Shrikes are unique in that they are predatory songbirds with a hooked bill, and cheery call. Nicknamed “Butcher Birds”, shrikes will hang their prey from thorns or barbed wire fences. There are two species of shrikes that can be found in the United States, but only one has ever been found in Florida. Both species look similar with a few noticeable differences. Since the more rare species of Shrike could show up in Florida one day, information on them is included below, in addition to the more common Shrike species.
Shrikes of Florida
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Identification
The Loggerhead Shrike is a gray bird with a thick, black mask, hooked black bill, gray body, clean white stomach, black and white wings, and black tail feathers. They look similar to the Northern Shrikes, but adults will have a thicker black mask and a clean white stomach, as opposed to the barred stomach of the Northern Shrike. Loggerhead Shrikes also have a more head-heavy appearance.
Learn how to differentiate Loggerhead Shrikes from Northern Shrikes
Watch us search for and find a Loggerhead Shrike in Texas
Range
Loggerhead Shrikes can be found year round in many parts of Southern North America, and move further north in their breeding season; going as far as parts of Southern Canada. During their nonbreeding season, some individuals may expand further south into areas where they are not normally found year round. In Florida, Loggerhead Shrikes can be found year round.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Loggerhead Shrikes feed mostly on insects, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and birds, but they will also eat organisms that are already dead such as roadkill.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Loggerhead Shrikes in open areas that also have isolated perching structures such as low trees, shrubs, or fences. In Florida, they can be found year round, specifically near open areas such as agricultural fields.
Listen to the Loggerhead Shrike Call – Jonathan Jongsma (CC by 3.0)
A juvenile Loggerhead Shrike (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Northern Shrike (Never Seen in Florida but Could Show Up One Day)
Northern Shrike
Identification
Northern Shrikes look similar to Loggerhead Shrikes, with a gray back, white stomach, black mask, and black and white wings and tail. However, an adult Northern Shrike will have a thinner black mask, and a barred stomach, as opposed to a clean white stomach.
The Northern Shrike has some year-round range in Alaska, but mostly lives in Northern North America in summer and migrates down to the Northern and Central United States in winter. A Northern Shrike has never been confirmed in Florida, but if one was seen, it would likely show up in winter, or during spring or fall migration.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Northern Shrikes feed mostly on insects and small vertebrates, but will sometimes also eat carrion. Although they do not have talons, Shrikes will use different tactics to kill their prey, including driving it into the ground or using their hooked bill. Once dead, Shrikes will sometimes wedge the prey onto a thorn or wire.
Where to Find this Bird
A Northern Shrike has never been confirmed in Florida, but if one was seen, it would likely show up in winter, or during spring or fall migration. In their native range, they can be found in edge habitat with open landscape nearby, and ample perches, whether manmade or natural.
Watch us search for a Northern Shrike in winter
Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!
Shrikes are unique in that they are predatory songbirds with a hooked bill, and cheery call. Nicknamed “Butcher Birds”, shrikes will hang their prey from thorns or barbed wire fences. There are two species of shrikes that can be found in the United States, but only one has ever been found in Alabama. Both species look similar with a few noticeable differences. Since the more rare species of Shrike could show up in Alabama one day, information on them is included below, in addition to the more common Shrike species.
Shrikes of Alabama
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Identification
The Loggerhead Shrike is a gray bird with a thick, black mask, hooked black bill, gray body, clean white stomach, black and white wings, and black tail feathers. They look similar to the Northern Shrikes, but adults will have a thicker black mask and a clean white stomach, as opposed to the barred stomach of the Northern Shrike. Loggerhead Shrikes also have a more head-heavy appearance.
Learn how to differentiate Loggerhead Shrikes from Northern Shrikes
Watch us search for and find a Loggerhead Shrike in Texas
Range
Loggerhead Shrikes can be found year round in many parts of Southern North America, and move further north in their breeding season; going as far as parts of Southern Canada. During their nonbreeding season, some individuals may expand further south into areas where they are not normally found year round. In Alabama, Loggerhead Shrikes can be found year round.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Loggerhead Shrikes feed mostly on insects, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and birds, but they will also eat organisms that are already dead such as roadkill.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Loggerhead Shrikes in open areas that also have isolated perching structures such as low trees, shrubs, or fences. In Alabama they can be found year round, specifically near open areas such as agricultural fields.
Listen to the Loggerhead Shrike Call – Jonathan Jongsma (CC by 3.0)
A juvenile Loggerhead Shrike (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Northern Shrike (Never Seen in Alabama but Could Show Up One Day)
Northern Shrike
Identification
Northern Shrikes look similar to Loggerhead Shrikes, with a gray back, white stomach, black mask, and black and white wings and tail. However, an adult Northern Shrike will have a thinner black mask, and a barred stomach, as opposed to a clean white stomach.
The Northern Shrike has some year-round range in Alaska, but mostly lives in Northern North America in summer and migrates down to the Northern and Central United States in winter. A Northern Shrike has never been confirmed in Alabama, but if one was seen, it would likely show up in winter, or during spring or fall migration.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Northern Shrikes feed mostly on insects and small vertebrates, but will sometimes also eat carrion. Although they do not have talons, Shrikes will use different tactics to kill their prey, including driving it into the ground or using their hooked bill. Once dead, Shrikes will sometimes wedge the prey onto a thorn or wire.
Where to Find this Bird
A Northern Shrike has never been confirmed in Alabama, but if one was seen, it would likely show up in winter, or during spring or fall migration. In their native range, they can be found in edge habitat with open landscape nearby, and ample perches, whether manmade or natural.
Watch us search for a Northern Shrike in winter
Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!
Shrikes are unique in that they are predatory songbirds with a hooked bill, and cheery call. Nicknamed “Butcher Birds”, shrikes will hang their prey from thorns or barbed wire fences. There are two species of shrikes that can be found in the United States, but only one has ever been found in Mississippi. Both species look similar with a few noticeable differences. Since the more rare species of Shrike could show up in Mississippi one day, information on them is included below, in addition to the more common Shrike species.
Shrikes of Mississippi
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Identification
The Loggerhead Shrike is a gray bird with a thick, black mask, hooked black bill, gray body, clean white stomach, black and white wings, and black tail feathers. They look similar to the Northern Shrikes, but adults will have a thicker black mask and a clean white stomach, as opposed to the barred stomach of the Northern Shrike. Loggerhead Shrikes also have a more head-heavy appearance.
Learn how to differentiate Loggerhead Shrikes from Northern Shrikes
Watch us search for and find a Loggerhead Shrike in Texas
Range
Loggerhead Shrikes can be found year round in many parts of Southern North America, and move further north in their breeding season; going as far as parts of Southern Canada. During their nonbreeding season, some individuals may expand further south into areas where they are not normally found year round. In Mississippi, Loggerhead Shrikes can be found year round.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Loggerhead Shrikes feed mostly on insects, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and birds, but they will also eat organisms that are already dead such as roadkill.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Loggerhead Shrikes in open areas that also have isolated perching structures such as low trees, shrubs, or fences. In Mississippi, they can be found year round, specifically near open areas such as agricultural fields.
Listen to the Loggerhead Shrike Call – Jonathan Jongsma (CC by 3.0)
A juvenile Loggerhead Shrike (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Northern Shrike (Never Seen in Mississippi but Could Show Up One Day)
Northern Shrike
Identification
Northern Shrikes look similar to Loggerhead Shrikes, with a gray back, white stomach, black mask, and black and white wings and tail. However, an adult Northern Shrike will have a thinner black mask, and a barred stomach, as opposed to a clean white stomach.
The Northern Shrike has some year-round range in Alaska, but mostly lives in Northern North America in summer and migrates down to the Northern and Central United States in winter. A Northern Shrike has never been confirmed in Mississippi, but if one was seen, it would likely show up in winter, or during spring or fall migration.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Northern Shrikes feed mostly on insects and small vertebrates, but will sometimes also eat carrion. Although they do not have talons, Shrikes will use different tactics to kill their prey, including driving it into the ground or using their hooked bill. Once dead, Shrikes will sometimes wedge the prey onto a thorn or wire.
Where to Find this Bird
A Northern Shrike has never been confirmed in Mississippi, but if one was seen, it would likely show up in winter, or during spring or fall migration. In their native range, they can be found in edge habitat with open landscape nearby, and ample perches, whether manmade or natural.
Watch us search for a Northern Shrike in winter
Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!
Shrikes are unique in that they are predatory songbirds with a hooked bill, and cheery call. Nicknamed “Butcher Birds”, shrikes will hang their prey from thorns or barbed wire fences. There are two species of shrikes that can be found in the United States, but only one has ever been found in Louisiana. Both species look similar with a few noticeable differences. Since the more rare species of Shrike could show up in Louisiana one day, information on them is included below, in addition to the more common Shrike species.
Shrikes of Louisiana
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Identification
The Loggerhead Shrike is a gray bird with a thick, black mask, hooked black bill, gray body, clean white stomach, black and white wings, and black tail feathers. They look similar to the Northern Shrikes, but adults will have a thicker black mask and a clean white stomach, as opposed to the barred stomach of the Northern Shrike. Loggerhead Shrikes also have a more head-heavy appearance.
Learn how to differentiate Loggerhead Shrikes from Northern Shrikes
Watch us search for and find a Loggerhead Shrike in Texas
Range
Loggerhead Shrikes can be found year round in many parts of Southern North America, and move further north in their breeding season; going as far as parts of Southern Canada. During their nonbreeding season, some individuals may expand further south into areas where they are not normally found year round. In Louisiana, Loggerhead Shrikes can be found year round.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Loggerhead Shrikes feed mostly on insects, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and birds, but they will also eat organisms that are already dead such as roadkill.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Loggerhead Shrikes in open areas that also have isolated perching structures such as low trees, shrubs, or fences. In Louisiana , they can be found year round, specifically near open areas such as agricultural fields.
Listen to the Loggerhead Shrike Call – Jonathan Jongsma (CC by 3.0)
A juvenile Loggerhead Shrike (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Northern Shrike (Never Seen in Louisiana but Could Show Up One Day)
Northern Shrike
Identification
Northern Shrikes look similar to Loggerhead Shrikes, with a gray back, white stomach, black mask, and black and white wings and tail. However, an adult Northern Shrike will have a thinner black mask, and a barred stomach, as opposed to a clean white stomach.
The Northern Shrike has some year-round range in Alaska, but mostly lives in Northern North America in summer and migrates down to the Northern and Central United States in winter. A Northern Shrike has never been confirmed in Louisiana, but if one was seen, it would likely show up in winter, or during spring or fall migration.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Northern Shrikes feed mostly on insects and small vertebrates, but will sometimes also eat carrion. Although they do not have talons, Shrikes will use different tactics to kill their prey, including driving it into the ground or using their hooked bill. Once dead, Shrikes will sometimes wedge the prey onto a thorn or wire.
Where to Find this Bird
A Northern Shrike has never been confirmed in Louisiana, but if one was seen, it would likely show up in winter, or during spring or fall migration. In their native range, they can be found in edge habitat with open landscape nearby, and ample perches, whether manmade or natural.
Watch us search for a Northern Shrike in winter
Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!
Shrikes are unique in that they are predatory songbirds with a hooked bill, and cheery call. Nicknamed “Butcher Birds”, shrikes will hang their prey from thorns or barbed wire fences. There are two species of shrikes that can be reliably found in the United States, and they both look similar with a few noticeable differences.
Shrikes of the United States
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Identification
The Loggerhead Shrike is a gray bird with a thick, black mask, hooked black bill, gray body, clean white stomach, black and white wings, and black tail feathers. They look similar to the Northern Shrikes, but adults will have a thicker black mask and a clean white stomach, as opposed to the barred stomach of the Northern Shrike. Loggerhead Shrikes also have a more head-heavy appearance.
Learn how to differentiate Loggerhead Shrikes from Northern Shrikes
Watch us search for and find a Loggerhead Shrike in Texas
Range
Loggerhead Shrikes can be found year round in many parts of the Southern United States, and move further north in their breeding season; going as far as parts of Southern Canada and into the Northern United States. During their nonbreeding season, some individuals may expand further south into areas where they are not normally found year round.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Loggerhead Shrikes feed mostly on insects, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and birds, but they will also eat organisms that are already dead such as roadkill.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Loggerhead Shrikes in open areas that also have isolated perching structures such as low trees, shrubs, or fences.
Listen to the Loggerhead Shrike Call – Jonathan Jongsma (CC by 3.0)
A juvenile Loggerhead Shrike (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Northern Shrike
Northern Shrike
Identification
Northern Shrikes look similar to Loggerhead Shrikes, with a gray back, white stomach, black mask, and black and white wings and tail. However, an adult Northern Shrike will have a thinner black mask, and a barred stomach, as opposed to a clean white stomach.
The Northern Shrike has some year-round range in Alaska, but mostly lives in Northern North America in summer and migrates down to the Northern and Central United States in winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Northern Shrikes feed mostly on insects and small vertebrates, but will sometimes also eat carrion. Although they do not have talons, Shrikes will use different tactics to kill their prey, including driving it into the ground or using their hooked bill. Once dead, Shrikes will sometimes wedge the prey onto a thorn or wire.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Northern Shrikes in boreal forest during the summer, where it opens up with tundra habitat. In winter, Northern Shrikes can be found in edge habitat with open landscape nearby, and ample perches, whether manmade or natural.
Watch us search for a Northern Shrike in winter
Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!
Shrikes are unique in that they are predatory songbirds with a hooked bill, and cheery call. Nicknamed “Butcher Birds”, shrikes will hang their prey from thorns or barbed wire fences. There are two species of shrikes that can be found in Arizona (one much more rare than the other), and they both look similar with a few noticeable differences.
Shrikes of Arizona
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Identification
The Loggerhead Shrike is a gray bird with a thick, black mask, hooked black bill, gray body, clean white stomach, black and white wings, and black tail feathers. They look similar to the Northern Shrikes, but adults will have a thicker black mask and a clean white stomach, as opposed to the barred stomach of the Northern Shrike. Loggerhead Shrikes also have a more head-heavy appearance.
Learn how to differentiate Loggerhead Shrikes from Northern Shrikes
Watch us search for and find a Loggerhead Shrike in Texas
Range
Loggerhead Shrikes can be found year round in many parts of Southern North America, and move further north in their breeding season; going as far as parts of Southern Canada. During their nonbreeding season, some individuals may expand further south into areas where they are not normally found year round. In Arizona, Loggerhead Shrikes can be found year round, but are more abundant in winter, with numbers decreasing during spring, and increasing in fall, and being the lowest in summer.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Loggerhead Shrikes feed mostly on insects, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and birds, but they will also eat organisms that are already dead such as roadkill.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Loggerhead Shrikes in open areas that also have isolated perching structures such as low trees, shrubs, or fences. In Arizona, they can be found year round.
Listen to the Loggerhead Shrike Call – Jonathan Jongsma (CC by 3.0)
A juvenile Loggerhead Shrike (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Northern Shrike (Rare)
Northern Shrike
Identification
Northern Shrikes look similar to Loggerhead Shrikes, with a gray back, white stomach, black mask, and black and white wings and tail. However, an adult Northern Shrike will have a thinner black mask, and a barred stomach, as opposed to a clean white stomach.
The Northern Shrike has some year-round range in Alaska, but mostly lives in Northern North America in summer and migrates down to the Northern and Central United States in winter. In Arizona, they are a rarity, seen in winter if they are present at all.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Northern Shrikes feed mostly on insects and small vertebrates, but will sometimes also eat carrion. Although they do not have talons, Shrikes will use different tactics to kill their prey, including driving it into the ground or using their hooked bill. Once dead, Shrikes will sometimes wedge the prey onto a thorn or wire.
Where to Find this Bird
Northern Shrikes are almost exclusively found in Arizona in winter. They can be found in edge habitat with open landscape nearby, and ample perches, whether manmade or natural. Keep an eye out for this rarity when out birding in Arizona.
Watch us search for a Northern Shrike in winter
Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!
Shrikes are unique in that they are predatory songbirds with a hooked bill, and cheery call. Nicknamed “Butcher Birds”, shrikes will hang their prey from thorns or barbed wire fences. There are two species of shrikes that can be found in Wisconsin (one much more rare than the other), and they both look similar with a few noticeable differences.
Shrikes of Wisconsin
Northern Shrike
Northern Shrike
Identification
Northern Shrikes look similar to Loggerhead Shrikes, with a gray back, white stomach, black mask, and black and white wings and tail. However, an adult Northern Shrike will have a thinner black mask, and a barred stomach, as opposed to a clean white stomach.
The Northern Shrike has some year-round range in Alaska, but mostly lives in Northern North America in summer and migrates down to the Northern and Central United States in winter. They can be found most frequently in Wisconsin in the winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Northern Shrikes feed mostly on insects and small vertebrates, but will sometimes also eat carrion. Although they do not have talons, Shrikes will use different tactics to kill their prey, including driving it into the ground or using their hooked bill. Once dead, Shrikes will sometimes wedge the prey onto a thorn or wire.
Where to Find this Bird
Northern Shrikes are almost exclusively found in Wisconsin in winter. They can be found in edge habitat with open landscape nearby, and ample perches, whether manmade or natural. Some specific locations to look for Northern Shrikes in Wisconsin is at Buena Vista Grasslands (Portage County, WI) and Vernon Marsh (Waukesha County, WI).
Watch us search for a Northern Shrike in winter
Loggerhead Shrike (Rare)
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Identification
The Loggerhead Shrike is a gray bird with a thick, black mask, hooked black bill, gray body, clean white stomach, black and white wings, and black tail feathers. They look similar to the Northern Shrikes, but adults will have a thicker black mask and a clean white stomach, as opposed to the barred stomach of the Northern Shrike. Loggerhead Shrikes also have a more head-heavy appearance.
Learn how to differentiate Loggerhead Shrikes from Northern Shrikes
Watch us search for and find a Loggerhead Shrike in Texas
Range
Loggerhead Shrikes can be found year round in many parts of Southern North America, and move further north in their breeding season; going as far as parts of Southern Canada. During their nonbreeding season, some individuals may expand further south into areas where they are not normally found year round. In Wisconsin, Loggerhead Shrikes will show up in summer, if they make their way into the state at all.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Loggerhead Shrikes feed mostly on insects, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and birds, but they will also eat organisms that are already dead such as roadkill.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Loggerhead Shrikes in open areas that also have isolated perching structures such as low trees, shrubs, or fences. In Wisconsin, they are almost exclusively seen in the summer, and are a rarity. They used to be more common but have been seen less frequently in recent years.
Listen to the Loggerhead Shrike Call – Jonathan Jongsma (CC by 3.0)
A juvenile Loggerhead Shrike (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!
Shrikes are unique in that they are predatory songbirds with a hooked bill, and cheery call. Nicknamed “Butcher Birds”, shrikes will hang their prey from thorns or barbed wire fences. There are two species of shrikes that can be reliably found in North America, and they both look similar with a few noticeable differences.
Shrikes of North America
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Identification
The Loggerhead Shrike is a gray bird with a thick, black mask, hooked black bill, gray body, clean white stomach, black and white wings, and black tail feathers. They look similar to the Northern Shrikes, but adults will have a thicker black mask and a clean white stomach, as opposed to the barred stomach of the Northern Shrike. Loggerhead Shrikes also have a more head-heavy appearance.
Learn how to differentiate Loggerhead Shrikes from Northern Shrikes
Watch us search for and find a Loggerhead Shrike in Texas
Range
Loggerhead Shrikes can be found year round in many parts of Southern North America, and move further north in their breeding season; going as far as parts of Southern Canada. During their nonbreeding season, some individuals may expand further south into areas where they are not normally found year round.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Loggerhead Shrikes feed mostly on insects, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and birds, but they will also eat organisms that are already dead such as roadkill.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Loggerhead Shrikes in open areas that also have isolated perching structures such as low trees, shrubs, or fences.
Listen to the Loggerhead Shrike Call – Jonathan Jongsma (CC by 3.0)
A juvenile Loggerhead Shrike (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Northern Shrike
Northern Shrike
Identification
Northern Shrikes look similar to Loggerhead Shrikes, with a gray back, white stomach, black mask, and black and white wings and tail. However, an adult Northern Shrike will have a thinner black mask, and a barred stomach, as opposed to a clean white stomach.
The Northern Shrike has some year-round range in Alaska, but mostly lives in Northern North America in summer and migrates down to the Northern and Central United States in winter.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Northern Shrikes feed mostly on insects and small vertebrates, but will sometimes also eat carrion. Although they do not have talons, Shrikes will use different tactics to kill their prey, including driving it into the ground or using their hooked bill. Once dead, Shrikes will sometimes wedge the prey onto a thorn or wire.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Northern Shrikes in boreal forest during the summer, where it opens up with tundra habitat. In winter, Northern Shrikes can be found in edge habitat with open landscape nearby, and ample perches, whether manmade or natural.
Watch us search for a Northern Shrike in winter
Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!
Geese can be loud, but also beautiful birds that can be found in Wisconsin. Since there are only a few different species that call the state home, it 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. Most can be seen more frequently in Wisconsin during spring and fall when they migrate.
The geese species below are grouped by those that can be found in Wisconsin annually, those that are vagrants (they occasionally show up), and finally, those that are domesticated escaped birds that can sometimes be found in parks or other urban areas.
Geese that can Annually be Found in Wisconsin (5 Species)
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. Due to their ability to live year-round in urban spaces, this species can be seen in Wisconsin year round.
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. They can be found in Wisconsin annually, and will normally be seen during the spring and fall, mixed in with flocks of Canada Geese.
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. In Wisconsin, they can most reliably be seen in the spring and fall as they migrate.
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. In Wisconsin, they can most reliably be seen in the spring and fall as they migrate.
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. In Wisconsin, they can most reliably be seen in the spring and fall as they migrate.
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.
Check out this video to see all 5 goose species in their natural habitats
Geese that Show Up to Wisconsin on Occasion (2 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 and are a rare visitor to Wisconsin.
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.
Watch us search for a Brant in Wisconsin, along with another rare bird, the Spotted Towhee
Barnacle Goose (Rare)
Barnacle Goose (Photo by Caleb Putnam)
Identification
The Barnacle Goose can be identified by its white face, black top of the head and neck, gray stomach, and gray, white, and black back.
Range
Barnacle Geese breed in the arctic North Atlantic islands. They are not native to the United States but sometimes they show up as vagrants, especially in the northeastern U.S. and parts of Canada. Additionally, sometimes domesticated birds escape and are seen, therefore there should be some deliberation in considering whether the bird is wild or not. A wild Barnacle Goose would be a very rare visitor to Wisconsin.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Barnacle Geese feed mostly on vegetation such as grasses and aquatic plants.
Where to Find this Bird
Barnacle Geese are extremely rare in North America. Keep an eye out for this bird in flocks of other goose species, normally found near water or in open grassy areas and farm fields.
Domestic Geese (3 Species)
These species are likely not vagrant birds, but rather domestic pets that have escaped or been released.
Greylag Goose (Domestic)
Domestic Greylag Goose
Identification
Greylag Geese are brown and white with pinkish orange feet and bill. They look similar to Greater White-fronted Geese but are larger, with a striped neck, and a more stout body. Graylag Geese also lack the prominent white forehead seen on the Greater White-fronted Goose.
Range
Greylag Geese are not native to North America, however some domesticated individuals have ended up at parks or urban ponds. They are normally non-migratory and will sometimes even beg for food.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Greylag Geese feed mostly on grasses and plant material.
Egyptian Goose (Domestic)
Domestic Egyptian Goose (Alan Schmierer photo)
Identification
Egyptian Geese are brown, white, and gray with pinkish feet and a spectacled appearance.
Range
Egyptian Geese are not native to North America, however some domesticated individuals have ended up at parks or urban ponds. They are normally non-migratory and will sometimes even beg for food. Egyptian Geese are native to central and southern Africa.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Egyptian Geese feed mostly on grasses and other plant material such as aquatic vegetation.
Where to Find this Bird
Domesticated Egyptian Geese are not “countable” from a listing perspective in the United States, but can be an interesting bird to see in parks or urban ponds.
Swan Goose (Domestic)
Domestic Swan Geese (Wildlife Terry photo)
Domestic Swan Goose (Chinese White Goose Variety) (Wildlife Terry photo)
Identification
Swan Geese have a brown back, tan stomach, white stripe down their sides, brown top of head extending down the top of the neck, white and tan side of their neck, pinkish feet, and a black bill. Some birds may also have a knob on their forehead. Swan Geese have also been bred to be all white, and may also be referred to as “Chinese White Geese”.
Range
Swan Geese are not native to North America, however some domesticated individuals have ended up at parks or urban ponds. They are normally non-migratory and will sometimes even beg for food. Swan Geese are native to Asia.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Swan Geese are thought to be herbivorous and feed mostly on grasses and other plant material such as aquatic vegetation.
Where to Find this Bird
Domesticated Swan Geese are not “countable” from a listing perspective in the United States, but can be an interesting bird to see in parks or urban ponds. Sometimes they associate with domestic Greylag Geese.
Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!
You may be surprised to learn that one of the fastest growing outdoor hobbies is birding. Birding is defined as the observation of birds in their natural habitats as a hobby. Once thought of as an activity reserved for retirees, birding is starting to catch on with a whole new generation, because as it turns out, birding is awesome, and these are the top five reasons why.
Birding takes you to unique places
Something great about birding is that it can take you to a variety of places. Birds live in pretty much every environment and location imaginable, so there’s no shortage of locations to visit. Many of them are beautiful and scenic, while others are urban and populous. State parks, natural areas, large cities and backyard bird feeders are all places people go to find birds. Sometimes the most memorable birding trips can be the ones involving the most ecclectic places that you woudn’t have gone to if not for the birds. Birding is essentially a scavenger hunt that takes place in every corner of the world so who knows what strange and wonderful place you will end up visisting because of it.
Horicon Marsh
Birding can be low cost
In terms of cost effective hobbies, birding can be at the top of the list. It’s totally free to go outside and take a walk, or stay inside and look out the window. Otherwise a state park sticker and the cost of gasoline can open up a lot of possibilities on a small budget. That being said, there can be some aspects of birding that are more on the pricey side. Buying gear like cameras, scopes, and binoculars can certainly be expensive, but those types of items are typically one time or infrequent purchases and while helpful, they are not necessary to be a birder. The good news is that to participate in birding, the costs can be minimal to non existent depending on what you want to do.
Birding can be social
While some people love the solitutde of birding by themselvs, there are also many who love the social aspect of birding. Just like any community, the birding community has many forums, message boards and groups, both online and in person to participate in. Chances are, there is some sort of bird club or ornithological society nearby and even if there isn’t there are almost certainly other birders nearby that can be found via facebook or other social media sites. Whether you’re looking for a tight knit group to go birding with our a larger community to share ideas with, you can certainly find it.
Birding can be competitive
While many people think of birding as a leisurly activity, it can actually be quite competitive. The Big Year is a birding competition in which people try to find as many bird species as they can in a calendar year. While this type of bird competition can be a long grind, others are more fast paced such as big day competitions where birders try and find as many species as they can in a single day. There are also birding records that include the first person to see a bird in a particular county or state as well as life list totals. If there is something that can be quantified in birding, chances are that someone has started a competition around it. For people that are competitive and love nature, birding can be an incredible hobby.
Fox Sparrow
Birding can be what you want it to be
Undoubtedly one of the best things about birding is that it is what you make it. Since there are so many different fascets to the hobby, there is something for everyone and each individual can find a niche that suits them. Since there are no firm rules governing the hobby it really is up to each person to make birding what they want it to be. If they want to be a competitive lister, bird photographer, or casual feeder watcher it’s all under the umbrella of birding.
Although birding is starting to gain traction as a main stream hobby, some people have predicted that birding is about to get much more popular, and It makes sense that it would. There are so many things about birding that make it an incredibly fun hobby for people of all ages and skill levels that it’s only a matter of time before the secret gets out. Do you know people who would enjoy birding? Send them this article and get them started on their journey.
