 16 –30oz (450 – 850g)
44
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Anas strepera
Gadwall brown,
scalloped back
dark eyestripe
conspicuous
white patch rusty
silvery gray sides
mostly area
white
underwings
white wing
patch FEMALE
MALE
(WINTER) MALE (ECLIPSE) brown,
white rounded head
IN FLIGHT
belly
dark grayish
overall
black bill
black
uppertail
MALE
(WINTER)
finely patterned
orange- gray flanks
yellow legs and breast
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES From the western prairie
MALLARD 1 MOTTLED DUCK 1 pothole country of Canada and
see p.48 darker see p.49 olive to the northern US, the Gadwall’s
eye-line thicker, yellow bill range has expanded as it has
longer bill
buffier adapted to man-made bodies
face of water, such as reservoirs
and ponds. In winter, mostly
found on lakes, marshes, and
whitish tail
along rivers.
Length 18 –221⁄2in (46 – 57cm) Wingspan 33in (84cm) Weight 18 – 45oz (500 –1,250g)
45
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Anas americana
MALE (BREEDING)
rufous-edged dark smudge
wing feathers around eye
white
underwing
patch narrow, black
line along bill
MALE
(BREEDING) black-
tipped bill
black
rump
pinkish brown
flanks
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES The northernmost breeder
GADWALL 1 GREEN-WINGED of the dabbling ducks, occurs
see p.45 TEAL 2 from Alaska to the Maritimes.
dark line see p.53
Prefers pothole and grassland
through
white eye habitats; found almost
patch longer anywhere near water in winter.
bill
Winters south to northern
green South America and the
black-and- patch on
orange bill wing Caribbean, in freshwater
and coastal bay habitats.
Length 171⁄2 –23in (45–58cm) Wingspan 33in (84cm) Weight 11⁄8 – 3lb (0.5–1.3kg)
46
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Anas rubripes
dark body
MALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Nests in eastern Canada and
MALLARD 1 MOTTLED DUCK 1 adjacent areas of the US in
see p.48 orange see p.49 a variety of habitats including
bill unstreaked
mottled
northerly and mixed hardwood
face
whitish paler brown forest, wooded uplands, bogs,
tail body upperparts salt- and freshwater marshes,
and on islands. Resident in
the central part of its range,
but large numbers winter in
saltwater marshes.
Length 211⁄2 –23in (54–59cm) Wingspan 35–37in (88–95cm) Weight 11⁄2–31⁄2lb (0.7 –1.6kg)
47
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Anas platyrhynchos
Mallard orange
grayer head
olive-
yellow
bill
MALE chestnut-
(WINTER) brown
breast
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Occurs throughout the region,
GADWALL 1 AMERICAN BLACK DUCK 1 choosing shallow water in
see p.45 steeper see p.47 natural wetlands, such as
slimmer forehead
marshes, prairie potholes,
body dark dark
tail ponds, and ditches; can
olive
bill also be found in man-made
habitats such as city parks
darker and reservoirs, preferring
white orange brown
wing patch strip on bill overall more open habitats in winter.
48
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Anas fulvigula
Mottled Duck
iridescent blue-green dark
dull green to
wing patch eye-line
orange-yellow bill
bright white
underwing unstreaked
paler breast face and
than male throat
MALE
MALE
orange legs
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Prefers shallow freshwater
GADWALL 1 MALLARD 1 black on
wetlands, breeding on coastal
white belly; see p.45 bold white wing bars; orange marshes. This nonmigratory
see p.48 bill species has distinct populations
lighter larger,
white wing upperparts thicker
patch in the Gulf of Mexico between
paler neck
plumage Alabama and Tamaulipas, and
in central and southern Florida,
though both populations may
stray slightly outside this range
in winter.
Length 171⁄2–24in (44–61cm) Wingspan 33–34in (83–87cm) Weight 21– 46oz (0.6–1.4kg)
49
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Anas discors
MALE
(BREEDING)
conspicuous
white patch
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Nests across North America, with
CINNAMON TEAL 1 GREEN-WINGED TEAL 1 highest numbers in the prairie
see p.471 see p.53 smaller, more and parkland regions of the
plain face compact body
different midcontinent. Prefers shallow
wing smaller ponds or marshes during nesting;
pattern bill
freshwater to brackish water
and (less so) saltwater marshes
warmer streaked during migration. In winter,
brown rump prefers saline environments,
including mangroves.
Length 141⁄2 –16in (37– 41cm) Wingspan 231⁄2 –25in (60 – 64cm) Weight 11–18oz (300 –500g)
50
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Anas clypeata
MALE
white
breast
chestnut belly
black-and- and flanks
white rump
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widespread across North
MALLARD 1 CINNAMON TEAL 1 America, south of the tundra.
larger; see p.48 see p.471 Breeds in a variety of wetlands,
slimmer bill plainer
plainer in edges of shallow pools
face
plumage
darker blue with nearby tall and short
wing patch grasslands. Occurs in fresh- and
salt marshes, ponds, and other
shallow bodies of water in
longer
tail winter; does not feed on land.
51
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Anas acuta
gray
black bill
with gray
sides
MALE
(WINTER)
black undertail
with white
flank patch white neck
and breast
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widely distributed in North
GADWALL 1 AMERICAN WIGEON 1 America; breeding in open
see p.45 orange- see p.46 country in shallow wetlands or
shorter sided bill
darker gray meadows in mountainous
tail shorter head
tail forest regions. Found in tidal
wetlands and saltwater
habitats in migration and
winter; dry harvested and
white wing chestnut
patch breast and flanks flooded agricultural fields
in autumn and winter.
52
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Anas crecca
white
vertical
bar
JUVENILE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds from the central US
BLUE-WINGED TEAL 1 CINNAMON TEAL 1 longer northward to Canada and Alaska;
larger overall; larger overall; see p.471 bill around ponds in forests and
whitish
see p.50 spot at rich brown deciduous woodlands. Prefers
different base of bill overall
shallow vegetated wetlands. In
wing pattern
winter and migration, inland
marshes, sloughs, agricultural
fields, and coastal marshes.
yellowish
legs Winters south of the Caribbean
and in southern Mexico.
Length 12–151⁄2in (31–39cm) Wingspan 201⁄2 –23in (52–59cm) Weight 7–16oz (200– 450g)
53
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Aythya valisineria
black at
both ends black
breast
MALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in potholes, marshes,
REDHEAD 2 LESSER SCAUP 2 and ponds in prairie parkland,
see p.55 shorter see p.58 tundra; northerly forests
gray, black- yellow
eye preferred where their favorite
tipped bill darker
gray on smaller foods grow. Winters in large
yellow eye back overall numbers in large bays and
lakes, and deltas, with smaller
numbers scattered across
North America and Mexico.
Length 19 –22in (48 –56cm) Wingspan 31–35in (79 – 89cm) Weight 13⁄4–31⁄2lb (0.8 –1.6kg)
54
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Aythya americana
Redhead yellow
eye
dark-gray forewing
dark crown
MALE
brick-red white
head tawny brown MALE (ECLIPSE) band
overall
FEMALE
brick-red upper
medium-gray neck and head
mantle and sides
long blue
black rump bill with
black tip
black
MALE lower neck
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in shallow wetlands
CANVASBACK 1 RING-NECKED DUCK 1 across the Great Basin and
see p.54 see p.56 Prairie Pothole region, very
wedge-shaped peaked head
black bill shape densely in certain marsh
dark-brown habitats. The bulk of the
grayish back population winters in coastal
back
lagoons along the Atlantic
Coast and the Gulf of Mexico.
Length 17–21in (43–53cm) Wingspan 30–31in (75–79cm) Weight 13⁄8 –31⁄4 lbs (0.6–1.5kg)
Social Flocks Lifespan Up to 21 years Status Secure
55
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Aythya collaris
yellow eye
bold white
IN FLIGHT underwing FEMALE
thin chestnut
ring (hard to see)
rounded gray
black
sides
neck
and
breast
MALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds across Canada, south
LESSER SCAUP 2 TUFTED DUCK 2 of the Arctic zone, in shallow
see p.58 see p.471 freshwater marshes and bogs;
rounded crested
head sporadically in the western US.
tufts
wavy-patterned Winters in freshwater and
white
gray mantle brackish habitats such as
sides
swamps, lakes, estuaries,
reservoirs, and flooded fields.
Migrants are found in the
Midwest near stands of wild rice.
Length 15–18in (38–46cm) Wingspan 24–25in (62–63cm) Weight 11⁄8 –2lbs (500–900g)
56
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Aythya marila
medium to
bold
white
patches
at base
gray forewing of bill
dark brown
overall
MALE
broad, (NONBREEDING) gray-brown JUVENILE
white wing sides
stripe
smooth, round,
IN FLIGHT black head with FEMALE (NONBREEDING)
purple-green gloss
blue-gray bill, reduced
wider at tip white
around
gray-frosted bill
bil
wavy-patterned shoulder
gray back feathers and
sides
dark
FEMALE (BREEDING) brown
overall
blackish
brown head
gray-and-
brown back
MALE (BREEDING) almost all
white sides
A great swimmer and diver, the Greater Scaup is the only diving
duck (genus Aythya) that breeds both in North America and
Eurasia. Due to its more restricted coastal breeding and wintering
MALE (ECLIPSE)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Majority breed in western coastal
CANVASBACK 2 LESSER SCAUP 2 Alaska on tundra wetlands; also
see p.54 see p.58 in lower densities in northwest
chestnut
brown slimmer and eastern Canada. Almost all
head grayer head birds winter offshore, along the
black
tail flanks Atlantic and Pacific coasts, or on
the Great Lakes due to increased
food availability. Small groups
found inland and midcontinent,
on unfrozen water bodies.
Length 15–22in (38–56cm) Wingspan 28–31in (72–79cm) Weight 11⁄4 –3lb (0.6–1.4kg)
57
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Aythya affinis
whitish
MALE underwings
rich brown
head and
black head neck
brown back MALE (1ST WINTER)
white patch
around base narrow head
whitish of gray bill with bump at
IN FLIGHT belly the rear
brown flank feathers
FEMALE purple-green
with gray fringes
gloss on head
narrow,
dark wavy pattern thin, blue-
on upperparts gray bill
black
rear end
black breast
MALE and neck
pale flanks
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds inland from Alaska
RING-NECKED DUCK 1 GREATER SCAUP 1 to eastern Canada in open
see p.56 see p.57 northern forests and
prominent more white forested tundra. Winters
more tawny
white eye-ring around bill
brown in the Caribbean, southern US,
solid dark upperparts
and south to northern South
back
America. Majority winter along
coasts; others winter inland
on lakes and reservoirs.
Length 151⁄2 –171⁄2in (39–45cm) Wingspan 27–31in (68–78cm) Weight 1–23⁄4lb (0.45–1.2kg)
58
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Somateria spectabilis
MALE
(BREEDING) brown-black
upperparts
white
underwing white
scalloped MA E MOLT
MALE
MAL OLTI
TING
ING breast
breast (2ND WINTER)
orange to
reddish
short V-shaped frontal shield,
IN FLIGHT neck markings on FEMALE outlined
sides in black
pale blue
crown
and nape
green reddish
cheek orange bill
long feathers
form triangular
“sails”
rose blush
on breast
MALE
(BREEDING)
white black
flank underparts
patch
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Nests along coasts and farther
COMMON longer, more BLACK SCOTER 1 inland than Spectacled or
EIDER 1 wedge- smaller overall; Steller’s Eiders in the high
pale cheek
larger overall; shaped bill see p.64 and dark Arctic, in a variety of habitats;
see p.60 flatter cap
longer, around low marshes, lakes, and
head cocked tail islands; prefers well-drained
areas. During winter, found
mostly along the southern
edge of the ice pack, in coastal
waters up to 66ft (20m) deep.
Length 181⁄2 –25in (47– 64cm) Wingspan 37in (94cm) Weight 23⁄4 – 43⁄4lb (1.2–2.1kg)
59
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Somateria mollissima
FEMALE
brown olive-green
overall wash on nape MALE (SUMMER)
MALE greenish
(WINTER) olive bill
white
whitish flecking
IN FLIGHT underwing
MALE
(WINTER)
FEMALE
T he largest duck in
North America, the
Common Eider is also the most numerous, widespread, and
FLIGHT: strong flight with relatively slow wing
beats; flies in undulating lines, low over the water.
variable of the eiders. Four of its seven subspecies occur in North
America, and vary in the markings and color of their heads and bills.
Male Common Eiders also have considerable seasonal plumage
changes, and do not acquire their adult plumage until the third year.
VOICE Repeated hoarse, grating notes korr-korr-korr; male’s owl-
like ah-WOO-ooo; female’s low, gutteral notes krrrr-krrrr-krrrr.
NESTING Depression on ground lined with down and plant
matter, often near water; 2–7 eggs; 1 brood; June–September. BROODING FEMALE
FEEDING Forages in open water and areas of shallow water; Females line their nests with down and cover the
dives in synchronized flocks for mollusks and crustaceans, but eggs with it when leaving the nest.
consumes its larger prey above the surface.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Arctic breeder, in both New and
KING EIDER 1 flatter SURF SCOTER 1 shorter, Old Worlds, on coastal islands,
smaller overall; crown see p.62 wedge- peninsulas, seldom along
see p.59 shaped bill
freshwater lakes and deltas. One
dark brown
thicker
overall population is sedentary in the
neck shorter, Hudson and James Bays region;
more others winter in the Bering Sea,
concave
bill Hudson Bay, northern British
Columbia, Gulf of St. Lawrence,
and along the Atlantic Coast.
Length 191⁄2 –28in (50 –71cm) Wingspan 31– 42in (80 –108cm) Weight 23⁄4–53⁄4lb (1.2–2.6kg)
60
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Histrionicus histrionicus
white
crescent
MALE
E
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds near rushing coastal
SURF SCOTER 1 large, BUFFLEHEAD 1 larger and mountain streams. During
see p.62 triangular bill see p.66 head winter, found in small groups or
flatter oblong patch mixed in with other sea ducks
head on cheek close to the shore, particularly
along shallow rocky shorelines,
jetties, rocky beaches, and
headlands. Eastern populations
elongated
body have a restricted range. Also
breeds in Iceland.
61
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Melanitta perspicillata
black
all-dark
MALE facial bill
black wings patches
overall dark brown
overall
IMMMATUURE MALE
(2ND WINTER)
compact white
body eye white forehead
IN FLIGHT
FEMALE large, black
spot on bill
white
velvety black nape
feathers swollen,
orange bill
long tail with white
feathers base
MALE
MAL
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Nests on lake islands in forested
GREATER SCAUP 1 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER 1 regions of interior Alaska and
see p.57 see p.63 northern Canada. Nonbreeders
no white longer in summer and adults in
patches long, sloping bill
on cheek thinner winter are strictly coastal, with
forehead
bill numbers decreasing from north
to south along the Pacific coast.
In the East, most overwinter in
the mid-Atlantic coast region.
Length 19 –231⁄ 2in (48 –60cm) Wingspan 30in (77cm) Weight 13⁄4–23⁄4lb (0.8 –1.2kg)
62
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Melanitta fusca
MALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Majority breed in dense
SURF SCOTER 2 BLACK SCOTER 2 colonies in interior Alaska
see p.62 white see p.64 and western Canada on large
yellow-
forehead freshwater or brackish lakes or
orange
white knob
nape ponds, sometimes on saltwater
black lakes. Winters along both
overall
coasts, large bays, inlets, and
estuaries. Rarely winters inland,
except on the Great Lakes.
Length 19–23in (48–58cm) Wingspan 31in (80cm) Weight 23⁄4– 43⁄4lb (0.9–1.9kg)
63
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Melanitta nigra
dark
ADULT dark brown FEMALE brown
overall eye
IN FLIGHT
entirely black,
heavily built body conspicuous
yellow-orange
knob on black bill
MALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeding habitat is somewhat
SURF SCOTER 1 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER 1 varied, but is generally close
see p.62 see p.63 to fairly shallow, small lakes.
flatter
crown Winters along both coasts.
larger longer
bill more sloping bill Populations wintering farther
two whitish
patches head north prefer water over cobbles,
gravel, or offshore ledges,
whereas in southern locations,
sandier habitats are chosen.
Length 17–21in (43 – 53cm) Wingspan 31–35in (79 –90cm) Weight 13⁄4–23⁄4lb (0.8 –1.2kg)
64
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Clangula hyemalis
IN FLIGHT
FEMALE (SUMMER)
large, brown
whitish spot on side
short tail
underparts of head
FEMALE (WINTER)
white shoulder
all-dark feathers pinkish
wings band
long on bill
dark tail
black
breastband
MALE (WINTER)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in Arctic and sub-Arctic,
BUFFLEHEAD 1 BLACK GUILLEMOT 7 nesting in small groups on
see p.66 see p.221 islands and peninsulas on lakes,
white
white cheek less commonly on tundra and
wing patch pale freshwater ponds on islands.
patch rump
Winters mostly along rocky
coasts and headlands,
protected bays, or on
white wing patches
large freshwater lakes.
Length 14–23in (35–58cm) Wingspan 28in (72cm) Weight 18–39oz (500 –1,100g)
65
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Bucephala albeola
small,
black back narrow,
gray bill
white breast
and flanks
MALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in forest from Alaska to
HOODED MERGANSER 2 RUDDY DUCK 27 eastern Canada, in woodlands
see p.69 see p.72 near small lakes and permanent
longer
smaller, with dark cap bill ponds, where young are raised.
white cheek
patch Winters largely along the
Pacific and Atlantic Coasts with
lower densities scattered across
the continent, south to northern
larger size Mexico, and in Bermuda.
Length 121⁄2 –151⁄2 in (32–39cm) Wingspan 211⁄2 –24in (54 – 61cm) Weight 10–18oz (275–500g)
66
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Bucephala clangula
Common Goldeneye
white wing patch
white patches on
flanks and wings
MALE large,
FEMALE
(WINTER) round
iridescent white spot
green
head
dusky extensive white
underwing shoulder feathers
IN FLIGHT
MALE
(WINTER)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds along wetlands, lakes, and
BUFFLEHEAD 1 BARROW’S GOLDENEYE 2 rivers with clear water in northern
see p.66 see p.68 forests, where large trees provide
white oval smaller bill
patch appropriate nest cavities. Winters
smaller behind eye
overall large crescent across continent, with highest
on face densities located from north New
England to the mid-Atlantic on
coastal bays and in the West
from coastal southeast Alaska
to British Columbia.
Length 151⁄2 –20in (40 –51cm) Wingspan 30–33in (77– 83cm) Weight 19– 44oz (550 –1,300g)
67
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Bucephala islandica
MALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Winters along the Pacific Coast
GREATER SCAUP 1 COMMON GOLDENEYE 1 between southeast Alaska
browner overall; see p.67 and Washington, with small
more
see p.57 triangular populations in eastern Canada.
longer white warmer head
neck patch brown head Smaller numbers found inland
from the lower Colorado River
to Yellowstone National Park.
Eastern population is localized
in winter with the highest
count in St. Lawrence estuary.
Length 17–19in (43– 48cm) Wingspan 28–30in (71–76cm) Weight 17– 46oz (475 –1,300g)
68
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Lophodytes cucullatus
white
MALE breast
(BREEDING)
warm brown
flanks bold vertical
bars
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Prefers forested small ponds,
WOOD DUCK 1 bold, RED-BREASTED rustier marshes, or slow-moving
see p.44 white MERGANSER 1 head with streams during the breeding
eye-ring see p.71 ragged
crest season. During winter, occurs
steel gray-and-
white plumage in shallow water in both
fresh- and saltwater bays,
estuaries, rivers, streams,
blue
wing
ponds, freshwater marshes,
patch and flooded sloughs.
Length 151⁄2 –191⁄2in (40– 49cm) Wingspan 231⁄2–26in (60– 66cm) Weight 16–31oz (450– 875g)
69
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Mergus merganser
Common Merganser
dark outer small white
bright, rusty
wing gray-and-white brown head black-tipped spot above eye
inner wing red bill
silver-gray short, ragged
reddish upperparts crest
brown head
FEMALE
reddish orange
IN FLIGHT all-white or
long nape hooked bill
tinged pink
black feathers
underparts
center
serrated
sides on bill
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in northern forests
COMMON GOLDENEYE 2 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER 1 from Alaska to Newfoundland;
see p.67 see p.71 winters south to north central
white patch thinner Mexico. It winters farther
smaller, more bill
black-and- lightly built north than most other
white waterfowl as long as water
pattern
remains open. Prefers fresh-
to saltwater locations.
Length 211⁄2 –28in (54 –71cm) Wingspan 34in (86cm) Weight 13⁄4– 43⁄4lb (0.8–2.1kg)
70
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Mergus serrator
crisp, white
collar
MALE
(BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Most northern range of all
HOODED MERGANSER 1 COMMON MERGANSER 1 the mergansers, nests across
see p.69 see p.70 Arctic and sub-Arctic regions,
rusty-red
fuller, cinnamon- tundra and northerly forests,
full crest head
tinged crest smaller
darker bill larger and along coasts, inland lakes, river
back more robust banks, marsh edges, and coastal
islands. Winters farther south
than other mergansers, mostly
white in protected bays, estuaries,
smaller overall breast and chin
or on the Great Lakes.
Length 20 –25in (51–64cm) Wingspan 26–29in (66–74cm) Weight 13⁄4 –23⁄4lb (0.8 –1.3kg)
71
WATERFOWL
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Species Oxyura jamaicensis
paler flanks
pale belly FEMALE
MALE (BREEDING)
IN FLIGHT black cap
and nape bright blue
MALE bill, slightly
(NONBREEDING) knobby at
base
large head
rich cinnamon
body and neck
large, white
cheek
long tail, often patches
erect
MALE
(BREEDING)
72
Family Gaviidae
LOONS
five species Excellent swimmers
W ORLDWIDE THERE ARE ONLY
of loon, comprising a single genus (Gavia),
a single family (the Gaviidae), and a single order
and divers, loons are
unusual among birds
(the Gaviiformes). The five species are limited to in that their bones
the Northern Hemisphere, where they are found are less hollow than
in both northern North America and northern those of other groups.
Eurasia. One feature of loons is that their legs are Consequently, loons
positioned so far to the rear of their body that they can expel air from their LOON RANGER
must shuffle on their bellies when they go from lungs and compress The Common Loon has a wider
water to land. Not surprisingly, therefore, loons are their body feathers range than any other in North
almost entirely aquatic birds. In summer they are until they slowly sink America, as its name suggests.
found on rivers, lakes, and ponds, where they nest beneath the surface.
close to the water’s edge. After breeding, they They can remain submerged like this for several
occur along coasts, often after flying hundreds of minutes. A loon’s wings are relatively small in
miles away from their freshwater breeding grounds. proportion to its body weight. This means that
they have to run a long way across the surface of
the water, flapping energetically, before they can
become airborne. Once in the air they keep
flapping and can fly at 60mph (95kmh).
FLIGHT SHAPE
The humped back and
drooping neck of this
Red-throated Loon are
typical of loons in flight.
PROVIDING FOR
THE FUTURE
A Red-throated Loon gives
a fish to its chick to gulp
down headfirst and whole.
LOONS
Order Gaviiformes Family Gaviidae Species Gavia stellata
pale dusky
IN FLIGHT face
gray face
and neck
IMMATURE
striped
all-brown gray nape tapering dark
back reddish brown
throat patch
ADULT
(BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Lives in open areas within
YELLOW-BILLED LOON 7 RED-NECKED GREBE 7 northern boreal forest,
see p.471 see p.86 muskeg, and tundra; in
massive,light- yellow Canadian Arctic Archipelago,
colored bill in bill sometimes in areas almost
darker
larger back devoid of vegetation. Winters
overall smaller
overall on the Great Lakes, and both
coasts southwards to Florida
and northern Mexico.
74
LOONS
Order Gaviiformes Family Gaviidae Species Gavia immer
scalloped pattern
on back
checkered back
pattern light, JUVENILE
partial
collar
iridescent
head held green on
low head and
neck
ADULT white “necklace”
(NONBREEDING)
white lines on on throat
sides of neck
IN FLIGHT
spotted wings
ADULT
(BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds across North America,
YELLOW-BILLED LOON RED-NECKED GREBE 7 Canada, and south to northern
see p.471 see p.86 US. Winters on large ice-free
large, whitish lakes in Canada and the US,
or yellow bill much smaller yellowish
overall bill and along the Pacific and
larger,
checkered Atlantic Coasts, south to
back pattern Baja California and Florida.
brownish
gray
In the Old World breeds
cheeks only in Iceland.
75
Families Diomedeidae, Procellariidae, Hydrobatidae
TUBENOSES
HE NAME “TUBENOSES” IS GIVEN to several FLAP AND GLIDE
Northern Fulmar
white patch
on wing dark gray
paddle-like overall
wings
ADULT
(ATLANTIC FORM)
ADULT (DARK
PACIFIC FORM)
IN FLIGHT
white
gray back
head
small dark patch
in front of eye thick, yellow
bill
white
underparts
short,
rounded, ADULT
gray tail (ATLANTIC
ADULT (LIGHT
PACIFIC FORM) FORM)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds on remote, high,
SOOTY SHEARWATER GREATER coastal cliffs in Alaska
see p.80 SHEARWATER and Canada; winters at
see p.81 dark
more sea in offshore Pacific and
dark more cap
slender Atlantic waters, generally
bill slender
wings
wings farther north than most
other seabirds. Breeds in
white
dark collar Europe, northward to
overall Greenland, Svalbard;
also parts of Russia.
Length 171⁄2 –191⁄2in (45–50cm) Wingspan 31⁄4 –31⁄2ft (1–1.1m) Weight 16–35oz (0.45–1kg)
77
TUBENOSES
Order Procellariiformes Family Procellariidae Species Calonectris diomedea
all white
belly
pale ADULT grayish head
rump and chin
ADULT yellow
bill with
scalloped dark tip
IN FLIGHT
pattern
ADULT
white breast,
with sooty-
gray sides
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES This species breeds in the
AUDUBON’S SHEARWATER GREATER Mediterranean and on islands
see p.445 SHEARWATER of the eastern Atlantic,
see p.81
dark brown including the Azores, the
overall dark head Salvages, Madeira, and the
Canaries. When nonbreeding,
brownish white Cory’s Shearwaters disperse
overall neck widely over the Atlantic Ocean
and the Gulf of Mexico.
78
TUBENOSES
Order Procellariiformes Family Procellariidae Species Puffinus puffinus
head is black
very dark brownish above, white crisp white
black upperparts below underwings
IN FLIGHT
long, thin,
hooked bill
dark
upperwings small head
dark,
hooked
short tail bill
white throat
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds on many islands in
BLACK-VENTED AUDUBON’S SHEARWATER eastern North Atlantic;
SHEARWATER see p.445 restricted to islands off
slightly smaller Newfoundland in North
longer
brownish tail overall America. Regularly occurs
upperparts paler
head off US east coast as far south
as Florida. Rare in Gulf of
Mexico and off the West
Coast. Rarely seen from
shore; cold-water shearwater.
79
TUBENOSES
Order Procellariiformes Family Procellariidae Species Puffinus griseus
ADULT
all-dark ADULT
underparts
long, slender
wings
IN FLIGHT ADULT
all-dark
upperparts sooty head
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Sooty Shearwaters breed
SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER GREATER on islands in the southern
SHEARWATER Ocean and nearby waters,
see p.81
dark dark some colonies number
upperparts cap white tail
band thousands of pairs.
shorter Postbreeding movements
white
bill
collar
take them north into the
pale throat Pacific and Atlantic Ocean,
on 8-shaped migrations.
Length 18in (46cm) Wingspan 3ft 3in (1m) Weight 27oz (775g)
80
TUBENOSES
Order Procellariiformes Family Procellariidae Species Puffinus gravis
Greater Shearwater
dark, half darker outer
ADULT wing feathers
“necklace” at
sides of neck
dark smudge on
center of belly
brownish
upperwings
IN FLIGHT
white
collar
ADULT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Nests on just a few islands
BLACK-CAPPED PETREL MANX SHEARWATER in the middle of the South
see p.445 see p.79 Atlantic. Total population
white
large, white forehead darker smaller probably well over 200
rump plumage overall million. Postbreeding birds
make a very long 8-shaped
migration around the Atantic,
spending late July–September
in North Atlantic waters,
usually offshore.
81
TUBENOSES
Order Procellariiformes Family Hydrobatidae Species Oceanites oceanicus
Wilson’s Storm-Petrel
broad, pointed
wings
white rump
and lower
flanks
ADULT
ADULT
short,
square tail
yellow webbing
between toes
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds on the Antarctic
BAND-RUMPED LEACH’S STORM-PETREL Peninsula, many sub-Antarctic
STORM-PETREL see p.83 islands, and islands in the
see p.445
white Cape Horn Archipelago. April
rump –September or October, moves
smaller patch
overall north, and is abundant off the
square
tail coasts of New England, New
forked
tail
York, and New Jersey July–
September. With inshore winds,
can often be seen from land.
82
TUBENOSES
Order Procellariiformes Family Hydrobatidae Species Oceanodroma leucorhoa
Leach’s Storm-Petrel
long,
angled white rump
wings with thin,
dark line
down center
ADULT
IN FLIGHT
dark
smudge
beside eye
forked
tail
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds on islands in the Pacific
BAND-RUMPED STORM- BLACK STORM-PETREL Ocean from Alaska and the
PETREL Aleutian Islands south to
see p.445
California; in the Atlantic
white of dark Ocean, from Newfoundland
rump rump to Maine. After breeding,
extends
toward it wanders widely on both
belly oceans, keeping well
out of sight of land.
Length 7– 81⁄2in (18–22cm) Wingspan 171⁄2 –19in (45– 48cm) Weight 19⁄16–13⁄4 oz (45 –50g)
83
Family Podicipedidae
GREBES
and share many of fly. The position of the
G REBES RESEMBLE LOONS
their aquatic habits, but anatomical and
molecular features show that they are actually
legs makes it impossible,
however, for grebes to
unrelated. They are placed in a different order: the stand upright for long
Podicipediformes. Grebes have streamlined bodies, or easily walk on land.
which offer little resistance when diving and This means that grebes
swimming. Underwater their primary means of are tied to water even
propulsion is the sideways motion of their lobed when breeding; and
toes. The legs are placed far back on a grebe’s body, their nests are usually
which greatly aids the bird when it swims above or partially floating PIED BILL
below the surface. Grebes have short tails, and their platforms, built on beds The black-and-white bill pattern
trailing legs and toes serve as rudders when they of water plants. Grebes’ clearly distinguishes this bird as
toes have broad lobes the Pied-billed Grebe.
that splay when the bird
thrusts forward through the water with its feet.
They dive to catch fish with a short, forward
arching spring. Unusual among birds, grebes
swallow feathers, apparently to trap fish bones and
protect their stomachs, then periodically disgorge
them. Like loons, they can control their buoyancy
by exhaling air and compressing their plumage so
that they sink quietly below the surface. They are
strong fliers and migratory.
A FINE DISPLAY
This Horned Grebe reveals the colorful
plumes on its head as part of its elaborate
courtship display.
SIDE BY SIDE
This pair of Western
Grebes is displaying
their elaborate
courtship behavior.
GREBES
Order Podicipediformes Family Podicipedidae Species Podilymbus podiceps
Pied-billed Grebe
outstretched neck yellowish
bill
ADULT (NONBREEDING)
IN FLIGHT
reddish
brownish brown neck
gray body and breast black throat
patch
ADULT
(BREEDING)
white
undertail
Length 12–15in (31–38cm) Wingspan 18–24in (46–62cm) Weight 13–17oz (375 – 475g)
Social Family groups Lifespan At least 3 years Status Vulnerable
85
GREBES
Order Podicipediformes Family Podicipedidae Species Podiceps grisegena
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds from northern prairies
RED-THROATED LOON 7 HORNED GREBE 7 and forests, almost to the tree
see p.74 no yellow see p.87 line in the northwest; limited to
on bill
white spots white reddish eye suitable interior bodies of water
on back neck paler neck such as large marshes and
small lakes. Winters primarily
in estuaries, inlets, bays, and
offshore shallows along Atlantic
and Pacific Coasts; can also be
found on the Great Lakes.
Length 161⁄2 –22in (42–56cm) Wingspan 24–35in (61–88cm) Weight 13⁄4–31⁄2lb (0.8–1.6kg)
86
GREBES
Order Podicipediformes Family Podicipedidae Species Podiceps auritus
IN FLIGHT
short, dark
ADULT bill with
(SPRING MOLT) whitish tip
rufous neck black
throat
ADULT
(SUMMER)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in small freshwater,
RED-NECKED GREBE 7 EARED GREBE 7 upturned even slightly brackish, ponds
see p.86 see p.88 bill and marshes, including
brownish dark
cap man-made ponds. Prefers areas
cheek
darker eye
with open water and patches
of sedges, cattails, and other
wetland vegetation. Winters on
saltwater close to shore; also
on large bodies of freshwater.
Also breeds in Eurasia.
Length 12–15in (30–38cm) Wingspan 18–24in (46–62cm) Weight 11–20oz (300 –575g)
87
GREBES
Order Podicipediformes Family Podicipedidae Species Podiceps nigricollis
outstretched
neck JUVENILE red
dusky eye
dusky white cheek upturned
flanks bill large, wispy gold
patch behind
grayish red eye
IN FLIGHT neck
thin,
dark black upturned
back neck bill
ADULT (WINTER)
rufous breast
and sides
ADULT
(SUMMER)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in marshes, shallow lakes,
RED-NECKED GREBE 7 HORNED GREBE 7 white tip and ponds. After breeding, many
see p.86 thicker see p.87 on bill birds seek saline waters, such as
browner bill Mono Lake, or lakes in Utah where
cap more distinct
white cheek their favorite foods thrive—brine
shrimp and alkali flies. Winters in
coastal bays of Pacific coast and is
a vagrant on Atlantic coast. Also
breeds in Eurasia.
Length 12–14in (30 –35cm) Wingspan 221⁄2 –24in (57– 62cm) Weight 7–26oz (200–725g)
88
Families Ciconiidae, Threskiornithidae, Ardeidae
DANCING ON AIR
The Great Egret’s courtship
display often involves spreading
its wings and leaping in a kind
of aerial dance.
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Ciconiidae Species Mycteria americana
IN FLIGHT
long,
decurved
bill
ADULT
grayish, sparsely
feathered head
short, black
tail
pale
blackish yellow
gray legs bill
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Forested freshwater and coastal
GREAT EGRET SNOWY EGRET areas, swamps, and marshes;
see p.102 see p.106 feeds in shallow wetlands. In
the US, a southeastern species,
straight breeding in Florida to North
bill much Carolina. Birds in Texas and
smaller smaller
overall yellow overall Louisiana are postbreeders
feet dispersing from Mexico.
black feet A few birds have been
seen in southern California.
Length 3ft 3in (100cm) Wingspan 5ft (1.5m) Weight 51⁄2lb (2.5kg)
90
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Threskiornithidae Species Eudocimus albus
long, white
trailing neck
legs white
overall curved,
ADULT
red bill
(BREEDING) with
dark tip
black
wing tips
short
IN FLIGHT tail
streaked
neck red legs
mottled brown- and toes
and-white curved,
upperparts yellowish
bill
ADULT
white
(BREEDING)
underparts
yellow legs
IMMATURE
(1ST SPRING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in estuaries along
GREAT EGRET SNOWY EGRET the coast, also in freshwater
see p.102 see p.106 marshes, swamps, and rice
larger black fields; breeds in colonies with
overall shorter, bill other wading birds. Also
straight occurs throughout Central
bill
America and northern
black legs black yellow South America from
legs feet Venezuela to Colombia.
Length 25in (64cm) Wingspan 3ft 2in (96cm) Weight 32oz (900g)
91
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Threskiornithidae Species Plegadis falcinellus
IN FLIGHT
chestnut or
maroon underparts
ADULT (BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Common from New England
WHITE-FACED IBIS BLACK-CROWNED south to Florida. Occurs in
see p.93 NIGHT-HERON 5 brackish and freshwater
see p.97
marshes and in flooded or
brown plowed fields; feeds with
white body other waders in inland
thick,
pink mask on straight freshwater wetlands as
legs pink face bill
well as coastal lagoons
and estuaries.
92
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Threskiornithidae Species Plegadis chihi
greenish,
dark
dark, bronze- face
green overall iridescent
wings
ADULT
(NONBREEDING)
white
face
ADULT bronze
(BREEDING) metallic
trailing gloss
legs
IN FLIGHT
dull, non-
iridescent
plumage pink to
dark red, naked skin
chestnut between eye
ADULT chest and long,
paler face (BREEDING) and neck curved bill
and neck
reddish legs
and feet
JUVENILE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in freshwater wetlands,
GLOSSY IBIS BLACK-CROWNED especially in flooded fields, but
see p.92 NIGHT-HERON 5 also in marshes and lake edges
see p.97
less with cattails and bulrushes.
white Although birds may disperse
on face farther east after breeding, they
thick,
darker brown, straight are, for the most part, restricted
legs streaked bill to the western part of the
body
United States, and in Central
and South America.
93
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Threskiornithidae Species Ajaia ajaja
pink
wings
pinkish
ADULT red patch
red on wing
rump
pink
back
IN FLIGHT
light pink-
tinted body
mostly pink
underparts
94
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Ardeidae Species Botaurus lentiginosus
black streak on
side of neck
ADULT
duller crown
trailing
legs
brown back
IN FLIGHT no large
black
patch
on neck
brown streaks
short tail on chest
JUVENILE
ADULT
greenish legs
Length 231⁄2 –31in (60 –80cm) Wingspan 31⁄2 – 41⁄4ft (1.1–1.3m) Weight 13–20oz (375–575g)
95
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Ardeidae Species Ixobrychus exilis
MALE
JUVENILE
IN FLIGHT
short
tail
long, yellow bill
brown streaks
on chest
MALE
yellowish
legs and
toes
Length 11–14in (28–36cm) Wingspan 151⁄2 –18in (40– 46cm) Weight 25⁄8 –33⁄8oz (75–95g)
96
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Ardeidae Species Nycticorax nycticorax
black
back JUVENILE
ADULT JUVENILE
broad,
rounded
wings black
crown
IN FLIGHT
short,
short thick bill
neck
ADULT
T he Black-crowned Night-
Heron is chunky and
squat. It is also one of the most
common and widespread herons in
North America and in the world. But because, as its name
suggests, it is mainly active at twilight and at night, many people
have never seen one. However, its distinctive barking call can be
heard at night—even at the center of large cities.
VOICE Loud, distinctive quark or wok, often given in flight
and around colonies.
NESTING Large stick nests built usually 20–40ft (6–12m)
up in trees; 3–5 eggs; 1 brood; November–August.
FEEDING Feeds primarily on aquatic animals, such as fish, LONG PLUMES
crustaceans, insects, and mollusks; also eggs and chicks of In breeding plumage, the plumes of the male
colonial birds, such as egrets, ibises, and terns. of this species are longer than the female’s.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widespread; can be found
YELLOW-CROWNED GREEN HERON rufous wherever there are
NIGHT-HERON smaller overall; neck waterbodies, such as lakes,
see p.98 gray neck see p.99 ponds, streams; generally
black-and- absent from higher elevations.
white
head Colonies often on islands or in
thinner
bill marshes; colony sites may be
used for decades. In winter,
found in areas where water
remains open.
Length 23–26in (58–65cm) Wingspan 31⁄2 –4ft (1.1–1.2m) Weight 11⁄2 –21⁄2lb (0.7–1kg)
97
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Ardeidae Species Nyctanassa violacea
uniform gray
back and wings
thick,
IN FLIGHT slender black
neck bill
no white
on face
ADULT
fine speckling
on back and
wings
long,
yellow legs brown
streaks on
underparts
JUVENILE
Length 191⁄2 –28in (50–70cm) Wingspan 31⁄4 –31⁄2f t (1–1.1m) Weight 23– 28oz (650 –800g)
98
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Ardeidae Species Butorides virescens
greenish
(BREEDING)
black cap paler
greenish back short, bill
rufous neck
IN FLIGHT JUVENILE
white
chin thin,
straight,
black bill
cream streak
extends from long back
throat to belly plumes
yellowish ADULT
legs and (NONBREEDING)
feet
glossy
orange
legs
ADULT
(BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES An inhabitant of swampy
BLACK-CROWNED YELLOW-CROWNED thickets, but occasionally dry
NIGHT-HERON 5 NIGHT-HERON 5 land close to water across
see p.97 see p.98
much of North America, but
larger thicker missing in the plains, the Rocky
overall bill
larger Mountains, and the western
overall
deserts that do not provide
appropriate wetlands. Winters
in coastal wetlands.
Length 141⁄2 –151⁄2 in (37–39cm) Wingspan 25–27in (63– 68cm) Weight 7– 9oz (200–250g)
99
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Ardeidae Species Bubulcus ibis
yellow
rich buff all-white bill
on back body yellow bill,
reddish
short neck in spring
IN FLIGHT
rich buff
ADULT on breast
(NONBREEDING) in spring
looks all-white
in flight at
long range
dark legs ADULT
and feet (BREEDING)
ADULT
(BREEDING) yellow legs
and feet
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Since the 1940s, it has
GREAT EGRET SNOWY EGRET expanded to many habitats
see p.102 see p.106 in much of North America,
long
primarily in grasslands and
bill prairies, but also wetland
black
much bill
areas. In tropical regions,
larger the Cattle Egrets flock
yellow around the cattle feeding
black legs toes
and toes in shallow wetlands.
100
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Ardeidae Species Ardea herodias
blue-gray
crooked
JUVENILE body
neck
IN FLIGHT
lighter-colored large,
neck, almost white
beige light bird
bill
overall similar
to Great Blue shaggy
plumes light
legs
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Across southern Canada
TRICOLORED LITTLE BLUE HERON and the US in wetlands, such
HERON dark smaller overall; as marshes, lake edges, and
see p.104 bill see p.105 along rivers and swamps; also
smaller
overall in marine habitats, especially
tidal grass flats. The Great
white greenish darker White Heron is common in
underparts legs overall mangroves in the Florida Keys;
also West Indies and Yucatán.
Length 23⁄4– 41⁄4ft (0.9 –1.3m) Wingspan 51⁄4– 61⁄2ft (1.6 –2m) Weight 43⁄4–51⁄2lb (2.1–2.5kg)
101
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Ardeidae Species Ardea alba
IN FLIGHT
lime-green
long, black patch between
plumes eye and bill
black legs
and feet
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in trees over water or
LITTLE BLUE SNOWY EGRET on islands; forages in almost
HERON 5 black bill; all types of freshwater and
see p.105 two- see p.106
toned marine wetlands from
bill smaller marshes and ponds to
overall
rivers. Migratory over much
smaller
overall yellow- of its North American range;
green legs yellow more southerly populations
feet
resident. Distance migrated
depends on severity of winter.
102
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Ardeidae Species Egretta rufescens
trailing heavy,
ADULT
legs heavy, dark pink bill
(DARK FORM)
bill with
black tip
gray wings
IN FLIGHT gray body
pink bill with
black tip JUVENILE
(WHITE FORM)
rufescent
neck and
chest
shaggy neck
ADULT
(DARK FORM)
ADULT
(WHITE FORM)
gray legs
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found year-round in coastal
TRICOLORED LITTLE BLUE lagoons, mudflats, and keys
HERON white line HERON
on throat
around Florida and the Gulf
see p.104 see p.105
Coast; mostly nonmigratory;
sometimes seen in southern
bluish California in winter; vagrants
white bill and post-breeders seen inland
belly greenish
legs and north along the Atlantic
coast. Breeds in Mexico, the
West Indies, south to Belize.
103
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiformes Family Ardeidae Species Egretta tricolor
gray back
golden
plumes on ADULT
greenish (BREEDING)
yellow legs lower back
JUVENILE
white belly
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES In the US breeds mainly in
GREAT BLUE LITTLE BLUE estuaries on Atlantic and
HERON HERON Gulf coasts, but also in inland
see p.101 larger, see p.105 freshwater marshes in Florida
bluish white
cheeks and around Gulf; most birds
overall
winter from coastal South
all-dark Carolina south through the
body rest of their breeding range.
Northern populations of the
Tricolored Heron are migratory.
104
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Ardeidae Species Egretta caerulea
blotchy,
blue-and-
white
plumage
ADULT
yellowish to
IMMATURE greenish legs
(1ST SPRING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds across much of
GREAT BLUE TRICOLORED paler
southeast US in various
HERON HERON neck wetlands, such as swamps,
see p.101 white see p.104
marshes, lakes, streams, rivers,
on face
larger and crown and flooded fields, as well as
body estuarine and marine habitats,
white
belly such as lagoons and tidal flats.
Winters in similar habitat from
southern California to Mexico
and Central America.
Length 24in (61cm) Wingspan 3ft 3in (100cm) Weight 11–13oz (325–375g)
105
STORKS, IBISES, AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Ardeidae Species Egretta thula
ADULT
ADULT
(HIGH
(BREEDING)
BREEDING)
orangish black
legs legs
yellow feet
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in a wide variety of
GREAT EGRET LITTLE BLUE wetlands throughout North
see p.102 HERON 5 America: from mangroves in
see p.105
Florida to marshlands in New
yellow England and the western US.
bill Highly adaptable and widely
black legs found. Sites of breeding
black legs and feet
colonies may change from
and feet
year to year within a set range.
106
Families Fregatidae, Pelecanidae, Sulidae, Phalacrocoracidae, Anhingidae
PELICANS
The pelican family includes seven large species,
two of which—the American White Pelican and
the Brown Pelican—breed in North America. All
WING SPREADING
pelicans are buoyant swimmers and excellent fliers, neck is extended
capable of great lift on their long, broad wings with and noticeably kinked. For this Neotropic Cormorant
grooming includes spreading
wing feathers spread. Flocks can be seen soaring to When hunting for its wings to dry them in the
great heights on migration and when flying to fish, cormorants dive sun. Neotropic Cormorants
feeding grounds. Pelicans feed by sweeping with from the surface of the are rare in the East.
open bills for fish, often cooperatively, or by water, rolling smoothly
plunging from a height to scoop up fish and water under or with a forward leap, and then swim
in their large, flexible bill pouches. underwater with closed wings, using their
webbed toes for propulsion. Most are dark birds,
CORMORANTS apart from distinctive facial patterns on areas of
With 36 species worldwide, these are medium bare skin which become more colorful in early
to large waterbirds, some marine, others spring. Most cormorants nest on cliff ledges,
freshwater, with broad, long wings, rounded tails, others use both cliffs and trees. There is one
short, strong legs and hook-tipped bills often flightless and highly endangered cormorant
tilted upward when swimming. In flight, the species in the Galápagos Islands.
WATER BIRD
Webbed feet help Brown
Pelicans negotiate water
with ease, while strong
wings allow easy takeoffs.
PELICANS AND RELATIVES
Order Pelecaniformes Family Fregatidae Species Fregata magnificens
glossy black
MALE plumage
IN FLIGHT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds mainly in coastal
ANHINGA 2 ANHINGA 1 mangroves, but in North
square-tipped, see p.114 America, frigatebirds are
broader tail; silvery gray usually seen away from nest
see p.114 markings
much sites, flying high in the sky over
longer open water. Sometimes found
neck pale
front well north of its usual Florida
shorter and Gulf Coast range,
wings especially after hurricanes, and
a few wander inland every year.
Length 3ft 3in (100cm) Wingspan 71⁄2ft (2.3m) Weight 39 – 60oz (1.1–1.7kg)
108
PELICANS AND RELATIVES
Order Pelecaniformes Family Pelecanidae Species Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
ADULT (POSTBREEDING)
ADULT
(BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds on islands in freshwater
WOOD STORK bare BROWN lakes in south-central Canada,
see p.90 head PELICAN
gray bill intermontane areas of the
see p.110
western US, and in coastal
northeastern Mexico; an early
curved bill spring migrant, often returning
dark to breeding grounds in early
long underparts March. Winters in coastal regions
thin
legs from California and Texas to
Mexico and Central America.
109
PELICANS AND RELATIVES
Order Pelecaniformes Family Pelecanidae Species Pelecanus occidentalis
whitish
variable red underparts
IN FLIGHT on throat
bulky
and dark
ADULT
(NONBREEDING) JUVENILE
huge bill
ADULT ADULT
(BREEDING) (POSTBREEDING)
ADULT
(BREEDING)
black feet
FLIGHT: flies low over surface of the water;
alternates glides with wing beats.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in and around warm
BLACK-FOOTED AMERICAN WHITE orange
coastal waters, flying above
ALBATROSS PELICAN bill the water’s surface over the
see p.109
cresting waves; small numbers
white breed in the interior US;
short bill plumage individuals and small flocks
can be found around docks
long, and marinas.
pointed
wings
110
PELICANS AND RELATIVES
Order Pelecaniformes Family Sulidae Species Morus bassanus
black-and-white
mottled
upperparts
white
underparts
ADULT
pointed
tail IMMATURE (2ND YEAR)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds on isolated rock stacks,
LAYSAN MASKED black on small uninhabited islands
ALBATROSS BOOBY “mask” in the eastern North Atlantic,
see p.471 yellow
bill or on steep, inaccessible
more
rounded
pinkish cliffs in marine areas of
bill northeastern North America;
tail black
white inner during migration and in winter,
underwing long, wing occurs in the waters of
with black pointed feathers
patches wings the continental shelf of the
Gulf and Atlantic coast.
Length 23⁄4– 31⁄2ft (0.8–1.1m) Wingspan 51⁄2ft (1.7m) Weight 5–8lb (2.2–3.6kg)
111
PELICANS AND RELATIVES
Order Pelecaniformes Family Phalacrocoracidae Species Phalacrocorax auritus
pale throat
and chest orange
facial
JUVENILE skin
ADULT
IN FLIGHT black P. a. cincinatus
underparts (WESTERN; BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in a wide range of
BRANDT’S NEOTROPIC aquatic habitats, including
CORMORANT CORMORANT ponds, artificial and natural
throat see p.447
pouch lakes, slow-moving rivers,
paler and estuaries, lagoons, and
less visible seashores; winters on
shorter
body coastlines and sandbars
longer in coastal inlets; roosts near
tail catfish farms in some areas.
Length 28 –35in (70 –90cm) Wingspan 31⁄2 – 4ft (1.1 –1.2m) Weight 23⁄4 – 51⁄2lb (1.2–2.5kg)
112
PELICANS AND RELATIVES
Order Pelecaniformes Family Phalacrocoracidae Species Phalacrocorax carbo
long, white
brown black neck throat
ADULT
neck
Length 33–35in (84 – 90cm) Wingspan 41⁄4– 51⁄4ft (1.3 –1.6m) Weight 53⁄4– 81⁄4lb (2.6 –3.7kg)
113
PELICANS AND RELATIVES
Order Pelecaniformes Family Anhingidae Species Anhinga anhinga
FEMALE
dark
brown
overall blotchy, silver-
white markings
pale tan on upperparts
JUVENILE
neck and
head
dark
underwings
IN FLIGHT
MALE
long
tail black
underparts
variable white
upperparts
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES An inhabitant of southeastern
DOUBLE-CRESTED DOUBLE-CRESTED wetlands south all the way
CORMORANT CORMORANT 5 to Argentina. Greatest
see p.112 see p.112
hooked concentrations in wooded
bill wetlands, calm waters in
dark swamps; often also seen in
upperwings habitats far from open water.
shorter The second species occurs
shorter
tail
tail in the Old World tropics.
114
Families Cathartidae, Falconidae, Accipitridae
BIRDS OF PREY
HE DEFINING FEATURES of birds of prey, FALCONS
T or raptors, are strong feet with sharp
talons for catching and holding prey, and a
Ranging in size from the diminutive American
Merlin, with northern breeding habitats, to
the large, powerful Gyrfalcon, which nests
powerful, hooked bill for tearing the catch in the Arctic, this group also includes the Kestrel,
to pieces.Vultures eat carrion not live prey. the Prairie Falcon, and perhaps the best-known
raptor of all—the fast-diving Peregrine Falcon.
VULTURES Falcon prey ranges from insects to large
Of the seven New World species of vulture, three mammals and birds.
occur in North America: the Black Vulture, the
Turkey Vulture, which has an acute sense of smell EAGLES AND HAWKS
that enables it to detect carrion hidden from sight This group covers a wide range of raptors
beneath the forest of varying sizes, from the the iconic Bald Eagle
canopy, and the rare and the majestic Golden Eagle to smaller birds,
California Condor, such as the Northern Harrier, and various hawks
the continent’s largest and kites. These birds use a wide range of hunting
soaring land bird. All methods. For example, forest-dwelling hawks
three can stay in the air rely on speed and stealth to pounce on small
for hours on end, using birds among the trees in a sudden, short dash.
WEAK TOOL
the lift provided by By contrast, the Osprey hovers over water until
In spite of its sharp beak, the updrafts to minimize it sees a fish below, then dives steeply, pulling up
Turkey Vulture cannot always the energy spent on at the last moment to pluck its prey clean out
break the skin of carcasses. wing flapping. of the water with its talons.
DOUBLE SHOT
When there are lots of
fish running in a tight
school, the Osprey has
the strength and skill to
catch two with one dive.
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Cathartidae Species Cathartes aura
brownish
ADULT
back
JUVENILE
IN FLIGHT
SUB-ADULT
long tail
black underparts
pink legs
Length 25 – 32in (64 – 81cm) Wingspan 51⁄2 – 6ft (1.7 – 1.8m) Weight 41⁄2lb (2kg)
116
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Cathartidae Species Coragyps atratus
silvery white
patch on broad wings,
wing spread at roost
ADULT
short,
rounded
tail
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
black upperparts
black
underparts
long, grayish
Length 24–27in (61–68cm) Wingspan 41⁄2 –5ft (1.4–1.5m) Weight 31⁄2 –5lb (1.6 –2.2kg)
117
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Falconidae Species Falco sparverius
light
undertail with
partial barring
small head
bold
light “mustache”
undertail
FEMALE MALE feathers tan to
cinnamon
long wings breast
spotted
MALE
underparts
IN FLIGHT dark, outer
flight feathers
barred, yellow to
rufous yellowish orange
upperparts legs and toes
heavy
checks
on belly
IMMATURE
dark, barred, FEMALE
MALE
rufous tail
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES From near the northern tree
MERLIN no distinct SHARP-SHINNED line in Alaska and Canada
see p.119 stripes on HAWK 5 south, east, and west
head see p.129
throughout most of North
brownish America. Occurs also in
upperparts Central and South America.
Habitat ranges from semi-
darker
belly open tree groves to grasslands,
longer
toes cultivated and fallow farmland,
and open desert.
Length 9in (23cm) Wingspan 22in (56cm) Weight 31⁄2 –4oz (100–125g)
118
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Falconidae Species Falco columbarius
Merlin dark
brown
eye
dark head
blue-gray or
gray barring
small, fairly blue-gray
on square tail
square head or gray
upperparts
indistinct
white MALE “mustache”
band at
tail tip
FEMALE
brown
upper-
parts
short, pointed,
angular wings
IN FLIGHT
dark tail with brown
horizontal streaking on
barring underparts
FEMALE
buff
undertail dark brown tail with
feathers less bold, buff barring
yellow legs
and feet
MALE
FLIGHT: powerful, strong, and fast; can
abruptly turn to the left or right in pursuit of prey.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds from northern
AMERICAN KESTREL SHARP-SHINNED California east to
see p.118 HAWK Newfoundland, and south
see p.129 to Louisiana, Texas, and
Mexico. Merlins can be seen
rounder hunting along coastlines,
wings barred
tan over marshlands and open
cinnamon breast underparts
fields, and in desert areas.
flanks longer tail Eastern birds migrate to
southern areas.
119
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Falconidae Species Falco rusticolus
Gyrfalcon dark
yellow patch of
skin near bill
IN FLIGHT
lighter
underparts
yellow toes with spots
and legs
ADULT
(GRAY FORM)
long,
barred
ADULT tail
(GRAY FORM)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in Arctic North America.
PRAIRIE FALCON PEREGRINE dark Sometimes found in northern
light, sandy FALCON “hood” regions of the US. A truly Arctic
brown see p.122 on head
species found in the most
upperparts; light,
see p.121 smaller barren regions of the tundra,
brown-spotted overall
underparts high mountains and foothills
light, barred
of the tundra, and Arctic and
underparts sub-Arctic evergreen forests
and woodlands. Not common
outside its breeding range.
Length 22in (56cm) Wingspan 4ft (1.2m) Weight 23⁄4 – 4lb (1.2 –1.8kg)
120
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Falconidae Species Falco mexicanus
distinctive, triangle-
longish shaped patch on
tail wingpit feathers
light underparts
with brown spots
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
yellow legs
and toes
light undertail
feathers
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Interior North America, from
MERLIN PEREGRINE darker central British Columbia east
see p.119 FALCON 5 head to western North Dakota and
see p.122 south to southern California,
smaller
overall and Mexico, Arizona, northern
streaked
underparts Texas. Found in open plains,
heavily prairies, and grasslands, dotted
yellow or
streaked
bluish gray
with buttes or cliffs. A partial
underparts migrant, it moves east of its
legs and toes
breeding range in winter.
Length 16in (41cm) Wingspan 31⁄4 (1m) Weight 22 – 30oz (625 –850g)
121
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Falconidae Species Falco peregrinus
Peregrine Falcon
long, pointed
dark “hood”
on head
yellow
eye-ring
wings
streaked
underparts brown
upperparts
short ADULT bluish gray
tail upperparts
dark
spots on
IN FLIGHT JUVENILE light buff
breast
light yellow
barred or bluish gray
underwings legs and toes
barred prominent
undertail dark “mustache” light underparts
feathers with horizontal
barring
ADULT
ADULT
yellow toes
and legs
FLIGHT: powerful and direct; faster, deeper
wing beats during pursuit; also soars.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES A variety of habitats
GYRFALCON less PRAIRIE FALCON lighter across northern North America,
see p.120 defined see p.121 head ranging from open valleys
larger “hood” color
to cities with tall buildings.
and light sandy
stockier Peregrines prefer to inhabit cliffs
brown
upperparts along sea coasts, in addition
longer
tail to inland mountain ranges, but
also occur in open country such
as scrubland and salt marshes.
Length 16in (41cm) Wingspan 31⁄4–31⁄2ft (1–1.1m) Weight 22–35oz (620 –1,000g)
122
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Accipitridae Species Pandion haliaetus
black mask
on face
wings bowed
wing tips dark band while soaring
at slight running
backward across wing
angle speckled black
barred chest bill
tail ADULT
ADULT
black eye
stripe finely barred
underwings
IN FLIGHT
dark brown
upperparts
white
underparts
pale gray
legs and
feet
ADULT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in a wide variety of
BALD EAGLE (2ND YEAR) GOLDEN EAGLE dark brown habitats: northern forests,
see p.127 see p.137 head near shallow reservoirs,
no crook in wings along freshwater rivers and
during flight
large lakes, estuaries and
salt marshes, coastal deserts
and desert saltflat lagoons.
brown, Migrates through and
paler tail feathered winters in similar habitats.
legs
123
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Accipitridae Species Elanoides forficatus
IN FLIGHT
deeply
forked tail
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES In swamps, lowland forests,
WHITE-TAILED SWAINSON’S HAWK streaked freshwater and brackish
KITE red (LIGHT FORM) head marshes of Florida and the
see p.125 eye see p.134
southeastern US; avoids arid
gray areas. Needs tall trees for
back nesting, with open areas
for foraging for small prey
square nearby. Tropical populations
tail are found from Central
America south to Argentina.
124
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Accipitridae Species Elanus leucurus
white head
pale eye
dark gray splashes of
wing tips sandy rufous thin, shapely
around neck black bill
and breast
ADULT
dusky gray
FLIGHT: fast, shallow wing beats interspersed wing tips
with glides; hovers with tail down. whitish
underside
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Limited range in the US, breeds
MISSISSIPPI KITE NORTHERN and winters in a restricted
deep
see p.126 HARRIER 2 range; found in open grassland
red
eyes see p.128
areas, and over large
darker
body dark agricultural fields, as well as in
grayish rough wetlands with low, reedy,
wings or rushy growth, open oak
marked
underparts woodland and light savanna
woods. Especially fond of
damp, riverside areas.
Length 13–15in (33–38cm) Wingspan 3ft 3in–31⁄2ft (1–1.1m) Weight 11–12oz (300–350g)
125
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Accipitridae Species Ictinia mississippiensis
JUVENILE brownish
upperparts
IN FLIGHT
JUVENILE
long wings
SUB-ADULT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES In the East, mostly mature
PEREGRINE dark WHITE-TAILED KITE bottomland forest or riverside
FALCON head see p.125 dark woodland with open habitat
see p.122 shoulder
prominent nearby for foraging. Birds in
black patch
larger the central and southern
overall “mustache”
Great Plains prefer areas
white with numerous shelterbelts
underparts (windbreaks). Western birds
use both rural woodland and
suburban or urban habitat.
Length 13 –15in (33 –38cm) Wingspan 35in (89cm) Weight 8 –14oz (225 – 400g)
126
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Accipitridae Species Haliaeetus leucocephalus
dark eyestripe
on whitish face
IMMATURE
(1ST YEAR)
Length 28–38in (71–96cm) Wingspan 61⁄2ft (2m) Weight 61⁄2 –14lb (3– 6.5kg)
127
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Accipitridae Species Circus cyaneus
JUVENILE
white ring
around
face
brown
gray uppertail with upperparts
light undertail
white
feathers
underparts with
reddish brown
markings
ADULT
MALE
FEMALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in a variety of open
MISSISSIPPI KITE ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK wetlands: marshes, meadows,
dark eye
see p.126 see p.136 pastures, fallow fields across
patch
whitish broader most of North America;
head wings winters in open habitats
gray like deserts, coastal sand
underparts dunes, cropland, grasslands,
marshy, and riverine areas.
shorter
tail
Length 18 –20in (46–51cm) Wingspan 31⁄2 – 4ft (1.1m–1.2m) Weight 11–26oz (300–750g)
128
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Accipitridae Species Accipiter striatus
reddish
yellow eye
short,
square- rounded
tipped wings grayish blue
tail upperparts
slightly browner
head upperparts
appears than male
small
JUVENILE
FEMALE
JUVENILE FEMALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Deep coniferous forests and
MERLIN COOPER’S HAWK mixed hardwood–conifer
see p.119 see p.130 woodlands across North
light larger America from the tree limit in
eye-stripe overall northern Canada to the Gulf
states. During fall migration
rounded sometimes seen in flocks
tip of tail
of hundreds of individuals.
long, pointed Winters in Central America
wings
from Guatemala to Panama.
Length 11in (28cm) Wingspan 23in (58cm) Weight 31⁄2 –6oz (100–175g)
129
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Accipitridae Species Accipiter cooperii
reddish eye
broad, rounded
wings grayish blue
upperparts
JUVENILE
yellowish
eyes
long,
barred
tail with
rounded light mottled
tip underparts, dark brown
IN FLIGHT with brown upperparts
streaks
grayish blue
overall
ADULT
JUVENILE
gray tail
with wide,
dark bands
FLIGHT: fast with rapid wing beats
interspersed with glides; sometimes soars.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in woodlands across
NORTHERN SHARP-SHINNED HAWK northern North America,
HARRIER 1 see p.129 southern Canada, and the
see p.128
northern US, south to Florida,
whitish
larger Texas, and northwestern
underparts
overall
much Mexico. Likes mature deciduous
square- smaller forests with leaf cover, and also
tipped head
roosts in conifers. Winters in
tail
southwestern US and Mexico.
Length 151⁄2–171⁄2in (40–45cm) Wingspan 28–34in (70–86cm) Weight 13–19oz (375 –525g)
130
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Accipitridae Species Accipiter gentilis
conspicuous
slate-gray dark barring
tail on underparts
ADULT
yellow legs
and feet
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in deep deciduous,
GYRFALCON COOPER’S HAWK coniferous, and mixed
brownish
(GRAY FORM) see p.130 upperparts woodlands in northern North
see p.120
no streaks on
America, from the tundra–taiga
longer, underparts border south to California,
pointed streaked
northern Mexico, and
wings underparts Pennsylvania in the eastern US,
absent from east central US.
The Northern Goshawk is
widespread in northern Eurasia.
131
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Accipitridae Species Buteo lineatus
reddish
and white
whitish barred breast
ADULT undertail
feathers
B. l. elegans
(WESTERN)
ADULT
yellow legs
FLIGHT: occasional rapid flapping; soars in lazy and feet
circles over treetops with wings and tail spread.
Length 17–24in (43– 61cm) Wingspan 3–31⁄2 ft (0.9–1.1m) Weight 17–27oz (475–775g)
132
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Accipitridae Species Buteo platypterus
dark border on
edges of wings
upperparts
one to two brown with
broad, white white flecking
bands visible ADULT
on tail
ADULT
JUVENILE
pale underparts
pale tan with conspicuous,
wings with pale outer tear-shaped,
dark tips wing brown spots
feathers short, yellow feet
finely
IN FLIGHT barred, JUVENILE
all-brown
tail IMMATURE
133
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Accipitridae Species Buteo swainsoni
spotted
white face
and chin
long dark
pointed wing tips underparts
wings
ADULT JUVENILE
(LIGHT FORM) (LIGHT FORM)
JUVENILE
(LIGHT FORM)
dark
chest reddish slender shape
breast overall
and belly
IN FLIGHT
dark brown
head and ADULT
breast (INTERMEDIATE
FORM) pale
reddish
upper
chest
spotted
underparts white
underbelly
ADULT
(DARK longish tail
FORM)
wing tips reach
end of tail
when perched
Length 19 –22in (48–56cm) Wingspan 41⁄2ft (1.4m) Weight 11⁄2 –3lb (0.7–1.4kg)
134
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Accipitridae Species Buteo jamaicensis
reddish brown
pale outer streaking
plumage with
wing feathers on head
light white spots
pale
belly brown
tail
IMMATURE
ADULT
IN FLIGHT
dark leading
edge to HARLAN’S
wings HAWK
brown
overall white spots
on back
streaked
belly band
ADULT
brown (LIGHT FORM)
tail IMMATURE
yellowish legs
and toes
distinctive
FLIGHT: soaring flight punctuated with lazy, rufous tail
slow wing flaps; hangs motionless in the wind.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds, forages in open areas
FERRUGINOUS HAWK ROUGH-LEGGED in wide range of habitats and
(LIGHT FORM) HAWK (DARK FORM) altitudes: scrub desert,
see p.449 see p.136
larger grasslands, agricultural fields
bill larger and pastures, coniferous and
overall dark
band on deciduous woodland, and
white tail tropical rainforest. Prefers areas
mostly with tall perch sites; can be
white found in suburban woodlots.
underparts
Length 18 –26in (46– 65cm) Wingspan 31⁄2 – 41⁄4ft (1.1–1.3m) Weight 11⁄2 –31⁄4lb (0.7–1.5kg)
135
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Accipitridae Species Buteo lagopus
dark
tail
band
IN FLIGHT
short, broad
head
MALE JUVENILE
black belly
barred
underparts
thin bands near
tail tip
plain gray
white tail brown or frosty
with faint feather edges
FLIGHT: strong wing beats; usually soars on black band
thermals; frequently hovers in one spot. at tip
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in rough, open country
NORTHERN HARRIER 5 FERRUGINOUS HAWK with low crags and cliffs, in
see p.128 see p.449 high sub-Arctic and Arctic
reddish regions; found on the edge
upperparts of extensive forest or forest
reddish
underparts white clearings, and in treeless
under- tundra, uplands, and alpine
parts habitats. Winters in open
longer
wings areas with fields, marshes,
and rough grasslands.
Length 19–20in (48–51cm) Wingspan 41⁄4 – 41⁄2 ft (1.3–1.4 m) Weight 11⁄2 –3 lb (0.7–1.4 kg)
136
BIRDS OF PREY
Order Falconiformes Family Accipitridae Species Aquila chrysaetos
large,
black powerful
tail bill
IN FLIGHT
band
pale
head
dark plumage
ADULT
with variable
heavy white
feathering
on legs
white
tail
feathers
JUVENILE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES In North America occurs mostly
BALD EAGLE 4 FERRUGINOUS no in grasslands, wetlands, and
see p.127 HAWK 5 golden rocky areas; breeds south to
white head (DARK FORM) tinge
see p.449
Mexico, in open and semi-open
and neck
habitats from sea level to
some pale
12,000ft (3,500m) including
smaller
wing feathers overall tundra, shrublands, grasslands,
coniferous forests, farmland,
areas close to streams or
rivers; winters in open habitat.
Length 28–33in (70–84cm) Wingspan 6 –71⁄4ft (1.8 –2.2m) Weight 61⁄2 –13lb (3– 6kg)
137
Family Rallidae
FLAT LANDING
Purple Gallinules can
land safely on lily pads
because their large toes
spread their weight.
Family Gruidae
CRANES
,
C RANES ARE LARGE WADING BIRDS
superficially similar to storks and to
the larger herons and egrets. However,
several anatomical differences place them in
a different family (Gruidae), within a different
order (Gruiformes). The two North American
crane species have much lighter bills than storks.
Typically, too, long inner wing feathers form
a “bustle” on a standing crane, giving it a
different profile than a heron. Additionally,
cranes fly with their necks straight out, rather
than in the tight S-curve regularly seen in
similar-sized herons. The
CRANE RALLY
Whooping Crane is Large numbers of Sandhill
the tallest bird in North Cranes gather on feeding
America, standing nearly grounds in winter, groups
5ft (1.5m) high. arriving in V-formation.
RAILS AND RELATIVES
Order Gruiformes Family Rallidae Species Coturnicops noveboracensis
dangling
legs
dark stripe
runs from
ADULT cheek to bill
white
patch on long tan stripes
inner wing on blackish
feathers background
IN FLIGHT
buff or
yellow
breast
ADULT
short tail
139
RAILS AND RELATIVES
Order Gruiformes Family Rallidae Species Laterallus jamaicensis
reddish small,
brown nape straight
bill
IN FLIGHT
dark
overall
dark gray
breast and
upper belly
darker gray
underparts
ADULT (SUMMER)
greenish
gray legs
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES The Black Rail has a disjointed
VIRGINIA RAIL SORA 4 distribution across the US. It
see p.143 see p.144 downy is found among reeds in
back freshwater, salt, and brackish
marshes or wet meadows.
longer It also occurs patchily in the
bill
West Indies (its scientific name
larger yellow
overall
is jamaicensis, after the island
bill
Jamaica), Central America,
and South America.
140
RAILS AND RELATIVES
Order Gruiformes Family Rallidae Species Rallus longirostris
long, down-
curved bill
ADULT
(GULF
COAST)
IN FLIGHT
brownish
cheeks
R. l. saturatus
(GULF COAST) cinnamon
breast
long,
slender bill
long,
thick legs R. I. obsoletus
pale underparts
(CALIFORNIA)
R. l. crepitans
(ATLANTIC)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found mostly in saltwater and
KING RAIL VIRGINIA RAIL brackish marshes along the
see p.142 see p.143 Atlantic Seaboard. Isolated
populations are found in coastal
smaller gray California and inland in west
overall face and southwest North America,
black- black-and- along the lower Colorado River.
and-white white barred The Clapper Rail winters south
streaking flanks of its breeding range.
on flanks
141
RAILS AND RELATIVES
Order Gruiformes Family Rallidae Species Rallus elegans
ADULT rufous
upperwing brown stripe
running
down neck
IN FLIGHT
short tail
orangish
breast
ADULT
boldly barred,
black-and-
white flanks
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Mostly breeds in freshwater
CLAPPER RAIL VIRGINIA RAIL gray marshes in the eastern US and
see p.141 see p.143 face in extreme southern Ontario.
Also found throughout the year
along the southern coast of the
red
bill US, including Florida, and in
grayer
flank
overall
central Mexico and Cuba.
barring smaller
diffused overall
142
RAILS AND RELATIVES
Order Gruiformes Family Rallidae Species Rallus limicola
ADULT
(BREEDING)
dark curved
outer red bill
wing
feathers
IN FLIGHT reddish
white brown
undertail breast
black-and-white
diffused barring on flanks
streaking reddish
dark bill legs and
toes ADULT
(BREEDING)
dark, blotchy
breast
ADULT
(NONBREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in freshwater habitats
CLAPPER RAIL KING RAIL less gray across North America,
see p.141 see p.142 face though is found throughout
larger overall the year along the West Coast
orange yellow- of the US. In winter, eastern
face orange populations move to saltwater
weak bill and freshwater marshes in
dark
flank undertail the southern US, including
barring
Florida, and in northern
and central Mexico.
143
RAILS AND RELATIVES
Order Gruiformes Family Rallidae Species Porzana carolina
Sora white
reduced black
on face no black
mask
markings
on back
buffy
ADULT breast
(NONBREEDING)
ADULT
(BREEDING) white JUVENILE
long, barring on
trailing short tail flanks
legs
brown cheek yellow bill
patch
IN FLIGHT
black
mask
yellowish gray breast
green legs
ADULT
(BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in freshwater marshes
YELLOW RAIL VIRGINIA RAIL with emergent vegetation
see p.139 see p.143 across most of temperate
buffy North America; rarely in salt
streaks buffy marshes along the Atlantic
breast longer Coast. Winters in freshwater,
bill saltwater, and brackish marshes
reddish
legs with spartina grass from
the southern US to northern
South America.
144
RAILS AND RELATIVES
Order Gruiformes Family Rallidae Species Porphyrula martinica
yellow-tipped
iridescent
blue green back red bill
wings and rump
ADULT
(BREEDING) greenish
long, dark blue frontal
trailing breast and shield
legs belly
IN FLIGHT grayish
brownish breast
upperparts
ADULT IMMATURE
(BREEDING)
yellow legs
and feet with
very large toes
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in lush wetlands
COMMON MOORHEN AMERICAN COOT black containing emergent vegetation
see p.146 see p.147 head of the southeastern US; mostly
red freshwater marshes. Winter
frontal white habitat similar to breeding;
shield bill non-Florida populations
greenish black- withdraw southward in winter;
yellow and-gray Florida population nonmigratory.
legs plumage
145
RAILS AND RELATIVES
Order Gruiformes Family Rallidae Species Gallinula chloropus
red frontal
less bright shield
ADULT bill
(BREEDING)
white brownish
flank gray head
stripe
conspicuous
white stripe
JUVENILE
ADULT
(BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in freshwater habitats
PURPLE GALLINULE blue AMERICAN COOT white in the eastern US and Canada;
see p.145 frontal see p.147 bill more localized in the West.
shield
Winters in warmer areas with
open water, such as southern
bright California and Mexico. Also
yellow legs darker found in Central and
plumage South America.
146
RAILS AND RELATIVES
Order Gruiformes Family Rallidae Species Fulica americana
ADULT
dark gray
(BREEDING) body
black
white ring on
bill bill
white-
edged
feathers
IN FLIGHT
dull grayish
plumage ADULT
(BREEDING)
long, greenish
yellow legs
lobed toes
JUVENILE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in open water habitats
PURPLE GALLINULE COMMON MOORHEN 5 west of the Appalachians and
see p.145 see p.146 gray head in Florida. Moves from the
red bill
northern parts of its range
with in winter to the southeastern
yellow tip US, where open water persists;
bright white also migrates to western
yellow flank and southern Mexico.
legs stripe
147
CRANES
Order Gruiformes Family Gruidae Species Grus canadensis
JUVENILE
ADULT rusty
body
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in muskeg, tundra,
GREAT BLUE HERON 5 WHOOPING red on and forest clearings across
see p.101 dark CRANE face northwestern North America,
crown see p.449
east to Québec and the Great
all-white Lakes; large wintering and
plumage migratory flocks often densely
larger
overall packed, roosting in or near
paler legs marshes. Winters south
to northern Mexico.
Length 23⁄4 – 4ft (0.8–1.2m) Wingspan 6–71⁄2 ft (1.8–2.3m) Weight 73⁄4–11lb (3.5–5kg)
148
CRANES
Order Gruiformes Family Aramidae Species Aramus guarauna
Limpkin long,
curvaceous
dark neck
wings
sparse white
ADULT
curved bill spotting on back
white
speckles
on neck
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
chocolate (SUMMER)
brown overall
long,
FLIGHT: direct and heavy flight; legs are either gray
drawn up into the body or left dangling behind. legs
SNAILS FOR DINNER
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Range limited to areas
WOOD STOCK 5 WHITE-FACED IBIS 4 inhabited by apple snails.
lacks extensive white gray see p.93 Breeds and forages in
spotting; see p.90 facial
skin pale extensive marshes, wooded
face swamps, and swamp forests,
dull
but also ranges into disturbed
more plumage habitats, including ditches,
sharply canals, and parks.
curved bill
Length 26in (66cm) Wingspan 3ft 3in (100cm) Weight 2–23⁄4lbs (0.9–1.2kg)
149
Families Haematopodidae, Recurvirostridae, Charadriidae, Scolopacidae, Laridae, Sternidae, Alcidae
ON THE MOVE
Dunlins and other
sandpipers gather in
large, highly coordinated
flocks on migration.
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Haematopodidae Species Haematopus palliatus
prominent
white wing black head orange-
white red
rump bar dark brown
large, bulky upperparts eye-ring
body
ADULT
long, orange-
red bill
powerful
wings
IN FLIGHT
JUVENILE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Exclusive to saltwater coastal
BLACK OYSTERCATCHER habitats; locally common from
Massachusetts southward to
all dark Gulf Coast; also Caribbean south
plumage
to Argentina, north from Chile to
Baja California, Mexico. Occurs
STRONG FLIER in southern California; recent
Strong fliers, these birds use nesting has been documented in
their long, powerful wings for Nova Scotia. Expanding
swift, short-distance forays. northward on Atlantic Coast.
Length 151⁄2–171⁄2in (40–44cm) Wingspan 29 –32in (73–81cm) Weight 14–25oz (400 –700g)
151
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Recurvirostridae Species Himantopus himantopus
long, needle-like
black bill
slender,
tapered white
body underparts brownish
wash to back
MALE long, bright
pink legs
duller legs
than male
FEMALE
152
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Recurvirostridae Species Recurvirostra americana
American Avocet
striking black-and- white
white pattern eye-ring
dark eye
cinnamon-colored
ADULT head long, thin,
(BREEDING) upturned
bold shoulder bill
feathers
cinnamon-
IN FLIGHT colored neck
no cinnamon color
white underparts on head and neck
FEMALE
white
long, plumage
less bluish legs
upturned
bill
MALE
ADULT (NONBREEDING)
W ith its long, thin, and upturned bill, this graceful, long-legged
shorebird is unmistakable when foraging.When it takes off,
its striking plumage pattern is clearly visible. It is the only one of
the four avocet species in the world that changes plumage when
breeding. Breeding birds have a cinnamon head and neck, and bold,
patterns on their black-and-white wings and upperparts.The
American Avocet forms large flocks during migration and in winter.
VOICE Flight call a variable melodic kleet, loud and repetitive,
given when alarmed and by foraging birds. FORAGING FLOCK
NESTING Simple scrape These birds walk through shallow water in flocks
in shallow depression; searching mainly for insects and crustaceans.
4 eggs; 1 brood; OCCURRENCE
May–June. Breeds in temporary wetlands,
FEEDING Uses in dry to arid regions. During
specialized bill to probe, migration and in winter, found
scythe, or jab a variety in shallow water habitats,
of aquatic invertebrates, including ponds, reservoirs,
fresh- and saltwater marshes,
small fish, and seeds; TRICKY BALANCE tidal mudflats, and lagoons. Each
walks steadily in During mating, the male supports year, a flock of about 10,000
belly-deep water to himself with raised wings as the birds winters at Bolivar Flats,
chase its prey. female extends her neck forward. Texas. Regular East Coast visitor.
153
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Charadriidae Species Pluvialis dominica
crisply
gray checkered
underwing upperparts
diffused
streaks
on breast neatly
slim, mottled
tapered breast
body
black
IN FLIGHT underparts
JUVENILE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in Arctic tundra habitats.
PACIFIC GOLDEN PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER 5 In migration, it occurs in
PLOVER 7 see p.471 prairies, tilled farmlands, golf
see p.471
larger
courses, pastures, airports;
bill also mudflats, shorelines,
pale and beaches. In spring, seen
checkered golden
longer gold-and-black wash
in Texas and Great Plains; in
legs upperparts fall, uncommon in northeast
Maritimes and New England;
scarce along the Pacific Coast.
Length 91⁄2 –11in (24–28cm) Wingspan 23–28in (59–72cm) Weight 4–7oz (125–200g)
154
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Charadriidae Species Pluvialis squatarola
Black-bellied Plover
white-edged, diffused streaks
dark-centered upperparts
to upper breast whitish
white feathers crown
rump ADULT (NON- whitish
BREEDING) underparts
darker
crown
black
underwing
patch
IN FLIGHT
black
belly
duller plumage
FLIGHT: straight and fast; powerful wing beats. than male
MALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in High Arctic habitats
AMERICAN GOLDEN dark MOUNTAIN from western Russia across
PLOVER 7 cap PLOVER 7 the Bering Sea to Alaska, and
see p.154 see p.449
east to Baffin Island; winters
sandy brown primarily in coastal areas from
upperparts
southern Canada and US, south
dingy,
brownish to southern South America.
upperparts white Found inland during migration.
underparts
Migrates south all the way
to South America.
Length 101⁄2–12in (27–30cm) Wingspan 29 –32in (73 –81cm) Weight 5 – 9oz (150 –250g)
155
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Charadriidae Species Charadrius semipalmatus
ADULT
black (BREEDING)
tail
band JUVENILE black
b
bill with
orange
base
IN FLIGHT
yellow diffused
eye-ring black brownish
forecrown collar
white
underparts
black
breastband ADULT
yellowish (NONBREEDING)
legs
ADULT
orange (BREEDING)
legs
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeding habitat is Arctic or
WILSON’S RINGED PLOVER sub-Arctic tundra, well-drained
PLOVER wider gravel, shale, or other sparsely
see p.157 heavier, breastband
dark bill vegetated ground. During
migration, mudflats, saltwater
marshes, lake edges, tidal
pinkish legs areas, and flooded fields.
During winter, coastal or
near coastal habitats.
Length 63⁄4 –71⁄2in (17–19cm) Wingspan 17–201⁄2in (43 – 52cm) Weight 11⁄16– 21⁄2 oz (30–70g)
156
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Charadriidae Species Charadrius wilsonia
prominent
white wing bar
heavy,
ADULT black bill
brownish
upperparts black
dusky brownish breastband
tail upperparts
less contrast in
band head pattern often
incomplete
brownish
IN FLIGHT breastband
with little or
no black color MALE
FEMALE white
underparts
pinkish legs
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found primarily in coastal
SEMIPALMATED smaller PIPING PLOVER habitats, including open
PLOVER 7 bill see p.159 orange bill beaches, vegetated sand
see p.156 paler plumage dunes, coastal lagoons,
saltwater flats, and overwash
smaller areas. Located only in North
orange overall black tip
American coastal regions
legs orange to bill of the southeast Atlantic
legs and Gulf Coasts.
Length 61⁄2 –8in (16–20cm) Wingspan 151⁄2 –191⁄2 in (39–49cm) Weight 2–21⁄2 oz (55–70g)
157
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Charadriidae Species Charadrius vociferus
Killdeer
long white
wings wing bar red brownish
eye-ring crown
black collar
brownish encircling
upperparts neck
ADULT small, thin,
reddish black
rufous wash to bill
orange back and wings
tail and
rump
IN FLIGHT
MALE
long tail
second neck
band crosses
upper breast
white underparts
pinkish legs,
sometimes with
yellowish tinge
FLIGHT: fast, twisting flight with fluid
wing beats.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widespread across Canada and
SEMIPALMATED WILSON’S the US, the Killdeer occurs in a
PLOVER 7 PLOVER wide variety of habitats. These
see p.156 see p.157 single,
black
include shorelines, mudflats,
single dark collar lake and river edges, sparsely
neckband grassy fields and pastures, golf
orange- smaller pinkish courses, roadsides, parking lots,
yellow legs overall legs
short tail flat rooftops, driveways, and
other terrestrial habitats.
Length 9 –10in (23–26cm) Wingspan 23–25in (58– 63cm) Weight 21⁄4 –31⁄8 oz (65–90g)
158
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Charadriidae Species Charadrius melodus
stubby
bill
dusky
tail pale gray
band MALE upperparts
(BREEDING)
IN FLIGHT
indistinct, partial
breastband black-
tipped,
orange
bill
mostly black
bill, with slight dark
ADULT orange base MALE breastband
(NON- thin, white collar (BREEDING)
BREEDING) throughout year
orange legs
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found along beaches, in
SEMIPALMATED SNOWY PLOVER 7 black saline sandflats, and adjacent
PLOVER 7 see p.160 bill mudflats; during winter, found
see p.156 narrow, white
collar
exclusively along the Atlantic
and Gulf Coasts, sandflats, and
mudflats. Inland subspecies
dark, nests on sand or gravel beaches
brown darker
upperparts adjacent to large lakes, rivers,
legs
and saline lakes.
Length 61⁄2 –7in (17–18cm) Wingspan 18 –181⁄2in (45 – 47cm) Weight 15⁄8–23⁄8 oz (45 – 65g)
159
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Charadriidae Species Charadrius alexandrinus
incomplete,
short narrow, black
tail breastband at
sides of neck and
upper breast
MALE grayish to
(BREEDING) pinkish legs GULF COAST MALE
(BREEDING)
blocky
narrow, head
white collar
T he smallest and palest of all North American plovers, the Snowy Plover’s
cryptic coloration blends in so well with its beach and dune habitat that it
often remains unnoticed. This bird often runs faster and covers longer distances
than other beach plovers, sprinting along the sand for extended spurts, like
sanderlings. Nests are frequently destroyed by weather, disturbance, or predators,
but the birds readily construct new nests, even up to six times in the face
of regular losses. Nevertheless, habitat destruction has resulted in shrinking
populations, and the species is designated as threatened along the Pacific Coast.
VOICE Repeated tow-heet; purrt and single churr; typically silent when not
breeding, tinkling ti at roosts or before flight. TRULY SNOWY
NESTING Shallow scrape in sand; 2–3 eggs; 2–3 broods; March–June. The Snowy Plover breeds in
FEEDING Feeds in run, pause, and pluck style on terrestrial and aquatic sandy areas that are as pale
invertebrates, such as snails and clams. as snow.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds on open beach and
SEMIPALMATED PIPING PLOVER 2 dune habitats on the Pacific
PLOVER 5 see p.159 and Gulf Coasts, and inland
see p.156
on brackish lakes in the Great
Basin and southern Great
brown Plains region. Coastal birds
breastband are only partially migratory,
orange
plumper legs but most inland birds winter
overall
at the coast.
Length 6 – 61⁄2in (15–17cm) Wingspan 16 –18in (41– 46cm) Weight 11⁄4 –21⁄8 oz (35 – 60g)
160
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Scolopax minor
plump
black, gray,
body
and buff
short, upperparts
ADULT
rusty
tail
IN FLIGHT
rich orange-buff
underparts
ADULT
round, plump
body
short,
rusty tail
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds from southern Canada
WILSON’S SNIPE LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER to southeastern US states, in
see p.162 smaller see p.164 damp, second-growth forest,
head smaller
more slender head overgrown fields and bogs. In
shape winter, found in similar habitat;
also found along marsh edges,
streaked swamps, and damp, grassy
breast and
longer flanks roadsides in Texas and Florida
legs in the southern US.
161
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Gallinago gallinago
short ADULT
tail mostly brown
upperparts brown spots
on breast
and neck
IN FLIGHT
short russet
tail
MALE
A lso known as the Common Snipe, this secretive and well camouflaged
member of the sandpiper family has an unsettled taxonomic history. On
its breeding grounds Wilson’s Snipe produces rather eerie sounds during its aerial,
RUSSET TAIL
Wilson’s Snipe’s russet-colored
tail is usually hard to see, but it
mainly nocturnal, display flights.The birds fly up silently from the ground, then, is evident on this preening bird.
from about 330ft (100m) up, they descend quickly, with their tail feathers spread,
producing a unique, loud and vibrating sound through modified feathers.The
North American populations belong to subspecies delicata.
VOICE Alarm and overhead flight call raspy kraitsch; perched and low flying
breeding birds give repetitive, monotonous kup-kup-kup-kup in alarm or
aggression; distinctive whistling sound during territorial displays.
NESTING Elaborate woven nest lined with fine grass on ground, sedge, or moss;
4 eggs; 1 brood; May–June.
FEEDING Forages in mud or shallow water; probes deep into subsoil; diet
includes mostly insect larvae, but also crustaceans, earthworms, and mollusks.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widespread from Alaska to
AMERICAN SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER Québec and Labrador south
WOODCOCK see p.163 see p.164 of the tundra zone; breeds in
see p.161 smaller eye no white streaks a variety of wetlands, including
on back marshes, bogs, and open areas
plump
body with rich soil. Winters further
buffy
orange orange south, where it prefers damp
underparts tint to longer areas with vegetative cover,
breast legs
such as marshes, wet fields,
and other bodies of water.
Length 10–11in (25–28cm) Wingspan 17–19in (43– 48cm) Weight 27⁄8–5oz (80–150g)
162
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Limnodromus griseus
long, stout
bill
ADULT
(BREEDING)
JUVENILE
long, pointed
wings variable spotting
dark-centered on upper breast
upperpart
IN FLIGHT feathers
ADULT
L. g. griseus
slightly
larger
ADULT bill
streaked L. g. hendersoni
greenish yellow flanks
legs plain gray
upperparts
study of its breeding behavior until recent years. There are three
subspecies (L. g. griseus, L. g. hendersoni, and L. g. caurinus,) which
differ in plumage, size, and respective breeding areas. Recent
knowledge about shape and structure has helped ornithologists
distinguish the Short-billed from the Long-billed Dowitcher.
VOICE Flight call low, plaintive tu-tu-tu, 3–4 notes; flight
song tu-tu, tu-tu, toodle-ee, tu-tu, ending with low anh-anh-anh.
NESTING Simple depression, typically in sedge hummock;
4 eggs; 1 brood; May–June. ORANGE UNDERPARTS
FEEDING Probes in “sewing machine” feeding style with water up In complete breeding plumage, the Short-billed
to belly for aquatic mollusks, crustaceans, and insects. Dowitcher is orange, even in late afternoon light.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds mostly in sedge
WILSON’S LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER meadows or bogs with
SNIPE 2 see p.164 interspersed spruce and
slightly thicker
see p.162 neck tamaracks between sub-Arctic
tundra and boreal forest.
Migrates south to Central and
South America, preferring
shorter slightly longer coastal mudflats, salt marshes,
legs legs
or adjacent freshwater pools.
Length 9 –10in (23–25cm) Wingspan 18 –20in (46–51cm) Weight 21⁄2–51⁄2oz (70 –155g)
163
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Limnodromus scolopaceus
long,
stout
bill
dark patch
between eye
and bill
variable dark
barring on flanks white belly
ADULT
(NONBREEDING)
I t was not until 1950 that, after museum and field studies,
scientists recognized two separate species of dowitcher in
North America. The Long-billed Dowitcher is usually slightly FLIGHT: swift, direct flier with fast, powerful
larger, longer-legged, and heavier in the chest and neck than wing beats.
the Short-billed Dowitcher. The breeding ranges of the two
species are separate, but their migration and en route stop-over
areas overlap. The Long-billed Dowitcher is usually found in
freshwater wetlands, and in the fall most of its population
occurs west of the Mississippi River.
VOICE Flight and alarm call sharp, whistled keek, given singly
or in series when agitated; song buzzy pipipipipipi-chi-drrr.
NESTING Deep sedge or grass-lined depression in sedge
or grass; 4 eggs; 1 brood; May–June. TOUCHY FEELY
FEEDING Probes wet ground with “sewing-machine” motion Sensitive touch-receptors at the tip of the bird’s
for spiders, snails, worms, insects, and seeds. bill enable it to feel in the mud for food.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in wet, grassy meadows
WILSON’S pale, central SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER or coastal sedge tundra near
SNIPE crown stripe see p.163 freshwater pools. Migrates
see p.162
slightly smaller to Mexico and Central America,
overall south to Panama, when
found in freshwater habitats,
shorter
legs including ponds, flooded
orangish
underparts fields, lake shores, also
sheltered lagoons, salt marsh
pools, and tidal mudflats.
164
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Limosa haemastica
Hudsonian Godwit
white wing brownish gray pale eyebrow long,
stripe upperparts orange-
ADULT based bill
(NONBREEDING)
off-white
white underparts
rump
pale, buffy
feather JUVENILE
IN FLIGHT fringes
brownish
black-and-white streaked head
upperparts and neck
unpatterned brownish
wing feathers
black tail
white-
feathered
rich chestnut chestnut
underparts with breast
black barring
Length 14–16in (35– 41cm) Wingspan 27–31in (68 –78cm) Weight 7–12oz (200–350g)
165
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Limosa fedoa
Marbled Godwit
pink-and-
cinnamon black bill
underwing finely streaked
ADULT
head and neck
lightly barred
cinnamon
underparts
dark barring
on flanks
long, dark ADULT
legs (BREEDING)
T he largest godwit in
North America, this beautiful
shorebird is a familiar sight at its coastal
wintering areas. Its distinctive brown-and-
cinnamon plumage and the fact that it
chooses open habitats, such as mudflats and floodplains,
to feed and roost, make the Marbled Godwit a conspicuous
species. A monogamous bird, the Marbled Godwit is also
long-lived—the oldest bird recorded was 29 years old.
VOICE Call a nasal ah-ahk, and single ahk; breeding call,
goddWhit, wik-wik; other calls include rack-a, karatica, ratica, ratica.
NESTING Depression in short grass in Alaska; also nests on
vegetation in water; 4 eggs; 1 brood; May–July. EASILY RECOGNIZED
FEEDING Probes mudflats, beaches, short grass for insects, Its large size and buffy to cinnamon color make
especially grasshoppers; also crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. this godwit a very distinctive shorebird.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in the grassy marshes
HUDSONIAN GODWIT BLACK-TAILED of the Great Plains. During
white rump; GODWIT deep migration and in winter,
see p.165 see p.471 orange prefers sandy beaches
black smaller neck
barring overall and and coastal mudflats with
overall breast adjoining meadows or
savannas in California and
the Gulf of Mexico. Also
seen on inland wetlands
and along lake shores.
Length 161⁄2 –19in (42– 48cm) Wingspan 28 –32in (70 – 81cm) Weight 10–16oz (275 – 450g)
166
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Numenius phaeopus
long, pointed
wings
long, decurved,
ADULT mostly black bill;
brownish orange base in
patterned winter
brownish tail
and rump
ADULT
long, grayish
legs
LARGE MOUTHFUL
FLIGHT: steady and moderate wing beats; The Whimbrel often rinses muddy crabs in
often glides. water before swallowing them whole.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Several populations breed
BRISTLE-THIGHED LONG-BILLED in northern, sub-Arctic, and
CURLEW CURLEW low-Arctic regions of North
longer, see p.450
slightly America; during migration
curved long, and in winter, found mostly in
bill decurved coastal marshes, tidal creeks,
more bill
pale flats, and mangroves; also at
spotted larger
rump overall inland Salton Sea, California.
Winters along rocky coasts
in South America.
Length 151⁄2 –161⁄2in (39– 42cm) Wingspan 30–35in (76–89cm) Weight 11–18oz (300–500g)
167
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Bartramia longicauda
pale head
IN FLIGHT
buff feather
fringes
U nlike other sandpipers, this graceful bird spends most of its life
away from water in grassy habitats.The Upland Sandpiper’s
coloration helps it camouflage itself in the grasslands, especially
FLIGHT: strong and swift; rapid, fluttering
flight in breeding display.
while nesting on the ground. It is well known for landing on fence
posts and raising its wings while giving its tremulous, whistling call.
The bird is currently listed as endangered in many of its breeding
states due to the disappearance of its grassland habitat.
VOICE Flight call a low qui-pi-pi-pi; song consists of gurgling
notes followed by long, descending “wolf whistle” whooooleeeeee,
wheeelooooo-ooooo.
NESTING Simple depression in ground among grass clumps;
4 eggs; 1 brood; May. DRY GROUND WADER
FEEDING Feeds with head-bobbing motion on adult and larval A true grassland species, the Upland Sandpiper is
insects, spiders, worms, centipedes; occasionally seeds. rarely found away from this habitat.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in native tallgrass or
WHIMBREL LONG-BILLED mixed-grass prairies. Airports
see p.167 CURLEW 2 make up large portion of its
long, see p.450
curved breeding habitat in the
very
bill
long,
northeast US. During
curved migration and in winter it
bill prefers shortgrass habitats
much
dull bluish larger such as grazed pastures, turf
gray legs overall farms, cultivated fields.
Length 11–12½in (28–32cm) Wingspan 25–27in (64– 68cm) Weight 4–7oz (150–200g)
168
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Tringa melanoleuca
IN FLIGHT
plain gray variable pale
upperparts gray base of bill
diffused brown
long, yellow legs streaks on head
diffused gray and neck
streaks on neck
and breast brownish
ADULT
upperparts
(BREEDING)
ADULT
(NONBREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in openings in northerly
LESSER YELLOWLEGS WILLET heavier, forests with bogs and wet
see p.170 see p.173 thicker bill meadows, a habitat called
lacks checkered muskegs. In migration and
upperparts
winter, uses a wide variety
thinner, of shallow water habitats,
more
less pointed including freshwater and
angular bill saltwater marshes, reservoirs,
body and tidal mudflats.
contours
Length 111⁄2 –13in (29–33cm) Wingspan 28–29in (70–74cm) Weight 4–8oz (125–225g)
169
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Tringa flavipes
diffused,
pale
ADULT
streaks
(BREEDING)
on breast
long, pointed,
dark wings diffused
spots on
IN FLIGHT neck
black-and-brown white
upperparts with brownish
underparts
white spotting upperparts
streaked
head, neck, crisp whitish
and breast ADULT JUVENILE
spotting on
(NONBREEDING) wings
ADULT
(BREEDING)
long, yellow-
orange legs yellow
legs
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in northerly forest with
GREATER YELLOWLEGS SOLITARY SANDPIPER clearings, and where forest
see p.169 see p.171 meets tundra. In migration
and in winter, uses wide variety
of shallow wetlands, including
longer,
larger flooded pastures and agricultural
thicker bill
and
heavier more fields, swamps, lake and river
shorter, greenish defined shores, tidal creeks, and
yellow legs breast
streaks brackish mudflats. Winters
from Mexico to Argentina.
170
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Tringa solitaria
ADULT
(BREEDING)
conspicuous
dark flight white eye-ring roundish
feathers forehead
dark-and-white JUVENILE
checkered
upperparts
IN FLIGHT
straight
dark,
ADULT tapered bill
(BREEDING)
finely streaked
breast
greenish
olive legs
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds primarily in bogs in
LESSER YELLOWLEGS 5 SPOTTED SANDPIPER northern forests; in winter
see p.170 see p.172 shorter and during migration, occurs
bill
slimmer bulkier body in sheltered pools or muddy
body areas near forests. Winters
from Mexico down to South
yellow-
orange America, sometimes in tiny
shorter
legs legs pools at high altitude in the
Andes; also riverbanks, streams,
rain pools, and ditches.
Length 71⁄2 – 9in (19 –23cm) Wingspan 22–23in (56–59cm) Weight 11⁄16 –21⁄4oz (30–65g)
171
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Actitis macularia
dark barring
on back
ADULT
(BREEDING) bold, white
white eye-ring
wing
stripe brownish gray
upperparts
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
(BREEDING) buff barring
on wings
and back
plain brownish
gray upperparts straight, white underparts
dark bill with bold, dark JUVENILE
spots
orange-
yellow legs
white wedge
on breast
ADULT (NONBREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds across North America
SOLITARY SANDPIPER 5 COMMON SANDPIPER in a wide variety of grassy,
see p.171 brushy, forested habitats
more slender
body longer near water, but not high Arctic
tail tundra. During migration and
in winter found in habitats
near freshwater, including lake
longer streaked more grayish
breast green legs shores, rivers, streams, beaches,
legs
sewage ponds, ditches,
seawalls, sometimes estuaries.
Length 71⁄4– 8in (18.5–20cm) Wingspan 15–16in (38–41cm) Weight 19⁄16–13⁄4oz (45–50g)
172
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Catoptrophorus semipalmatus
straight,
unpatterned, brownish upperparts thick bill
IN FLIGHT pale underparts with dense, dark with pinkish
feathers base
long, grayish,
straight bill
ADULT
FLIGHT: strong, fast, and direct on powerful C. s. inornatus
wing beats. (WESTERN WINTER)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Eastern subspecies breeds
GREATER YELLOWLEGS WANDERING TATTLER 41ST6 in coastal saltwater habitats:
see p.169 salt marshes, barrier islands,
beaches, mangroves; winters
longer in similar habitats. Western
neck subspecies breeds near sparsely
stockier vegetated prairie wetlands or
yellowish
yellowish body
orange
legs adjacent semi-arid grasslands;
legs winters in coastal regions.
Length 121⁄2–161⁄2in (32– 42cm) Wingspan 211⁄2–281⁄2in (54–72cm) Weight 7–12oz (200–350g)
173
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Arenaria interpres
ADULT
(BREEDING)
dark flight
feathers
orange
legs
JUVENILE
(FALL)
Length 8 –101⁄2in (20 –27cm) Wingspan 20 –221⁄2in (51–57cm) Weight 31⁄2 –7oz (100 –200g)
174
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris canutus
ADULT
(WINTER)
ADULT (WINTER)
boldly marked black, rust, dark,
and white upperparts straight,
and
IN FLIGHT stocky
bill
salmon-colored
face and breast
white lower
belly with dark
V-shaped marks
short, dark ADULT
legs (SUMMER)
Length 9 –10in (23–25cm) Wingspan 23–24in (58– 61cm) Weight 33⁄8– 8oz (95 –225g)
175
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris alba
IN FLIGHT dark
stocky
bill
white face
and neck
pearl-gray
upperparts
rust wash on
breast with
black markings
ADULT short
(BREEDING) black legs clean white
underparts
ADULT
(NONBREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in barren high-Arctic
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER 8 WESTERN coastal tundra of northernmost
see p.177 SANDPIPER prominent Canada, including the islands,
see p.178 eyebrow
north to Ellesmere Island.
less contrasting
upperparts During winter months and
on migration, found along
all North American coastlines,
paler tapering
throat and bill but especially sandy beaches;
breast inland migrants found along
lake and river edges.
Length 71⁄2 –8in (19–20cm) Wingspan 16–18in (41–46cm) Weight 17⁄16 –31⁄2oz (40–100g)
176
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris pusilla
Semipalmated Sandpiper
crisp, pale fringed
white feathers short bill with
eyebrow blunt tip
streaked black
pale slightly paler and rust crown
dark-centered
grayish back feathers grayish nape
SUMMER
black legs with buff fringes
pale wing
stripe along
flight feathers JUVENILE
short,
IN FLIGHT dark
bill
wing tips
extend to
tail tip lightly streaked
ADULT breast
(SUMMER)
Length 51⁄4 –6in (13.5–15cm) Wingspan 131⁄2 –15in (34–38cm) Weight 1⁄2 –17⁄16oz (14–40g)
177
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris mauri
JUVENILE
white
tail ADULT
dark patch
between
eyes and bill
bright,
dusky narrow, white rusty cap
tail wing stripe white partial grayish, and cheek
band belly grayish, streaked nape patch
long, narrow, streaked and neck
pointed wing collar
ADULT
IN FLIGHT (NONBREEDING)
medium-
length
black legs
ADULT (BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in wet sedge, grassy
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER 8 DUNLIN 7 longer, habitats with well-drained
see p.177 see p.184 downcurved bill microhabitats; in migration
smaller, dusky head and in winter, prefers shallow
more and neck
rounded freshwater or saltwater habitats
head with open muddy or sandy
areas and little vegetation,
slightly smaller, such as intertidal mudflats
shorter more blunt-
tipped bill and lake shores. Winters
legs
along both coasts.
178
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris minutilla
eye and
bill
ADULT
ADULT short,
buff to yellowish
(BREEDING)
rust fringed JUVENILE legs
inner wing
pale, whitish
faint eyebrow
tail uniform
band brownish gray
upperparts
IN FLIGHT
ADULT white
(NONBREEDING) chin and
belly
streaked, brownish
breast and head
yellow to yellowish
green legs
FLIGHT: level flight; fast and direct
on quick wing beats; in mixed flocks.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in wet low-Arctic areas
SEMIPALMATED PECTORAL SANDPIPER from Alaska and the Yukon to
SANDPIPER 8 see p.182 Québec and Newfoundland.
see p.177 larger During migration and in winter,
overall uses muddy areas such as lake
shores, riverbanks, flooded
whiter fields, and tidal flats. Winters
grayer throat heavier
overall
from southern North America
larger bill
south to Peru and Brazil.
overall
179
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris fuscicollis
White-rumped Sandpiper
long, tapered dark feathers with
easily wings rust edges dark bill with
visible
curved tip
white rust-colored
rump cap and
heavily streaked cheek
IMMATURE breast streaked
ADULT
(1ST SUMMER) head
grayish brown
upperparts
IN FLIGHT
fine streaks
on breast
crisp, pale
fringed
feathers
JUVENILE
T he White-rumped Sandpiper
undertakes one of the longest
migrations of any bird in the Western FLIGHT: fast, strong, and direct flight with
Hemisphere. From its high-Arctic breeding grounds in Alaska deep wing beats.
and Canada, it migrates in several long jumps to extreme southern
South America—about 9,000 –12,000 miles (14,500 –19,300km),
twice a year. Almost the entire population migrates through the
central US in spring, with several stopovers, which are critical to
the success of its journey.While associating with other shorebird
species during migration and winter, it can be overlooked in the
crowd. Its insect-like call and white rump aid identification.
VOICE Call a very high-pitched, insect-like tzeet; flight song an
insect-like, high-pitched, rattling buzz, interspersed with grunts.
NESTING Shallow depression in usually wet but well-vegetated
tundra; 4 eggs; 1 brood; June. WING POWER
FEEDING Picks and probes for insects, spiders, earthworms, and Long narrow wings enable this species to migrate
marine worms; also some plant matter. to and from the Arctic and Tierra del Fuego.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in wet but well-
SEMIPALMATED slightly BAIRD’S SANDPIPER vegetated tundra, usually near
SANDPIPER rufous see p.181 ponds, lakes, or streams. In
see p.177 crown
migration and winter, grassy
areas: flooded fields, grassy lake
no margins, rivers, ponds, grassy
white margins of tidal mudflats, and
rump
roadside ditches. On wintering
more distinct grounds, often associates with
streaks on breast
Baird’s Sandpiper.
Length 6– 6 3⁄4in (15–17cm) Wingspan 16 –18in (41– 46cm) Weight 7⁄8 –13⁄4oz (25–50 g)
180
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris bairdii
wings extend
beyond tail
buff, finely
streaked
upper breast
JUVENILE
blackish legs
FLIGHT: strong and direct, with deep, quick
wing beats.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in tundra habitats of
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER PECTORAL SANDPIPER high Arctic Alaska and Canada.
see p.180 larger; see p.182 During migration and winter,
prominent, white inland freshwater habitats: lake
eyebrow and river margins, wet pastures,
rice fields; also tidal flats at
coastal locations. In winter,
slightly
bulkier yellowish streaked common in the high Andes of
body legs breast- South America, and sometimes
band
all the way to Tierra del Fuego.
Length 53⁄4–71⁄4in (14.5–18.5cm) Wingspan 16 –181⁄2in (41– 47cm) Weight 11⁄16 –2oz (30 –55g)
181
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris melanotos
Pectoral Sandpiper
long, graceful, rust-edged, rust crown and cheeks
pointed wings dark centered with black streaks
streaked crown curved
feathers and face bill with
orange
base
JUVENILE
ADULT
darker
flight
feathers brownish upperparts,
with buff fringes
IN FLIGHT medium
length,
stocky
bill
heavily
ADULT streaked
breast
white belly
yellowish
legs
T his medium-sized
sandpiper is a true
champion of long-distance
migration. From their
breeding grounds in the
high Arctic to their wintering grounds on the pampas of southern
South America, some birds travel up to 30,000 miles (48,000km)
each year.The Pectoral Sandpiper is a promiscuous breeder, with FLIGHT: fast and direct, with rapid, powerful
males keeping harems of females in guarded territories. Males wing beats; flocks zig-zag when flushed.
mate with as many females as they can attract with a display that
includes a deep, booming call, and flights, but take no part in nest duties.
Males migrate earlier than females, with both sexes prefer wet, grassy
habitats during migration and in winter.
VOICE Flight call low, trilled chrrk; display song deep, hollow, hooting:
whoop, whoop, whoop.
NESTING Shallow depression on ridges in moist
to wet sedge tundra; 4 eggs; 1 brood; June.
FEEDING Probes or jabs mud for larvae, and
forages for insects and spiders on tundra.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES In North America, breeds in
UPLAND BUFF BREASTED northern Alaska, northern
SANDPIPER small SANDPIPER plain
head face
Yukon, Northern Territories,
see p.168 longer, see p.186 and some islands of the
larger thinner
overall neck
Canadian Arctic Archipelago,
dark in wet, grassy tundra, especially
bill LONG JOURNEYS near coasts. On migration and
long
tail This species migrates long in winter favors wet pastures,
distances to arrive in southern the grassy margins of ponds
South American for the winter. and lakes, and salt marshes.
Length 71⁄2– 9in (19 –23cm) Wingspan 161⁄2–191⁄2in (42–49cm) Weight 13⁄4–4oz (50–125g)
182
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris maritima
dark brownish
wash to breast ADULT
(BREEDING)
thin
white grayish wash
wing ADULT to head and neck
stripe (NONBREEDING)
JUVENILE
IN FLIGHT
compact body
shape overall
bill yellow at
gray inner base, dark at
wing feathers drooping tip
A medium-sized, stocky
bird, the Purple Sandpiper
shares the most northerly
wintering distribution of all
North American shorebirds with
its close relative, the Rock Sandpiper.
The dark plumage and low, squat body of the Purple Sandpiper often
disguise its presence on dark tidal rocks, until a crashing wave causes
a previously invisible flock to explode into flight.
VOICE Flight call low kweesh; when disturbed, eh-eh-eh; breeding kwi-ti-ti-ti-
bli-bli-bli followed by dooree-dooree-dooree.
NESTING Simple lined scrape in high-alpine-like or barren low-lying Arctic
tundra; 4 eggs; 1 brood; June.
FEEDING Feeds on various invertebrates, including
crustaceans, snails, insects, spiders, and worms.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES On breeding grounds, found
ROCK SANDPIPER slightly DUNLIN longer on barren Arctic and alpine
smaller bill see p.184 black bill tundra habitats in the
darker, plainer plain, pale
upperparts
Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
gray-brown
upperparts On migration and in winter,
predominantly found on
less WINTER EXPOSURE rocky, wave-pounded shores
orange color The Purple Sandpiper winters on the eastern seaboard.
to base of bill
mainly on exposed rocky shores
along the eastern seaboard.
Length 8 –81⁄2in (20–21cm) Wingspan 161⁄2 –181⁄2in (42– 47cm) Weight 13⁄4–31⁄2oz (50 –100g)
183
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris alpina
Dunlin black-and-
cream stripes
on back
dull gray-
brown head
and back
black streaks
on buff
JUVENILE
underside
long,
IN FLIGHT tapered,
black bill
dull, gray-
streaked
breast
rich chestnut-and-
black back
ADULT
(BREEDING) FLIGHT: swift and direct flight, with rapid
wing beats.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in Arctic and sub-Arctic
STILT SANDPIPER 7 CURLEW SANDPIPER 7 moist, wet tundra, often near
see p.185 see p.450 ponds, with drier islands for
nest sites. In migration and
winter, prefers coastal areas
longer, less
with extensive mudflats and
thinner neck streaking sandy beaches; also feeds in
yellowish longer on chest flooded fields and seasonal
green legs
inland wetlands.
legs
Length 61⁄2 – 81⁄2in (16– 22cm) Wingspan 121⁄2 –171⁄2in (32– 44cm) Weight 19⁄16–21⁄4oz (45– 65g)
184
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris himantopus
white
rump long, whitish eyebrow
pointed extends behind eye whitish
wing greenish belly
leg
scaly look to
upperparts
crisp, white-and-
rust-fringed ADULT
dusky upperparts (NONBREEDING)
tail ADULT
band (NONBREEDING) long, dark,
straight bill
IN FLIGHT
slightly diffused
gray streaks to
breast and neck
rusty cap
rusty cheek
patch
long wings
JUVENILE and tail
(FALL) long,
yellowish ADULT
legs (BREEDING)
chocolate-brown barring
on white underparts
185
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Tryngites subruficollis
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
pale central streaked and buff head and face with
band spotted brown spotted brown crown
hind neck
buff-edged
brown
short,
upperparts
dark bill scaly
upperparts
dark
rump ADULT
(NONBREEDING)
bright yellowish
orange legs
ADULT
(BREEDING)
IN FLIGHT
more white-fringed
upperpart feathers rich buff
than adult wash to
breast
JUVENILE
dull, yellow
legs
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in moist to wet, grassy
UPLAND SANDPIPER PECTORAL SANDPIPER or sedge coastal tundra; during
see p.168 see p.182 migration, favors short grass
larger longer bill
darker cap with areas such as pastures, sod
overall
longer, pale eyebrow farms, meadows, rice fields,
streaked or agricultural areas. Winters
neck
longer in the pampas region of
wings South America in short,
and tail wet grass habitats.
Length 71⁄4– 8in (18.5–20cm) Wingspan 17–181⁄2in (43– 47cm) Weight 17⁄16–33⁄8oz (40–95g)
186
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Phalaropus tricolor
rust neck
and throat
FEMALE
(BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in shallow, grassy
LESSER YELLOWLEGS RED-NECKED PHALAROPE 4 wetlands of interior North
see p.170 see p.188 America; during migration
shorter
black cheek bill and winter, occurs in salty
streaked patch lakes and saline ponds as
head and well as inland waterbodies.
darker, neck
spotted In winter, tens of thousands
back can be seen in the middle
of Titicaca Lake in Bolivia.
Length 81⁄2– 91⁄2in (22–24cm) Wingspan 151⁄2 –17in (39 – 43cm) Weight 11⁄4 –3oz (35 – 85g)
187
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Phalaropus lobatus
FEMALE
(BREEDING)
white underparts
with dusky
streaked flanks
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in wet tundra, on
WILSON’S PHALAROPE 5 RED PHALAROPE 5 slightly raised ridges, or hummocks,
see p.187 see p.189 thicker bill but during migration and
paler larger head in winter, occurs far out
face and thicker at sea and away from
neck
shores, although sometimes
larger found in freshwater habitats.
overall
Length 7–71⁄2in (18 –19cm) Wingspan 121⁄2–16in (32– 41cm) Weight 11⁄16 –19⁄16oz (30 – 45g)
188
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae Species Phalaropus fulicarius
stout, yellow
bill with
black tip
deep brick-red
FEMALE neck, throat, and
underparts
(BREEDING)
T he Red Phalarope spends over ten months each year over deep
ocean waters. It also migrates across the ocean, which explains
why few birds of this species are ever seen inland. Many Red
FLIGHT: direct with rapid wing beats, birds in
flocks often synchronize.
Phalaropes winter in tropical waters, with concentrations in
the Humboldt Current off Peru and Chile, and in the Benguela
Current off southwestern Africa. During migration over Alaskan
waters, flocks of Red Phalaropes feed on crustaceans in the mud
plumes that are created by the foraging of gray and bowhead
whales on the ocean floor.
VOICE Flight call a sharp psip or pseet, often in rapid succession;
alarm call a drawn-out, 2-syllabled sweet. DIFFERENT COLOR
NESTING Depression on ridge or In nonbreeding plumage,
hummock in coastal sedge; 3–4 eggs; phalaropes are gray and white.
1 brood; June. NO TIES
FEEDING Plucks prey from sea; After breeding, female Red
marine crustaceans, fish eggs, larval Phalaropes leave the male and
fish; adult or larval insects. play no role in raising young.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in coastal Arctic
WILSON’S PHALAROPE RED-NECKED PHALAROPE tundra; during migration
more terrestrial; see p.187 see p.188 and in winter, occurs in
no black smaller head deep ocean waters;
mask small numbers are seen
more slender
body near the shore in coastal
larger
overall California in fall and winter.
The Red Phalarope is
rare inland.
Length 8–81⁄2in (20–22cm) Wingspan 16 –171⁄2in (41– 44cm) Weight 11⁄4–25⁄8oz (35–75g)
189
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Larus delawarensis
pale gray
gray back
back
IMMATURE (2ND WINTER)
white markings
on outer wing
olive-yellow feathers
legs
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in freshwater habitats in
MEW GULL round MEW GULL 41ST 7 the interior of the continent.
see p.472 head see p.472 round In winter, switches to mostly
head
darker small less distinct saltwater areas and along both
mantle bill streaks
small the East and West Coasts; also
bill along major river systems and
reservoirs. Found year-round
near the southern Great Lakes.
Length 17–211⁄2in (43– 54cm) Wingspan 4 – 5ft (1.2 –1.5m) Weight 11–25oz (300 –700g)
190
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Larus marinus
black
upperparts
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
(NONBREEDING)
white
white tips to underparts
outer feathers
whitish ADULT
head (BREEDING)
black bill pale pink legs
speckled and feet
back
IMMATURE
(1ST WINTER)
chicks hatch; adults dive at ground predators and strike them with
their wings and feet. Other birds benefit from this forceful behavior,
for example eiders nesting in Great Black-backed Gull colonies
suffer a low rate of nest predation.
VOICE Low, growling flight call, often repeated, low-pitched
heyaa…heyaa…heyaa…heyaa, similar to the Herring Gull.
NESTING Shallow bowl on ground, lined with vegetation,
feathers, and trash; 2–3 eggs; 1 brood; April–August. SOLITARY BIRDS
FEEDING Scavenges and hunts fish, marine invertebrates, While all gulls are social animals, the Great
small mammals, eggs, chicks, adult seabirds, and waterfowl. Black-backed Gull is the most solitary.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds on natural and artificial
LESSER BLACK- SLATY-BACKED GULL islands, barrier beaches, salt
BACKED GULL 7 see p.472 marshes, sand dunes; during
see p.195
gray back winter, found along the
coast, near shore water, major
smaller
body rivers, landfills, and harbors;
in all seasons, often found
slate-gray yellow legs bright together with Herring Gulls
back pink legs
and Ring-billed Gulls. Also
occurs also in Europe.
Length 28–31in (71–79cm) Wingspan 5–51⁄4 ft (1.5–1.6m) Weight 23⁄4 – 41⁄2lb (1.3–2kg)
191
ShorebirdS, gullS, and aukS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Larus hyperboreus
pale gray
upperparts
IMMatUre
(1st WInter,
FaDeD)
In FLIGht
white
wing tips white
light brownish underparts
plumage
immatUre aDULt
(1St winter) pink legs (sUMMer)
OCCurrENCE
sIMILar sPeCIes Breeds along the high-Arctic
GLaUCoUS-winGed GULL iCeLand GULL much coast, rarely inland; winters
see p.193 smaller bill along northern Atlantic and
much smaller Pacific coasts and the Great
overall Lakes; frequently seen at
Niagara Falls. Strays, usually
immatures, can occur inland
dusky anywhere where concentrations
wing tips of gulls are found, such as
trash sites dumps.
192
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Larus glaucoides
gray wing
tips streaked
pale brown head
plumage
gray back
ADULT IMMATURE
(WINTER) (1ST WINTER)
pale or gray
wing tip
IN FLIGHT
white
brown barred head mostly belly
plumage white pink legs
blackish
bill
pale, barred
underparts
ADULT (WINTER)
IMMATURE IMMATURE
(1ST WINTER) (2ND WINTER)
North American breeding birds have gray wing tips, and have
been considered a separate species called the “Kumlien’s Gull.”
The subspecies L. g. glaucoides is distinguishable as it possesses
white wing tips; it breeds in Greenland, and winters in Greenland
and Iceland, but a few birds travel to the western North Atlantic.
VOICE Call a clew, clew, clew or kak-kak-kak; vocal around
breeding colonies; virtually silent on wintering grounds.
NESTING Loose nest of moss, vegetation, and feathers, usually
on narrow rock ledge; 2–3 eggs; 1 brood; May–August. WING TIP COLOR VARIATION
FEEDING Grabs small fish from surface while in flight; Some adult Iceland Gulls found in North America
also eats crustaceans, mollusks, carrion, and garbage. have wing tips that are almost pure white.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Uncommon far from sea
GLAUCOUS GULL THAYER’S GULL coast; usually nests on ledges
see p.192 see p.450 dark eye on vertical cliffs overlooking
much larger larger the sea; winters where it finds
body bill regions of open water in frozen
seas and along coast. A few
wander to open water areas
slightly larger in the interior, such as the
white wing and darker
tips overall
Great Lakes and major rivers;
Niagara Falls.
Length 201⁄2 –231⁄2in (52– 60cm) Wingspan 41⁄2 –5ft (1.4 –1.5m) Weight 21–39oz (600 –1,100g)
193
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Larus argentatus
gray
gray back
wings
IMMATURE
(2ND WINTER)
streaked
head
ADULT
(NONBREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found throughout North
RING-BILLED GULL CALIFORNIA GULL America along coasts and
see p.190 see p.472 inland on lakes, rivers,
smaller and reservoirs; also frequents
black-and-
overall black ring red spot garbage dumps. Breeds in
on bill on bill
northeastern US and across
Canada. Migrates southward
yellow- greenish across much of the continent
green legs legs to winter in coastal areas and
along lakes and major rivers.
194
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Larus fuscus
streaked
ADULT head and
(NONBREEDING) neck
slate-gray
back turns back
IN FLIGHT dark gray IMMATURE
(1ST WINTER)
IMMATURE
(2ND WINTER)
white
head
white
underparts
yellow bill
dull yellow ADULT
with red spot
legs (NONBREEDNG)
bright
yellow legs
ADULT (BREEDING)
195
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Larus ridibundus
ADULT
(NONBREEDING)
black-tipped,
red bill
IN FLIGHT
brown spots
on feathers chocolate white
brown underparts
black-tipped hood
orange white bright
bill nape red legs
very pale
gray back
ADULT
dark (NONBREEDING)
red bill
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Rare breeder in northeastern
BONAPARTE’S GULL LITTLE GULL North America; singles or
see p.197 see p.200 a few individuals may be found
much smaller
smaller black overall along the coast, often with
and more bill Bonaparte’s Gulls, at harbors,
delicate all gray
upperwing inlets, bays, rivers, lakes,
sewage outlets, or garbage
white dumps; strays may occur
underwing anywhere. One of the most
common European gulls.
Length 131⁄2–141⁄2 in (34 –37cm) Wingspan 3ft 3in–31⁄2 ft (1–1.1m) Weight 7–14oz (200– 400g)
196
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Larus philadelphia
ADULT
(NONBREEDING) gray short
neck bill
brown
patches
on wing white
white wedge underparts
IMMATURE on wing with rosy glow
(1ST WINTER) orange-
red legs ADULT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES During breeding season,
BLACK-HEADED GULL LITTLE GULL found in northern forest zone,
see p.196 see p.200 in lakes, ponds, or bogs; on
dark outer wing smaller
red bill overall migration, may be found
feathers
uniform gray anywhere where there is
upperwing water: ponds, lakes, sewage
larger pools, or rivers. Winters on
overall Great Lakes and along the
coast; often found in large
numbers at coastal inlets.
Length 11–12in (28–30cm) Wingspan 35in–3ft 3in (90 –100cm) Weight 6–8oz (175–225g)
197
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Larus atricilla
forehead
dark gray long, slightly
wings drooped bill
brown wing
feathers
white neck
ADULT IMMATURE
(WINTER) (1ST WINTER)
gray nape
white
underparts
long, dark
legs
ADULT
(BREEDING) ADULT (WINTER)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES During breeding season
FRANKLIN’S GULL FRANKLIN’S GULL 4 8 usually found near saltwater.
see p.199 short, see p.199 short, Post-breeders and juveniles
straight straight bill wander widely; strays can turn
white band in bill
wing tips darker up anywhere. Rare in winter in
head
the Northeast. Small numbers
once nested at the Salton Sea
pink blush on but only a visitor there for the
underparts
last 50 years.
Length 151⁄2–18in (39– 46cm) Wingspan 31⁄4– 4ft (1–1.2m) Weight 7–13oz (200 –375g)
198
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Larus pipixcan
ADULT (WINTER)
IN FLIGHT
dark gray back
red bill
white in
outer wing
feathers
pink blush
underneath
ADULT
FLIGHT: stiff and direct; relatively fast wing (SUMMER)
beats; agile flier.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES In summer, a bird of the high
LAUGHING GULL LAUGHING smaller eye- prairies; always nests over
see p.198 GULL 4 7 crescents water. On migration often
see p.198
longer,
found in agricultural areas;
drooped large numbers frequent plowed
bill fields or follows plows. Winters
longer, mainly along the Pacific Coast
longer longer drooped
legs legs bill of South America.
Length 121⁄2–14in (32–36cm) Wingspan 33in –3ft 1in (85–95cm) Weight 8 –11oz (225 –325g)
199
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Larus minutus
Little Gull
blackish zigzag
on upperwings underwings
less black pale head,
than adults with dark
black markings thin,
underwings dark
ADULT
bill
(NONBREEDING)
dark
ear-spot
IMMATURE IMMATURE
IN FLIGHT (1ST WINTER) (2ND SUMMER)
black hood
and bill
ADULT
ADULT (NONBREEDING)
red legs (BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in extensive freshwater
BLACK-HEADED GULL BONAPARTE’S GULL marshes in Hudson Bay and
see p.196 see p.197 Great Lakes region, but the full
larger extent of its breeding range in
red overall North America is unknown;
bill
can appear almost anywhere
white flash while migrating. Winters
in wing primarily along sea coasts, at
white flash
in wing sewage outfalls; often with
groups of Bonaparte’s Gulls.
Length 10 –12in (25–30cm) Wingspan 231⁄2 –26in (60–65cm) Weight 31⁄2 – 5oz (100 –150g)
200
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Xema sabini
black outer
white wing feathers
triangle
on wing black border
yellow-
ADULT JUVENILE tipped
gray back black bill
black
band
on tail
IN FLIGHT
white
underparts
barring on
gray-brown black legs ADULT
back black (BREEDING)
bill
JUVENILE
Length 13–14in (33–36 cm) Wingspan 35in–3ft 3in (90–100cm) Weight 5–9oz (150–250g)
201
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Rissa tridactyla
greenish
black wing
tip
ADULT
dark neck
collar
black legs
and feet
dark wing
bar
JUVENILE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Rarely seen far from the ocean;
RING-BILLED GULL RED-LEGGED KITTIWAKE common in summer around sea
see p.190 cliffs, with ledges suitable for
darker nesting, and nearby offshore
shoulder
heavier, feathers waters; winters at sea; most
dark- likely to be seen from land
marked red
bill legs during and after storms; strays
white spots have appeared throughout
in outer gray
wing feathers underwings the interior.
Length 15–16in (38–41cm) Wingspan 3ft 1in– 4ft (0.95m–1.2m) Weight 11–18oz (300–500g)
202
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Sterna nilotica
ADULT
ADULT
(NONBREEDING)
(BREEDING) thick
black bill
pale gray
IN FLIGHT upperparts
ADULT
(BREEDING)
white
underparts
black legs
and toes
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Rarely found away from
SANDWICH ROSEATE TERN 9 saltwater. Historically
crest
TERN 8 see p.207 considered a species of salt
see p.205 thin bill
yellow-tipped,
marshes, but now breeds
thin, black bill primarily on sandy beaches
and barrier islands; most
birds leave the US to winter
long, smaller in Central America, where they
forked tail overall
favor mudflats or flooded fields.
Length 13–15in (33–38cm) Wingspan 31⁄4–4ft (1–1.2m) Weight 5–7oz (150 –200g)
203
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Sterna caspia
dark markings
ADULT JUVENILE
(BREEDING)
slightly
ADULT crested
(NONBREEDING) black cap
short
tail
dark-tipped outer
wing feathers
IN FLIGHT light gray thick, red
back bill with
dark tip
ADULT
(BREEDING)
white
underparts
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in a variety of aquatic
ELEGANT TERN ROYAL TERN thinner, habitats, freshwater and
see p.206 orange bill marine; rare offshore; breeds
smaller thin, on interior lakes, salt marsh,
overall orange-
yellow bill and on coastal barrier islands;
winters on and near the coast.
May be seen on marshes and
slender wetlands during migration.
build
204
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Sterna sandvicensis
IN FLIGHT
white
underparts
ADULT
FLIGHT: shallow, relatively rapid wing beats; (BREEDING)
strong and agile. black legs
and toes
Length 131⁄2 –171⁄2in (34–45cm) Wingspan 3ft 1in –3ft 4in (95–105cm) Weight 6 –11oz (175–300g)
205
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Sterna maxima
ADULT
(BREEDING)
forked
tail white
white
underparts forehead
shaggy
coat
black legs
R oyal Terns have a full black cap for only a very short time at the
beginning of the breeding season; for most of the year, they have
white foreheads. The color of a Royal Tern’s bill is quite variable,
ADULT (NONBREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Normally restricted to warm
CASPIAN TERN 8 stout ELEGANT TERN saltwater habitats. Breeds
see p.204 red bill in dense colonies, often
smaller on barrier islands; post-
overall breeders wander north
thinner,
curved
of regular breeding range;
bill some are carried north
larger by tropical storms and
overall
hurricanes, and may be found
in the interior of the US.
Length 171⁄2 –191⁄2in (45–50cm) Wingspan 4– 41⁄4ft (1.2–1.3m) Weight 12–16oz (350– 450g)
206
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Sterna dougallii
long tail
feathers red base to
black bill
dark legs
pale gray
underwings
ADULT
(LATE SUMMER) JUVENILE
IN FLIGHT
black
cap
ADULT pale gray
(SPRING) upperparts
long,
forked tail
black
bill
ADULT
white (SPRING)
FLIGHT: strong and fairly swift; stiffer-winged
underparts
than terns of similar size.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds almost exclusively in
SANDWICH TERN 8 COMMON TERN 8 coastal areas in the Northeast
yellow-tipped bill; shorter tail; see p.208 from Long Island, New York, to
see p.205 Nova Scotia, with another small
population in the outer Florida
Keys. Typically nests on beaches
larger darker
gray
and offshore islands. Not often
overall
overall seen far from breeding sites.
Length 13–16in (33 – 41cm) Wingspan 28in (70cm) Weight 3–5oz (85–150g)
207
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Sterna hirundo
dark wedge on
outer feathers bill
brown bars on mostly
upperparts dark
dark bill with
red-orange base blackish
leg
black wing ADULT
ADULT JUVENILE bar
(BREEDING)
(NONBREEDING)
black cap
gray
upperparts
IN FLIGHT
forked tail
black-
tipped
red bill
pale gray-white
underparts
FLIGHT: graceful, steady and strong; wing red leg
beats relatively deep.
ADULT
(BREEDING)
208
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Sterna paradisaea
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in far North, mostly in
COMMON TERN 8 FORSTER’S TERN open, unforested areas near
see p.208 longer see p.210 water and along
longer bill longer,
neck orange bill the coast; generally
migrates far offshore.
Spends more time
longer away from land than
legs other northern terns.
longer
legs Winters on edge of
pack ice in Antarctica.
209
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Sterna forsteri
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
shorter tail (NONBREEDING)
black cap
ADULT and nape
(NONBREEDING)
JUVENILE
pale gray
upperparts
orange-
long, gray tail with
red bill
white outer margins
with
dark tip
snowy white
underparts
ADULT
(BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in northeastern Mexico,
COMMON TERN ARCTIC TERN in freshwater and saltwater
see p.208 see p.209 shorter
red bill
marshes with large stretches
redder bill shorter of open water. Winters on both
neck coasts and across southern US
states, unlike the Common
shorter Tern, which primarily winters
tail
shorter in South America.
legs
210
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Sterna antillarum
JUVENILE
yellow
bill
IN FLIGHT pale gray
back
two dark
outer wing white
feathers underparts
ADULT
(BREEDING)
yellow legs
FLIGHT: extremely agile with stiff-winged,
deep, rapid wing beats; frequently hovers.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds along both coasts,
COMMON TERN black-tipped FORSTER’S TERN major rivers, lakes, reservoirs,
see p.208 red bill larger overall; black- and in Great Plains wetlands;
all-black see p.210 tipped favors sandy areas such as
cap orange bill
barrier islands, beaches,
sandbars, and nearby waters.
Winters from Mexico to South
larger
overall longer America. Also breeds in the
tail West Indies and Mexico.
211
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Chlidonias niger
Black Tern
dark gray
wings ADULT
dark (NONBREEDING)
gray
tail
black
breast
ADULT
(BREEDING)
Length 9 –10in (23–26cm) Wingspan 25–35in (63 –88cm) Weight 13⁄4 –21⁄2 oz (50 –70g)
212
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Laridae Species Rynchops niger
mottled brown
long upperparts
wing
lower half
of bill
longer than
upper
ADULT
(BREEDING)
JUVENILE
long, thick neck
short,
forked IN FLIGHT black upperparts
tail
ADULT
(BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
Breeds on East Coast from
Massachusetts south to
Mexico; West Coast only in
southern California, including
Salton Sea; rarely found far
from saltwater. Found on
beaches; feeds in bays,
SLICING THE SURFACE estuaries, lagoons, and areas
The unique way in which skimmers such as the Black Skimmer feed with relatively calm waters.
gave rise to the old common name for these birds—Cutwaters. Winters in Central America.
Length 151⁄2 –191⁄2in (40–50cm) Wingspan 31⁄2 – 41⁄4ft (1.1–1.3m) Weight 8 –14oz (225– 400g)
213
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Stercorariidae Species Stercorarius pomarinus
JUVENILE cream
(FALL; cheeks
DARK FORM)
white
gray-brown
wing flash
back
barred dusky
flanks ADULT
breastband
(NONBREEDING;
ADULT PALE FORM)
(DARK
FORM)
214
ShorebirdS, gullS, and aukS
Order Charadriiformes Family Stercorariidae Species Stercorarius parasiticus
in flight
dark
adUlt (dark form) upperparts
adUlt (pale form)
long, pointed,
central feathers
adult
(intermediate form) wide
dark legs gray
and toes breastband
OccurreNce
similar species Breeds on tundra in northern
pomarine jaeger long-tailed jaeger Canada and Alaska (breeds
see p.214 see p.216 farther south than other
two long, black
cap
jaegers); during migration
central, twisted heavy
tail feathers and in winter, uses both
hooked bill
nearshore and offshore
waters; rarely found inland
in the US outside the
longer
pointed tail breeding season.
215
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Stercorariidae Species Stercorarius longicaudus
grayish brown
JUVENILE
(DARK
FORM)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds on tundra in northern
POMARINE JAEGER PARASITIC JAEGER thin bill
Canada and Alaska—generally
see p.214 see p.215 the most northern
long twisted hooked bill breeding jaeger; on
feathers migration and in winter
uses mostly offshore
shorter waters; very rarely seen
tail inland in winter.
216
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Alcidae Species Alle alle
ADULT
(BREEDING)
dark back
small bill
IN FLIGHT
white
throat
white
undertail
ADULT
(NONBREEDING)
217
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Alcidae Species Uria lomvia
Thick-billed Murre
brownish black
sides of head
ADULT
(BREEDING)
white line
hunched along bill
in flight white breast
IN FLIGHT and underparts
short,
all-blackish
black tail
upperparts
reduced or absent
white line on bill
ADULT
(BREEDING)
more extensive
white on throat
ADULT
(NONBREEDING)
218
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Alcidae Species Uria aalge
curved, black
IN FLIGHT line droops white
behind eye underparts
white face
and throat
black back
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds close to rocky
THICK-BILLED RAZORBILL 8 shorelines, nesting on coastal
MURRE see p.220 cliff ledges or flat rocks on
see p.218 bill
with top of sea stacks on both
thick, pale
line between white East and West coasts.
eye and bill bar Found farther offshore
near
tip during nonbreeding season,
spending extended periods
on the open ocean and in
large bays. Winters at sea.
219
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Alcidae Species Alca torda
bill smaller
thick, black bill than in
breeding birds
short
neck
brownish head black
long, upperparts
ADULT
black, (BREEDING)
pointed
tail white
underparts
up to chin
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
(NONBREEDING)
ADULT
(BREEDING)
snowy white
underparts
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds on rocky islands and
THICK-BILLED COMMON shorelines, or steep mainland
MURRE MURRE 8 cliffs in northeast North
see p.218 see p.219 slimmer
bill America, most of the world’s
thick, pale population breeds in Iceland.
more line between more
slender eye and bill Winters south of breeding
slender
body body range on ice-free coastal
waters reaching New Jersey
and Virginia. Forages in cool,
shallower water, near shore.
220
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Alcidae Species Cepphus grylle
Black Guillemot
ADULT gray cap
(BREEDING) gray bars in white
wing patch
broad, rounded gray neck
wings
thin,
straight
oval, snowy white JUVENILE bill
upperwing patch
large white
patch
IN FLIGHT
dark
belly
scarlet
legs and
ADULT toes
(BREEDING)
round,
black
body
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Primarily an Atlantic species.
DOVEKIE 7 PIGEON GUILLEMOT 8 Breeds in crevices on remote
smaller; see dusky underwings rocky islands and cliffs that
p.217 white patch in flight provide protection from
behind predators. At sea prefers
dark back eye black bar on
white wing shallow waters, close to
patch rocky coasts. At end of
breeding season, adults
and young move closer to
shore to avoid pack ice.
221
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, AND AUKS
Order Charadriiformes Family Alcidae Species Fratercula arctica
large, colorful,
triangular bill
white
breast
ADULT
(BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES This northern North Atlantic
LONG-TAILED DUCK 28 HORNED PUFFIN seabird (found on both sides of
see p.65 the ocean) breeds in colonies
white
long eye-ring fleshy “horn” on small, rocky, offshore
tail above eye yellow islands, where it excavates
base
to bill nesting burrows or nests under
stubby boulders. Between breeding
bill seasons, it heads for the high
dark flanks seas and remains far offshore,
favoring cold, open waters.
222
Family Columbidae
white underwings
white
rump
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
ADULT (FERAL) (ANCESTRAL
FORM)
dark-tipped
tail
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Across southern Canada
WHITE-CROWNED white BAND-TAILED and North America; nests in
PIGEON crown PIGEON human structures of all sorts;
mangroves; western yellow
bill with resident. Original habitat in
see p.452
dark tip the Old World was (and still is)
dark gray white band sea cliffs and inland canyons;
overall on nape found wild in some places, such
as dry regions of North Africa,
but feral in much of the world.
224
PIGEONS AND DOVES
Order Columbiformes Family Columbidae Species Streptopelia decaocto
Eurasian Collared-Dove
dark outer
wing feathers dark
bill
gray wing
feathers
ADULT
black collar
on hind neck
pale gray
IN FLIGHT body
ADULT
square
tail
gray undertail
wing feathers
225
PIGEONS AND DOVES
Order Columbiformes Family Columbidae Species Zenaida macroura
thin, dark
mostly uniform bill
gray wings black dot
on side
of face
faint mottling
on neck and
underparts
pointed
tail
ADULT
IN FLIGHT JUVENILE
dark spots
on wings
plump, gray
body
long, pointed
pink legs
tail
and toes
ADULT
226
PIGEONS AND DOVES
Order Columbiformes Family Columbidae Species Zenaida asiatica
IN FLIGHT
large white
wing patches
red legs
rounded ADULT and toes
gray tail
227
PIGEONS AND DOVES
Order Columbiformes Family Columbidae Species Columbina inca
Inca Dove
rufous outer wing
feathers, conspicuous
in flight
scaly back
dark
feather tips
white
ADULT
outer
feathers
on tail
IN FLIGHT ADULT
scaly, paler
long tail underparts
squarish
tail tip
T his small, brownish gray dove has expanded its range from Central
America and Mexico into the southern US in the last 100 years or so,
and now breeds in all of the southwestern states from California east to the
Mississippi River. Resembling a baby Mourning Dove because of its slender
shape and long tail, the Inca Dove can
be distinguished by its “scaly” pattern.
Although it is a secretive species,
hiding in low, dense vegetation, it
is tame and frequently occurs in
human settlements. When
encountered, the Inca Dove often
flushes almost from underfoot, flashing
the reddish coloration of its wings.
VOICE Repeated 2-note chant, WING-UP DISPLAY A “TALL” TAIL
pol-pah, which can sound like the words The wing-up posture is used by territorial male An Inca Dove’s tail makes up a
“no hope;” sometimes low, trilling coo. Inca Doves in aggressive displays. third of the bird’s total length.
NESTING Compact
OCCURRENCE
platform of twigs and SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds and winters all year
leaves in a variety of RUDDY GROUND-DOVE in areas of human habitation:
trees and shrubs; 2 eggs; see p.472
smaller
cities, towns, farms containing
several broods; overall shrubs and small trees for
March–November. shorter nesting. Forages on lawns
tail and barnyards and occasionally
FEEDING Pecks at
near rivers and streams but
grains, seeds, and weeds appears to favor drier areas
on the ground, among in the south of its range.
vegetation; also fruit.
Length 7–9in (18–23cm) Wingspan 11in (28cm) Weight 11⁄16–2oz (30– 60g)
228
PIGEONS AND DOVES
Order Columbiformes Family Columbidae Species Columbina passerina
Common Ground-Dove
rufous pinkish or red
outer wing base to bill
feathers
IN FLIGHT
scaly
breast with
square pink tinge
tail
MALE
229
Family Psittacidae
POPULAR PET
The Monk Parakeet is
native to South America,
but escaped pets breed
locally in North America.
PARAKEETS AND PARROTS
Order Psittaciformes Family Psittacidae Species Myiopsitta monachus
Monk Parakeet
green inner green
long, wing feathers upperparts
pointed
tail
hooked,
gray face orangish
bill
gray face
dark blue-black
and forehead
outer wing
feathers
gray breast
IN FLIGHT
yellowish belly
two forward-
and two
backward-pointing toes
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES In North America mainly
GREEN PARAKEET restricted to urban or suburban
see p.453 habitats, where nests can be
green breast built in palms, deciduous trees,
and face
telephone poles, or electrical
substations. Common in
ACROBATIC FLIGHT southern Florida; found in
Flocks of vividly colored Monk several other areas, north
green upperparts Parakeets twist and turn in to New York City, Chicago,
and flight feathers
flight, and are notoriously vocal. and Portland, Oregon.
231
Family Cuculidae
PERCHED TO KILL
After catching a lizard, the
Greater Roadrunner bashes
it repeatedly against a rock
before gulping it down.
CUCKOOS AND RELATIVES
Order Cuculiformes Family Cuculidae Species Coccyzus erythropthalmus
long, black,
around eye
long
tail
grayish brown
ADULT back
small white
spots on
tips of tail long
feathers wings
pale
ADULT grayish
white
IN FLIGHT underparts
grayish feet
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widespread northern and
YELLOW-BILLED MANGROVE eastern North American
CUCKOO CUCKOO species, lives in thickly wooded
yellow specialized black
see p.234 bill
habitat; mask areas close to water, but can
see p.453 around also be found in brushy forest
eyes edges and evergreen woods.
Winters in South America in
rufous evergreen woodlands, scrub,
buffy undertail
outer wing
and belly and humid forests.
feathers
Length 11–12in (28–31cm) Wingspan 16–19in (41–48cm) Weight 19⁄16 –2oz (45–55g)
233
CUCKOOS AND RELATIVES
Order Cuculiformes Family Cuculidae Species Coccyzus americanus
IN FLIGHT
JUVENILE
slightly
shorter
tail
ADULT
rufous outer
FLIGHT: flight is swift using long strokes to wing feathers
maintain level pattern.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Has a wide range in the US.
BLACK-BILLED MANGROVE Found primarily in open forests
CUCKOO CUCKOO with a mix of openings and
see p.233 see p.453 black
all- mask thick understory cover,
black around especially those near water.
bill eyes
Winters in similar habitats in
Central and South America.
buffy
no rufous undertail
on wings and belly
234
CUCKOOS AND RELATIVES
Order Cuculiformes Family Cuculidae Species Geococcyx californianus
large crest
large, whitish
crescent on wings
ADULT
ADULT
dark brown,
glossy green,
IN FLIGHT and black streaks
heavily
streaked
head,
neck,
and
chest
long, dark tail with
white-edged tip
unstreaked,
lower belly
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widespread across
PLAIN RING-NECKED no southeastern US, from
CHACHALACA PHEASANT 1 crest California to Louisiana, and
see p.444 see p.33
north to Utah, Colorado,
darker, lighter brown Kansas, and Arkansas; lives
solid overall at low elevations in open
color
unstreaked plump brushy areas mixed with thorn
upperparts body scrub such as mesquite; also
larger overall
pinyon-juniper shrubbery, and
deserts and chaparral. Resident.
235
Families Tytonidae, Strigidae
OWLS
humans throughout neck helps owls turn
O WLS HAVE FASCINATED
history, partly because of their nocturnal
habits and eerie cries. They are placed in the order
their heads almost 180º
toward a direction of
Strigiformes, and two families are represented in interest. Ears are offset
North America: the Barn Owl is classified in on each side of the
Tytonidae, other North American owl species are head to help identify
in the Strigidae. Most owls are active primarily at the source of a sound;
night and have developed adaptations for living in “ear tufts” on some
low-light environments. Their large eyes are species are for visual
sensitive enough to see effect and unrelated to
in the dark, and face hearing. Many owls BIG HORNS
forward to maximize have serrations on the The “ear” tufts of the Great
binocular vision. Since forward edges of their Horned Owl are taller than
the eyes are fixed in flight feathers to those of other “tufted” owls.
their sockets, a flexible cushion airflow, so their
flight is silent while stalking prey. All North
OWL AT TWILIGHT
American owls are predatory to some degree and
The best time to see the they inhabit most areas of the continent. The
nocturnal Barn Owl is Burrowing Owl is unique in that it hunts during
often at dawn or dusk. the day and nests underground.
SNOW SWOOP
The Great Gray Owl can hunt by
sound alone, allowing it to locate
and capture prey hidden even
beneath a thick snow cover.
OWLS
Order Strigiformes Family Tytonidae Species Tyto alba
long wings
ADULT
ADULT
pale buff
IN FLIGHT upperparts
white
underparts
ruff surrounds
facial disk
feathered
ADULT
legs
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES In North America breeds from
SNOWY OWL SHORT-EARED OWL northwestern and northeastern
see p.239 see p.248 dark US south to Mexico. Resident in
black markings patches all except very north of range.
on female and on outer
wing
Prefers open habitats, such as
juvenile
desert, grassland, and fields,
dark
wherever prey and suitable nest
barring on sites are available. Generally
underparts not found in mountainous or
heavily forested areas.
Length 121⁄2–151⁄2in (32–40cm) Wingspan 3ft 3in (100cm) Weight 14–25oz (400–700g)
237
OWLS
Order Strigiformes Family Strigidae Species Otus asio
ADULT
white spots on
inner wing
feathers
streaked
short underparts
tail IN FLIGHT
ADULT
(GRAY FORM)
feathered legs
FLIGHT: direct, purposeful flight; straight with
steady wing beats, typically below tree cover.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES In the US and southern
BOREAL OWL no NORTHERN Canada, breeds in a variety
see p.245 ear SAW-WHET of lowland wooded areas
tufts OWL
see p.246 east of the Rockies. Also
brown
back white breeds south to northeastern
spots Mexico. Can be found in
suburban and urban parks
long
brown and gardens; avoids mountain
streaks forests above 1,000ft (300m).
238
OWLS
Order Strigiformes Family Strigidae Species Nyctea scandiaca
dusky
IN FLIGHT barring
variably
barred JUVENILE
underparts
variable barring
on wings
nearly
all-white
breast
feathered legs
and toes
ADULT
(FEMALE)
FLIGHT: slow, steady flight with strong,
deep wing beats; flaps interspersed with glides.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in the tundra of Eurasia
BARN OWL SHORT-EARED and northern North America,
see p.237 black OWL north to Ellesmere Island; North
eyes see p.248
American birds winter south to
golden the Great Plains. In some years,
brown many North American birds
mottled
brown larger winter south of their normal
markings overall range, including in dunes,
marshes, and airfields, as far
south as Idaho and New Jersey.
Length 20–27in (51– 68cm) Wingspan 41⁄4–51⁄4ft (1.3–1.6m) Weight 31⁄2–61⁄2lb (1.6–2.9kg)
239
OWLS
Order Strigiformes Family Strigidae Species Bubo virginianus
white throat
and chin
IN FLIGHT
mottled, barred,
brownish barred
and gray underparts
upperparts
ADULT
ADULT
Length 18 –25in (46–63cm) Wingspan 3–5ft (0.9–1.6m) Weight 17⁄8 – 51⁄2 lb (0.9 –2.5kg)
240
OWLS
Order Strigiformes Family Strigidae Species Strix varia
dark eyes
conspicuously
yellowish bill
ADULT
brown
upperparts
heavy
IN FLIGHT white
spotting
barring on
breast
streaking
on belly
barred tail
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widespread, though not
GREAT “ear” SPOTTED evenly so, in North America
HORNED tufts OWL from British Columbia across
OWL
see p.240 yellow to the Maritimes and much of
eyes the eastern US. Found in a
larger variety of wooded habitats—
overall horizontal
barring on from cypress swamps in the
pale
underparts oval south to conifer rain forest
longer bars
tail
in the Northwest—and in
mixed hardwoods.
Length 17–191⁄2in (43–50cm) Wingspan 31⁄2ft (1.1m) Weight 17– 37oz (475–1,050g)
241
OWLS
Order Strigiformes Family Strigidae Species Strix nebulosa
round facial
pattern
black-and-
white chin
long tail
ADULT heavily
long streaked
wings mottled gray underparts
upperparts
ADULT
thickset
body
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
Length 24 – 33in (61– 84cm) Wingspan 41⁄2ft (1.4m) Weight 11⁄2 – 33⁄4lb (0.7 –1.7kg)
242
OWLS
Order Strigiformes Family Strigidae Species Surnia ulula
yellowish eyes
long wings
ADULT black line around white face
ADULT
Length 14–171⁄2in (36– 44cm) Wingspan 31in (80cm) Weight 11–12oz (300–350g)
243
OWLS
Order Strigiformes Family Strigidae Species Athene cunicularia
ADULT chest
spotted
with brown
white upperparts
with white white
brown ear spotting spots
IN FLIGHT feathers
short
tail ADULT short
tail
brown streaks on
lower belly
ADULT
Length 71⁄2 –10in (19–25cm) Wingspan 211⁄2 in (55cm) Weight 5oz (150g)
244
OWLS
Order Strigiformes Family Strigidae Species Aegolius funereus
yellow
ADULT eyes
rounded finely
wings spotted pale
crown bill
IN FLIGHT
black
border
around
face
white and
brown
streaked
underparts
ADULT
short tail
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in northern forests from
NORTHERN NORTHERN Alaska to Newfoundland and
PYGMY- SAW-WHET OWL Québec, south into the Rockies
OWL see p.246
to Colorado and New Mexico.
lacks dark dark
black frame to
Largely sedentary, but irregular
bill
streaks facial disk movements take place south of
on belly the breeding range, southward
to New England and New York.
longer tail In the Old World it is called
Tengmalm’s Owl.
Length 81⁄2–11in (21–28cm) Wingspan 211⁄2 –24in (54 – 62cm) Weight 33⁄8 –8oz (90 –225g)
245
OWLS
Order Strigiformes Family Strigidae Species Aegolius acadicus
white patch
between eyes
yellow eyes
dark chestnut-
bill brown
upperparts
with white
short brown spots
tail streaks
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
ADULT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds from Alaska and British
ELF OWL BOREAL OWL spotted Columbia to Maritimes; in
see p.454 see p.245 crown the West, south to Mexico;
gray darker in the East, south to
back face
Appalachians; coniferous and
black
facial mixed deciduous forests, swampy
smaller border forests, wooded wetlands, bogs.
overall
Winters in southern to central
states, in open woodlands, pine
plantations, and shrubby areas.
Length 7– 81⁄2in (18 –21cm) Wingspan 161⁄2 –19in (42– 48cm) Weight 31⁄2oz (100g)
246
OWLS
Order Strigiformes Family Strigidae Species Asio otus
conspicuous
slender
dark wrist body
patch mottled
upperwings
gray
tips finely streaked
underparts
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
ADULT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in old nests, especially
GREAT SHORT-EARED in dense stands of cottonwood,
tufts
HORNED OWL willow, juniper, and conifers near
farther
OWL see p.248
see p.240
apart open areas suitable for hunting.
patterned Occasionally uses old nests in
much buffy above
tree holes, cliffs, or on ground in
larger
overall horizontal pale dense vegetation; in winter, up
barring on below to 100 birds in roosts. Northern
underparts
larger overall birds move south for winter;
some western birds resident.
Length 14–151⁄2in (35– 40cm) Wingspan 34–39in (86–98cm) Weight 8–15oz (225– 425g)
247
OWLS
Order Strigiformes Family Strigidae Species Asio flammeus
very short
complex, buff
dark wrist
marbling on
patch
upperparts
orange-buff
to yellowish white
outer wings belly ADULT
IN FLIGHT
fine dark
streaks
whitish buff
underparts
ADULT
Length 131⁄2 –16in (34– 41cm) Wingspan 23⁄4 –31⁄2ft (0.9–1.1m) Weight 11–13oz (325–375g)
248
Family Caprimulgidae
SITTING PRETTY
Unusually for birds, members
of the nightjar family, such as
this Common Nighthawk, often
perch lengthwise on branches.
ELEGANT HUNTER
This Lesser Nighthawk
male soars through the air,
hunting for insects, which
it catches on the wing.
NIGHTJARS AND NIGHTHAWKS
Order Caprimulgiformes Family Caprimulgidae Species Chordeiles minor
white bars on
MALE very
outer wing white wing MALE
feathers small
patch bill
large, dark
narrow wings eye
IN FLIGHT
barring
on gray
FEMALE underparts
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Wide variety of open habitats
LESSER NIGHTHAWK COMMON PAURAQUE such as cleared forests, fields,
more buffy barring on longer, rounded tail with grassland, beaches, and sand
underside of wings; white patches; see p.455 dunes; also common in urban
see p.454
browner areas, including cities. The
plumage most common and widespread
North American nighthawk,
this species also occurs in
larger
overall
Central and South America.
250
NIGHTJARS AND NIGHTHAWKS
Order Caprimulgiformes Family Caprimulgidae Species Caprimulgus carolinensis
Chuck-will’s-widow
ADULT
pale cinnamon
underparts
long, grayish
eyebrow very small
bill
IN FLIGHT
some tawny buff-brown
upperparts reddish
white
brown
on tail
throat
whitish
long, rounded collar
tail
ADULT
tan feathers on
wings
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in forests composed
COMMON POORWILL WHIP-POOR-WILL of a mixture of deciduous
see p.455 see p.252 and evergreen trees, and in
darker with open fields. A truly North
grayer more gray
overall than American species, it is found
brown mainly in the eastern US.
Winters in Mexico and in
northern Central America.
more white on tail
Length 11–121⁄2in (28–32cm) Wingspan 25–28in (63 –70cm) Weight 31⁄2oz (100g)
251
NIGHTJARS AND NIGHTHAWKS
Order Caprimulgiformes Family Caprimulgidae Species Caprimulgus vociferus
MALE
FEMALE whitish
throat
stripe
black-and-
gray bands
across
back
MALE
cinnamon
barring on
dark wings
white corners
to tail
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Mixed mature forests with
COMMON POORWILL CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOW open understory, especially
see p.455 see p.251 oak and pine forests on dry
smaller, grayer cinnamon- upland sites. Breeds north to
overall brown chin southern and south-central
larger overall Canada and south to
El Salvador. Eastern and
southwestern populations
are widely separated.
square tail
Length 9 –10in (23 –26cm) Wingspan 17–20in (43 – 51cm) Weight 19⁄16 –21⁄4oz (45 – 65g)
252
Family Apodidae
SWIFTS
their daylight
Sskies.hours
WIFTS SPEND VIRTUALLY ALL
as well as many night hours plying the
The most aerial birds in North America—if
CHIMNEY SWIFT
Widespread in the East,
the Chimney Swift has
readily adapted to
not the world—swifts eat, drink, court, mate, and human structures.
even sleep on the wing. Swifts are some of the
fastest and most acrobatic flyers of the bird world.
Several species have been clocked at over 100mph
(160kph). They feed on insects caught in aerial
pursuits. The family name, based on the Greek
apous, which means “without feet,” originates
from the ancient belief that swifts had no feet
and lived their entire lives in the air.
Family Trochilidae
HUMMINGBIRDS
Americas, hummingbirds called a gorget, but females tend to lack this
Fof theare bird
OUND ONLY IN THE
sometimes referred to as the crown jewels
world. The first sight of a glittering
gorgeous attribute. Because iridescent colors are
structural and not pigment-based, a gorget can
hummingbird can be often appear blackish until seen at the correct
a life-changing angle toward the light. Hummingbirds are the only
experience. The birds that can fly backward, an adaptation that
amount of iridescence allows them to move easily between flowers. Flying
in their plumage varies sideways, up, down, and hovering are also within
from almost none to hummingbirds’ abilities, and all are achieved by
what seems like every their unique figure-eight, rapid wing strokes and
AGGRESSIVE MALES
feather. Most North reduced wing bone structure. Their long, thin bills
This male Ruby-throated American male allow them access to nectar in tubular flowers. The
Hummingbird defends his hummingbirds have only common hummingbird in the East is the
territory from a perch. a colorful throat patch Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
NECTAR FEEDERS
All North American
hummingbirds, such as
this Black-chinned,
subsist on nectar
from wildflowers.
This species is
rare in the East.
SWIFTS
Order Apodiformes Family Apodidae Species Chaetura pelagica
large eyes
throat slightly
short,
paler than body
square
tail
IN FLIGHT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widespread in eastern North
BLACK SWIFT VAUX’S SWIFT America, over many habitats:
urban and suburban areas,
larger paler small towns; in sparsely
overall rump
populated areas nests in hollow
trees and caves; regular in
shorter
wings paler summer in southern California,
broader and tail throat present late March to early
wings November. Winters in
Amazonian South America.
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 14in (36cm) Weight 5⁄8 –11⁄16 oz (17– 30g)
254
HUMMINGBIRDS
Order Apodiformes Family Trochilidae Species Archilochus colubris
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
pale-tipped green crown
bronzy-green crown feathers
straight,
upperparts black face black
bill
MALE greenish
speckling
(MALE) on throat
orange-
dark, red throat
forked tail
white chest
IMMATURE
MALE
greenish
glittering sides and
green flanks
white chin upperparts
and throat
rounded MALE
tail
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Favors a variety of woodlands
BLACK-CHINNED ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD 1 and gardens; earliest migrants
HUMMINGBIRD 1 harder, sharper appear in the South as early as
see p.455 call notes late February; most leave by
broader longer thicker November; regular in winter in
outer bill neck
southern Florida; small numbers
feathers
winter elsewhere on the Gulf
grayer
underparts
Coast; rare in the West. The bulk
of the population migrates to
Central America for the winter.
255
HUMMINGBIRDS
Order Apodiformes Family Trochilidae Species Selasphorus rufus
rufous
uppertail
feathers
whitish
IMMATURE underparts
MALE
FEMALE
Length 31⁄2in (9cm) Wingspan 5in (13cm) Weight 3⁄32–7⁄32oz (3– 6g)
256
Family Alcedinidae
KINGFISHERS
a tropical family with their tropical and European counterparts,
K INGFISHERS ARE PRIMARILY
(Alcedinidae) that apparently originated in the
Australasian region. Three species are found in the
they are striking birds, distinguished by chestnut-
colored chest bands and white underparts. While
US and Canada, but only one, the Belted they also eat frogs and crayfish, North American
Kingfisher, is widespread. Like most species of species are primarily fish-eaters. After catching a
kingfishers, these birds are large-headed and large- fish, they routinely stun their prey by beating it
billed but have comparatively short legs and toes. against a perch before turning the fish around so
Although North American kingfishers lack the that it can be eaten head first. Smaller species such
array of bright blues, greens, and reds associated as the Green Kingfisher are shy and not often seen.
FISH DINNER
A female Belted Kingfisher
uses its large bill to catch
and hold slippery prey.
KINGFISHERS
Order Coraciiformes Family Alcedinidae Species Megaceryle alcyon
FEMALE
IN FLIGHT
bluish slate
upperparts double crest
white
belly
white collar
IMMATURE
MALE
I ts stocky body, double-pointed crest, large head, and FLIGHT: strongly flaps its wings and then
contrasting white collar distinguish the Belted Kingfisher from glides after two or three beats; frequently hovers.
other species in its range. This kingfisher’s loud and far-carrying
rattles are heard more often than the bird is seen. Interestingly, it is one of
the few birds in North America in which the female is more colorful than the
male. The Belted Kingfisher can be found in a large variety of aquatic habitats,
both coastal and inland, vigorously defending its territory, all year round.
VOICE Harsh mechanical rattle given in flight or from a perch; sometimes
emits screams or trill-like warble during breeding.
NESTING Unlined chamber in subterranean burrow
3–6ft (1–2m) deep, excavated in earthen bank usually
over water, but sometimes in ditches, sand, or gravel
pits; 6–7 eggs; 1 brood; OCCURRENCE
March–July. SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds and winters around
FEEDING Plunge-dives RINGED KINGFISHER 2 clear, open waters of streams,
from branches or wires see p.456 rivers, lakes, estuaries, and
to catch a wide variety protected marine shorelines,
larger
of fish near the surface, overall where perches are available
and prey is visible. Avoids water
including sticklebacks CATCH OF THE DAY with emergent vegetation.
and trout; also takes chestnut The female’s chestnut belly band Northern populations migrate
belly
crustaceans, such and flanks are clearly visible here south to Mexico, Central
as crayfish. as she perches with her catch. America, and the West Indies.
258
Family Picidae
WOODPECKERS
HE THREE GROUPS of closely related SAPSUCKERS
T species that constitute the family
Picidae are found throughout North
Sapsuckers feed on tree sap as a primary source
of nourishment for both adults and their
young. They have tongues tipped with stiff
America. They are a physically striking hairs to allow sap to
group adapted to living on tree trunks. stick to them. The
holes sapsuckers create
WOODPECKERS in order to extract the
The typical North American woodpecker species sap from trees also
share a distinct set of physical characteristics and attract insects, which
behaviors. They use pecking and drumming to make up the main
construct nests and communicate. This is made protein source in the
possible by a very thick skull, adapted to withstand sapsucker diet. Because
the shock of continually pecking wood. sapsuckers damage
Woodpeckers nest in cavities in dead trees, and are living trees, some BALANCING ACT
vulnerable to the loss of their specialized habitats orchard growers The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
due to forest clearing. consider them to rests its stiff tail against a tree
be pests. to maintain its balance.
FLICKERS
Flickers are relatively large members of the
family Picidae and spend more time feeding on
the ground than other woodpeckers, consuming
ants and other insects. They often forage in open
areas around human habitation. Flickers are
notable for their colorful underwing feathers
and their distinctive white rumps.
COMMON FLICKER
RED ALERT The Northern Flicker can be found
With its crimson head, the across the entire North American
Red-headed Woodpecker continent. This is the Red-shafted
is an instantly recognizable form of Northern Flicker, which is
North American bird. only found in the West.
WOODPECKERS
Order Piciformes Family Picidae Species Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Red-headed Woodpecker
bright red bluish
head gray bill
white
rump red head
ADULT
upperparts
black with narrow black
brownish bluish sheen “necklace”
head
ADULT
IN FLIGHT
wing feathers
white with
black barring
white
secondary
JUVENILE wing
feathers
Length 81⁄2 –91⁄2 in (22–24cm) Wingspan 16–18in (41–46cm) Weight 2–3oz (55–85g)
260
WOODPECKERS
Order Piciformes Family Picidae Species Melanerpes carolinus
Red-bellied Woodpecker
white patches gray crown red crown
at base of
outer wing
pale grayish
tan face
pale grayish
MALE tan underparts
red
nape
IN FLIGHT
FEMALE
regular black-
and-white barring
261
WOODPECKERS
Order Piciformes Family Picidae Species Sphyrapicus varius
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
red forehead
white patch
on inner
MALE wing
red
black- throat pale yellow
and-white to breast
white patterned and belly
rump face
IN FLIGHT
dark
brown
fore-
head
white
no red
throat
on throat
black-and-
white barring
on back
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in eastern Alaska,
WILLAMSON’S brown head RED-NAPED Canada, and south to the
SAPSUCKER 1 SAPSUCKER Appalachians. Prefers either
deciduous forests or mixed
red patch deciduous-coniferous forests;
more
on forehead
extensive preferably young forests. In
barring on winter, it is found in open
back two rows
of white bars wooded areas in southeastern
on back
states, Caribbean islands,
and Central America.
262
WOODPECKERS
Order Piciformes Family Picidae Species Picoides pubescens
black wings
with white black
IN FLIGHT
spots shoulders
FEMALE
white
back
263
WOODPECKERS
Order Piciformes Family Picidae Species Picoides villosus
MALE
IN FLIGHT
black
FEMALE upperparts
black wing
feathers with
white barring
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds primarily in forests, both
DOWNY WOODPECKER 2 DOWNY WOODPECKER 1 deciduous and coniferous, but
see p.263 shorter bill see p.263 also in more open woodlands,
shorter
bill swamps, suburban parks, and
wooded areas. Resident in
black
black markings
North America all year-round,
markings on outer though in the far north of
on outer wing its range it may move south
wing feathers
feathers for the winter.
Length 9–91⁄2in (23–24cm) Wingspan 15–16in (38– 41cm) Weight 21⁄2oz (70g)
264
WOODPECKERS
Order Piciformes Family Picidae Species Picoides borealis
Red-cockaded Woodpecker
black
white
eyebrow
white
black-and-
outer tail
black wings white barred
feathers
with fine back
white barring
black
cheek
IN FLIGHT stripe
FEMALE
finely
streaked
underparts
white spots and
bars on black wings
MALE whitish
FLIGHT: typical undulating flight undertail
pattern of woodpeckers. feathers
T he Red-cockaded
Woodpecker’s population has
been severely affected by the fragmentation of its southeastern US old-growth
pine forest habitat, as trees have been cut down for timber and cleared for
farmland. The bird breeds in small family groups, or clans, and takes up to
three years to drill its nest cavity in a live tree. During incubation, parent birds
are often helped by other clan members, usually males born in previous years.
VOICE Primary calls include a rolled shrit or shiff; also a rattle resembling
a kingfisher; very vocal, chattering much of the day.
NESTING Excavates cavity in live, mature longleaf and Loblolly pines;
3–5 eggs; 1 brood; April–June. FINDING A MEAL
FEEDING Forages and drills for insects, especially ants, and insect larvae The bird works its way up and
on trunks of pine trees; eats some seeds and fruits occasionally, including around a tree trunk in its
pine seeds, grapes, and blueberries. search for insects and grubs.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widespread in pine forests of
LADDER-BACKED white NUTTALL’S WOODPECKER southeastern US, but localized;
WOODPECKER cheek
absent from some suitable-
see p.456
restricted looking forest stands, common
extensive red crown in others. Needs open pine
red crown
black stripe forests maintained without
black stripe behind eye much understory by regular
behind eye forest fires. Resident.
Length 71⁄2– 81⁄2in (19 –22cm) Wingspan 14–15in (36–38cm) Weight 17⁄16 –19⁄16oz (40 – 45g)
265
WOODPECKERS
Order Piciformes Family Picidae Species Picoides tridactylus dorsalis
IN FLIGHT
black-and-white white
streaked crown breast
MALE
FEMALE
266
WOODPECKERS
Order Piciformes Family Picidae Species Picoides arcticus
Black-backed Woodpecker
white spots on long, black bill
outer wings
yellow cap on
black head
white stripe
black back on head
white
underparts
MALE
IN FLIGHT
black cap
black back
and wings
MALE
FEMALE
267
WOODPECKERS
Order Piciformes Family Picidae Species Colaptes auratus
Northern Flicker
bright yellow gray forehead
underwings and crown
black “mustache”
IN FLIGHT
black
MALE (YELLOW- crescent red
SHAFTED FORM) nape
gray nape
brownish
back with
black barring
FEMALE MALE
(YELLOW- (RED-SHAFTED
SHAFTED FORM) FORM )
MALE
(YELLOW-
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES A common species found in
GILDED FLICKER woodland in every part of
the US, the southern half of
cinnamon Canada, and north into Alaska.
crown
During breeding season,
prefers open woodlands
FEET ON THE GROUND and forest edge; also suburbs.
paler brown Unlike other woodpeckers,
back
Little is known about this
flickers can be found foraging bird’s winter habitat.
for ants on the ground.
268
WOODPECKERS
Order Piciformes Family Picidae Species Dryocopus pileatus
large white
wing patch
black
long forehead
tail
IN FLIGHT black
“mustache”
red crest
black
back
white patch
FEMALE on wing
Length 16–18in (41– 46cm) Wingspan 26–30in (66–76cm) Weight 10oz (275g)
269
Family Tyrannidae
FLYCATCHERS
known as “flycatchers” feathers. Members
B IRDS POPULARLY
occur in many parts of the world, but several
different families of songbirds have this name.
of the genus
Empidonax include
With the exception of some Old World species some of the most
that stray into Alaska, the North American difficult birds to
flycatchers are members of a single family—the identify in North
Tyrant Flycatchers (Tyrannidae). With about 400 America; they are
species, this is the largest bird family in the New best distinguished
World. These birds are uniform in appearance, by their songs. Typical
with only a hint of the diversity in the family flycatcher feeding
that is found in Central and South America. behavior is to sit on
Most are drab-colored, olive-green or gray birds, a branch or exposed
sometimes with yellow underparts. The perch, then sally to
Vermilion Flycatcher catch flying insects.
is a striking exception, Tyrannid flycatchers
as is the gray are found across North TYRANT BEHAVIOR
Such aggressive display
and salmon-pink America, except in by Couch’s Kingbird reflects
Scissor-tailed Arctic regions. Many its English and generic
Flycatcher, which also live in wooded names. Couch’s Kingbird is
has elongated outer tail habitats, though others rare in the East.
prefer woodland edges
ERECT STANCE
and deserts. Nearly
A large headed look and erect all flycatchers are long-distance migrants and
posture are typical of this spend the northern winter in Central and
Eastern Phoebe. South America.
BIG MOUTHS
Young Dusky Flycatchers
display the wide bills that
help them to catch flying
insects as adults.
FLYCATCHERS
Order Passeriformes Family Tyrannidae Species Sayornis phoebe
rounded wings
with two faint
ADULT wing bars
dark eye
white
throat
yellowish
tint on
lower
belly
ADULT
IN FLIGHT (FALL)
ADULT
(BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in open woodland
EASTERN WILLOW and along deciduous or mixed
WOOD-PEWEE FLYCATCHER forest edges, in gardens and
lacks tail-wag; flicks tail
often parks, near water. Breeds
see p.273 upwards;
see p.276 has across Canada from the
distinct eye-
wing bars ring
Northwest Territories south
more
distinct of the tundra belt and in
wing smaller the eastern half of the US.
bars overall Winters in the southeast
US and Mexico.
Length 51⁄2–7in (14 –17cm) Wingspan 101⁄2in (27cm) Weight ⁄16oz (20g)
11
271
FLYCATCHERS
Order Passeriformes Family Tyrannidae Species Contopus cooperi
Olive-sided Flycatcher
short
tail
large, dark
head
ADULT
(SUMMER) lower base of bill
often dull orange
brownish dull white
pointed gray back throat
wings
IN FLIGHT
brownish
olive flanks
white
belly
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in mountainous,
EASTERN PHOEBE WESTERN northern coniferous forests
see p.271 WOOD-PEWEE at edges or openings around
see p.472
ponds, bogs, meadows where
lack
standing dead trees occur.
“vest“ Also found in post-fire
lacks
“vest” forests with abundant
longer stumps. Winters in forest
tail edges with tall trees
and stumps.
Length 7– 8in (18–20cm) Wingspan 13in (33cm) Weight 11⁄16 –11⁄4oz (30 –35g)
272
FLYCATCHERS
Order Passeriformes Family Tyrannidae Species Contopus virens
pointed partial
wings eye-ring yellow
lower
mandible
pale
ADULT gray
pale
throat
thin, white
wing bars
yellowish wash
on underparts
IN FLIGHT
thin, white edges to
wing feathers
ADULT
FLIGHT: flies out from perch to catch flying
insects; direct, steady wing beats.
T he Eastern Wood-pewee
is found in many
types of woodland in
the eastern US and
southern and eastern
Canada. The male
is slightly larger than the female, but their plumage is practically identical.
Recent population declines in this species have been attributed to heavy
browsing by White-tailed Deer. This has been compounded by the
Eastern Wood-pewee’s susceptibility to brood SEARCHING FOR PREY
parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds. Holding its tail perfectly still,
VOICE Call terse chip; song slurred pee-ah-wee, this Wood-pewee is perched
plaintive wee-ooo, or wee-ur, and slurred ah di dee. upright, scanning for prey.
NESTING Shallow cup of grass, lichens on horizontal
limb; 2–4 eggs; 1 brood; May–September. COLORATION
FEEDING Consumes mainly flying insects, such as The Eastern Wood-pewee has
flies, beetles, and bees; occasionally forages for insects yellowish underparts and a
on foliage on the ground. yellow lower mandible.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widely distributed in eastern
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE WILLOW US and adjacent Canadian
range barely FLYCATCHER provinces. Breeds in deciduous
overlaps; tendency to stronger and coniferous forests, often
see p.472 wag tail; eye-ring
see p.276 near clearings or edges; uses
lighter waterside areas in Midwest,
dark gray smaller
back breast less so in the East. Late-arriving
size
and
head migrant. Winters in shrubby,
second-growth forests of
South America.
Length 6in (15cm) Wingspan 9–10in (23–26cm) Weight 3⁄8 –11⁄16oz (10–19g)
273
FLYCATCHERS
Order Passeriformes Family Tyrannidae Species Empidonax flaviventris
yellowish
belly yellow-
rounded
olive
wings
throat
ADULT white
IN FLIGHT
wing
bars
square tail
T he Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is
characteristic of northern
coniferous forests and
Sphagnum-moss peatlands. It is not
ADULT
well known, because of the remote
locations it inhabits and its secretive
habitats. The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
is much more often heard than seen. It
remains on its breeding grounds for
only about two months, then migrates
through the eastern US to winter
quarters in southern Mexico and
Central America to Panama, where it
favors the shade of coffee plantations.
VOICE Call chu-wee and abrupt brrrrt; song abrupt killink, che-lek,
or che-bunk, with variations.
NESTING Cup of moss, twigs, and needles on or near ground,
often in a bog; 3–5 eggs; 1 brood; June–July. YELLOW BELLY
FEEDING Catches insects in the air or gleans mosquitoes, midges, A frontal view clearly shows this
and flies from foliage; sometimes eats berries and seeds. species’ field mark.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds from Alaska to Québec,
ACADIAN LEAST FLYCATCHER Newfoundland, and the
darker
FLYCATCHER distinctive call; lower northeast US (New England)
see p. 275 larger see p.278
bill
mandible in boreal forests and bogs
larger dominated by spruce trees.
overall lacks olive distinct,
on breast pale
Winters in Mexico and Central
longer, America to Panama, in lowland
wider throat
tail patch forests, second-growth, and
riverine habitats.
274
FLYCATCHERS
Order Passeriformes Family Tyrannidae Species Empidonax virescens
slight crest
prominent
wing bars
ADULT
broad bill
greenish nape with
and back yellowish
lower
mandible
two
wing bars
IN FLIGHT
pale belly
white-edged
flight feathers
yellowish wash
on lower belly
ADULT
275
FLYCATCHERS
Order Passeriformes Family Tyrannidae Species Empidonax traillii
grayish green
ADULT upperparts
IN FLIGHT
yellow-tinged
flanks
whitish
belly
Length 5– 63⁄4in (13 –17cm) Wingspan 71⁄2–91⁄2in (19 –24cm) Weight 3⁄8–9⁄16oz (11–16g)
276
FLYCATCHERS
Order Passeriformes Family Tyrannidae Species Empidonax alnorum
dark upper
two white mandible
ADULT wing bars
paler lower
mandible
brownish olive
rounded
upperparts whitish throat
wings
and breast
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
dark legs
and toes
FLIGHT: weak with shallow wing beats;
swoops and hovers when pursuing prey.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds at low density across
ACADIAN WILLOW northern North America, in
FLYCATCHER FLYCATCHER wet shrubby habitats with
see p.275 see p.276 slightly
longer, longer alder or willow thickets, often
deeper fainter bill close to streams. Winters
greener bill eye-
back at low elevations in South
ring
America in tropical second-
growth forest and forest edges.
277
FLYCATCHERS
Order Passeriformes Family Tyrannidae Species Empidonax minimus
short,
broad- short wings
ADULT two wing based bill
bars
pale throat
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in coniferous and mixed
WILLOW FLYCATCHER ALDER deciduous forests across
see p.276 FLYCATCHER North America, east of Rockies
see p.277
longer
to East Coast; occasionally in
larger conifer groves or wooded
larger bill
overall
body wetlands, often near openings
or edges. Winters in Central
wider America in varied habitat from
tail second-growth evergreen
woodland to arid scrub.
Length 51⁄4 in (13.5cm) Wingspan 73⁄4 in (19.5cm) Weight 9⁄32 –7⁄16 oz (8–13g)
278
FLYCATCHERS
Order Passeriformes Family Tyrannidae Species Tyrannus verticalis
Western Kingbird
strong, dark
olive-gray eye-line small bill
back
ADULT white
chin
white- dark wing
edged with no gray
tail wing bars head
gray
IN FLIGHT chest
gray back
white edge
to outer tail
feathers
yellow belly
ADULT
notched
ADULT tail
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widespread in southern
TROPICAL CASSIN’S KINGBIRD Canada and the western US,
KINGBIRD in open habitats such as
see p.458
heavier paler grasslands, savannah, desert
bill wings shrub, pastures, and cropland,
near elevated perches;
olive-yellow particularly near water. Winters
chest in similar habitats and in
gray tip
to tail tropical forest and shrubbery
from Mexico to Costa Rica.
Length 8–9in (20–23cm) Wingspan 15–16in (38–41cm) Weight 11⁄4 –19⁄16 oz (35–45g)
279
FLYCATCHERS
Order Passeriformes Family Tyrannidae Species Tyrannus forficatus
strongly white
forked tail salmon- underparts dark
pink sides gray
ADULT
and flanks shoulder
shorter ADULT
tail (MOLTING)
IN FLIGHT
dark brown
wings with
white edges
very long to feathers
outer tail
feathers
black rump
and inner
wing feathers ADULT (BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in southern states and
WESTERN KINGBIRD northeast Mexico; savanna,
see p.279 open grasslands, agricultural
wider fields, pastures, golf courses, and
body wherever occasional trees and
shrubs give perches or nest sites.
LOVES TO PERCH Winters in similar habitats and
Fenceposts, wires, and barbed- at edges of tropical forests in
shorter
tail wire fences are all excellent southern Mexico and Central
perches for these birds. America south to Costa Rica.
Length 9–15in (23–38cm) Wingspan 15in (38cm) Weight 11⁄4 –2oz (35–55g)
280
FLYCATCHERS
Order Passeriformes Family Tyrannidae Species Tyrannus tyrannus
IN FLIGHT slate-gray
back
pale edges
to wing
feathers ADULT
black legs
white belly and toes
white ADULT
undertail black tail
feathers with white tip
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds across much of
THICK-BILLED dark mask GRAY KINGBIRD larger North America in a variety
KINGBIRD see p.458 bill of open habitats, including
gray crown urban areas, parks, golf
thicker and back
bill courses, fields with scattered
shrubs, beaver ponds, and
yellowish
belly
along forest edges. Long
distance migrant; winters
no white
on tail in South America, south
to Argentina.
Length 7– 9in (18 –23cm) Wingspan 13–15in (33 –38cm) Weight 11⁄16 –2oz (30 – 55g)
281
FLYCATCHERS
Order Passeriformes Family Tyrannidae Species Myiarchus crinitus
rusty edges
to outer wing
ADULT feathers
whitish long,
olive-brown thin
wing bars back bill
gray breast
and face
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
yellow
belly
brownish legs
and feet
Length 7– 8in (18 –20cm) Wingspan 13in (33cm) Weight 7⁄8 –17⁄16oz (25– 40g)
282
Families Laniidae, Vireonidae
Family Corvidae
white
edges
to tail black
wings
IN FLIGHT
pale
undertail
feathers
JUVENILE
unstreaked,
gray
underparts
FLIGHT: fast with rapid wing beats, sometimes
ADULT
interspersed with glides; swoops from perches.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in semi-open country
NORTHERN SHRIKE smaller NORTHERN with scattered perches, but its
see p.285 bill MOCKINGBIRD distribution is erratic, occurring
see p.329
in relatively high densities in
darker upperparts
certain areas, but absent from
seemingly suitable habitat.
longer
lighter tail Occurs in congested residential
upperparts areas in some regions (south
Florida), but generally favors
fairly remote habitats.
284
SHRIKES AND VIREOS
Order Passeriformes Family Laniidae Species Lanius excubitor
black mask
conspicuous
white wing bar strongly
hooked
ADULT
bill pale gray
upperparts
delicately
barred
pale gray breast
upperparts
brownish
underparts
IN FLIGHT
long tail
IMMATURE
black
wings
gray-white
FLIGHT: short flights between hunting underparts
perches; pounces on prey. ADULT
Length 10in (25cm) Wingspan 14in (35cm) Weight 13⁄4 – 2 5⁄8 oz (50 –75g)
285
SHRIKES AND VIREOS
Order Passeriformes Family Vireonidae Species Vireo griseus
whitish
gray nape throat
ADULT
short
tail yellow-and-
black wing
markings
IN FLIGHT
two
prominent
wing bars
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES A common breeder in dense
BELL’S VIREO BLUE-HEADED brush and scrub across the
see p.287 VIREO eastern US, from Texas to
see p.289 white the Great Lakes region and
bright eye- southern New England.
greenish ring
flanks Retreats to southern states
yellow
of the US, the Atlantic
flanks slope of Mexico, Cuba, and
the Bahamas in winter.
286
SHRIKES AND VIREOS
Order Passeriformes Family Vireonidae Species Vireo bellii
Bell’s Vireo
single bright faint
wing bar “spectacles” thin, dark
eye-line
gray head
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
bright bluish
legs
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Fairly common breeder in
WARBLING white PHILADEPHIA the bushy habitats of the
VIREO eyebrow VIREO central US, and the riverine
see p.290 see p.291
thickets of the southwestern
greenish US, southward into northern
upperparts
Mexico. Winters along the
no wing
bar Pacific slopes of Mexico.
287
SHRIKES AND VIREOS
Order Passeriformes Family Vireonidae Species Vireo flavifrons
ADULT
IN FLIGHT
fairly
short ADULT
tail
white
belly
white undertail
feathers
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in extensive, mature
PINE WARBLER 2 YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT 2 deciduous, and mixed
see p.374 see p.391 woodlands in the eastern
streaked white “spectacles” half of the US, and extreme
flanks southern Canada. Winters
long mainly from southern Mexico
tail no wing to northern South America,
bars primarily in wooded areas.
greenish
yellow rump
288
SHRIKES AND VIREOS
Order Passeriformes Family Vireonidae Species Vireo solitarius
greenish
ADULT back
ADULT
IN FLIGHT
white belly
bright greenish
flanks
relatively
short tail
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in large tracts of
BLACK-CAPPED VIREO 5 CASSIN’S VIREO undisturbed coniferous and
see p.459 mixed forests with a rich
smaller thin bill understory, largely across
overall eastern North America. It
winters in woodlands across
the southeastern US from
duller
overall
Virginia to Texas, as well
as in Mexico and northern
Central America to Costa Rica.
289
SHRIKES AND VIREOS
Order Passeriformes Family Vireonidae Species Vireo gilvus
blackish
ADULT bill
ADULT
(FALL) pale
patch
between
IN FLIGHT grayish eye
overall and bill
yellowish ADULT
flanks
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Extensive distribution across
BELL’S VIREO PHILADELPHIA dark line most of temperate North
see p.287 VIREO extends America, from Alaska, around
see p.291 to bill
faint wing the northern limit of the northerly
bar zone, and through western,
no wing shorter
bar bill central, and eastern North
America. Breeds in deciduous
longer yellow on
tail breast and
and mixed forests, particularly
throat near water. Winters in southern
Mexico and Central America.
290
SHRIKES AND VIREOS
Order Passeriformes Family Vireonidae Species Vireo philadelphicus
greenish
slightly hooked, upperparts
black bill
ADULT yellow
throat
yellowish
underparts
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in deciduous
BELL’S VIREO WARBLING VIREO woodlands, mixed woodlands,
see p.287 see p.290 and woodland edges, in
faint wing plainer face a wide belt across Canada,
bar reaching the Great Lakes and
northern New England. The
less
yellow Philadelphia Vireo winters
longer
tail
below from Mexico to Panama and
northern Colombia.
291
SHRIKES AND VIREOS
Order Passeriformes Family Vireonidae Species Vireo olivaceus
bird appears
long and deep
ADULT slender red eye
ADULT
IN FLIGHT whitish
underparts
bluish legs
and toes
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds across North America
BLACK-WHISKERED from the Yukon and British
VIREO faint black Columbia east to the Canadian
see p.460 “mustache” maritimes, southward from
duller green Washington to south central
upperparts
Texas, and west to Canada in
BROWN EYES central and northern states.
Immature Red-eyed Vireos Inhabits the canopy of
have brown eyes, but those deciduous forests and pine
of the adult birds are red. hardwood forests.
292
JAYS AND CROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Corvidae Species Perisoreus canadensis
Gray Jay
brownish back ADULT
with white
ADULT
P. c. obscurus
streaks dark crown
(NORTHWESTERN USA) white
forehead
white collar
dark gray
short
upperparts
bill
long
tail gray overall,
IN FLIGHT darker
with
white upperparts
whitish
corners “mustache”
uniform medium
to dark gray
JUVENILE
ADULT
P. c. canadensis
(NORTHERN
AND EASTERN)
dark, smoky-gray
tail and wings black legs
and toes
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Northern forests, especially
CLARK’S NUTCRAKER NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD lichen-festooned areas with
see p.329 firs and spruce. Found in
white longer no dark coniferous forests across
wing bill crown
patch
northern North America from
white Alaska to Newfoundland, the
longer wing
patch Maritimes, and northern New
tail
York and New England; south to
western mountains; an isolated
population in the Black Hills.
293
JAYS AND CROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Corvidae Species Cyanocitta cristata
black collar
black patch
between eye
and bill
long tail white streak
with white in blue wings plain blue
corners mantle
blue wings
ADULT and tail
white long,
trailing black bill
edge
feathers whitish throat
ADULT
IN FLIGHT
grayish
underparts
black legs
and feet
black bars
on tail
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Native to eastern deciduous,
STELLER’S JAY FLORIDA SCRUB-JAY lacks coniferous, and mixed
see p.461 crest woodlands, but also at home
black head in suburban vegetation; often
and breast found in backyards. The
sand- Blue Jay is fond of oak trees
colored
blue shoulder
and their acorns. Blue Jays
belly feathers from northeast Canada and
northeast US migrate in the
fall to more southern locations.
294
JAYS AND CROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Corvidae Species Pica hudsonia
Black-billed Magpie
large, white
patches on black back
outer wings and head
thick,
black
white
bill
shoulders
ADULT
black
breast
blue-green
iridescence to
wings and tail
IN FLIGHT ADULT
white belly
long
black tail
295
JAYS AND CROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Corvidae Species Corvus brachyrhynchos
American Crow
long,
black black bill
overall black overall
with greenish
sheen
ADULT
IN FLIGHT
shorter bill
dull black
overall
ADULT
strong legs
and feet
JUVENILE
O ne of the most
widespread and familiar
of North American birds, the
American Crow is common in almost
all habitats—from wilderness to urban centers. FLIGHT: direct and level with slow, steady
Like most birds with large ranges, there is substantial geographical flapping; does not soar.
variation in this species. Birds are black across the whole
continent, but size and bill shape vary from region to region.
Birds from western Canada and western USA (C. b. hesperis),
are on average smaller and have a lower-pitched voice; birds from
southern Florida (C. b. pascuus) are more solitary and more wary.
VOICE Call a loud, familiar caw!; juveniles’ call higher-pitched.
NESTING Stick base with finer inner cup; 3–7 eggs; 1 brood;
April –June. LOOKING AROUND
FEEDING Feeds omnivorously on fruit, carrion, garbage, insects, Extremely inquisitive, American Crows are always
spiders; raids nests. on the lookout for food or something of interest.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Often seen converging at dusk
FISH CROW smaller CHIHUAHUAN larger toward favored roosting areas;
higher, more nasal head RAVEN bill most numerous in relatively
call; see p.297 see p.461
open areas with large and
slightly larger
smaller
widely spaced trees; has
overall
overall become abundant in some
cities; a partial migrant,
some populations are more
wedge-
shaped tail
migratory than others.
Length 151⁄2–191⁄2in (39– 49cm) Wingspan 3ft (1m) Weight 15–22oz (425– 625g)
296
JAYS AND CROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Corvidae Species Corvus ossifragus
long,
square thick, glossy
tail ADULT black bill
slender neck
and head
slightly shaggy
throat feathers
bluish black
long wings
glossy sheen
IN FLIGHT
black overall
ADULT
strong, black
legs and feet
VOICE Call a paired ehn uhn with the second note lower.
NESTING Bulky stick platform with finer inner bowl in fork
of tree, often high up; 3–5 eggs; 1 brood; April–August.
FEEDING Takes arthropods such as crabs and insects, small live OMNIVORE
fish and reptiles, nestling birds, bird and turtle eggs, fruit, carrion, Fish Crows are numerous along coastlines and
and garbage; notorious for raiding nests in heron rookeries. riverbanks where they eat virtually anything edible.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in lowland coastal
AMERICAN CROW shorter COMMON RAVEN massive and riverbank habitats
lower-pitched, head see p.298 bill such as beaches, estuaries,
huskier voice; and marshes; also found
see p.296 larger
body inland and near human
shaggier structures such as parking
wedge- throat
shaped lots in suburban malls.
feathers
shorter tail Northern populations
tail appear to be migratory.
297
JAYS AND CROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Corvidae Species Corvus corax
shaggy
throat
black
neck and
IN FLIGHT underparts
wedge-shaped
tail
ADULT
long, black
legs and toes
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in almost every kind
AMERICAN CROW CHIHUAHUAN of habitat, including tundra,
lacks shaggy throat RAVEN mountains, northern forest,
feathers; smaller see p.461 woodlands, prairies, arid
see p.296 bill
regions, coasts, and around
much smaller human settlements; has
overall recently recolonized areas
lacks at southern edge of range,
wedge- slightly smaller
overall from which it was once
shaped tail
expelled by humans.
Length 231⁄2 –27in (60–69cm) Wingspan 41⁄2ft (1.4m) Weight 21⁄2 –31⁄4lb (1–1.5kg)
298
Family Bombycillidae
WAXWINGS
crest, a black mask, silky Waxwings are especially
W AXWINGS HAVE A
smooth rosy-brown plumage, secondary
wing feathers with waxy red tips, and bright yellow
notorious wanderers, and
in “irruption” years many
tail bands. Of the three species of waxwings, one thousands can be seen far
(the Cedar Waxwing) breeds only in North America. away from their normal
Waxwings are fond of fruit, including mistletoe Alaskan and north
berries, of which they help to spread the seeds. Canadian breeding areas.
Waxwings are nomadic, and emigrate following CEDAR WAXWING
years of food abundance, nesting in areas quite The Cedar Waxwing breeds across
distant from their regular breeding ranges. Bohemian North America, from coast to coast.
Family Paridae
TITMICE
Distinguished from chickadees by their crests and lack
of black throats (except the Bridled Titmouse from the
Southwest), titmice usually have more restricted
North American distributions than chickadees.
gray
upperparts
gray-brown
upperparts
ADULT
FEMALE
IN FLIGHT
yellow tail
band
reduced wing
gray
markings
underparts
MALE
FEMALE
(1ST WINTER)
chestnut ornate
undertail wing
feathers markings
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in sub-Arctic coniferous
CEDAR CEDAR WAXWING 5 forest, favoring disturbed areas
WAXWING see p.301 such as beaver ponds and
see p.301
logging sites. Flocks gather
plainer warmer
tones at forest edges, hedges, and
wing
markings overall residential areas in winter.
smaller Hundreds or thousands
unmarked overall
wings of birds appear in an area,
then disappear once food
is depleted.
Length 81⁄2in (21cm) Wingspan 141⁄2in (37cm) Weight 19⁄16 –21⁄2 oz (45–70g)
300
WAXWINGS
Order Passeriformes Family Bombycillidae Species Bombycilla cedrorum
IN FLIGHT whitish
undertail
feathers ADULT
lacks red
on wing streaks on
underparts
waxy red tips
JUVENILE on inner wing
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Across northern US and southern
BOHEMIAN WAXWING 2 BOHEMIAN WAXWING 14 Canada, in wooded areas.
see p.300 see p.300 Breeds in woodlands, especially
near streams and clearings.
more
larger ornate pale Winters anywhere where trees
overall wing and shrubs have ripe fruits,
gray
pattern breast especially in Mexico and South
rufous America. Spends a lot of time
undertail in treetops, but sometimes
comes down to shrub level.
Length 71⁄2in (19cm) Wingspan 12in (30cm) Weight 11⁄16 –11⁄4 oz (30–35g)
301
CHICKADEES AND TITMICE
Order Passeriformes Family Paridae Species Parus carolinensis
IN FLIGHT
sharp-edged
bib margin
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Year-round dweller in deciduous,
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE MEXICAN CHICKADEE larger mixed and conifer woodlands,
see p.303 black urban parks, and suburbs. In
bib the Appalachians, prefers lower
larger
brighter overall
overall
elevations than Black-capped.
Range is expanding northward,
especially in Ohio and
longer Pennsylvania, where it is
dark gray
tail gradually replacing Black-
underparts
capped as the resident species.
302
CHICKADEES AND TITMICE
Order Passeriformes Family Paridae Species Parus atricapillus
Black-capped Chickadee
short
white on bright white black bill
wings black-and-
white head cheeks
and tail
grayish
ADULT brown
upperparts white edges on
wing feathers black cap
and bib
IN FLIGHT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Variety of wooded habitats,
CAROLINA CHICKADEE MEXICAN CHICKADEE from vast forests in the far
see p.302 large bib
extends
north to small woodlands in
lacks white to upper urban parks and suburbs.
wing edges breast In years of poor seed crops in
northern parts of the range,
large numbers migrate
no white southward as far as the
tail
edges
Carolina Chickadee’s range.
303
CHICKADEES AND TITMICE
Order Passeriformes Family Paridae Species Parus hudsonicus
grayish
ADULT brown
back
gray cheeks
black bib
gray
tail
gray wings
IN FLIGHT
rich brown
flanks and
belly
ADULT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found across the vast northern
CHESTNUT-BACKED spruce-fir forests from Alaska
CHICKADEE narrow, white to Newfoundland, and from
cheeks
the treeline at the tundra
south to the northeastern
and northwestern states. The
ACROBATIC FORAGER southern edge of the range
chestnut This acrobatic feeder is able to appears to be retracting, for
sides
cling on to conifer needles as it unknown reasons.
searches for insects and spiders.
Length 51⁄2in (14 cm) Wingspan 81⁄2in (21cm) Weight 3⁄8 oz (10g)
304
CHICKADEES AND TITMICE
Order Passeriformes Family Paridae Species Parus bicolor
black
ADULT conspicuous black fore-
crest may be eye in whitish face head
flattened
gray wings
orange flanks
IN FLIGHT
gray
gray-black underparts
legs and feet
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Lives year-round in areas
BLACK-CRESTED high, BLUE-GRAY lacks of large and small deciduous
TITMOUSE black crest GNATCATCHER crest and coniferous woodlands
see p.462 see p.323
pale in the eastern half of the
forehead US. It has flourished in parks
and gardens and can often
be found using nest boxes
smaller,
slimmer
in suburban backyards.
body
305
SWALLOWS
Order Passeriformes Family Hirundinidae Species Riparia riparia
dark
breastband dark brown
ADULT upperparts whitish chin
and throat
white
belly complete
breastband
brownish
cheeks
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
ADULT
whitish
forked underparts wings dark
tail underneath
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widespread in North America.
TREE SWALLOW 5 NORTHERN ROUGH- Breeds in lowland habitats
larger; gray-brown WINGED SWALLOW associated with rivers, streams,
upperparts with larger overall;
lakes, reservoirs, and coasts, as
greenish tinge; see p.309
see p.307 well as in sand and gravel
uniformly quarries. Often prefers man-made
incomplete colored
breastband sites; winters in grasslands, open
upperparts
farm habitat, and freshwater
areas in South America, south
to Chile and Argentina.
Length 43⁄4 –51⁄2in (12–14cm) Wingspan 10–11in (25–28cm) Weight 3⁄8 –11⁄16oz (10–19g)
306
SWALLOWS
Order Passeriformes Family Hirundinidae Species Tachycineta bicolor
blackish partial
flight grayish
feathers brown
breastband
IN FLIGHT
slightly
forked tail brilliant white
underparts
JUVENILE
bluish back
brownish
cap
MALE
brownish
primaries
FLIGHT: rapid, deep, fluttery wing beats without
pause; quick turns and twists.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Typically breeds close to water
BANK SWALLOW VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW in open habitat such as fields,
paler brown rump; white flank patch; marshes, lakes, and swamps,
see p.306 white especially those with standing
eye
patch dead wood for cavity-nesting.
distinct dusky
breastband Winters in roosts of hundreds
of thousands of birds in
violet- marshes, in the southern US,
green
upperparts and from Mexico to Panama;
also Cuba.
Length 5– 6in (13–15cm) Wingspan 12–14in (30–35cm) Weight 5⁄8 –7⁄8oz (17–25g)
307
SWALLOWS
Order Passeriformes Family Hirundinidae Species Progne subis
FEMALE
blue-black
MALE underparts
IN FLIGHT
MALE
long, forked
black tail
Length 7– 8in (18– 20cm) Wingspan 15–16in (38 – 41cm) Weight 17⁄16–21⁄8oz (40– 60g)
308
SWALLOWS
Order Passeriformes Family Hirundinidae Species Stelgidopteryx serripennis
pale, grayish
brown belly
long, brown
wings ADULT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES In North America widespread
BANK SWALLOW TREE SWALLOW 5 from coast to coast. Nests at a
see p.306 see p.307 white wide variety of altitudes, prefers
smaller brownish throat exposed banks of clay, sand, or
overall breastband gravel such as gorges, shale
grayish
whitish breast- banks, and gravel pits. Forages
belly and band along watercourses where
throat white aerial insects are plentiful.
long, belly
Breeds south to Costa Rica.
notched tail
Winters in Central America.
Length 43⁄4– 6in (12–15cm) Wingspan 11–12in (28–30cm) Weight 3⁄8 – 5⁄8oz (10–18g)
309
SWALLOWS
Order Passeriformes Family Hirundinidae Species Hirundo rustica
JUVENILE
ADULT
deep,
chestnut-
brown
IN FLIGHT reddish throat
orange
underparts
slender
wings reddish
orange belly
deeply ADULT
forked tail
long tail
“streamers”
nester before Europeans settlers came to the New World, the Barn
Swallow readily adapted to nesting under the eaves of houses,
under bridges, and inside buildings such as barns. It is now rare
to find this elegant swallow breeding in a natural site. Steely blue
upperparts, reddish underparts, and a deeply forked tail identify
the Barn Swallow. North American breeders have deep, reddish
orange underparts, but birds from Eurasia are white-bellied.
VOICE High-pitched, squeaky chee-chee call; song a long series WELL PROTECTED
of chatty, pleasant churrs, squeaks, chitterings, and buzzes. Whether in a barn or other structure, a Barn
NESTING Deep cup of mud and grass-stems attached to vertical Swallow nest is totally protected from wind and rain.
surfaces or on ledges; OCCURRENCE
4–6 eggs; 1–2 broods; SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds across North America
May–September. TREE SWALLOW 2 south to central Mexico. Prefers
FEEDING Snatches flying see p.307 agricultural regions and towns.
insects, such as flies, lacks forked Winters near sugarcane fields,
tail and dark
mosquitoes, wasps, and breast- grain fields, and marshes,
band south in South America as
beetles in the air at lower far as Patagonia. Hundreds of
altitudes than other white
thousands winter in marshes
under-
swallows; sometimes eats parts of northern Argentina.
wild berries and seeds.
Length 6–71⁄2in (15–19cm) Wingspan 111⁄2 –13in (29–33cm) Weight 5⁄8 –11⁄16oz (17–20g)
310
SWALLOWS
Order Passeriformes Family Hirundinidae Species Petrochelidon pyrrhonata
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
pale
underparts
slight notch in
squared tail
pale reddish
rump
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in North America from
CAVE brighter orange Alaska to Mexico. Prefers walls,
SWALLOW cheek culverts, buildings, cliffs, and
see p.312 undersides of piers on which
paler to affix mud nests. Migrates to
overall South America. Hundreds of
thousands winter in marshes
INDIVIDUAL HOMES of northern Argentina.
In a Cliff Swallow colony, each
nest has a single opening.
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 11–12in (28–30cm) Weight ⁄16–11⁄4oz (20 –35g)
11
311
SWALLOWS
Order Passeriformes Family Hirundinidae Species Petrochelidon fulva
IN FLIGHT
pale
underparts
ADULT
bright
rump
and sides
of rear
flanks
Length 51⁄2in (14cm) Wingspan 13in (33cm) Weight 5⁄8– 7⁄8oz (17–25g)
312
LARKS
Order Passeriformes Family Alaudidae Species Eremophila alpestris
bold black-and-
brown variable yellow face
wings brown on
upperparts dark streaks on
reddish brown
upperparts
ADULT
ADULT
IN FLIGHT
(POSTBREEDING)
short legs
JUVENILE
ADULT
(BREEDING)
313
KINGLETS
Order Passeriformes Family Reguliidae Species Regulus satrapa
MALE olive-green
FEMALE upperparts
short,
straight
bill
IN FLIGHT
MALE
white
notched wing bar
tail
pale buff
to whitish
underparts
FLIGHT: quick and erratic, but not direct; high
in the air; can hover while foraging.
T his hardy little bird, barely more than a ball of feathers, breeds
in northern and mountainous coniferous forests in the US,
after a considerable hiatus in mountain forests of Mexico and
Guatemala. Planting of spruce trees in parts of the US Midwest
has allowed this species to increase its range in recent years to
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
VOICE Call a thin, high-pitched and thread-like tsee or see see;
song a series of high-pitched ascending notes for 2 seconds;
complex song tsee-tsee-tsee-tsee-teet-leetle, followed by brief trill.
NESTING Deep, cup-shaped nest with rims arching inward,
made of moss, lichen, and bark, and lined with finer strips
of the same; 8–9 eggs; 1–2 broods; May–August.
FEEDING Gleans flies, beetles, mites, spiders, and their eggs from EXPANDING RANGE
tips of branches, under bark, tufts of conifer needles; eats seeds, This bird has expanded its range southward
and persimmon fruits. following spruce forestation.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in remote northern and
RUBY-CROWNED white subalpine spruce or fir forests,
KINGLET eye-ring mixed coniferous–deciduous
see p.315
forests, single-species stands,
no eye- and pine plantations; winters
stripe in a wide variety of habitats—
HIGHER VOICE coniferous and deciduous
olive The Golden-crowned has a forests, pine groves, low-lying
underparts higher-pitched and less musical hardwood forests, swamps, and
song than the Ruby-crowned. urban and suburban habitats.
Length 31⁄4 – 41⁄4in (8–11cm) Wingspan 51⁄2 –7in (14–18cm) Weight 5⁄32 – 9⁄32 oz (4–8g)
314
KINGLETS
Order Passeriformes Family Reguliidae Species Regulus calendula
incomplete
white wing white eye-ring
bars
ADULT patch on crown olive-green
often concealed upperparts
notched
tail
no red
patch on
IN FLIGHT crown two white
wingbars
MALE
FEMALE olive
underparts
small
MALE upturned bill
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Within the northern forest
HUTTON’S VIREO larger zone, breeds near water in
see p.460 head Black Spruce and tamarack
forests, muskegs, forests with
stouter
bill mixed conifers and northern
hardwoods; in the mountainous
heavier ALWAYS FLICKING West, spruce-fir, Lodgepole Pine,
overall Ruby-crowned Kinglets are and Douglas Fir forests. Winters
easily identified by their habit of in a broad range of forests,
constantly flicking their wings. thickets, and borders.
Length 31⁄2 –41⁄4in (9–11cm) Wingspan 6–7in (15–18cm) Weight 3⁄16 –3⁄8oz (5–10g)
315
Families Troglodytidae, Polioptilidae
NUTHATCHES &
TREECREEPER
their distinctive
E ASILY RECOGNIZED BY
shape and feeding technique, nuthatches are
common North American woodland birds.They
ACROBATIC POSE
Downward-facing
nuthatches such as this
one often lift their heads
are plump-bodied and short-tailed, with blue-gray in a characteristic pose.
backs, and often have a contrasting darker crown.
These birds use their bills to probe for insects in
the crevices of tree trunks and branches. Strong
feet and long claws allow them to move along the
underside of branches.This contrasts with many
other birds, which only move upward on a tree
trunk.This characteristic movement is one of
the easiest ways to identify nuthatches. Only one
species of treecreeper is found in North America.
Often overlooked, treecreepers forage by searching
methodically in bark crevices.
Family Mimidae
THRASHERS &
RELATIVES DISTINCTIVE BILL
This Long-billed Thrasher is
characterized by its slender,
for catbirds, mockingbirds,
T HE FAMILY NAME
and thrashers is from the Latin for “to imitate,”
and no other word better defines the ten species of
curved bill, long, thin
legs, and long,
rounded tail.
these birds that are found in North America. The
Northern Mockingbird is especially well known
for its ability to incorporate the songs of other
species into its own song. Members of the Mimidae
have long, curved bills and reclusive habits. Some
members of this group are able to recognize and
remove the eggs of brood parasites such as the
Brown-headed Cowbird. The Gray Catbird is
recognized by its cat-like meeow calls and its overall
gray plumage. Only one species of thrasher, the
Brown Thrasher, is found in the eastern US.
WRENS
Order Passeriformes Family Troglodytidae Species Cistothorus platensis
short,
round
wings
IN FLIGHT
barred wings
and tail
faint white
barring on
chest
buffy
ADULT underparts
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES In North America, breeds in wet
MARSH WREN HOUSE WREN meadows and sedge marshes
see p.318 see p.322 with low water levels. Widely
heavily plain distributed from the Canadian
faint
striped back back
eyebrow prairies, east to Québec and from
plain cap
northern US, to the south central
grayish
brown states, and from there to Chile
white
eyebrow
underparts and Argentina. Winters from
Texas to Florida in grassy fields
and coastal-plain prairies.
Length 41⁄2in (11.5cm) Wingspan 51⁄2 – 6in (14–15.5cm) Weight 5⁄16oz (9g)
317
WRENS
Order Passeriformes Family Troglodytidae Species Cistothorus palustris
Marsh Wren
ADULT boldly striped
black-and-
white back barred tail
feathers
heavily streaked,
plain, rusty black-and-
rusty wing white back
rump patches
rusty flanks
and uppertail
feathers whitish
eyebrow
IN FLIGHT
brown
forehead
and cap
long
bill
FLIGHT: straight, with rapid wing beats over
short distances, from one reed patch to another.
ADULT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds across North America
SEDGE WREN streaked HOUSE WREN from Canada to the mountains of
see p.317 cap see p.322 the western and central northern
plain back states. Inhabits freshwater and
saltwater marshes with tall
grayish vegetation, above water,
brown sometimes more than 3ft (1m)
barred buffy underparts
wings deep. It is irregularly distributed
underparts
in its range. Winters in grassy
marshes and wetlands.
318
WRENS
Order Passeriformes Family Troglodytidae Species Thryomanes bewickii
whitish throat
black-and- and breast
white outer
tail tips
ADULT
T. b. drymoecus
(PACIFIC COAST)
ADULT
dark brown
flight plain gray
feathers upperparts
long,
rounded
tail
IN FLIGHT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Year-round resident in brushy
CAROLINA WREN areas, open woodlands, and
see p.320 around human structures;
rufous from southern British Columbia
upperparts
southward to Baja California,
east to Arkansas, and as far
TYPICAL POSTURE south as Oaxaca in Mexico.
Bewick’s Wren may often be May withdraw slightly
buffy spotted with its distinctive tail southward from northernmost
underparts
cocked vertically. portions of range in winter.
319
WRENS
Order Passeriformes Family Troglodytidae Species Thryothorus ludovicianus
tiny powerful-
tail looking,
ADULT rufous bluish bill
upperparts
duller
overall
white wing
thin, spots
black white
barring spots on
on tail wing
FLEDGLING
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
buffy
underparts
pinkish legs
and toes
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in a variety of bushy
BEWICK’S WREN dull brown woodland habitats, such as
see p.319 or gray thickets, parks with shrubby
upperparts
undergrowth, suburban yards
with dense, low trees or bushes,
and gardens; from northeastern
longer TIRELESS SINGER Mexico to the Great Lakes and
tail
Unlike many birds, the male northeastward to New England.
Carolina Wren sings all year Four subspecies occur from
long, even on cold winter days. Mexico to Nicaragua.
320
WRENS
Order Passeriformes Family Troglodytidae Species Troglodytes troglodytes
ADULT
short,
barred
tail
ADULT
flanks
strongly
barred, barred
rounded
wings
IN FLIGHT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES
Breeds in northern and mountain
HOUSE WREN forests dominated by evergreen
see p.322 trees with a dense understory,
pale brown fallen trees, and banks of
back
streams. In the Appalachians,
breeds in treeless areas with
plain,
unbarred
NERVOUS REACTION grass near cliffs. Northernmost
long
tail flanks When alarmed, this wren cocks birds migrate south to winter in
its tail almost vertically, before woodlands, brush piles, tangles,
escaping into a mossy thicket. and secluded spots.
321
WRENS
Order Passeriformes Family Troglodytidae Species Troglodytes aedon
pale buffy
throat
ADULT
T. a. aedon
(EASTERN)
322
GNATCATCHERS
Order Passeriformes Family Polioptilidae Species Polioptila caerulea
MALE
FEMALE
pale gray
overall
white white
outer tail eye-ring
feathers IN FLIGHT
blue-gray
upperparts
white
throat
black central
pale patch
tail feathers
on wing
pale gray
underparts
MALE
FLIGHT: short, straight and fluttering; usually
in short bursts from tree-top to tree-top.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES In eastern North America,
BLACK-TAILED GNATCATCHER TENNESSEE WARBLER breeds in deciduous or pine
see p.463 black see p.357 no eye- woodlands; in the West, in
cap ring scrubby habitats, often near
greenish
upperparts water. Winters in brushy
tail short habitats in southern US,
white tail Mexico, and Central America.
only at white
tip underparts
Also breeds in Mexico,
Belize, and the Bahamas.
323
NUTHATCHES
Order Passeriformes Family Sittidae Species Sitta pusilla
warm brown
white spot nape and crown
on nape
pale
blue-gray lower
upperparts bill
ADULT
white
cheek
gray rounded and
overall wings ADULT throat
with pale
yellow
IN FLIGHT wash
pale gray
underparts
short tail with
white on sturdy legs
uppertail feathers and toes
long claws
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in pine forests and oak-
PYGMY grayish pine woods in southeastern US:
NUTHATCH crown Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland
southward to Florida, westward
to Oklahoma and Texas; also in
the Bahamas. Prefers old and
PERCHED ADULT extensive forest stands with
pale
yellowish
This bird depends upon forest dead trunks for nesting. Resident;
wash tracts with standing dead wood small groups wander in fall, but
and snags for nesting. not far from breeding areas.
324
NUTHATCHES
Order Passeriformes Family Sittidae Species Sitta canadensis
Red-breasted Nuthatch
rounded slightly muted
wings dark blue-gray crown
head pattern
and eyestripe
bold black-and-
white head pattern pointed,
chisel-
black like bill
MALE pale orange eyestripe
underparts
white
bands FEMALE
on tail blue-gray
IN FLIGHT upperparts
white
cheeks
blue-gray, short
tail, with black
side feathers
rusty
underparts
compact
body shape
MALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found year-round in coniferous
BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH WHITE-BREASTED and mixed hardwood forests.
see p.324 NUTHATCH During breeding season, absent
brown nape see p.326 lacks from southeastern pine forests,
slightly larger black
eye- except in the Appalachians.
smaller overall
overall stripe In the west, shares its habitat
pale gray white with Pygmy Nuthatch, but
belly ranges to higher elevations.
chestnut undertail
325
NUTHATCHES
Order Passeriformes Family Sittidae Species Sitta carolinensis
White-breasted Nuthatch
white
flashes black crown conspicuous black eye
on and nape
tail long, pointed,
MALE white face chisel-like bill
white
throat
rounded gray crown
narrower, black
wings
band on nape
dull gray
upperparts
IN FLIGHT
blue-gray whitish
upperparts underparts
whitish gray
short underparts
FEMALE
tail
chestnut MALE
undertail and long,
lower belly strong
claws FLIGHT: weak, with quick wing beats followed
by glide; often short, from tree to tree.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES More liberal than other
BROWN-HEADED RED-BREASTED black eye- nuthatches in use of forest
NUTHATCH NUTHATCH stripe types; overlaps with the
see p.324 see p.325
smaller species in coniferous
brown
crown smaller forest ranges, but also common
overall in broadleaf deciduous or
mixed forests; weakly migratory:
smaller
reddish overall little movement in most falls,
underparts but moderate departures from
breeding grounds in some years.
Length 53⁄4 in (14.5cm) Wingspan 11in (28cm) Weight ⁄16 –7⁄8 oz (19–25g)
11
326
TREECREEPERS
Order Passeriformes Family Certhiidae Species Certhia americana
finely
streaked
crown
ADULT
rusty
rump and mottled
uppertail rounded brown
feathers wings above
IN FLIGHT
pale streaks
on brown
background
Length 51⁄4 in (13.5cm) Wingspan 8in (20cm) Weight 1⁄4 –3⁄8 oz (7–10g)
327
THRASHERS AND RELATIVES
Order Passeriformes Family Mimidae Species Dumetella carolinensis
gray
overall gray
upperparts
large,
black
eye
ADULT
long,
black
IN FLIGHT
tail
gray
underparts
bright brick-red
undertail feathers ADULT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in mixed young to
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD CRISSAL THRASHER longer, mid-aged forests with abundant
see p.329 curved bill undergrowth, from British
white wing brown-gray Columbia east to Maritimes
patch overall and Newfoundland, and in the
lighter gray US diagonally west-east from
longer
tail
Washington State to New
edged Mexico, east to the Gulf Coast,
in white north to New England. Northern
population migratory.
Length 8–91⁄2in (20 –24cm) Wingspan 10 –12in (25–30cm) Weight 11⁄4 –21⁄8oz (35– 60g)
328
THRASHERS AND RELATIVES
Order Passeriformes Family Mimidae Species Mimus polyglottos
yellow
eye
IN FLIGHT
long tail with
white outer
tail feathers
ADULT
white undertail
feathers
white patch
FLIGHT: usually direct and level on constant, on wing feathers
somewhat fluttering, quick wing beats.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widespread in the US
LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE 5 CLARK’S from coast to coast south
see p.284 NUTCRACKER of the timberline, primarily
brown mask
along edges of disturbed
white patch
black wings habitats, including young
low on
wing forests and especially
darker
gray suburban and urban areas
belly with shrubs or hedges.
whiter
sides to tail
Length 81⁄2–10in (22–25cm) Wingspan 13–15in (33–38cm) Weight 19⁄16 –2oz (45–55g)
329
THRASHERS AND RELATIVES
Order Passeriformes Family Mimidae Species Toxostoma rufum
grayish cheeks
rufous wings indistinct
and upperparts “mustache”
reddish brown
upperparts
ADULT dark streaking
on pale
long tail underparts
with pale
outer
tips
IN FLIGHT
330
STARLING
Order Passeriformes Family Sturnidae Species Sturnus vulgaris
IMMATURE
(FALL)
JUVENILE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES In North America from southern
BRONZED COWBIRD 2 BROWN-HEADED Canada to the US–Mexico
see p.468 red eye COWBIRD border; also Puerto Rico and
see p.395
other Caribbean islands.
no spots Common to abundant in cities,
no towns, and farmlands; also
spots occurs in relatively “wild”
settings far from human
longer
tail
habitation. Forms flocks at
all times, huge in winter.
Length 81⁄2 in (21cm) Wingspan 16in (41cm) Weight 25⁄8– 33⁄8 oz (75–95g)
331
Family Turdidae
THRUSHES
medium-sized of the most distinctive birds in North America.
M OST THRUSHES ARE
brown-or olive-brown-backed birds with
varying amounts of spotting underneath. Although
The brightly colored bluebirds, target of successful
conservation efforts, and the duller Townsend’s
undistinguished in color, they more than make Solitaire both stand out from other thrushes.
up for their drab plumage with beautiful flutelike Thrushes are insectivorous during the breeding
songs. By contrast, the Varied Thrush, which is the season, but have a varied diet at other times,
sole member of the genus Ixoreus, differs dramatically including berries, fruit, snails, and other small
from other thrushes invertebrates. Most thrushes are long-distance
with its bold black-and- migrants and spend the northern winter in
rust pattern, and is one tropical America.
ORCHARD DWELLER
Bluebirds, for example this Mountain
Bluebird, favor orchards far more
GROUND BIRDS
than other thrushes. This species
Though they perch to sing,
is rare in the East.
thrushes, including this Varied
Thrush, spend a lot of their time
on or near the ground. Varied
Thrushes are rare in the East.
COUNTRY-LOVERS
Pipits, such as this female
American Pipit, live in
open countryside.
THRUSHES
Order Passeriformes Family Turdidae Species Sialia sialis
gray-brown
upperparts
bluish gray
underwings
MALE
bright blue
upperparts JUVENILE
white rufous
breast and chestnut-brown
belly chin, throat, breast,
throat
and flanks
IN FLIGHT
MALE
pale chestnut
throat
gray
white belly upperparts
blue wings,
rump, and tail
white undertail
FEMALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in eastern Canada and
WESTERN BLUEBIRD 1 MOUNTAIN the eastern US, where it lives
BLUEBIRD 1 in clearings and woodland
see p.472
brownish gray- edges; occupies multiple
grayish
back brown open habitats in rural,
throat
head and
body
urban, and suburban areas:
woodlands, plains, orchards,
parks, and spacious lawns.
Breeds and winters across
the eastern half of the US.
333
THRUSHES
Order Passeriformes Family Turdidae Species Catharus fuscescens
less distinct
spotting on creamy
breast pink at
base of
bill
brownish tan
upperparts
white
underparts
ADULT
tan wash
on flanks
creamy pink
legs and feet
334
THRUSHES
Order Passeriformes Family Turdidae Species Catharus minimus
IN FLIGHT
grayish white
belly
olive-gray
tail
ADULT
pink legs
and toes
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES On breeding grounds occupies
BICKNELL’S olive-brown densely vegetated areas with
THRUSH upperparts small shrubs; preference for
see p.336
spruce forests in northern
Canada and Alaska. During
migration, favors wooded
brownish MIGRATION PATTERN areas with dense understory.
spots During migration, this bird can In winter, prefers forested
be seen near a variety of sites areas and secondary
with trees or shrubs. succession woodlands.
Length 61⁄2–7in (16 –18cm) Wingspan 111⁄2–131⁄2in (29–34cm) Weight 7⁄8–11⁄16 oz (26–30g)
335
THRUSHES
Order Passeriformes Family Turdidae Species Catharus bicknelli
pale base
brownish to bill
ADULT
olive back
tan spots
brown specks
and spots
rufous
tail olive-brown
wings buff
IN FLIGHT breast
whitish to
buff belly
grayish buff
whitish to buff wash on flanks
undertail feathers
IMMATURE
pink legs
Length 61⁄2–7in (16 –18cm) Wingspan 12in (30cm) Weight 7⁄8–11⁄16 oz (26 –30g)
336
THRUSHES
Order Passeriformes Family Turdidae Species Catharus ustulatus
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
C. c. ustulatus
(WESTERN)
olive-brown
rump and
tail buff
breast
distinct
blackish
spots
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds mainly in coniferous
VEERY HERMIT forests, especially spruce and
see p.334 THRUSH fir, except in California, where
see p.338 grayish
tawny lightly cheeks it prefers deciduous riverine
brown spotted woodlands and damp
back breast
streaks meadows with shrubbery.
on sides During spring and fall
of breast migrations, dense understory
rust-colored
tail is preferred. Winter habitat is
mainly old-growth forest.
Length 61⁄2–71⁄2in (16 –19cm) Wingspan 111⁄2 –12in (29 –31cm) Weight 7⁄8 –19⁄16 oz (25– 45g)
337
THRUSHES
Order Passeriformes Family Turdidae Species Catharus guttatus
gray-brown
upperparts
darker brown
upperparts
dark spots on
whitish breast
ADULT
C. g. faxoni
(EASTERN) brownish
back
paler
gray
flanks
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
gray-brown
upperparts C. g. guttatus
(NORTHWESTERN) dark spots
more extensive on buff
breast spotting breast
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Occurs in coniferous forests
VEERY BICKNELL’S TRUSH SWAINSON’S THRUSH and mixed conifer– deciduous
see p.334 see p.336 see p.337 woodlands; prefers to nest
tawny olive- olive-brown along the edges of a forest
lightly brown yellow upperparts
brown spotted base of interior, like a bog. During
back back
breast bill migration, found in many
wooded habitats. Found
in forest and other open
woodlands during winter
in Mexico.
Length 6–7in (15–18cm) Wingspan 10–11in (25–28cm) Weight 7⁄8 –11⁄16 oz (25–30g)
338
THRUSHES
Order Passeriformes Family Turdidae Species Hylocichla mustelina
IN FLIGHT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Hardwood forests in the East,
VEERY HERMIT from Texas and Florida northward
see p.334 THRUSH to Minnesota and the Canadian
see p.338
smaller Maritimes. Breeds in interior and
overall fainter at edges of deciduous and mixed
spotting spotting
only on forests; needs dense understory,
throat shrubbery, and moist soil. Winters
and
reddish in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and
upper
longer tail
breast south through Central America
tail
to Panama; also Cuba.
Length 71⁄2– 81⁄2in (19–21cm) Wingspan 12–131⁄2in (30 –34cm) Weight 17⁄16 –13⁄4 oz (40–50g)
339
THRUSHES
Order Passeriformes Family Turdidae Species Turdus migratorius
MALE
FEMALE
mottled spotted
gray back breast
JUVENILE brick-red
underparts
340
OLD WORLD SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Passeridae Species Passer domesticus
yellowish brown
buff bill nape
white wing
eyestripe
bar black-and-brown
streaks on black
upperparts throat
pale
rump drab brown
underparts
gray
breast
MALE
(SUMMER)
FEMALE white
IN FLIGHT wing bar
MALE
(SUMMER)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Flourishes in the downtown
DICKCISSEL 1 pale DICKCISSEL 27 sections of cities and around
see p.437 bill see p.437 human habitations, including
pale black and agricultural outbuildings in
throat tan streaks remote areas of the continent.
pale
bill Found also in Mexico, Central
yellowish
highlights and South America, and the
West Indies. Also widespread
in Eurasia, southeast Asia,
North Africa, and Arabia.
341
PIPITS AND DIPPERS
Order Passeriformes Family Motacillidae Species Anthus rubescens
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in Arctic tundra in the
HORNED LARK 5 SPRAGUE’S PIPIT north, and alpine tundra in
see p.313 see p.343 the Rockies; also breeds on
heavy streaking pale treeless mountaintops in
less white cheeks
on tail on back Maine and New Hampshire.
and
edge less streaking throat Winters in open coastal areas
on throat
and chest and harvested agricultural
pale legs
fields across the US. Some
North American migrants
fly to Asia for the winter.
342
PIPITS AND DIPPERS
Order Passeriformes Family Motacillidae Species Anthus spragueii
pale cheeks
thick,
ADULT thin “mustache” two-
tone
bill
broken heavily
“collar” streaked
back
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Sprague’s Pipit is truly North
HORNED LARK 5 AMERICAN PIPIT American; it breeds along the
see p.313 see p.342 border of Canada with the US,
unstreaked thin, in dry, open, tall-grass upland
shorter gray back dark
tail, less less- habitat, especially native prairie
streaked bill
white
on throat systems in the northern part
and chest streaked of the Great Plains; most
chest, belly
dark and flanks birds migrate to Mexico in
legs winter, where habitat is
similar to breeding grounds.
343
Family Fringillidae
FINCHES
applies to the cones. Roughly
T HE NAME “FINCHES”
Fringillidae, a family of seed-eating songbirds
that includes 16 species in North America.
50 percent of crossbills
are “left-billed” and
They vary in size and shape from the small and 50 percent “right-
fragile-looking redpolls to the robust and chunky billed”—lefties are right-
Evening Grosbeak. Finch colors range from footed, and vice versa. Most
whitish with some pink (redpolls) to gold finches are social. Although
(American Goldfinch), bright red (crossbills), they breed in pairs, after
and yellow, white, and black (Evening Grosbeak). nesting finches form
However, irrespective of body shape, size, and flocks, some of
color, all have conical which are huge.
bills with razor-sharp Most finch NOT REALLY PURPLE
edges. Finches do not populations fluctuate in The inaccurately named Purple
crush seeds. Instead, size, synchronized with Finch actually has a lovely
they cut open the hard seed production and wine-red color.
hull, then seize the seed abundance. All finches
inside with their tongue are vocal, calling constantly while flying, and
and swallow it. The bills singing in the spring. Calls are usually sharp,
of conifer-loving somewhat metallic sounds, although the American
CROSSBILL crossbills are crossed at Goldfinch’s tinkling calls are sweeter. Songs can be
Perched on a pine tree branch,
a female Red Crossbill grinds a
the tip, a unique quite musical, clear-sounding melodies, like that of
seed in her bill to break open arrangement that the Cassin’s Finch. Finches make open cup-shaped
the hull and reach the fat-rich permits them to open nests of grasses and lichens, in trees or shrubs, and
kernel inside. tough-hulled pine are remarkably adept at hiding them.
GARDEN GLOW
Even pink flower buds
cannot compete with
the yellow of a male
American Goldfinch.
FINCHES
Order Passeriformes Family Fringillidae Species Carduelis pinus
IN FLIGHT heavily
streaked
underparts
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widespread across North
COMMON REDPOLL YELLOW-RUMPED America; occurs in coniferous
see p.347 WARBLER 1 and mixed coniferous forests,
see p.370
but also seen in parkland
tiny,
yellow and suburbs. In some winters
pale
rump
bill may appear south of regular
yellow breeding range to Missouri
heavier patches
streaking and Tennessee, also Mexico.
Prefers open areas to
continuous forest.
Length 41⁄4–51⁄2in (11–14cm) Wingspan 7–9in (18–23cm) Weight 7⁄16 – 5⁄8oz (12–18g)
345
FINCHES
Order Passeriformes Family Fringillidae Species Carduelis tristis
black
yellow forehead
bright throat FEMALE and crown
yellow and collar (BREEDING)
back MALE
pale tan
underparts (NONBREEDING)
IN FLIGHT
short,
black tail conical
pinkish
bill
white
rump white bright yellow
wing underparts
brownish bar
overall dull yellow pinkish legs
throat and feet
MALE
FEMALE (BREEDING)
(NONBREEDING)
Length 41⁄4–5in (11–13cm) Wingspan 7–9in (18 –23cm) Weight 3⁄8–11⁄16oz (11–20g)
346
FINCHES
Order Passeriformes Family Fringillidae Species Carduelis flammea
small, pointed
red cap
rosy-red
breast
MALE MALE
(BREEDING)
wing
bars reddish
cap
IN FLIGHT
black
streaked streaks
FEMALE underparts on
rosy-red
breast
pale MALE
wing (NONBREEDING)
bars
JUVENILE
E very other year, spruce, birch, and other trees in the northern
forest zone fail to produce a good crop of seeds, forcing the
Common Redpoll to look for food farther south than usual—
as far south as the northern US states. The Common Redpoll FLIGHT: deeply undulating, with dips between
is oddly tame around people and is easily attracted to winter bouts of wing beats.
feeders. The degree of whiteness in its plumage varies greatly
among individuals, related to sex and age. The taxonomy of the
Common Redpoll includes four subspecies around the world,
and there are suggestions that some may be distinct species.
VOICE Flight call dry zit-zit-zit-zit and rattling chirr; also high too-ee call while
perched; song series of rapid trills.
NESTING Cup of small twigs in spruces, larches,
willows, alders; 4–6 eggs; 1–2 broods; May–June.
FEEDING Feeds on small seeds from conifers,
sedge, birch, willow, alder; also insects and spiders.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Mainly in extreme northern
PINE SISKIN HOARY REDPOLL red North America from Alaska to
see p.345 see p.465 cap Québec and Labrador, in low
brownish forest, sub-Arctic, and shrubby
upperparts tundra habitats. More southern
winter appearances typically
yellow FRIENDLY FLOCK occur every other year, rarely
on tail two Common Redpolls are only south of northern US states,
wing pale whitish weakly territorial, sometimes from the Dakotas east to
bars overall underparts
even nesting close together. New York and New England.
Length 43⁄4–51⁄2in (12–14cm) Wingspan 61⁄2– 63⁄4in (16–17cm) Weight 3⁄8 – 11⁄16oz (11–19g)
347
FINCHES
Order Passeriformes Family Fringillidae Species Carpodacus purpureus
round, brownish
wings
IN FLIGHT
MALE
whitish belly
with rosy
patches
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in northern mixed
HOUSE FINCH 1 CASSIN’S FINCH 1 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD 1 conifer and hardwood forests
western; see p.396 in the East, where it is partially
see p.349 migratory, moves as far south
larger
overall as the Gulf Coast. Resident
from Baja California north
thinner more heavily along the Pacific coast and
streaks marked streaked
darker
the Cascade Mountains to
facial
patterning overall Yukon Territory.
348
FINCHES
Order Passeriformes Family Fringillidae Species Carpodacus mexicanus
red face
usually
brown brick-red
upperparts bib and
head
MALE
(BREEDING)
FEMALE
pinkish
head
IN FLIGHT
MALE
(NON-
BREEDING)
brown
streaked
undertail
feathers
long tail FLIGHT: bouncy, undulating flight typical
MALE (BREEDING)
feathers
of finches; usually flies above treetop level.
H istorically, the House Finch was a western bird, and was first reported
in the eastern side of the US on Long Island, New York, in 1941. These
birds are said to have originated from the illegal bird trade. The population
of the eastern birds started expanding in the 1960s, so much so that by the
late 1990s, their population had expanded westward to link up with the
original western population. The male House Finch is distinguished from
the Purple and Cassin’s finches by its brown streaked underparts, while the
females have plainer faces and generally blurrier streaking.
VOICE Call note queet; varied jumble of notes, often starting with husky
notes to whistled and burry notes, and ending with a long wheeerr.
NESTING Females build nests from grass stems, thin twigs, and thin weeds
RED IN THE FACE
in trees and on man-made structures; 1–6 eggs; 2–3 broods; March–August. The breeding male House Finch
FEEDING Eats, almost exclusively, vegetable matter, such as buds, fruits, and can be identified by its stunning
seeds; readily comes to feeders. brick-red plumage.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in urban, suburban,
PURPLE FINCH CASSIN’S FINCH and settled areas; in the East
see p.348 almost exclusively in settled
pinkish areas, including the centers
neck of large cities; in the West
reddish also in wilder areas such as
head
savannas, desert grasslands,
whitish white and chaparral, particularly
underparts underparts near people. Resident, some
birds move after breeding.
Length 5 – 6in (12.5 –15cm) Wingspan 8 –10in (20 –25cm) Weight 9⁄16 –1oz (16 –27g)
349
FINCHES
Order Passeriformes Family Fringillidae Species Pinicola enucleator
FEMALE
pinkish rump
IN FLIGHT
long, pinkish
blackish red
tail underparts
IMMATURE (but
MALE MALE regionally
variable)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in the boreal zone
RED CROSSBILL WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL from Alaska to Québec and
see p.351 see p.352 Newfoundland, in open,
mandibles northern coniferous forests
brownish crossed
back mandibles in summer, usually near fresh
crossed water. Winters throughout its
breeding range, but may move
white bars
southward to southern Canada
on wing and the northeastern US.
350
FINCHES
Order Passeriformes Family Fringillidae Species Loxia curvirostra
streaked
red body
belly
MALE
red rump
greenish
breast
dark
MALE wings
FEMALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Range covers coniferous
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL SCARLET or mixed-coniferous and
see p.352 TANAGER deciduous forests from
see p.436 no
black Newfoundland to British
conspicuous vivid red
wing bars stripe Columbia and southern
plumage
Alaska; also mountain forests
pinker in the Rockies, south to
plumage Mexico; irregular movements,
depending on the availability
of pine cones.
Length 5– 63⁄4 in (13–17cm) Wingspan 10 –101⁄2in (25–27cm) Weight 7⁄8 –11⁄4oz (25 –35g)
351
FINCHES
Order Passeriformes Family Fringillidae Species Loxia leucoptera
crossed mandibles
White-winged Crossbill
brownish variable dark
two conspicuous green head patch on cheek
white wing bars
dark brown
wings
red
greenish streaked
body
underparts
MALE
FEMALE
IN FLIGHT
blackish wings MALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Nomadic; most common
PINE GROSBEAK RED CROSSBILL in the spruce zone of Alaska
see p.350 see p.351 and Canada but has bred
blunt bill
no wing as far south as Colorado in
bars the West; in the East, from
longer
tail Québec and Newfoundland
redder southward to New York City
plumage
and New England.
352
FINCHES
Order Passeriformes Family Fringillidae Species Hesperiphona vespertina
yellow rump
MALE
huge,
large white yellowish
wing patches bill
large white
wing patch MALE
IN FLIGHT large
black outer grayish
wing feathers mustard bill
yellow
underparts
grayish
short, square wing patch
tail
Length 61⁄2 –7in (16–18cm) Wingspan 12–14in (30–36cm) Weight 2–21⁄2oz (55–70g)
353
Family Parulidae
WOOD-WARBLERS
is restricted to the identification aid.
T HE FAMILY PARULIDAE
Americas, and is remarkable for its diversity
in plumage, song, feeding, breeding biology, and
Warblers are especially
diverse in the East,
sexual dimorphism. In general, however, wood- where over 30 species
warblers share similar shapes: all are smallish, may be seen in a single
slender birds with longish, thin bills (unlike thick morning of spring
vireo bills) mostly used for snapping up insects. birding, which may
The odd, chunky, thick-billed Yellow-breasted be the highlight of
Chat is an exception. Molecular data suggests the year for some
what some birders have long thought: that it is birdwatchers. Eastern PLASTIC PLUMAGE
not a warbler at all. However, there is not yet any species have three Some male Dendroica warblers
consensus as to what family this bird belongs in. different migration (like this Blackburnian) are only
Ground-dwelling routes to deal with the brightly colored when breeding.
warblers tend to be obstacle of the Gulf of
larger and clad in olives, Mexico when going to or coming from their
browns, and yellows, Neotropical wintering grounds. Circum-Gulf
whereas many arboreal migrants fly along the eastern shore of Mexico,
species are smaller and Caribbean migrants travel through Florida then
sport bright oranges, island-hop through the West Indies, and trans-Gulf
cool blues, and even migrants fly directly across the Gulf of Mexico, from
FEEDING STRATEGIES
ruby reds. The location the Yucatán Peninsula to the US Gulf Coast. Birds
Some warblers, such as this and presence or absence flying this third route are subjected to weather
Black-and-White, probe the of wingbars and tail changes that sometimes result in spectacular fallouts
cracks in tree trunks for food. spots is often a good at locations such as High Island,Texas.
STATIC PLUMAGE
In other warbler species, such
as this Golden-winged, males
keep their stunning plumage
year-round.
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Vermivora chrysoptera
yellow
wing panel
white
undertail
gray
“mask” MALE
greenish
FEMALE yellow
crown
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in the northeastern
CAROLINA CHICKADEE black BLACK-CAPPED black US and southern Canada in
see p.302 cap CHICKADEE cap secondary growth habitat with
yellowish wash see p.303
dense patches of deciduous
on underparts white
cheek shrubs or tangles, or in marshes
with a forest edge; uses any
wooded habitat on migration;
buffy winters in Central America from
underparts Guatemala to northern Colombia;
mostly along the Caribbean.
Length 43⁄4 in (12cm) Wingspan 71⁄2 in (19cm) Weight 9⁄32 – 3⁄8oz (8 –11g)
355
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Vermivora pinus
Blue-winged Warbler
white in blackish wings yellow black
outer tail head “mask”
black
yellow patch eye-line
on wing
two wing
bars white
undertail
yellow breast
spiky bill feathers
MALE and belly
FEMALE
yellow
underparts
Length 43⁄4 in (12cm) Wingspan 71⁄2 in (19cm) Weight 9⁄32 – 3⁄8 oz (8–11g)
356
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Vermivora peregrina
whitish
FEMALE
belly
MALE
(BREEDING)
IN FLIGHT
olive-gray white
back undertail
feathers grayish white
underparts
yellowish
throat and MALE
breast (BREEDING)
MALE (FALL)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in a variety of habitats,
PHILADELPHIA white ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER especially woodlands with
VIREO eyebrow see p.358 dense understory and thickets
see p.291 shorter of willows and alders. Very
wings
common in suburban parks
and gardens during migration,
greenish muted particularly in the Midwest.
yellowish yellow markings Winters from southern Mexico
underparts rump
to northern Ecuador and
northern Venezuela; also Cuba.
Length 43⁄4 in (12cm) Wingspan 73⁄4 in (19.5cm) Weight 9⁄32 –5⁄8 oz (8–17g)
357
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Vermivora celata
dull olive
overall
drabber plumage
overall
MALE
IN FLIGHT
yellow
pale undertail
crown shows orange yellow feathers
when bird alarmed eyebrow IMMATURE
olive-green (EAST; 1ST WINTER)
upperparts
short wings
ADULT (WEST)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in a variety of habitats
TENNESSEE WARBLER 6 YELLOW WARBLER 1 across North America from
see p.357 see p.362 Alaska eastward to
yellow Newfoundland, and in the West
upperparts from British Columbia southward
to California, New Mexico,
bright and western Texas. Prefers
whitish yellow
underparts streamside thickets. Some winter
longer breast
wings and belly in the West, while others go to
Mexico and Guatemala.
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 71⁄4 in (18.5cm) Weight 1⁄4 –3⁄8 oz (7–11g)
358
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Vermivora ruficapilla
whitish
olive-green
upperparts olive
wings
IN FLIGHT
rounded
wings
dull yellow
underparts
rufous
blue-gray crown patch
head
grayish
green back conspicuous
white eye-ring FEMALE
V. r. ruficapilla
(EASTERN)
yellow
undertail olive MALE
feathers wings V. r. ridgwayi
(WESTERN)
359
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Parula americana
IN FLIGHT
FEMALE
gray rump and
uppertail
delicate,
pale gray
belly
T he Northern Parula
is a small wood-warbler that somewhat
resembles a chickadee in its active foraging behavior. This
bird depends on specific nesting materials—Usnea lichens,
or “Old Man’s Beard,” in the north, and Tillandsia, or Spanish
Moss, in the South. The Northern Parula’s song is one of the
early signs that May has arrived. The Northern Parula
interbreeds with the Tropical Parula in southern Texas where
their ranges overlap, producing hybrids.
VOICE Call a very sharp tsip; flight call a thin, weak, descending
THE AMERICAN FINCH-CREEPER
tsiif; song a variable, most common buzzy upslurred trill, variably Carolus Linnaeus described this bird on the basis
continuous or in steps, ending very high, but then dropping off of a plate in Catesby’s Natural History of
in an emphatic zip. Carolina, called Finch-creeper.
NESTING Hanging
OCCURRENCE
pouch in clump of SIMILAR SPECIES Nests in almost any kind
lichens; 4–5 eggs; 1 TROPICAL of wooded area if Tillandsia
brood; May–July (south) PARULA dark or Usnea are available.
see p.466 face
or April–August (north). Migrants (some of which
FEEDING Gleans for cross the Gulf of Mexico)
occur in almost any habitat;
caterpillars, flies, moths, winters in varied habitats
beetles,wasps, ants, more from southern Texas and
spiders; also eats berries, yellow Florida across Caribbean
nectar, some seeds. and Mexico south to Panama.
Length 41⁄4in (11cm) Wingspan 7in (18cm) Weight 1⁄4 – 3⁄8oz (7–10g)
360
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Dendroica pensylvanica
Chestnut-sided Warbler
MALE (BREEDING) yellow conspicuous
yellow-and-black
cap white cheeks
two yellow black streaks on
wing bars “mustache” upperparts
chestnut band yellow
along flanks crown
IN FLIGHT
FEMALE
(BREEDING) white
white throat
outer white tail
tail feathers spots
two wing
bars
olive crown
bright rich chestnut
lime-green flanks
above plain face with
white eye-ring
MALE
FEMALE (BREEDING)
(1ST FALL) plain gray
underside
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in successive stages
BLACKPOLL WARBLER 6 BAY-BREASTED WARBLER 6 of regrowth in deciduous
see p.363 see p.364 olive forests, from Alberta to the
white white wing upperparts
Great Lakes, New England,
wing bars
bars pale stripe and the Appalachians; isolated
on face populations in the Midwest.
fine Winters in the West Indies,
streaks buffy Mexico, and Central America,
on breast undertail greenish south to Venezuela and
underside
northern Colombia.
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 8in (20cm) Weight 9⁄32 – 7⁄16oz (8–13g)
361
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Dendroica petechia
Yellow Warbler
dark flight plain
feathers with face
yellow edges bright yellow face
with conspicuous thin,
dull
black eye pointed bill
yellowish
MALE overall yellow
faint yellow upperparts
IMMATURE
wing bars
FEMALE
(1ST WINTER)
mostly
yellow tail
IN FLIGHT
yellowish
olive back rusty streaks on
breast and flanks
MALE
dull brown
yellow underparts legs and toes
FEMALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widespread in most shrubby
ORANGE-CROWNED WILSON’S dark crown and second-growth habitats
WARBLER WARBLER 1 of North America. Migrates to
see p.358 see p.389
southern US and southward
to Mexico, Central America,
and South America. Resident
olive- longer populations live in Florida
green tail and the West Indies.
overall
362
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Dendroica striata
Blackpoll Warbler
white greenish upperparts black
tail with fine black cap
spots MALE streaks
white
cheek
faint,fine
streaking on
underparts
two
white FEMALE
wing (BREEDING)
bars
streaking
on breast
streaked
underparts
MALE
(FALL)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in spruce-fir forests
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER 6 BLACK-AND-WHITE across the northern boreal
black
see p.364 WARBLER 2 forest zone from Alaska
cheek
greenish sides see p.376
eastward to Newfoundland,
to neck
southward to coastal coniferous
forests in the Maritimes and
distinct northern New England. Migrants
warm
wash to black-and- fly over the Atlantic Ocean to
flanks white stripes a landfall in the Caribbean
and northern South America.
Length 51⁄2in (14cm) Wingspan 9in (23cm) Weight 3⁄8– 5⁄8oz (10–18g)
363
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Dendroica castanea
olive crown
chestnut
buff undertail brown
chin and
flanks
yellowish MALE
buff belly (BREEDING)
FLIGHT: fast, slightly undulating, and direct,
with rapid wing beats.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in mature spruce-fir-
BLACKPOLL WARBLER 2 PINE WARBLER 1 balsam forest across the
see p.363 see p.374 forest belt from Yukon to
yellow around the Maritimes, and south
eye to the Great Lakes area
and northern New England.
Migrants occur in varied
streaked white
breast habitat, but especially
sides
to tail woodland edges. Winters in
wet forest in Central America.
Length 51⁄2in (14cm) Wingspan 9in (23cm) Weight 3⁄8 –1⁄2oz (11–15g)
364
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Dendroica fusca
Blackburnian Warbler
white edges complex black-
pale orange line in
center of crown
IN FLIGHT
white belly brilliant
orange
more subdued throat
facial pattern
MALE black streaks
on breast
and belly
white wing bars
orange
throat and
breast
black FEMALE
streaks on
flanks
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in coniferous and mixed
BAY-BREASTED CERULEAN WARBLER 1 forests from Alberta east through
WARBLER (FALL) 14 see p.367 the northern Great Lakes area
see p.364 sea-green
back to Newfoundland and south
greenish
back into the Appalachians of Georgia;
shorter migrants found in wooded,
tail
shrubby, or forest edge habitats.
white Winters in wet forests in
unstreaked corners
underparts Costa Rica and Panama, and
to tail
southward as far as Peru.
365
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Dendroica magnolia
greenish back
yellow gray incomplete
rump crown eye-ring
white
undertail
feathers
MALE
(BREEDING) IMMATURE
broken (FALL)
white
tail
band IN FLIGHT large white
patch on wing
greenish back
with black black streaking on
stripes breast and flanks
not as heavy yellow underparts
with black streaks
FEMALE MALE
(BREEDING) (BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in dense, young mixed
PRAIRIE WARBLER 1 CANADA yellow patch and coniferous forests from
yellowish undertail; WARBLER 1 between eye Yukon east to Newfoundland
see p.373 see p.390 and bill
and south into Appalachians
greenish yellow
upperparts of Tennessee; migrates
across the Gulf and Caribbean;
winters in varied habitats
thinner
streaks
dark gray in Caribbean and from
wings southeast Mexico to Panama;
rare vagrant in the West.
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 71⁄2 in (19cm) Weight 7⁄32 –7⁄16 oz (6–12g)
366
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Dendroica cerulea
bright blue
crown
black yellowish
breastband underparts
MALE
short
tail FEMALE
two white
with wing bars
white indistinct
band eyestripe
blue upperparts
MALE
IN FLIGHT
white chin
and throat
white
undertail
feathers
MALE
black streaks
on flanks
white
belly
FLIGHT: fast, slightly undulating, and direct
with rapid wing beats.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds mostly in mature
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER 1 BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER 1 deciduous forests across
see p.365 see p.376 the northeastern US; tends
white streaks white
pale streaking eye- to prefer dense woodlands
on back on upperparts
brow during migration. Winters
yellow in evergreen forests along
throat the foothills of the Andes,
black from Colombia to Peru.
undertail
markings
Length 43⁄4 in (12cm) Wingspan 73⁄4 in (19.5cm) Weight 9⁄32 –3⁄8 oz (8–10g)
367
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Dendroica tigrina
white patches
on wings FEMALE
white patches
on flanks and
breast
IN FLIGHT rufous
cheeks
yellow
underparts,
white marks heavily
on outer tail streaked
feathers with black
MALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds from the Yukon and
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER PALM WARBLER British Columbia to the
(MYRTLE) 1 (WESTERN) 6 Great Lakes, the Maritimes,
see p.370 see p.375
thicker, and New England in mature
heavier browner spruce–fir forests. Migrants
yellow bill overall
rump occur in a variety of habitats.
yellow flank Winters especially in gardens
patches
in Central America, as far
yellow south as Honduras.
undertail feathers
368
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Dendroica caerulescens
black
“mask”
and
throat
black
flanks white breast
(“kerchief”)
white belly
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 71⁄2in (19cm) Weight 9⁄32 – 7⁄16 oz (8 –12g)
369
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Dendroica coronata
whitish
white wing same pattern
bars dark as male, but throat
cheeks duller
MALE (MYRTLE; EAST)
yellow lacks white
black streaks white flanks eyebrow
on gray throat
back FEMALE
D. c. coronata
black streaks (MYRTLE; EAST)
across breast
large, white
IN FLIGHT wing patch
MALE
bright D. c. coronata
yellow (MYRTLE; solid
rump EAST) black
breast
unmarked
undertail
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Both eastern and western
MAGNOLIA WARBLER 2 CAPE MAY WARBLER 1 populations are widespread
see p.366 see p.368 dark across the continent from
eye-line Alaska eastward to Québec
yellow throat and Labrador, and westward
and breast in the mountains south to
Arizona, New Mexico, and
more thin,
white curved
Northern Mexico. Prefers
in tail bill coniferous and mixed
hardwood coniferous forests.
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 9in (23cm) Weight 3⁄8 – 5⁄8 oz (10 –17g)
370
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Dendroica virens
MALE
greenish FEMALE
two white
flanks
wing bars
IN FLIGHT
black bib
white outer and chin
tail feathers
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in many forest types,
GOLDEN-CHEEKED GOLDEN-CHEEKED WARBLER 1 especially a mix of conifers
WARBLER 2 black see p.466 and hardwood, from British
see p.466 crown darker Columbia east to Newfoundland
crown
darker and the southeastern US along
upper the Appalachians. Migrants and
thin, breast
black wintering birds use a variety of
eye-line habitats. Winters from southern
Texas into Venezuela; small
numbers in Caribbean.
371
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Dendroica dominica
long
thin bill
unmarked white
undertail feathers
white chin
IN FLIGHT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in the eastern half
GRACE’S WARBLER BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER of North America, but not in
see p.376 southern Florida, in woods
yellow around with cypress, sycamore, or
eye shorter
bill live oak; wintering birds
may prefer tall palms and
black parklike settings. Range
and white has extended northwards
markings black
streaks in recent years. Southern US
population is non-migratory.
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 8in (20cm) Weight 9⁄32 – 3⁄8oz (8 –11g)
372
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Dendroica discolor
streaks on
breast not
roundish FEMALE as bold as
wings male yellow face
with black
white IN FLIGHT markings
sides
to tail
black streaks on
yellow underparts
white outertail
feathers
MALE
C ontrary to its common name, the Prairie Warbler does not live
on the “prairie.” Its distinctive song is a quintessential sound
of scrubby areas across the eastern US. Although its populations
increased in the 19th century as a result of the widespread cutting
of forests, the later maturation of this habitat, along with human
development, is having a negative impact on local populations.
VOICE Call a thick tsik or tchip, flight call a high, thin sssip; song
variable in tempo, but always series of husky, buzzy notes that
increase in pitch: zzu zzu zzu zzo zzo zzo zzee zzee. HIGH AND LOUD
NESTING Cup of plant material in fork of sapling or low trees, Males sing from preferred elevated perches,
often within human reach; 3–5 eggs; 1 brood; May–July. producing their characteristic buzzy song
FEEDING Eats various insects, such as flies and crickets; also berries. that increases in pitch and tempo.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in shrubby, open-
MAGNOLIA white PINE WARBLER 2 canopied, second-growth
WARBLER 6 eye- see p.374 habitats, and mangroves; migrant
see p.366 ring thin, dark and wintering birds prefer
line through white
eye wing similar-looking brushy habitats.
bars Florida birds are partially
less resident. Winters in the Bahamas,
prominent larger Greater and Lesser Antilles, and
streaking overall along the coast from southern
Mexico to El Salvador.
373
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Dendroica pinus
two wing
MALE bars
white olive
sides to upperparts
long tail whitish bright
belly yellow
throat
IN FLIGHT IMMATURE
MALE
grayish
upperparts dark
cheek brownish
line streaks on
breast
and flanks
white
undertail
feathers
IMMATURE MALE
FEMALE
P ine Warblers live in pine forests in the eastern US. In fact, this
appropriately named species is often the most common bird in
this habitat. Several birds can be heard from the same forest spot,
emitting their distinctive songs. One of the few warblers that uses
birdfeeders, the Pine Warbler winters within the US.
VOICE Call a soft tsip, flight call a high, thin, slightly rolling, descending
ziit; song a lazy, musical trill, variably of round or sharper notes.
NESTING Cup of grass high up, far out on horizontal branch, concealed
by pine needles; 3–5 eggs; 1–2 broods; March–July.
FEEDING Gleans arthropods, especially caterpillars,
from pine needles; will also eat seeds and fruit in
nonbreeding season.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Pine and mixed forests from
BLACKPOLL WARBLER 6 BAY-BREASTED greenish southern Canada and the
see p.363 WARBLER 6 cheeks eastern US, south to eastern
see p.364
Texas and Florida. Nests in
streaks on
deciduous forests if individual
flanks trees or small stands of pine
WELL NAMED are present. Resident in
larger
overall buff
In many areas, Pine Warblers southern half of its US range.
underparts are the most common breeding Also breeds and winters in
birds in mature pine woods. the Bahamas and Hispaniola.
374
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Dendroica palmarum
yellow
dull grayish undertail
brown coverts
chestnut
overall streaks
whitish below
with brown on breast
streaks rich yellow
underparts
ADULT
D. p. palmarum ADULT
yellow (WESTERN; D. p. hypochrysea
undertail NONBREEDING) (EASTERN; BREEDING)
coverts
375
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Mniotilta varia
white
“mustache”
IN FLIGHT
white
outer black
tail throat
feathers
black spots on
undertail feathers
FEMALE
MALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in deciduous and
BLACKPOLL black BLACK-THROATED yellow mixed mature and second-
WARBLER 2 cap GRAY WARBLER 2 patch growth woodlands; migrants
see p.363 see p.472
occur on a greater variety
white cheek
patch of habitats; winters in a wide
range of wooded habitats
in southern US, Mexico
bright and into Central and
orange legs South America. Rare along
West Coast in winter.
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 8in (20cm) Weight 5⁄16 –1⁄2oz (9 –14g)
376
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Setophaga ruticilla
IN FLIGHT
FEMALE
black
inverted
“T” on tail long, black tail with
orange on sides
orange flank
patch with
yellow blackish
black border
tail smudge on
base undertail white belly
irregular, dark
yellow patches
flanks MALE
IMMATURE MALE
OCCURRENCE
Breeds in moist deciduous
and mixed woodlands across
North America; migrants and
wintering birds use a wide
range of habitats. Winters
from Baja California and south
Florida through Middle America
COMMON SONG MALE CAREGIVER and the Caribbean to northern
This bird’s short, ringing song is a common sound in As with most warblers, male Redstarts help raise South America.
the moist deciduous woods of the East and North. the young, though they may be polygamous.
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 8in (20cm) Weight 7⁄32 – 3⁄8 oz (6 –11g)
377
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Protonotaria citrea
white glowing
in tail gold head
large
olive back bill
MALE
bluish bluish wings
rump and tail
IN FLIGHT
bright yellow
underparts
duller
colored
blue wings head
and tail
large bill
yellowish breast
and head
MALE
FEMALE
Length 51⁄2in (14cm) Wingspan 9in (23cm) Weight 1⁄2 – 5⁄8oz (14–18g)
378
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Helmitheros vermivorum
Worm-eating Warbler
short
tail
dull olive
overall boldly
striped
buff-and-
black crown
ADULT
blurry pattern on
undertail feathers
IN FLIGHT
large
pinkish
bill
tawny wash
ADULT on breast
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 81⁄2in (21cm) Weight 7⁄16 – 5⁄8oz (12–17g)
379
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Limnothlypis swainsonii
Swainson’s Warbler
rusty-brown
short crown
tail
pale eyebrow
plain brown
ADULT upperparts
long
bill
IN FLIGHT
dusky wash
on underparts
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in floodplains, often
WORM-EATING WARBLER LOUISIANA in areas of dense undergrowth,
see p.379 WATERTHRUSH dark gray
crown
and in mountain forests with
black head see p.383
stripe suitable undergrowth; during
migration and in winter found
in forests with dense
bold
buff understory and abundant leaf
streaks
underparts black below litter. Winters in Central
eyebrow
America and the West Indies.
Length 51⁄2in (14cm) Wingspan 9in (23cm) Weight 7⁄16 –11⁄16oz (12–20g)
380
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Seiurus aurocapillus
Ovenbird orange-and-black
striped crown
olive
ADULT upperparts white
throat
IN FLIGHT
black
streaked
underparts
ADULT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in closed-canopy
NORTHERN LOUISIANA mixed and deciduous forests
white
WATERTHRUSH dark brown WATERTHRUSH eyebrow with suitable amount of
much slimmer; upperparts see p.383
fallen plant material for
see p.382 dark brown
upperparts nest building and foraging;
migrants and wintering
no eye- birds use similar habitats.
ring
Winters in Florida, Central
America, and the West Indies.
Length 6in (15cm) Wingspan 91⁄2in (24cm) Weight 9⁄16 – 7⁄8oz (16 –25g)
381
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Seiurus noveboracensis
dull brown
upperparts
short tail
small,
short
bill
ADULT
pale
eyebrow
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
dull, fleshy-colored
legs and toes
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds right across northern
OVENBIRD LOUISIANA eyebrow North America in dark,
much rounder; bold WATERTHRUSH widens behind
eye-ring see p.383 still-water swamps and bogs;
fatter; see p.381 eye
also in the still edges of rivers
olive
upperparts and lakes; migrant birds use
thicker, wet habitats; winters in
longer
bill shrubby marshes, mangroves,
orange and occasionally in crops, such
wash to
flanks as rice fields and citrus groves.
Rare in Baja California in winter.
Length 6in (15cm) Wingspan 91⁄2in (24cm) Weight 1⁄2 – 7⁄8oz (14 –23g)
382
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Seiurus motacilla
Louisiana Waterthrush
white eyebrow buffy area near
dull brown flares behind eye bill and eye
short overall
tail
ADULT
large
bill
unstreaked
throat
IN FLIGHT
thick, sparse
bicolored flanks; white breast streaking
forward, washed
cinnamon on rear
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds along fast-moving
OVENBIRD NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH streams in deciduous forests in
much rounder; bold see p.382 thinner,
eye-ring the eastern US; migrants stop
fatter; see p.381 shorter bill over anywhere near running
olive
upperparts water, including gardens;
winters along wooded streams
and rivers in mountains and
fine
breast
hills in the Caribbean, Mexico,
streaks Central America, and northern
South America.
Length 6in (15cm) Wingspan 10in (25cm) Weight 5⁄8 – 7⁄8oz (18 –25g)
383
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Oporornis formosus
dark olive
upperparts
ADULT
short
tail
yellow chin
and throat
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
FEMALE
FLIGHT: fast, slightly undulating, and direct
with rapid wing beats.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in eastern US
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT 2 HOODED greenish moist, deciduous forests
smaller; see p.387 WARBLER 1 crown with dense deciduous
see p.388
understory. Migrants
plain, prefer dense woodlands
yellow and thickets. Winters
black- longer face
longer and- tail from Mexico to Panama
tail gray and northern South America,
face in dense, wet lowland
thickets and forests.
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 81⁄2 in (21cm) Weight 7⁄16 –11⁄16 oz (12–19g)
384
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Oporornis agilis
Connecticut Warbler
olive grayish green
upperparts hood
olive
flanks
MALE
FEMALE gray conspicuous
hood white eye-ring
very IN FLIGHT
olive upperparts
long,
yellow
undertail
feathers
short tail
dark
gray bib
MALE
pale sunshine-
yellow underparts
pink legs
and toes
FLIGHT: fast, slightly undulating, and direct
with rapid wing beats.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds across Canada
NASHVILLE WARBLER 1 MOURNING WARBLER 4 from British Columbia
see p.359 see p.386 darker breast to Québec and in the US
patch in Minnesota and the
Great Lakes region, in
yellowish
bogs and pine forests.
pale throat Winters in forest habitats
gray of Amazonian Peru
back and Brazil.
Length 6in (15cm) Wingspan 9in (23cm) Weight 7⁄16 –11⁄16 oz (13–20g)
385
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Oporornis philadelphia
olive
upperparts
“hooded”
yellow look black
undertail IMMATURE MALE bib and
feathers speckled
IN FLIGHT throat
pink toes
lacks and legs
speckled
markings
on throat
MALE (BREEDING)
FEMALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in dense thickets
MACGILLIVRAY’S COMMON smaller, of disturbed woodlands
WARBLER 1 incomplete YELLOWTHROAT 1 black bill from the Yukon and British
see p.472 eye-ring see p.387
Columbia, east to Québec
and Newfoundland, south
to the Great Lakes, New
longer
tail England, New York, and
longer the Appalachians. Winters
tail in dense thickets in Central
and South America.
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 7.5in (19cm) Weight 3⁄8 –7⁄16oz (10 –13g)
386
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Geothlypis trichas
FEMALE
MALE
IN FLIGHT
olive-green yellow
tail throat
greenish gray
underparts
MALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found south of the tundra, from
KENTUCKY MOURNING gray head Alaska and the Yukon to Québec
WARBLER 2 WARBLER 1 and Newfoundland, and south
much larger; see p.386
pink- to California, Texas, and to
see p.384 yellow based southeastern US. Inhabits
eyebrow bill
dense herbaceous understory,
bright from marshes and grasslands
bright yellow
shorter yellow on belly to pine forest and hedgerows.
tail belly Winters from Mexico to
Panama and the Antilles.
387
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Wilsonia citrina
MALE FEMALE
yellow
whitish black cap
underparts
undertail and hood
feathers
plain, olive black eye
IN FLIGHT
upperparts
white
markings yellow
on tail face
black bib
MALE
FLIGHT: fast, slightly undulating, and direct yellow
with rapid wing beats. underparts
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in moist deciduous
WILSON’S WARBLER 2 WILSON’S WARBLER 1 forests with dense understory
see p.389 see p.389 in eastern US; has bred in
smaller overall smaller some moist mountain canyons.
overall Migrants like similar habitat.
no
dark
Winters in moist woodlands
no black patch with good understory,
bib especially lowland rain forest,
from eastern Mexico to
Panama and the West Indies.
Length 51⁄4in (13.5cm) Wingspan 7in (17.5cm) Weight 5⁄16oz – 7⁄16oz (9–12g)
388
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Wilsonia pusilla
MALE yellow
eyebrow
and chin
FEMALE large
black black
IN FLIGHT olive cap eye
upperparts
long,
narrow
tail
yellow
brightest
on face
FLIGHT: fast, slightly undulating, and direct MALE
with rapid wing beats.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in wet shrubby thickets
YELLOW HOODED with no canopy, often along
WARBLER 1 yellow edges to WARBLER 1 streams and lakes; Pacific slope
see p.362 wing feathers see p.388
birds use more varied habitats,
larger including moist forests.
bill Widespread in forests south
yellow larger of tundra, from Newfoundland,
shorter overall body the Great Lakes, and northern
tail
New England; British Columbia
to California and New Mexico.
Length 43⁄4in (12cm) Wingspan 7in (17.5cm) Weight 7⁄32– 5⁄16oz (6– 9g)
389
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Wilsonia canadensis
plain gray
white
upperparts
undertail
IN FLIGHT
feathers yellow
throat
black
“necklace”
across
breast
MALE
yellow belly
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in moist deciduous,
MAGNOLIA KIRTLAND’S WARBLER 2 mixed, and coniferous
WARBLER 1 white see p.466 forests with well-developed
see p.366 eyebrow
streaked understory, especially
mantle swampy woods; migrants
and
flanks use well-vegetated
habitats; winters in dense,
streaked
flanks wet thickets and a variety
of tropical woodlands in
South America.
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 8in (20cm) Weight 9⁄32– 1⁄2oz (8 –15g)
390
WOOD-WARBLERS
Order Passeriformes Family Parulidae Species Icteria virens
MALE
thick
white blackish
FEMALE
“spectacles” bill
IN FLIGHT
olive upperparts
black
patch
long, between
rounded eye and
tail bill
bright
yellow
breast
Length 71⁄2 in (19cm) Wingspan 91⁄2 in (24cm) Weight ⁄16 –11⁄16 oz (20–30g)
11
391
Family Icteridae
NECTAR LOVER
The magnificently colored
Baltimore Oriole inserts its bill
into the base of a flower, taking
the nectar, but playing no part
in pollination.
ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS
Order Passeriformes Family Icteridae Species Icterus spurius
black back
olive upperparts,
very similar to
female
deep orange
MALE shoulders
black
face,
chin,
and
throat
yellowish
white-edged MALE two white underparts
flight feathers wing bars
FEMALE
black tail
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in the eastern US, in
SCOTT’S ORIOLE BALTIMORE ORIOLE open forest and woodland
see p.467 see p.394 edges with a mixture of
yellow evergreen and deciduous
shoulder trees, especially along river
black
breast larger bottoms and in shelter belts
overall
surrounding agricultural land.
bright Winters in Mexico, Central
yellow orange
underparts America, and South America.
underparts
393
ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS
Order Passeriformes Family Icteridae Species Icterus galbula
Baltimore Oriole
black white-edged orange- black head
and black wings yellow head
orange
tail
black back
orange-yellow MALE
shoulder patch (1ST FALL)
straight
MALE blue-
gray bill
IN FLIGHT
orange black
rump upper
breast
black tail with
orange outer tail
feathers orange
underparts
olive MALE
yellow-olive upperparts
rump
pale orange
underparts
two wing
bars
FEMALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Forest edges and tall, open
ORCHARD ORIOLE BULLOCK’S ORIOLE black mixed hardwoods, especially
see p.393 see p.467 eyeline close to rivers; regularly uses
incomplete forested parks, suburban
darker black hood
overall orange and urban areas with
chestnut- cheeks abundant tall trees. Small
colored huge numbers winter in southeastern
belly white US and Florida, but most
patch
birds move to Mexico,
Colombia, and Venezuela.
394
ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS
Order Passeriformes Family Icteridae Species Molothrus ater
rounded, black
wings
glossy greenish
dull, unmarked black back and
brownish plumage wings
MALE
faintly
streaked
underparts
IN FLIGHT
brown
throat
and upper
FEMALE breast
MALE
black feet
and toes
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Favors habitats modified by
BRONZED COWBIRD 2 SHINY COWBIRD 2 human activity, such as open
see p.468 red eye see p.468 wooded patches, low grass fields,
glossy thinner, orchards, agricultural pastures
purplish- more
pointed with livestock, and suburban
black
bill residential areas. Widespread
glossy longer,
blue-black thicker across North America in both
wings and bill Canada and the US. Eastern
tail birds spend the winter locally,
and south to central Mexico.
Length 6 – 8in (15–20cm) Wingspan 11–13in (28 –33cm) Weight 17⁄16 –13⁄4 oz (40 –50g)
395
ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS
Order Passeriformes Family Icteridae Species Agelaius phoeniceus
FEMALE
MALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widespread across Canada
TRICOLORED RUSTY BLACKBIRD and the US from Alaska to
BLACKBIRD 2 see p.397 the Maritimes, and south
pale to Mexico, Central America,
all-black eye
longer and the Bahamas. Lives in
body tail
wetlands, especially freshwater
white-
edged red marshes with cattails, and also
shoulder saltwater; wet meadows with tall
patches grass and open woodlands with
reeds. Migrates south in winter.
Length 7–10in (18 –25cm) Wingspan 11–14in (28 –35cm) Weight 19⁄16–21⁄2oz (45 –70g)
396
ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS
Order Passeriformes Family Icteridae Species Euphagus carolinus
T he Rusty Blackbird is
perhaps the least known of
all North American blackbirds.
This is mainly because it breeds
in remote, inaccessible swampy areas, and is much less of a pest to agricultural
operations than some of the other members of its family. Unlike most other
blackbirds, the plumage on the male Rusty Blackbird changes to a dull,
reddish brown during the fall—giving the species its common name. It is
also during the fall migrations that this species is most easily observed,
moving south in long flocks that often take several minutes to pass overhead.
VOICE Both sexes use chuk call during migration flights; male song
a musical too-ta-lee.
NESTING Small bowl of branches and sticks, lined with wet plants
WIDE OPEN
and dry grass, usually near water; 3–5 eggs; 1 brood; May–July. Seldom seen, the male’s
FEEDING Eats seasonally available insects, spiders, grains, seeds of courtship display includes
trees, and fleshy fruits or berries. gaping and tail-spreading.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in moist to wet forests
BREWER’S BLACKBIRD COMMON bluish sheen up to the timberline in the
see p.398 GRACKLE on head far north from Alaska to NE
purplish sheen see p.399
Canada; but barely in the
on head
bill thicker continental US (farther north
at base than any other species of
glossy North American blackbird);
bronze winters in eastern US, in several
large body
longer tail
tail kinds of swampy forests.
Length 8 –10in (20–25cm) Wingspan 12–15in (30 –38cm) Weight 19⁄16 –27⁄8 oz (45– 80g)
397
ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS
Order Passeriformes Family Icteridae Species Euphagus cyanocephalus
brown eyes
stout yellow eyes
bill gray brown
overall
black body with
greenish blue sheen
MALE
long, FEMALE
dark
tail
IN FLIGHT
MALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds and winters in open
RUSTY BLACKBIRD COMMON GRACKLE areas, readily adapting to,
see p.397 see p.399 and preferring, disturbed
bill
thinner areas and human developments
at base such as parks, gardens,
shorter clear-felled forests, and
glossy
tail bronze fallow fields edged with
long, wedge- body dense trees or shrubs.
shaped tail
Length 10 –12in (25 –30cm) Wingspan 13–16in (33– 41cm) Weight 13⁄4 –21⁄2oz (50 –70g)
398
ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS
Order Passeriformes Family Icteridae Species Quiscalus quiscula
long,
thick bill
IN FLIGHT
pale eye
long, V-shaped tail
MALE
(BRONZED FORM)
bluish to dull purplish
purplish head bronze
iridescent purplish overall
to greenish or
bluish back
FEMALE
MALE (PURPLE FORM)
Length 11–131⁄2in (28–34cm) Wingspan 15–18in (38 – 46cm) Weight 31⁄8– 4oz (90–125g)
399
ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS
Order Passeriformes Family Icteridae Species Quiscalus mexicanus
MALE Q. m. nelsoni
deep, large, darker (WESTERN; flattened
V-shaped brown FEMALE) head
tail belly
pale
IN FLIGHT very long tail, eye
sometimes Q. m. prosopidicola
(EASTERN; FEMALE) iridescent
raised
purple on
body
long,
pointed
bill
MALE
FLIGHT: swift and level with regular, relatively
quick wing beats; long tail trails behind.
400
ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS
Order Passeriformes Family Icteridae Species Quiscalus major
brown or
tawny cinnamon yellow eyes
long, eyebrow
ADULT black bill
glossy blue-
black overall
dark brown
upperparts
long,
spread
out, wedge-
shaped tail
much
smaller FEMALE
IN FLIGHT overall
black legs
and feet
FLIGHT: swift wing beats with occasional glides,
maintaining same level; no undulating pattern.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds along the Gulf and
COMMON GRACKLE paler GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE Atlantic coasts of the US,
see p.399 eye see p.400 and in Florida along interior
waterways; resident in tidal
areas of coastal marshes
and their neighboring upland
smaller longer larger components; also urban and
shorter overall tail overall
suburban, human-altered
tail
habitats. Roosts colonially
in same areas in winter.
Length 13–18in (33– 46cm) Wingspan 16–24in (41– 61cm) Weight 31⁄2 –81⁄2oz (100 –240g)
401
ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS
Order Passeriformes Family Icteridae Species Sturnella magna
black stripe
black-and-white behind eye
striped crown buffy wash
on face brown
upperparts
buffy mottling streaked
whitish
in black with buff
ADULT face
breastband and black
yellow
FALL throat
rounded
wings
IN FLIGHT
yellow
breast
short tail with with
white outer black “V”
tail feathers
yellow belly
BREEDING
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in native tallgrass
AMERICAN PIPIT WESTERN MEADOWLARK openings, pastures, and
see p.342 see p.403 overgrown roadsides.
more slightly more Widespread in eastern North
slender, paler yellow
shorter at corner America, from Québec to New
bill of bill Mexico and Arizona; also in
no yellow Mexico and Cuba, and locally in
on chest northern South America. Partial
migrant in the US, resident in
Mexico and South America.
Length 7–10in (18–25cm) Wingspan 13–15in (33–38cm) Weight 21⁄8– 4oz (60–125g)
402
ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS
Order Passeriformes Family Icteridae Species Sturnella neglecta
white
outer IN FLIGHT
tail
feathers black “V”
on yellow
chest
duller pattern
than breeding black spots
bird and streaks
on sides and
flanks
yellow
underparts
ADULT
(BREEDING)
ADULT (NONBREEDING) short,
wide tail
long toes
A lthough the range of the Western Meadowlark overlaps widely with that
of its Eastern counterpart, hybrids between the two species are very rare
and usually sterile. The large numbers of Western Meadowlarks in the western
Great Plains, the Great Basin, and the Central Valley of California, combined
with the male’s tendency to sing conspicuously from the tops of shrubs, when
fenceposts are not available, make this species attractive to birdwatchers. Where
the two meadowlarks overlap they are best identified by their song.
VOICE Series of complex, bubbling, whistled notes descending in pitch.
NESTING Domed grass cup, well hidden in tall
grasses; 3–7 eggs; 1 brood; March–August.
FEEDING Feeds mostly on insects, including
beetles, grubs, and grasshoppers; also grains
and grass seeds.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Common in western
AMERICAN PIPIT EASTERN North America, across much
see p.342 MEADOWLARK of southern Canada and the
see p.402 less
shorter yellow at western US, south to Mexico.
bill corner Breeds primarily in open
of beak grassy plains, but also uses
lacks yellow slightly darker A SHRUB WILL DO agricultural fields with
chest and overall With few fenceposts in the overgrown edges and
black necklace
Western Meadowlark’s habitat, hayfields. Partial migrant in
it perches on a shrub to sing. US, winters south to Mexico.
Length 7–10in (18–26cm) Wingspan 13 –15in (33–38cm) Weight 27⁄8– 4oz (80–125g)
403
ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS
Order Passeriformes Family Icteridae Species Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
yellow head
MALE black mask
and crown on
yellow head
conspicuous JUVENILE
white wing MALE
patches
IN FLIGHT
MALE
FEMALE
T he male Yellow-headed
Blackbird is unmistakable, with
its conspicuous bright yellow head. Females, however, are more drab. Populations
of this species fluctuate widely in numbers, but locally, depending on rainfall, which
controls the availability and quality of its breeding marshland habitat. In some
wetlands, the Yellow-headed Blackbird can be extremely abundant, and is easily
noticeable due to its amazing song, which, once heard, can never be forgotten.
VOICE Call a nasal whaah; song a series of harsh, cackling noises, followed
by a brief pause, and a high, long, wailing trill.
NESTING Cup of plant strips woven into standing
aquatic vegetation; 3–4 eggs; 1 brood; May–June.
FEEDING Eats insects while breeding; agricultural
grains and grass seeds in winter.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Widely distributed in
TRICOLORED RUSTY BLACKBIRD 26 western Canada and the
BLACKBIRD 1 see p.397 pale central and western US, this
lacks yellow eye
species breeds in marshes
throat
with cattail and bullrush
lacks vegetation, and also, locally,
yellow
throat YELLOW GARLAND in wetlands within wooded
larger Five evenly spaced yellow- areas. Winters in Mexico;
headed males watch over their resident in Baja California.
wetland habitat from a twig.
Length 81⁄2 –101⁄2 in (21–27cm) Wingspan 15in (38cm) Weight 21⁄8 –31⁄2oz (60 –100g)
404
ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS
Order Passeriformes Family Icteridae Species Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Bobolink gold-buff
blackish brown
crown
black
pointed tail ADULT underparts
feathers (FALL) white
rump
MALE
(BREEDING)
T he Bobolink is a
common summer
resident of open fallow
black tail with
fields through much of the pointed feathers
northern US and southern
Canada. In spring, the males perform
a conspicuous circling or “helicoptering” display, which includes
singing, to establish territory and to attract females. Bobolink
populations have declined on its breeding grounds and in wintering
areas because of habitat loss and changing agricultural practices.
VOICE Calls like the end of its name link; song a long, complex
babbling series of musical notes varying in length and pitch.
NESTING Woven cup of grass close to or on the ground, well
hidden in tall grass; 3 –7 eggs; 1 brood; May–July. TAKING A BREAK
FEEDING Feeds mostly on insects, spiders, grubs in breeding This male has fled the sun of the open fields to
season, but seasonally variable; also cereal grains and grass seeds. seek shelter in the shade of a tree.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in open fields with
RED-WINGED lacks buff- LARK BUNTING a mixture of tall grasses and
BLACKBIRD colored see p.411 other herbaceous vegetation,
see p.396 hindneck lacks buff- especially old hayfields. In
red shoulder colored
patches hindneck Canada from British Columbia
larger to the East Coast; in the US
overall larger from Idaho to New England.
white Migrates through the southern
wing US and the Caribbean; winters
patches
in northern South America.
Length 6– 8in (15–20cm) Wingspan 10–12in (25–30cm) Weight 11⁄16 –2oz (30 –55g)
405
Family Emberizidae
TANAGERS CARDINALS
a large, diverse includes the
T HE TANAGERS COMPRISE
family of over 200 songbird species, found
only in the Americas. Some tropical species
T HE FAMILY CARDINALIDAE
well-known Northern Cardinal, but also
the Dickcissel, several grosbeaks, and “buntings.”
are dull-colored, and feed on insects from the These buntings have the same common name
forest floor, while others are rainbow-colored as some emberizid finches, but are unrelated
fruit-eaters that congregate in the canopy to them. All cardinalids are vocal, and some
of fruit-bearing trees. North American are spectacularly colored,
tanagers belong to the genus Piranga, a Tupi- especially the electric-blue
Guarani name from South America. Males are Indigo Bunting and
brightly colored in reds or yellows, but females the multicolored
are dull greenish yellow. The Eastern species Painted Bunting.
migrate to South America. The Pyrrhuloxia, with
a parrot-like bill, is a
close relative of the
Northern Cardinal.
MALE COLORS
Male Western Tanagers are STRONG BILLS
among North America’s Male Pyrrhuloxias have impressive
most colorful birds. bills for cutting open seed hulls
This species is rare and nuts, and opening large fruits.
in the East. Pyrrhuloxias are rare in the East.
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Calcarius lapponicus
rich buffy
hood
FEMALE
IN FLIGHT (BREEDING)
rusty wing
panel
thick streaking
on flanks
ADULT
(NONBREEDING)
white
underparts
MALE
black flanks (BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in tundra right
SMITH’S LONGSPUR 1 CHESTNUT-COLLARED across the high Arctic
see p.408 LONGSPUR 17 of North America and
thin see p.409
white bars bill Eurasia. Winters in open
on wing
grasslands and barren
fields, and on beaches
dark across the northern and
more cheek
patch
central US and south-central
white
in tail
and northeastern Canada.
407
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Calcarius pictus
Smith’s Longspur
black-and-
MALE rich, buffy white “helmet”
(BREEDING) overall
fine
breast
streaks
white cheek wings
white patch extend small bill
outer past tail
tail FEMALE
feathers relatively orange
white collar
long wings shoulder
IN FLIGHT
rich pumpkin-
colored
underparts
MALE
(BREEDING)
white
undertail
feathers
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds along the tundra-taiga
LAPLAND LONGSPUR CHESTNUT-COLLARED timberline from northern Alaska
17 thicker bill LONGSPUR 17 southeastwards to northern
see p.407 see p.409
Ontario; also mountainous
broad, reddish lacks rich buff
edges to color and southeastern Alaska and
wings streaks southwestern Yukon. Migrants
are found in shortgrass prairies.
Winters in open areas with
more
white in tail
shortgrass in Kansas, Oklahoma,
Texas, and Arkansas.
Length 6 – 61⁄2in (15–16cm) Wingspan 10–111⁄2 in (25–29cm) Weight 7⁄8 –11⁄16 oz (25 –30g)
408
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Calcarius ornatus
Chestnut-collared Longspur
gray-brown buff eyebrow white
overall eyebrow
white patch
on wing chestnut neck tan
cheeks
streaked
MALE upperparts
(BREEDING)
FEMALE
pale rufous (NONBREEDING)
on nape
IN FLIGHT black
underparts
MALE
(BREEDING)
buff-white
underparts
MALE
(NONBREEDING)
white
outer tail
feathers
T he Chestnut-collared
Longspur was once much
more widespread and numerous than today. This is
because it traditionally bred in areas of the western prairies
that had been recently disturbed by huge, roaming herds of bison,
or by wild fires. After the elimination of the bison, however, FLIGHT: deeply undulating, with birds often
and the “taming” of the plains, such areas were hard to find, and calling in troughs as they flap.
so the bird declined. One of the Chestnut-collared Longspur’s
distinguishing features is the triangular black patch on its tail. The breeding
male’s black belly is also unique among the North American longspurs.
VOICE Flight call a chortling KTI-uhl-uh, often in series; also a soft rattle
and short buzz; song a sweet, rich, whistled series, in
fluttering, circular flights over the prairies.
NESTING Grassy cup on ground, in grass clump or
next to rock; 3–5 eggs; 1–2 broods; May–August.
FEEDING Eats seeds year-round; also feeds on
insects when breeding.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in shortgrass prairie
MCCOWN’S LONGSPUR 1 SMITH’S LONGSPUR 16 from Alberta east to Minnesota,
see p.472 see p.408 south to northeastern Colorado
shorter, mostly larger, thicker bill and northwestern Nebraska;
white tail less white on migration, grasslands and
in tail
cultivated fields. Winters in
NOW AND THEN grasslands and other barren
rich, buff The male bird usually sings areas in the southern Great
coloration
from the air, but occasionally Plains west to southeastern
from a prominent perch. Arizona and south to Mexico.
Length 51⁄2 –6in (14–15cm) Wingspan 10 –101⁄2in (25–27cm) Weight 3⁄8–11⁄16 oz (11–20g)
409
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Plectrophenax nivalis
gray
body white
eye-ring rusty-
orange
breast
MALE patch
(NONBREEDING) white
underparts
JUVENILE
Length 61⁄2–7in (16–18cm) Wingspan 121⁄2–14in (32–35cm) Weight 11⁄4–2oz (35– 55g)
410
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Calamospiza melanocorys
large, white
white wing wing
patches patch
blunt-
tipped
wings
IN FLIGHT black spots
on undertail MALE
feathers
(NONBREEDING)
black underparts
MALE brown-and-
(BREEDING) white streaks
FEMALE
(NONBREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in grasslands and
PURPLE FINCH 1 VESPER SPARROW sage flats on High Plains
see p.348 see p.431 from Alberta south to the Texas
no white panhandle. Winters in similar
wing pink habitats—and also in deserts,
patches bill
cultivated plains, and open
shrubsteppes—across interior
southwestern US and northern
no white longer,
squarer tail
Mexico. Migrants use similar
in notched tail
open-country habitats.
411
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Passerella iliaca
dark rufous
overall dark brown
head and
upperparts
IN FLIGHT
rusty
tail
L arger, more robust, and more colorful than its close relatives,
the Fox Sparrow is a beautiful species.When it appears in
backyards, its presence can be detected by its foraging habits;
straight and fluttery, from cover to cover.
it crouches low in leaf litter, and hops back and forth, noisily,
to disturb leaves, under which it finds seeds or insects. It varies
considerably over its huge range. Eastern birds are the distinctive
“reds.” Thick-billed birds are found in the Sierras, sooty ones in
the Pacific Northwest, and slate-colored ones in the Rockies.
VOICE Call is sharp, dry tshak or tshuk; flight call a high-pitched
tzeep!; song is complex and musical with trills and whistles.
NESTING Dense cup of grasses or moss lined with fine material; FOXY RED
usually placed low in shrub; 2–5 eggs; 1 brood; April–July. The Fox Sparrow gets its name from the rusty
FEEDING Forages for insects, seeds, and fruit. coloration of the eastern “Red” birds.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Encompasses the entire boreal
HERMIT THRUSH SONG SPARROW thinner forest zone, from Alaska in
see p.338 see p.413 bill the West to Québec, Labrador,
unstreaked different and Newfoundland in the
flanks bill shape East. In the East, it occurs
breast in boreal forests. Winters in
streaking the Pacific West, south to
longer less
tail Baja California; also from
marked
Texas to Massachusetts.
Length 6 –71⁄2 in (15 –19cm) Wingspan 101⁄2 –111⁄2in (27–29cm) Weight 7⁄8 –19⁄16 oz (25– 45g)
412
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Melospiza melodia
streaked
underparts ADULT
(WEST COAST) central
IN FLIGHT breast
spot
long, dark,
rounded tail
heavily
paler neck streaked
M. m. melodia underparts
(EASTERN)
more rusty
overall
M. m. saltonis
(SOUTHWEST)
Length 5–71⁄2in (13–19cm) Wingspan 81⁄2 –12in (21–31cm) Weight 7⁄16 –13⁄4 oz (13 – 50g)
413
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Melospiza lincolnii
small,
bold eye-
thin bill
ring
pencil-thin
rounded streaking on
tail buffy breast
ADULT
rufous-edged ADULT
wing feathers
IN FLIGHT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in muskeg and wet
SONG SPARROW SAVANNAH thickets across northern North
see p.413 SPARROW America, also south into the
see p.420 yellow
larger overall stripe western ranges of California
above and Arizona. Migrants and
eye
wintering birds use a variety
short,
more square, of scrubby habitats. Winters
coarse notched in southern US (and farther
streaking tail
south), and on Pacific Coast
north to British Columbia.
Length 51⁄4 –6in (13.5–15cm) Wingspan 71⁄2 –81⁄2in (19–22cm) Weight 1⁄2 – 7⁄8oz (15–25g)
414
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Melospiza georgiana
rusty margins to
wing feathers
ADULT
(BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in marshes, cedar
SONG SPARROW LINCOLN’S SPARROW bogs, damp meadows, and
see p.413 see p.414 wet hayfields, from the Yukon
brown east to Newfoundland and
tail
south to Nebraska and the
streaked Delmarva Peninsula; winters
breast
fine in marshes in eastern US and
brown less red
wings breast south through Mexico;
overall streaks
rare but regular along
Pacific coast.
Length 5– 6in (12.5–15cm) Wingspan 7–71⁄2in (18–19cm) Weight 1⁄2 – 7⁄8oz (15–25g)
415
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Zonotrichia querula
Harris’s Sparrow
two
wing black
crown pinkish
ADULT bars
pinkish gray or yellow
(NONBREEDING) bill cheeks bill
black cheek
indistinct ADULT patch
facial (NONBREEDING)
markings
black
gray rump chin
and undertail and
IN FLIGHT throat
feathers
tan cheek
white chin
concentration
of streaks
on chest
ADULT
JUVENILE
(BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in scrub-tundra along
HOUSE SPARROW WHITE-THROATED the Canadian taiga–tundra
see p.341 SPARROW 5 timberline from northern
see p.418
Northwest Territories to
much
smaller lacks bright no black
northern Ontario. Winters in US
pink bill necklace Great Plains from South Dakota
and Iowa south to northern
Texas. Nonbreeders found in
smaller and thickets, hedges. Casual in the
shorter-tailed
East, and rare in the West.
Length 63⁄4–71⁄2in (17–19cm) Wingspan 101⁄2–11in (27–28cm) Weight 11⁄16–17⁄16oz (30 – 40g)
416
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Zonotrichia leucophrys
White-crowned Sparrow
white crown with
gray rump two black stripes yellowish
and duller bill
uppertail overall
black line
gray cheek
ADULT
longish two
tail wing
bars
IN FLIGHT
brown crown
ADULT
two wing bars A. i. nuttalli
(CALIFORNIA-
COAST)
unmarked,
gray grayish
breast underparts
IMMATURE ADULT
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES
Widespread across the boreal
WHITE-THROATED yellow GOLDEN-CROWNED forest and the taiga-tundra
SPARROW patch SPARROW 4 plain face border, from Alaska eastward
see p.418 yellowish
gray to Québec and Labrador,
forecrown
chunkier bill and southward from British
overall gray
bill Columbia to coastal California
more and the intermontane west. In
reddish
the North, breeds in willow
thickets, wet forest; in the west,
habitats are more varied.
Length 61⁄2 –7in (16–18cm) Wingspan 91⁄2–10in (24–26cm) Weight 11⁄16–11⁄4oz (20–35g)
417
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Zonotrichia albicollis
yellow
ADULT
(TAN-STRIPED FORM)
IN FLIGHT
gray bill
gray
underparts
streaking
on breast
IMMATURE ADULT
(TAN-STRIPED) (WHITE-STRIPED FORM)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in forests from eastern
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW GOLDEN-CROWNED Yukon to Newfoundland,
slimmer overall; SPARROW 4 yellowish
forecrown
south to the Great Lakes
see p.417 region and northern
no yellow Appalachians. Nonbreeders
patch orange or
pink bill plain, prefer wooded thickets and
grayish hedges. Winters across the
breast
eastern US and extreme south
of the Southwest. Rare but
regular along the Pacific Coast.
418
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Junco hyemalis
white
outer tail pinkish flanks
feathers
FEMALE
IN FLIGHT (PINK-SIDED)
reddish
brown back
black mask white
gray pale gray belly
rump underparts
MALE
J. h hyemalis
(SLATE-COLORED;
blackish
MALE EAST)
rust hood
(GRAY-HEADED)
back
MALE
(OREGON)
reddish flanks
419
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Passerculus sandwichensis
ADULT
P. s. princeps
(IPSWICH
SPARROW)
pinkish legs
and toes
FLIGHT: square-tailed with an often
undulating or “stair-step” flight pattern.
short, notched ADULT (EASTERN)
tail, edged
T he Savannah
Sparrow shows
tremendous geographic
with white
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in meadows, grasslands,
SONG SPARROW VESPER SPARROW pastures, bushy tundra, and some
see p.413 see p.431 cultivated land across northern
larger overall rusty North America. Also along Pacific
shoulder
Coast and in Mexican interior.
Nonbreeders use varied open
habitats. Eastern birds winter
longer, across southern US to Honduras,
rounded dark tail
tail also Cuba, the Bahamas, and
the Cayman Islands.
420
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Ammodramus maritimus
dark overall
long, rather
dark olive- thick bill
toned rusty wing
ADULT upperparts coverts dark malar
and head streak can be
conspicuous
blackish
round white throat
streaking on
tail
underparts
ADULT
IN FLIGHT
overall
ADULT appearance
A. m. mirabilis dark
(CAPE SABLE,
FLORIDA)
indistinct
dusky streaks
on underparts
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in coastal salt and
SAVANNAH SALTMARSH brackish marshes from the
SPARROW SHARP-TAILED Rio Grande in southeastern
see p.420 SPARROW
much see p.423 Texas northeastward and
smaller small, southward to New Hampshire.
paler,
bill pale
square Absent from many parts
bill
tail
shorter, of Florida. Mostly resident,
spikier tail but retreats from areas
north of Massachusetts
in the winter.
Length 51⁄4– 6in (13.5–15cm) Wingspan 7– 8in (17.5 –20cm) Weight ⁄16–7⁄8oz (20–25g)
11
421
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Ammodramus nelsoni
ADULT streaked,
no bold A. n. nelsoni washed-out
streaks on (NORTHWEST) pattern
underparts on back
dark
IN FLIGHT cheek
marks
short,
pointed tail breast
streaks
faint
streaking on
underparts
Length 43⁄4 in (12cm) Wingspan 7in (17.5cm) Weight 7⁄16 –11⁄16oz (13–20g)
422
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Ammodramus caudacutus
IN FLIGHT
brownish wings
ADULT
bold
streaking on
underparts
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in salt marshes,
SEASIDE larger, NELSON’S SHARP- especially those with
SPARROW darker TAILED SPARROW salt-meadow cordgrass, from
see p.421 bill see p.422
Virginia northward to southern
longer, Maine. Nonbreeders use
less similar-looking habitats.
spiky
tail fainter streaks Winters from Florida north
on underparts to New Jersey, New York,
and southern Massachusetts.
Does not breed in Canada.
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 7–71⁄2in (17.5–19cm) Weight 5⁄8 –11⁄16oz (17–20g)
423
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Ammodramus leconteii
Le Conte’s Sparrow
rich orange
eyebrow small
white median bill
spiky
ADULT crown stripe
tail
grayish
brown
cheeks
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in marshes, wet
NELSON’S SHARP-TAILED GRASSHOPPER larger bill meadows, and bogs from
SPARROW gray SPARROW the southwestern Yukon
see p.422 nape see p.426
east to Lake Superior and
duller western Québec. Migrants
overall
and wintering birds are found
less in tall grass and marshes
streaked from southwestern Kansas
to southern Indiana, and from
central Texas to the Carolinas.
Length 41⁄2–5in (11.5 –13cm) Wingspan 61⁄2–7in (16–18cm) Weight 7⁄16– 9⁄16oz (12–16g)
424
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Ammodramus henslowii
Henslow’s Sparrow
yellowish green
(or olive) head with
round,
dark reddish black stripes
spiky
tail overall heavy
heavy blackish bill
streaking
ADULT
black streaks
rufous-edged on buffy
wing feathers breast
IN FLIGHT
ADULT
pointed tail
feathers
425
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Ammodramus savannarum
darker
white
eye-ring
short, buff
spiky overall
tail darker
overall
yellow at
bend of wing
ADULT
large fairly
pale head long
eye-ring bill
IN FLIGHT pale
eyebrow
shorter
tail
buffy
breast,
ADULT sides, and
A. s. pratensis reddish and flanks,
(EASTERN) dark spots on unstreaked
upperparts
ADULT
A. s. perpallidus
(WESTERN)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in short grassland,
LE CONTE’S SPARROW BAIRD’S SPARROW ocher pastures, and even mown
see p.424 orange see p.472 crown
eyebrow areas across much of the
brighter US and in southern Canada.
overall dark,
lateral Locally distributed in the
gray throat Southwest, also patchily
cheek stripe through central US. Winters
patch
in similar habitats from
southern US to Colombia;
also in the West Indies.
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 8in (20cm) Weight 1⁄2 –11⁄16oz (15 –20g)
426
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Spizella arborea
streaked
ADULT underparts
(BREEDING)
rust
JUVENILE patch at
shoulder
IN FLIGHT
black and rust
streaking dark central
on back breast spot
striped two wing
back bars tan, unstreaked
flanks and
underparts
ADULT
(BREEDING)
ADULT
(NONBREEDING)
long tail
FLIGHT: lightly undulating, often flies to open
T he first heavy
snowfalls of
winter often bring flocks of American Tree Sparrows
perch when flushed.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in scrubby thickets
CHIPPING SPARROW FIELD SPARROW all-pale of birch and willows in the
see p.428 see p.429 bill area between taiga and
bold white tundra across Alaska and
lacks rusty eye-ring
northern Canada. Nonbreeders
eye-line no central,
black breast choose open, grassy, brushy
spot habitats. Winters across
smaller southern Canada and the
overall
northern US. Casual to Pacific
coast and southern US.
427
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Spizella passerina
rusty cast
pale to crown black eye
underparts pinkish line
bill
ADULT
ADULT
IN FLIGHT (WINTER)
ADULT
(BREEDING)
gray
underparts
heavily streaked,
especially on
breast
JUVENILE
long tail
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in a wide variety of
CLAY-COLORED BREWER’S streaked habitats: open forest, woodlands,
SPARROW SPARROW crown grassy park-like areas, seashores,
see p.430
and backyards. Breeds in
partial
heavy “necklace” North America south of
streaks pale
under- the Arctic timberline
parts southward to Mexico, and in
Central America as far south
as Nicaragua. Winters from
southern states to Nicaragua.
428
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Spizella pusilla
ADULT
(GRAYISH FORM)
long, IN FLIGHT
notched tan
tail underparts
duller overall
dusky
chest
JUVENILE
distinctive
pink legs
ADULT
long tail (REDDISH FORM)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in overgrown fields,
WHITE-CROWNED AMERICAN TREE woodland edges, roadsides,
SPARROW 4 SPARROW lacks
bold, and other shrubby, overgrown
see p.417 pale see p.427 white areas; occasionally in orchards
larger crown eye-ring
body stripe and parks in the eastern US,
west to North Dakota, east to
central,
black New England. Winters in similar
breast habitats in the southern US.
spot Casual in Atlantic Canada
and on the Pacific Coast.
Length 51⁄2in (14cm) Wingspan 8in (20cm) Weight 3⁄8 – 1⁄2oz (11–15g)
429
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Spizella pallida
brown ADULT
rump
IN FLIGHT
pale buffy
wash
across
breast
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in open habitats:
CHIPPING SPARROW 7 BREWER’S SPARROW prairies, shrubland, forest edges,
see p.428 and Christmas tree farms along
lacks
streaked bold, the US/Canadian border and
grayish dark stripe nape crown
rump through northward to the southern
stripe
eye Northwest Territory. Winters in
grayer a large variety of brushy and
breast weedy areas from south Texas
to Mexico. Migration takes it to
the Great Plains.
Length 51⁄2in (14cm) Wingspan 71⁄2in (19cm) Weight 3⁄8 –1⁄2oz (10 –15g)
430
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Pooecetes gramineus
pale brown
ADULT upperparts
streaked
breast
IN FLIGHT
conspicuous
white edges uniformly
streaked
upperparts
ADULT
boldly white-
edged long,
dark, square tail
431
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Chondestes grammacus
Lark Sparrow
rounded
tail with
white unique bold
corners thick gray facial pattern
bill
ADULT central
pale patch at breast spot
base of outer
wing feathers
JUVENILE
IN FLIGHT
brown
upperparts central
breast spot
pale plain
rump
432
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Aimophila aestivalis
grayish
rufous brown cheek
ADULT
eyestripe
(EASTERN) bold, rufous-and- long
brown, lightly black streaks grayish
streaked on back bill
upperparts
long,
dark, yellowish
round tan breast
tail
IN FLIGHT tan-buffy
breast
ADULT
A. a. illinoensis
(INDIANA, MISSOURI, pale gray belly
LOUISIANA, TEXAS)
ADULT
A. a. aestivalis
long tail (SOUTH CAROLINA,
GEORGIA, FLORIDA)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in open, grassy
SWAMP SPARROW BOTTERI’S SPARROW old-growth and pine woods with
see p.415 much grayer in Texas; dense undergrowth of palmettos,
gray nape see p.469 and orchards from eastern
dark long, Texas and southwestern Missouri
throat dark
stripe tail to southeastern Kentucky, and
south around the Appalachians
grayish
to southeastern Virginia.
underparts Northernmost populations winter
in the Southeast and Florida.
433
LONGSPURS AND AMERICAN SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Pipilo erythrophthalmus
ADULT
IN FLIGHT
MALE
white belly
rusty-red
flanks
white wing
patches
brown hood
and upperparts
long tail
small white
rusty
markings
flanks
on wings
FEMALE
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Found in dense thickets,
SPOTTED TOWHEE 2 SPOTTED TOWHEE 1 woodlands, shrubbery, forest
see p.472 see p.472 edges, and disturbed forests from
two white southeastern Saskatchewan,
wing bars eastern Nebraska, western
Louisiana, east to southern
white Québec, southern Maine,
two white spots on
wing bars shoulder and southern Florida. Retreats
from areas north of Chicago
to winter in eastern Texas.
Length 71⁄2–8in (19–20cm) Wingspan 101⁄2in (27cm) Weight 11⁄16 –13⁄4oz (30–50g)
434
TANAGERS
Order Passeriformes Family Thraupidae Species Piranga rubra
MALE
(BREEDING) red
head
and
breast
IN FLIGHT
FEMALE brownish
P. r. rubra legs and toes
(EASTERN)
MALE FEMALE
(BREEDING) P. r. cooperi (SOUTHWESTERN)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES P. r. rubra breeds in deciduous
HEPATIC TANAGER 1 SCARLET TANAGER 1 and mixed woodlands from New
see p.436 Jersey and Nebraska south to
yellowish greenish Texas; P. r. cooperi in cottonwood-
upperparts overall smaller, willow habitats near streams
grayish
bill and rivers from California and
reddish brown Utah to Texas and Mexico. Both
wings darker, winter from southern Texas and
wings
and tail Mexico to Bolivia and Brazil,
and the West Indies.
Length 8in (20cm) Wingspan 12in (31cm) Weight 7⁄8 –17⁄16oz (25 – 40g)
435
TANAGERS
Order Passeriformes Family Thraupidae Species Piranga olivacea
FEMALE
black wings
MALE
MALE (NONBREEDING)
(BREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in mature deciduous
VERMILION SUMMER TANAGER 1 larger and mixed forests (especially
FLYCATCHER 2 see p.435 bill with large oaks) from southern
see p.457 olive-yellow Manitoba and eastern
brown upperparts
wings Oklahoma east to the Maritime
and tail thinner Provinces and the Carolinas.
bill
Trans-Gulf migrant. Winters
yellowish
underparts in a variety of habitats along
the eastern slope of the Andes
from eastern Panama to Bolivia.
Length 7in (18cm) Wingspan 111⁄2in (29cm) Weight ⁄16 –11⁄4oz (20 –35g)
11
436
CARDINALS
Order Passeriformes Family Cardinalidae Species Spiza americana
Dickcissel yellow
eyebrow
large
pointed
bill
yellow-tinged
eyebrow
FEMALE
IN FLIGHT
finely
streaked
underparts paler gray
on face
no rufous
shoulder
MALE
(BREEDING)
MALE
(NONBREEDING)
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in tallgrass prairie,
HOUSE shorter EASTERN longer bill grasslands, hayfields, unmown
SPARROW 1 bill MEADOWLARK roadsides, and untilled
see p.341 see p.402
cropfields across the eastern
shorter and central US. Barely reaches
tail southernmost Canada and
bright northeastern Mexico. Winters in
no streaking yellow
on underparts under-
huge flocks in Venezuela, in
parts open areas with tall grass-like
vegetation, including rice fields.
Length 61⁄2 in (16cm) Wingspan 91⁄2 in (24cm) Weight 7⁄8 –11⁄4oz (25–35g)
437
CARDINALS
Order Passeriformes Family Cardinalidae Species Pheucticus ludovicianus
bold, white
MALE
white wing patches
(BREEDING)
rump rosy or
orange
breast
IMMATURE
IN FLIGHT MALE
short (1ST FALL)
tail rose-red
with white marks large,
on head pinkish bill breast
white white
corners wing bars
thick streaks
on underparts FEMALE white belly
brown patches
on back
streaked MALE
underparts (BREEDING)
MALE
(NONBREEDING)
438
CARDINALS
Order Passeriformes Family Cardinalidae Species Cardinalis cardinalis
brownish toes
and legs
FEMALE
T he Northern Cardinal,
or “redbird,” is
a familiar sight across the
long,
red tail
FLIGHT: weak, flapping with downward-angled
eastern US. Its range was tail; interrupted by short glides; low within cover.
expanding in the early- to mid-20th century, when state birds
were being chosen, and was considered a novelty at the time;
as a result, it is the state bird of seven different states.The male
aggressively repels intruders and will occasionally attack his own
reflection in windows and various shiny surfaces.
VOICE Sharp, metallic tik call, also bubbly chatters; song
a loud, variable, sweet, slurred whistle, tsee-ew-tsee-ew-
whoit-whoit-whoit-whoit-whoit.
NESTING Loose, flimsy cup of grass, bark, and leaves, in
deciduous thicket; 2–4 eggs; 1–3 broods; April–September. CONSPICUOUS COLOR
FEEDING Eats seeds and insects, such as beetles and This Northern Cardinal’s vivid plumage means
caterpillars; also buds and fruit. that it is easy to spot on snowy winter days.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Resident in thickets of various
SUMMER TANAGER 2 PYRRHULOXIA 1 pointed kinds of relatively moist
see p.435 see p.470 crest habitats, such as deciduous
rosy red red on outer woodlands, scrublands, desert
plumage wing feathers
washes, and backyards.
no black stubby,
yellow
Ranges across the eastern US,
patch
bill southernmost Canada, the
extreme Southwest, and
south into Mexico, northern
Guatemala, and northern Belize.
Length 81⁄2in (22cm) Wingspan 12in (30cm) Weight 17⁄16 – 13⁄4oz (40–50g)
439
CARDINALS
Order Passeriformes Family Cardinalidae Species Passerina caerulea
huge
tawny bill
wing bars
pale tan
overall MALE
FEMALE
Length 63⁄4in (17cm) Wingspan 11in (28cm) Weight 7⁄8 –11⁄16oz (25 –30g)
440
CARDINALS
Order Passeriformes Family Cardinalidae Species Passerina cyanea
IN FLIGHT
small bill
dull
brown
overall whitish throat
MALE
blurry streaks (BREEDING)
on breast
bluish cast to
wings and tail
FEMALE
Length 51⁄2 in (14cm) Wingspan 8in (20cm) Weight 7⁄16 –11⁄16oz (12–19g)
441
CARDINALS
Order Passeriformes Family Cardinalidae Species Passerina ciris
patches on
blue head yellowish
head underparts
irregular violet-blue
FEMALE
reddish hood
patches on
MALE wings and
(BREEDING)
underparts
glowing
lime-green
back
IN FLIGHT red-and-green
wings
MALE
(1ST SPRING)
red red
rump underparts
duller, the female is distinctive as one of the few truly green songbirds of the
region.Young males take on a variety of appearances and can resemble an adult
male, a female, or something in between.There are two populations, differing in
molt pattern.The more western birds molt after leaving the breeding grounds,
whereas the more eastern molt before they depart south for the winter.
VOICE Call a soft, ringing, upward slurred pwip!; flight call slurred, softer, and
flatter than Indigo Bunting; song a sweet, rambling,
relatively clear warble.
NESTING Deep cup in dense tangle or shrub, just
above ground; 3–4 eggs; 1–3 broods; May–August.
FEEDING Eats seeds, fruit, and insects.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds in thickets and disturbed
INDIGO BUNTING 1 VARIED stubbier areas, across the south central US
see p.441 BUNTING 1 bill and northern Mexico, and along
see p.470
lacks green the East Coast from Florida to
upperparts streaked breast tan North Carolina. Nonbreeders
tan overall overall use similar habitats. Western
bluish
wash lacks green “NONPAREIL” birds (New Mexico, Texas) winter
to tail upperparts In Louisiana, the French word for from tropical Mexico to western
“unparalleled” is fittingly used to Panama; eastern birds winter in
describe this gorgeous species. southern Florida and Cuba.
Length 51⁄2in (14cm) Wingspan 81⁄2in (22cm) Weight 7⁄16 – 11⁄16 oz (12–21g)
442
RARE SPECIES
RARE SPECIES
Family Cracidae Species Ortalis vetula Family Odontophoridae Species Callipepla squamata
short tail
MALE
Length 20–23in (51–58cm) Wingspan 24–27in (61– 68cm) Length 10–12in (25–30cm) Wingspan 13–15in (33–38cm)
Family Anatidae Species Dendrocygna autumnalis Family Anatidae Species Cygnus buccinator
all-white
ADULT plumage
black
belly
ADULT
long pink
legs
Length 181⁄2 –20in (47–51cm) Wingspan 34–36in (86–91cm) Length 41⁄4–5ft (1.3–1.5m) Wingspan 61⁄2ft (2m)
444
RARE SPECIES
Family Anatidae Species Nomonyx dominicus Family Procellariidae Species Pterodroma hasitata
ADULT
Length 13–15in (33–38cm) Wingspan 17in (43cm) Length 13in (33cm) Wingspan 35in (88cm)
Family Procellariidae Species Puffinus lherminieri Family Hydrobatidae Species Oceanodroma castro
feet do not
extend beyond
tail in flight
ADULT
ADULT
Length 12in (31cm) Wingspan 27in (69cm) Length 71⁄2 – 81⁄2in (19 –21cm) Wingspan 17–181⁄2 in (43–47cm)
445
RARE SPECIES
Family Podicipedidae Species Tachybaptus dominicus Family Podicepedidae Species Aechmophorus occidentalis
Length 9–101⁄2in (23–27cm) Wingspan 19 –21in (48–53cm) Length 211⁄2 –30in (55–75cm) Wingspan 30–39in (76–100cm)
Family Podicipedidae Species Aechmophorus clarkii Family Sulidae Species Sula leucogaster
Length 211⁄2 –30in (55–75cm) Wingspan 32in (82cm) Length 30in (76cm) Wingspan 41⁄2ft (1.4m)
446
RARE SPECIES
Family Phalacrocoracidae Species Phalacrocorax brasilianus Family Falconidae Species Caracara cheriway
ADULT
Length 24in (61cm) Wingspan 31⁄4ft (1m) Length 19–23in (48–58cm) Wingspan 4ft (1.2m)
Family Accipitridae Species Rostrhamus sociabilis Family Accipitridae Species Chondrohierax uncinatus
barred
underparts
MALE
Length 14 –16in (36 – 41cm) Wingspan 31⁄2ft (1.1m) Length 18in (46cm) Wingspan 36in (92cm)
447
RARE SPECIES
Family Accipitridae Species Parabuteo unicinctus Family Accipitridae Species Asturina nitida
Length 18–23in (46–59cm) Wingspan 31⁄2 – 4ft (1.1–1.2m) Length 16–17in (41–43cm) Wingspan 35in (89cm)
Family Accipitridae Species Buteo brachyurus Family Accipitridae Species Buteo albicaudatus
dark brown
head and
white chin dark gray
facial pattern
broad black
tail band
wing broad
ADULT ADULT at base and
(LIGHT FORM) pointed at tip
Length 151⁄2 –171⁄2 in (39–44cm) Wingspan 33–39in (83–100cm) Length 18–23in (46–58cm) Wingspan 41⁄4 ft (1.3m)
448
RARE SPECIES
Family Accipitridae Species Buteo albonotatus Family Accipitridae Species Buteo regalis
Length 171⁄2–22in (45–56cm) Wingspan 4–41⁄2 ft (1. 2–1.4m) Length 22–27in (56– 69cm) Wingspan 41⁄4–41⁄2ft (1.3–1.4m)
Family Gruidae Species Grus americana Family Charadriidae Species Charadrius montanus
ADULT
Length 4– 41⁄2 ft (1.2–1.4m) Wingspan 71⁄4ft (2.2m) Length 81⁄2 –91⁄2 in (2 1–24cm) Wingspan 211⁄2–231⁄2in (54–60cm)
449
RARE SPECIES
Family Scolopacidae Species Numenius americanus Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris ferruginea
barred wing
feathers
JUVENILE
black
legs
Length 20–26in (51– 65cm) Wingspan 30–39in (75–100cm) Length 71⁄4–71⁄2in (18–19cm) Wingspan 163⁄4–181⁄2in (42–46cm)
Family Laridae Species Larus thayeri Family Laridae Species Rhodostethia rosea
rosy
red legs underparts
Length 221⁄2 –25in (57– 64cm) Wingspan 41⁄4 –5ft (1.3 –1.5m) Length 111⁄2 –12in (29–31cm) Wingspan 35–39in (90–100cm)
450
RARE SPECIES
Family Laridae Species Sterna anaethetus Family Laridae Species Sterna fuscatus
ADULT
(BREEDING)
Length 12–121⁄2in (30–32cm) Wingspan 30–32in (77– 81cm) Length 14 –171⁄2 in (36– 45cm) Wingspan 32–37in (82–94cm)
Family Laridae Species Anous stolidus Family Laridae Species Anous minutus
ADULT black
upperparts
Length 151⁄2 –171⁄2in (40– 45cm) Wingspan 30–33in (77–85cm) Length 14 –151⁄2in (35 – 40cm) Wingspan 26 –28in (65–72cm)
451
RARE SPECIES
Family Stercorariidae Species Stercorarius skua Family Stercorariidae Species Stercorarius maccormicki
generally
unstreaked
parts
ADULT
Length 191⁄2–23in (50–58cm) Wingspan 4– 41⁄2ft (1.2–1.4m) Length 21in (53cm) Wingspan 41⁄4ft (1.3m)
Family Columbidae Species Columba flavirostris Family Columbidae Species Columba leucocephala
ADULT
ADULT
Length 141⁄2in (37cm) Wingspan 24in (62cm) Length 13–14in (33–35cm) Wingspan 23in (59cm)
452
RARE SPECIES
Family Columbidae Species Leptotila verreauxi Family Psittacidae Species Aratinga holochlora
short
tail
Length 10–12in (25–30cm) Wingspan 18in (46cm) Length 13in (33cm) Wingspan 21in (53cm)
Family Psittacidae Species Amazona viridigenalis Family Cuculidae Species Cocczyus minor
large, white
spots on
ADULT ADULT underside
of tail
Length 12in (30cm) Wingspan 25in (63cm) Length 11–121⁄2in (28–32cm) Wingspan 16in (41cm)
453
RARE SPECIES
Family Cuculidae Species Crotophaga ani Family Cuculidae Species Crotophaga sulcirostris
long
tail
ADULT
Length 141⁄2 in (37cm) Wingspan 181⁄2 in (46cm) Length 131⁄2in (34cm) Wingspan 17in (43cm)
Family Strigidae Species Micrathene whitneyi Family Caprimulgidae Species Chordeiles acutipennis
MALE
Length 4 3⁄4 –51⁄2in (12–14cm) Wingspan 15in (38cm) Length 8 –9in (20–23cm) Wingspan 21–23in (53–58cm)
454
RARE SPECIES
Family Caprimulgidae Species Nyctidromus albicollis Family Caprimulgidae Species Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
ADULT
Length 10 –11in (25–28cm) Wingspan 21–23in (53–58cm) Length 71⁄2–81⁄2in (19 –21cm) Wingspan 151⁄2 –19in (40–48cm)
Family Trochilidae Species Amazilia yucatanensis Family Trochilidae Species Archilochus alexandri
blackish
gorget
Length 4in (10cm) Wingspan 51⁄2 in (14cm) Length 31⁄2 in (9cm) Wingspan 43⁄4 in (12cm)
455
RARE SPECIES
Family Alcedinidae Species Chloroceryle americana Family Alcedinidae Species Megaceryle torquata
MALE
Length 81⁄2in (22cm) Wingspan 11in (28cm) Length 16in (41cm) Wingspan 25in (63cm)
Family Picidae Species Melanerpes aurifrons Family Picidae Species Picoides scalaris
MALE MALE
Length 10 –12in (25 –30cm) Wingspan 17in (43cm) Length 71⁄4in (18.5cm) Wingspan 11–12in (28–30cm)
456
RARE SPECIES
Family Tyrannidae Species Camptostoma imberbe Family Tyrannidae Species Sayornis nigricans
grayish
back
ADULT
ADULT
black legs
and feet
Length 41⁄2–51⁄2in (11.5–14cm) Wingspan 7in (18cm) Length 6in (15.5cm) Wingspan 11in (28cm)
Family Tyrannidae Species Sayornis saya Family Tyrannidae Species Pyrocephalus rubinus
MALE
ADULT
rufous undertail
and lower belly
Length 7in (17.5cm) Wingspan 13in (33cm) Length 5– 6in (13–15cm) Wingspan 10in (25cm)
457
RARE SPECIES
Family Tyrannidae Species Pitangus sulphuratus Family Tyrannidae Species Tyrannus melancholicus
JUVENILE
Length 81⁄2 –10in (21–26 cm) Wingspan 15in (38cm) Length 7–9in (18– 23cm) Wingspan 141⁄2 in (37cm)
Family Tyrannidae Species Tyrannus couchii Family Tyrannidae Species Tyrannus dominicensis
Length 8–9in (20–23cm) Wingspan 151⁄2in (39cm) Length 9in (23cm) Wingspan 14in (36cm)
458
RARE SPECIES
Family Tyrannidae Species Myiarchus tyrannulus Family Tyrannidae Species Myiarchus cinerascens
Length 81⁄2 in (22cm) Wingspan 13in (33cm) Length 7– 8in (18–20cm) Wingspan 12–13in (30 –33cm)
Family Vireonidae Species Vireo atricapilla Family Vireonidae Species Vireo vicinior
ADULT
Length 41⁄2in (11.5cm) Wingspan 71⁄2in (19cm) Length 51⁄2in (14cm) Wingspan 8in (20cm)
459
RARE SPECIES
Family Vireonidae Species Vireo huttoni Family Vireonidae Species Vireo altiloquus
pale
eye-ring
ADULT
Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 8in (20cm) Length 61⁄2in (16cm) Wingspan 10in (26cm)
Family Corvidae Species Cyanocorax yncas Family Corvidae Species Cyanocorax morio
yellow
bill
dark brown
long, above
bluish
gray tail
ADULT
1ST YEAR
Length 10–111⁄2in (25–29cm) Wingspan 131⁄2in (34cm) Length 161⁄2in (42cm) Wingspan 26in (66cm)
460
RARE SPECIES
Family Corvidae Species Aphelocoma californica Family Corvidae Species Aphelocoma coerulescens
A. C. CALIFORNICA
(PACIFIC) black
mask
rich blue wings long,
and tail blue tail
ADULT
Length 10 –12in (26–31cm) Wingspan 151⁄2 in (40cm) Length 10 –111⁄2in (25–29cm) Wingspan 131⁄2 in (34cm)
Family Corvidae Species Corvus imparatus Family Corvidae Species Corvus cryptoleucus
ADULT
long tail
ADULT
Length 141⁄2in (37cm) Wingspan 3ft 3in (1m) Length 171⁄2 –20in (44–51cm) Wingspan 31⁄2ft (1.1m)
461
RARE SPECIES
Family Paridae Species Parus bicolor atricristatus Family Remizidae Species Auriparus flaviceps
ADULT
Length 61⁄2 in (16.5cm) Wingspan 10in (25cm) Length 41⁄2 in (11.5cm) Wingspan 61⁄2 in (16cm)
Family Aegithalidae Species Psaltriparus minimus Family Troglodytidae Species Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
Length 41⁄2 in (11.5cm) Wingspan 6in (15.5cm) Length 81⁄2 in (22cm) Wingspan 11in (28cm)
462
RARE SPECIES
Family Troglodytidae Species Salpinctes obsoletus Family Troglodytidae Species Catherpes mexicanus
white
pale throat
yellowish
or buffy
ADULT
Length 6in (15cm) Wingspan 9in (23cm) Length 53⁄4 in (14.5cm) Wingspan 71⁄2 in (19cm)
Family Polioptilidae Species Polioptila melanura Family Mimidae Species Oreoscoptes montanus
long
tail
dusky, brownish
gray upperparts ADULT
MALE
Length 41⁄2 in (11.5cm) Wingspan 51⁄2in (14cm) Length 8–9in (20–23cm) Wingspan 10–13in (25–33cm)
463
RARE SPECIES
Family Mimidae Species Toxostoma longirostre Family Mimidae Species Toxostoma curvirostre
ADULT
heavily streaked
underparts
Length 10 –11in (25–28cm) Wingspan 12–13in (30–33cm) Length 10 –13in (25–33cm) Wingspan 12–15in (30–38cm)
Family Pycnonotidae Species Pycnonotus jocosus Family Muscicapidae Species Oenanthe oenanthe
white FEMALE
underparts (BREEDING)
Length 6– 8in (15–20cm) Wingspan 10 –12in (25 –30cm) Length 51⁄2 – 6in (14–15cm) Wingspan 10 3⁄4 in (27cm)
464
RARE SPECIES
Family Turdidae Species Turdus grayi Family Passeridae Species Passer montanus
ADULT light
streaks
on throat
sandy gray
underparts
Length 9 –101⁄2in (23 –27cm) Wingspan 15in (38cm) Length 6in (15cm) Wingspan 9in (23cm)
Family Fringillidae Species Carduelis psaltria Family Fringillidae Species Carduelis hornemanni
whitish
belly
Length 31⁄2 – 41⁄4in (9 –11cm) Wingspan 6–63⁄4in (15 –17cm) Length 5– 51⁄2in (12.5–14cm) Wingspan 81⁄2–91⁄4in (21–23.5cm)
465
RARE SPECIES
Family Parulidae Species Parula pitiayumi Family Parulidae Species Dendroica chrysoparia
MALE
yellow
underparts
Length 41⁄2 in (11cm) Wingspan 61⁄4in (16cm) Length 5in (13cm) Wingspan 8in (20cm)
Family Parulidae Species Dendroica kirtlandii Family Icteridae Species Icterus cucullatus
bright
MALE orange
(BREEDING)
Length 6in (15cm) Wingspan 9in (23cm) Length 7–8in (18–20cm) Wingspan 9–11in (23–28cm)
466
RARE SPECIES
Family Icteridae Species Icterus parisorum Family Icteridae Species Icterus graduacauda
lemon-yellow
underparts
Length 8–9in (20–23cm) Wingspan 11–13in (28–33cm) Length 9 –10in (23 –26cm) Wingspan 11–13in (28–33cm)
Family Icteridae Species Icterus bullockii Family Icteridae Species Icterus gularis
ADULT
Length 61⁄2 –71⁄2in (16–19cm) Wingspan 10–12in (25–30cm) Length 8–10in (20– 25cm) Wingspan 13–15in (33–38cm)
467
RARE SPECIES
Family Icteridae Species Molothrus aeneus Family Icteridae Species Molothrus bonariensis
MALE
MALE (BREEDING)
long tail
Length 8 in (20cm) Wingspan 13–14in (33–36cm) Length 7in (18cm) Wingspan 10–12in (25–30cm)
Family Emberizidae Species Amphispiza bilineata Family Emberizidae Species Aimophila cassinii
ADULT
Length 51⁄2in (14cm) Wingspan 73⁄4in (19.5cm) Length 6in (15cm) Wingspan 9in (23cm)
468
RARE SPECIES
Family Emberizidae Species Aimophila botterii Family Emberizidae Species Aimophila ruficeps
ADULT
Length 18–20in (46–51cm) Wingspan 27–38in (68 –96cm) Length 6in (15cm) Wingspan 71⁄2in (19cm)
Family Emberizidae Species Pipilo chlorurus Family Emberizidae Species Pipilo fuscus
ADULT
rusty
bright, yellow- undertail
green tail and feathers
wing edgings
Length 71⁄4in (18.5cm) Wingspan 91⁄2in (24cm) Length 81⁄2 in (21cm) Wingspan 111⁄2 in (29cm)
469
RARE SPECIES
Family Emberizidae Species Sporophila torqueola Family Emberizidae Species Arremonops rufivirgatus
tan or buffy
underparts
FEMALE
(BREEDING)
Length 41⁄2in (11cm) Wingspan 61⁄4 in (16cm) Length 61⁄2 in (16cm) Wingspan 8in (20cm)
Family Cardinalidae Species Cardinalis sinuatus Family Cardinalidae Species Passerina versicolor
Length 81⁄2 in (22cm) Wingspan 12in (30cm) Length 51⁄2 in (14cm) Wingspan 71⁄2 – 8in (19–20cm)
470
VAGRANTS & ACCIDENTALS
Loons
Pacific Loon Gavia pacifica Gaviidae Casual from Arctic to East Coast
Yellow-billed Loon Gavia adamsii Gaviidae Casual from Arctic to East Coast and Interior US
Petrels
Fea’s Petrel Pterodroma feae Procellariidae Rare from eastern Atlantic to East coast; accidental
to Nova Scotia
Flamingos
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber Phoenoicpteridae Rare or casual from West Indies to Florida
and Texas
471
VAGRANTS & ACCIDENTALS
Owls
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium brasilianum Strigidae Uncommon breeder from Mexico in
southern Texas
Hummingbirds
Calliope Hummingbird Stellula calliope Trochilidae Rare to casual visitor from the West to the East,
north to New England
Wood-warblers
Black-throated Gray Warbler Dendroica nigrescens Parulidae Casual visitor from the West to eastern US
Townsend’s Warbler Dendroica townsendi Parulidae Casual visitor from the Northwest to eastern US
Hermit Warbler Dendroica occidentalis Parulidae Casual visitor from the West to eastern US
MacGillivray’s Warbler Oporornis tolmiei Parulidae Casual visitor from the West to eastern US
Flycatchers
Western Wood-pewee Contopus sordidulus Tyrannidae Rare to casual visitor from the West to the East
Tanagers
Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana Thraupidae Rare to casual visitor from the West to the East
American Sparrows
McCown’s Longspur Calcarius mccownii Emberizidae Accidental from central Canada and US
to East Coast
Baird’s Sparrow Ammodramus bairdii Emberizidae Accidental from central Canada and US
to the East
Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus Emberizidae Rare to casual visitor from the West to the East
Vireos
Yellow-green Vireo Vireo flavoviridis Vireonidae Casual from Mexico to Gulf coast and central Texas
Woodpeckers
Lewis’s Woodpecker Melanerpes lewis Picidae Casual visitor from the West to the East
Nighthawks
Antillean Nighthawk Chordeilis gundlachii Caprimulgidae Rare visitor from Bahamas and West Indies to
Florida Keys (breeds) and accidental along
mainland coast from Florida to North Carolina
472
GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY
Many terms defined here are illustrated in the usually laid by one female and incubated season is over. The eclipse plumage helps
general introduction (pp.10–21). together. camouflage them during their molt, when they
cock A term sometimes used to describe the are flightless.
adult A fully developed, sexually mature bird. It adult male in gamebirds and songbirds. elevational migrant see vertical migrant
is in its final plumage, which no longer changes See also hen. endemic A species (or subspecies) native to a
pattern with age and remains the same after collar The area around a bird’s neck, which in particular geographic area—such as an island, a
yearly molt, although it may change with season. some species is a prominent feature of its forest patch, a mountain, or state, or country—
See also immature, juvenile. plumage pattern and can be used for and found nowhere else.
aerie The nest of birds of prey, like eagles or identification. escape An individual bird that has escaped
peregrine falcons, usually on a cliff, and often color form One of two or more clearly defined from a zoo or other collection to live in the
used by the same pair of adult birds in plumage variations found in the same species. wild. See also exotic
successive years. Also known as a color morph or phase, a color eye-ring A ring of color, usually narrow and
alarm call A call made by a bird to signal form may be restricted to part of a species’s range well defined, around the eye of a bird.
danger. Alarm calls are often short and urgent in or occur side by side with other color forms over eyestripe A stripe of color running as a line
tone, and a few species use different calls to the entire range. Adults of different color forms through the eye of a bird.
signify the precise nature of the threat. are able to interbreed, and these mixed pairings eyrie see aerie
See also call. can produce young of either form. exotic A bird found in a region from which it
allopreening Mutual preening between two comb A fleshy growth of bare skin usually is not native. Some of these are escapees, or
birds, the main purpose of which is to reduce above the eyes. were originally, but now live as wild birds.
the instinctive aggression when birds come into contact call A call made by a bird to give its feather tract A well-defined area on a bird’s
close contact. In the breeding season, location as a means of staying in touch with skin where feathers grow, leaving patches of
allopreening helps to strengthen the pair bond others of the same species. Contact calls are bare skin inbetween.
between the male and female. used by birds in flocks and by breeding pairs. fledge In young birds, to leave the nest or
See also preening. Contact calls are crucial for nocturnal migrants. acquire the first complete set of flight feathers.
altitudinal migrant see vertical migrant See also call. Known as fledglings, these birds may still remain
alula A small group of two to six feathers contour feather A general term for any feather dependent on their parents for some time. See
projecting from a bird’s “thumb,” at the bend of that covers the outer surface of a bird, including also flight feather.
its wing that reduces turbulence when raised. its wings and tail. Contour feathers are also fledging period The average time taken by the
Audubon, John James (1785–1851) American known as body feathers, and help streamline young of a species to fledge, timed from the
naturalist and wildlife illustrator, whose best the bird. moment they hatch. Fledging periods in birds
known work was his remarkable collection of cooperative breeding A breeding system in range from 11 days in some small songbirds to
prints, Birds of North America. which a pair of parent birds are helped in raising as long as 280 days in the Wandering Albatross.
axillary A term describing feathers at the base their young by several other birds, which are fledgling see fledge
of the underwing. Axillary feathers often form often related to them and may be young birds flight feather A collective term for a bird’s
small patches, with coloration differing from the from previous broods. wing and tail feathers, used in flight. More
rest of the underwing. courtship display Ritualized, showy behavior specifically, it refers to the largest feathers on
barred With marks crossing the body, wing, or used in courtship by the male, and sometimes the outer part of the wing, the primaries and
tail; the opposite of streaked. See also streaks. by the female, involving plumage, sound (vocal secondaries.
bastard wing see alula and non-vocal), and movements. forewing The front section of a bird’s wing,
beak see bill covert A small feather covering the base of a including the primary coverts and secondary
bill A bird’s jaws. A bill is made of bone, with bird’s flight feather. Together, coverts form a coverts. See also hindwing.
a hornlike outer covering of keratin. well-defined feather tract on the wing or at the gamebird Generally, any bird that is legally
bird of prey Any of the predatory birds in the base of the tail. See also feather tract. hunted, including some doves and waterfowl.
orders Falconiformes (eagles, hawks, falcons, creche A group of young birds of about the This name is generally used for members of the
kites, buzzards, ospreys, and vultures) and same age, produced by different parents but order Galliformes.
Strigiformes (owls). They are characterized by tightly packed together. One or more adults gular sac Also known as a gular pouch, it is a
their acute eyesight, powerful legs, strongly guards the entire creche. large, fleshy, extendable sac just below the bill of
hooked bill, and sharp talons. These birds, crepuscular Relating to the period just before some birds, especially fish-eaters such as
particularly the Falconiformes, are also known dawn, when many birds are active, especially pelicans. It forms part of the throat.
as raptors. See also talon, raptor. during courtship. When used in connection habitat The geographical and ecological area
body feather see contour feather with birds, the term is often used to refer to where a particular organism usually lives.
booming A sound produced by bitterns and both dawn and twilight. hen A term sometimes used to describe the
some species of grouse. The booming of male crest A group of elongated feathers on top of a adult female in gamebirds, especially grouse and
bitterns is a deep, resonant, hollow sound that bird’s head, which may be raised during songbirds. See also cock.
can carry for several miles. The booming of courtship or to indicate alarm. hindwing The rear section of a bird’s spread
male grouse is produced by wind from air crown The area on top of a bird’s head. It is wing, including the secondary feathers,
pouches in the sides of the bird’s neck. often a prominent plumage feature, with a especially when it has a distinctive color or
brackish Containing a mixture of salt-water different color from the feathers on the rest of pattern. See also forewing.
and freshwater. the head. hybrid The offspring produced when two
breeding plumage A general term for the dabble To feed in shallow water by sieving species, sometimes from different genera,
plumage worn by adult birds when they display water and obtain food through comblike filters interbreed. Hybrids are usually rare in the wild.
and form breeding pairs. It is usually (but not in the bill; used mostly for ducks (dabbling Among birds, they are most frequent in
always) worn in the spring and summer. See also ducks or dabblers). gamebirds and waterfowl, especially ducks.
nonbreeding plumage. decurved A term describing a bird’s bill that Hybrid progeny may or may not be fertile.
brood (noun) The young birds produced from curves downward from the forehead toward immature In birds, an individual that is not
a single clutch of eggs and incubated together. the tip. yet sexually mature or able to breed. Some
See also clutch. (verb) In birds, to sit on nestlings dimorphism see sexual dimorphism birds pass through a series of immature
to keep them warm. Brooding is usually carried display see courtship display, distraction display, plumages over several years before adopting
out by the adult female. See also incubate. threat display their first adult plumage and sexual maturity.
brood parasite A bird that lays its eggs in the distraction display A display in which a bird See also adult, juvenile.
nest of other birds. Some brood parasites always deliberately attempts to attract a predator’s incubate In birds, to sit on eggs to keep them
breed this way, while others do so only attention in order to lure it away from its nest warm, allowing the embryo inside to grow.
occasionally. or nestlings. Incubation is often carried out by the female.
brood patch An area of bare skin on the belly diurnal Active during the day. See also brood.
of a parent bird, usually the female, that is richly down feather A soft, fluffy feather, lacking the incubation period In birds, the period when a
supplied with blood vessels and thus helps keep system of barbs of contour or flight feathers, parent incubates its eggs. It may not start until
the eggs warm during incubation. This area that provides good insulation.Young birds are the clutch is completed.
loses its feathers in readiness for the breeding covered by down feathers until they molt into injury feigning see distraction display.
season and is fully feathered at other times. their first juvenile plumage. Adult birds have a inner wing The inner part of the wing,
caged-bird A species of bird commonly kept layer of down feathers under their contour comprising the secondaries and rows of coverts
in captivity. feathers. See also contour feather, juvenile. (typically marginal, lesser, median, and greater
call A sound produced by the vocal apparatus drake An adult male duck. The adult female is coverts).
of a bird to communicate a variety of messages known as the duck. introduced species A species that humans have
to other birds. Calls are often highly drift The diversion of migrating birds from accidentally or deliberately brought into an area
characteristic of individual species and can help their normal migration route by strong winds. where it does not normally occur.
to locate and identify birds in the field. Most dynamic soaring see soaring iridescent plumage Plumage that shows
bird calls are shorter and simpler than songs. ear tuft A distinct tuft of featherson each side brilliant, luminous colors, which seem to
See also alarm call, booming, contact call, song. of a bird’s forehead, with no connection to the sparkle and change color when seen from
casque A bony extension on a bird’s head. true ears, which can be raised as a visual signal. different angles.
cere A leathery patch of skin that covers Many owls have ear tufts. irruption A sporadic mass movement of
the base of a bird’s bill. It is found only in a echolocation A method of sensing nearby animals outside their normal range. Irruptions
few groups, including birds of prey, pigeons, objects using pulses of high-frequency sound. are usually short-lived and occur in response to
and parrots. Echoes bounce back from obstacles, enabling food shortage. Also called irruptive migration.
claw In birds, the nail that prolongs their toes. the sender to build up a “picture” of its juvenile A term referring to the plumage worn
cloaca An opening toward the rear of a bird’s surroundings. by a young bird at the time it makes its first
belly. It is present in both sexes and is used in eclipse plumage A female-like plumage worn flight and until it begins its first molt. See also
reproduction and excretion. in some birds, especially waterfowl, by adult adult, immature.
clutch The group of eggs in a single nest, males for a short period after the breeding keratin A tough but lightweight protein. In
473
GLOSSARY
birds, keratin is found in the claws, feathers, and polygamous Mating with two or more in the wild with individuals of another similar
outer part of the bill. partners during the course of a single breeding group, are called a species. See also subspecies,
kleptoparasite A bird that gets much of its season. See also monogamous. superspecies.
food by stealing it from other birds, usually by population A group of individual birds of the speculum A colorful patch on the wing of a
following them in flight and forcing them to same species living in a geographically and duck, formed by the secondary feathers. See also
disgorge their food. ecologically circumscribed area. secondary feather.
lamellae Delicate, comblike structures on the preening Routine behavior by which birds spur A sharply pointed, clawlike structure
sides of the bill of some birds used for filtering keep their feathers in good condition. A bird at the back of the leg of some birds, like the
tiny food particles out of water. grasps a feather at its base and then “nibbles” Wild Turkey.
leap-frog migration A pattern of migration in upward toward the tip, and repeats the process staging ground A stopover area where migrant
which some populations of a species travel with different feathers. This helps smooth and birds regularly pause while on migration, to rest
much further than the other populations, by clean the plumage. Birds often also smear oil and feed.
“leap-frogging” over the area where these from their preen gland onto their feathers at the stoop A near-vertical and often very fast dive
sedentary (nonmigratory) birds are found. same time. See also allopreening. made by falcons and some other birds of prey
See also migration. primary feather One of the large outer wing when chasing prey in the air or on the ground.
lek An area, often small, used by males as a feathers, growing from the digits of a bird’s streaks Marks that run lengthwise on feathers;
communal display arena, where they show off “hand.” See also secondary feather. opposite of bars.
special plumage features accompanied by vocal race see subspecies subspecies When species show geographical
and non-vocal sounds, to attract females. range A term to indicate the geographical variation in color, voice, or other characters,
Females wait along the lek and select the male distribution of a species or population these differentiated populations are recognized
or males that they will mate with. raptor A general name for birds belonging to by ornithologists as subspecies (formerly also
lobed feet Feet with loose, fleshy lobes on the the order Falconiformes, often used called races). See also species.
toes, adapted for swimming. interchangeablely with bird of prey. superspecies Closely related species that have
lore A small area between a bird’s eye and the See also bird of prey. different geographical ranges. See also species
base of its upper bill. ratite A member of an ancient group of syrinx A modified section of a bird’s trachea
mandible The upper or lower part of a bird’s flightless birds that includes the ostrich, (windpipe), equivalent to the voicebox in
bill, known as the upper or lower mandible cassowaries, emus, rheas, and kiwis. In the past, humans, that enables birds to call and sing.
respectively. the group was larger and more diverse. talon One of the sharp, hooked claws of a
mantle The loose term used to define the back resident see sedentary bird of prey.
of a bird, between its neck and rump. reverse migration A phenomenon that occurs territory An area that is defended by an animal,
migrant A species that regularly moves between when birds from a migratory species mistakenly or a group of animals, against other members of
geographical areas. Most migrants move on an travel in the opposite direction from normal, the same species. Territories often include useful
annual basis between a breeding area and a causing birds to turn up in places far outside resources, such as good breeding sites or feeding
wintering area. See also partial migrant, sedentary. their normal range. See also migration. areas, which help a male attract a mate.
migration A journey to a different region, roost A place where birds sleep, either at night tertial Any one of a small group of feathers,
following a well-defined route. See also leap-frog or by day. sometimes long and obvious, at the base of the
migration, partial migrant, reverse migration, rump The area between a bird’s back and the wing adjacent to the inner secondaries.
sedentary, vertical migrant. base of its upper tail coverts. In many species, thermal A rising bubble or column of warm
mobbing A type of defensive behavior in the rump is a different color from the rest of the air over land that soaring birds can use to gain
which a group of birds gang up to harass a plumage and can be a useful diagnostic height with little effort. See also soaring.
predator, such as a bird of prey or an owl, character for identification. threat display A form of defense in which a
swooping repeatedly to drive it away. sally A feeding technique (sallying), used bird adopts certain postures, sometimes
molt In birds, to shed old feathers so that they especially by tyrant flycatchers, in which a bird accompanied by loud calls, to drive away a rival
can be replaced. Molting enables birds to keep makes a short flight from a perch to catch an or a potential predator.
their plumage in good condition, change their insect, often in midair, followed by a return to a trachea The breathing tube in animals, also
level of insulation, and change their coloration perch, often the same one. known as the windpipe.
or markings so that they are ready to breed salt gland A gland located in a depression of tubenose A general term used to describe
or display. the skull, just above the eye of some birds, members of the order Procellariiformes,
monogamous Mating with a single partner, particularly seabirds. This enables them to including albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters;
either in a single breeding season or for life. See extract the fluids they need from saltwater and their nostrils form two tubes on the upper
also polygamous. then expel the excess salts through the nostrils. mandible.
morph see color form scapular Any one of a group of feathers on the underwing The underside of a bird’s wing,
nape The back of the neck. “shoulder,” forming a more or less oval patch on usually visible only in flight or when a bird is
nestling A young bird still in the nest. each side of the back, at the base of the wing. preening, displaying, or swimming.
New World The Americas, from Alaska to Cape scrape A simple nest that consists of a shallow upperwing The upper surface of a bird’s wing
Horn, including the Caribbean and offshore depression in the ground, which may be clearly exposed in flight but often mostly
islands in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. unlined or lined with material such as feathers, hidden when the bird is perched.
See also Old World. bits of grass, or pebbles. vagrant A bird that has strayed far from its
nictitating membrane A transparent or secondary feather One of the row of long, normal range. Usually, vagrants are long-
semiopaque “third eyelid,” which moves stiff feathers along the rear edge of a bird’s wing, distance migrants that have been blown off
sideways across the eye. Waterbirds often use between the body and the primary feathers at course by storms, have overshot their intended
the membrane as an aid to vision when the wingtip. See also primary feather. destination due to strong winds, or have
swimming underwater. sedentary Having a settled lifestyle that become disoriented.
nocturnal Active at night. involves little or no geographic movement. vent Also called the crissum, the undertail
nomadic Being almost constantly on the move. Sedentary birds are also said to be resident or feathers between the lower belly feathers and
Birds of deserts, grasslands, and the coniferous nonmigratory. See also migration. tail feathers, which in some species are
forests of the far north are commonly nomadic. semipalmated The condition in which two or differently colored from either belly or tail
nonbreeding plumage The plumage worn more of the toes are partially joined by an feathers. Can be helpful in identification.
by adult birds outside the breeding season. In incomplete membrane at their base. vertical migrant A species that migrates up and
many species, particularly in temperate regions, sexual dimorphism The occurrence of physical down mountains, usually in response to changes
it is also known as winter plumage. See also differences between males and females. In birds, in the weather or food supply. See also migration.
breeding plumage. the most common differences are in size and wader see shorebird.
nonmigrant see sedentary plumage. waterfowl A collective term for members
nonpasserine Any bird that is not a member shorebird Also known as a wader, any member of the family Anatidae, including ducks, geese,
of the order Passeriformes (or passerines). See of several families in the order Charadriiformes, and swans.
also passerine. including plovers, sandpipers, godwits, snipe, wattle A bare, fleshy growth that hangs loosely
oil gland Also called the preen gland, a gland at avocets, stilts, oystercatchers, and curlews. Not below the bill in some birds. It is often brightly
the base of a bird’s tail that secretes oils that are all species actually wade in water and some live colored, and may play a part in courtship.
spread over the feathers for waterproofing them in dry habitats. wildfowl see waterfowl
during preening. soaring In birds, flight without flapping of the Wilson, Alexander (1766–1813) A
Old World Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. wings. A soaring bird stays at the same height or contemporary of J.J. Audubon, Wilson’s seminal
See also New World. gains height. Updraft soaring is a type of soaring American Ornithology marks the start of
orbital ring A thin, bare, fleshy ring around in which a bird benefits from rising currents scientific ornithology in the US.
the eye, sometimes with a distinctive color. See that form at cliffs or along mountain ridges. wingbar A line or bar of color across the upper
also eye-ring. Seabirds are expert at dynamic soaring, surface of a bird’s wing.Wingbars can often be
outer wing The outer half of the wing, repeatedly diving into the troughs between seen when a bird is on the ground or perched and
comprising the primaries, their coverts, and the waves and then using the rising air deflected off its wings are in the closed position, but they are
alula (the “thumb”). the waves to wheel back up into the air. normally much more obvious in flight.Wingbars
partial migrant A species in which some song A vocal performance by a bird, usually may be single or in groups of two or more.
populations migrate while others are sedentary. the adult male, to attract and impress a potential wingspan The distance across a bird’s
This situation is common in broadly distributed mate, advertise ownership of a territory, or drive outstretched wings and back, from one wingtip
species that experience a wide range of climatic away rival birds. Songs are often highly to the other.
conditions. See also migration, sedentary. characteristic of individual species and can be a
passerine A bird belonging to the vast order major aid in locating and identifying birds in
Passeriformes (the passerines). This group the field. See also call.
contains more species than all other orders of songbird A general term used to describe a
birds combined. Passerines are also called member of the suborder Passeri (or oscines), a
songbirds or perching birds. subdivision of the largest order of birds, the
See also nonpasserine. Passeriformes (passerines).
pelagic Relating to the open ocean. Pelagic species A group of similar organisms that are
birds spend most of their life at sea and only capable of breeding among themselves in the
come to land to nest. wild and producing fertile offspring that
phase see color form resemble themselves, but that do not interbreed
474
INDEX
INDEX
Anser contd. Black-billed Magpie 295 Buff-bellied Carolina Wren 320
A brachyrhynchus 471 Blackbird, Hummingbird 455 Carpodacus
Acadian Flycatcher 275 erythropus 471 Brewer’s 398 Buff-breasted Sandpiper mexicanus 349
Accipiter rossii 38 Red-winged 396 186 purpureus 348
cooperii 130 Anseriformes 35–72 Rusty 397 Bufflehead 66 Caspian Tern 204
gentilis 131 Anthus Yellow-headed 404 Bulbul, Red-whiskered Cassin’s Sparrow 468
striatus 129 rubescens 342 blackbirds 392 464 Catbird, Gray 328
Accipitridae 123–37, spragueii 343 Blackburnian Warbler 365 Bullock’s Oriole 467 catbirds 316
447–9 Antillean Nighthawk 472 Black-capped Chickadee Bunting, Cathartes aura 116
Actitis macularia 172 Aphelocoma 303 Indigo 441 Cathartidae 116–7
adaptation 12 californica 461 Black-capped Petrel 445 Lark 411 Catharus
Aechmophorus coerulescens 461 Black-capped Vireo 459 Lazuli 472 bicknelli 336
clarkii 446 Apodidae 254 Black-chinned Painted 442 fuscescens 334
occidentalis 446 Apodiformes 254–6 Hummingbird 455 Snow 410 guttatus 338
Aegithalidae 462 Aquila chrysaetos 137 Black-crested Titmouse Varied 470 minimus 335
Aegolius Aramidae 149 462 Burrowing Owl 244 ustulatus 337
acadicus 246 Aramus guarauna 149 Black-crowned Bushtit 462 Catherpes mexicanus 463
funereus 245 Aratinga holochlora 453 Night-Heron 97 Buteo Catoptrophorus
Agelaius phoeniceus 396 Archilochus Black-headed Grosbeak albicaudatus 448 semipalmatus 173
Aimophila alexandri 455 472 albonotatus 449 Cattle Egret 100
aestivalis 433 colubris 255 Black-headed Gull 196 brachyurus 448 Cave Swallow 312
botterii 469 Arctic Tern 209 Black-legged Kittiwake jamaicensis 135 Cedar Waxwing 301
cassinii 468 Ardea 202 lagopus 136 Cepphus grylle 221
ruficeps 469 alba 102 Black-necked Stilt 152 lineatus 132 Certhia americana 327
Aix sponsa 44 herodias 101 Blackpoll Warbler 363 platypterus 133 Certhiidae 327
Ajaia ajaja 94 Ardeidae 95–106 Black-tailed Gnatcatcher regalis 449 Cerulean Warbler 367
Alaudidae 313 Arenaria interpres 174 463 swainsoni 134 Chachalaca, Plain 444
Alca torda 220 Arremonops rufivirgatus 470 Black-tailed Godwit 471 Butorides virescens 99 Chaetura pelagica 255
Alcedinidae 258, 456 Ash-throated Flycatcher Black-throated Blue Charadriidae 154–60,
Alcidae 217–22 459 Warbler 369 449, 471
Alder Flycatcher 277 Asio Black-throated Gray C Charadriiformes
Alle alle 217 flammeus 248 Warbler 472 Cackling Goose 40 151–222
Altamira Oriole 467 otus 247 Black-throated Green Cactus Wren 462 Charadrius
Amazilia yucatanensis 455 Asturina nitida 448 Warbler 371 Cairina moschata 471 alexandrinus 160
Amazona viridigenalis 453 Athene cunicularia 244 Black-throated Sparrow Calamospiza melanocorys hiaticula 471
American Avocet 153 Atlantic Puffin 222 468 411 melodus 159
American Bittern 95 Audubon’s Oriole 467 Black-whiskered Vireo 460 Calcarius mongolus 471
American Black Duck 47 Audubon’s Shearwater Blue Grosbeak 440 lapponicus 407 montanus 449
American Coot 147 445 Blue Jay 294 mccownii 472 semipalmatus 156
American Crow 296 auks 150 Bluebird, ornatus 409 vociferus 158
American Golden Auriparus flaviceps 462 Eastern 333 pictus 408 wilsonia 157
Plover 154 Avocet, American 153 Mountain 472 Calidris Chat, Yellow-breasted
American Goldfinch 346 Aythya bluebirds 332 acuminata 471 391
American Kestrel 118 affinis 58 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher alba 176 Chestnut-collared
American Oystercatcher americana 55 323 alpina 184 Longspur 409
151 collaris 56 Blue-headed Vireo 289 bairdii 181 Chestnut-sided Warbler
American Pipit 342 fuligula 471 Blue-winged Teal 50 canutus 175 361
American Redstart 377 marila 57 Blue-winged Warbler 356 ferruginea 450 Chickadee,
American Robin 340 valisineria 54 Boat-tailed Grackle 401 fuscicollis 180 Black-capped 303
american sparrows 406 Bobolink 405 himantopus 185 Boreal 304
American Three-toed Bobwhite, Northern 24 maritima 183 Carolina 302
Woodpecker 266 B Bohemian Waxwing 300 mauri 178 chikadees 299
American Tree Sparrow Bachman’s Sparrow 433 Bombycilla melanotos 182 Chihuahuan Raven
427 Baird’s Sandpiper 181 cedrorum 301 minutilla 179 461
American White Pelican Baird’s Sparrow 472 garrulus 300 pusilla 177 Chimney Swift 255
109 Bald Eagle 127 Bombycillidae 300–1 ruficollis 471 Chipping Sparrow 428
American Wigeon 46 Baltimore Oriole 394 Bonaparte’s Gull 197 California Gull 472 Chlidonias niger 212
American Woodcock 161 Band-rumped Storm- Bonasa umbellus 26 Calliope Hummingbird Chloroceryle americana 456
Ammodramus Petrel 445 Booby, 472 Chondestes grammacus 432
bairdii 472 Bank Swallow 306 Brown 446 Callipepla squamata 444 Chondrohierax uncinatus
caudacutus 423 Barn Owl 237 Masked 471 Calonectris diomedea 78 447
henslowii 425 Barn Swallow 310 Boreal Chickadee 304 Camptostoma imberbe 457 Chordeiles
leconteii 424 Barred Owl 241 Boreal Owl 245 Campylorhynchus acutipennis 454
maritimus 421 Barrow’s Goldeneye 68 Botaurus lentiginosus 95 brunneicapillus 462 gundlachii 472
nelsoni 422 Bar-tailed Godwit 471 Botteri’s Sparrow 469 Canachites canadensis 27 minor 250
savannarum 426 Bartramia longicauda 168 Brant 41 Canada Goose 39 Chuck-will’s-widow 251
Amphispiza bilineata 468 Bay-breasted Warbler 364 Branta Canada Warbler 390 Ciconiidae 90, 471
Anas Beardless-Tyrannulet, bernicla 41 Canvasback 54 Ciconiiformes 90–106
acuta 52 Northern 457 canadensis 39 Canyon Towhee 469 Cinnamon Teal 471
americana 46 Bell’s Vireo 287 hutchinsii 40 Canyon Wren 463 Circus cyaneus 128
clypeata 51 Belted Kingfisher 258 breeding 17 Cape May Warbler 368 Cistothorus
crecca 53 Bewick’s Wren 319 Brewer’s Blackbird 398 Caprimulgidae 250–52, palustris 318
cyanoptera 471 Bicknell’s Thrush 336 Bridled Tern 451 454–5, 472 platensis 317
discors 50 Bicolor atricristatus 462 Broad-winged Hawk Caprimulgiformes Clangula hyemalis 65
fulvigula 49 birds of prey 115 133 250–52 Clapper Rail 141
penelope 471 Bittern, Bronzed Cowbird 468 Caprimulgus Clark’s Grebe 446
platyrhynchos 48 American 95 Brown Booby 446 carolinensis 251 classification 11
querquedula 471 Least 96 Brown Creeper 327 vociferus 252 Clay-colored Robin
rubripes 47 Black Guillemot 221 Brown Jay 460 Caracara cheriway 447 465
strepera 45 Black Noddy 451 Brown Noddy 451 Caracara, Crested 447 Clay-colored Sparrow
Anatidae 35–72, Black Phoebe 457 Brown Pelican 110 Cardinal, Northern 439 430
444–5, 471 Black Rail 140 Brown Thrasher 330 Cardinalidae 437–42, Cliff Swallow 311
anatomy 12-13 Black Scoter 64 Brown-crested 470, 472 Coccyzus
Anhinga anhinga 114 Black Skimmer 213 Flycatcher 459 Cardinalis americanus 234
Anhingidae 114 Black Tern 212 Brown-headed Cowbird cardinalis 439 erythropthalmus 233
Ani, Black Vulture 117 395 sinuatus 470 minor 453
Groove-billed 454 Black-and-white Warbler Brown-headed Nuthatch cardinals 406 Colaptes auratus 268
Smooth-billed 454 376 325 Carduelis Colinus virginianus 24
Anous Black-backed Bubo virginianus 240 flammea 347 Collared-Dove, Eurasian
minutus 451 Woodpecker 267 Bubulcus ibis 100 hornemanni 465 225
stolidus 451 Black-bellied Plover 155 Bucephala pinus 345 Columba
Anser Black-bellied Whistling- albeola 66 psaltria 465 flavirostris 452
albifrons 36 Duck 444 clangula 67 tristis 346 leucocephala 452
caerulescens 37 Black-billed Cuckoo 233 islandica 68 Carolina Chickadee 302 livia 224
475
INDEX
Columbidae 224–9, Dendroica Eurasian Tree Sparrow 465 Golden-crowned Kinglet Bonaparte’s 197
452–3, 472 caerulescens 369 Eurasian Wigeon 471 314 Gull contd.
Columbiformes 224–9 castanea 364 European Starling 331 Goldeneye, California 472
Columbina cerulea 367 Evening Grosbeak 353 Barrow’s 68 Franklin’s 199
inca 228 chrysoparia 466 evolution 10 Common 67 Glaucous 192
passerina 229 coronata 370 extinction 11 Golden-fronted Great Black-backed
talpacoti 472 discolor 373 Woodpecker 456 191
Common Eider 60 dominica 372 Golden Plover, Herring 194
Common Goldeneye 67 fusca 365 F American 154 Iceland 193
Common Grackle 399 kirtlandii 466 Falco Pacific 472 Ivory 472
Common Ground-Dove magnolia 366 columbarius 119 Golden-winged Warbler Laughing 198
229 nigrescens 472 mexicanus 121 355 Lesser Black-backed
Common Loon 75 occidentalis 472 peregrinus 122 Goldfinch, 195
Common Merganser 70 palmarum 375 rusticolus 120 American 346 Little 200
Common Moorhen 146 pensylvanica 361 sparverius 118 Lesser 465 Mew 472
Common Murre 219 petechia 362 Falcon, Goose, Ring-billed 190
Common Nighthawk 250 pinus 374 Peregrine 122 Cackling 40 Ross’s 450
Common Pauraque 455 striata 363 Prairie 121 Canada 39 Sabine’s 201
Common Poorwill 455 tigrina 368 Falconidae 118–22, 447 Greater White- Slaty-backed 472
Common Raven 298 townsendi 472 Falconiformes 116–37 fronted 36 Thayer’s 450
Common Redpoll 347 virens 371 Fea’s Petrel 471 Lesser White-fronted Gull-billed Tern 203
Common Ringed Plover Dickcissel 437 feathers 13 471 gulls 150
471 displays 16 feet 12 Pink-footed 471 Gyrfalcon 120
Common Tern 208 Dolichonyx oryzivorus Ferruginous Hawk 449 Ross’s 38
Common Yellowthroat 387 405 Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Snow 37
Connecticut Warbler 385 Double-crested 472 Goshawk, Northern 131 H
Contopus Cormorant 112 Field Sparrow 429 Grackle, Haematopodidae 151
cooperi 272 Dove, Finch, Boat-tailed 401 Haematopus palliatus 151
sordidulus 472 Inca 228 House 349 Common 399 Hairy Woodpecker 264
virens 273 Mourning 226 Purple 348 Great-tailed 400 Haliaeetus leucocephalus
convergence 11 White-tipped 453 finches 434 Grasshopper Sparrow 127
Cooper’s Hawk 130 White-winged 227 Fish Crow 297 426 Harlequin Duck 61
Coot, American 147 doves 223 Flamingo, Greater 471 Gray Catbird 328 Harrier, Northern 128
Coraciiformes 258 Dovekie 217 Flicker, Northern 268 Gray Hawk 448 Harris’s Hawk 448
Coragyps atratus 117 Dowitcher, Florida Scrub-Jay 461 Gray Jay 293 Harris’s Sparrow 416
Cormorant, Long-billed 164 Flycatcher, Gray Kingbird 458 Hawk,
Double-crested 112 Short-billed 163 Acadian 275 Gray Partridge 32 Broad-winged 133
Great 113 Downy Woodpecker 263 Alder 277 Gray Vireo 459 Cooper’s 130
Neotropic 447 Dryocopus pileatus 269 Ash-throated 459 Gray-cheeked Thrush Ferruginous 449
Corvidae 293–8, 460–1 Duck, Brown-crested 459 335 Gray 448
Corvus American Black 47 Great Crested 282 Great Black-backed Gull Harris’s 448
brachyrhynchos 296 Harlequin 61 Least 278 191 Red-shouldered 132
corax 298 Long-tailed 65 Olive-sided 272 Great Blue Heron 101 Red-tailed 135
cryptoleucus 461 Masked 445 Scissor-tailed 280 Great Cormorant 113 Rough-legged 136
imparatus 461 Mottled 49 Vermilion 457 Great Crested Flycatcher Sharp-shinned 129
ossifragus 297 Muscovy 471 Willow 276 282 Short-tailed 448
Cory’s Shearwater 78 Ring-necked 56 Yellow-bellied 274 Great Egret 102 Swainson’s 134
Coturnicops noveboracensis Ruddy 72 flycatchers 270 Great Gray Owl 242 White-tailed 448
139 Tufted 471 Forster’s Tern 210 Great Horned Owl 240 Zone-tailed 449
Couch’s Kingbird 458 Wood 44 Fox Sparrow 412 Great Kiskadee 458 Helmitheros vermivorum
courtship 16 Dumetella carolinensis 328 Franklin’s Gull 199 Great Skua 452 379
Cowbird, Dunlin 184 Fratercula arctica 222 Greater Flamingo 471 Henslow’s Sparrow 425
Bronzed 468 Fregata magnificens 108 Greater Prairie Chicken Hermit Thrush 338
Brown-headed 395 Fregatidae 108 29 Hermit Warbler 472
Shiny 468 E Frigatebird, Magnificent Greater Roadrunner 235 Heron,
Cracidae 444 Eagle, 108 Greater Scaup 57 Great Blue 101
Crane, Bald 127 Fringillidae 345–53, 465 Greater Shearwater 81 Green 99
Sandhill 148 Golden 137 Fulica americana 147 Greater White-fronted Little Blue 105
Whooping 449 Eared Grebe 88 Fulmar, Northern 77 Goose 36 Tricolored 104
cranes 138 Eastern Bluebird 333 Fulmarus glacialis 77 Greater Yellowlegs 169 herons 89
Creeper, Brown 327 Eastern Kingbird 281 Fulvous Whistling-Duck Great-tailed Grackle Herring Gull 194
Crested Caracara 447 Eastern Meadowlark 402 35 400 Hesperiphona vespertina
Crossbill, Eastern Phoebe 271 Grebe, 353
Red 351 Eastern Screech-Owl Clark’s 446 Himantopus himantopus
White-winged 352 238 G Eared 88 152
Crotophaga Eastern Towhee 434 Gadwall 45 Horned 87 Hirundinidae 306–12
ani 454 Eastern Wood-pewee Galliformes 24–33 Least 446 Hirundo rustica 310
sulcirostris 454 273 Gallinago gallinago 162 Pied-Billed 85 Histrionicus histrionicus 61
Crow, Egret, Gallinula chloropus 146 Red-necked 86 Hoary Redpoll 465
American 296 Cattle 100 Gallinule, Purple 145 Western 446 Hooded Merganser 69
Fish 297 Great 102 gamebirds 23 grebes 84 Hooded Oriole 466
Tamaulipas 461 Reddish 103 Gannet, Northern 111 Green Heron 99 Hooded Warbler 388
crows 283 Snowy 106 Garganey 471 Green Jay 460 Hook-billed Kite 447
Cuckoo, Egretta Gavia Green Kingfisher 456 Horned Grebe 87
Black-billed 233 caerulea 105 adamsii 471 Green Parakeet 453 Horned Lark 313
Mangrove 453 rufescens 103 immer 75 Green-tailed Towhee 469 House Finch 349
Yellow-billed 234 thula 106 pacifica 471 Green-winged Teal 53 House Sparrow 341
cuckoos 232 tricolor 104 stellata 74 Groove-billed Ani 454 House Wren 322
Cuculidae 232–4, 451–2 Eider, Gaviidae 74–5, 471 Grosbeak, Hudsonian Godwit 165
Cuculiformes 233–5 Common 60 Gaviiformes 74–5 Black-headed 472 Hummingbird,
Curlew, Long-billed 450 King 59 Geococcyx californianus Blue 440 Black-chinned 454
Curlew Sandpiper 450 Elanoides forficatus 124 235 Evening 353 Buff-bellied 454
Curve-billed Thrasher Elanus leucurus 125 Geothlypis trichas 387 Pine 350 Calliope 470
464 Elf Owl 454 Glaucidium brasilianum Rose-breasted 438 Ruby-throated 255
Cyanocitta cristata 294 Emberizidae 407–34, 472 Ground-Dove, Rufous 256
Cyanocorax 468–70, 472 Glaucous Gull 192 Common 229 hummingbirds 253
morio 460 Empidonax Glossy Ibis 92 Ruddy 472 Hutton’s Vireo 460
yncas 460 alnorum 277 Gnatcatcher, Grouse, Hydrobatidae 82–3, 445
Cygnus flaviventris 274 Black-tailed 463 Ruffed 26 Hylocichla mustelina 339
buccinator 444 minimus 278 Blue-gray 323 Sharp-tailed 28
columbianus 43 traillii 276 gnatcatchers 316 Spruce 27
olor 42 virescens 275 Godwit, Gruidae 148, 449 I
Eremophila alpestris 313 Bar-tailed 471 Gruiformes 139–49 Ibis,
Eudocimus albus 91 Black-tailed 471 Grus Glossy 92
D Euphagus Hudsonian 165 americana 449 White 91
Dark-eyed Junco 419 carolinus 397 Marbled 166 canadensis 148 White-faced 93
Dendrocygna cyanocephalus 399 Golden Eagle 137 Guillemot, Black 221 ibises 89
autumnalis 444 Eurasian Collared-Dove Golden-cheeked Warbler Gull, Iceland Gull 193
bicolor 35 225 466 Black-headed 196 Icteria virens 391
476
INDEX
Icteridae 393–405, Larus contd. Melanitta Nuthatch, Passerculus sandwichensis
466–8, 472 philadelphia 197 fusca 63 Brown-headed 324 420
Icterus pipixcan 199 nigra 64 Red-breasted 325 Passerella iliaca 412
bullockii 467 ridibundus 196 perspicillata 62 White-breasted 326 Passeridae 341, 465
cucullatus 466 schistisagus 472 Meleagris gallopavo 25 nuthatches 316 Passeriformes 271–442
galbula 394 thayeri 450 Melospiza Nyctanassa violacea 98 Passerina
graduacauda 467 Laterallus jamaicensis 140 georgiana 415 Nyctea scandiaca 239 amoena 472
gularis 467 Laughing Gull 198 lincolnii 414 Nycticorax nycticorax 97 caerulea 440
parisorum 467 Lazuli Bunting 472 melodia 413 Nyctidromus albicollis 455 ciris 442
pectoralis 472 Le Conte’s Sparrow 424 Merganser, cyanea 441
spurius 393 Leach’s Storm-Petrel 83 Common 70 versicolor 470
Ictinia mississippiensis 126 Least Bittern 96 Hooded 69 O Pauraque, Common 455
identification 20 Least Flycatcher 278 Red-breasted 71 Oceanites oceanicus 82 Pectoral Sandpiper 182
Inca Dove 228 Least Grebe 446 Mergellus albellus 471 Oceanodroma Pelecanidae 109–10
Indigo Bunting 441 Least Sandpiper 179 Mergus castro 445 Pelecaniformes 108–14
Ivory Gull 472 Least Tern 211 merganser 70 leucorhoa 83 Pelecanus
Ixobrychus exilis 96 legs 12 serrator 71 Odontophoridae 24, 444 erythrorhynchos 109
Ixoreus naevius 472 Leptotila verreauxi 453 Merlin 119 Oenanthe oenanthe 464 occidentalis 110
Lesser Black-backed Gull Mew Gull 472 Olive Sparrow 470 Pelican,
J 195
Lesser Goldfinch 465
Micrathene whitneyi 454
migration 14
Olive-sided Flycatcher
272
American White 109
Brown 110
Jabiru 471 Lesser Nighthawk 454 Mimidae 328–30, 463–4 Oporornis pelicans 107
Jabiru mycteria 471 Lesser Sand Plover 471 Mimus polyglottos 329 agilis 385 Perdix perdix 32
Jaeger, Lesser Scaup 58 Mississippi Kite 126 formosus 384 Peregrine Falcon 122
Long-tailed 216 Lesser White-fronted Mniotilta varia 376 philadelphia 386 Perisoreus canadensis 293
Parasitic 215 Goose 471 Mockingbird, Northern tolmiei 472 Petrel,
Pomarine 214 Lesser Yellowlegs 170 329 Orange-crowned Warbler Black-capped 445
Jay, Lewis’s Woodpecker Molothrus 358 Fea’s 471
Blue 294 472 aeneus 468 Orchard Oriole 393 Petrochelidon
Brown 460 Limnodromus ater 395 Oreoscoptes montanus 463 fulva 312
Gray 293 griseus 163 bonariensis 468 Oriole, pyrrhonata 311
Green 460 scolopaceus 164 Monk Parakeet 231 Altamira 467 Phaethon lepturus 471
jays 283 Limnothlypis swainsonii Moorhen, Common 146 Audubon’s 467 Phaethontidae 471
Junco, Dark-eyed 419 380 Morus bassanus 111 Baltimore 394 Phalacrocoracidae 112–3,
Junco hyemalis 419 Limosa Motacillidae 342–3 Bullock’s 467 447
fedoa 166 Mottled Duck 49 Hooded 466 Phalacrocorax
haemastica 165 Mountain Bluebird 472 Orchard 393 auritus 112
K lapponica 471 Mountain Plover 449 Scott’s 467 brasilianus 447
Kentucky Warbler 384 limosa 471 Mourning Dove 226 Spot-breasted 472 carbo 113
Kestrel, American 118 Limpkin 149 Mourning Warbler 386 orioles 392 Phalaenoptilus nuttallii 455
Killdeer 158 Lincoln’s Sparrow 414 Murre, Ortalis vetula 444 Phalarope,
King Eider 59 Little Blue Heron 105 Common 219 Osprey 123 Red 189
King Rail 142 Little Gull 200 Thick-billed 218 Otus asio 238 Red-necked 188
Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike 284 Muscicapidae 464 Ovenbird 381 Wilson’s 187
Couch’s 458 Long-billed Curlew 450 Muscovy Duck 471 Owl, Phalaropus
Eastern 281 Long-billed Dowitcher Mute Swan 42 Barn 237 fulicarius 189
Gray 458 164 Myadestes townsendi 472 Barred 241 lobatus 188
Tropical 458 Long-billed Thrasher Mycteria americana 90 Boreal 245 tricolor 187
Western 279 464 Myiarchus Burrowing 244 Phasianidae 25–33
Kingfisher, Long-eared Owl 248 cinerascens 459 Elf 453 Phasianus colchicus 33
Belted 259 Longspur, crinitus 282 Great Gray 242 Pheasant, Ring-necked 33
Green 456 Chestnut-collared tyrannulus 459 Great Horned 240 Pheucticus
Ringed 456 409 Myiopsitta monachus 231 Long-eared 247 ludovicianus 438
kingfishers 257 Lapland 407 Northern Hawk 243 melanocephalus 472
Kinglet, McCown’s 472 Northern Saw-whet Philadelphia Vireo 291
Golden-crowned 314 Smith’s 408 N 246 Philomachus pugnax 471
Ruby-crowned 315 longspurs 406 Nashville Warbler 359 Short-eared 248 Phoebe,
kinglets 299 Long-tailed Duck 65 Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Snowy 239 Black 457
Kirtland’s Warbler 466 Long-tailed Jaeger 216 Sparrow 422 owls 236 Eastern 271
Kiskadee, Great 458 Loon, Neotropic Cormorant 447 Oxyura jamaicensis 72 Say’s 457
Kite, Common 75 Nighthawk, Oystercatcher, American Phoenicopterus ruber 471
Hook-billed 447 Pacific 471 Antillean 472 151 Phoenoicpteridae 471
Mississippi 126 Red-throated 74 Common 250 Pica hudsonia 295
Snail 447 Yellow-billed 471 Lesser 454 Picidae 260–9, 456, 472
Swallow-tailed 124 loons 73 nighthawks 249 P Piciformes 260–8
White-tailed 125 Lophodytes cucullatus 69 Night-Heron, Pacific Golden Plover Picoides
Kittiwake, Black-legged Louisiana Waterthrush Black-crowned 97 471 arcticus 267
202 383 Yellow-crowned 98 Pacific Loon 471 borealis 265
Knot, Red 175 Loxia nightjars 249 Pagophila eburnea 472 pubescens 263
curvirostra 351 Noddy, Painted Bunting 442 scalaris 456
leucoptera 352 Black 451 Palm Warbler 375 tridactylus dorsalis 266
L Brown 451 Pandion haliaetus 123 villosus 264
Ladder-backed Nomonyx dominicus 445 Parabuteo unicinctus 448 Pied-billed Grebe 85
Woodpecker 456 M Northern Beardless- Parakeet, Pigeon,
Lagopus Macgillivray’s Warbler 472 Tyrannulet 457 Green 453 Red-billed 452
lagopus 31 Magnificent Frigatebird Northern Bobwhite 24 Monk 231 Rock 224
muta 30 108 Northern Cardinal 439 parakeets 230 White-crowned 452
Laniidae 284–5 Magnolia Warbler 366 Northern Flicker 268 Parasitic Jaeger 215 pigeons 223
Lanius Magpie, Black-billed 295 Northern Fulmar 77 Paridae 302–5, 462 Pileated Woodpecker 269
excubitor 285 Mallard 48 Northern Gannet 111 Parrot, Red-crowned Pine Grosbeak 350
ludovicianus 284 Mangrove Cuckoo 453 Northern Goshawk 131 453 Pine Siskin 345
Lapland Longspur 407 Manx Shearwater 79 Northern Harrier 128 parrots 230 Pine Warbler 374
Laridae 190–213, Marbled Godwit 166 Northern Hawk Owl 243 Partridge, Gray 32 Pinicola enucleator 350
450–1, 472 Marsh Wren 318 Northern Mockingbird Parula Pink-footed Goose 471
Lark Bunting 411 Martin, Purple 308 329 americana 360 Pintail, Northern 52
Lark Sparrow 432 Masked Booby 471 Northern Parula 360 pitiayumi 466 Pipilo
Lark, Horned 313 Masked Duck 445 Northern Pintail 52 Parula, chlorurus 469
larks 299 McCown’s Longspur 472 Northern Rough- Northern 360 fuscus 469
Larus Meadowlark, winged Swallow 309 Tropical 466 maculatus 472
argentatus 194 Eastern 402 Northern Saw-whet Parulidae 355–91, 466, rythrophthalmus 434
atricilla 198 Western 403 Owl 246 472 Piping Plover 159
californicus 472 Megaceryle Northern Shoveler 51 Parus Pipit,
canus 472 alcyon 258 Northern Shrike 285 atricapillus 303 American 342
delawarensis 190 torquata 456 Northern Waterthrush bicolor 305 Sprague’s 343
fuscus 195 Melanerpes 382 carolinensis 302 pipits 332
glaucoides 193 aurifrons 456 Northern Wheatear 464 hudsonicus 304 Piranga
hyperboreus 192 carolinus 261 Numenius Passer ludoviciana 472
marinus 191 erythrocephalus 260 americanus 450 domesticus 341 olivacea 436
minutus 200 lewis 472 phaeopus 167 montanus 465 rubra 435
477
INDEX
Pitangus sulphuratus 458 Recurvirostra americana Sandpiper contd. Snowy Plover 160 Sturnidae 331
Plain Chachalaca 444 153 Pectoral 182 Solitaire, Townsend’s 472 Sturnus vulgaris 331
Plectrophenax nivalis 410 Recurvirostridae 152–3 Purple 183 Solitary Sandpiper 171 Sula
Plegadis Red Crossbill 351 Semipalmated 177 Somateria dactylatra 471
chihi 93 Red Knot 175 Sharp-tailed 471 mollissima 60 leucogaster 446
falcinellus 92 Red Phalarope 189 Solitary 171 spectabilis 59 Sulidae 111, 446, 471
Plover, Red-bellied Woodpecker Spotted 172 Song Sparrow 413 Summer Tanager 435
Black-bellied 155 261 Stilt 185 Sooty Shearwater 80 Surf Scoter 62
Common Ringed Red-billed Pigeon 452 Upland 168 Sooty Tern 451 Surnia ulula 243
471 Red-breasted Merganser Western 178 Sora 144 Swainson’s Hawk 134
Lesser Sand 471 71 White-rumped 180 South Polar Skua 452 Swainson’s Thrush 337
Mountain 449 Red-breasted Nuthatch Wood 471 Sparrow, Swainson’s Warbler 380
Piping 159 325 Sandwich Tern 205 American Tree 427 Swallow,
Semipalmated 156 Red-cockaded Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied Bachman’s 433 Bank 306
Snowy 160 Woodpecker 265 262 Baird’s 472 Barn 310
Wilson’s 157 Red-crowned Parrot 453 Savannah Sparrow 420 Black-throated 468 Cave 312
Pluvialis Red-eyed Vireo 292 Say’s Phoebe 457 Botteri’s 469 Cliff 311
dominica 154 Red-headed Woodpecker Sayornis Cassin’s 468 Northern Rough-
fulva 471 260 nigricans 457 Chipping 428 winged 309
squatarola 155 Red-necked Grebe 86 phoebe 271 Clay-colored 430 Tree 307
Podicepedidae 85–8, 446 Red-necked Phalarope saya 457 Eurasian Tree 465 swallows 299
Podicipediformes 85–8 188 Scaled Quail 444 Field 429 Swallow-tailed Kite
Podiceps Red-necked Stint 471 Scarlet Tanager 436 Fox 412 124
auritus 87 Red-shouldered Hawk Scaup, Grasshopper 426 Swamp Sparrow 415
grisegena 86 132 Greater 57 Harris’s 416 Swan,
nigricollis 88 Red-tailed Hawk 135 Lesser 58 Henslow’s 425 Mute 42
Podilymbus podiceps 85 Red-throated Loon 74 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher House 341 Trumpeter 444
Polioptila Red-whiskered Bulbul 280 Lark 432 Tundra 43
caerulea 323 464 Scolopacidae 161–89, Le Conte’s 424 Swift, Chimney 255
melanura 463 Red-winged Blackbird 450, 471 Lincoln’s 414 swifts 254
Polioptilidae 316, 463 396 Scolopax minor 161 Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sylviidae 323
Pomarine Jaeger 214 Reddish Egret 103 Scoter, 422
Pooecetes gramineus 431 Redhead 55 Black 64 Olive 470
Poorwill, Common 455 Redpoll, Surf 62 Rufous-crowned 469 T
Porphyrula martinica 145 Common 347 White-winged 63 Saltmarsh Sharp- Tachybaptus dominicus
Porzana carolina 144 Hoary 465 Scott’s Oriole 467 tailed 423 446
Prairie Chicken, Greater Redstart, American 377 Screech-Owl, Eastern Savannah 422 Tachycineta bicolor 307
29 Reguliidae 314–5 238 Seaside 421 Tamaulipas Crow 461
Prairie Falcon 121 Regulus Scrub-Jay, Song 413 Tanager,
Prairie Warbler 373 calendula 315 Florida 461 Swamp 415 Scarlet 436
Procellariidae 77–81, satrapa 314 Western 461 Vesper 431 Summer 435
445, 471 Remizidae 462 Seaside Sparrow 421 White-crowned 417 Western 472
Procellariiformes 77–83 Rhodostethia rosea 450 Sedge Wren 317 White-throated 418 tanagers 406
Progne subis 308 Ring-billed Gull 190 Seedeater, White-collared Sphyrapicus varius 262 Teal,
Prothonotary Warbler Ring-necked Duck 56 470 Spiza americana 437 Blue-winged 50
378 Ring-necked Pheasant Seiurus Spizella Cinnamon 471
Protonotaria citrea 378 33 aurocapillus 381 arborea 427 Green-winged 53
Psaltriparus minimus 462 Ringed Kingfisher 456 motacilla 383 pallida 43 Tennessee Warbler 357
Psittacidae 231, 453 Riparia riparia 306 noveboracensis 382 passerina 428 Tern,
Psittaciformes 231 Rissa tridactyla 202 Selasphorus rufus 256 pusilla 429 Arctic 209
Ptarmigan, Roadrunner, Greater Semipalmated Plover 156 Spoonbill, Roseate 94 Black 212
Rock 30 235 Semipalmated Sandpiper Sporophila torqueola 470 Bridled 451
Willow 31 Robin, 177 Spot-breasted Oriole 472 Caspian 204
Pterodroma American 340 Setophaga ruticilla 377 Spotted Sandpiper 172 Common 208
feae 471 Clay-colored 465 Sharp-shinned Hawk Spotted Towhee 472 Forster’s 210
hasitata 445 Rock Pigeon 224 129 Sprague’s Pipit 343 Gull-billed 203
Puffin, Atlantic 222 Rock Ptarmigan 30 Sharp-tailed Grouse 28 Spruce Grouse 27 Least 211
Puffinus Rock Wren 463 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Starling, European 331 Roseate 207
gravis 81 Roseate Spoonbill 94 471 Stelgidopteryx serripennis Royal 206
griseus 80 Roseate Tern 207 Shearwater, 309 Sandwich 205
lherminieri 445 Rose-breasted Grosbeak Audubon’s 445 Stellula calliope 472 Sooty 451
puffinus 79 438 Cory’s 78 Stercorariidae 214–6, Thayer’s Gull 450
Purple Finch 348 Ross’s Goose 38 Greater 81 452 Thick-billed Murre 218
Purple Gallinule 145 Ross’s Gull 450 Manx 79 Stercorarius Thrasher,
Purple Martin 308 Rostrhamus sociabilis 447 Sooty 80 longicaudus 216 Brown 330
Purple Sandpiper 183 Rough-legged Hawk Shiny Cowbird 468 maccormicki 452 Curve-billed 464
Pycnonotidae 464 136 shorebirds 150 parasiticus 215 Long-billed 464
Pycnonotus jocosus 464 Royal Tern 206 Short-billed Dowitcher pomarinus 214 Sage 463
Pygmy-Owl, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 163 skua 452 Thraupidae 435–6, 472
Ferruginous 472 315 Short-eared Owl 248 Sterna Threskiornithidae 91–4
Pyrocephalus rubinus 457 Ruby-throated Short-tailed Hawk 448 anaethetus 451 Thrush,
Pyrrhuloxia 470 Hummingbird 255 Shoveler, Northern 51 antillarum 211 Bicknell’s 336
Ruddy Duck 72 Shrike, caspia 204 Gray-cheeked 335
Q Ruddy Ground-Dove
472
Loggerhead 284
Northern 285
dougallii 207
forsteri 210
Hermit 338
Swainson’s 337
Quail, Scaled 444 Ruddy Turnstone 174 shrikes 283 fuscatus 451 Varied 472
Quiscalus Ruff 471 Sialia hirundo 208 Wood 339
major 401 Ruffed Grouse 26 currucoides 472 maxima 206 thrushes 332
mexicanus 400 Rufous Hummingbird sialis 333 nilotica 203 Thryomanes bewickii 319
quiscula 399 257 Siskin, Pine 345 paradisaea 209 Thryothorus ludovicianus
Rufous-crowned Sitta sandvicensis 205 320
Sparrow 469 canadensis 325 Stilt Sandpiper 185 titmice 299
R Rusty Blackbird 397 carolinensis 326 Stilt, Black-necked 152 Titmouse,
Rail, Rynchops niger 213 pusilla 324 Stint, Red-necked 471 Black-crested 462
Black 140 Sittidae 324–5 Stork, Wood 90 Tufted 305
Clapper 141 Skimmer, Black 213 Storm-Petrel, Towhee,
King 142 S Skua, Band-rumped 445 Canyon 469
Virginia 143 Sabine’s Gull 201 Great 452 Leach’s 83 Eastern 434
Yellow 139 Sage Thrasher 463 South Polar 452 Wilson’s 82 Green-tailed 469
rails 138 Salpinctes obsoletus 463 Slaty-backed Gull 472 Streptopelia decaocto 225 Spotted 472
Rallidae 139–47 Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Smew 471 Strigidae 238–48, 454, Townsend’s Solitaire 472
Rallus Sparrow 423 Smith’s Longspur 408 472 Townsend’s Warbler 472
elegans 142 Sanderling 176 Smooth-billed Ani 454 Strigiformes 237–48 Toxostoma
limicola 143 Sandhill Crane 148 Snail Kite 447 Strix curvirostre 464
longirostris 141 Sandpiper, Snipe, Wilson’s 162 nebulosa 242 longirostre 464
Raven, Baird’s 181 Snow Bunting 410 varia 241 rufum 330
Chihuahuan 461 Buff-breasted 186 Snow Goose 37 Sturnella treecreepers 316
Common 298 Curlew 450 Snowy Egret 106 magna 402 Tree Swallow 307
Razorbill 220 Least 179 Snowy Owl 239 neglecta 403 Tricolored Heron 104
478
INDEX
Tringa Vermivora Warbler contd. White-tailed Hawk Wren,
flavipes 170 celata 358 Golden-cheeked 466 448 Bewick’s 319
glareola 471 chrysoptera 355 Golden-winged 355 White-tailed Kite 125 Cactus 462
melanoleuca 169 peregrina 357 Hermit 472 White-tailed Tropicbird Canyon 463
solitaria 171 pinus 356 Hooded 388 471 Wren contd.
Trochilidae 255–6, 455, ruficapilla 359 Kentucky 384 White-throated Sparrow Carolina 320
472 Vesper Sparrow 431 Kirtland’s 466 418 House 322
Troglodytes Vireo Macgillivray’s 472 White-tipped Dove 453 Marsh 318
aedon 322 altiloquus 460 Magnolia 366 White-winged Crossbill Rock 463
troglodytes 321 atricapilla 459 Mourning 386 352 Sedge 317
Troglodytidae 317–22, bellii 287 Nashville 359 White-winged Dove Winter 321
462–3 flavifrons 288 Orange-crowned 358 227 wrens 316
Tropical Kingbird 458 flavoviridis 472 Palm 375 White-winged Scoter
Tropical Parula 466 gilvus 290 Pine 374 63
Tropicbird, White-tailed griseus 286 Prairie 373 Whooping Crane 449 X
471 huttoni 460 Prothonotary 378 Wigeon, Xanthocephalus
Trumpeter Swan 444 olivaceus 292 Swainson’s 380 American 46 xanthocephalus 404
Tryngites subruficollis philadelphicus 291 Tennessee 357 Eurasian 471 Xema sabini 203
186 solitarius 289 Townsend’s 472 Wild Turkey 25
tubenoses 76 vicinior 459 Wilson’s 389 Willet 173
Tufted Duck 471 Vireo, Worm-eating 379 Willow Flycatcher 276 Y
Tufted Titmouse 305 Bell’s 287 Yellow 362 Willow Ptarmigan 31 Yellow Rail 139
Tundra Swan 43 Black-capped 459 Yellow-rumped 370 Wilson’s Phalarope 187 Yellow Warbler 362
Turdidae 333–10, 465, Black-whiskered 460 Yellow-throated 372 Wilson’s Plover 157 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
472 Blue-headed 289 Warbling Vireo 290 Wilson’s Snipe 162 274
Turdus Gray 459 waterfowl 34 Wilson’s Storm-Petrel Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
grayi 465 Hutton’s 460 Waterthrush, 82 262
migratorius 340 Philadelphia 291 Louisiana 383 Wilson’s Warbler 389 Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Turkey Vulture 116 Red-eyed 292 Northern 382 Wilsonia 234
Turkey, Wild 25 Warbling 290 Waxwing, canadensis 390 Yellow-billed Loon 471
Turnstone, Ruddy 174 White-eyed 286 Bohemian 300 citrina 388 Yellow-breasted Chat
Tympanuchus Yellow-green 472 Cedar 301 pusilla 389 391
cupido 29 Yellow-throated 288 waxwings 299 wings 13 Yellow-crowned
phasianellus 28 Vireonidae 286–92, Western Grebe 446 Winter Wren 321 Night-Heron 98
Tyrannidae 271–82, 459–60, 472 Western Kingbird 279 Wood Duck 44 Yellow-green Vireo 472
457–9, 472 vireos 283 Western Meadowlark 403 Wood Sandpiper 471 Yellow-headed Blackbird
Tyrannus Virginia Rail 143 Western Sandpiper 178 Wood Stork 90 404
couchii 458 Vulture, Western Scrub-Jay 461 Wood Thrush 339 Yellow-rumped Warbler
dominicensis 458 Black 117 Western Tanager 472 Woodcock, American 370
forficatus 280 Turkey 116 Western Wood-pewee 161 Yellow-throated Vireo
melancholicus 458 472 Woodpecker, 288
tyrannus 281 Wheatear, Northern 464 American Three-toed Yellow-throated Warbler
verticalis 279 W Whimbrel 167 266 372
Tyto alba 237 Warbler, Whip-poor-will 252 Black-backed 267 Yellowlegs,
Tytonidae 237 Bay-breasted 364 Whistling-Duck, Downy 263 Greater 169
Black-and-white 376 Black-bellied 444 Golden-fronted 456 Lesser 170
Blackburnian 365 Fulvous 35 Hairy 264 Yellowthroat, Common
U Blackpoll 363 White Ibis 91 Ladder-backed 456 387
Upland Sandpiper 168 Black-throated Blue White-breasted Lewis’s 472
Uria 369 Nuthatch 326 Pileated 269
aalge 219 Black-throated Gray White-collared Seedeater Red-bellied 261 Z
lomvia 218 472 470 Red-cockaded 265 Zenaida
Black-throated Green White-crowned Pigeon Red-headed 260 asiatica 227
371 452 woodpeckers 259 macroura 226
V Blue-winged 356 White-crowned Sparrow Wood-pewee, Zone-tailed Hawk
Varied Bunting 470 Canada 390 417 Eastern 273 449
Varied Thrush 472 Cape May 368 White-eyed Vireo 286 Western 472 Zonotrichia
Veery 334 Cerulean 367 White-faced Ibis 93 wood-warblers 354 albicollis 418
Verdin 462 Chestnut-sided 361 White-rumped Worm-eating Warbler leucophrys 417
Vermilion Flycatcher 457 Connecticut 385 Sandpiper 180 379 querula 416
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Dorling Kindersley would like to thank the following people for their 26cb, 29cla, 29crb, 40crb, 120cra, 120tc, 122fbl, 129crb, 134bl, 135cra, 140bl,
help in compiling this book: Lucy Baker, Rachel Booth, Kim Bryan, Arti 144tr, 240fbl; Steve Baldwin 230b; The Barn Owl Centre, UK: 236cla;
Finn, Peter Frances, Lynn Hassett, Riccie Janus, Megan Jones, Maxine Lea, Giff Beaton: 361bl, 363fbl, 364tr, 365fbl, 374bl; Corbis: Frank Burek 112;
Ruth O’Rourke, Himanshi Sharma, Catherine Thomas,Yen-Mai Tsang. Tim Davis 2-3; Joe McDonald 14cla; David A. Northcott 112; Mike
Danzenbaker: 77bl, 78bl, 79fbl, 80bl, 80fbl, 81ca, 82bl, 82fbl, 83bl, 83cra,
Producing such a comprehensive book would be impossible without the 83fbl, 218cla, 231fbl, 233bl, 234bl, 251bl, 252ca, 252tl, 254bl, 272cb, 369tc,
research and observations of hundreds of field and museum ornithologists 397tc, 407fbl, 408tc, 409bl, 410bc, 445br, 447br, 453br, 453tr; Greg &
and birdwatchers. The Editor-in-Chief would like to name four who have Yvonne Dean / WorldWildlifeImages.com: 250bl, 455tl; Dorling
been especially inspirational and supportive over the years: the late Paul Kindersley: Robin Chittenden 70tr; Chris Gomersall Photography 30crb,
Géroudet, the late Ernst Mayr, Patricia Stryker Joseph, and Helen Hays. 30tr, 48ca, 48crb, 48tr, 51crb, 56bl, 67crb, 79ca, 79tr, 81bl, 102crb, 111crb,
In addition, we acknowledge Birds of North America Online, edited by Alan 118fbl, 119ca, 119crb, 121fbl, 123cra, 123tc, 129fbl, 172bl, 174crb, 175crb,
Poole, a joint project of the American Ornithologists’ Union and Cornell’s 183bc, 194cra, 196ca, 203bl, 203fbl, 205bl, 205cra, 207ca, 207crb, 207fbl,
Laboratory of Ornithology, and The Howard and Moore Complete Checklist 209cb, 218bl, 218fbl, 219bl, 219cla, 219cra, 220bl, 220cra, 221crb, 222crb,
of the Birds of the World, revised and enlarged 3rd edition, edited by Edward 222tc, 224cra, 243fbl, 298tl, 331tc, 341cra, 341tc, 416fbl, 437fbl, 445tl; David
C. Dickinson and published by the Princeton University Press, as invaluable Tipling Photo Library 50ca, 57cr, 57cra, 66bl, 70tc, 71bl, 72tc, 74bl, 75bl,
sources of information on the birds of North America. 86tc, 87fbl, 88fbl, 123crb, 154cla, 184cla, 191cl, 191cra, 191fbl, 194cl, 195cra,
195fbl, 200cl, 224cla, 313tc; Mark Hamblin 52ca, 57cla, 74ca (1), 113cra,
The publisher would like to thank the following for their kind 237cra, 239bl, 239fbl, 244bl, 247bl, 248cra, 464br; Chris Knights 71crb; Mike
permission to reproduce their photographs: Lane 30cla, 30cra, 31bl, 33tc, 45ca, 57tr, 58bl, 62fbl, 65cla, 68fbl, 72tr, 87ca,
111cra, 166bl, 176cla, 177fbl, 182tc, 183tr, 196tr, 197fbl, 200fbl, 207bl, 207tc,
Almost without exception, the birds featured in the profiles in this book 208ca, 209fbl, 210fbl, 211fbl, 214bl, 215bl, 216cra, 216crb, 220crb, 221ca,
were photographed in the wild. 222ca, 297bl, 298ca, 452tl; Gordon Langsbury 111tr, 156cra, 157fbl, 158fbl,
159fbl, 168tc, 171bl, 172cla, 185tr; Gordon Langsgury 100cla; Tim Loseby
(Key: a-above; b-below/bottom; c-centre; f-far; l-left; r-right; t-top) 52crb, 189crb, 347cla; George McCarthy 28bl, 31crb, 33tr, 97ca, 98fbl,
100cra, 174cla, 195bc, 214fbl, 215ca, 216bl, 235bl; Natural History Museum,
Alamy Images: AfriPics.com 11cra; Derrick Alderman 18cl; Juniors London 10cla, 12cl; Kim Taylor 74tr, 222tr; Roger Tidman 42ca, 42tc, 43fbl,
Bildachiv 13tr; blickwinkel 19cr; Nora Bowers 254t; Bruce Coleman Inc. 44ca, 53tr, 61ca, 65bl, 67ca, 70fbl, 72ca, 86fbl, 92ca, 93fbl, 111cla, 165bl, 174tr,
14tr, 19br; Gay Bumgarner 18bc; Nancy Camel 19clb; Redmond Durrell 177tc, 179fbl, 183tl, 188bl, 188ca, 189ca, 189tr, 191tc, 203ca, 203crb, 205ca,
15cb; Elvele Images Ltd. 18-19cb; David Hosking 13fcrb; Don Kates 16cla; 205fbl, 208crb, 214cra, 215fbl, 216fbl, 217bl, 217ca, 221fbl, 221tc, 225ca,
William Leaman 334cr; Rick & Nora Bowers 9tc, 360bl, 435fbl, 466tl; Rolf 226fbl, 331cla, 410cla, 410tc; Ray Tipper 154bl; Steve Young 45tc, 53cr,
Nussbaumer 16clb; Peter Arnold, Inc. 16cl; Renee Morris 443c; Stock 57crb, 57tc, 65cra, 65tr, 67tc, 67tr, 68bl, 69bl, 70bl, 71ca, 71tc, 79tc, 83crb,
Connection Blue 13cr; tbkmedia.de 16-17c; Ardea: Ian Beames 11cr; Peter 83tc, 113tc, 184tc, 191crb, 195cla, 196bl, 196cla, 197bl, 198cla, 199bl,
Steyn 82ca; Jim Zipp 274cr, 274tc, 276fcr, 319tc; Doug Backlund: 12-13ca, 200cra, 200crb, 200tl, 208tc, 208tr, 214tc, 222fbl, 321ca, 322bl, 410cra;
479
INDEX
Dudley Edmondson: 23cra, 28fbl, 28tr, 29cra, 29fbl, 31cla, 33bl, 37cra, 116ca, 116tc, 117bl, 117br, 117cra, 117fbl, 117tc, 124fbl, 125bl, 125cra, 126bl,
37crb, 37tl, 38fbl, 41fbl, 88ca, 88tc, 95cb, 103cla, 105cla, 109cla, 110bl, 110cla, 127cra, 128ca, 129bl, 130cra, 132bc, 139ca, 139crb, 140ca, 140crb, 141ca,
110tr, 114tc, 118bl, 119bl, 120fbl, 121ca, 122bl, 123fbl, 127ca, 127cb, 127cla, 142fbl, 143fbl, 144fbl, 145cra, 148c, 148cla, 149ca, 149fbl, 154tc, 155bl,
127tc, 129cla, 129cra, 129tc, 130bl, 131crb, 134cla, 134cra, 135crb, 137fbl, 155fbl, 155tc, 159tc, 166ca, 166tc, 170bl, 170cla, 171ca, 172ca, 175tc, 176bl,
144crb, 148crb, 152ca, 153crb, 160ca, 167fbl, 173crb, 181tc, 190tr, 199crb, 176fbl, 177bl, 177ca, 178ca, 178cra, 178fbl, 179tr, 180fbl, 187bl, 188tl, 189bl,
212crb, 213crb, 238fbl, 242tl, 243cb, 245cla, 245cra, 246bl, 250crb, 263bc, 190cra, 192bl, 193bl, 194fbl, 198bl, 198ca, 198cra, 199fbl, 199tr, 201ca, 202fbl,
281crb, 294ca, 317crb, 333crb, 378bc, 396crb, 405bl, 411ca, 412cra, 427fbl, 204bl, 204fbl, 206bl, 206ca, 206cra, 208bl, 209bl, 210ca, 211bl, 212ca, 213ca,
428cra, 449br, 461tl; Tom Ennis: 182bl, 186ca; Hanne & Jens Eriksen: 224bl, 224fbl, 226bl, 226tc, 227ca, 231crb, 233fbl, 234ca, 234cra, 235ca,
111bl, 125crb, 154fbl, 167crb, 191bl, 195bl, 204tc, 217crb, 217tc, 451tl; Neil 235fbl, 238cra, 240bl, 240cla, 241ca, 241cra, 242bl, 242cra, 243cla, 243cra,
Fletcher: 35cb, 36bc, 36cla, 37cla, 39tc, 43ca, 43cra, 45tr, 46fbl, 48fbl, 49fbl, 244cra, 246fbl, 248fbl, 249cl, 250fbl, 251fbl, 252crb, 252fbl, 254crb, 256bc,
52fbl, 52tr, 54fbl, 54tc, 55crb, 55tr, 225crb, 331cra, 341crb; David Hosking 256bl, 256fbl, 257tr, 258cra, 258tr, 259cra, 260bc, 260cra, 261bl, 261br,
78fbl, 445bl; FLPA: Goetz Eichhorn/ Foto Natura 75fbl; John Hawkins 261cla, 261cra, 262bl, 262cla, 262cra, 263bl, 263fbl, 264cb, 264cla, 264cra,
17cla; S Jonasson 76cra; Daphne Kinzler 17tr; S & D & K Maslowski 18br; 265bl, 265crb, 265fbl, 267cb, 268ca, 268cb, 268cra, 268fcla, 269cla, 269crb,
Winfried Wisniewski / Foto Natura 17cr; Tui De Roy / Minden Pictures 271bl, 271cb, 271fbl, 272bl, 272ca, 273bl, 273cb, 273cra, 273fbl, 274fbl, 275ca,
17ca; Roger Tidman 76tc; Joe Fuhrman: 167ca, 168fbl, 360crb; Getty 275fbl, 276cra, 276fbl, 277bl, 277ca, 277crb, 277fbl, 278bl, 278fbl, 279fbl,
Images: Marc Moritsch 14-15b; Nancy Nehring / Photodisc 112; Brad 281cra, 281fbl, 282bl, 282br, 282ca, 283cl, 284bl, 284crb, 285bl, 286bl, 287bl,
Sharp 18c; Paul E. Tessier / Photodisc 25tr; Bob Glover: 200tc; Melvin 287crb, 287fbl, 288bl, 288ca, 288fbl, 289bl, 289ca, 289crb, 289fbl, 290bl,
Grey: 49crb, 50crb, 89bc, 89cra, 91crb, 95fbl, 96ca, 96tr, 97fbl, 98ca, 98cra, 290cra, 291bl, 291ca, 291crb, 292ca, 292fbl, 292bl, 293fbl, 293tc, 294bl,
99bl, 99crb, 100crb, 101cla, 101fbl, 103fbl, 104cra, 105bl, 105crb, 119cra, 294fbl, 301crb, 302cb, 305bl, 305crb, 305fbl, 306ca, 307fbl, 308cra, 309crb,
120cla, 124cla, 124crb, 130crb, 131fbl, 132bl, 133bl, 135cla, 145bl, 145ca, 309fbl, 310ca, 313bl, 313fbl, 313tr, 314bl, 314cra, 315cla, 315fbl, 317cra,
145crb, 146bl, 146fbl, 147cra, 147fbl, 155tr, 156fbl, 157cla, 157crb, 157tr, 318crb, 318fbl, 319crb, 319fbl, 320bl, 320cra, 323bl, 323ca, 323fbl, 324bl,
158bl, 159bl, 160cra, 160crb, 160tr, 175bl, 175ca, 176cra, 205tr, 206crb, 206tr, 324cra, 324crb, 324fbl, 325bl, 325cra, 325fbl, 325tc, 326bl, 326cla, 326fbl,
221bl, 237crb, 296cra, 301tc, 348bc, 396fcla, 396fcra, 452tr; Tom Grey 80cr, 327bl, 327fbl, 328ca, 328fbl, 329bl, 329ca, 329crb, 329tc, 330bl, 330fbl, 331fbl,
95cra, 116crb, 125tl, 147crb, 190bl, 204crb, 225bl, 226ca, 227bl, 402bl, 403cla, 333bl, 333fbl, 333tr, 334bc, 334fbl, 335bl, 335ca, 336bl, 337cra, 337fbl, 337tc,
403cra; Josef Hlasek: 188crb; Barry Hughes: 219crb; Arto Juvonen: 338bc, 338cla, 338fbl, 338tc, 339cra, 339fbl, 340bl, 341bl, 341fbl, 342bl, 342tc,
32tc, 78ca, 78crb, 78tc, 113crb, 135bl, 136cra; Kevin T. Karlson: 26cla, 27fbl, 343cra, 343crb, 345ca, 345fbl, 346bc, 346bl, 346cla, 347cra, 347fbl, 349bl,
27tc, 63bl, 64ca, 64crb, 103tc, 120crb, 133cla, 133tc, 151cla, 163cr, 163cra, 350cla, 350fbl, 350tc, 351ca, 351cra, 351tl, 352bl, 353bl, 353fbl, 354tr, 355cla,
163crb, 163tl, 165ca, 165cra, 166fbl, 186tc, 220ca, 280crb, 297crb, 366fbl, 355cra, 355crb, 356bc, 356bl, 356cla, 356cra, 357cra, 357fbl, 357tc, 358crb,
373tc, 420cla, 431bl, 448bl; Mike Lane: Mike Lane 228bl, 229bl; Barry 359bl, 359fbl, 359tr, 360cla, 362bl, 362cra, 363crb, 364bl, 364ca, 364tc, 365bl,
Mansell: 34c; Garth McElroy: 9clb, 15cl, 44fbl, 47crb, 59fbl, 59tr, 61bl, 365tr, 366bl, 366tr, 367ca, 367crb, 367tc, 367tr, 368bl, 368cra, 368crb, 368tc,
62bl, 63tc, 64bl, 64tc, 65ca, 65fbl, 66tc, 67fbl, 68cla, 69crb, 75tc, 86bl, 87bl, 369ca, 370bl, 370cla, 370fbl, 371bl, 371cra, 371crb, 371tc, 372ca, 372crb,
87tc, 88bl, 88cla, 90bl, 90fbl, 91bl, 91fbl, 92bl, 92crb, 93bl, 95bl, 96bl, 97bl, 373bl, 373crb, 374ca, 374cla, 374cra, 374tc, 375bc, 375cla, 375fbl, 376bl,
97tr, 98bl, 99cla, 99fbl, 100bl, 100fbl, 101tc, 102bl, 102ca, 106cra, 106fbl, 376cla, 377cra, 377tc, 378cla, 378cra, 378fbl, 378bl, 379ca, 379crb, 380bl,
106tc, 112crb, 112cr, 112tl, 114bl, 140fbl, 141bl, 142bl, 143cra, 143crb, 144bl, 380ca, 380crb, 380fbl, 381bl, 381fbl, 382bl, 382ca, 383bl, 383ca, 384ca,
148fbl, 151cra, 151fbl, 155cra, 156cla, 156crb, 158ca, 159cla, 159crb, 161ca, 384cra, 385bl, 385ca, 385fbl, 386tc, 386tr, 387fbl, 388bl, 388ca, 388fbl, 389ca,
161fbl, 162bl, 162cr, 162fbl, 162tc, 163ca, 163fbl, 164bl, 164fbl, 164tr, 165crb, 389tc, 390tc, 391ca, 391fbl, 391tc, 393bl, 393cla, 393cra, 393tr, 394cla, 394cra,
165tc, 168crb, 169bl, 169ca, 169cra, 169crb, 169fbl, 170cra, 170fbl, 171crb, 394fbl, 394tc, 395bl, 395fbl, 395tc, 396cra, 397bl, 398bl, 398crb, 399bl, 399ca,
171fbl, 172cra, 173ca, 173cra, 173fbl, 174bl, 176crb, 176tr, 177cb, 179tl, 399cra, 399fbl, 400bl, 400ca, 400fbl, 401bl, 401cra, 401fbl, 402cra, 402crb,
180bl, 180crb, 180tc, 181ca, 181fbl, 189tc, 190ca, 193ca, 193cla, 193cra, 403bc, 403bl, 404cra, 404tc, 405cla, 405cra, 405fbl, 406tr, 409bc, 409cla,
193crb, 196fbl, 197cra, 198crb, 200bl, 211ca, 211crb, 211tc, 229ca, 232cra, 409cra, 409fbl, 411tr, 412bl, 412cl, 413bl, 413tc, 414bl, 414crb, 414fbl, 415cra,
233crb, 237bl, 241cr, 244crb, 246crb, 247cla, 248bc, 248tc, 255cla, 255tc, 415crb, 415fbl, 416cra, 417cla, 417crb, 417fbl, 417tc, 418cra, 418fbl, 419cl,
266cb, 266cla, 266cra, 267bl, 271crb, 271tc, 274bl, 275bl, 276bl, 278cla, 419crb, 419fcla, 419tc, 420fbl, 420tc, 421bl, 421fbl, 421tc, 421tr, 422crb,
278crb, 281ca, 290crb, 292bc, 293cla, 293cra, 293crb, 300bl, 300cla, 300cra, 422fbl, 423bl, 423cra, 423fbl, 424bl, 424fbl, 425bc, 425ca, 425fbl, 426cra,
300tc, 301bl, 301cla, 301fbl, 303crb, 304bl, 304ca, 304crb, 305ca, 306bl, 428cla, 429fbl, 431cra, 432tc, 433bl, 433cra, 433crb, 433fbl, 434cra, 434fbl,
307ca, 307crb, 309cra, 310bl, 311bl, 311ca, 311crb, 312bl, 313cr, 314crb, 435ca, 435cla, 435cra, 435crb, 435tr, 436bl, 436fbl, 437bl, 437ca, 437cr,
316cr, 316tr, 320crb, 321bl, 323tc, 326cra, 326crb, 327br, 327cra, 328cb, 437crb, 437tr, 438bl, 438cl, 438cla, 438tc, 439cla, 439cra, 439fbl, 439tc, 440bc,
328crb, 330br, 332b, 333ca, 333cra, 334bl, 334cb, 334tc, 335fbl, 336ca, 336crb, 440bl, 440cla, 440fbl, 440tr, 441cla, 441fbl, 441tc, 441tr, 442bc, 442cra, 442fbl,
337bl, 337cb, 337crb, 338bl, 338cb, 338cra, 339bl, 340crb, 340tc, 342cra, 442tr, 444br, 444tl, 446tl, 447bl, 448br, 448tl, 448tr, 449tl, 450bl, 450tl, 451br,
343bl, 344tr, 345crb, 346cra, 346tc, 347bc, 348cb, 348cra, 348tc, 349fbl, 350bl, 452br, 453bl, 453tl, 454bl, 454br, 454tl, 454tr, 455bl, 455br, 455tr, 456bl,
350cra, 350crb, 351cr, 351fbl, 352cra, 352crb, 352fbl, 352tc, 353bc, 353ca, 456br, 456tr, 457bl, 457br, 457tl, 458tl, 458tr, 459bl, 459br, 459tl, 460bl, 460tl,
359bc, 360cra, 361cra, 361crb, 361tc, 363bl, 363cra, 363tc, 364crb, 365cla, 460tr, 461tr, 462bl, 462br, 462tl, 463bl, 464tl, 464tr, 465tl, 466br, 467br, 468tl,
366cla, 366crb, 366tc, 367bl, 367fbl, 369crb, 372bl, 373cra, 373fbl, 374bc, 468tr, 469br, 469tl; Michelle Lynn St.Sauveur: 161crb; Bob Steele: 8c,
376cb, 376cra, 376fbl, 377fbl, 381ca, 381crb, 382crb, 382fbl, 383crb, 383fbl, 8fcrb, 9ca, 13cb, 25cla, 25fbl, 26ca, 32bl, 33fbl, 36cra, 37tc, 38bl, 38cla, 38crb,
384fbl, 386crb, 387cra, 387crb, 390cb, 390fbl, 391bl, 393fbl, 394crb, 396bl, 40tc, 40tr, 41crb, 43crb, 44tr, 45fbl, 46crb, 47fbl, 48tc, 49bl, 49fcrb, 50tr, 51fbl,
396fbl, 397crb, 397tr, 398fbl, 399bc, 400tr, 402fbl, 403fbl, 404fbl, 405crb, 58tr, 62crb, 62tr, 66crb, 68tc, 69tr, 75tr, 77cla, 85crb, 85tc, 90crb, 93cla, 93tr,
405tc, 411bl, 411fbl, 412crb, 412fbl, 413bc, 413cra, 413fbl, 414ca, 415bl, 94bl, 94ca, 96cb, 97crb, 100tc, 104crb, 108fbl, 109tc, 110crb, 112fbl, 114ca,
415tc, 416bl, 418cla, 418crb, 418tc, 419cra, 420bl, 421crb, 422bc, 422tc, 118crb, 118tr, 119fbl, 124bl, 128cra, 130ca, 130fbl, 131bl, 132cla, 132tc,
425bl, 426ca, 427cra, 428crb, 428fbl, 428tc, 429bl, 429crb, 430ca, 430fbl, 134bc, 134ca, 134tr, 135fbl, 136crb, 138br, 138c, 139bl, 143cla, 144ca, 144tc,
431ca, 434bl, 434ca, 434crb, 438cra, 438fbl, 439crb, 441bc, 462tr, 463tr, 467tl, 147cla, 148cra, 149bl, 149cr, 149crb, 152cra, 152tc, 153cla, 155ca, 156tc,
469tr; Ian Montgomery / Birdway.com.au: 108tr; Arthur Morris/ 160cr, 160fbl, 161bl, 162bc, 163bl, 164ca, 164crb, 166crb, 168ca, 170crb,
Birds As Art: 207tr; Bob Moul: 87cla, 158crb, 286crb, 339crb, 386bl, 387tc, 171tc, 172fbl, 173bl, 173tc, 177bc, 178bl, 178crb, 178tr, 179bl, 179ca, 179crb,
399cla, 447tr; Alan Murphy: 8clb, 9tr, 23cl, 72bl, 85ca, 103crb, 107tr, 125fbl, 181bl, 181crb, 182bc, 182ca, 182fbl, 183bl, 183fbl, 184cra, 184fbl, 185bc,
126ca, 126cra, 126crb, 128fbl, 138tr, 141cla, 141crb, 151bl, 151crb, 223b, 185ca, 185fbl, 186bl, 186fbl, 187ca, 187crb, 187tl, 187tr, 188fbl, 188tr, 189fbl,
232b, 232cl, 234crb, 235cr, 249tr, 253b, 253clb, 257b, 258bl, 258br, 259l, 190cla, 190crb, 190fbl, 190tc, 192cla, 192cra, 192tc, 192tr, 194bl, 194crb,
262fbl, 270tr, 275cb, 288cb, 288crb, 299ca, 302fbl, 303ca, 354b, 355bl, 356fbl, 194tc, 197cla, 197tc, 198fbl, 199ca, 201cla, 201crb, 203tc, 210crb, 210tc,
358bl, 362cla, 371fbl, 378bl, 389fbl, 392b, 429cra, 429tr, 435bl, 436cra, 212bl, 212tc, 213tc, 214bc, 214cla, 216tc, 218cra, 219fbl, 220fbl, 222bl, 228ca,
436crb, 444tr, 460br, 466tr, 467tr; Tomi Muukonen: 45crb, 73cl, 86tr, 128tr, 228cb, 228crb, 229crb, 229tl, 235cb, 236tr, 237fbl, 238bl, 239cra, 239tc, 240cb,
136cla, 136fbl, 194tl, 196crb, 201bl, 202cla, 202crb, 208fbl, 209ca, 210bl, 241bl, 244cla, 245bl, 245fbl, 246cra, 246tc, 247crb, 249b, 250ca, 251ca, 252bl,
407crb, 410crb, 464bl; naturepl.com: Vincent Munier 10-11c; Tom Vezo 253tr, 255cra, 256cla, 256cr, 263ca, 263tr, 264bl, 264fbl, 266bl, 267cla, 267cra,
17br; NHPA / Photoshot: Bill Coster 84bc, 150b; Kevin Schafer 76cb; 270b, 271cra, 272crb, 272fbl, 273cr, 274crb, 279bl, 279ca, 279cra, 279crb,
Wayne Nicholas: 148bl, 449bl; Judd Patterson: 22, 102fbl, 105tc, 106bl, 280fbl, 283b, 284cra, 284fbl, 285fbl, 285tc, 286fbl, 287ca, 290fbl, 290tc,
107bc, 108cb, 108cra, 108tl, 132fbl, 133bc, 133cra, 281bl, 283cra, 458br; E. J. 291fbl, 292crb, 294crb, 295bl, 295ca, 296bl, 296ca, 296crb, 297fbl, 298bl,
Peiker: 56cb, 168bl; EJ Peiker: 8ca, 35ca, 35crb, 35fbl, 37bl, 38cra, 42fcra, 298crb, 298fbl, 299b, 302bl, 302crb, 303bl, 304fbl, 306fbl, 307bl, 307cra,
42tr, 44bl, 44tc, 46bl, 46cb, 47ca, 50bl, 50fbl, 50tc, 51bl, 53bl, 53cla, 53cra, 307tr, 308crb, 308tc, 309bl, 309tc, 310crb, 310tc, 311tc, 313br, 313cla, 314fbl,
53fbl, 54bl, 54ca, 54crb, 54tr, 55ca, 55cb, 55fbl, 55tc, 56crb, 56fbl, 57bl, 57fbl, 314tc, 315bl, 315tr, 317fbl, 318cra, 319bl, 319ca, 320fbl, 320tc, 322cra, 323crb,
58ca, 58crb, 68crb, 69fbl, 69tc, 71fbl, 73tr, 75cr, 89cl, 92fbl, 92tc, 93cra, 325crb, 330ca, 331fcla, 332cra, 335crb, 340cla, 340cra, 342crb, 342fbl, 343fbl,
101cra, 102cra, 110fcla, 112cra, 113bl, 114fbl, 118ca, 118cla, 127fbl, 132cra, 344b, 345cb, 346fbl, 347cl, 347tc, 348bl, 349cla, 349cra, 353cra, 354cl, 357cla,
133fbl, 134fbl, 136bl, 146tc, 152crb, 153ca, 153cra, 154cra, 154crb, 157bl, 357crb, 358cra, 358fbl, 359cla, 361cla, 361fbl, 362tc, 363cla, 364fbl, 365cb,
159cra, 160bl, 164tc, 167bl, 172crb, 174cr, 185cr, 192crb, 202bl, 202cra, 206tc, 365crb, 370c, 370cra, 370crb, 374fbl, 376crb, 377bc, 377cla, 384bl, 384crb,
210tr, 218cb, 226bc, 227crb, 238cla, 238tc, 240cra, 241fbl, 242fbl, 243bl, 385fbl, 388crb, 388tc, 389bl, 389cb, 389crb, 390bl, 390ca, 390crb, 392crb,
247fbl, 255bl, 255crb, 255fbl, 259br, 261fbl, 262cb, 279cb, 280bl, 280cra, 394bl, 395crb, 396cla, 396tr, 397cla, 397fbl, 398cra, 398tc, 401crb, 401tc,
280tc, 282fbl, 286cra, 294cb, 295crb, 300fbl, 301cra, 315c, 315crb, 316br, 404bl, 404cla, 406bl, 407bl, 408bl, 409tc, 411cra, 412cla, 412tc, 413cl, 416cla,
322br, 331bl, 345bl, 346tr, 348fbl, 349crb, 349tr, 351bl, 357bl, 358cla, 362crb, 416crb, 416tc, 417bl, 418bl, 420crb, 420tr, 422crb, 426crb, 427cla, 427crb,
362fbl, 368fbl, 369bl, 370tr, 375bl, 391br, 392tr, 393crb, 395tr, 400bc, 400tc, 427tc, 428bl, 430bl, 431bc, 431fbl, 432bc, 433cla, 440tc, 446bl, 446br, 449tr,
402tc, 404bc, 406br, 406cl, 432ca, 436tr, 438bc, 439bl, 442cla, 444bl, 457tr, 451bl, 451tr, 463br, 463tl, 465bl, 466bl, 467bl, 469bl; Matthew Studebaker:
458bl, 459tr, 461br, 470bl, 470tr; Jari Peltomäki: 24bl, 31tc, 32cra, 36ca, 356tc; Andy & Gill Swash: 77c, 93crb, 94crb, 98cb, 99cra, 109crb, 112bl,
37fbl, 39fbl, 59crb, 65crb, 73bc, 115bc, 123bl, 127bl, 137ca, 137cra, 137crb, 445tl; Peter Sweber: 38tc, 49ca, 62ca, 63fbl, 104fbl, 105fbl, 110tc; Markus
145fbl, 146cla, 146cra, 146crb, 147bl, 184bl, 185bl, 209crb, 224crb, 237b, Varesvuo: 4-5c, 12-13bl, 23b, 30ca, 32crb, 33cra, 33fbr, 34cra, 36crb, 42crb,
242cb, 285crb, 306cra, 306crb, 344cla, 407cra, 450tr; Photolibrary: Tim 51ca, 51cb, 51tr, 59ca, 59tc, 60fbl, 61cb, 61crb, 61tc, 63crb, 67bl, 68ca, 70ca,
Zurowski 319fcr; David Plummer: 456tl; Mike Read: 77crb, 122crb; 70crb, 74crb, 75ca, 75cb, 84cl, 86ca, 86crb, 87crb, 122cla, 128bl, 128crb,
Robert Royse: 26fbl, 27cla, 30bl, 31cra, 39crb, 63ca, 141cra, 141fbl, 142ca, 131cra, 131tr, 136ca, 136tr, 183ca, 184crb, 189cb, 215crb, 215tc, 219tc,
142crb, 143bl, 167cra, 169cla, 170ca, 175tr, 180ca, 187fbl, 192fbl, 193fbl, 239crb, 247cra, 248bl, 285cra, 300crb, 321crb, 331crb, 347bl, 351crb, 407cla,
204ca, 204tr, 206fbl, 233cra, 234fbl, 256ca, 265cra, 265tc, 278cra, 296fbl, 407tc, 408fbl, 465br, 465tr; Jim Culbertson 461bl; Robert L. Pitman 79bl;
297ca, 302ca, 303fbl, 317bl, 318bl, 319cra, 321fbl, 322tc, 332ca, 355fbl, 372fbl, Rick & Nora Bowers 311fbl, 312ca, 312crb; Harold Stiver 81fbl, 445tr; Cal
385crb, 385tr, 386cla, 387bl, 408cra, 408crb, 410tr, 411crb, 419bl, 422bl, Vornberger: 435cr; Peter S Weber: 24crb, 25crb, 99tr, 101ca, 106crb,
424ca, 424crb, 426bl, 426fbl, 427bl, 429ca, 430crb, 436ca, 441bl, 442bl, 446tr, 238crb, 245crb, 250tr, 251crb, 260cla, 262fcla, 263tc, 269bl; David Welling:
450br, 468bl, 468br, 470br; Chris Schenk: 65fcla; Bill Schmoker: 39bl, 452bl; Ian Whetton: 79crb; Roger Wilmshurst: 120bl, 122cra, 126fbl; Lee
40ca, 42bl, 43tc, 74fbl, 77fbl, 77tr, 80ca, 80crb, 80tr, 81crb, 82crb, 82tc, 88crb, Zieger: 124tr, 230cla, 470tl
95ca, 96fbl, 121crb, 135tc, 137bl, 186crb, 254fbl, 284ca, 329fbl; Brian E.
Small: 1c, 8cr, 8cra, 8crb, 8-9ca, 9cr, 11fcra, 24fbl, 24tc, 24tr, 25bl, 26bl, 27bl, Jacket images: Front: Corbis: Gary Carter. Back: Garth McElroy: cr, cra
27cra, 28crb, 29bl, 29tr, 30fbl, 31fbl, 32fbl, 35bl, 36fbl, 39ca, 40fbl, 41bl, 42fbl, (breeding female), crb; Brian E. Small: tr; Bob Steele: c. Spine: Corbis:
43bl, 45bl, 46ca, 46tc, 47bl, 49tc, 52bl, 52tc, 55bl, 56ca, 56tc, 58fbl, 58tc, 60bl, Gary Carter.
61fbl, 62tc, 63tr, 64fbl, 66ca, 66fbl, 69ca, 74ca, 84tr, 85bl, 90ca, 90cra, 91cla,
91cra, 94cra, 96tc, 101bl, 103bl, 103cra, 104bl, 104cla, 104tc, 105cra, 106cla, All other images © Dorling Kindersley
108bl, 109bl, 109cra, 109fbl, 110cra, 110fbl, 111fbl, 114cra, 114crb, 116bl, For further information see: www.dkimages.com
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