Swans are iconic birds known for their elegance and grace. But did you know there are only 7 difference species of swans in the world, and only 3 species that breed in North America?
Swans that Breed in North America (3 Species)
These species regularly breed in North America and can be found in many different locations in the United States on an annual basis.
Trumpeter Swan
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.
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.
Horicon Marsh is a great place to see Trumpeter Swans in the summer.
Tundra Swan
Tundra Swan (Michael Schramm/USFWS)
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.
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
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.
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.
Swans that Occasionally Show Up in North America (1 Species)
Whooper Swan
Whooper Swan (Jura Tone Image)
Identification
The Whooper Swan is a large white swan with black legs, and a black and yellow bill, with the yellow extending to the eye.
Range
Whooper Swans are native in parts of Europe and Asia, but sometimes show up as vagrant birds in Alaska, Canada, and the Northwestern United States. Sometimes they also escape from farms and show up as a non-countable “exotic” species.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Whooper Swans feed on plant material such as roots, stems, leaves, and grasses. They can often be seen picking at vegetation on shore or with their backends up, feeding on water plants.
Find this Bird
Most Whooper Swans found in the United States will be escaped pets with the exception of those in Alaska, Canada, or the Northwestern United States. The circumstances of each individual siting should be evaluated as to where the bird originated from. In general, Swans are often only seen by bodies of water, and can be seen in the water or on the banks.
Swans that may be seen as Exotic Escaped Pets (3 Species)
Sometimes swans may escape from a zoo or as someone’s pet or farm animal. They can sometimes adapt to the environment and survive as exotics. If you see the following swans in the United States, they are likely an escaped exotic bird.
Black Swan
Black Swan (Photo by Jeff Hollett)
Identification
The Black Swan is a striking bird that can be identified by its all black body, and red bill with white near the tip.
Range
Black Swans are native to Australia but have show up in many other places as escaped pets or farm animals.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Black Swans feed mostly on plant material such as algae and aquatic vegetation.
Where to Find this Bird
Black Swans can be seen near bodies of water. Occasionally, escaped birds can be seen repeatedly in the same location. In North America, they are almost always escaped exotic birds.
Coscoroba Swan
Coscoroba Swan (Wildlife Terry Photo)
Identification
The smallest of the Swans, the Coscoroba Swan can be identified by its white body, and pinkish orange bill and feet.
Range
The Coscoroba Swan is endemic to Southern South America, but may show up in North America as an escaped pet.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Coscoroba Swans feed on mostly plant vegetation, insects, and fish.
Where to Find this Bird
In North America, keep an eye out for these birds as escaped pets or farm birds by parks, or really any area with water.
Black-necked Swan
Black-necked Swan (Wildlife Terry Photo)
Identification
Black-necked Swans are white with pink legs, a slate colored bill, black neck and head with white markings, and a red growth above their bill.
Range
Black-necked Swans are not native to North America, however some domesticated individuals have ended up at parks or urban ponds. Black-necked Swans are native to Southern South America.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Black-necked Swans feed mostly on aquatic vegetation, fish eggs, and insects.
Where to Find this Bird
Black-necked Swans can be found in swamps, lakes, rivers, or other large bodies of water. In North America, any sightings are likely of escaped pets or birds from farms or zoos.
Have you seen any of these swans before? Let us know in the comments below, and we hope you found this information helpful!
Loons are beautiful and majestic birds that spend almost their entire lives on the water. There are five species of loons in North America and three of them that can be found in Ohio with one being very common and the other two being more rare. Knowing where to find them and what to look for in terms of identification can be incredibly helpful in knowing which of the three species you are looking at in the field.
Common Loon
Common Loon – Photo by Alan SChmierer
Identification
In breeding plumage, Common Loons have a black back, wings, neck, and head with white checkerboard markings on the wings, and a white “necklace” marking. The black on the head and neck is iridescent and can show a green sheen in the right lighting. Common Loons have a white underside and some thin black striping on the neck going down the sides. In nonbreeding plumage, this species is dark gray brown on the back, wings, and top of the head. They also have white on the throat and underside. The species still displays the white necklace marking even in nonbreeding plumage.
Range
Common Loons are extremely wide spread throughout North America. In winter, they can be found wintering along the ocean coastlines of both the Atlantic and the Pacific. They winter as far south as Mexico and as far north as the Aleutian Islands. In spring, the birds wintering in the Southern parts of the continent move north into the Northern United States and most of Canada where they spend the summer.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Common Loons feed primarily on fish but will also eat crustaceans and aquatic invertebrates. They are extremely good at diving for food and can stay underwater for considerable amounts of time. While some species are ambush predators such as herons, Loons are active hunters as they are very agile swimmers.
Where to Find This Bird
As their name would suggest, Common Loons are in fact common in most parts of the United States and Canada at least for some portion of the year. During winter, this species can be seen on the ocean coastlines, while in spring they tend to appear on inland lakes and ponds. During their breeding season, look for Common Loons in deep, clear lakes in the boreal forests where they prefer plenty of plant cover along the shores.
Pacific Loon (Rare)
Pacific Loon – Photo by Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Identification
Pacific Loons are chunky birds with rather complex patterning when in breeding plumage. They have brownish black backs and wings with large white square-shaped markings along with white spots. They have a grayish head with a purplish front of the neck and white and black vertical stripes on the side of the neck. The underside of this species is white. In nonbreeding plumage, Pacific Loons are brownish gray with a white underside.
Range
The aptly named Pacific Loon winters all along the Pacific coast of the United States from Mexico to Alaska. In spring, they move to their breeding grounds in Northern Canada, Alaska, and Eastern Asia.
Diet and Foraging Habits
The vast majority of the Pacific Loon’s diet is comprised of fish. They will also eat crustaceans and aquatic invertebrates.
Where to Find This Bird
Look for Pacific Loons on the coastlines of the Pacific Ocean where they prefer areas with sandy bottoms as opposed to rocky bottoms. During breeding season, this species can be found in tundra ponds and lakes.
In Ohio, Pacific Loons are quite rare but a few of them usually turn up each year. The Cleveland area is one of the best places to find them.
Red-throated Loon
Red-throated Loon – Photo by Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Identification
In breeding plumage, Red-throated Loons have a grayish brown back and wings. Most of their head and neck is gray with white striping on the back of the neck going up to the top of the head. They have a deep red colored throat which is where they get their name from. In nonbreeding plumage, Red-throated Loons have a white throat and underside. They also have a dark brownish gray back and head with white speckles.
Range
Red-throated Loons winter on the coasts of the United States and Canada. They don’t typically make it too far into Mexico or the Gulf Coast but will winter as far north as Southern Alaska. In spring, they move north across the continent making appearances in large bodies of water such as the Great Lakes. They breed in Northern and Western Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and Eastern Asia.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Red-throated Loons eat a wide variety of fish and invertebrates including squid, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and marine worms. Like other loon species, these birds dive for their food and actively hunt small creatures below the surface.
In Ohio, the best place to find Red-throated Loons is usually in the Cleveland area, but they can be found other places along the shores of Lake Erie as well. November and December are the best times to find this species.
Summary
Loons are fascinating divers that provide nice variety among other water-dwelling birds. Knowing the species that are expected in your state and region can be instrumental in identifying which one you’re looking at in the field. Hopefully, this article has helped to answer some questions about the loons of Ohio.
Loons are beautiful and majestic birds that spend almost their entire lives on the water. There are five species of loons in North America and some of them overlap in range and general appearance. Knowing where to find them and what to look for in terms of identification can be incredibly helpful in knowing which of the five species you are looking at in the field.
Arctic Loon
Arctic Loon – Photo by Francesco Veronesi
Identification
In breeding plumage, Arctic Loons have black wings, a gray back of the neck and head, and a white underside. They have white markings on their wings, white vertical striping on the base of the neck and reddish purple coloration on the front of their neck. In nonbreeding plumage they are grayish brown on the top and white on the underside.
Range
Arctic Loons live throughout Europe and on the Eastern coasts of Asia. In North America, these birds can be found in Western Alaska and occasionally show up on the West coast of the United States, but these are rare occasions.
Diet and Foraging Habits
The diet of Arctic Loons vary depending on the season. In winter they eat mostly small fish, but in summer they eat more in addition to fish including crustaceans, insects, and aquatic invertebrates.
Where to Find This Bird
In North America, the only place to even somewhat have a chance to find this European Species is in Western Alaska along the coast line. Otherwise, chasing rare reports of this species along the Pacific coast of the United States is probably the best way to add this bird to your life list.
Common Loon
Common Loon – Photo by Alan SChmierer
Identification
In breeding plumage, Common Loons have a black back, wings, neck, and head with white checkerboard markings on the wings, and a white “necklace” marking. The black on the head and neck is iridescent and can show a green sheen in the right lighting. Common Loons have a white underside and some thin black striping on the neck going down the sides. In nonbreeding plumage, this species is dark gray brown on the back, wings, and top of the head. They also have white on the throat and underside. The species still displays the white necklace marking even in nonbreeding plumage.
Range
Common Loons are extremely wide spread throughout North America. In winter, they can be found wintering along the ocean coastlines of both the Atlantic and the Pacific. They winter as far south as Mexico and as far north as the Aleutian Islands. In spring, the birds wintering in the Southern parts of the continent move north into the Northern United States and most of Canada where they spend the summer.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Common Loons feed primarily on fish but will also eat crustaceans and aquatic invertebrates. They are extremely good at diving for food and can stay underwater for considerable amounts of time. While some species are ambush predators such as herons, Loons are active hunters as they are very agile swimmers.
Where to Find This Bird
As their name would suggest, Common Loons are in fact common in most parts of the United States and Canada at least for some portion of the year. During winter, this species can be seen on the ocean coastlines, while in spring they tend to appear on inland lakes and ponds. During their breeding season, look for Common Loons in deep, clear lakes in the boreal forests where they prefer plenty of plant cover along the shores.
Pacific Loon
Pacific Loon – Photo by Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Identification
Pacific Loons are chunky birds with rather complex patterning when in breeding plumage. They have brownish black backs and wings with large white square-shaped markings along with white spots. They have a grayish head with a purplish front of the neck and white and black vertical stripes on the side of the neck. The underside of this species is white. In nonbreeding plumage, Pacific Loons are brownish gray with a white underside.
Range
The aptly named Pacific Loon winters all along the Pacific coast of the United States from Mexico to Alaska. In spring, they move to their breeding grounds in Northern Canada, Alaska, and Eastern Asia.
Diet and Foraging Habits
The vast majority of the Pacific Loon’s diet is comprised of fish. They will also eat crustaceans and aquatic invertebrates.
Where to Find This Bird
Look for Pacific Loons on the coastlines of the Pacific Ocean where they prefer areas with sandy bottoms as opposed to rocky bottoms. During breeding season, this species can be found in tundra ponds and lakes.
Red-throated Loon
Red-throated Loon – Photo by Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Identification
In breeding plumage, Red-throated Loons have a grayish brown back and wings. Most of their head and neck is gray with white striping on the back of the neck going up to the top of the head. They have a deep red colored throat which is where they get their name from. In nonbreeding plumage, Red-throated Loons have a white throat and underside. They also have a dark brownish gray back and head with white speckles.
Range
Red-throated Loons winter on the coasts of the United States and Canada. They don’t typically make it too far into Mexico or the Gulf Coast but will winter as far north as Southern Alaska. In spring, they move north across the continent making appearances in large bodies of water such as the Great Lakes. They breed in Northern and Western Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and Eastern Asia.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Red-throated Loons eat a wide variety of fish and invertebrates including squid, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and marine worms. Like other loon species, these birds dive for their food and actively hunt small creatures below the surface.
Yellow-billed Loon
Yellow-billed Loon – Photo by Bureau of Land Management Alaska
Identification
In breeding plumage, Yellow-billed Loons have a black back, wings, and head, with white square markings on the back and wings. They have a white “necklace” marking, a pure white underside, and a large pale yellow bill. Nonbreeding plumage birds look extremely dull in comparison with a white underside and a grayish brown back, wings, and top of the head.
Range
Yellow-billed Loons winter along the Southwestern coasts of Alaska, the Western coast of Canada, and the Northwestern coast of the United States. In summer, they make their way to the Northern shores of Alaska and the high arctic of Northern Canada. Yellow-billed Loons do have a habit of showing up seemingly randomly in the continental United States where they are a rare visitor.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Yellow-billed Loons feed on fish, crustaceans, and insects when they are available in the warmer months. They find food by diving for it. Often times they can be seen dipping their head in clear water to look for food that they can catch.
Where to Find This Bird
Yellow-billed Loons can be found along coastal shores in winter and lakes on the tundra in summer. They don’t often spend time in the center of deep lakes but rather in more shallow areas.
Summary
Loons are fascinating divers that provide nice variety among other water-dwelling birds. Knowing the species that are expected in your state and region can be instrumental in identifying which one you’re looking at in the field. Hopefully, this article has helped to answer some questions about the loons of North America.
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.
The geese species below are grouped by those that can be found in Missouri every year, 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 are Annually found in Missouri (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.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
During spring, Canada Geese feed mostly on grasses, and during the fall and winter, they eat mostly seeds and berries.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Canada Geese near water, in open or grassy fields often in large flocks. They can also be found in and near urban ponds. Look for them flying overhead making the classic goose “honk” and flying in a “V” formation.
Listen to the Canada Goose Call – Jonathan Jongsma (CC by 3.0)
A flock of birds illustrating the “V” formation flight pattern (Mussi Katz photo)
Cackling Goose
Cackling Goose (front) with Canada Goose (behind)
Identification
Adult Cackling Geese look very similar to Canada Geese, but with some key identification differences. They have similar color patterns with a black head and neck, white cheek, brown back and sides, black feet and legs, with a white stomach and rump, however they are smaller (about Mallard duck sized) with a stubbier neck, steep forehead, and smaller, more triangular shaped bill. They will often flock with Canada Geese, along with other geese species. These flocks can be extremely large during migration.
The Cackling Goose spends winter in the central U.S. and Central America, with some populations near the East and West coasts. Their migratory route spans the central U.S. and west coast, and they migrate to northern North America to breed.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Cackling Geese feed mostly on plants and plant material such as grasses, sedges, seeds, and berries.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Cackling Geese near water, in open or grassy fields, and in mixed flocks. Also look for them flying overhead with other goose species, and keep an eye out for noticeable smaller birds, compared to Canada Geese.
Snow Goose
Snow Geese (2 blue morph left and 1 white morph, right) (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Blue morph Snow Goose (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Identification
Snow Geese are majestic birds that come in different color morphs. The adult white morph Snow Goose has an all white body, black wingtips, and a pinkish-orange bill with a black “grin patch”. A “grin patch” is a visible space between the upper and lower mandible of the bird seen when the bird’s bill is closed. A “blue morph” Snow Goose is the same size as the white morph with the same bill color, however the body is dark in coloration with variable amounts of white and darker colors along with a white head.
Range
Snow Geese breed in northern North America and migrate through much of North America. They winter in select areas of the United States and Central America, often in large flocks.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Snow Geese are vegetarians that feed on grasses, shrubs, seeds, berries and more. Sometimes they will eat entire plants.
Where to Find this Bird
Snow Geese can be found in large flocks, mixed in with Ross’s Geese, Canada geese, and Cackling Geese. They are often seen in or near water, or in fields. Keep an eye out for mixed flocks flying overhead in a “V” formation.
Ross’s Goose
Ross’s Goose (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Identification
Along with Snow Geese, Ross’s Geese also have multiple color morphs. Adult white morph Ross’s Geese have an all white body, black wingtips, and a pinkish-orange bill with a small or absent “grin patch”. A blue morph Ross’s Goose will be the same size as the white morph with the same bill color, however the body will be dark in coloration with variable amounts of white and darker colors along with a white head. A true blue morph Ross’s Goose is very rare, and many are actually hybrid Snow and Ross’s Geese. Keep on the lookout for signs of hybridization such as a bird with a small, triangular bill but a large, dark grin patch. Overall, Ross’s Geese will be smaller than Snow Geese with a smaller, triangular bill that has a gray-blue base, and a stubbier neck.
Range
Ross’s Geese breed in northern North America in colonies and migrate through much of central and western North America. They winter in select areas of the United States and Central America, often in large flocks.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Ross’s Geese are vegetarians that feed on grasses, shrubs, seeds, berries and more. Sometimes they will eat entire plants.
Where to Find this Bird
Ross’s Geese can be found in large flocks, mixed in with Snow Geese, Canada, and Cackling Geese. They are often seen in or near water, or in fields. Keep an eye out for mixed flocks flying overhead in a “V” formation.
Adult Greater White-fronted Geese (sometimes called Speckled Geese, or Speckle-belly Geese) are brown in color with a white rump, white stripe on their side, white forehead, black spots on their stomach and a bright pinkish-orange bill and legs. They can look similar to Greylag Geese, which are a domesticated species that can sometimes be seen in urban parks, but Greylag Geese will have a thicker bill, be larger and more stout, and have a striped neck.
Range
Greater White-fronted Geese breed in northern North America in colonies, and on the Alaskan tundra, and migrate through much of central and western North America. They winter in select areas of the western and southern United States and central America, often in large, mixed flocks.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Greater White-fronted Geese feed mostly on plant material such as grasses, berries, sedges, emergent vegetation, and tubers.
Where to Find this Bird
Greater White-fronted Geese can be found in large flocks, mixed in with Ross’s, Snow, Canada, and Cackling Geese. They are often seen in or near water, or in fields. Keep an eye out for mixed flocks flying overhead in a “V” formation.
Check out this video to see all 5 Goose species in their natural habitats
Geese that are Rare in Missouri (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.
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. Although they have never been confirmed in Missouri, they have been found in nearby states so keep an eye out for this rarity.
Watch us search for a Brant in Wisconsin, along with another rare bird, the Spotted Towhee
The Tundra Bean-goose can be identified by its brown head, grayish body, orange legs, orange marking on bill, and small size. They are closely related to the Taiga Bean-goose which looks similar. Some organizations deem them to be the same species.
Tundra Bean-geese is not native to the United States but they sometimes stray into North America. When they do, they are an extreme rarity.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Tundra Bean-Geese feed mostly on vegetation such as grasses and sedges.
Find this Bird
Tundra Bean-geese are extremely rare in Missouri, and there is only one record that occurred in 2022. 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 (4 Species)
These are birds that are not vagrant to North America but are likely escaped pets that may live year round in public spaces.
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.
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.
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.
Bar-headed Goose (Domestic)
Bar-headed Goose (Daniel Engelvin photo)
Identification
The Bar-headed Goose is quite striking, with its white head and neck strips, brown throat, gray back, white rump and chest, with tow black lines on its head, and an orange bill.
Range
Bar-headed 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. Bar-headed Geese are native to East and South Asia.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Bar-headed Geese are mostly herbivorous and feed mostly on grasses, seeds, tubers, and other plant material such as aquatic vegetation.
Find this Bird
Domesticated Bar-headed 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.
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 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.
The geese species below are grouped by those that can be found in Iowa every year, 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 are Annually found in Iowa (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.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
During spring, Canada Geese feed mostly on grasses, and during the fall and winter, they eat mostly seeds and berries.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Canada Geese near water, in open or grassy fields often in large flocks. They can also be found in and near urban ponds. Look for them flying overhead making the classic goose “honk” and flying in a “V” formation.
Listen to the Canada Goose Call – Jonathan Jongsma (CC by 3.0)
A flock of birds illustrating the “V” formation flight pattern (Mussi Katz photo)
Cackling Goose
Cackling Goose (front) with Canada Goose (behind)
Identification
Adult Cackling Geese look very similar to Canada Geese, but with some key identification differences. They have similar color patterns with a black head and neck, white cheek, brown back and sides, black feet and legs, with a white stomach and rump, however they are smaller (about Mallard duck sized) with a stubbier neck, steep forehead, and smaller, more triangular shaped bill. They will often flock with Canada Geese, along with other geese species. These flocks can be extremely large during migration.
The Cackling Goose spends winter in the central U.S. and Central America, with some populations near the East and West coasts. Their migratory route spans the central U.S. and west coast, and they migrate to northern North America to breed.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Cackling Geese feed mostly on plants and plant material such as grasses, sedges, seeds, and berries.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Cackling Geese near water, in open or grassy fields, and in mixed flocks. Also look for them flying overhead with other goose species, and keep an eye out for noticeable smaller birds, compared to Canada Geese.
Snow Goose
Snow Geese (2 blue morph left and 1 white morph, right) (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Blue morph Snow Goose (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Identification
Snow Geese are majestic birds that come in different color morphs. The adult white morph Snow Goose has an all white body, black wingtips, and a pinkish-orange bill with a black “grin patch”. A “grin patch” is a visible space between the upper and lower mandible of the bird seen when the bird’s bill is closed. A “blue morph” Snow Goose is the same size as the white morph with the same bill color, however the body is dark in coloration with variable amounts of white and darker colors along with a white head.
Range
Snow Geese breed in northern North America and migrate through much of North America. They winter in select areas of the United States and Central America, often in large flocks.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Snow Geese are vegetarians that feed on grasses, shrubs, seeds, berries and more. Sometimes they will eat entire plants.
Where to Find this Bird
Snow Geese can be found in large flocks, mixed in with Ross’s Geese, Canada geese, and Cackling Geese. They are often seen in or near water, or in fields. Keep an eye out for mixed flocks flying overhead in a “V” formation.
Ross’s Goose
Ross’s Goose (Bill Grossmeyer photo)
Identification
Along with Snow Geese, Ross’s Geese also have multiple color morphs. Adult white morph Ross’s Geese have an all white body, black wingtips, and a pinkish-orange bill with a small or absent “grin patch”. A blue morph Ross’s Goose will be the same size as the white morph with the same bill color, however the body will be dark in coloration with variable amounts of white and darker colors along with a white head. A true blue morph Ross’s Goose is very rare, and many are actually hybrid Snow and Ross’s Geese. Keep on the lookout for signs of hybridization such as a bird with a small, triangular bill but a large, dark grin patch. Overall, Ross’s Geese will be smaller than Snow Geese with a smaller, triangular bill that has a gray-blue base, and a stubbier neck.
Range
Ross’s Geese breed in northern North America in colonies and migrate through much of central and western North America. They winter in select areas of the United States and Central America, often in large flocks.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Ross’s Geese are vegetarians that feed on grasses, shrubs, seeds, berries and more. Sometimes they will eat entire plants.
Where to Find this Bird
Ross’s Geese can be found in large flocks, mixed in with Snow Geese, Canada, and Cackling Geese. They are often seen in or near water, or in fields. Keep an eye out for mixed flocks flying overhead in a “V” formation.
Adult Greater White-fronted Geese (sometimes called Speckled Geese, or Speckle-belly Geese) are brown in color with a white rump, white stripe on their side, white forehead, black spots on their stomach and a bright pinkish-orange bill and legs. They can look similar to Greylag Geese, which are a domesticated species that can sometimes be seen in urban parks, but Greylag Geese will have a thicker bill, be larger and more stout, and have a striped neck.
Range
Greater White-fronted Geese breed in northern North America in colonies, and on the Alaskan tundra, and migrate through much of central and western North America. They winter in select areas of the western and southern United States and central America, often in large, mixed flocks.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Greater White-fronted Geese feed mostly on plant material such as grasses, berries, sedges, emergent vegetation, and tubers.
Where to Find this Bird
Greater White-fronted Geese can be found in large flocks, mixed in with Ross’s, Snow, Canada, and Cackling Geese. They are often seen in or near water, or in fields. Keep an eye out for mixed flocks flying overhead in a “V” formation.
Check out this video to see all 5 Goose species in their natural habitats
Geese that are Rare in Iowa (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.
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
The Tundra Bean-goose can be identified by its brown head, grayish body, orange legs, orange marking on bill, and small size. They are closely related to the Taiga Bean-goose which looks similar. Some organizations deem them to be the same species.
Tundra Bean-geese is not native to the United States but they sometimes stray into North America. When they do, they are an extreme rarity.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Tundra Bean-Geese feed mostly on vegetation such as grasses and sedges.
Find this Bird
Tundra Bean-geese are extremely rare in Iowa, and there is only one record that occurred in 2022. 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 (4 Species)
These are birds that are not vagrant to North America but are likely escaped pets that may live year round in public spaces.
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.
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.
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.
Bar-headed Goose (Domestic)
Bar-headed Goose (Daniel Engelvin photo)
Identification
The Bar-headed Goose is quite striking, with its white head and neck strips, brown throat, gray back, white rump and chest, with tow black lines on its head, and an orange bill.
Range
Bar-headed 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. Bar-headed Geese are native to East and South Asia.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Bar-headed Geese are mostly herbivorous and feed mostly on grasses, seeds, tubers, and other plant material such as aquatic vegetation.
Find this Bird
Domesticated Bar-headed 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.
Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!
Bluebirds are affable members of the thrush family named for their coloration. There are three species of bluebirds native to North America, each with a different coloration, range, and habitat preferences.
Eastern Bluebird
Male Eastern Bluebird
Identification
Male Eastern Bluebirds have a sky blue back, wings, tail, and head. They have a reddish orange chest and underside as well as a very faint eye ring. Females have a grayish colored head with blue wings and a darker orange underside with a more noticeable eye ring. Both males and females have white on their underside near their legs.
Range
Eastern Bluebirds live year-round in parts of Mexico, Central America, and the Southeastern United States. In summer, many of them move north into the Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Habits
The diet of Eastern Bluebird varies depending on the time of the year. When insects are available, they make up an extremely large part of their diet. Other times of the year this species eats an array of fruits.
Where to Find This Bird
Eastern Bluebirds can be found around open spaces near edge habitat. Prairies, fields, and pastures are all places where this species can be found regularly in addition to more forested areas as well as around ponds.
Badgerland Birding searches for Eastern Bluebirds
Mountain Bluebird
Mountain Bluebird
Identification
Male Mountain Bluebirds are bright blue with a white under-tail, and lighter coloration on their lower underside. Females are blueish gray with brighter blue on their tail and wings. Both males and females have a light eye ring.
Range
Mountain Bluebirds are a species of Western North America with a wintering range that dips into Mexico, and a summertime range that reaches into the heart of Alaska. They can be found year round in states such as California, Utah, and Nevada, among others.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Mountain Bluebirds are mostly insectivorous and eat a variety of small invertebrates including grasshoppers, caterpillars, and spiders. They will also eat berries and other fruits including those of sumac and mistletoe.
Where to Find This Bird
Mountain Bluebirds can be found in open spaces such as the edges of prairies and fields. They can also be found in higher elevation places such as mountainsides and coniferous woodlands.
Badgerland Birding searches for a female Mountain Bluebird outside of its normal range
Western Bluebird
Western Bluebird – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
Male Western Bluebirds have a deep blue color on their head, wings, and tail. They have burnt orange on their chest, sides, and back just behind the neck. Females are blueish gray with brighter blue on the wings and tail. They have lighter orange on the chest and sides. Both males and females have an eye ring but females have an eye ring that is more noticeable.
Range
Western Bluebirds have two operate ranges in North America. One population spans from Mexico to the very southern portion of Colorado. Another population resides in Baja California all the way up to Southwestern Canada. Some birds in both populations stay in the same area year round while others move north for the breeding months.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Much of the Western Bluebird’s diet consist of insects and spiders. However, they will also eat certain types of fruits including blackberries, raspberries, chokecherries, and more.
Where to Find This Bird
Western Bluebirds live in conifer and mixed conifer woodlands including pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine habitats. They are most comfortable in woodlands that are more open and have no qualms about living in ares that have been cleared or burned. This species can also be found along forest edges.
Summary
Bluebirds are typically birds that people are happy to see and happy to have in their yards. Knowing more about the species that are expected in your area can be instrumental in finding and identifying them. Hopefully, this article has helped to answer some questions about the bluebirds of North America.
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 Wisconsin.
American Golden-plover
American golden-plover in breeding plumage (Peter Pearsall Photo)
American Golden-plover in nonbreeding plumage (Alan Schmierer Photo)
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
Black-bellied Plover in breeding plumage (under the same moon Photo CC by 2.0)
Black-bellied Plover in nonbreeding plumage (Susan Young Photo)
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
Killdeer (Tom Koerner Photo)
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
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.
In Wisconsin, there are islands that Piping Plovers breed on, but many of these areas are restricted. A few of them typically show up along Lake Michigan each year, but with more and more reports being hidden as people don’t want others disturbing the nests. As a result, they are becoming increasingly difficult to locate.
Semipalmated Plover
Semipalmated Plover in breeding plumage (Ryan Sallmann Photo)
Semipalmated Plover in nonbreeding plumage (Ryan Sallmann photo)
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 fund on inland lakes and sandbars.
In Wisconsin, Semipalmated Plovers are reliably found along Lake Michigan. I have always had success finding them along the beaches in Milwaukee.
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.
Vultures are large birds of prey that normally have a head or neck that is often devoid of feathers. Due to their habits of feeding on carrion, they have gotten a bad reputation, however their ecological niche is valuable and they are quite interesting birds. There are three different vulture species that can be found in North America. The Turkey Vulture is migratory and can be found in more parts of North America during the spring, summer, and fall, and Black Vulture is a permanent resident of southern and eastern areas of North America. The California Condor is non-migratory and can only be found in select areas. There are not any wild vultures that are commonly found in Hawaii, but here are the three that can be found in North America.
Vultures of North America
Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vulture (Cape Hatteras National Seashore Photo)
Turkey Vulture in flight (Brad Sutton Photo)
Identification
The Turkey Vulture is a large brown bird with a pinkish head that is featherless. In flight, the trailing edge of the wings will show white feathers, with the rest of the underside of the bird being brown. Turkey Vulture will often be seen soaring overhead, or perched on cliffs or other tall structures. They can also be seen near roadsides feeding on carrion.
Range
In North America, Turkey Vultures can be seen in southern states and central America year round. They move into northern states and Southern Canada during the summer.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Turkey Vultures feed mostly on dead prey such as roadkill or carrion. It is said that Turkey Vultures will never attack live prey. They serve as a valuable “clean-up crew” in the ecosystems they inhabit.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Turkey Vultures soaring overhead or perching up on high structures such as signs, power lines, cliffs, or tall trees. They will often roost or feed in groups. Also keep an eye out for these birds feeding in open areas or roadsides.
Black Vulture in flight (cuatrok77 photo – CC by 2.0)
Identification
Black Vultures look similar to turkey vultures except they have an all black head and appear to have white/gray wingtips when viewed from below, as opposed to white on the trailing wing edge, among other features.
Learn how to differentiate Black Vultures from Turkey Vultures
Range
The Black Vulture can be found in many southern and southeastern states in the U.S. as well as in Central America. They are often seen as vagrants in more northern states in the U.S.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Much like the Turkey Vulture, Black Vultures will feed on roadkill and carrion, often large mammals. However, unlike the Turkey Vulture, they have also been known to eat weak, or dying live prey.
Where to Find this Bird
Black Vultures can be seen soaring overhead, or perched on powerlines, snags, cliffs, or on other tall structures. They can also sometimes be seen in mixed groups of other raptors such as Turkey Vultures.
California Condor
California Condor (Scott Flaherty Photo – CC by 2.0)
California Condor in flight (USFWS Photo)
Identification
The largest wild birds in North America, California Condors also have a striking appearance to go along with their large size. Adults have an orange-yellow, featherless head, with black wings and white wing patches that can be seen on the underside of their wings. Juveniles will have a darker colored head.
Range
California Condors were once thought to have roamed all over North America, however their population declined throughout the 1900s, so much so that all wild condors were captured in the 1980s. The 27 remaining birds were put into captive breeding programs. Birds were bred and released back into the wild successfully and by 2016, the total population was up to 446 birds. California Condors were released into California, and Arizona, with the Arizona population expanding into Utah and Nevada. These populations are non-migratory although one or two birds may stray away from time to time.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
California Condors feed on carrion, including terrestrial and marine mammals.
Where to Find this Bird
California Condors can only be found in select areas and are most easily seen soaring. Keep an eye out for tags on their wings indicating an individual bird. The Grand Canyon and other breathtaking, dry landscapes in California, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada are the best places to find condors. Look for recent reports on eBird to locate where certain individuals were last seen.
Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!
Vultures are large birds of prey that normally have a head or neck that is often devoid of feathers. Due to their habits of feeding on carrion, they have gotten a bad reputation, however their ecological niche is valuable and they are quite interesting birds. There is one vulture species that can be reliably found in North Dakota: The Turkey Vulture. Turkey Vultures are common, and can be seen in the spring, summer, and fall. Another vulture species, the Black Vulture, which is more of a southern species, has never shown up in North Dakota, but theoretically could, so it’s important to know about them as well.
Vultures of North Dakota
Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vulture (Cape Hatteras National Seashore Photo)
Turkey Vulture in flight (Brad Sutton Photo)
Identification
The Turkey Vulture is a large brown bird with a pinkish head that is featherless. In flight, the trailing edge of the wings will show white feathers, with the rest of the underside of the bird being brown. Turkey Vultures will often be seen soaring overhead, or perched on cliffs or other tall structures. They can also be seen near roadsides feeding on carrion.
Range
In North America, Turkey Vultures can be seen in southern states and central America year round. They move into northern states and Southern Canada during the summer. The Turkey Vulture can normally be seen in North Dakota during the spring, summer, and fall.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Turkey Vultures feed mostly on dead prey such as roadkill or carrion. It is said that Turkey Vultures will never attack live prey. They serve as a valuable “clean-up crew” in the ecosystems they inhabit.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Turkey Vultures soaring overhead or perching up on high structures such as signs, power lines, cliffs, or tall trees. They will often roost or feed in groups. Also keep an eye out for these birds feeding in open areas or roadsides.
Black Vulture (Has Never Shown Up in North Dakota But Might One Day)
Black Vulture in flight (cuatrok77 photo – CC by 2.0)
Identification
Black Vultures look similar to turkey vultures except they have an all black head and appear to have white/gray wingtips when viewed from below, as opposed to white on the trailing wing edge, among other features.
Learn how to differentiate Black Vultures from Turkey Vultures
Range
The Black Vulture can be found in many southern and southeastern states in the U.S. as well as in Central America. They are often seen as vagrants in more northern states in the U.S.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Much like the Turkey Vulture, Black Vultures will feed on roadkill and carrion, often large mammals. However, unlike the Turkey Vulture, they have also been known to eat weak, or dying live prey.
Where to Find this Bird
Black Vultures can be seen soaring overhead, or perched on powerlines, snags, cliffs, or on other tall structures. They can also sometimes be seen in mixed groups of other raptors such as Turkey Vultures. They have never been documented in North Dakota but could show up one day.
Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!
Vultures are large birds of prey that normally have a head or neck that is often devoid of feathers. Due to their habits of feeding on carrion, they have gotten a bad reputation, however their ecological niche is valuable and they are quite interesting birds. There is one vulture species that can be reliably found in Idaho: The Turkey Vulture. Turkey Vultures are common, and can be seen in the spring, summer, and fall.
Vultures of Idaho
Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vulture (Cape Hatteras National Seashore Photo)
Turkey Vulture in flight (Brad Sutton Photo)
Identification
The Turkey Vulture is a large brown bird with a pinkish head that is featherless. In flight, the trailing edge of the wings will show white feathers, with the rest of the underside of the bird being brown. Turkey Vultures will often be seen soaring overhead, or perched on cliffs or other tall structures. They can also be seen near roadsides feeding on carrion.
Range
In North America, Turkey Vultures can be seen in southern states and central America year round. They move into northern states and Southern Canada during the summer. The Turkey Vulture can normally be seen in Idaho during the spring, summer, and fall.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
Turkey Vultures feed mostly on dead prey such as roadkill or carrion. It is said that Turkey Vultures will never attack live prey. They serve as a valuable “clean-up crew” in the ecosystems they inhabit.
Where to Find this Bird
Look for Turkey Vultures soaring overhead or perching up on high structures such as signs, power lines, cliffs, or tall trees. They will often roost or feed in groups. Also keep an eye out for these birds feeding in open areas or roadsides.
Which of these species have you seen? Leave a comment below and thanks for reading!
