Tag Archives: Birds

Plovers of Iowa (6 Species to Know)

January 29, 2024 rmsallmanngmailcom Leave a comment

Plovers are a type of shorebird characterized by their round appearance and often look plump. They can be found near water or in open fields. While they are a sub-group of shorebirds, there are many species of plovers in the United States. In this post, you will be able to see all of the expected plovers in Iowa.

American Golden-plover

Identification

The American Golden-plover is quite an impressive looking bird when in breeding plumage. They have a black underside, beautiful golden feathers on the back and wings, and a white marking that goes all the way from the bill to the shoulder. In nonbreeding plumage, American Golden-plovers are buffy colored with gold and brown speckled wings, back, and head. During certain times of the year these birds will be half way between breeding and nonbreeding plumage as they transition.

Range

Like many shorebird species, American Golden-plovers are long distance migrants. They winter in Southeastern South America and fly all the way to their breeding areas in Alaska and the northern most parts of Canada.

Diet and Foraging Habits

American Golden-plovers feed mostly on invertebrates including insect larva and worms. They have also been known to eat some plant-based foods as well, including berries. This species hunts by running along the ground, periodically stopping to scan for food.

Where to Find this Bird

American Golden-plovers are most often found in the continental United States during fall migration. Some common places to find them are in agricultural fields, along lake shores, and at sod farms.

Black-bellied Plover

Identification

Black-bellied Plovers are large as far as plovers go, similar in size to American Golden-plovers, but a little more stocky. They have black on their face, chest, and underside, but unlike American Golden-plovers they have a white under tail. They have white mottling on their back and wings as well as a white head and white stripe from the bill down to the shoulders.

In nonbreeding plumage, Black-bellied Plovers are much more sandy colored with darker shades on the wings, back, and head. In both breeding and nonbreeding plumage, this species shows black patches under the wing, visible in flight.

Range

The Black-bellied Plover is extremely widespread across the globe with numerous sightings in every continent except for Antarctica. In North America, they summer in the most Northern parts of Canada and migrate south to the coasts of both the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. During migration, they can be found inland on an annual basis.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Black-bellied Plovers eat a wide variety of invertebrates including insects, worms, urchins, crabs and much more. They will forage in farm fields and on mud flats in both fresh and salt water.

Where to Find this Bird

The best time to find Black-bellied Plovers is during winter and during fall migration. In winter, both the Atlantic and the Pacific coasts of the United States play host to the species. Look for them on beaches, mudflats, and break walls where they will be sitting on large rocks. During migration, sod farms, agricultural fields, and the shores of inland lakes are good places to search for Black-bellied Plovers.

Killdeer

Identification

The Killdeer is a widespread and recognizable bird in the plover family. They have a brown head, back, and wings, with a white underside. They have several black markings on their chest and head with two bands on their chest and two on the head with one of the stripes on the forehead and another looking something like a mustache. They have a rusty colored tail and a noticeable red eye.

Range

Killdeer do not migrate as far as other plover species, and many of them live in the United States and parts of Western South America year round. The Killdeer that do migrate, go from Northern South America, Central America, and Southern Mexico, into the United States, and end up breeding in either the U.S. or Southern Canada.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Killdeer run along the ground as they forage for food. They consume mostly invertebrates such as grasshoppers, worms, snails, and insect larva. They will forage both near water as well as in drier open areas.

Where to Find this Bird

Killdeer are common throughout most of the United States in the summer and are one of the first birds to return north in spring. Look for them in open areas with a lot of flat land such as athletic fields, sod farms, plowed fields, and even gravel lots. Listen for their “kill-deer” call as the walk around or fly over.

Other Notes: Killdeer are known for doing a broken wing display to distract predators and eventually lead them away from their nests. This behavior can be seen often during the nesting season.

Piping Plover (Rare)

Piping Plover in breeding plumage (Derek Sallmann Photo)

Piping Plover in nonbreeding plumage (Ryan Sallmann Photo)

Identification

Piping Plovers are relatively small plovers with a brownish gray back and head, with a white underside, and white stripe over the eye. In breeding plumage, this species has black on the forehead and black around the neck. Nonbreeding adults and immature birds lack these black markings.

Range

Piping Plovers winter on the Southern Atlantic Coast as well as the Gulf Coast. In spring they move north to their breeding areas in the North-central United States, South-central Canada, the Northeastern United States, and some of the Great Lakes states.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Piping Plovers forage near the edge of the water searching for small invertebrates. They will forage in both marine and freshwater environments.

Where to Find this Bird

Piping Plovers breed in areas with sandy beaches and sparse vegetation. They show up along lake shores, ocean coastlines, and even rivers during migration.

Semipalmated Plover

Identification

Semipalmated Plovers are on the small side for shorebirds and have a brown back and wings, and a white underside. In breeding plumage they have a black band on their upper chest as well as a black mask. In nonbreeding plumage, the black on this species is much less visible or gone altogether.

Range

Semipalmated Plovers breed in the arctic and make their way south in fall. They winter along the ocean coasts of the United States, Mexico, and South America. They move through most regions of the United States in fall.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Semipalmated Plovers feed near the waters edge and occasionally wade in to very shallow water. They eat mostly aquatic invertebrates including worms and small crustaceans.

Where to Find this Bird

For people who live on the ocean coastlines, look for Semipalmated Plovers on beaches and mudflats in winter. For those that live in the interior of the country, the best time to see this species is during fall migration where they can be found on inland lakes and sandbars.

Snowy Plover (Rare)

Snowy Plover – Photo by USFWS Pacific Southwest Region

Identification

In breeding plumage, Snowy Plovers have a light grayish-brown back and wings and clean white undersides. They have black markings on their forehead, neck, and behind the eye along with a white eyebrow stripe. In nonbreeding plumage these plovers lack the black markings but due show light remnants of them on their neck.

Range

Snowy Plovers are year-round residents along the western shores of South America, the Gulf Coast, and the west coast of the continental United States and Mexico. During winter, they move to other parts of ocean shores on both the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the continent that they don’t inhabit during the other parts of the year. In summer, some Snowy Plovers breed in the interior of the western United States and central Mexico.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Snowy Plovers are sight foragers and will look around to find prey, then quickly move to catch it. Typical prey items include crustaceans, insects and other small invertebrates that they find in the sand.

Where to Find this Bird

Snowy Plovers can be found along oceans with sandy beaches. In these areas they skitter along with the tidal areas near the surf and the upper part of the beaches near vegetation. These plovers also spend time at wastewater ponds as well as salt flats and other areas with shallow water.

Summary

Plovers are a fascinating and cute looking group of shorebirds that are certainly worth knowing more about. Getting acquainted with these five species can make it much easier to know what to expect in the field.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel.

Birds by State and Region

Geese of Michigan (6 Species to Know)

January 27, 2024 rmsallmanngmailcom Leave a comment

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.

Michigan 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 (Rare)

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

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

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.

Click here to get more information on how to differentiate Cackling Geese from Canada Geese.

Range

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)

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

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.

Greater White-fronted Goose

Identification

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!

Birds by State and Region

Geese of North Carolina (6 Species to Know)

January 26, 2024 rmsallmanngmailcom Leave a comment

North Carolina 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 (Rare)

Identification

Range

Diet and Foraging Behavior

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

Identification

Range

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

Listen to the Canada Goose Call – Jonathan Jongsma (CC by 3.0)

Cackling Goose (Rare)

Identification

Click here to get more information on how to differentiate Cackling Geese from Canada Geese.

Range

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

Snow Goose

Identification

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

Ross’s Goose

Identification

Range

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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Identification

Range

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

Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!

Birds by State and Region

Swans of Iowa (3 Species to Know)

January 25, 2024 rmsallmanngmailcom Leave a comment

Swans are iconic birds known for their elegance and grace. There are 7 difference species of swans in the world, and only 3 species that breed in North America. All three species can be found in Iowa annually. Here is everything you need to know about these species.

Trumpeter Swan

Identification

Adult Trumpeter Swans are bright white birds with a black bill extending to the eyes. Their legs are black. They can be differentiated from Tundra Swans by having a more bell-shaped head, and a more “V-shaped” forehead when looking at the bird head on, compared to the “u-shaped” forehead of the Tundra Swan.

Range

Trumpeter Swans are common year-round in select areas of North America and have a spotty wintering distribution that moves north in the summer to parts of northern North America.

Diet and Foraging Behavior

Trumpeter Swans feed mostly on aquatic vegetation such as roots and stems of aquatic plants. They can often be seen with their heads underwater and backsides up as they feed.

Where to Find this Bird

Look for Trumpeter Swans in or near water, in marshes, or in open or grassy fields, often in large flocks. They can also be found in mixed flocks with other swan species.

Tundra Swan

Identification

Adult Tundra Swans are bright white birds with a black bill extending to the eyes. Their legs are black. They can be differentiated from Trumpeter Swans by having a more slender head and “u-shaped forehead when looking at it head on, compared to a more “V-shaped” forehead and bell-shaped head of the Trumpeter Swan. Tundra Swans will sometimes have yellow markings on their bill, but these should not be used as a sole identification marker since Trumpeter Swans and other swan species can have these as well.

Range

Tundra Swans winter in eastern and western North America and migrate through northern North America to their breeding grounds in the far north.

Diet and Foraging Behavior

Tundra Swans feed mostly on aquatic vegetation such as roots and stems of aquatic plants, as well as seeds, algae, and grains. They can often be seen with their heads underwater and backsides up as they feed.

Where to Find this Bird

Look for Tundra Swans in or near water, in marshes, or in open or grassy fields, often in massive flocks during migration. They can also be found in mixed flocks with other swan species.

Mute Swan

Identification

Mute Swans are large white birds with a long neck, black legs, orange bill, and black knob on the forehead.

Range

Mute Swans are native to Europe and Asia but have been introduced into parts of North America. Certain populations breed in North America while other individuals may be escaped pets or farm birds.

Diet and Foraging Behavior

Mute Swans feed on aquatic vegetation, mussels, worms, small fish, frogs, and other small vertebrates.

Where to Find this Bird

Mute Swans are normally seen as individual birds or in pairs and tower over smaller geese species. They can be found in marshes, open water lakes, or small urban ponds.

Summary

Swans are certainly impressive and elegant birds. Knowing which swans are likely in your state can be a major help when observing them in the field. Have you seen any of these swans before? Let us know in the comments below, and we hope you found this information helpful!

Be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube channel for videos on all things bird related.

Birds by State and Region

Wrens of Florida (5 Species to Know)

January 24, 2024 rmsallmanngmailcom Leave a comment

Wrens are goofy and fast-moving little birds that are absolutely loaded with attitude. Due to their small size and quickness, they can be very difficult to identify. Luckily, many of them have differences in habitat as well as some key features to keep an eye out for that can be used to help differentiate them.

In Florida, there are five wren species and one that visit annually. Here is everything that you need to know about these five species.

Carolina Wren

Identification

Carolina Wrens are on the larger side among wrens. They have a reddish brown back, head, and wings with a peach colored underside. They have a white throat and a very well defined white eye stripe.

Range

Carolina Wrens are not migratory and live throughout the Eastern United States with the exception of some of the states in the Northeast and the Midwest. They can be found as far west as Texas and as far south as Mexico and even some Central American Countries. The Carolina Wren’s range is actually believed to be expanding as they are showing up farther and farther north each year.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Carolina Wrens eat many different varieties of invertebrates including spiders, moths, and crickets among others. They also eat pulp and seeds from fruit in addition to small vertebrates on occasion.

Where to Find This Bird

Carolina Wrens live in a variety of habitats ranging from woodlands, to scrubland, to backyards. Typically, anywhere that has some sort of cover will serve as a good home for this species. Carolina Wrens are often heard before they are seen, making a call that some say sounds like a tea kettle.

House Wren

Identification

House Wrens are a small, grayish brown species that is fairly uniform in color with darker brown barring on the wings and tail. They will vary slightly in color and pattern depending on region.

Range

House Wrens are widespread across North America and South America with South America being a year-round home for this species. In winter, House Wren’s reside in the Southern US and Mexico. They make their way north in spring, eventually ending up covering most of the Continental United States and parts of Southern Canada.

Diet and Foraging Habits

House Wrens are insectivorous, eating mostly insects and other invertebrates that move along the ground such as beetles and spiders. They have also been known to eat flying insects such as dragonflies and moths as well.

Where to Find This Bird

House Wrens can be found in many different habitats. Essentially, as long as there is some vegetation to hide in, House Wrens will probably be around. They are common in back yards where they can be heard making their chattering call.

Marsh Wren

Identification

Marsh Wrens have a reddish brow back with dark barring on their wings and tail. They have white stripes on their upper back and a buffy to white colored eye stripe. Marsh Wrens have a light underside and often times have buffy sides.

Range

Marsh Wrens winter in Mexico and the Southern United States. In spring, they move north and spend the summer in the Northern United States and parts of Southern Canada. Interestingly, Marsh Wrens are year-round residents in some parts of the US including along the east and west coasts, as well as states such as Colorado and Utah among others.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Marsh Wrens consume Insects and and other invertebrates. They often feed close to the base of vegetation in swampy habitats.

Where to Find This Bird

As their name suggests, Marsh Wrens can be found in marshy habitats with lots of vegetation and standing water. They occupy both freshwater wetlands and coastal salt marshes.

Sedge Wren

Identification

Sedge Wrens are a sandy to brownish color with lighter coloration on their sides. Their back, wings, tail, and head are darker tan to brown with light head striping, and darker barring on the wings and tail. They have a white throat, a white underside, and a tan eyebrow stripe.

Range

Sedge Wrens winter in Northeastern Mexico and the Southeastern United States. In spring, they move north into many of the Midwestern states, Great Lakes area, and South-central Canada.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Sedge Wrens eat insects and other invertebrates that they pick from dense vegetation. They may also eat small amounts of seeds.

Where to Find This Bird

Sedge Wrens reside in thick vegetation such as grasses, and of course sedges. Look for damp fields with tall grass or other plants, and Sedge Wrens will most likely be around.

Winter Wren (Uncommon)

Identification

Winter Wrens are reddish brown with a lighter shade of color on their throat and underside. They have barring and speckling on their sides, tail, back, and wings. This species has a lighter colored eye stripe and has a very short stiff looking tail.

Range

Winter Wrens spend the winter in the Southeastern United States with the exception of Southern Florida. In spring, they move north into many of the Great Lakes states and much of Southeastern Canada. Winter Wrens can also be found in parts of Western Canada in summer. There are also some areas in the Northeastern United States where this species can be found year round.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Winter Wrens eat Insects and other invertebrates. During the winter, they have also been known to eat berries. They typically forage along the ground, searching logs and vegetation for small creatures to eat.

Where to Find This Bird

Winter Wrens can be found in forested habitats as well as shrubby areas with thick underbrush. They seem to enjoy spending time in tangled branches, often making them difficult to get a clear look at. In lowland areas with dense understory, keep an eye out for this small, quick moving species.

Summary

Wrens are fun birds to find due to their energetic personalities and feisty attitudes. Knowing the species that are expected in your state can be instrumental in identifying which one you are looking at in the field. Hopefully, this article has helped in answering some questions about the wrens of Florida.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel.

Birds by State and Region

Shrikes of Iowa (2 Species)

January 21, 2024 rmsallmanngmailcom Leave a comment

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 Iowa, and they both look similar with a few noticeable differences.

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.

Click here for more information about how to tell Northern Shrikes and Loggerhead Shrikes apart

Range

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

Northern Shrikes are found in Iowa in winter significantly more frequently than in other months. 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

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.

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)

Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!

Birds by State and Region

Nightjars of Iowa (3 Species to Know)

January 19, 2024 rmsallmanngmailcom Leave a comment

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 Iowa, 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 (Rare)

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

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

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 Iowa.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel.

Birds by State and Region

Cormorants of Georgia (3 Species to Know)

January 17, 2024 rmsallmanngmailcom Leave a comment

Cormorants are slender diving waterbirds with a distinctive shape and set of habits. While there are many cormorant species that live in North America, there are only three that can typically be found in Georgia, with one being extremely abundant and the other two being rare. Here is everything you need to know about these three species.

Double-crested Cormorant

Identification

Adult Double-crested Cormorants have a dark brown to black head, neck, back, underside and wings. Juveniles will be lighter brown in color with a lighter throat and underside. Both adults and juveniles have orange by the eyes and base of the bill as well as a turquoise colored eye. Breeding adult birds have two tufts on their head that can sometimes be hard to see, but these crests are what this species is named for.

Range

Double-crested Cormorants live year round along the Pacific Coast of North America from Northwestern Mexico all the way up to the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. They also live year round in parts of Florida. This species winters in in the Southeastern United States and Northeastern Mexico. In spring, they move into the Northern United States and Southern Canada where they can be seen migrating in large flocks.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Double-crested Cormorants primarily eat fish which they catch by hunting them underwater. They will also eat other aquatic creature such as crustaceans and amphibians.

Where to Find This Bird

Double-crested Cormorants can be found in a variety of places with all of them usually being near bodies of water. Look for this species in trees lining lakes and ponds as well as in marshes. Often times, Double-crested Cormorants will congregate in large groups on islands or other places with adequate perches as they dry their wings and survey for prey.

Great Cormorant (Rare)

Identification

Great Cormorants are larger than other Eastern Cormorant species. They look different depending on the region with some subspecies having more white on their head and neck. The birds in Eastern North America are glossy dark brown to black with white on their flanks and throat. They also have an orangey colored gular patch. Birds in nonbreeding plumage are a chocolatey brown color.

Range

Great Cormorants are extremely wide spread with the species being found in North America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Australia. In North America they reside on the East Coast from Southeastern Canada all the way south to Florida and even the Gulf Coast.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Great Cormorants are specialists at hunting for and eating fish. They are known to specialize in bottom dwelling fish that they pull from crevices in rocks. They typically forage in shallower water under 50 feet in depth.

Where to Find This Bird

In the United States, look for Great Cormorants on rocky coasts in the states along the Atlantic Ocean. In particular, the more Northern States in New England are some of the places this species is most common.

Neotropic Cormorant (Rare)

Neotropic Cormorant – Photo by Alan Schmierer

Identification

Neotropic Cormorants are small members of the cormorant family. Adult birds are a shiny black color with white feathers on their head, back, and wings. They have a white triangle on the base of the bill known as a gular. Neotropic Cormorants have yellowish orange on the base of the bill and a turquoise colored eye. Juveniles are lighter in color overall, sporting brown coloration instead of black.

Range

Neotropic Cormorants live year-round in South America, Central America, much of Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. While much of the population is not migratory, some birds move north in spring and have a habit of turning up north of their normal range.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Neotropic Cormorants eat mostly fish, but will also consume insects, crustaceans, and amphibians. These birds are sight feeders and search for prey underwater where their streamlined bodies make them adept swimmers.

Where to Find This Bird

Neotropic Cormorants live in a wide variety of places including inland lakes, saltmarshes, and along ocean coastlines. They can often be seen perched in branches and other structures near water keeping watch for food.

For information on how to differentiate a Double-crested Cormorant from a Neotropic Cormorant click here to read an article on the subject or check out the video below.

Neotropic vs. Double-crested Cormorant

Birds that are Similar to Cormorants

There is one North American bird species that technically is not a cormorant, but is similar enough to include it on the list.

Anhinga (Rare)

Identification

Anhingas look extremely similar to cormorants with a long snake-like neck and a long pointed bill. They have longer tails than most cormorant species and show white on their wings. Overall, Anhingas are dark colored with dark brown to black bodies and lighter colored necks.

Range

Anhingas are year-round residents of the northern half of South America, the coasts of Central America and Mexico, and the southeastern coast of the continental United States. In summer, they move farther north and have a tendency to move pretty far north into the eastern United States.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Anhingas primarily feed on fish which they actively hunt for underwater and spear with their sharp, pointed bill. They will also eat crustaceans and other small invertebrates.

Where to Find This Bird

Anhingas can be found in areas with slow moving freshwater such as marshes, bayous, and general wetlands. Look for them drying their wings on perches or swimming in the water, sitting low mostly with just their head and neck above the waters surface.

Summary

Cormorants are unique, lanky birds that are a common sight near the water. 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.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding Youtube Channel.

Birds by State and Region

Grebes of Oregon (6 Species to Know)

January 16, 2024 rmsallmanngmailcom Leave a comment

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 Oregon, there are six 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 six species.

Clark’s Grebe

Identification

Clark’s Grebes have a gray to black back and wings, black on the back of their long neck, and a black crown. This crown has a somewhat crested appearance. They have a long yellow bill and a clean white underside and face. It’s important to note that the white on their face goes above their bright red eye as opposed to the extremely similar Western Grebe which has black over the eye.

Range

Clark’s Grebes are birds of the west with some living year-round in Mexico and parts of the United States. In the winter, they can be found along the west coast of the continental U.S., but in summer they travel farther inland, nesting in areas with slow moving fresh water in states such as Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and Wyoming among others.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Clark’s Grebes eat mostly fish which they catch by diving, but will also eat small vertebrates and many different invertebrates including insects and worms.

Where to Find This Bird

Clark’s Grebes can be found in different types of habitats during different times of the year. During the breeding season they can be found inland in freshwater lakes and ponds. In winter they move to the coasts in salt or brackish water.

Eared Grebe

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

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

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

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)

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 Oregon.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel.

Uncategorized

Grouse of Ohio (1 Species to Know)

January 15, 2024 rmsallmanngmailcom Leave a comment

Grouse are a particular group of game birds that are medium to large in size and are chicken-like in appearance. In North America, grouse have traditionally been hunted as a source of food, but to birders, they are desirable to find because of their unique qualities and beauty. While some grouse species are numerous, they can still prove to be elusive, and it’s always an adventure to try and find them.

In Ohio, there is one species that can be found in the state (the Ruffed Grouse). Here is everything you need to know about this species.

Ruffed Grouse

Identification

Ruffed Grouse male and females look similar in coloration with some slight differences. Overall, both males and females have a light-colored chest and underside, with dark and light brown barring and speckling. Their backs and wings are shades of brown with some white and darker markings mixed in. Ruffed Grouse have a crest on their head and during the breeding season, males will show black neck feathers as a display in addition to fanning their tails in a similar manor to a peacock.

Range

Ruffed Grouse can be found in the northern forests of North America. Their range encompasses most of Southern and Western Canada up into Alaska. In the United States, Ruffed Grouse live in the Midwest around the Great Lakes, in the Northeast, and some of the states in the Northwest such as Montana and Idaho, among others.

Diet and Foraging Behavior

Ruffed Grouse eat mostly plant matter with just a small amount of their diet consisting of insects. Typical fare for the Ruffed Grouse is leaves, buds, ferns, grass, acorns, fruits, and twigs of birch and aspen trees.

Where to Find this Bird

Ruffed Grouse can be very difficult to see as they live in dense woodlands and move very deliberately. Some of the best times to see them is during winter when they stand out more than in months when there isn’t snow. Another way to see Ruffed Grouse is by driving forest roads where they can sometimes be seen on the edge of the tree line of walking on the road, or by visiting a lek in the spring.

In researching which species of grouse live in Indiana I was surprised to stumble upon something of a controversy. Most recent reports of Ruffed Grouse in the state are from Yellowwood State Forest where there seemed to be a lot of debate over how many individual bids actually reside in the area. It seems that with enough searching the hardwood forests of Indiana they can be turned up but are very tough to find.

Summary

Grouse can be quite difficult to find, but they are certainly fascinating to see in the wild. If you are able to spot a grouse in Ohio, it will almost certainly be a Ruffed Grouse.

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and a comment. Also be sure to check out the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel.