Initially this guide displays common birds of all types that are flying right now in our area. Use the selectors below to view rare birds, view birds flying any time, restrict the output to a certain shape of bird, or search by name.
New Mexico is on the western edge of the Central Flyway which is one of the major migration pathways between north and south for birds traveling between breeding and wintering grounds along the Rocky Mountains. This has resulted in the state having an incredible diversity of birds with over 550 different species reported. A little more than half of this number are sighted annually on the Pajarito Plateau. Some of these birds are full-time residents, some migrate here for a few weeks or months, and other are only seen briefly as they pass through the region.
This guide features many of the birds known to frequent Los Alamos county by when they are likely to be seen in the area. You can get additional information on local birds by joining PEEC Birders or going to the eBird website. eBird also includes lists of rare bird sightings and birding hot spots.
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Showing 127 of 176 birds.
 Photo: male by Betsy Matsubara  Photo: female by Betsy Matsubara  Photo: nest by Ryan J. Daniels |  Bushtit, American Bushtit; Least TitmouseBUSH (Psaltriparus minimus)Family: Aegithalidae (Bushtits) Size: 3.8 - 4 in (10 - 10 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both sexes are similar with gray and brown plumage; males have a dark rim around the eye while females have a yellow one Status: native; common Food source: wide variety of tiny insects, insect eggs, spiders, berries and some seeds Habitat: deciduous growth, chaparral, pinyon-juniper and pine-oak woods The American Bushtit is the smallest passerine bird in North America. These birds are very sociable, particularly in winter when they form flocks and will even huddle together on cold nights. They are most often seen congregating in trees or at feeders in large groups. When ready to move on, they tend to fly off one at a time and may perform acrobatic stunts. Bushtits tend to forage in flocks except when nesting. They probe at the base of leaves or needles for insects. Bushtit nests are hang down from a branch and are made of moss and lichen held together with spider silk and lined with feathers. Both parents incubate and fed the young (eggs hatch in about 12 days, young fledge in approximately 2 weeks; typically 2 broods per year). Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: breeding male by Maggie Smith  Photo: non-breeding male by Diana-Terry Hibbitts  Photo: female by Fyn Kynd | Lazuli BuntingLAZB (Passerina amoena)Family: Cardinalidae (Cardinals, Grosbecks, and Allies) Size: 5 - 5.5 in (13 - 14 cm) Flies: Apr 15 - Oct 01 Morphology: breeding males are brilliant blue above with a pumpkin-colored breast and a white belly; non-breeding males have mottled blue and tan head and back with pumpkin-colored breast; females are grayish-brown above with pale cinnamon or tan breast Status: native; uncommon Food source: seeds make up most of winter diet; insects are more than half of summer diet; young fed mostly insects Habitat: brushy ravines and slopes, cleared areas, weedy pastures Typical location: Rio Grande In summer male Lazuli Buntings will sing out from the treetops but the plainer females tend to remain hidden in thick bushes. During migration, though, both sexes are more conspicuous as whole flocks can be seen foraging. They most often search for seeds on the ground or in low growth and occasionally take insects while hovering. They may visit feeders and water gardens. Cup-shaped nests constructed of grasses and roots can be found in bushes. The young hatch in about 12 days and leave the nest in another 10 to 12 days. The Lazuli Bunting and Indigo Bunting may cross-bred in areas such as the Southwest where their breeding ranges overlap. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Greg Lasley  Photo: adult by Mike Baird | Savannah Sparrow, Large-billed SparrowSAVS (Passerculus sandwichensis)Family: Emberizidae (New World Sparrows and Allies) Size: 4.5 - 6 in (11 - 15 cm) Flies: Feb 15 - Jun 07 and Sep 01 - Oct 15 Morphology: adults are brown above and light-colored underneath with dark streaks on the back and breast; there is a small pale, yellow patch on the face in front of the eye Status: native; uncommon Food source: insects and seeds; young are fed mostly insects Habitat: fields, prairies, marshes Usually Savannah Sparrows will forage while moving on the ground. When not nesting, they will look for food in small groups. They do not come to feeders but may be seen in backyards near fields. These sparrows are not especially shy but will dart away if discovered. Nests are usually placed under matted growth and entered via a “tunnel”. Young leave the nest a little over a week after hatching. There may be a second brood in the same year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Greg Lasley  Photo: adult by Christian Schwarz | Brewer's SparrowBRSP (Spizella breweri, Spinus psaltria)Family: Emberizidae (New World Sparrows and Allies) Size: 5 in (13 cm) Flies: Apr 01 - Oct 21 Morphology: adults have a gray-brown back with streaks, a gray breast, and a thin white eyering Status: native; uncommon Food source: seeds and insects; can survive for long periods of time without water eating only dry seeds Habitat: sagebrush, alpine meadows Typical location: The Stables The Brewer’s Sparrow has few field marks and is easily confused with other sparrows. It forages on the ground and in low shrubs. Outside of breeding season, these birds typically forage for food as part of a flock which may include other species of sparrows. Males sing in spring to defend their nesting territory but may also sing as part of a chorus in winter while perched on top of desert shrubs. Nests are well hidden and cup-shaped. Little is known about the young except that they typically leave the nest at a little over a week of age prior to being able to fly. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: Linda Tanner  Photo: Jerry Oldenettel | Clay-colored SparrowCCSP (Spizella pallida)Family: Emberizidae (New World Sparrows and Allies) Size: 5 - 5.5 in (13 - 14 cm) Flies: Apr 21 - May 07 and Jul 21 - Oct 07 Morphology: males and females are pale, tan-and-gray with a small bill and long, notched tail; distinctive features include a pale gray collar, streaked crown, pale stripe over the eye and cheek, and a dark eyeliner that does not extend in front of the eye Status: native; uncommon Food source: mostly seeds and insects but also some leaf buds and berries Habitat: brushy fields, thickets, dry scrub, desert grassland Typical location: White Rock Wastewater Treatment Plant Clay-colored Sparrows are close relatives to Chipping and Brewer’s Sparrows with similar habits. However, unlike the latter, Clay-colored Sparrows are only seen in the area during migration to and from Mexico. These birds usually forage in flocks, sometimes with other sparrows. They usually hop on the ground looking for food but may search up in shrubs. Open cup nests are built by the females from grass, weeds, twigs, hair, etc. There are usually 4 eggs that hatch in 10 to 14 days. The young will leave the nest about a week after hatching, hiding under cover on the ground. They will begin to fly in another week or so. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: breeding adult by Gowri Srinivasan  Photo: non-breeding adult by Mouser Williams  Photo: immature by Bob Walker | Chipping SparrowCHSP (Spizella passerina)Family: Emberizidae (New World Sparrows and Allies) Size: 5 - 5.5 in (13 - 14 cm) Flies: Mar 15 - Nov 01 Morphology: breeding adults have a pale face, black line through the eye, and a bright rusty crown; non-breeding adults have more subdued coloring particularly for the crown; immatures have a dark crown and streaky plumage Status: native; locally common Food source: mostly insects including grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles and grass and weed seeds Habitat: edges of grassy woodlands, gardens, parks Typical location: Los Alamos Chipping Sparrows are common over much of North America. These birds are relatively tame and gregarious, particularly in winter. They primarily forage on the ground or in low trees and shrubs, often in flocks. In many areas they will nest in trees in gardens and parks. The nest is a compact open cup made of grasses lined with finer materials like hair. Eggs are incubated for a week and a half to two weeks. The young leave the nest in a week to a week and half after hatching. There can be two broods per year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: white-striped variation by Cephas  Photo: tan-striped variant by Roberto R. Calderón | White-throated Sparrow, Cherry-birdZONALB (Zonotrichia albicollis)Family: Emberizidae (New World Sparrows and Allies) Size: 5.9 - 7.5 in (15 - 19 cm) Flies: Mar 15 - May 15 and Oct 15 - Dec 31 Morphology: sexes are similar with brown above, grayish-brown underneath and a white throat; the white-striped variant has a black-and-white-striped head with yellow between the eye and the bill; the tan-striped variant has a brown-and-buff face pattern Status: native; uncommon Food source: insects, seeds and berries; feeds young mostly insects Habitat: thickets, brush, undergrowth of conifer and mixed woodlands The White-throated Sparrow generally forages on the ground under or close to dense cover and may scratch in leaf letter. This sparrow sings with a clear whistle. It usually nests on the ground in a well hidden spot but may nest above ground in a low tree. The nest is open cup-shaped made of twigs, grass, weeds, etc. The female typically lays 4 to 5 pale blue or greenish blue eggs marked with reddish brown and lavender. The eggs usually hatch in a little more than a week. Both parents then tend the hatchlings for at least 2 more weeks. There can be more than one brood per season. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Bob Walker  Photo: female by Mouser Williams  Photo: raiding thistle feeder by Bob Walker | Pine Siskin, Pine LinnetPISI (Carduelis pinus, Spinus pinus)Family: Fringillidae (Finches) Size: 4.5 - 5 in (11 - 13 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: males are grayish brown with brown striping and yellow edges on both wings and tail; females are more brownish with much less yellow Status: native; common Food source: mostly seeds and other vegetable matter; some insects; may eat flower parts and young shoots Habitat: mixed woodlands, thickets, brushy pastures Although Pine Siskins are patterned like sparrows, their overall behavior emphasizes that they are related to goldfinches. They actively forage for seeds in trees and shrubs and can spend all day at a thistle feeder. Pine Siskins are an irruptive species meaning that they can have an irregular migration pattern, i.e., large flocks of these birds are sometimes observed in unexpected areas. Pine Siskins may nest in loose colonies or isolated pairs. Cup-shaped nests are usually well hidden in a conifer. Incubation time is about 2 weeks with the young leaving the nest 2 weeks later. Info Photos Distribution Frequency Featured  |
 Photo: male, Eastern variant by Bob Walker  Photo: male, Western variant by Bob Walker  Photo: female by Bob Walker | Lesser Goldfinch, Arkansas GoldfinchLEGO (Carduelis psaltria, Spinus psaltria)Family: Fringillidae (Finches) Size: 3.5 - 4 in (9 - 10 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: breeding males are bright yellow with black forehead, black wings with white markings, and white patches around the tail; Eastern variant has a black back, whereas the Western variant has an olive back; breeding females are dull yellow beneath and olive above; nonbreeding birds are drab brown with blackish wings and pale wing bars Status: native; locally common Food source: mostly eats seeds, in particular composites such as thistle and sunflower; will also feed on flowers, buds, and berries as well as some small insects Habitat: open brushy country, open woods, wooded streams, gardens The Lesser Goldfinch is a common summer visitor that is attracted to feeders, hanging around all day if there is thistle seed present. These birds remain in flocks, except when nesting, actively moving through trees, shrubs, and weeds in search of food. In the warmer parts of the Southwest breeding may extend from early spring to mid-autumn. Open cup nests are build on a vertical fork in a shrub or tree fairly high above the ground. Incubation time is about 12 days. However, the time it takes for the young to leave the nest is not known. There are usually two and sometime three broods per year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: breeding male by Mouser Williams  Photo: breeding female by molanic  Photo: nonbreeding adult by Jerry Oldenettel | American Goldfinch, Black-winged Yellow BirdAMGO (Carduelis tristis, Spinus tristis)Family: Fringillidae (Finches) Size: 4.5 - 5 in (11 - 13 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: breeding males are bright yellow with black forehead, black wings with white markings, and white rump; breeding females are dull yellow beneath and olive above; non breeding birds of both sexes are drab brown overall with black wings and dark beak Status: native; uncommon Food source: primarily small seeds but will feed on some insects in summer Habitat: brushy thickets, weedy grasslands The American Goldfinch can be seen year-round in the area. This is in contrast to the Lesser Goldfinch which is only a summer visitor. The American Goldfinch actively forages in weeds and shrubs and will climb up into plants such as thistle to reach the seeds. They can be seen at feeders. Nesting occurs in July and August. The cup-like nest is very compact, usually located high above the ground on a horizontal or upright fork of a tree. The young hatch about two weeks after the eggs are laid. Both parents feed the young until they leave the nest at about 11 to 17 days old. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by J.N. Stuart  Photo: adult by David Yeamans  Photo: fledgling by Bob Walker | Juniper TitmouseJUTI (Baeolophus ridgwayi, Baeolophus griseus)Family: Paridae (Chickadees and Titmice) Size: 5.8 in (15 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both males and females have gray bodies, paler bellies, dark eyes, short bill, and pointed crest Status: native; common Food source: mainly insects and some spiders but also eats nuts and seeds Habitat: pinyon-juniper woodland, oak or pine woodlands Juniper Titmice will come to bird feeders but can often be seen hopping around on tree branches hunting for food. Sometimes they will even hang upside down while searching for insects. In addition, they are capable of opening nuts and acorns by pounding them with their bills while holding the nuts with their feet. During winter, titmice tend to congregate into roaming groups. Nests are usually located in a hole or some other type of natural cavity in a tree. However, Juniper Titmice will also use nest boxes. The nest is filled with grass, weeds, and other fibers and then lined with feathers or animal hair. Females are responsible for the incubation of the eggs which hatch in a little over 2 weeks. Both parents then fed the young until they leave the nest in another 2 to 3 weeks. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: adult with nesting material by Mouser Williams | Mountain ChickadeeMOCH (Poecile gambeli, Parus gambeli)Family: Paridae (Chickadees and Titmice) Size: 5 - 5.8 in (13 - 15 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: black cap and bib with white cheeks and grey sides; only chickadee with a white eye stripe Status: native; common Food source: mostly insects such as caterpillars and beetles but also seeds and berries Habitat: mountain forests, conifer forests Chickadees are small birds with large heads that often hang upside down to pluck small insects from conifer needles. These birds are fearless, inquisitive, and constantly foraging. They are attracted by oil sunflower seeds, suet, peanuts and peanut butter to feeders. They live at high altitudes in the summer but descend to lowlands in the winter. Females lay 7 to 9 white or lightly spotted eggs in a hair- or fur-lined natural cavity or woodpecker hole. Eggs hatch in about 14 days. Young fledge around 3 weeks of age. Info Photos Distribution Frequency Featured |
 Photo: male by Bob Walker  Photo: female by Bob Walker  Photo: female by Terry Foxx | Wilson's WarblerWIWA (Cardellina pusilla, Sylvania pusilla)Family: Parulidae (Wood Warblers) Size: 4.3 - 5 in (11 - 13 cm) Flies: Apr 15 - Jun 15 and Aug 01 - Oct 07 Morphology: males are bright yellow below and yellowish olive above with distinctive black eyes and black cap; females are similar but show variation in the amount of black on the top of the head from a few feathers to enough to form a small cap Status: native; locally common Food source: insects including bees, wasps, beetles, caterpillars, and aphids Habitat: moist thickets in woodlands and along streams; near scrub oaks Typical location: Ashley Pond The Wilson’s Warbler is a small, very active bird that often flips its long tail as it hops from branch to branch while foraging. It will also fly out to catch insects mid-air or hop along the ground probing among fallen leaves for food. These birds will visit water gardens. Open cup nests are usually located on the ground at the base of a shrub or sunken in the ground vegetation. Typically the eggs hatch in 10 to 13 days. The young leave the nest a week or two later. Cowbirds often lay eggs in the nests of these warblers. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: male by Jerry Oldenettel  Photo: female by Steven Mlodinow | MacGillivray's WarblerMGWA (Geothlypis tolmiei, Geothlypis macgillivrayi,)Family: Parulidae (Wood Warblers) Size: 4.8 - 5.5 in (12 - 14 cm) Flies: Apr 21 - Sep 21 Morphology: males have dark gray heads, throats, and upper breasts with olive-colored backs and wings, white crescents above and below the eyes, and yellow underparts; females have gray-olive heads, throats and upper breasts, olive upperparts, yellow underparts, and white arches around the eyes; immature are similar to the females but duller Status: native; common Food source: diet not well known but assumed to consist mostly of insects Habitat: coniferous forest edges, burns, brushy cuts Typical location: Los Alamos Reservoir The MacGillivray’s Warbler is a skulker, hiding out in dense brush, making it hard to spot. It is also a loner, even during migration season. These birds typically forage close to the ground, hopping along looking for insects. They may visit water gardens. Males sing to defend a nesting territory. Nests are well hidden, a few feet off of the ground in the fork of a shrub/tree or in tall weeds. The loosely constructed cup-shaped nests seem to be relatively immune to parasitization by cowbirds. Young leave the nest at a little over a week old. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: adult showing orange crown by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: adult showing hint of orange by Jerry Oldenettel  Photo: adult by Mouser Williams | Orange-crowned WarblerOCWA (Oreothlypis celata, Leiothlypis celata)Family: Parulidae (Wood Warblers) Size: 4.5 - 5.5 in (11 - 14 cm) Flies: Apr 07 - Oct 15 Morphology: yellow to olive-grey coloring overall with a thin white stripe over the eye, a black line through the eye, and a pale partial eyering; thin, sharp bill and square tail; the orange crown patch is inconspicuous and usually only seen when a bird raises its head feathers Status: native; common Food source: mostly insects with some nectar, sap, and berries; feed young on insect larvae Habitat: forest edges, burns, clearings, thickets, shrubby undergrowth The Orange-crowned Warbler is one of the plainer warblers and one of the most hardy. It usually flies solo but may join a loosely associated flock. These warblers tend to forage in low bushes and deciduous trees, flitting from branch-to-branch looking for insects or hopping around on the ground. In addition, they will pierce the base of flowers with their bill to sip nectar. They will also come to feeders for suet and peanut butter. Open cup nests are built low to or on the ground, protected by overhanging vegetation. The female lays 4 to 5 white eggs with reddish-brown spots. The eggs will hatch in a little less than two weeks. The young birds are fed by both parents and are ready to leave the nest about two weeks later. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: male by DP Lawrence  Photo: female by Mouser Williams | Virginia's WarblerVIWA (Oreothlypis virginiae, Vermivora virginiae)Family: Parulidae (Wood Warblers) Size: 4 - 4.3 in (10 - 11 cm) Flies: Mar 21 - Oct 07 Morphology: adults are gray overall with a white breast and white eyerings; males have bright yellow markings on the chest and under the rump along with a chestnut patch on the crown which is usually hidden; females are pale yellow on the chest and only sometimes have the chestnut patch on the crown Status: native; locally common Food source: not well know, presumably mostly insects Habitat: scrub oak, chaparral, pinyon-juniper, pine-oak woodlands The Virginia’s Warbler is named for the wife of the army surgeon who discovered the bird in New Mexico in 1858. These birds prefer brushy areas and can be seen hopping around shrubs during the spring, summer, and fall but will come to water gardens. They usually taken insects directly off of foliage or flowers but may catch some on the ground or in mid-air. Nests are very hard to find as they are placed on the ground and covered with dense brush. Although nests are rarely parasitized by cowbirds, young often fall prey to jays and snakes. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: male by Robin Agarwal  Photo: female by Mouser Williams | Grace's WarblerGRWA (Setophaga graciae, Dendroica graciae)Family: Parulidae (Wood Warblers) Size: 4.5 - 5 in (11 - 13 cm) Flies: Apr 01 - Sep 15 Morphology: small birds that have a gray back and white belly with black streaks down sides of chest and flanks, yellow chin, throat, and breast, a yellow eyestripe, and a yellow crescent under the eye; females are paler, more brown than males; immatures are similar to adults but duller with less streaks Status: native; locally common Food source: not well known but presumed to almost exclusively eat insects and their larvae Habitat: pine forests, mixed pine and oak Grace’s Warblers spend most of their time in the tops of tall pine trees, making it difficult to see them. They will search among the branches to find insects as well as to fly out and catch them mid-air. Details of the life history of these birds is not well-known. However, males have been observed defending a nesting territory by singing, and females seen to be responsible for nest building. Nests are an open cup-shape and well hidden, often placed in a cluster of pine needles high above the ground. There are normally 2 broods per year. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: male by Fyn Kynd  Photo: female by Selvi Viswanathan | Black-throated Gray WarblerBTYW (Setophaga nigrescens, Dendroica nifrescens)Family: Parulidae (Wood Warblers) Size: 4.5 - 5 in (11 - 13 cm) Flies: Apr 01 - Oct 01 Morphology: adults have have gray backs with white faces and underparts, a black mask, white wingbars, small yellow square in front of the eyes, and white spots on the tail; males have a black throats and black streaks on the sides; females have a black band on the breast but lack black on the throat; immatures like females Status: native; uncommon Food source: mostly insects with a preference for green caterpillars Habitat: shrubby openings in coniferous forest, dry scrub oak, pinyon-juniper, chaparral Typical location: Barranca Mesa Black-throated Gray Warblers are sometimes mistaken for the Black-and-white Warbler, but the latter are rarely seen in the area. These birds are short-distant migrants, traveling from breeding areas in the western United States to only as far south as Mexico. They typically forage by searching for insects among leaves but may also fly out to catch flying insects. In winter, they will forage in mixed flocks. Little is known about the Black-throated Gray Warbler’s nesting habits other than that the nest is of an open cup design made of plant and animal fibers. However, these birds have been observed defending their nests by pretending to have a broken wing in order to distract an intruder. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: male by Bob Walker  Photo: female by Bob Walker | Yellow WarblerYEWA (Setophaga petechia, Dendroica petechia)Family: Parulidae (Wood Warblers) Size: 4.5 - 5 in (11 - 13 cm) Flies: Apr 15 - Oct 01 Morphology: small, uniformly yellow birds with unremarkable large black eyes; males are brighter yellow than females and have reddish streaks on underparts Status: native; uncommon Food source: mostly insects with up to two-thirds of diet consisting of caterpillars of various kinds; also feeds on spiders and some berries Habitat: moist thickets, residential areas Yellow Warblers will visit water gardens during the spring and fall migration. They can also be seen in deciduous trees where they forage among the twigs and foliage, often hovering briefly to reach insects on the undersides of leaves. Males actively court females for several days. Females then build open, cup-shaped nests placed among the branches in a shrub or tree. These nests are easy to find and are often taken advantage of by cowbirds. Yellow Warblers will try to thwart the cowbirds by building a new nest over the old one and laying a new clutch of their own. These birds are persistent and there has been a report of six layers of nests build by one warbler. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: breeding male by Greg Lasley  Photo: female by Jerry Oldenettel  Photo: nest with egg by Mouser Williams | Blue-gray GnatcatcherBGGN (Polioptila caerulea)Family: Polioptilldae (Gnatcatchers) Size: 4.3 - 5 in (11 - 13 cm) Flies: Apr 07 - Sep 21 Morphology: thin, blue-gray birds with long legs and tails, thin bills, grayish-white underparts, a black tail with white edges, and a white eyering; breeding males have a black “V” on their foreheads; females and non-breeding males are much less blue and lack the facial “V” Status: native; common Food source: mostly insects and spiders Habitat: wooded areas,stream-side thickets, pinyon-juniper, chaparral The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is the northernmost species of gnatcatcher and the only one that truly migrates. These birds spend the summer here, flitting about in the treetops, flicking their tails from side-to-side potentially to stir up hiding insects. They may also dart out to grab a insect in mid-air. They remove the wings of larger insects and then beat them on a branch before eating them. Males arrive first in breeding areas and sing to both defend a territory and attract a female. Nests, mostly made of plant materials, are camouflaged in spiderwebs and lichen. There may be 1 or 2 broods per year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male with crown slightly visible by Bob Walker  Photo: male with crown erect by Jerry Oldenettel  Photo: adult by Bob Walker | Ruby-crowned KingletRCKI (Regulus calendula, Corthylio calendula)Family: Regulidae (Kinglets) Size: 3.8 - 4.5 in (10 - 11 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: adults are olive-green with a white eyeing, black and white wingbars, thin tail, and small beak; males have a red crown which is most visible when the bird raises its head feathers Status: native; common Food source: whatever insects are most readily available for the given season; also eats some berries, seeds, sap, and potentially nectar Habitat: deciduous and coniferous forests, thickets Ruby-crowned Kinglets live high in conifers during summer and, as such, are often hard to see. During the colder months, these tiny birds are potentially more visible as they flit about closer to the ground. They will most often perch on branches and twigs examining foliage for food. However, they can hover while foraging and may even fly out to catch an insect mid-air. During courtship, the male sings and raises its crown feathers to attract a female. The female builds a deep cup nest high up in a tree where it is protected by foliage from above. There are usually 7 to 8 eggs that are incubated for two weeks. The young usually leave the nest about 16 days later. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult by Jerry Oldenettel | Bewick's Wren, Mocking WrenBEWR (Thryomanes bewickii)Family: Troglodytidae (Wrens) Size: 5.5 in (14 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: males and females look similar; medium-sized body with long, barred tail that is tipped with white and held upright; brown on top and grey on the bottom with a white stripe over the brow Status: native; common Food source: eats a variety of insects, including beetles, ants, caterpillars, and grasshoppers; also eats spiders, some berries, and some seeds Habitat: thickets, brush piles, hedgerows, open woodlands, scrubby areas Bewick’s Wrens are most often seen climbing and hopping along tree branches or exploring in leaf litter. They are known for waving their tails about and making harsh noises if disturbed. These birds nest in any kind of cavity, either natural or manmade, including nest boxes. Males build “dummy” incomplete nests to attract the females. The female then choses a site and competes the nest by lining it with various materials. Eggs hatch is about 2 weeks with the young leaving the nest around 2 weeks later. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Marion L. Stelts  Photo: adult by Sally King, NPS | House WrenHOWR (Troglodytes aedon)Family: Troglodytidae (Wrens) Size: 4.5 - 5.3 in (11 - 13 cm) Flies: Mar 21 - Oct 01 Morphology: both sexes are brown overall with dark bars on the wings and tail and a faint eyebrow Status: native; common Food source: wide variety of insects and spiders Habitat: residential areas, city parks, farmlands, woodland edges Like other wrens, the House Wren is known for holding its tail cocked above the line of the body. These birds are very active and inquisitive and can often be seen fussing in brush piles and singing in the trees nears gardens and parks. They will forage both high up in trees as well as on the ground. House Wrens are extremely territorial and have been known to destroy the eggs of other species by pecking a hole in them. A male will build several incomplete nests of twigs and plant fibers. His mate will then choose the final nesting spot. House Wrens will use nesting boxes as will and a variety of different enclosed spaces such as flowerpots or drainpipes as nesting sites. Males may have more than one mate and females may leave one male to care for the young while she moves on to mate with another male. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Daniel Sheron  Photo: adult by Jerry Oldenettel | Hammond's FlycatcherHAFL (Empidonax hammondii)Family: Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) Size: 5 - 5.5 in (13 - 14 cm) Flies: Apr 21 - Sep 01 Morphology: adults are primarily gray overall with prominent white eyering and wingbars; immatures are similar to the adults but with broader, more buff wingbarsadults are primarily gray overall with prominent white eyering and wingbars; immatures are similar to the adults but with broader, more buff wingbars Status: native; locally common Food source: feeds only on insects Habitat: mature coniferous forests at high altitudes Hammond’s Flycatchers are very similar to Dusky Flycatchers but seem to prefer cooler habitats and nesting sites higher in the mountains and farther north. Hammond’s Flycatchers constantly move while perched, flicking wings and cocking their tails at same time. They carefully watch from a perch, and then fly out to catch their prey or pick it directly off of the surface of foliage or branches. A male will vigorously defend a territory during breeding season and may actually fight other males. Nests are usually located on a horizontal branch and consist of a cup made of stems, bark, lichens and other materials like feathers and spiderwebs. Young fledge at about 2 1/2 weeks old but tend to stay with their parents for another week or two. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Marion L. Stelts  Photo: adult by Bob Walker | Gray Flycatcher, Wright's FlycatcherGRFL (Empidonax wrightii, Empidonax canescens)Family: Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) Size: 5.5 in (14 cm) Flies: Apr 01 - Sep 21 Morphology: adults have gray back, white belly, thin eyering. pale wingbars, and pale mark in front of the eye; immature similar to adult but with brownish upperparts, buff underparts, and buff wingbars Status: native; locally common Food source: only insects Habitat: sagebrush, pinyon-juniper woodlands Gray Flycatchers, which are very similar to Dusky Flycatchers, seldom sit still for long. They slowly lower and raise their tails when perched. These birds watch for insects from an exposed perch and then fly out to catch them, either on the ground or in mid-air. Gray Flycatchers winter farther north than other species in the same genus. They can commonly be seen in southern Arizona during the winter months. They typically build nests in inconspicuous areas in the crook of a bush or tree and sometimes nest in a loose colonies. The young fledge at a little over 2 weeks of age. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: adult near nest by Bob Walker | Warbling VireoWAVI (Vireo gilvus)Family: Vireonidae (Vireos) Size: 5 - 6 in (13 - 15 cm) Flies: Apr 07 - Sep 21 Morphology: western variation - both sexes are olive-gray to brownish on the top and whitish below with a yellow wash on the sides, a brown line through the eye, and a pale line over the eye Status: native; common Food source: mostly insects with some berries Habitat: deciduous woodlands especially near streams Warbling Vireo have the largest range in North America of any member of the Vireonidae family. They are commonly seen perched high up. These birds usually forage in deciduous trees or shrubs by hopping along twigs in searching for insects. They can also hover briefly and pick insects off the undersides of leaves. During courtship, males strut around near a potential nesting site with wings and tail spread out. Nests are deep, compact cups made of bark, grass, and other plant fibers. Nests of Warbling Vireos are often parasitized by Cowbirds. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult by J.N. Stuart  Photo: immature by Paul Tavares |  Cedar WaxwingCEDW (Bombycilla cedrorum, Ampelis cedrorum)Family: Bombycillidae (Waxwings) Size: 6.5 - 8 in (17 - 20 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: adults of both sexes have a crest (often flopped over) and are brown on the head and back, yellow on the belly, and gray on the wings and tail; in addition, the face has a narrow black mask, the tail a bright yellow tip, and the wings waxy red tips which are often hidden; immatures are fairly similar to the adults but with a mottled breast Status: native; uncommon Food source: mostly berries and insects Habitat: open woodlands ,orchards,residential areas Cedar Waxwings are seen in the area during the non-breeding season when they typically forage in flocks. They will sit in fruit trees devouring berries or hovering briefly nearby plucking fruit off of the trees. They will also take insects off of the foliage and may catch others in mid-air. Waxwings will come to a bird bath or other water source. Nesting usually does not occur until mid-summer and may take place in small colonies. Nests have a loosely build, open-cup structure. Under normal conditions, there are two broods per year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Bob Walker  Photo: female or immature male by Mouser Williams | Black-headed GrosbeakBHGR (Pheucticus melanocephalus, Habia melanocephala)Family: Cardinalidae (Cardinals, Grosbecks, and Allies) Size: 7.5 in (19 cm) Flies: Apr 15 - Oct 01 Morphology: chunky-looking birds with large heads, gray bills, and thick necks; males are bright cinnamon with a black head and black-and-white_wings; males do not develop their showy plumage until their second breeding season; females and immature males are brown above with an orange or buff breast and often streaks on the sides of the breast Status: native; common Food source: variety of insect, seeds, and berries including those from mistletoe and poison oak; one of the few birds that can eat noxious monarch butterflies Habitat: open deciduous woodlands near water Black-headed Grosbeaks are common summer visitors in the local area. They mostly forage in shrubs and trees, looking for food among the foliage. They sometimes forage on the ground in low growth and are attracted to sunflower seed in feeders. Males will fly with wings and tail fully spread while singing to attract females. Nests are of a loosely constructed open cup design and so thin that eggs can be seen through the bottom. It is postulated that this is to allow for ventilation. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Corry Clinton  Photo: female by Corry Clinton  Photo: immature by Selvi Viswanathan | Hepatic Tanager, Red Tanager, Liver-colored TanagerHETA (Piranga flava)Family: Cardinalidae (Cardinals, Grosbecks, and Allies) Size: 7 - 8 in (18 - 20 cm) Flies: Apr 15 - Oct 01 Morphology: males are dull liver-red to orange-red with gray on back and flanks; females are olive-yellow to orange-yellow with gray flanks; immatures similar to females Status: native; locally common Food source: largely feeds on insects including caterpillars and beetles but also eats berries and small fruits Habitat: open forest areas with pines and oaks The Hepatic Tanager has similar habits to the Western Tanager. It arrives in the area in the spring and stays through summer. Pairs can be seen hopping along branches and looking under foliage of tall pines while foraging for insects. There are a few dozen breeding pairs in the county. Nests are made of grasses and weeds in a shallow open cup shape that is placed on a horizontal branch away from the trunk of a tall tree. Eggs are bluish-green with brown spots. Neither the incubation time nor age at which the young fledge is known. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: breeding male by Bob Walker  Photo: non-breeding male by Bob Walker  Photo: female by Bob Walker | Western TanagerWETA (Piranga ludoviciana)Family: Cardinalidae (Cardinals, Grosbecks, and Allies) Size: 6 - 7.5 in (15 - 19 cm) Flies: Apr 01 - Oct 07 Morphology: breeding males are yellow with black wings and a flaming orange-red head; non-breeding males are a duller yellow with limited red on the head; females are mostly yellow-green with gray contrasts Status: native; common Food source: mostly insects, some fruit, and berries Habitat: open coniferous forests The Western Tanager is a migratory bird spending its winters in Mexico and Central America and its summers in the western US and Canada. These birds may migrate alone or in groups of up to a few dozen. They primarily forage from tree tops, either gleaning insects by plucking them from the foliage or hawking which consists of flying out and catching them mid-air. In addition, they will eat fruit from feeders. Western Tanagers nest in high mountains and coniferous forests. The female builds a open cup-shaped nest and lays 3 to 5 bluish eggs. The young hatch in about 2 weeks and usually leave the nest 2 weeks later. Western Tanager nests may be parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds which reduces the number of tanager young that fledges. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult by J.N.Stuart | Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Boucard's Summer FinchRCSP (Aimophila ruficeps)Family: Emberizidae (New World Sparrows and Allies) Size: 5 - 6 in (13 - 15 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: large, gray sparrow with streaked back, reddish-brown crown, white eyering, and white stripes edged in black on the throat Status: native; uncommon Food source: varies with the season with insects in summer, seeds in winter Habitat: open oak woodlands, dry uplands Rufous-crowned Sparrows usually live in dense cover, skulking around on rocky, brushy hillsides and in canyons. However, they are not particularly shy and can be observed closely if left undisturbed. Pairs or family groups tend to forage together. They hop along the ground or feed in low bushes. Nests are usually well hidden on the ground. The young leave the nest before they are able to fly and may stay with their parents for up to several months after that. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: Oregon variant by Jonathan Creel  Photo: grey-headed variant by Mouser Williams  Photo: pink-sided variant by Mouser Williams | Dark-eyed JuncoDEJU (Junco hyemalis)Family: Emberizidae (New World Sparrows and Allies) Size: 5 - 6.3 in (13 - 16 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both sexes are generally dark gray or brown with a pink bill and white outer tail feathers; there is a large range of geographical variation in color with the Oregon, white-winged, pink-sided, and grey-headed variations found in the local area Status: native; common Food source: mostly feeds on seeds and grasses with occasional small fruits and insects; young primarily fed insects Habitat: open forests, mixed woods, fields, parks, gardens Dark-Eye Juncos are lively territorial birds that are commonly called “snowbirds” because they are a herald of winter. They are often seen feeding on snow-covered berry bushes and grasses. They travel in flocks with one leader. Dark-eyed Juncos mostly forage on the ground, often under a feeding tray. They particularly enjoy gardens that have gone to seed with water nearby. Open cup-shaped nests are usually found on the ground hidden under things like overhanging grass or exposed roots. These birds may have multiple broods per year with incubation time being about 2 weeks. The young usually leave the nest about 2 weeks after hatching. Info Photos Distribution Frequency Featured |
 Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult by David Yeamans  Photo: adult by Mouser Williams | Lincoln's Sparrow, Lincoln's FinchLISP (Melospiza lincolnii)Family: Emberizidae (New World Sparrows and Allies) Size: 5 - 6 in (13 - 15 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both sexes have streaky brown/gray wings and tail with rusty edges, buff underparts with black streaking, white belly, buffy mustache stripe bordered by thin brown lines, dark eyering, and brown and black stripped crown with a central gray stripe; note: the head may look crested when the crown feathers are raised Status: native; locally common Food source: primarily seeds with some insects; young fed entirely on insects Habitat: brushy bogs, thickets Lincoln’s Sparrows which resemble Song Sparrows are normally secretive. They often skulk in dense, low cover and can be found hiding in bushes by their distinctive call. These birds are solitary, rarely seen as part of a flock. They forage by hopping on the ground, most often under dense bushes or grasses. They will come to well-watered yards. Males defend their nesting territory by singing. Open cup nests of grasses are build on the ground by the females. They nests are well hidden by dense greenery. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult by Mouser Williams | Song SparrowSOSP (Melospiza melodia, Melospiza cinerea)Family: Emberizidae (New World Sparrows and Allies) Size: 5 - 7 in (13 - 18 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both sexes have thick, brown streaks on a white chest and flanks along with reddish-brown and gray streaks on the head; birds in the Southwest are paler than in other parts of the country Status: native; uncommon Food source: eats a variety of insects and spiders in summer and mainly seeds in winter Habitat: edges of forests, clearings, thickets open grassy marshes, gardens Typical location: White Rock Wastewater Treatment Plant The Song Sparrow is one of the most widespread and variable of North American birds. Song Sparrows live up to their name by singing constantly throughout the spring and summer. They are usually conspicuous by their sheer numbers. These birds usually forage on the ground but will readily come to feeders, often as part of a mixed flock with other sparrows. Males will defend small nesting territories. Open-cup nests may be located on the ground under cover or low in a tree. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: immature by Alex Bairstow | Green-tailed TowheeGTTO (Pipilo chlorurus, Chlorura chlorura)Family: Emberizidae (New World Sparrows and Allies) Size: 6.3 - 7 in (16 - 18 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Nov 01 Morphology: stocky, grayish adults with rufous crown, white throat, dark mustache, and olive-yellow wings, back, and tail; immatures lack the rufous crown and facial markings Status: native; locally common Food source: primarily eats seeds from weeds and grasses and insects such as beetles and crickets; occasionally eats berries Habitat: sagebrush, chaparral, alpine meadow thickets Green-tailed Towhees are usually seen in the local area during the summer. They have a brighter orange crest than the more common Canyon Towhee. They are the smallest towhees and the only ones that are entirely migratory. Like other towhees, the Green-tails search for food by scratching in the leaf-litter with both feet. They spend most of their time in low, bushy areas. However, they will come to forage below a feeding tray. Nests are of a deep, cup design and located on the ground or close to it in a low shrub. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Gowri Srinivasan  Photo: female by ADJ82  Photo: immature by Bob Walker | Spotted TowheeSPTO (Pipilo maculatus)Family: Emberizidae (New World Sparrows and Allies) Size: 7 - 8.5 in (18 - 22 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: adult males have white breast and rufous sides along with black head, throat, tail, and back/wings with white spots; adult females are the same but with dark brown where the males are black; immatures are streaked brown overall Status: native; common Food source: eats insects, seeds, and berries with diet varying with season Habitat: forest edges, thickets, woodlands, parks Once thought to be a variant of the Rufous-sided Towhee, the Spotted Towhee is now considered to be a separate species. Towhees are ground feeders, preferring to be near a thicket or in the underbrush. They are often first noticed because of the sound of their loud scratching while rummaging in leaf-litter for insects or for seeds at platform feeder. Their distinctive movements have been described as the “Towhee Shuffle”. Nests are typically located on the ground under a shrub or in a low bush and are of an open-cup design. Incubation time is about 2 weeks. The young leave the nest 9 to 11 days later. There are usually one to two broods per year and on rare occasions three. Info Photos Distribution Frequency Featured |
 Photo: adult by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: adult by J.N. Stuart  Photo: immature by Mouser Williams | White-crowned SparrowWCSP (Zonotrichia leucophrys, Spizella leucophrys)Family: Emberizidae (New World Sparrows and Allies) Size: 6 - 7.5 in (15 - 19 cm) Flies: Sep 01 - Jun 01 Morphology: adults mostly pale-gray with bold black-and-white stripes on the head and pink or yellow bill; immatures are like adults but with brown-and-gray stripes on head rather than black-and-white Status: native; locally common Food source: mostly seeds, insects, and other vegetable matter such as buds, flowers, and berries; young mostly fed insects Habitat: open grasslands, open woods Typical location: Overlook Park, The Stables Much of what we know about the physiology of bird migration has been learned from laboratory experiments with the White-crowned Sparrow. These sparrows usually forage while running along the ground and hopping from place to place. They typically forage in flocks except during nesting season. White-crowned Sparrows will come to platform feeders in the winter. Males typically migrate to the nesting ground in the north before the females. There they defend territories by singing. Males learn songs from the area in which they are raised. This has lead to local song dialects and even bilingual areas on the border between two dialects. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: female by Bob Walker  Photo: mixed flock by bob Walker | Evening GrosbeakEVGR (Coccothraustes vespertina, Hesperiphona vespertina)Family: Fringillidae (Cardinals, Grosbecks, and Allies) Size: 7.5 - 8.5 in (19 - 22 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: heavyset birds with thick, conical bills; males are yellow and black and have a white patch on the wings, dark heads, bright-yellow stripe over eye, and pale ivory to greenish bill; females are primarily gray and have black and white wings, a greenish tinge to neck and flanks, and a greenish-yellow bill; immatures like females Status: native; locally common Food source: mostly seeds, some berries, buds and sap, occasional insects Habitat: coniferous forests, deciduous woodlands, suburban areas The Evening Grosbeak is a western bird that has expanded its range as far east as New England. Locally, they may be common one year and uncommon the next. These birds are very fond of sunflower seeds which they can easily crack with their large bills. Flocks will readily visit bird feeders to consume large amount of the seeds. They have been observed to eat almost 100 sunflower seeds in five minutes. Evening Grosbeaks will also consume a surprising quantity of raw salt. During mating season, the birds leave the flock to pair up. Males will perform a courtship dance. The nest, built by the female, consists of a loosely made cup of twigs and is usually located on branch well out from the trunk. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: female by Mouser Williams | Cassin's FinchCAFI (Haemorhous cassinii, Carpodacus cassinii)Family: Fringillidae (Finches) Size: 6 - 6.5 in (15 - 17 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both sexes have thin white eye rings, notched tails, and long wings; males have a deep red crown and a rosy pink wash over the rest of the body; females are brown-and-white with dark streaks on the chest and underparts; immatures look like the females Status: native; locally common Food source: mostly eats vegetable matter (seeds, buds, berries, and fruits); occasionally eats insects in summer Habitat: open conifer stands Cassin’s Finches are common in the local area in spring and fall but uncommon in summer. These birds often forage in small roving flocks, feeding high up in trees, in weedy growth on the ground, or at bird feeders. Cassin’s Finches crave salt and may be seen visiting mineral deposits on the ground. Males retain their female-like plumage during their first breeding season. However, they will sing, giving the impression that both sexes sing. The complicated song of a male often includes imitations of other birds. Cassin’s Finches may nest in small colonies using open-cup nests located fairly high up in the trees. The number of breeding pairs in an area can vary from year-to-year. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: male by Mouser Williams  Photo: female  Photo: nest by J.N. Stuart | House FinchHOFI (Haemorhous mexicanus, Carpodacus mexicanus)Family: Fringillidae (Finches) Size: 5 - 6 in (13 - 15 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Status: native; common Habitat: chaparral, deserts, orchards House Finches are native to the Southwest but were released in New York during the 1940s and have subsequently expanded in such a way as to be found coast-to-coast. These finches will forage on the ground or while perching up in a shrub or tree. They typically forage in flocks except when nesting. They will visit feeders in large numbers. However, some consider them to be pests since they are susceptible to infections that can be spread to other feeder visitors. Males may sing anytime during the year but females only sing during spring. During breeding season, males will perform a flight-song display. Open cup nests can be found in a variety of locations including in trees, holes in man-made structures, hanging planters, and old nests of other birds. House Finches can have up to three broods per year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency Featured |
 Photo: male by Mouser Williams  Photo: female by Mouser Williams  Photo: immature male by Bob Walker | Red-winged BlackbirdRWBL (Agelaius phoeniceus)Family: Icteridae (Blackbirds and Orioles) Size: 7 - 9.5 in (18 - 24 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: males are glossy black overall except for a red shoulder patch with a yellow border; females are brown with dark streaks and a buff-colored throat; immature males are black with buff or orange on the edges of their feathers and may show the beginning of shoulder patches Status: native; locally common Food source: mostly insects and seeds, some berries Habitat: marshes, wet meadows, pastures Typical location: Big Rock Loop, The Stables Red-winged Blackbirds are seen in the area during spring, summer, and fall. Outside of breeding season, they can be found foraging in small flocks, often with other large birds. In the southern part of the state, they congregate in much larger groups. Red-winged Blackbirds usually forage while walking along on the ground, though sometimes they will go up shrubs or trees. Males will defend their territory and attract a mate by perching on a high stalk, fluffing their feathers, and singing. Nests are a bulky open cups that are placed among dense bushes or grasses. The eggs are incubated for 10 to 12 days. Young leave the nest about 2 weeks after hatching. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Carey B  Photo: female by Steve Waller  Photo: egg on right in junco nest by Mouser Williams | Brown-headed CowbirdBHCO (Molothrus ater)Family: Icteridae (Blackbirds and Orioles) Size: 6 - 8 in (15 - 20 cm) Flies: Apr 01 - Oct 01 Morphology: small blackbirds with short tails, thick heads, and pointed bills; males are glossy black all over with the exception of a rich brown colored head; females are various shades of brown with streaking on their bellies; immatures look similar to the females Status: native; locally common Food source: mostly seeds, insects, spiders, and millipedes; seeds from grasses, weeds, and grains make up 50% of the diet in summer and 90% in winter Habitat: agricultural land, fields, woodland edges, suburban areas Typical location: The Stables Brown-headed Cowbirds forage by walking along on the ground looking for food. They are thought to have originally followed bison in order to catch the insects kicked up from the grass by the animals. Today they often do the same thing by walking behind herds of cattle. Brown-headed Cowbirds are brood parasites, i.e., they lay their eggs in the nests of other songbirds, leaving the eggs to be incubated and raised by the host birds. Females may lay up to 40 eggs in a season, at a rate of one per day for several weeks. Cowbird eggs typically hatch before those of the host, so that they have a competitive advantage over the host’s own young. Cowbird young develop rapidly and usually leave the nest by about 10 days of age. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: Audubon male by J.N. Stuart  Photo: Audubon female by Mouser Williams  Photo: hybrid male by Mouser Williams | Yellow-rumped Warbler, Audubon's Warbler, Myrtle WarblerYRWA (Setophaga coronata)Family: Parulidae (Wood Warblers) Size: 5 - 6 in (13 - 15 cm) Flies: Apr 21 - Nov 21 Morphology: in summer both sexes are gray with white on the wings and yellow on the sides and rump, and in winter they are paler with more brown; overall, females are paler and more brown than males ; the “Myrtle” subspecies is characterized by a white throat and dark facial mask; the “Audubon” subspecies is characterized by a yellow throat and more white on the wings; hybrids can show traits of bot Status: native; common Food source: insects, spiders, and berries Habitat: coniferous forests, mixed forests There are two subspecies of Yellow-rumped Warbler: Myrtle, primarily seen in the east, and the Audubon, dominant in the west. These two subspecies can interbreed where their ranges overlap, including the Canadian Rockies. The prevailing subspecies in the local area is the Audubon with the occasional hybrid observed. These birds are the most common warblers in North America and are capable of wintering farther north than other warbler species. They sing from the high canopy of the forest with a chirp or "contact call" that keeps the flock together. Yellow-rumped Warblers have many different foraging strategies: searching among twigs and leaves, flying out to catch prey, hopping along the ground, and clinging to tree trunks and branches. They tend to forage in flocks in winter. They normally have 2 broods per year. Nests are usually found on a branch away from the trunk of a tree. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult by ADJ82  Photo: immature by Sally King, NPS | Lark Sparrow, Lark FinchLASP (Chondestes grammacus)Family: Passerellidae (New World Sparrows and Allies) Size: 5.5 - 6.5 in (14 - 17 cm) Flies: Apr 07 - Oct 01 Morphology: adults are pale with reddish crown and cheek patch, pale stripe over eye, black mustache stripe, and black spot in the center of the breast; immatures are similar to the adults but lack the reddish coloration in the crown and check Status: native; uncommon Food source: feed heavily on seeds, especially in winter and on insects in summer Habitat: open country Lark Sparrows prefer to forage on relatively open ground, making them easy to spot. They typically forage in small flocks and, unlike other songbirds, they walk rather than hop along the ground. When moving from one location to another, Lark Sparrows tend to fly higher than most other sparrows and can be heard making sharp calls as they pass overhead. While both sexes participate in choosing a nesting site, the female does all the nest building. However, she may choose to use an old mockingbird or thrasher nest instead of building a new one. The young mature quickly and leave the nest about 10 days after hatching. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Marion Stelts  Photo: adult by J.N. Stuart | Vesper Sparrow, Bay-winged BuntingVESP (Pooecetes gramineus)Family: Passerellidae (New World Sparrows and Allies) Size: 5 - 6.5 in (13 - 17 cm) Flies: Mar 07 - Oct 21 Morphology: large, chunky sparrows that are brown overall with distinctive streaks; they have a thin white eyering, white outer tail feather, a pale check patch, and a chestnut patch on the should that is often hard to see Status: native; locally common Food source: feds on a wide variety of insects and seeds Habitat: fields, pastures, farms Typical location: The Stables Vesper Sparrows are usually found on open ground but may mount an exposed perch to sing. They received their common name from naturalist John Burroughs who thought that their song sounded sweeter in the evening. These birds feed almost entirely on the ground, many times on bare soil. They can also often be seen taking dust-bathes in bare fields or dirt roads. Vesper Sparrows are quick to take advantage of changes in habitat, often being the first to move into abandoned cultivated areas that are returning to forest. Nesting sites are on the ground at the base of some tall vegetation or in a slight depression. Nestlings leave the nest 1 to 2 weeks after hatching. There may be up to 3 broods in a year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Lonny Holmes  Photo: non-breeding male by molanic  Photo: female by Alison Sheehey | House Sparrow, English SparrowHOSP (Passer domesticus)Family: Passeridae (Old World Sparrows and Allies) Size: 5 - 6.5 in (13 - 17 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: breeding males are brightly colored with gray crowns, white cheeks, black bibs, rusty necks, and black beaks; non-breeding males have more subdued colors including that on the neck — they also have a smaller black bib and a yellow rather than black beak; females are buffy-brown overall with gray-brown underparts and back stripes of buff, black, and brown Status: introduced; common Food source: mostly weed, grass, and waste seeds; some insects and scavenged food crumbs left by humans Habitat: cities, towns, agricultural areas House Sparrows are not related to New World sparrows. Rather they are native to Eurasia and northern Africa.They were introduced into Brooklyn, NY in 1851 and rapidly spread across all of North America except the far north. These birds are aggressive and can survive in areas inhospitable to other birds such as in cities, where they have greatly benefited from their association with humans. House Sparrows primarily forage by hopping on the ground, looking for seeds and other scraps. They will even take smashed insects off of parked cars and come to feeders. Nests are made from a variety of materials and are usually located in a cavity either natural or man-made. Young leave the nest 2 weeks after hatching. There are typically 2 to 3 broods per year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: breeding adult by Bob Walker  Photo: nonbreeding adult by Jerry Oldenettel  Photo: immature by Chris Mallory | European Starling, Common StarlingEUST (Sturnus vulgaris)Family: Sturnidae (Starlings and Mynas) Size: 7.5 - 8.2 in (19 - 21 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: adults are glossy black overall with a purplish-green iridescence; breeding individuals have pale white spots on the back and a yellow bill, whereas nonbreeding birds have bright white spots all over and generally a black bill; immatures are dull grayish brown with a black bill Status: introduced; locally common Food source: quite varied diet, consisting of mostly insects, berries, and seeds with occasional worms and other invertebrates Habitat: cities,suburban areas,farmlands,ranches Typical location: The Stables European Starlings were introduced to North American in 1890 and have spread to most of the continent. Their common name comes from that fact that in flight they look like to a small, four-pointed star. European Starlings are sociable birds, particularly outside of breeding season when they form large flocks. They mostly forage on the ground in open areas walking around with a characteristic swagger. These birds will nest in any kind of cavity whether natural or man-made. The nest, itself, is a mass of twigs, grass, leaves, etc. Starlings have two broods per year. The eggs hatch in about a week and half and the young leave the nest approximately 3 weeks later. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: adult by Stephen Shankland  Photo: adult by Bob Walker | Canyon Wren, Dotted WrenCANW (Catherpes mexicanus)Family: Troglodytidae (Wrens) Size: 5.5 - 6 in (14 - 15 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both sexes have brown body, white throat, bright rusty, barred tail, and long, thin bill curved downward; immatures are similar to adult but with less markings Status: native; locally common Food source: variety of insects including termites, ants, beetles, etc. and some spiders Habitat: rocky canyons, cliffs, old stone buildings Typical location: Falls Trail, White Rock Canyon Canyon Wrens are hyperactive, most often seen scurrying around the rocks. Their long bills and flat heads enable them to reach deep into crevices to find food. In addition to foraging under rocks and in crevices, these birds will explore areas with very dense undergrowth for prey. Canyon Wrens do not appear to drink water but get what they need from insects. Males defend the nesting area by singing. Nests, usually in a hole or rock crevice, are filled with coarse items topped with a cup made of softer materials. Young leave the nest at about 15 days of age, but will remain with their parens for several more weeks. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Mouser Wlliams  Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adults by ADJ82 | Rock WrenROWR (Salpinctes obsoletus)Family: Troglodytidae (Wrens) Size: 5 - 6.5 in (13 - 17 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: small, pale gray and brown birds with faintly striped throats, long, barred tails, and long, thin bills Status: native; uncommon Food source: mostly insects and spiders Habitat: rock-strewn slopes, canyons cliffs Rock Wrens usually forage on the ground, often probing in crevices among rocks. They are not known to drink water but get what moisture they need from their food. These birds can often be seen moving about and bouncing up and down on their short legs. Male Rock Wrens are incredible singers with a repertoire of a 100 or more songs learned from other birds. Nest sites are in sheltered areas such as under a rock ledge or a crevice in a building. There is often a walkway of small pebbles, bones, or other debris leading up to the nest cavity. The function of this “patio” is unknown. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult by Mouser Williams  Photo: immature by nsharp | Hermit Thrush, Swamp AngelHETH (Catharus guttatus, Hylocichla aonalaschkae)Family: Turdidae (Thrushes) Size: 6.5 - 7.5 in (17 - 19 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: adults are brown on the head and back with pale underparts, distinctive spots on the throat and breast, a reddish tail, and a thin white eyering; immatures are gray-brown above with spotting on back and wings Status: native; locally common Food source: feeds on insects, spiders, worms, and berries Habitat: mixed forests, deciduous woodlands, thickets Hermit Thrush are seen primarily during the spring and fall migration, but may also spend the summer in the area. These birds tend to migrate earlier in spring and later in fall than other thrushes. If surprised, a Hermit Thrush may stare at the onlooker while flicking its wings and moving its tail up and down. These thrush are attracted to water gardens where they hop around the shrubs nearby. They pick up food from the ground or off of the foliage in shrubs and trees. Nests in the west tend to be up in a conifer and made of a variety of plant materials including pine needles. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Bob Walker  Photo: male by Mouser Williams  Photo: male and female by J.N. Stuart | Mountain BluebirdMOBL (Sialia currucoides)Family: Turdidae (Thrushes) Size: 7 in (18 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: males are sky-blue on top and paler underneath with dark blue on wings and tail; females are mostly gray brown with pale blue in the wings and tail; immatures look like spotted females Status: native; locally common Food source: mostly feeds on insects, such as beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, etc.; also eats berries, including mistletoe and juniper Habitat: high mountain meadows, plains, grassy areas Typical location: Bandelier Entrance Road, The Stables, Valle Grande Mountain Bluebirds often forage by hovering a few feet over an open field and then dropping to the ground to pick up insects. Alternatively, they may perch on a low branch and dart out to catch prey. Nests consist of a loose cup built in a cavity or hallow. Mountain Bluebirds will use nesting boxes which provide a great opportunity to watch these birds raise their young. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: female by Jerry Oldenettel  Photo: immature by Patty Teague | Western BluebirdWEBL (Sialia mexicana)Family: Turdidae (Thrushes) Size: 6 - 7 in (15 - 18 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: stocky birds with short tails; males are blue above with a rusty orange vest on the breast and upper back, blue throat, and white belly; females are gray with pale orange wash on the breast and bluish tint to the wings and tail, and white belly Status: native; common Food source: mostly insects (grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles, and ants) with some berries and fruits (mistletoe, juniper, and elderberry) Habitat: open woodlands, pastures with old trees Western Bluebirds are most visible in the local area during winter and spring. They can most often when they fly down from a perch to pluck up insects from the ground. They will also catch insects in mid-air and will actively look for them among foliage. During winter, small flocks of Western Bluebirds may be seen feeding on berries in trees. Males typically stake out a nesting territory before courting a female. The nest site is in a cavity such as a tree hollow, old woodpecker nest, birdhouse, or hole in a building. Western Bluebirds have suffered by competition with European Starlings and House Sparrows for nesting sites. Info Photos Distribution Frequency Featured |
 Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult by Jerry Oldenettel  Photo: adult by Greg Lasley | Olive-sided FlycatcherOSFL (Contopus cooperi )Family: Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) Size: 7.5 - 7.5 in (19 - 19 cm) Flies: Apr 21 - Sep 21 Morphology: both sexes are stocky with large heads and short tails and are olive-gray on the top fading to lighter gray on the sides, there is a distinctive white center on the breast that gives the appearance of a vest; immatures similar to adults but browner Status: native; uncommon Food source: feeds almost entirely on flying insects Habitat: spruce and fir forests, usually near openings and ponds Olive-sided Flycatchers have become less common in recent years, potentially due to loss of wintering habitat. They are most often observed sitting upright on a high perch such as the top branch of a tree or on a power line. These birds forage by watching on high, flying out to catch a passing insect, and then returning to their perch. Males defend a nesting territory by singing constantly in the spring. Nests are usually well hidden on a horizontal branch of a conifer. First flight for the young is at about 3 weeks of age. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by J.N. Stuart  Photo: adult by J.N. Stuart  Photo: chicks in nest by Jerry Oldenettel | Western Wood-PeweeWEWP (Contopus sordidulus, Contopus richardsonii)Family: Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) Size: 6.5 - 6.5 in (17 - 17 cm) Flies: Apr 15 - Sep 21 Morphology: medium-sized bird with a peaked crown that makes the head appear triangular; adults are grayish brown with a dark face, dark bill with some yellow at the base, pale wingbars, whitish underparts, and a bit of gray on the breast and sides; immatures are similar to adults but with buffy wingbar Status: native; common Food source: mostly flying insects: flies, wasps, bees, winged ants, and moths; occasionally eats a few berries Habitat: open woodland, woodland edges The Western Wood-Pewee is a flycatcher that is best known for its rough sounding whistle. It is very similar to the Eastern Wood-Pewee, but the two are considered to be different species. Western Wood-Pewees most often watch for an insect from an exposed tree perch and then make an aerial sortie to catch it, sometimes making a clacking noise with their bill. They will also take insects from foliage and tall grasses. Males typically sing at dawn and duck to defend a territory. Females build a flat, open nest in a tree that may look like a knot on a branch from below. Young take their first flight at about a little over 2 weeks after hatching. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Dave Yeamans  Photo: adult by Jon McIntyre  Photo: adult on nest by Roy Pilcher | Dusky FlycatcherDUFL (Empidonax oberholseri, Empidonax obscurus)Family: Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) Size: 5.3 - 6 in (13 - 15 cm) Flies: Apr 15 - Sep 15 Morphology: both sexes are gray overall with lighter underparts, a yellowish wash across the chest, white eyerings, light-colored wingbars, and a slightly rounded crest that is not always visible; immatures are like adults but with broader wingbars and more yellow on the lower mandible Status: native; locally common Food source: small insects Habitat: woodlands, mountain chaparral, open forests Dusky Flycatchers are intermediate in size and shape between Hammond’s and Gray Flycatchers. They also prefer the middle elevations in the mountains. Dusky Flycatchers forage by perching in an exposed area and watching for prey. Insects are usually captured in the air but may be taken from on the ground or from off of foliage. These birds are often seen in pinyon-juniper forests but prefer to nest in mixed conifer. During courtship both members of a pair with hop around, fluttering wings. Nests are usually built in deciduous shrubs in a vertical fork among dense foliage. Young leave the nest at about 2 to 3 weeks if age. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Mitch Chapman  Photo: adult by Jerry Oldenettel | Cordilleran FlycatcherCOFL (Empidonax occidentalis)Family: Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) Size: 5.5 - 6 in (14 - 15 cm) Flies: Apr 21 - Sep 21 Morphology: adults are olive above and yellowish below with two pale yellow wingbars and teardrop-shaped eyerings; immatures are similar to adults but with buffy-colored wingbars Status: native; locally common Food source: mostly insects and spiders Habitat: mountain forests, wooded canyons Cordilleran Flycaters usually forage high up among the braches of tall conifers but may perch lower in trees along streams. They will watch for insects and then fly out to catch them mid-air. However, they will also glean some prey directly from the foliage of trees and shrubs. Nest sites vary from the fork of small tree to a cleft in a vertical stream bank to a under a fallen tree. Nests may even be found in or under man-made structures. Nests are cup-shaped and made of moss, grass, and other plant fibers lined with hair and feathers. First flight occurs at about 2 weeks of age. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Jerry Oldenettel  Photo: adult by Mouser Williams  Photo: immature by Ricardo A. T. | Black Phoebe, Black FlycatcherBLPH (Sayornis nigricans)Family: Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) Size: 6 - 7 in (15 - 18 cm) Flies: Feb 15 - Sep 21 Morphology: adults are mostly dark gray on the upperparts with a gray chest, white belly, and black head that may show a slight peak on the crown; immatures are similar but with buffy-colored wingbars Status: native; locally common Food source: wide variety of insects including beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, bees, wasps, and caterpillars; occasionally will eat small fish Habitat: shady areas in open woods near water Typical location: Rio Grande Black Phoebes can often be seen on a perch low over water, wagging their tails up and down. Once an insect is sighted, the bird will dart out to catch its prey mid-air or even to pluck it off the water surface. Phoebes will also hover while picking insects from foliage. They are territorial and often maintain an established territory year-round. A male will perform a song-flight display during courting and show the female a potential nesting site. The female will then build a nest made of mud, plastered to a protected spot such a cliff face, bridge support, or building wall. Young usually leave the nest at 2 to 3 weeks of age. There are typically 2 broods per year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Mouser Williams  Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: immature by J.N. Stuart | Say's PhoebeSAPH (Sayornis saya)Family: Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) Size: 7 - 8 in (18 - 20 cm) Flies: Feb 15 - Nov 15 Morphology: adults are brownish gray above with a reddish-brown belly, blackish tail, a gray breast, a head feathers that is sometimes raised into a small peak; immatures are similar to adults but browner and may have a buffy wing bar Status: native; locally common Food source: feeds almost entirely on insects with some spiders and millipedes Habitat: dry sunny areas, often near buildings The Say’s Phoebe is most often seen prominently perched in low shrubs or on rocks. They typically catch insects by darting out and grabbing them in mid-air, picking them off of foliage, or scooping them up from the ground. They can also hover low over fields trying to spot prey. Like other phoebes, Say’s Phoebes have a habit of wagging their tails but, unlike other phoebes, they often live in very dry areas. Males defend a nesting territory by singing. Nests are cup-shaped and made of grass, weeds, and other materials but no mud like other phoebes. Placement of a nest can vary from on a rocky cliff to a man-made structure. Young leave the nest in about 2 weeks after hatching. There are typically 1 to 2 broods per year. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Jerry Oldenettel  Photo: adult by Gordon Karre | Cassin's VireoCAVI (Vireo cassinii)Family: Vireonidae (Vireos) Size: 5 - 6 in (13 - 15 cm) Flies: Apr 07 - May 15 and Aug 01 - Oct 21 Morphology: both sexes have brownish-gray heads with white eyerings and a stripe in front of head, two white wingbars, white bellies, and yellowish flanks; immatures are similar to adults but have more olive on the crown and sides of head Status: native; uncommon Food source: primarily eats insects and spiders; will eat a few small fruits and berries in winter Habitat: coniferous, mixed forests Cassin’s Vireos are one of the three separate species created from the split of the Solitary Vireo. They can be seen in the area on their way to and from breeding grounds further north. They primarily forage in trees, purposefully searching for insects along branches and among leaves. Nests are suspended in a fork of a branch and made of grass and strips of bark decorated with moss and lichens. Cassin’s Vireos are fearless defenders of their nesting territory. Both parents will vigorously scold a predator and dive at it. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult on nest by J.N. Stuart | Plumbeous VireoPLVI (Vireo plumbeus)Family: Vireonidae (Vireos) Size: 5 - 6 in (13 - 15 cm) Flies: Apr 07 - Oct 15 Morphology: adults have gray heads, backs, and flanks along with white spectacles, wingbars, and bellies; immatures are similar to adults Status: native; common Food source: eats insects during summer almost exclusively; in winter, includes some berries and small fruits Habitat: coniferous forests, mixed forests The Plumbeous Vireo is one of the three separate species created from the split of the Solitary Vireo, and is a common summer bird in the Rocky Mountain region. These birds forage in a deliberate manner in the upper reaches of trees, searching for insects among the leaves. Males sing throughout the day in order to defend a territory. During courtship, they fluff themselves up and sway from side to side while singing. Nests are located near the fork in a branch of a tree, often in an oak. Both parents incubate the eggs and tend the young which leave the nest at about 2 weeks of age. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: immature by antoniolp |  Woodhouse's Scrub-jay, Western Scrub JayWOSJ (Aphelocoma woodhouseii)Family: Corvidae (Jays, Magpies, and Crows) Size: 1 - 13 in (3 - 33 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both sexes are light blue and gray above with a a white throat, a gray breast, a partial blue band over the breast, and a long, pointed bill; chicks start out fully gray and get bluer as they get older Status: native; common Food source: diet varies with season from insects, spiders, and snails to seeds, acorns, nuts, and berries; may eat rodents, amphibians, eggs, and young birds of other species Habitat: scrub oak, woodlands, chaparral Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays are nonmigratory birds named for Samuel W. Woodhouse who wrote about his Southwest expeditions between 1849 and 1852. They are often found in urban areas where they will come to platform and suet feeders. Typically these birds forage on the ground or in trees and will bury seeds and nuts for later retrieval. Scrub-jays are very intelligent, remembering the location and rate of decay of over 200 food caches. They will also steal food from other birds. Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays breed as isolated pairs. Eggs are laid in a thick-walled cup-nest and hatch in a little less than 3 weeks. The young leave the nest about 3 weeks later. Info Photos Range Frequency Featured |
 Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult by B.J. Stacey  Photo: nest by Mike Leveille | American CrowAMCR (Corvus brachyrhynchos, Corvus americanus)Family: Corvidae (Jays, Magpies, and Crows) Size: 17 - 21 in (43 - 53 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: adults are entirely black including eyes, feathers are iridescent, tails are square-shaped, and wings are rounded; males are larger than females; immatures have blue eyes; note: crows are smaller in size and have thinner bills, sleeker feathers and a higher pitched voice than ravens Status: native; common Food source: omnivorous; insects, spiders, snails, earthworms, frogs, small snakes, shellfish, carrion, garbage, eggs, seeds, grain, berries, and fruit Habitat: deciduous growth along waterways, orchards, mixed evergreen woods, suburban and urban areas American Crows are common and widespread through the US having moved beyond farmlands into towns and cities. They are very intelligent and have survived several past extermination attempts. They are social, forming large community roosts in winter. A breeding pair may be helped by their offspring from previous seasons. Nests, a large basket of sticks and mud lined with soft materials, are built by both parents, usually in a crook of a large shrub or tree. Eggs are incubated, mostly by the female, for about 18 days. Both parents and sometimes “helpers” fed the chicks until they leave the nest in 4 to 5 weeks. Crows are susceptible to and may die from West Nile disease. Tracks Info Photos Distribution Frequency Featured |
 Photo: adult by Marion L. Stelts  Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: nest by Hari Viswanathan | Common Raven, Northern RavenCORA (Corvus corax)Family: Corvidae (Jays, Magpies, and Crows) Size: 21 - 27 in (53 - 69 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: adults entirely black including eyes, feathers are iridescent feathers, tails are wedge-shaped, and wings are pointed; immatures have blue eyes; note: ravens are larger in size and have thicker bills, shaggier feathers and a deeper voice than crows Status: native; common Food source: omnivorous; insects, rodents, lizards, frogs, eggs and young birds, carrion, and garbage Habitat: coniferous forests, deserts and mountain areas Common Ravens can be seen soaring in the skies everywhere in the local area. These birds are the largest of the passerines and are very intelligent with problem-solving and tool-using skills. In addition, they can mimic sound from their surroundings, including human speech. Immature ravens are very playful and can be observed doing things like sliding down snowbanks, apparently for fun. Ravens usually hunt in pairs in order to cooperate in flushing out prey. Nests which can be reused year after year are usually on a ledge or in a tall tree. Both parents help build the nest and feed the young which fledge about 5 to 6 weeks after hatching. Ravens are featured in the mythology of many Native American peoples. Tracks Info Photos Distribution Frequency Featured |
 Photo: adult Rocky Mountain variant by Bob Walker  Photo: adult Rocky Mountain variant by Mouser Williams | Steller's JaySTJA (Cyanocitta stelleri)Family: Corvidae (Jays, Magpies, and Crows) Size: 12 - 13.5 in (30 - 34 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: large bird with rounded wings, crested head, long tail, dark blue body and black head; Rocky Mountain variant has white markings on the throat and above the eye Status: native; common Food source: seeds and nuts (especially in fall and winter), berries and fruits, insects (particularly in summer), and sometimes eggs, small rodents, and lizards Habitat: pine and oak forests Steller’s Jays are aggressive birds commonly found in Western conifer woods at low to moderate elevations. They can also be found in oak forests during the fall. Their staple food consists of conifer seeds and acorns which they often cache for later consumption. However, they are scavengers, often seen eating scraps in picnic areas and campgrounds. Steller’s Jays will visit feeders for sunflower seeds and peanuts. When not breeding, they typically live in flocks, often flying over an area in single-file. These birds are able to mimic the calls of other species, such as raptors, and can even imitate squirrels and household animals. Both sexes are very protective of their nest which consists of a ragged cup of weeds, etc., cemented together with mud. Incubation time is a little less than 3 weeks; age at first flight is not well known. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Mouser Williams  Photo: small group of adults by Hari Viswanathan | Pinyon JayPIJA (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus, Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus)Family: Corvidae (Jays, Magpies, and Crows) Size: 9 - 11 in (23 - 28 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both sexes are dull blue with white chin, short tail, and long bill; immatures are similar to adult but duller in color Status: native; locally common Food source: seeds (especially those from the pinyon pine), fruits, insects, and sometimes eggs Habitat: ponderosa pine, pinyon-juniper, mixed pine oak forests Typical location: White Rock Spectacularly colorful and noisy flocks arrive in the summer. Pinyon Jays primarily forage on the ground but can clean out a bird feeder in no time. Flocks tend to follow the pinyon crop. They store the nuts in late summer and early fall by burying them in the ground for later retrieval. Social organization among these jays is complex with overall permanent flocks that can reach several hundred in size. The birds nest in colonies in cup-shaped nests found high up in juniper, oak, and pinyon trees. Incubation time is a little less than 3 weeks with the young leaving the nest about 3 weeks after that. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: adult by J.N. Stuart  Photo: adult by Marshal Hedin | Clark's Nutcracker, Meat BirdCLNU (Nucifraga columbiana)Family: Corvidae (Jays, Magpies, and Crows) Size: 12 - 13 in (30 - 33 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: adults are ash gray overall with black wings, black tail with white on the sides, and black bill, legs, and feet; immatures look similar to parents but with bluer features Status: native; common Food source: diet primarily consists of pine seeds with the rest made up of other seeds, nuts, berries, insects, snails, and eggs Habitat: stands of juniper and ponderosa pine Clark’s Nutcrackers are fairly common in spring, summer, and fall, particularly in areas remote from human contact. However, they will fearlessly walk about in picnic grounds and parking lots looking for handouts. However, these birds are most talented at prying open pine cones to extract the seeds. They may temporarily store the seeds in a throat pouch until they can be added to a hidden cache for later consumption. These caches help support the birds during the breeding which can occur in late winter. Nests, located in a conifer on a horizontal branch, consist of a platform of twigs supporting a cup of grasses and bark strips. Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young once they have hatched. The nestling usually leave the nest about 18 to 21 days after hatching. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: male by Mouser Williams  Photo: female by Bob Walker | Brewer's BlackbirdBRBL (Euphagus cyanocephalus)Family: Icteridae (Blackbirds and Orioles) Size: 8 - 10 in (20 - 25 cm) Flies: Mar 15 - Nov 21 Morphology: males are glossy black overall with yellow eyes, a purple sheen on the head, and greenish iridescence on the body; females are shades of brown with dark eyes; immatures are similar to the females but lighter brown Status: native; common Food source: ostly insects and seeds with some berries Habitat: riversides,meadows, fields, areas covered with brush, lawns Typical location: Ashley Pond, The Stables Brewer’s Blackbirds adapt well to habitats altered by humans and have expanded their range eastward in the US during the last hundred years. They can now be seen in suburban areas walking along the ground, scavenging for crumbs. They will also forage in farming areas, sometimes following behind machinery to catch insects that have been disturbed. In winter, they usually forage in large flocks. Brewer’s Blackbirds nest in colonies consisting of 20 to 30 pairs. Nests are of a bulky open cup design often with mud or dried manure added to the base. A colony may change the nesting site preference from year to year, using small bushes one year and tall trees the next. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: male by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: female by Rebecca Shankland  Photo: nest by Eugene Zelenko | Bullock's OrioleBUOR (Icterus bullockii)Family: Icteridae (Blackbirds and Orioles) Size: 12 in (30 cm) Flies: Apr 21 - Sep 15 Morphology: adult males have orange and black plumage with a black throat patch and white wing bar; adult females are gray-brown with yellow breast pale yellow underparts, and olive crown; immatures look similar to adult females Status: native; uncommon Food source: insects, berries, and nectar Habitat: parks, fields, open woodlands; especially attracted to cottonwoods Bullock’s Orioles are beautiful migrants that spend their winters in the tropics. They are seen in this area mainly during spring but they actually spend the summer here. They are attracted to water gardens and will come to sugar-water and fruit feeders. These orioles rarely forage on the ground, preferring to search the foliage of trees and shrubs for insects. They build nests in deciduous trees that look like hanging pouches made of tightly woven plant fibers and grasses. Females incubate the eggs till hatching at about 11 days. Then both parents feed the young for about two weeks until they fledge. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: breeding adult by Jerry Oldenettel  Photo: non-breeding adult by Mouser Williams  Photo: adult by Eric Isley | Western MeadowlarkWEME (Sturnella neglecta)Family: Icteridae (Blackbirds and Orioles) Size: 8.5 - 11 in (22 - 28 cm) Flies: Feb 21 - Oct 15 Morphology: both sexes have long bills, rounded, short wings, and a short, spiky tail; they have yellow underparts and patterned brown, black, and buff upper parts with dark and light brown stripes on the head; breeding birds have bright yellow breast with a distinctive black “V”; nonbreeding birds have light yellow breast and greatly faded “V” Status: native; uncommon Food source: mostly insects and seed; the former especially in summer and the latter in winter Habitat: open meadows, plains, prairies Although the Western Meadowlark is very similar to the Eastern Meadowlark they have different songs and rarely interbreed despite having overlapping ranges in some areas. Western Meadowlarks forage on the ground, sometimes using their bills to probe in the soil. In winter, they usually forage in flocks. Males, who are more often heard rather than seen, sing to defend a nesting territory. One male usually has two mates at the same time. The females do most of the work related to the incubation and care of the young. Nests are on the ground and consist of a domed structure with a side entrance and trail leading up to it. Young leave the nest at about 12 days old but are tended by their parents for at least another two week. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Bob Walker  Photo: female by Curtis Mahon | Yellow-headed BlackbirdYHBL (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)Family: Icteridae (Blackbirds and Orioles) Size: 8 - 11 in (20 - 28 cm) Flies: Mar 21 - May 15 and Jul 01 - Sep 21 Morphology: arge birds with stout bodies and long, conical bills; males are black with yellow heads and chests and white patches at the bend of the wing; females are brown with dull yellow heads; immatures are similar to the females except the immature males show some white at the bend of the wing Status: native; uncommon Food source: mostly insects and seeds; young fed mostly insects Habitat: freshwater marshes Typical location: The Stables Outside of breeding season, Yellow-headed Blackbirds usually forage in flocks, often with other blackbirds. They will walk in open fields or along the edge of a body of water looking for food. They will also follow farm equipment to catch insects that are turned up by plowing. Yellow-headed Blackbirds nest in loose colonies in marshy areas. Nests are made of woven aquatic plants lined with dry grasses and attached to standing vegetation. Males each select a breeding territory in the colony and defend it against rivals by singing. They can take multiple mates. Young leave the nest at about 9 days old but remain in marshes until able to fly at about 3 weeks old. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by J.N. Stuart  Photo: adult by Jerry Oldenettel  Photo: immature by Greg Lasley | Northern MockingbirdNOMO (Mimus polyglottos)Family: Mimidae (Mockingbirds, Thrashers, and Allies) Size: 9 - 11 in (23 - 28 cm) Flies: Apr 15 - Sep 07 Morphology: adults are gray-brown overall and a bit paler on the breast and belly with two white bars on the wings and white outer tail feathers; immatures are similar with spotted breast Status: native; uncommon Food source: half insects and other arthropods; half berries and fruits Habitat: residential areas, parks, farmlands, thickets, desert brush Typical location: White Rock Canyon Northern Mockingbirds are known for mimicking the songs of other birds. They are heard all day long and often into the night during nesting season. These birds mostly walk on the ground to capture insects but will fly down from a low perch if an insect is spotted. Northern Mockingbirds are very aggressive in defending their territory, flashing white wing patches and even attacking house pets and people. Nests have a bulky foundation which the male builds and a soft lining which the female adds. Young leave the nest between 1 and 2 weeks of age but are not able to fly well for another week or so. There are typically 2 to 3 broods per year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult by Mouser Williams | Sage ThrasherSATH (Oreoscoptes montanus)Family: Mimidae (Mockingbirds, Thrashers, and Allies) Size: 8.5 in (22 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both sexes are drab gray above with black spots on the breast, fine brown streaks on the flanks, white outer tail feathers, white wingbars, and large yellow eyes Status: native; uncommon Food source: eats mostly insects and berries plus some spiders and cultivated fruits Habitat: sagebrush plains, floors of rocky canyons, dense thickets The Sage Trasher is the smallest thrasher and is rather elusive. It will often run on the ground rather than fly if disturbed. These birds also forage by running around on open ground near areas with low shrubs. They will also perch in low trees and bushes to eat berries and will come to gardens for food. During breeding season, males will sing incessantly to defend a territory. Nests are typically located in sagebrush or other low bushes such as chamisa. Although cowbirds will lay eggs in a thrasher nest, the thrashers parents will toss them out. There may be 2 broods per year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by David Yeamans  Photo: adult by Bob Walker | Curve-billed ThrasherCBTH (Toxostoma curvirostre, Harporhynchus curvirostris)Family: Mimidae (Mockingbirds, Thrashers, and Allies) Size: 9.5 - 11.5 in (24 - 29 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: Similar to adult, but with shorter, straighter bill, yellower eyes, and less obvious spots. Status: native; common Food source: mostly insects and their larvae, as well as spiders, snails, sowbugs, and prickly-pear and saguaro berries Habitat: desert brush, cactus, sagebrush, town Typical location: La Senda, Pajarito Acres The Curve-billed Thrasher is fairly conspicuous due to its habit of dashing about in the open and loudly calling from the tops of small trees. The local area is at the northern edge of its range. These birds forage on the ground, tossing aside litter to find insects. They will also dig in the soil to find food. Curve-billed Thrashers will come to feeders in areas with cholla and sage. The cholla cactus is this bird’s top choice for a nesting site. If the nest is exposed to bright sun, the female will spend time shading the young. There are typically 2 broods and sometimes 3 per year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Greg Lasley  Photo: adult by Bob Walker | Canyon TowheeCANT (Melozone fusca, Aimophila fuscus)Family: Passerellidae (New World Sparrows and Allies) Size: 8 - 10 in (20 - 25 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: large sparrows with long tails and chunky bodies; adults are plain brown overall but have rusty undertail feathers, buffy throats, and reddish crowns Status: native; common Food source: mostly seeds and insects with some berries and small fruits; young fed almost entirely on insects Habitat: bushy and rocky hills in arid country Canyon Towhees can be seen just about everywhere in the local area. They even favor hopping around inside a garage when the door has been left open. They will feed on the insects caught in a car grill and then will hide under the car when disturbed. They prefer to forage under things like logs and scratch in the dirt much less than towhee species do. Canyon Towhees may mate for life and a pair will stay together all year round in a permanent territory. Nests are of a bulky cup design and usually located in a small tree or dense shrub. The young may leave the nest before they can fly, climbing about in the bushes waiting to be fed. It is typical for there to be 2 to 3 broods in a year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency Featured |
 Photo: adult by Dave Yeamans  Photo: adult by Mouser Williams  Photo: immature by Frank Fogarty | Townsend's SolitaireTOSO (Myadestes townsendi)Family: Turdidae (Thrushes) Size: 8 - 9 in (20 - 23 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both sexes are gray with prominent white eye rings, buffy wing patches, and white outer tail feathers; immatures are gray spotted with buff and white Status: native; common Food source: primarily insects, spiders, and other invertebrates in summer and berries ,such as those from juniper and mistletoe in winter Habitat: open coniferous forests, edges, burns Townsend’s Solitaires often sit all alone on an exposed perch for long periods. Their upright posture makes them appear long and slender. They are usually seen in winter when both sexes will defend patches of juniper. These birds typically forage by flying out to catch insects mid-air or by fluttering down to the ground to snatch up food. During breeding season, males will guard the area around the nest by singing either from a high perch on while in flight. Nests are located in a protected spot such as in a shallow depression in a slope or in a crevice. They are of an open-cup design but rather bulky and loosely made. Young probably leave the nest at about 2 weeks of age. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: male by Bob Walker  Photo: female by Bob Walker  Photo: male bathing by Hari Viswanathan | American Robin, RobinAMRO (Turdus migratorius)Family: Turdidae (Thrushes) Size: 9 - 11 in (23 - 28 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: males are gray-brown with orange underparts and dark heads; females are similar but with paler colors; both sexes have long legs and tail Status: native; common Food source: insects, spiders, berries, earthworms, and snails depending on the time of year Habitat: towns, gardens, open woodlands, coniferous forests in mountains, agricultural areas American Robin are ubiquitous in the area, particularly during summer. This species is the largest North American thrush. Robins forage on the ground, running along or hopping and then pausing when they spot prey. Males will defend nesting grounds before the arrival of females. Females build a nest made of grasses and twigs worked into a foundation of mud. Nests are usually located on a horizontal branch of a tree or shrub. The mother typically lays four “robin’s egg blue” eggs that hatch in 12 to 14 days. The young fledge about 14 to 16 days later. American Robins usually have two broods per season but may have a third. Info Photos Distribution Frequency Featured |
 Photo: adult by Selvi Viswanathan  Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult at nest in the vertical iron pipe by JN Stuart | Ash-throated Flycatcher, Lower California FlycatcherATFL (Myiarchus cinerascens)Family: Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) Size: 8 in (20 cm) Flies: Apr 01 - Aug 21 Morphology: males and females look similar; grayish brown overall, yellow belly, a white throat, two white wingbars, and cinnamon streaks on the primary feathers and underside of tail Status: native; locally common Food source: mostly insects including caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, and flies; also eats some spiders, fruits, and berries Habitat: deserts with cactus and mesquite thickets, dry woods, semi-arid country, canyon areas Ash-throated Flycatchers are spread throughout the west, preferring arid areas. These birds seldom forage by taking insects mid-air. Rather they fly out from a perch and pick insects from foliage while hovering. Alternatively, they will perch in shrubs or cacti to feed on fruit. Flycatchers primarily build nests in holes in trees, most often natural cavities or old woodpecker holes. However, given that the trees in their preferred nesting area may be small, they will use other hollow places like pipes and posts. The nest consists of a mass of weeds and grass lined with soft material. Females incubate the eggs for about 15 days. The young fledge at about 2 weeks of age. There are often 2 broods per year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Jerry Oldenettel  Photo: adult by Bob Walker | Western Kingbird, Arkansas FlycatcherWEKI (Tyrannus verticalis)Family: Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) Size: 8 - 9 in (20 - 23 cm) Flies: Apr 21 - Sep 21 Morphology: gray-headed birds with straight bills, brown wings, yellow belly, white chest and throat, and black tails with white outer feathers Status: native; uncommon Food source: eats mostly insects but also spiders, millipedes, and some berries and fruits Habitat: open country, ranches, roadsides, waterways with trees Western Kingbirds are most often seen in open areas on prominent perches. They will fly out and snatch up an insect either in mid-air or from off the ground and then return to the same perch. They will also pursue flying insects for long distances. Males have an elaborate courtship display, soaring to about 60 feet (18 meters) in the air and then stopping abruptly and falling towards the ground. These birds have adapted well to civilization and will even build nests attached to utility poles near busy city streets. Western Kingbirds are very feisty and protect their nests by harassing much larger birds that come too close. The eggs are incubated for a little over 2 weeks. The young leave the nest approximately 3 weeks later. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Jerry Oldenettel  Photo: adult by Joe Zarki | Cassin's KingbirdCAKI (Tyrannus vociferans)Family: Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) Size: 8 - 9 in (20 - 23 cm) Flies: Apr 01 - Sep 07 Morphology: adults have dark grey faces with a white mustache and are gray on the head and chest, yellow on the belly and under the tail, and white on the tips of a dark tail Status: native; locally common Food source: eats a wide variety of insects along with some berries and fruits Habitat: savannas, rangelands, pinyon-juniper woodlands Typical location: Bandelier Entrance Road, Lower Ancho Canyon The Cassin’s Kingbird is similar to the Western Kingbird but with darker plumage. In addition, in comparison to Westerns, they are generally found higher in the trees and are usually quieter. These birds tend to sit on a perch looking for insects, and then fly out to capture it mid-air. Alternatively, they will pick off insects from leaves or from the ground. Courtship includes a fast, zigzag dance with outstretched wings and high-pitched calls. This dance is performed several times over a number of days. Nests are located high up in a deciduous tree or pine and have a bulky cup shape. Adults will harass larger birds that come too close. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: male by Bob Walker  Photo: female by Bob Walker  Photo: immatures by Mouser Williams |  Black-chinned Hummingbird, Alexander HummingbirdBCHU (Archilochus alexandri, Trochilus alexandri)Family: Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) Size: 3.3 - 3.8 in (8 - 10 cm) Flies: Apr 01 - Oct 15 Morphology: slender hummingbirds that are dull metallic green above and grayish white below with black mostly straight bills; males have a black throat with a thin, iridescent purple base; females have a pale throat and white tipped outer tail feather; immatures resemble females Status: native; common Food source: nectar and insects Habitat: alpine meadows, woodlands, thickets, chaparral, orchards Typical location: White Rock Black-chinned Hummingbirds are seen in large numbers during the summer wherever hummingbird feeders and flowers are present. They will feed at flowers while hovering but will both hover and perch at feeders. They will fly out to catch small insects, pluck them from foliage, or even pick them out of spider webs. In colder weather, these hummingbirds may ingest as much as three times their body weight in nectar in a single day. Males perform a courtship display that consists of flying back and forth in a U-shaped arc. The nest is a compact cup of plant fibers held together with spider webs and camouflaged on the outside. The incorporation of the spider silk allows the nest to stretch, expanding as the nestlings grow. Info Photos Distribution Frequency Featured |
 Photo: male by Selvi Viswanathan  Photo: female by Lee Bill  Photo: male and female by Deborah Halter | Broad-tailed HummingbirdBTAH (Selasphorus platycercus, Trochilus platycercus)Family: Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) Size: 4 - 4.5 in (10 - 11 cm) Flies: Mar 15 - Oct 21 Morphology: both sexes have slender bodies, long tails, iridescent green upper parts, greenish/buffy flanks, white chest, and a line down the belly; males have a magenta gorget; females and immatures have a pale eyering and green spots on their throats and cheeks Status: native; common Food source: mostly nectar and tiny insects; particularly attracted to red flowers Habitat: pinyon-juniper, dry ponderosa pines, mixed fir forests, canyon vegetation Typical location: Los Alamos, White Rock The Broad-tailed Hummingbird has gotten its name from its tendency to spread out its tail feathers, flashing white tail tips. These birds can be seen in large numbers during the summer wherever hummingbird feeders and flowers are present. While they may perch at a feeder, they will usually feed while hovering, extending their long tongues to reach deep into the feeder or flower. They will also catch insects either by flying out to grab them or by plucking them off of foliage. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds will slow their metabolism and go into a state of torpor on cold nights. Nests are located in trees sheltered by an overhanging branch and are made of spider and plant materials covered with moss and bits of bark. Info Photos Distribution Frequency Featured |
 Photo: adult by BJ Stacey  Photo: adult by Mouser Williams  Photo: adult by Mouser Williams |  White-throated SwiftWTSW (Aeronautes saxatalis)Family: Apodidae (Swifts) Size: 6 - 7 in (15 - 18 cm) Flies: Feb 15 - Oct 21 Morphology: noted for long, pointed, swept-back wings and long tails; adults have white throats, bellies, and rumps with black backs, wings, and tails; immatures are similar to adults but duller Status: native; locally common Food source: feed on a wide variety of flying insects, including flies, beetles, wasps, winged ants, etc. Habitat: arid mountains or other rocky areas, near cliffs and canyons White-throated Swifts are most often observed near cliffs and canyons where they may fly in small groups, chattering constantly. As a species they are one of the fastest flying birds. They forage in flight and often range widely, potentially foraging many miles from their nesting sites. Mating occurs in the air with the pair sometimes joining and then tumbling down for hundreds of feet. Nests are usually in a narrow crevice in a cliff or in a man-made structure such as a bridge, overpass, or building. The young are usually about 6 weeks old before they can fly. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Bob Walker  Photo: female by Mouser Williams  Photo: nest with young by J.N. Stuart | Barn SwallowBARS (Hirundo rustica)Family: Hirundinidae (Swallows) Size: 5.8 - 7.8 in (15 - 20 cm) Flies: Mar 21 - Oct 07 Morphology: when perched adults appear cone-shaped with broad shoulders tapering to long, pointed wings; both sexes have a blue back, wings and tail with rufous to tawny underparts, a blue crown and face, and cinnamon-colored forehead and throat; the colors on males are more vivid than those on females Status: native; locally common Food source: primarily eats a wide variety of flying insects such as flies, beetles, winged ants, etc. as well as some other insects and a few spiders Habitat: agricultural land, suburban areas, marshes, lake shores Typical location: Ashley Pond, The Stables, White Rock Canyon Barn Swallows are migratory birds breed in NorthAmerica and winter in Central and South America. The species is also common in Europe and Asia where they tend to have a white breast. They can most often be seen flying low over fields or water. Barn Swallows can execute quick turns and dives and most often catch and eat their prey in the air. Females prefer to mate with males that have a dark breast color and a very long, symmetrical tail. Both parents make numerous trips to collect collect mud to build a cup-shaped nest, typically near humans in manmade sites such as in barns or garages or under bridges or eaves. The parents may be assisted in caring for the new young by offspring from a previous brood. There can be up to two broods per year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Mouser Williams  Photo: adult by Greg Lasley  Photo: nest by J.N. Stuart | Cliff SwallowCLSW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota, Hirundo pyrrhonota)Family: Hirundinidae (Swallows) Size: 5 - 6 in (13 - 15 cm) Flies: Apr 07 - Sep 21 Morphology: adults have metallic, dark-blue backs, white underparts, orange rumps, red faces, and a white patch on the forehead; immatures look like messy adults with brown faces and dark breasts Status: native; uncommon Food source: mostly eats insects and some spiders Habitat: open country near buildings,lake shores,marshes Typical location: White Rock Canyon Cliff Swallows generally feed on the wing. They forage in flocks, flying low over water or very high over other areas. However, they will feed on the ground in bad weather. These birds have increased in number over the last several hundred years and have shifted their nesting sites from being exclusively on the sides of cliffs to more often the sides of man-made structures such as barns and bridges. They nest in large colonies. Their jug-shaped nests are made of dried mud and have a small entrance on one side. Both sexes build the nest and may repair and reuse an old one. Females have been know to lay eggs in their own nests and then move one of the eggs to another female’s nest. Once the young leave the nest they congregate in large groups. Parents can recognize their own young in the group by voice. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by B. J. Stacey  Photo: adult by J.N. Stuart  Photo: colony by Lewnanny Richardson | Bank Swallow, Sand MartinBANS (Riparia riparia)Family: Hirundinidae (Swallows) Size: 4.8 - 5.5 in (12 - 14 cm) Flies: Apr 21 - May 15 Morphology: small, slender bird that is white underneath and brown on top; adults have a dark band across the chest and down the middle; immatures are like adults but with pale edging to feathers on the back Status: native; uncommon Food source: wide variety of flying insects such as house flies, beetles, wasps, and winged ants Habitat: banks of rivers, creeks and lakes Typical location: White Rock Canyon in areas downstream of Buckman Bank Swallows are very sociable. They live, nest, and hunt in close proximity. Flocks can often be seen flying low over water, kept aloft with fluttery wingbeats. These birds mostly forage in flight and rarely feed on the ground. Bank Swallows almost always nest in colonies consisting of holes that the birds themselves dig into sand banks or dirt. The holes are densely packed, often no more than a foot (0.3 meter) apart, and can be up to five feet (1.5 meters) long. Nesting activities are synchronized so all of the young hatch at essentially the same time. It has been postulated that the chances of finding swarms of insects to feed the young is greatly increased due to the large number of parents looking for food at the same time. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Joanne Redwood  Photo: adult by Mouser Williams  Photo: building a nest by Bob Walker | Northern Rough-winged SwallowNRWS (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)Family: Hirundinidae (Swallows) Size: 5 - 5.8 in (13 - 15 cm) Flies: Apr 21 - Sep 15 Morphology: long-bodied bird with a small head, square tail, and broad, pointed wings with small serration on the outermost wing feathers; adults are brown above fading towards white below; immatures are like adults Status: native; uncommon Food source: wide variety of flying insects Habitat: riverbanks Typical location: White Rock Canyon Northern Rough-winged Swallows tend to be solitary birds. Even during migration, they are usually seen singly or in very small groups, flying low over rivers and fields. These birds forage mostly in the air, catching insects on the wing. During courtship display, a male will fly after a female while spreading the white feathers under the base of his tail. Nest sites are usually a burrow in a steep dirt bank which may be as much as 6 feet (2 meters) deep. The nest can be found at the end of the burrow. Alternatively, these swallows will use other kinds of cavities including drainpipes and holes in the side of a building. Young leave the nest at about 3 weeks of age. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Sam  Photo: female by Kenneth Cole Schneider  Photo: immature by Bob Walker | Violet-green SwallowVGSW (Tachycineta thalassina)Family: Hirundinidae (Swallows) Size: 5 - 5.5 in (13 - 14 cm) Flies: Mar 15 - Oct 01 Morphology: small, sleek birds with pointed wings and forked tails that in good light have greenish-bronze backs, violet rumps, and white on the belly that extends around to the rump; males have white cheek patches and green crowns; females have dusky cheeks and brownish crowns; immatures are grayish-brown Status: native; common Food source: feed on a variety of flying insects Habitat: forests, wooded foothills, mountains, suburban areas Violet-green Swallows are similar both in looks and behavior to Tree Swallows. Flocks can be seen flying high above mountain pine forests and canyons. They are often observed flying with other swallows or swifts. These birds forage in flight, catching insects mid-air. They will nest in isolated pairs or in small colonies. Nests are located in tree cavities, birdhouses, rock crevices, or even large cacti. Young leave the nest at about 3 1/2 weeks old but the parents will continue to feed them for some time after that. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult by Mouser Williams |  Brown Creeper, American Tree CreeperBRCR (Certhia americana)Family: Certhiidae (Creepers) Size: 5 - 5.8 in (13 - 15 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: adults are small and thin with streaked brown and buff coloring above, white underparts, buffy stripe over the eye, long spine-tipped tails, and slender curved beaks; Brown Creepers in Arizona and New Mexico are darker on the back than in other parts of North America Status: native; common Food source: wide variety of insects and spiders, especially eggs and pupae hidden in bark Habitat: deciduous and mixed woodlands Brown Creepers get their common name from their feeding behavior. They “creep” along tree trunks starting at the bottom and moving upward in a spiral looking for food on the bark surface and in crevices. When they reach the top, they will flutter down to the ground and begin all over. These birds will also come to feeders for suet and peanut butter. When threatened, they will freeze using their coloration as effective camouflage. Nests, consisting of a half-cup design, may often be partially hidden in a tree. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: female by Selvi Viswanathan  Photo: nest with young by Emma Wynn | Northern FlickerNOFL (Colaptes auratus)Family: Picidae (Woodpeckers) Size: 12 in (30 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: two forms exist with different colored flight-feather shafts (yellow versus red); local adults have red flight-feather shafts, curved bills, stiff tails often used as a prop, brownish bodies with black spots and bars, gray heads, and white rump patches; males have a red mustache stripe; females lack the mustache Status: native; common Food source: insects, including ants, beetles, termites, and caterpillars; will eat fruits, berries, seeds, and nuts at times Habitat: open country with trees, parks, residential areas Northern Flickers are ubiquitous in the local area. They commonly forage by hopping on the ground but also climb trees searching for wood-boring, using their bills to dig the them out. Flickers have sticky, barbed tongues that extends 2 inches beyond their bill for reaching into holes and lapping up food. They will come to feeders for suet and peanut butter. These bird create their nests by chiseling into in dead or dying trees. The cavity nests are used year after year. Eggs are laid in the wood chips at the bottom of the nest. Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the young. The young will stay with their parents for a while after they leave the nest. Info Photos Distribution Frequency Featured |
 Photo: male by Bob Walker  Photo: female by Bob Walker  Photo: acorn hoard or granary tree by Johnath | Acorn WoodpeckerACWO (Melanerpes formicivorus)Family: Picidae (Woodpeckers) Size: 8 - 9.5 in (20 - 24 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both sexes are brownish-black with white eyes and face; the red cap on males starts at the forehead, while the one on females has a black band between it and the face Status: native; locally common Food source: acorns, sap, fruit and insects Habitat: open oak/oak-pine forest Acorn Woodpeckers are most often described as having a clown-like appearance due their brightly covered red, black and white faces. Their flight pattern is distinctive in that they will flap their wings a few times and then drop a foot. As their name implies, acorns make up the majority of their diet. The birds drill numerous holes in dead trees, telephone poles, and wooden buildings to store acorns. Such caches can be used across generations and can be riddled with thousands of holes. In contrast to other woodpeckers, while these woodpeckers eat insects, they rarely dig into wood to find them. Acorn Woodpeckers have a complicated social structure. They live in communal groups consisting of several breeding males and females. The nest consists of a cavity in a tree. Both parents as well as helpers will take turns incubating the eggs. The eggs hatch in a little less than two weeks and fledge at about a month. Parents and helpers take care of the babies. Info Photos Distribution Frequency Featured |
 Photo: adult by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: adult by Bob Walker | Lewis's WoodpeckerLEWO (Melanerpes lewis, Asyndesmus lewis)Family: Picidae (Woodpeckers) Size: 10.5 - 11.5 in (27 - 29 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: adults have oily green back and wings, dark red face, pink belly, and silver-gray collar; immatures are similar but without the red face and gray collar Status: native; locally common Food source: wide variety of insects, nuts, fruits, and berries; young fed on insects Habitat: open pine-oak woodlands, cottonwood groves, ponderosa pine, scattered or logged forest Typical location: Anthony's at the Delta near cottonwood trees Lewis’s Woodpeckers, named for Merriweather Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition, are found exclusively in the west. They are rather scarce but can be seen in the area during the fall migration. While these birds climb trees like other woodpeckers, they mostly feed by catching insects mid-air. In addition, they store acorns and other nuts in crevices and guard them as a winter food supply. Pairs can mate for life and use the same cavity nest regularly. Both parents incubate the eggs which hatch in 12 to 16 days. While the young will leave the nest about 4 to 5 weeks after hatching, they will remain in the area with their parents for awhile longer. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: male by David Mitchell  Photo: female by Jerry Oldenettel | American Three-toed WoodpeckerATTW (Picoides dorsalis)Family: Picidae (Woodpeckers) Size: 8.5 in (22 cm) Flies: Mar 15 - Oct 07 Morphology: mostly black body with a white throat, breast, and belly; a black head with a white line running towards the beak and behind the eye; three toes (two pointing forward and one back); males have a yellow cap Status: native; uncommon Food source: mostly eats insects including wood-boring beetle larvae and caterpillars; will also eat fruit and sap Habitat: coniferous forests The American Three-toed Woodpecker is often overlooked as it quiet and inconspicuous. It often perches motionlessly against a tree trunk for an extended period of time. These woodpeckers forage on conifers, in particular dead or dying trees. They will remove pieces of bark to find insects and may gradually remove all the bark from a dead tree. Nests consist of a cavity in a tree or something like a utility pole. Both sexes excavate a new cavity each year. Eggs are incubated for 12 to 14 days. The young leave the nest 3 to 4 weeks after hatching but may remain with the parents for another 4 to 8 weeks. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Mouser Williams  Photo: male by Steve Wagner  Photo: female by Jerry Oldenettel | Downy WoodpeckerDOWO (Picoides pubescens, Dendrocopos pubescens)Family: Picidae (Woodpeckers) Size: 6 in (15 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both sexes have black upper parts with white spots on the wings, black and white striped head, small beak, white belly, white stripe down the center of the back, and black spots on a white tail; males have a red patch on the back of the head Status: native; uncommon Food source: mostly insects but will eat some seeds and berries Habitat: woodlands, parks, gardens The Downy Woodpecker appears to be a smaller version of the Hairy Woodpecker. However, the two species are not closely related and do not compete for food. These woodpeckers can be found throughout most of the United States with the exception of desert areas. Downy Woodpeckers are the smallest woodpeckers in North America. Their small size allows them to forage on thin branches, picking at the bark surface. They can often be seen in trees climbing about and even hanging upside down. In addition, these birds will come to feeders for suet and sunflowers. Compared to other woodpeckers, their drumming is rather slow. In fall and winter, males and females feed in separate areas. Pairs come together in late winter attracted by each other’s drumming. Nests consist of a cavity in a dead tree or branch surrounded by fungus or lichen for camouflage. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Dmitry Mozzherin  Photo: female by J.N. Stuart  Photo: immature by Mitch Chapman | Ladder-backed WoodpeckerLBWO (Picoides scalaris, Dendrocopos scalaris)Family: Picidae (Woodpeckers) Size: 7 in (18 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: primarily black and white with barred pattern on back and wings along with cream underparts; males have a red cap that extends from nape to mid-crown; females are black from nape to forehead; immatures of both sexes have red crown Status: native; uncommon Food source: variety of insects including beetles and their larvae, caterpillars, true bugs, and ants; eats some fruit and berries including cactus fruit Habitat: arid areas with thickets and trees Typical location: White Rock Canyon The Ladder-backed Woodpecker was once called the Cactus Woodpecker. It most often seen in Texas and Mexico but its overall range includes the local area at its northern edge. These woodpeckers primarily forage in trees, shrubby growth, and tall weeds. Pairs will often forage together focusing on slightly different areas, e.g., trunk versus outer limbs. The Ladder-backed Woodpecker has a distinctive flight pattern: three rapid wing flaps followed by a quick glide with the wings tucked against the body. The nesting site is in a hole in a tree or other plant such as a yucca or even a man-made structure like a fence post. Both parents probably excavate the cavity. Incubation of the eggs is done by both parents and they also both feed the young once hatched. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Bob Walker  Photo: male by Mitch Chapman  Photo: female by Mouser Williams | Hairy WoodpeckerHAWO (Picoides villosus, Dendrocopos villosus)Family: Picidae (Woodpeckers) Size: 9 in (23 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both sexes have black upper parts with white spots on the wings, black head with prominent whit stripes, long beak, white belly, a white patch down the center of the back, and pure white tail feathers; males have a red patch on the back of the head Status: native; common Food source: mostly insects but will eat some seeds and berries; will also feed on sap from damaged trees Habitat: deciduous forest The Hairy Woodpecker appears to be a larger version of the Downy Woodpecker. However, the two species are not closely related and do not compete for food. Like other woodpeckers, they have a spongy pad between their bill and skull to protect their brains from the shock of tapping on trees and special feathers around their nostrils to keep out wood chips. A Hairy Woodpecker will tap at a tree truck or major branch, listening for sound differences indicating an insect tunnel. It will then dig away the wood and remove the insect with its long, barbed tongue. These birds are very beneficial, consuming large numbers of wood-boring insects including those in wooden house siding. Hairy Woodpeckers are rather shy but will come to suet feeders. Males and females tend to maintain separate territories but pair up in mid-winter, often with the mate from the previous year. Nests consist of an cavity in an aspen or dead conifer. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: female by Selvi Viswanathan  Photo: immature by J.N. Stuart | Red-naped SapsuckerRNSA (Sphyrapicus nuchalis)Family: Picidae (Woodpeckers) Size: 8 in (20 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: birds are mottled black and white overall with a red cap, nape, and throat, a slight peak at the back of the head, a sharp pointed bill, and an elongated appearance due to how they cling vertically to trees; males have a solid red chin but females have a white patch on the chin; immatures have a brown cap and overall brown wash Status: native; uncommon Food source: includes insects, tree sap, berries, and fruit Habitat: edges of coniferous forests, woodlands, gardens, groves of aspen Typical location: Pajarito Ski Hill Parking Lot Red-naped Sapsuckers are often seen during the spring and fall. They drill holes in trees in very neatly spaced rows, leaving the holes to fill up with sap and then returning periodically to drink what has oozed out. In addition, they will take insects from trees like other woodpeckers, including those insects that have become trapped in the sap. Nests are typically found in a tree cavity with the same tree being used several years in a row. These birds prefer trees with heartwood decay which makes it easier to excavate a nesting site. Parents teach the young how to suck sap and take care of them for up to 10 days after they leave the nest. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: female by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: female by BJ Stacey | Williamson's SapsuckerWISA (Sphyrapicus thyroideus)Family: Picidae (Woodpeckers) Size: 9.5 in (24 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: males are black on the upperparts, head, breast, and tail with a yellow belly, red throat, white rump, white eyestripe and mustache, and a white stripe up the side; females are barred (white, brown, and black) on the upperparts, wings, flanks, tail, and part of the breast along with a brown head, white rump, and yellow belly; immature are like the adults except that males have white throats and nape while females do not have black on the breast Status: native; uncommon Food source: insects (particularly ants), sap, and fruit Habitat: ponderosa pine, coniferous, mixed conifers Male and female Williamson’s Sapsuckers look very different and were once considered to be two separate species with the females named the Black-breasted Woodpecker. Williamson’s Sapsuckers drill small, evenly spaced holes in tree bark in order to allow the sap to ooze out. They will return periodically to feed on the sap. In addition, they will eat a bit of the tree tissue and insects attracted to the sap. The nest site is a cavity in a tree, with one with a dead heartwood but live outer layer preferred. Males may dig new nesting cavities in the same tree year after year. Young leave the nest and the general area at about 3 to 4 weeks after hatching. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: male by Mouser Williams  Photo: female by Judith Lopez Sikora | Red-breasted Nuthatch, Canada NuthatchRBNU (Sitta canadensis)Family: Sittidae (Nuthatches) Size: 4.5 - 4.8 in (11 - 12 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both males and females are blue-gray in color with rusty-colored undersides and a black stripe through the eye; males have a black cap; females have a gray cap with lighter colored undersides Status: native; uncommon Food source: mainly insects and spiders in summer; seeds, often from conifers, in winter; young feed on insects Habitat: coniferous forests primarily in mountainous areas Red-breasted Nuthatches are quiet birds that prefer dense cover so that they are often missed. However, they can be attracted to feeders with sunflower seeds, peanut butter and suet. They can be seen in mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season. Like other nuthatches, these birds are gymnasts. They move rapidly up and down tree trunks and along the undersides of branches looking for food which they may then hoard in a larder. Nests consist of hollowed out cavities which the birds excavate themselves. They smear the entrance with pitch. It has been postulated that this is to deter other creatures. They avoid getting stuck themselves by flying straight into the hole. Incubation time for the eggs is about 12 days with the young leaving the nest 2 to 3 weeks later. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Bob Walker  Photo: common foraging position by Steven Mlodinow  Photo: female by Bob Walker | White-breasted NuthatchWBNU (Sitta carolinensis)Family: Sittidae (Nuthatches) Size: 5 - 6 in (13 - 15 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: males have solid back cap with bluish-gray back and wings, white face and white underparts that may have some chestnut color; females are duller than males with a paler cap Status: native; common Food source: variety of insects and seeds Habitat: typically in mature deciduous forest but also in mixed conifer forests White-breasted Nuthatches are common throughout the year in most of the US with several subspecies officially recognized. They are often seen at suet feeders or creeping along tree trunks with their heads down looking for insects in bark crevices. These nuthatches are typically seen singly or in pairs. However, in fall and winter, they will join small mixed-species flocks. Pairs may mate for life and remain in the same area all year round. Nests are built in a cavity from bark fibers, grasses and other materials. Eggs hatch in about two weeks and fledge anywhere from three to four weeks later. Info Photos Distribution Frequency Featured |
 Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult by Cullen Hanks  Photo: adult by Donna Pomeroy | Pygmy NuthatchPYNU (Sitta pygmaea)Family: Sittidae (Nuthatches) Size: 3.8 - 4.5 in (10 - 11 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: males and females are similar with slate gray wings and back, a brown cap, and white to buff underparts Status: native; common Food source: primarily insects such as beetles and true bugs in summer; a variety of seeds in winter, especially pine seeds Habitat: pine forests including ponderosa with undergrowth Pygmy Nuthatches are very gregarious, often wandering in noisy flocks and roosting communally. They are also acrobatic, using their sharp claws to help them hop upside down while foraging on the outermost and highest tree branches. These birds are easily attracted to feeders by sunflower seeds, nuts and suet. They often use bark crevices as a place to hold food while breaking it up with their bills. Pygmy Nuthatches nest in cavities in conifers lined with soft materials. A nesting pair may have helpers, usually offspring from a previous year, that aid in defending the territory and raising the young. Eggs are incubated for a little over 2 weeks and the young fledge about 3 weeks later. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult by Marion L. Stelts |  Rock Pigeon, Rock DoveROPI (Columba livia)Family: Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) Size: 13.5 in (34 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: plump bird with small head and short legs; variable in color but most adults are bluish gray with two black bands on the wing, a black tipped tail, and an iridescent band around the throat Status: introduced; common Food source: feeds on waste grain and seeds of many grasses and other plants; in cities will eat bread crumbs, popcorn, and other available junk food Habitat: parks, gardens, farmlands The Rock Pigeon is most often known as the “common city pigeon”. It is originally native to Europe, North Africa, and India but now lives all over the world. It has been domesticated for a variety of purposes: raised for food, trained for racing and carrying messages, and used in research. In many places, though, wild birds frequent both residential and agricultural lands. These pigeons may mate for life. Nests can be found on sheltered cliff ledges or potential substitutes of window ledges or gutters. Young are fed “pigeon milk”, a regurgitated secretion from the crop of the parents. A pair of Rock Pigeons may raise up to 5 broods per year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Mouser Williams  Photo: adult by J.N. Stuart | Band-tailed PigeonBTPI (Patagioenas fasciata, Columba fasciata)Family: Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) Size: 14 - 15 in (36 - 38 cm) Flies: Feb 01 - Nov 07 Morphology: both sexes are gray (bluish above and purplish below) with a white crescent on the back of the neck, gray band on the tip of the tail, dark wingtips, and yellow bill and feet Status: native; locally common Food source: mostly nuts, seeds, and berries including juniper berries and spruce cones Habitat: pine-oak woodlands The Band-tailed Pigeon is the largest pigeon in North America and is a “forest pigeon”. These pigeons usually forage in flocks, even during breeding season. They will forage on the ground but unlike other pigeons, they will also feed up in trees. They are very agile being able to walk out on small branches and even hang upside down to reach berries. During early and late summer, these pigeons will gather at mineral springs to ingest salts. Unlike most birds, they are able to drink without lifting their heads. Band-tailed Pigeons may nest in a loose colony. Nests are usually high up in a tree and consists of a platform of sticks. Young are fed “pigeon milk”, a secretion from the lining of the crop of parent birds that is regurgitated. There are usually 2 or even 3 broods per year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Dave Yeamans  Photo: adult by Bob Walker | Eurasian Collared-doveEUCD (Streptopelia decaocto)Family: Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) Size: 13 - 14 in (33 - 36 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: adults and immatures look alike and have plump bodies with broad squared off tails; light brown to gray body with white patches on the tail and a narrow black crescent around the nape of the neck Status: introduced; common Food source: mostly seeds with some berries and insects Habitat: small towns, agricultural areas Eurasian Collared-Doves were accidentally introduced into the Bahamas in 1974. Since there they have expanded across most of the US and Mexico. It has been suggested that these birds have been able to exploit a niche made available by the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon. When not breeding, Eurasian Collared-Doves usually forage in flocks on the ground but will come to feeders. These doves can most often be seen in prominent perches. Nests consist of a fragile platform of sticks and twigs. There are usually only one or two eggs. However, in some areas there are reports of up to six broods per year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency Featured |
 Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult by J.N. Stuart  Photo: adult by CK Kelly | White-winged DoveWWDO (Zenaida asiatica)Family: Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) Size: 12 in (30 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: plump, square-tailed birds with long bills; adults are brown overall with white stripes at the edge of the wings, white-tipped tails with black stripes, a black streak across each cheek, and blue skin around red eyes Status: native; common Food source: mostly seed from wild plants and cultivated grains; will also eat fruits and berries as well as nectar from large flowers Habitat: open country with dense thickets of shrubs and low trees The White-winged Dove, related to the Mourning Dove, is most common in the southwest, but its range is currently expanding across the US and into Canada. These birds are often seen at platform feeder, but mostly forage on the ground. They will also feed in trees, shrubs, and large cacti. In areas with giant saguaro cacti, these doves are important pollinators. Both members of a pair go through a courting ritual consisting of nodding and preening motions. The nest is a flimsy platform made of sticks placed in a tree, shrub, or cactus. Both parents feed the young “pigeon milk” which consists of a secretion from the lining of the parent’s crop. There are typically 2 to 3 broods per year. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Mouser Williams  Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: nest by J.N. Stuart | Mourning DoveMODO (Zenaida macroura, Zenaida carolinensis)Family: Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) Size: 12 in (30 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: plump-bodied bird with small head and long, pointed tail; adults are brown to buffy-tan overall with black spots on the wings and white tipped, black-bordered tail feathers Status: native; common Food source: feeds almost exclusively on seeds Habitat: open fields, parks, lawns with many trees and shrubs Ubiquitous. One of the most common birds in the county. When they take flight, the wings make a whistling noise. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: adult by Judith Lopez Sikora  Photo: immature by Chick Keller |  Cooper's HawkCOHA (Accipiter cooperii)Family: Accipitridae (Hawks and Eagles) Size: 14 - 21 in (36 - 53 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: looks like a Sharp-shinned hawk but larger; adults of both sexes are blue-gray above with reddish bars on the breast; females are larger than males; young birds are brown above, streaked with brown on the breast, and have yellow eyes Status: native; common Food source: mostly birds and mammals; occasionally reptiles and insects Habitat: forests, especially those interrupted by clearings; currently entering more suburban and urban areas Typical location: Bandelier Cooper’s Hawks have short rounded wings, long tails and small hooked beaks. In flight, they have a long-necked appearance, often referred to as a “flying cross”. They typically use quick, consecutive wing beats and a short glide. They use stealth to capture prey either by swooping down from cover or by flying quickly through dense vegetation. Studies have shown that the later technique, while successful, can be dangerous resulting in broken chest bones. Prey is captured with the bird’s feet. Females build nests high up in trees usually on a foundation of a preexisting nest. The eggs are incubated for a little over a month. The young will climb around the nest tree at about four weeks of age. They will be able to fly soon thereafter, but will stay with their parents for another month. Info Photos Range Frequency |
 Photo: Richard Reynolds  Photo: adult by scops  Photo: immature by Marion L. Stelts | Northern GoshawkNOGO (Accipiter gentilis)Family: Accipitridae (Hawks and Eagles) Size: 20 - 26 in (51 - 66 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: adults are dark slate gray above and paler underneath with a dark head and white stripe over the eye; females are larger than males; immatures are brown and streaky with dark tail bands and yellow eyes Status: native; locally common Food source: mostly birds and small mammals such as grouse and squirrels; also eats snakes and some insects Habitat: forests (deciduous and coniferous) with intermediate to heavy canopy coverage, scrub, farmlands, woodland edges The Northern Goshawk has a relatively short, broad wings, a long tail and a relatively large bill. It is an expert at the surprise attack and prefers to hunt by watching for prey perched quietly about half-way up a tree, often moving from one perch to another. When prey is spotted, the bird will put on an extra burst of speed, plunging through tangled branches in pursuit. Goshawks only vocalize during breeding and nesting season. When calling while perched, the birds often move their heads from side-to-side to throw the sound. Males provide food for the nesting females starting before the eggs are laid. Nests are built in a major fork up in a tree. They are often reused so that more material is added each year making the them quite large. Both parents will boldly defend the nest, diving and nipping at intruders including humans. Eggs hatch approximately 35 days after laying and the young fledge at 5 to 6 weeks. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by David Yeamans  Photo: adult by Hari Viswanthan  Photo: immature by Marion L. Stelts | Sharp-shinned HawkSSHA (Accipiter striatus)Family: Accipitridae (Hawks and Eagles) Size: 10 - 14 in (25 - 36 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: adults are dark blue-gray to brown above with horizontal red-orange bars on the breast; females are larger than males; immatures are similar to the adults but with brown vertical streaks on the breast and yellow eyes Status: native; common Food source: mostly small birds such as sparrows; rarely will eat rodents, bats, squirrels, lizards, frogs, snakes, and large insects Habitat: coniferous and deciduous woodlands with dense cover Typical location: Barranca Canyon, Deer Trap Mesa One of the smallest and most numerous of hawks, the Sharp-shinned Hawk lives in the local area year round but is most often seen when migrating populations pass overhead. It mostly hunts by perching inside foliage and waiting for smaller birds to come close. Then with a burst of speed, it will fly out and capture its prey. Sharp-shinned will target groups of smaller birds by lying in wait at backyard bird feeders. The nest is a platform of sticks lined with softer material and located in dense cover. Egg incubation time is 30 to 35 days. Females staying near the young for the first few weeks while the males bring food. The chicks will start to move around the nest tree at about 3 to 4 weeks of age and will be able to fly at 5 to 6 weeks. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Gorden Karre  Photo: adult by Dave Yeamans  Photo: immature by Jerry Oldenettel | Zone-tailed HawkZTHA (Buteo albonotatus)Family: Accipitridae (Hawks and Eagles) Size: 18.5 - 21.5 in (47 - 55 cm) Flies: Apr 07 - Oct 01 Morphology: adults are mostly black with light-colored bands on tail and wings; immatures are browner with white spotting Status: native; locally common Food source: lizards, mammals, birds, and some insects Habitat: forested canyons, riverside woodlands, open deciduous forest The Zone-tailed Hawk resembles the Turkey Vulture in plumage and has a similar flying style. The hawk uses this to its advantage by blending into groups of vultures as a way to potentially fool prey. In such a group, the hawks are the birds with the light tails bands, fully feathered head, and yellow feet. Like the vulture, the Zone-tailed Hawk circles while soaring. Once it spots it quarry, it will continue to circle, moving lower and off to one side until it is screened by some sort of cover. Then it will surprise the prey by making a direct attack. The Zone-tailed breeds in the local area which is at the northern edge of its migration range. Nests are typically in a somewhat isolated tall tree. It is made primarily of sticks and twigs and may be reused for many years. Eggs hatch in a little over a month and are able to fly in 6 to 7 weeks. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Marion Stelts  Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: immature by J.N. Stuart | Red-tailed Hawk, ChickenhawkRTHA (Buteo jamaicensis)Family: Accipitridae (Hawks and Eagles) Size: 18 - 25 in (46 - 64 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: females larger than males; large amount of variability in overall color depending on subspecies and region (light, intermediate and dark); young birds have mottled white patches on back and brown tail Status: native; common Food source: small mammals (voles, rats, rabbits, and ground squirrels), birds, and reptiles (especially snakes) Habitat: forests, open country, agricultural field and urban areas Typical location: Los Alamos Airport The Red-tailed Hawk is the common hawk in the area. It can be seen flying overhead with slow, measured wing beats or soaring upward doing slow turns. It often perches next to highways looking for prey. The birds mate in spring and build a nest made of sticks lined with soft materials. Nests are usually located high up in a tree or on a cliff ledge. However, they can also be found on high buildings or towers. The females lay from 1 to 5 eggs which hatch in about a month. The babies fledge at around 6 to 7 weeks old but will stay with their parents for a few weeks longer. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Mouser Williams  Photo: adult by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: immature by Mike Plagens | Turkey VultureTUVU (Cathartes aura)Family: Cathartidae (New World Vultures) Size: 25 - 32 in (64 - 81 cm) Flies: Apr 07 - Oct 01 Morphology: adults are large birds with long tails and broad wings tipped with long “fingers”; both sexes are primarily dark brown on top and paler underneath with a featherless red head and pale bill; immatures have a gray naked head Status: native; locally common Food source: mostly carrion, preferring the recently dead; occasionally feeds on decaying vegetable matter or fish in ponds that are drying-up Habitat: open areas such as roadsides, suburbs, farm fields, countryside Typical location: Los Alamos Canyon, White Rock Canyon Turkey Vultures lack vocal chords so they do not make a proper call or song. Rather they make a low, guttural hiss when irritated. They also make a whining sound when in flight. They can soar overhead for hours, searching for carcasses. They have a particularly keen sense of smell so they are able to locate carrion by odor. Like other carrion-eating birds, Turkey Vultures are protected from disease by a very active immune system. Nests are located in sheltered areas such hollow trees or in crevices in cliffs. There is little or no nesting building with eggs laid on the bottom of the nest site. When disturbed young will defend themselves in the nest by hissing and regurgitating. Their first flight is in about 9 to 10 weeks after hatching. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Jerry Oldenettel  Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: immature by NMH Citizen Science Program | Peregrine FalconPEFA (Falco peregrinus)Family: Falconidae (Caracaras and Falcons) Size: 15 - 21 in (38 - 53 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: adults are dark blue-gray above with horizontal bars on underparts and a dark head; females are larger than males; immatures similar to adults but with vertical streaks on the breast Status: native; uncommon Food source: mostly birds such as pigeons and ducks; occasionally eats bats Habitat: open country,especially along rivers and near lakes; has moved into urban areas The Peregrine Falcon is one of the world’s fastest birds. Peregrines are often seen flying in the wild in canyons. While hunting these birds soar very high and then precipitously dive at speeds over 200 mph (320 km/h) to capture their prey mid-air. Larger birds are knocked out of the sky and then eaten on the ground where they fall. Peregrines have several special adaptations that allow them to survive the pressure of these spectacular dives. They have long been a favorite of falconers due both to this athleticism and the ease with which they can be trained. Peregrines were once on the decline due to the effect of pesticides but are currently making a comeback. Nests are usually found on a cliff lee. However, sometimes they are seen in a tree, on the ground on a hilltop, or on man-made structures. Females incubate the eggs for about a month while the male feds the female. The young are able to fly at 6 to 7 weeks. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by J.N. Stuart  Photo: female by J.N. Stuart  Photo: Jerry Oldenettel | American KestrelAMKE (Falco sparverius)Family: Falconidae (Caracaras and Falcons) Size: 9 - 12 in (23 - 30 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: males have blue-grey wings, white undersides, and rufous back; females have rufous backs and wings with brown bars and cream undersides; young are similar in plumage to adults Status: native; common Food source: mostly large insects, in particular grasshoppers, but also some small mammals, bird and lizards Habitat: towns, parks, farmlands, any kind of open or semi-open situation The American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America and the most common. It is leaner and more muscular than larger falcons with long, narrow wings that taper to a point. Given their small size, kestrels are often used in falconry, particularly by beginners. Kestrels primarily hunt from a perching position where they scan the ground for prey. They are commonly seen perched on wires and other high places along the roadside. However, they may hover over a field when a good perch is not available. The birds builds nests fairly high above the ground in cavities in trees, cliffs, buildings, and other structures. Both sexes help to incubate the eggs which hatch in about one month. The young fledge about a month later. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Thomas Shankland  Photo: adult by J.N. Stuart  Photo: nest with young by Jerry Oldenettel |  Great Horned Owl, Hoot OwlGHOW (Bubo virginianus)Family: Strigidae (Owls) Size: 25 in (64 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both sexes are mottled gray-brown with a reddish face, white patch on the throat, and two prominent feathered tufts on the head; birds in the Southwest are paler and grayer than elsewhere Status: native; common Food source: mostly eats mammals (rats, mice, rabbits, squirrels, skunks, etc.) and birds ranging in size from kinglets to herons; will also eat snakes and lizards Habitat: wooded areas with fields or other open areas The Great Horned Owl is a large bird that is aggressive and powerful, earning it the nickname of “Tiger Owl”. These birds have extremely good hearing and vision. They hunt mostly at dusk and after dark. They will watch from a high perch and then swoop down capturing prey in their talons. During northern winters, they may let uneaten prey freeze, only to come back later and thaw it out using their own body heat. Nesting may begin as early as late winter in some areas. This potentially allows the young to have enough time to learn hunting skills before the next winter. Nests are often those of other large birds with the addition of a few new feathers. The young will leave the nest at about 5 weeks old but cannot fly until 9 to 10 weeks of age. The parents may continue to fed the young for several months more. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Gordon Karre  Photo: adult by Selvi Viswanathan  Photo: back and front of head by Mouser Williams | Northern Pygmy-Owl, Mountain Pygmy-OwlNOPO (Glaucidium gnoma)Family: Strigidae (Owls) Size: 6.3 - 7.1 in (16 - 18 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: adults are brown overall with fine white spots on head and back and white stripes on tail; they lack ear tufts but have two dark patches on the back of the neck that look like eyespots Status: native; uncommon Food source: will eat rodents, birds, insects and lizards; prefers songbirds Habitat: open coniferous and mixed forests, open fields, and wetlands Typical location: Bandelier, Upper Canyons Northern Pygmy-Owls are very small and are often active during the day. They will wait quietly to spot their prey and then fly fast and low to grab their target. They can carry more than twice their own weight. These birds are aggressive and catch more birds than most small owls. In defense, gangs of songbirds, in particular chickadees, will often gather to “mob” a Northern Pygmy-Owl. During courtship, pairs will rapidly chase each other near potential nesting sites. They nest in tree cavities, often using old woodpecker holes and defend large territories during breeding season. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: Corry Clinton  Photo: Shravans14  Photo: Sally King, NPS | Western Screech-OwlWESO (Megascops kennicottii)Family: Strigidae (Owls) Size: 7 - 10 in (18 - 25 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: round head with ear tufts, yellow eyes, and yellowish bill; there are several morphs that range in color from brown to dark gray with streaked underparts; females are larger than males Status: native; common Food source: small mammals and large insects Habitat: wooded canyons, desert scrubland and farm groves The Western Screech Owl is a small, inconspicuous but fairly common owl found in many different habitats throughout the western US. Its call is not actually a screech, but more a series of short hoots at increasing tempo. Like other owls, it forages at night, hunting mostly from a perch from which it swoops down to take prey. It locates prey by both sight and sound. Western Screech Owls nest in a cavity in a tree or pole, often in an old woodpecker hole. The top photo was taken of an owl that was rescued after finding its way down a chimney. The female incubates the eggs for a little less than a month and the young fledge at about 4 weeks of age. However, both parents will take care of the young for awhile longer. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Jerry Oldenettel  Photo: adult by l0000_hz_legend  Photo: adult by Ken-ichi Ueda |  Common Poorwill, Colorado DesertCOPO (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii)Family: Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) Size: 7 - 8 in (18 - 20 cm) Flies: Apr 01 - Oct 21 Morphology: adults and immatures have a plump bodies in shades of brown, black and gray with large heads, tiny bills, small feet, short wings, rounded tails, and a white band across the throat Status: native; locally common Food source: mainly night-flying insects; in particular moths and beetles Habitat: desert, chaparral, sagebrush, other uplands Common Poorwills primarily forage by sitting on or near the ground and then making a short flight upward to catch an insect as it flies by. Their large mouths allow them to capture insects up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long. They mostly forage at dawn or dusk. These birds have been observed hibernating in a torpid condition during long, cold periods. This behavior is unique among birds. Males call on spring nights to attract a mate and to defend a territory. Poorwills do not build nests but rather lay eggs on the ground, often sheltered by an overhanging shrub or rock. The young can move on their own fairly quickly by hopping around on the ground by the nest. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Stephen Shankland  Photo: adult by George Caleff  Photo: adult displaying by Marion L. Stelts | Greater Roadrunner, Chapparal CockGRRO (Geococcyx californianus)Family: Cuculidae (Cuckoos and Roadrunners) Size: 24 in (61 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both sexes are tan with black streaks and long legs, tails, and necks; they have down-curved bills, a short crest on the head, and a patch of bare, blue skin behind each eye Status: native; uncommon Food source: insects, reptiles, rodents, and birds Habitat: open arid country with scattered thickets Typical location: White Rock Canyon Fairly common in around the canyon rim. They are often present near feeders not to eat the seed but to ambush other birds. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Mouser Williams  Photo: adult by Jerry Oldenettel  Photo: chicks by Andy Bridges | Scaled Quail, Cotton Tops, Blue QuailSCQU (Callipepla squamata, Quaglia azzurra)Family: Odontophoridae (Grouse, Quail, and Allies) Size: 10 - 12 in (25 - 30 cm) Flies: Mar 21 - Oct 07 Morphology: adults are pale gray overall with a white crest and a scaled pattern over the neck, chest, and belly; immatures are similar to the adults but initially without the scaling Status: native; locally common Food source: feed mostly on seeds and insects but will also eat some leaves and berries Habitat: dried grasslands, desert brush Typical location: White Rock Scaled Quails forage in groups throughout most of the year but in pairs or singly during the early part of the breeding season. They usually roost at night in groups of two or more arranged in a circle tail-to-tail on the ground in dense low growth. They prefer to run from danger rather than fly. Males defend a breeding territory by sitting on a perch and making a hoarse single-noted call. Nests are build on the ground in a shallow depression and lined with grass and leaves. Young leave the nest soon after hatching. Males will guard the young from a perch while the young feed on the ground with their mother. Tracks Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male, displaying by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: male, not displaying by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: female by Mouser Williams | Dusky GrouseDUGR (Dendragapus obscurus)Family: Phasianidae (Grouse, Quail, and Allies) Size: 15.5 - 21 in (39 - 53 cm) Flies: Mar 01 - Aug 21 Morphology: males are dusky gray with black tail tipped with gray, bare skin on the side of the neck colored red, and a yellow eyebrow; females are brownish gray with barred upper parts; immature are similar to females but with streaked back Status: native; locally common Food source: conifer needles, particularly in winter; leaves, flowers, buds, berries and insects in summer; young mostly eat insects Habitat: montane forests, slashes, subalpine clearings Typical location: Pajarito Mountain Dusky Grouse are shy, slow-moving, and well camouflaged birds. These birds generally feed on the ground in summer and forage in trees in winter. Dusky Grouse are most often noticed during breeding season. Males strut around with tails raised and red neck patches revealed making a series of deep hoots to attract females. After mating, females go off on their own to built a nest on the ground, usually under some cover. Young usually leave the nest within a day of hatching and follow the female around to find their own food. They start to fly when a little over a week of age. Tracks Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by oldbilluk  Photo: female by David Blanke  Photo: pair by Matt Goff |  Green-winged TealGWTE (Anas carolinensis, Anas crecca, Anas crecca carolinensis, Anas carolinensis carolinensis)Family: Anatidae (Ducks and Geese) Size: 12 - 16 in (30 - 41 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - May 15 and Aug 07 - Nov 01 Morphology: breeding males are gray with a cinnamon head and green line through the eye; females and non-breeding males are shades of brown; both sexes have green patches on the upper wing Status: native; uncommon Food source: plant material, especially seeds; will feed on insects, crustaceans, mollusks, tadpoles, and fish eggs Habitat: marshes, ponds and lakes Typical location: Bandelier Sewage Lagoons Though officially classified as the Common Teal (Anas crecca) by some authorities, the Green-winged Teal is considered a separate species (Anas carolinensis) by many others. It is the smallest dabbling duck in North America and winters in the local area in large flocks. These teals prefer to forage on mud flats. At the slightest sign of danger they will take off, rising almost vertically from the water. They migrate north early in spring for breeding. Nests are made in shallow depressions. Eggs hatch in 3 weeks with the young leaving the nest almost immediately and flying at 6 weeks. Tracks Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: breeding male by Bob Walker  Photo: breeding male by Dan Pancamo  Photo: female by C.M. Edmunds | Blue-winged TealBWTE (Anas discors)Family: Anatidae (Ducks and Geese) Size: 15 - 16 in (38 - 41 cm) Flies: Apr 01 - May 15 and Aug 15 - Oct 15 Morphology: breeding males have a brown body with speckled breast, a slate-colored head, and white crescent behind the bill; females and non-breeding males are a patterned brown; all birds have a blue patch on their upper wing showing during flight Status: native; uncommon Food source: mostly plant material, in particular seeds; may occasionally eat mollusks and crustaceans Habitat: fresh ponds and marshes Typical location: Ashley Pond The Blue-winged Teal is closely related to the Cinnamon Teal and may hybridize with it. These teals are fast fliers and flocks will twist and turn in unison. These birds are dabblers and thus forage in shallow water. They often move along with their heads partly submerged, in order to glean food from at or near the surface. They seldom feed away from water but small groups of these teals can be seen standing on stumps or rocks near the water’s edge. Pairs form in early winter and continue together through spring migration. Nests are well concealed and consist of a shallow depression with lined with grasses and down. The eggs hatch in a little over 3 weeks; the young leave the nest within 24 hours and are capable of flight in a little over a month. Tracks Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: male by Hari Viswanathan  Photo: female with duckling by Josip Loncaric  Photo: female and male by Kevin Arceneaux | MallardMALL (Anas platyrhynchos)Family: Anatidae (Ducks and Geese) Size: 18 - 27 in (46 - 69 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: males have a brown breast, black back, iridescent green head, and yellow bill; females and immatures are mottled brown with brown to orange bills; both sexes have blue patch in the wing Status: native; locally common Food source: eats mainly plant material including seeds, stems, and roots along with insects, mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish; ducklings mostly eat aquatic insects Habitat: marshy areas Typical location: Bandelier Sewage Lagoons, Rio Grande The Mallard is the most well known of wild ducks and the ancestor of most strains of domesticated ducks. Mallards are dabbling ducks, meaning that they usually feed either on the surface of shallow water or tip headfirst into the water to find aquatic vegetation and insects. Pairs form in fall and winter and seek a nesting site together. The nest, consisting of plant material lined with down, may be some distance from water but is usually on the ground concealed by vegetation. Young leave the nest within day of hatching and are able swim and feed themselves immediately. Tracks Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Akkana Peck  Photo: adult by Bob Walker  Photo: gosling by J.N. Stuart | Canada GooseCANG (Branta canadensis)Family: Anatidae (Ducks and Geese) Size: 35 - 45 in (89 - 114 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: both sexes have a black head with white cheeks and chinstrap, black neck, tan breast, and brown back Status: native; uncommon Food source: feeds on a wide variety of plants including aquatic plants; eats seeds and berries along with some insects and small fish Habitat: lakes, bays, rivers, marshes, open grassy areas Typical location: Rio Grande Canada Geese are known for their V-shaped migrating flocks and can be seen flying overheard. There are several subspecies that vary in size and calls. They mostly forage in flocks, grazing while walking on land but will also feed in water, sometimes up-ending but usually only submerging head and neck. They have adapted well to being around man, favoring the areas around park ponds and golf courses. This had caused them to be a nuisance in some areas. Canada Geese may mate for life. The female choses the site, usually on slightly elevated dry ground near water, while the male defends the territory. The nest consists of a shallow bowl lined with sticks, etc. in a slight depression. Young are lead away from the nest a day or so after hatching. They feed themselves from then on but are tended by both parents until first flight, usually at 7 to 9 weeks of age. Tracks Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Mike Baird  Photo: adult by Mouser Williams  Photo: immature by Joanne Redwood |  Virginia RailVIRA (Rallus limicola)Family: Raillidae (Cranes and Rails) Size: 9 - 11 in (23 - 28 cm) Flies: Jan 01 - Dec 31 Morphology: adults are rusty colored overall with a a gray face, long red bill, upturned tail, black-and-white barring on the sides, and red legs; immatures are covered in black down Status: native; uncommon Food source: eats mostly insects (often aquatic insects and their larvae), crayfish, snails and some seeds Habitat: freshwater and brackish marshes Typical location: Pajarito Wetlands closed to the public Virginia Rails are shy, being heard more often than seen. They prefer to run, even through dense vegetation, rather than fly. These birds forage by probing the mud or shallow water for small creatures or by picking them up off the ground or from plants. Courtship consist of the male running back and forth with wings raised in front the female followed by the pair bowing to each other. Nests are usually placed in a wet area over very shallow water. They consist of a platform made up of cattails, reeds, and grasses usually with a canopy of living plants over top. The young leave the nest soon after hatching. Chicks are able to feed themselves at 2 to 3 weeks of age and are able to fly around soon thereafter. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: adult by Mouser Williams  Photo: adult defending territory by Bob Walker  Photo: nest with eggs by J.N. Stuart |  KilldeerKILL (Charadrius vociferus, Aegialitis vocifera)Family: Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings) Size: 9 - 11 in (23 - 28 cm) Flies: Feb 15 - Jul 01 and Aug 07 - Oct 07 Morphology: adults are slender with long tails and wings; body is brown on top and white below with two black bands on the chest and black and white patches on the face; orange rump visible when in flight; immatures have a single breast band Status: native; uncommon Food source: mostly insects with some spiders, earthworms, crayfish, and snails Habitat: open country short grass,shoreline Though technically a shorebird, Killdeer can often be found in pastures and fields far from water. When foraging, they will typically run a few steps, pause, and then run again only to stop and peck at the ground when they see something to eat. Nests are typically on the ground out in the open and usually have no nesting material. Down-covered young leave the nest soon after hatching. They feed themselves but are tended by both parents for several more weeks. The parents rely on distraction displays to protect their young. Killdeer have a “broken wing display” technique that they use to distract predators while leading the threat away from their offspring. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |
 Photo: breeding adult by Rozelle Wright  Photo: breeding male by Bob Walker  Photo: non-breeding adult by J.N. Stuart | Spotted SandpiperSPSA (Actitis macularius)Family: Scolopacidae (Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies) Size: 7.5 - 7.5 in (19 - 19 cm) Flies: Apr 15 - Sep 15 Morphology: medium-sized bird with a tapered body, long tail, rounded breast, and a white stripe along the wing visible in flight; breeding adults have dark spots on a white breast and an orange bill; non-breeding adults have a plain white breast and pale yellow bill; females are slightly larger than males Status: native; locally common Food source: variety of insects, worms, crabs, crayfish, mollusks, and small fish Habitat: waterways Typical location: Ashley Pond, Rio Grande The Spotted Sandpiper is the most widespread sandpiper in North America but seldom seen in flocks. They are usually seen feeding on the edges of ponds and streams. Spotted Sandpipers have a distinctive walk sometimes called “teeter tail” — constantly bobbing the body up and down. Birds teeter faster when alarmed, angry, or courting. Females may sequentially mate with up to five males during a single breeding season. After mating, they will lay eggs and leave each male to incubate and raise the their young. Chicks leave the nest soon after hatching and are capable of feeding themselves. They will teeter just like the male parent who is tending them. First flight is around three weeks of age. Info Photos Distribution Frequency |