Nuthatches are goofy birds that move along tree trunks and branches looking for food. There are four species of nuthatches that live in the United States and three of them can be found in Virginia. Here is everything you need to know about these three species.
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch (Photo by US Forest Service – Southern Region)
Identification
Brown-headed Nuthatches have a grayish-blue back, and a white underside. As their name would suggest, they have a brown head with darker brown by there eye. Some of their outer wing feathers and tail feathers are also brown.
Range
Brown-headed Nuthatches are birds of the southeastern United States. They do not migrate but rather live year round as far north as Maryland and as far west as eastern Texas and Oklahoma.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Brown-headed Nuthatches feed on a variety of different things (most of which are invertebrates). Items on the menu include spiders, insect larvae, adult insects, and pine seeds. These birds are active foragers and will scour cracks and crevices in trees, searching under bark as well in search of something to eat.
Where to Find This Bird
The best place to find Brown-headed Nuthatches are pine forests. They inhabit a variety of different coniferous habitats and will also live in mixed conifer forests. They also make appearances in more urban environments as well such as neighborhoods and parks.
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Identification
Red-breasted Nuthatches are personable and energetic birds with blueish gray backs, rusty orange undersides, and white heads with black stripes. Males have slightly more striking colors than females but both have the same general patterns and colors.
Range
Red-breasted Nuthatches live year-round in the northern forests of North America including the southwestern portion of Alaska, much of Canada, and parts of the Northern, Eastern, and Western United States. As early as July, Red-breasted Nuthatches start making their way south for the winter. They can end up as far south as Texas and Louisiana depending on the year.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Red-breasted Nuthatches eat insects and other invertebrates like spiders when they are available. In times of the year when insects are not around, these birds eat conifer seeds. They will also visit bird feeders and take seeds to either eat in a nearby tree or save for later.
Where to Find This Bird
Red-breasted Nuthatches are birds of conifer forests and can usually be found in locations with healthy cone crops. They will also visit bird feeders where they show up momentarily and are gone just as fast as they came in.
Badgerland Birding searches for Red-breasted Nuthatches
White-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Identification
White-breasted Nuthatches have a blueish gray back and wings, white face and underside, and black back of the neck and top of the head. They have rust color on their underside near the tail.
Range
White-breasted Nuthatches are year-round residents of most states i the United States with only just a few regions such as South Texas not playing host to this species. They also live in southern Canada and much of Mexico with the exception of the coasts.
Diet and Foraging Habits
White-breasted Nuthatches eat primarily insects and other invertebrates. Much of the time they find such food items by climbing up and down branches and tree trunks and investigating each crevice in the bark. This species will also eat seeds, and even things such as suet and peanut butter. They are a common sight at bird feeders where they will take a seed and fly off to eat it or cache it for later.
Where to Find This Bird
White-breasted Nuthatches are a common species in deciduous forests. They also live in edge habitat and in parks and backyards. White-breasted Nuthatches are seen often at bird feeders and usually only stay for a short time to take food and leave, returning frequently to repeat this routine.
Summary
Nuthatches are goofy and entertaining species that are very fun to watch. They are commonly encountered birds due to their propensity for visiting bird feeders. They are certainly a species worth knowing since you are certain to run into them while out in the field.
Owls are extremely charismatic species beloved by both birders and non-birders alike. Nocturnal, mysterious, and secretive, these birds play important roles in our culture.
There are eight species of owls that can be found in Virginia with some being found quite frequently and others being rare visitors. Here are the owl species to be on the lookout for if you are in this state.
Barn Owl (Uncommon)
Barn Owl – Photo by Many Wonderful Artists
Identification
Barn Owls have are a thin looking owl species with an orangey tan and gray back, head, and wings. They have a light underside and pale heart shaped face.
The call of the Barn Owl is a violent sounding scream. It’s possible that legends of creatures like banshees and screaming ghosts derived from people hearing the haunting calls of Barn Owls at night.
Range
Barn Owls reside in most of Mexico and the United States yea- round with the exception of some of the states in the Northern part of the country. Even in the Northern states where their range either does not extend or does not extend very far into, a few individuals of this species can still be found.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Barn Owls hunt almost exclusively at night. Due to this, they eat mostly other nocturnal animals, especially rodents. Voles, mice, shrews, and rats are all creatures that are common prey items for Barn Owls. In addition to small mammals, Barn Owls will also eat small to medium sized birds.
Where to Find This Bird
Barn Owls live in open areas with plenty of space to hunt. Some common places to find them are agricultural fields, grasslands, deserts, and even more urban environments such as cities. As their name suggests, they can be found roosting in barns as well as tree cavities and other structures.
Barred Owl
Barred Owl
Identification
Barred Owls are bulky with round heads, white undersides with brown stripes, and brown backs. They also have white striping on their backs, and dark eyes typically looking uniform in color. Like many owl species, Barred Owls have a flat face known as a facial disk.
Barred Owls have a very distinctive call as they make a “who cooks for you” call. They are known to call even when it’s light out.
Range
Barred Owls are non-migratory and can be found yea- round in the Eastern United States, Southern Canada, and the Pacific Northwestern states of the US. Many of the Western states do not have resident Barred Owls in the wild.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Barred Owls eat many different types of small and medium sized creatures including mammals, other birds, amphibians, and reptiles. They have even been cited going into the water to catch fish and crustaceans. Barred Owls typically find a good vantage point and watch for potential prey items, they will then swoop down from above to catch their meal.
Where to Find This Bird
Badgerland Birding searches for a Barred Owl in an old growth forest
Look for Barred Owls in forests (conifer or deciduous) where there are plenty of tall trees to perch in and cavities to roost in. Older forests with taller trees are typically preferable. Swamps are also good places to find this species, especially in the Southeastern states.
Barred Owls are a species that will call during the daytime so listen for their classic “who cooks for you” call even when it’s light out.
Eastern Screech Owl
Red morph Eastern Screech Owl
Identification
Eastern Screech Owls are small, round looking birds with pointed ear tufts. They come in two different colors or “morphs,” with one being gray and the other being orange. Gray morph birds are very well camouflaged as they look almost exactly like bark with a light gray base color and darker patterns on the back, head, and underside. The orange version of the Eastern Screech Owl is known as a “red morph” bird and have a deep reddish orange base color with darker grayish black patterning on their back, head, and chest. Red morph birds have white coloration on their underside going from the throat down toward their legs.
Range
The aptly named Eastern Screech Owl can be found year-round throughout the Eastern half of the United States and Northeastern Mexico. They also make it into some parts of Southeastern Canada as well. The range of this species expands as far west as Montana, Texas, and Eastern Colorado.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Eastern Screech Owls eat a wide variety of small prey items including mammals, insects, crustaceans, amphibians, and reptiles.
Where to Find This Bird
Eastern Screech Owls are not at all picky about where they live. They can be found in all different types of forests including deciduous and coniferous, residential areas such as city parks, areas near rivers and streams, and edge habitat. They live almost anywhere with adequate tree cover. Often times, Eastern Screech Owls use the same roosting sites repeatedly, meaning that they are easy to find if you know where they are roosting. Look for them peaking out of tree cavities or nest boxes sunning themselves, or watch these same places and wait for them to pop out just before dusk when they usually stick their faces out of their roosting site and wait for the right time to take flight for a night of hunting.
Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl
Identification
Out of all of the Owl species in North America, the Great Horned Owl is probably the one that people encounter the most. They are quite large with very noticeable ear tufts and have varying shades of brown covering their back, head, and wings. the Underside of the Great Horned Owl is lighter with a brown wash and darker brown to black horizontal barring.
Great Horned Owls of the arctic population are much more pale and even sometimes look white in color with the same barring and patterns as their southern counterparts.
Range
The Great Horned Owl is extremely widespread across North America as their range encompasses most of Alaska and Canada, the entire continental United States, and the majority of Mexico. They also live in various parts of South America too. This species is non-migratory.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Great Horned Owls eat an extremely wide variety of different animals ranging from small rodents to significantly larger mammals such as skunks and porcupines. They will also eat fairly large bird species such as ducks and even other raptor species. One interesting and gruesome habit of Great Horned Owls is to decapitate their larger prey.
Where to Find This Bird
Great Horned Owls can be found in a variety of different habitats including coniferous forests, deciduous forests, swamps, and residential neighborhoods. The easiest way to find this species is to listen for them making their call: a low “hoo hoo.” During breeding season owls can often be heard calling to one another, a practice known as “dueting.”
Long-eared Owl (Rare)
Long-eared Owl
Identification
Long-eared Owls are medium sized owl species with very large ear tufts. They are brown on the back, wings, and head with orange, tan, and darker brown colors mixed in. Their underside is brown, white, and orange, giving them the appearance of the bark of a pine tree. Long-eared owls have orange facial disks outlined by dark brown.
Range
Long-eared Owls winter in Mexico and the Southern United States. In spring they move into the Northern United States and Southern Canada. There are many states in which Long-eared Owls are year-round residents such as Utah, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and many more.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Long-eared owls eat a variety of small rodents. They have also been known to consume birds as well. This species hunts for food in open areas where they typically capture prey on the ground.
Where to Find This Bird
Long-eared Owls are secretive birds that roost in thick tangles of brush and vegetation. They often roost in groups so if you happen to find one of these well camouflaged owls, others are most likely around. Some of their favorite trees to nest in are willows, cottonwoods, and tamaracks. Long-eared Owls can also be found by listening for their deep “hoo” calls often repeated in quick succession.
Northern Saw-whet Owl (Uncommon)
Northern Saw-whet Owl – Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region
Identification
Northern Saw-whet Owls are a very small species with a large, round head. They have a brown back and head with white spots, a white underside, and light brown vertical stripes. They have a white facial disk and piercing yellow eyes.
Range
Northern Saw-whet Owls live year round throughout different parts of North America including Southern Canada, the Northeastern, Northwestern, and Midwestern United States in addition to select areas of Mexico. During winter, they end up filling in the other parts of the United States that they don’t inhabit the rest of the year, moving as far south as Texas and Louisiana some years.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Northern Saw-whet Owls eat small prey items such as mice. They also eat other small mammals and small birds.
Where to Find This Bird
Northern Saw-whet Owls can be found in forests ranging from deciduous to coniferous. They are notoriously difficult to find as they don’t usually use the same roost. To try and locate one, search pine stands (this bird seems to prefer roosting in conifers) and look for white- washed branches. Another way to find Saw-whet Owls is to listen for their call between late winter and spring which sounds like a drawn out “toot toot” repeated in succession.
Snowy Owl (Rare)
Snowy Owl
Identification
Snowy Owls are iconic and recognizable birds. Adult males range from pure white to white with a few dark brown markings. Female and immature birds are white with much more dark barring. These birds always have a white face regardless of the age of the bird.
Range
Snowy Owls breed on the tundra of the high arctic. During fall and winter they descend into Southern Canada, Alaska, and much of the continental United States. Just how far these majestic birds will go is dependent on food sources in the north. While this can be somewhat complicated, it generally boils down to the more food availability during breeding season, the more owls are successfully raised in a given year. The more owls that are raised in the north, the more they spread out, thus leading to what’s known as an irruption in which many owls spread out farther south into the United States than usual. The typical southern range for these birds encompasses the states bordering Canada.
Learn about the patterns of Snowy Owl migration and irruptions
Diet and Foraging Habits
Snowy Owls feed primarily on small rodents. In particular, they are fond of the lemmings that live in their breeding areas. This species will also eat birds as well with waterfowl being a usual menu item.
Snowy Owls hunt on open landscapes and often times sit for hours surveying their surroundings and watching for small rodents.
Where to Find This Bird
Badgerland Birding searches for Snowy Owls along the Lake Michigan coast
Snowy Owls vary in numbers depending on how good the prior year’s nesting season was. In their normal range they can be found in open areas such as farm fields, tundra, and grasslands. The best time to look for Snowy Owls is during an irruption year when many more birds are coming down from the north and flooding into the United States. During these times, Snowy Owls can actually be quite easy to find and end up in slightly more eclectic places such as lake shores and airports.
Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl
Identification
Short-eared Owls are colored the same as the prairies and grasslands in which they reside. They have a light sandy colored back, wings, and tail with dark brown mottling. They have a cream colored underside with vertical stripes. This species has a white facial disk with both dark and sandy coloration just below their bright yellow eyes.
Short-eared Owls are highly maneuverable and acrobatic in flight, flying with rapid wingbeats that make them look moth-like. When flying, their flat faces are quite evident and help in separating them from other species such as Northern Harriers.
Range
Short-eared Owls are a species found across the globe in almost every continent. In North America, they winter in Northern Mexico and the Southern United States then move into the Northern Great Lakes states, Canada, and Alaska to breed in the summer.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Short-eared Owls eat small mammals such a slice, lemmings, shrews, and voles. They will also eat small to medium sized birds. Short-eared Owls are specialized hunters that acrobatically fly over open prairies keeping an eye out for ground dwelling mammals. They spend much more time in the air hunting compared to most other owl species.
Where to Find This Bird
Badgerland Birding scours a frozen marsh to find Short-eared Owls
Short-eared Owls can be found in open prairies and grasslands flying low over the landscape. The timing can be important when looking for Short-eared owls as they are crepuscular, meaning they are out most at dawn and dusk. However, there are times when they have been documented flying during the day as well.
Summary
Owls are enigmatic and beautiful birds that are always a treat to see when out in the field. Knowing the species that are expected in your state can be instrumental in identifying which one you’re looking at and understanding their behaviors. Hopefully, this article has helped to answer some questions about the owls of Virginia.
Orioles are beautiful birds well known for their bright coloration. There are many different oriole species that live in North America and three of them are visitors to Virginia. Here is everything you need to know about these three species.
Baltimore Oriole
Male Baltimore Oriole – Photo by USFWS Midwest Region
Female Baltimore Oriole – Photo by Judith Jackson
Identification
Male Baltimore Orioles have a bright orange chest, underside, tail, and patch on the shoulder. They have black wings with white wing bars and a black hood extending slightly into the upper chest. Females are slightly less colorful with a yellowish orange body and gray wings with white wing bars.
Range
Baltimore Orioles spend the winter in Northern South America, Central America, Southern Mexico and much of Florida. In spring they migrate north and summer throughout the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Baltimore Orioles eat a variety of foods and their diet varies seasonally. In spring and fall they readily feed on fruit and nectar but during summer they feed primarily on protein rich food items such as insects and other invertebrates. Baltimore Orioles are known to come to bird feeders if jelly or orange slices are placed out and may even come to hummingbird feeders.
It’s worth noting that there is debate over whether or not jelly is good for birds due to the high sugar content.
Where to Find This Bird
Look for Baltimore Orioles high up in deciduous trees. They prefer more open areas such as edge habitat and small groves of trees to thick forests. Also keep an eye out for orioles at bird feeding stations. To attract them, orange slices are often enough to entice them in.
Bullock’s Oriole (Rare)
Bullock’s Oriole – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Adult Male Bullock’s Orioles are a yellowish orange with black markings under the bill to the chin, a black stripe through the eye, and a black stripe on the head. They have black wings with a large white patch on them and black on the tail. Females have orange on the head, chest, and tail with gray wings and a light underside.
Range
Bullock’s Orioles winter throughout most of Mexico, moving north during migration. In summer, this specie scan be found throughout the western half of the United States from Montana, and Colorado, all the way to California and Washington. Bullock’s Orioles can also be found in Southwestern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Bullock’s Orioles feed on Insects, spiders, nectar, and fruit. They readily forage for insects on trees such as caterpillars and other invertebrates. They have also been known to pierce fruits and flowers with their bills and then drink the juice and nectar that spill out.
Where to Find This Bird
Bullock’s Orioles can be found in thin woodlands near open areas as well as riparian habitats. They often live and nest in tall trees such as cottonwoods. This species is generally found in the more arid parts of the Western United States.
Orchard Oriole
Male Orchard Oriole
Female Orchard Oriole – Photo by Andrew Weitzel
Identification
Adult male Orchard Orioles are a deep burnt orange color with a black head, back, wings, and tail. They have white edging on some of their wing feathers. Female Orchard Orioles are yellow with dark gray wings and look vastly different than the adult males.
Range
Orchard Orioles winter in Northern South America, Central America, and Southern Mexico. In spring, they start their migration north with their range expanding into much of the Eastern United States and a small portion of South-central Canada. Some part of the population summers in North-central Mexico.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Orchard Orioles eat many different types of foods including insects, fruit, and nectar. They have been known to dip their heads into flowers, feed at hummingbird feeders, and even priece certain types of flowers to get a meal.
Where to Find This Bird
Orchard Orioles are at home in open areas such as oak savannas, forest edges, and woodlands near prairies. They typically reside in the tree tops where it is sometimes easier to hear them than it is to see them. Listen for this species’ melodic song that sounds somewhat similar to an American Robin or Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Summary
Orioles are bright and exciting birds to see while out birding or while watching your bird feeder. Knowing which species to expect in your region can be incredibly useful in identifying these charismatic birds. Hopefully, this article has helped to answer some of your questions about the orioles of Virginia.
Nightjars are very interesting birds that are characterized by their superb camouflage and nocturnal lifestyle. Many of these species are familiar due to the sounds they make at night rather than what they look like and play an important role in the symphony of nighttime sounds that people hear.
In Virginia, there are three nightjar species that can be found in the state. Knowing what these species look like, sound like, and some of their habits can be instrumental in knowing which one you have encountered.
Chuck-will’s-widow
Chuck-will’s-widow – Photo by Susan Young
Identification
Chuck-will’s-widows are camouflaged to look just like a tree branch with a base gray to brown color with darker and lighter patches of color mixed in. They have a short, flat, appearance with large eyes and a small bill. Males have light bands of color on their tail that are visible in flight.
Range
Chuck-will’s-widows are classic southern bird species that spend their summers in the Southeastern United States and can be found year-round in Southern Florida. Chuck-will’s-widows migrate south for the winter, residing in Eastern Mexico, Central America, Cuba, and Northeastern South America.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Chuck-will’s-widows are nocturnal hunters that feed primarily on insects, but have also been known to eat small birds and bats.
Where to Find This Bird
Chuck-will’s-widows can be found in scrubby or forested areas across their normal range. They are best found by listening for their call which sounds like they are saying their own name: “Chuck-will’s-widow.”
Common Nighthawk
Common Nighthawk – Photo by USFWS Mountain-Prairie
Identification
Common Nighthawks are compact looking birds with brown, gray, and tan mottled patterning on their back, head, and wings. They have brown stripes on their lighter colored underside, large eyes, and a small bill. Some characteristic markings of Common Nighthawks are white on the wings and under the chin.
Range
Common Nighthawks winter in South America and migrate north in spring. They are widespread across the United States and Canada but do not usually go as far north as Alaska. This species also summers in Western Mexico and lives year-round in Cuba and the surrounding islands.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Common Nighthawks feed on flying insects which they catch out of the air. They often feed near streetlights and other sources of light during the night that are attractors for insects. This species also feeds during the later parts of the daytime as well as the night.
Where to Find This Bird
Common Nighthawks can be found most easily by watching for them during migration when they can sometimes be seen in large numbers flying over during the late afternoon and early evening. Other ways to see these birds are to look out for them near large lights such as streetlights and stadiums where they will be looking to feed on insects that are attracted to the lights. Even if it’s dark out, listen for the sharp “beer” call of these birds to know that they are around.
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Eastern Whip-poor-will – Photo by Susan Young
Identification
Eastern Whip-poor-wills are a base brown color with lighter tan, gray, and darker brown mottling, making this species look like a log or tree branch. They have darker barring on a light underside, large eyes, and a small somewhat downturned bill.
Range
Eastern Whip-poor-wills winter in Central America, Eastern Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. In spring, they move north to their breeding areas in most of the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. There are some parts of the Eastern United States that Eastern Whip-poor-wills migrate through but do not spend the summer in.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Eastern Whip-poor-wills feed on insects. They will leave their perches to catch moths, beetles, and other flying insects out of the air and then return to the same perch. Since this species has a surprisingly large mouth, they can eat insects that are fairly sizable.
Where to Find This Bird
Eastern Whip-poor-wills can be found in forests close to more open areas such as fields. The best way to find them is to go out at night and listen for their namesake “whip-poor-will” call.
Summary
Nightjars are enigmatic and mysterious birds that aren’t often seen due to their nocturnal nature. Knowing the species that are expected in your state can be instrumental in identifying which one you are looking at or hearing. Hopefully, this article has helped in answering some questions about the nightjars of Virginia.
Loons are beautiful and majestic birds that spend almost their entire lives on the water. There are five species of loons in North America and three of them that can be found in Virginia. Knowing where to find them and what to look for in terms of identification can be incredibly helpful in knowing which of the three species you are looking at in the field.
Common Loon
Common Loon – Photo by Alan SChmierer
Identification
In breeding plumage, Common Loons have a black back, wings, neck, and head with white checkerboard markings on the wings, and a white “necklace” marking. The black on the head and neck is iridescent and can show a green sheen in the right lighting. Common Loons have a white underside and some thin black striping on the neck going down the sides. In nonbreeding plumage, this species is dark gray brown on the back, wings, and top of the head. They also have white on the throat and underside. The species still displays the white necklace marking even in nonbreeding plumage.
Range
Common Loons are extremely wide spread throughout North America. In winter, they can be found wintering along the ocean coastlines of both the Atlantic and the Pacific. They winter as far south as Mexico and as far north as the Aleutian Islands. In spring, the birds wintering in the Southern parts of the continent move north into the Northern United States and most of Canada where they spend the summer.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Common Loons feed primarily on fish but will also eat crustaceans and aquatic invertebrates. They are extremely good at diving for food and can stay underwater for considerable amounts of time. While some species are ambush predators such as herons, Loons are active hunters as they are very agile swimmers.
Where to Find This Bird
As their name would suggest, Common Loons are in fact common in most parts of the United States and Canada at least for some portion of the year. During winter, this species can be seen on the ocean coastlines, while in spring they tend to appear on inland lakes and ponds. During their breeding season, look for Common Loons in deep, clear lakes in the boreal forests where they prefer plenty of plant cover along the shores.
Pacific Loon (Rare)
Pacific Loon – Photo by Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Identification
Pacific Loons are chunky birds with rather complex patterning when in breeding plumage. They have brownish black backs and wings with large white square-shaped markings along with white spots. They have a grayish head with a purplish front of the neck and white and black vertical stripes on the side of the neck. The underside of this species is white. In nonbreeding plumage, Pacific Loons are brownish gray with a white underside.
Range
The aptly named Pacific Loon winters all along the Pacific coast of the United States from Mexico to Alaska. In spring, they move to their breeding grounds in Northern Canada, Alaska, and Eastern Asia.
Diet and Foraging Habits
The vast majority of the Pacific Loon’s diet is comprised of fish. They will also eat crustaceans and aquatic invertebrates.
Where to Find This Bird
Look for Pacific Loons on the coastlines of the Pacific Ocean where they prefer areas with sandy bottoms as opposed to rocky bottoms. During breeding season, this species can be found in tundra ponds and lakes.
Red-throated Loon
Red-throated Loon – Photo by Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Identification
In breeding plumage, Red-throated Loons have a grayish brown back and wings. Most of their head and neck is gray with white striping on the back of the neck going up to the top of the head. They have a deep red colored throat which is where they get their name from. In nonbreeding plumage, Red-throated Loons have a white throat and underside. They also have a dark brownish gray back and head with white speckles.
Range
Red-throated Loons winter on the coasts of the United States and Canada. They don’t typically make it too far into Mexico or the Gulf Coast but will winter as far north as Southern Alaska. In spring, they move north across the continent making appearances in large bodies of water such as the Great Lakes. They breed in Northern and Western Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and Eastern Asia.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Red-throated Loons eat a wide variety of fish and invertebrates including squid, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and marine worms. Like other loon species, these birds dive for their food and actively hunt small creatures below the surface.
Where to Find This Bird
Red-throated Loons can be found in open waters along the coasts of oceans as well as larger bodies of water such as the Great Lakes. During migration, they can also be found on inland lakes.
Summary
Loons are fascinating divers that provide nice variety among other water-dwelling birds. Knowing the species that are expected in your state and region can be instrumental in identifying which one you’re looking at in the field. Hopefully, this article has helped to answer some questions about the loons of Virginia.
Kingfishers are fascinating birds that specialize in catching and eating fish. There are a handful of different kingfisher species in North America, but only one species that can be found in Virginia. Here is everything you need to know about that species.
Belted Kingfisher
Male Belted Kingfisher (Photo by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Southwest Region)
Female Belted Kingfisher (Photo by USFWS Midwest Region)
Identification
Belted Kingfishers are short, compact birds with large pointed bills. Males are grayish blue with a large crest, a white underside, and a grayish blue band across their chest. Females look similar to the males but have rust on their sides and a second band (rust colored) underneath the blue chest band. Both males and females have a white spot near their eye on each side of the head.
Range
Belted Kingfishers winter in Northern South America, Central America, Mexico, and the Southern United States. In spring they migrate north throughout most on the United States, Canada, and Alaska where they spend the summer. Some Belted Kingfishers stay in the Northern United States year round provided there is open water.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Belted Kingfishers are primarily fish-eaters, choosing to eat fish that are on the medium to small side such as sticklebacks and various minnows. They find and catch prey by sitting high on a perch and scanning for fish by sight. Once they spot something they want, they dive in head first and use their bill to grab onto the food item. In addition to fish, Belted Kingfishers will also eat amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and small mammals.
Where to Find This Bird
Belted Kingfishers can be found near water including rivers, ponds, streams, and lakes. Clear water is most optimal for kingfishers as they need to be able to see prey in order to catch it. Listen for this species rattling call and look for them swooping low as they fly from perch to perch.
Summary
Kingfishers are unique birds that occupy a very specific niche in the ecosystem. With just one species living in Tennessee any encounter with one of these vibrant and energetic birds is sure to be a Belted Kingfisher. Hopefully this post has helped answer some of your questions about the Kingfishers of Virginia.
Jays are intelligent and charismatic birds that are beloved by many birders and feeder watchers. There is only one jay species that can be found in Virginia: The Blue Jay. Here is everything you need to know about this species.
Blue Jay
Blue Jay
Identification
Blue Jays are an extremely distinctive species with sky blue on the head, back, wings, and tail. They have a light gray underside and a gray to white face. Blue Jays also have black markings on their wings and tail, as well as a black marking going from the back of the neck to the front of the chest. Blue Jays have a crest on their head that sometimes sticks up quite noticeably, and other times lays down flat. Something interesting about this species is that their markings differ slightly from individual to individual, meaning that each bird is subtly unique looking.
Range
Blue Jays live year-round in the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. They also inhabit parts of Western Canada. In winter, Blue Jays move south and west with a higher concentration of Blue Jays in the continental United States than in the other seasons and some making it as far west as Washington and Oregon.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Blue Jays primarily eat insects and nuts but will also eat eggs and nestlings of other birds in addition to small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Where to Find This Bird
Blue Jays live in a wide variety of habitats including forests and backyards. They are especially fond of oak forests as acorns are a staple food item for the species. One of the best ways to see a Blue Jay is to put large nuts such as peanuts out in your yard. Then wait to hear the distinctive calls of Blue Jays that will appear to grab a nut and then quickly fly off.
Summary
Jays are unique birds that can be very fun to see in the wild as their cunning personalities can lead to some entertaining experiences. Knowing the habits, range, and key identification features of each of these species can be incredibly useful in knowing what to look for in the field.
Grosbeaks are birds that are known for their sturdy looking build and thick bill. While they all share a similar appearance, grosbeaks are actually comprised of birds from two separate groupings. Out of five species of grosbeaks that live in the continental United States, three of them are technically in the cardinal family along with birds like tanagers, and the other two are in the finch family.
In Virginia, there are three species that can be found on an annual basis with some being extremely common and others being a bit tougher to find.
Grosbeaks in the Finch Family
Evening Grosbeak
Male Evening Grosbeak
Identification
Evening Grosbeaks are an extremely bright looking species. Males have electric yellow undersides, backs, and markings on their head just above the eye. They have black wings, a black tail, clean white wing patches, and an extremely thick bill. Females and immature birds are mostly gray with a yellow nape, black wings, and a black tail with white patches on them.
Range
The Evening Grosbeak’s range is somewhat misleading. They are year-round residents of Southern Canada and some parts of the Western United States. Most maps show their wintering range covering most of Michigan, Wisconsin, and New England, but through my experience, most winters Evening Grosbeaks only inhabit the most northern parts of these areas. Evening Grosbeaks do have years in which they fly farther South during winter but in recent years they have not irrupted in the same way that records from the past show. Additionally, the range of this species seems to be receding farther north into Canada each year.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Evening Grosbeaks have different diets depending on the time of year. During summer, they feed primarily on insects and other invertebrates, most notably spruce budworm larva. Other times of the year, Evening Grosbeaks eat various types of seeds including seeds from fruits.
Where to Find This Bird
Evening Grosbeaks can be found in conifer forests. They also can be found near bird feeders in their native range.
Badgerland Birding searches for an Evening Grosbeak in Milwaukee, WI
Grosbeaks in the Cardinal Family
Blue Grosbeak
Blue Grosbeak – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
As their name suggests, male Blue Grosbeaks are a deep blue color. They have a gray bill, small black mask, and two rusty wing bars. Females and immature males are orangey brown with faint wing bars still visible.
Range
Blue Grosbeaks spend the winter in Central America and Mexico. Some of them stay in Mexico year-round while others move north into the United States where they can be found in the southern states as well as the Great Plains States for the duration of the summer.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Blue Grosbeaks eat a combination of insects and seeds. They will also eat other invertebrates such as spiders and snails.
Where to Find This Bird
Blue Grosbeaks are most at home in open areas such as scrub and desert. They are also fond of edge habitats where they can hide in trees and thickets while singing.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Identification
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are dapper looking birds with a thick bill. Males have a black head, back, tail and wings with white markings also appearing on the wings. They have a white underside with their most noticeable feature appearing on their chest: A namesake bright red marking. Females have a mottled brown back with a yellowish underside and a white eyebrow stripe.
Range
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks migrate annually from Northern South America, Central America, and Southern Mexico into the Eastern United States. In summer, they end up in the Northeastern U.S. and parts of Southern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks feed on different food items depending on the time of the year. During spring and summer, insects make up a large portion of their diet. While in fall, berries and other fruits become more of a staple. They will also eat seeds and other plant matter.
Where to Find This Bird
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks live in a variety of habitats including deciduous and mixed conifer woods, forest edges, areas with streams and other water sources, and in backyards. They will also visit both seed and fruit bird feeders, so this is a species that can be attracted to parks, backyards, and nature centers.
Summary
Grosbeaks are beautiful and popular birds to both birders and backyard bird lovers. Knowing more about the species that are expected in your area can be instrumental in finding and identifying them, especially since they have such irregular migratory patterns. Hopefully, this article has helped to answer some questions about the grosbeaks of Virginia.
Geese can be loud, but also beautiful birds that can be found throughout North America. Since there are only a handful of species that call the United States home, geese can be a good group to start with if you’re just beginning to learn bird identification. Both males and females of these species look the same as far as plumage, and they do not have different colorations in different seasons.
Virginia is home to many different goose species with some being common and others being rare. Here is everything you need to know about those species.
Brant
Brant
Identification
The Brant is a medium-sized goose that is smaller than a Canada Goose, but larger than a Mallard duck. They have a black head, stubby black bill, black neck and upper chest, with a brown and white body, white rump, and black wingtips. They have a characteristic white mark on their neck that can be variable in size and shape.
Range
Brants normally migrate through parts of the western and northeastern United States and parts of Canada, with some wintering populations on the east coast and in Alaska. They nest in the arctic wetlands of northern North America.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Brants feed mostly on vegetation such as grasses, sedges, and aquatic plants. In the winter, they eat mainly eelgrass and algae, although in some areas they will also eat other grasses if eelgrass is not available.
Where to Find this Bird
The Brant is rare in most midwestern states. Keep an eye out for this bird in flocks of other goose species, normally found near water or in open grassy areas or farm fields.
Canada Goose
Canada Goose
Identification
Adult Canada Geese are large birds with a black head and neck, white cheek, brown back and sides, black feet and legs, with a white stomach and rump. They are larger, have a longer neck, and a longer bill than the closely related Cackling Goose. It’s worth noting that there are many different subspecies of Canada Geese that can vary slightly in size and appearance.
Range
Common year-round throughout much of North America, the Canada Goose migrates south in the winter and north throughout the Northern U.S., Canada and Alaska in the summer. Once seen as a majestic migratory bird, many Canada Geese have spread to urban environments and can be seen hissing at those that get too close to them or their young.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
During spring, Canada Geese feed mostly on grasses, and during the fall and winter, they eat mostly seeds and berries.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Canada Geese near water, in open or grassy fields often in large flocks. They can also be found in and near urban ponds. Look for them flying overhead making the classic goose “honk” and flying in a “V” formation.
Listen to the Canada Goose Call – Jonathan Jongsma (CC by 3.0)
A flock of birds illustrating the “V” formation flight pattern (Mussi Katz photo)
Cackling Goose
Cackling Goose (front) with Canada Goose (behind)
Identification
Adult Cackling Geese look very similar to Canada Geese, but with some key identification differences. They have similar color patterns with a black head and neck, white cheek, brown back and sides, black feet and legs, with a white stomach and rump, however they are smaller (about Mallard duck sized) with a stubbier neck, steep forehead, and smaller, more triangular shaped bill. They will often flock with Canada Geese, along with other geese species. These flocks can be extremely large during migration.
The Cackling Goose spends winter in the central U.S. and Central America, with some populations near the East and West coasts. Their migratory route spans the central U.S. and west coast, and they migrate to northern North America to breed.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Cackling Geese feed mostly on plants and plant material such as grasses, sedges, seeds, and berries.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Cackling Geese near water, in open or grassy fields, and in mixed flocks. Also look for them flying overhead with other goose species, and keep an eye out for noticeable smaller birds, compared to Canada Geese.
Snow Goose
Snow Geese (2 blue morph left and 1 white morph, right) (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Blue morph Snow Goose (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Identification
Snow Geese are majestic birds that come in different color morphs. The adult white morph Snow Goose has an all white body, black wingtips, and a pinkish-orange bill with a black “grin patch”. A “grin patch” is a visible space between the upper and lower mandible of the bird seen when the bird’s bill is closed. A “blue morph” Snow Goose is the same size as the white morph with the same bill color, however the body is dark in coloration with variable amounts of white and darker colors along with a white head.
Range
Snow Geese breed in northern North America and migrate through much of North America. They winter in select areas of the United States and Central America, often in large flocks.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Snow Geese are vegetarians that feed on grasses, shrubs, seeds, berries and more. Sometimes they will eat entire plants.
Where to Find this Bird
Snow Geese can be found in large flocks, mixed in with Ross’s Geese, Canada geese, and Cackling Geese. They are often seen in or near water, or in fields. Keep an eye out for mixed flocks flying overhead in a “V” formation.
Ross’s Goose
Ross’s Goose (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Identification
Along with Snow Geese, Ross’s Geese also have multiple color morphs. Adult white morph Ross’s Geese have an all white body, black wingtips, and a pinkish-orange bill with a small or absent “grin patch”. A blue morph Ross’s Goose will be the same size as the white morph with the same bill color, however the body will be dark in coloration with variable amounts of white and darker colors along with a white head. A true blue morph Ross’s Goose is very rare, and many are actually hybrid Snow and Ross’s Geese. Keep on the lookout for signs of hybridization such as a bird with a small, triangular bill but a large, dark grin patch. Overall, Ross’s Geese will be smaller than Snow Geese with a smaller, triangular bill that has a gray-blue base, and a stubbier neck.
Range
Ross’s Geese breed in northern North America in colonies and migrate through much of central and western North America. They winter in select areas of the United States and Central America, often in large flocks.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Ross’s Geese are vegetarians that feed on grasses, shrubs, seeds, berries and more. Sometimes they will eat entire plants.
Where to Find this Bird
Ross’s Geese can be found in large flocks, mixed in with Snow Geese, Canada, and Cackling Geese. They are often seen in or near water, or in fields. Keep an eye out for mixed flocks flying overhead in a “V” formation.
Adult Greater White-fronted Geese (sometimes called Speckled Geese, or Speckle-belly Geese) are brown in color with a white rump, white stripe on their side, white forehead, black spots on their stomach and a bright pinkish-orange bill and legs. They can look similar to Greylag Geese, which are a domesticated species that can sometimes be seen in urban parks, but Greylag Geese will have a thicker bill, be larger and more stout, and have a striped neck.
Range
Greater White-fronted Geese breed in northern North America in colonies, and on the Alaskan tundra, and migrate through much of central and western North America. They winter in select areas of the western and southern United States and central America, often in large, mixed flocks.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Greater White-fronted Geese feed mostly on plant material such as grasses, berries, sedges, emergent vegetation, and tubers.
Where to Find this Bird
Greater White-fronted Geese can be found in large flocks, mixed in with Ross’s, Snow, Canada, and Cackling Geese. They are often seen in or near water, or in fields. Keep an eye out for mixed flocks flying overhead in a “V” formation.
Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!
Grebes are fascinating birds that look something like a cross between a loon and a duck. These small waterbirds have legs that are at the back of their body which are perfect for diving and maneuvering through the water.
In Virginia, there are five different species of grebes that usually make an appearance on an annual basis, with some of them being extremely common, and others being fairly rare. Here is everything you need to know about these five species.
Eared Grebe (Uncommon)
Eared Grebes in Breeding Plumage – Photo by Tom Bunker
Eared Grebe Winer Plumage
Identification
Eared Grebes are compact looking members of the grebe family displaying a shorter neck than other species in the grouping as well as a shorter bill. In breeding plumage, this species is quite colorful with a black head, neck, and back, orangey brown colored sides, and golden feathers just behind their bright red eye. It’s also worth noting that they have a crested appearance. In nonbreeding plumage they are far less extravagant looking with a dark head and back, white sides, a white throat, and a white underside. Even in nonbreeding plumage, Eared Grebes still have a bright red eye but they do not appear as crested.
Range
Eared Grebes winter in Mexico and the Southwestern United States in addition to the Pacific coast. In spring, they move north and spend the summer in most of the Northern States west of the Mississippi River as well as Southwestern Canada. They have a habit of showing up farther east than expected during migration.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Eared Grebes eat an assortment of different small vertebrates and invertebrates including fish, shrimp, insects, and amphibians. Since they often live in water with a high salt content, brine shrimp are sometimes a staple food item.
Where to Find This Bird
Eared Grebes are typically found in shallow ponds and lakes. Often times, these birds gather in extremely large groups during migration and are regular visitors of salty bodies of water.
Horned Grebe
Transitional and Breeding Plumage Horned Grebes
Identification
Horned Grebes are fairly small members of the grebe family with a short bill. In breeding plumage, Horned Grebes have a black head and wings with rusty reddish brown sides, a bright red eye, and amber colored feathers near their eye, which somewhat resemble horns. Nonbreeding birds have a black top of the head, wings, and back of the neck, but are white everywhere else. They still have a bright red eye in ninbreeding plumage.
Range
Horned Grebes winter in the Southeastern United States, along the Atlantic Coast, and along the Pacific coast from Baja California all the way up to the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. In spring, they move north and breed in Alaska, Western Canada, and some of the northern states that border Canada such as North Dakota and Montana.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Horned Grebes eat a very wide variety of aquatic creatures including small fish, crustaceans, tadpoles and many different species of insects. They will not only eat aquatic insects but also catch them out of the air.
Where to Find This Bird
Horned Grebes breed in shallow lakes and ponds with plenty of vegetation to hide in. During migration, they show up in many different bodies of water ranging from manmade lakes to ponds.
Pied-billed Grebe
Pied-billed Grebe
Identification
The Pied-billed Grebe is a small and distinctive looking bird with a brown body and white near the tail. The wings and top of the head are darker than the chest and underside. The term “pied-billed” means striped bill, and it’s certainly an apt way to describe the species as the black stripe on the short, wide bill is obvious in breeding adult birds. Nonbreeding birds look generally the same but without as noticeable of a stripe on the bill. One fascinating thing about Pied-billed Grebes is that they can actually control how much of their body is underwater. Sometime they will only have their neck and head above the surface.
Range
Pied-billed Grebes are extremely widespread across the Western Hemisphere with a year-round range in Southern South America, Northern South America, Central America, Mexico, and most of the United States. In summer, Pied-billed Grebes move north and breed in the Northeastern US, as well as the Midwest. They also can be found throughout Southern Canada in summer.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Pied-billed Grebes mostly prey on small fish and crustaceans, but they will also eat snails, tadpoles, and aquatic insects. These birds hunt for food by diving and catching prey items underwater.
Where to Find This Bird
Pied-billed Grebes can be found in slow moving water such as marshes, flooded fields, and ponds.
Red-necked Grebe (Uncommon)
Red-necked Grebe in Breeding Plumage – Photo by Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Red-necked Grebe in Nonbreeding Plumage – Photo by Caleb Putnam
Identification
Red-necked Grebes are quite striking in breeding plumage when they have their namesake rusty red neck as well as distinctive gray and white cheeks. They also a dark gray to black cap, a long yellow bill with a dark tip, and a dark gray to black back. In nonbreeding plumage, this species is much more pale with only light traces of a red neck and white cheeks. In terms of grebes, the Red-necked Grebe is on the more slender side with a longer neck than many other species.
Range
Red-necked Grebes are widespread across the globe with most of North America, parts of Asia, and Europe serving as a native home to this species. In North America, these birds winter along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, then make their way into Alaska and Western Canada (in addition to some states in the continental US) to breed.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Red-necked Grebes eat a variety of aquatic animals, most commonly fish, crustaceans, and insects. They will also eat other aquatic invertebrates as well as reptiles and amphibians. This species takes a page out of the loon handbook when it comes to hunting as they will often use sight to locate food in clear water and then actively hunt for it.
Where to Find This Bird
During the breeding months Red-necked Grebes can be found in marshes and shallow lakes. Usually their breeding areas have thick vegetation lining the shore, providing good places to hide. In winter, the coasts of the United States can hold large numbers of these birds just offshore.
Western Grebe (Rare)
Western Grebe
Identification
Western Grebes are slender looking waterbirds with a longer neck and bill than many other grebe species. They look the same in both breeding and nonbreeding seasons with dark gray to black on their back, wings, back of the neck, and top of the head. They have a white face and underside with a yellow bill and bright red eye.
Range
True to its name, the Western Grebe is a species of Western North America. They winter along the Pacific coast of Mexico and the United States all the way up to the most Southwestern part of Canada. In summer, they move into the Western half of the US and Canada to breed. Western Grebes are year-round residents in parts of Northern and Central Mexico.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Western Grebes primarily feed on fish, but they also eat other creatures found in the water including crustaceans, amphibians, and insects. This species actively dives for it’s prey and easily moves through the water while hunting.
Where to Find This Bird
In winter, look for Western Grebes in saltwater habitats along the Pacific Coast. In summer, this species utilizes large freshwater lakes to breed in.
Summary
Grebes are unique and fascinating waterbirds that don’t quite fit into any other category. Knowing the habits, range, and key identification features of each of these species can be incredibly useful in knowing what to look for in the field. Hopefully, this article has helped in answering some questions about the grebes of Virginia.
