One of the most exciting moments in birding, is hearing news that a rare bird is nearby, and being able to try and see it. This was the case, when news broke that American Flamingos had made their way to Wisconsin, which was improbable, but not impossible. Earlier in the year, hurricane Idalia had pushed American Flamingos into the United States from further south, and they had been seen in Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Louisiana, and more. Although it was a possibility that they could show up in the badger state, it didn’t seem likely based on how far northwest Wisconsin is, until it actually happened. The Flamingos had been spotted on the coast of Lake Michigan in a town called Port Washington, which is just north of Milwaukee.
American Flamingo Range Map
I started the drive to Port Washington, and picked up my friend Nathaniel along the way. As we got closer we counted down the minutes until we would have a chance of seeing wild flamingos on Lake Michigan.
We arrived to a busy parking lot, and an array of birders and non-birders taking in the strange sight of these unique birds. As we laid eyes on them it almost seemed unbelievable. With so many people, it felt like one of the festivals the Lake Michigan coast is known for, but this time not Summerfest, rather Flamingo Fest.
The 5 Wisconsin Flamingos
Adult American Flamingos are pink in color with black wingtips, a distinctive downturned bill, a long neck, and long legs. Flamingos are born gray and white, and only get their pink coloration from their diet of algae, shrimp, and other small crustaceans, after about 2 years. Adults are around 5 feet tall and Flamingos are normally seen in groups. Their native range extends from the Caribbean to northern South America, and they are often seen wading in the shallow waters of saltwater or brackish coasts. When feeding they will drop their head into the water and sway it from side to side, pumping water in and out of their bill to filter out food. This action may be accompanied by foot stomping, in order to bring more food to the surface. In the Wisconsin group, there were two younger birds still showing their gray color, which was quite a contrast in comparison to the pink adult birds.
A Young American Flamingo Displaying Gray Coloration
In-between capturing photos and videos and appreciating this incredible site, we also caught up with some of our other friends who had also made the trip to see the birds. The crowd continued to grow and many of the local news outlets also showed up to cover the story.
My Video About Seeing Wild Flamingos In Wisconsin
Eventually, after watching the Flamingos for about 2 and 1/2 hours, and talking to multiple news outlets, we decided to head out, feeling really excited about seeing the Flamingos in Port Washington.
Close-up of an American Flamingo
Later in the day, it was reported that the Flamingos eventually flew south, but a number of days later they were re-found at Petenwell Lake in Wisconsin. As the weather cools, it is hoped that their instincts will kick in and they will fly south, hopefully to a warmer climate with an abundance of food. As of now, they seem to be in good health and are finding enough to eat. If they do not leave as winter approaches, an attempt will likely be made to catch and relocate them. The appearance of these birds has made a huge impact on the birding and non-birding community, and hopefully seeing them will inspire more people to learn about birds and bird conservation. Where do you think Flamingos will show up next? Let us know in the comments below!
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 Delaware, there are three nightjar species that can be found in the state. Knowing what these species look like, sound like, and some of their habits can be instrumental in knowing which one you have encountered.
Chuck-will’s-widow
Chuck-will’s-widow – Photo by Susan Young
Identification
Chuck-will’s-widows are camouflaged to look just like a tree branch with a base gray to brown color with darker and lighter patches of color mixed in. They have a short, flat, appearance with large eyes and a small bill. Males have light bands of color on their tail that are visible in flight.
Range
Chuck-will’s-widows are classic southern bird species that spend their summers in the Southeastern United States and can be found year-round in Southern Florida. Chuck-will’s-widows migrate south for the winter, residing in Eastern Mexico, Central America, Cuba, and Northeastern South America.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Chuck-will’s-widows are nocturnal hunters that feed primarily on insects, but have also been known to eat small birds and bats.
Where to Find This Bird
Chuck-will’s-widows can be found in scrubby or forested areas across there normal range. They are best found by listening for their call which sounds like they are saying their own name: “Chuck-will’s-widow.”
In Wisconsin, this species is quite rare, but they have been known to make their way into the state on occasion.
Common Nighthawk
Common Nighthawk – Photo by USFWS Mountain-Prairie
Identification
Common Nighthawks are compact looking birds with brown, gray, and tan mottled patterning on their back, head, and wings. They have brown stripes on their lighter colored underside, large eyes, and a small bill. Some characteristic markings of Common Nighthawks are white on the wings and under the chin.
Range
Common Nighthawks winter in South America and migrate north in spring. They are widespread across the United States and Canada but do not usually go as far north as Alaska. This species also summers in Western Mexico and lives year-round in Cuba and the surrounding islands.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Common Nighthawks feed on flying insects which they catch out of the air. They often feed near streetlights and other sources of light during the night that are attractors for insects. This species also feeds during the later parts of the daytime as well as the night.
Where to Find This Bird
Common Nighthawks can be found most easily by watching for them during migration when they can sometimes be seen in large numbers flying over during the late afternoon and early evening. Other ways to see these birds are to look out for them near large lights such as street lights and stadiums where they will be looking to feed on insects that are attracted to the lights. Even if it’s dark out, listen for the sharp “beer” call of these birds to know that they are around.
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Eastern Whip-poor-will – Photo by Susan Young
Identification
Eastern Whip-poor-wills are a base brown color with lighter tan, gray, and darker brown mottling, making this species look like a log or tree branch. They have darker barring on a light underside, large eyes, and a small somewhat downturned bill.
Range
Eastern Whip-poor-wills winter in Central America, Eastern Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. In spring, they move north to their breeding areas in most of the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. There are some parts of the Eastern United States that Eastern Whip-poor-wills migrate through but do not spend the summer in.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Eastern Whip-poor-wills feed on insects. They will leave their perches to catch moths, beetles, and other flying insects out of the air and then return to the same perch. Since this species has a surprisingly large mouth, they can eat insects that are fairly sizable.
Where to Find This Bird
Eastern Whip-poor-wills can be found in forests close to more open areas such as fields. The best way to find them is to go out at night and listen for their namesake “whip-poor-will” call.
Summary
Nightjars are enigmatic and mysterious birds that aren’t often seen due to their nocturnal nature. Knowing the species that are expected in your state can be instrumental in identifying which one you are looking at or hearing. Hopefully, this article has helped in answering some questions about the nightjars of Delaware.
Grosbeaks are birds that are known for their sturdy looking build and thick bill. While they all share a similar appearance, grosbeaks are actually comprised of birds from two separate groupings. Out of five species of grosbeaks that live in the continental United States , three of them are technically in the cardinal family along with birds like tanagers, and the other two are in the finch family.
In Wisconsin there are four species that can be found on an annual basis with some being extremely common and others being a bit tougher to find.
Grosbeaks in the Finch Family
Evening Grosbeak
Male Evening Grosbeak
Identification
Evening Grosbeaks are an extremely bright looking species. Males have electric yellow undersides, backs, and markings on their head just above the eye. They have black wings, a black tail, clean white wing patches, and an extremely thick bill. Females and immature birds are mostly gray with a yellow nape, black wings, and a black tail with white patches on them.
Range
The Evening Grosbeak’s range is somewhat misleading. They are year round residents of Southern Canada and some parts of the Western United States. Most maps show their wintering range covering most of Michigan, Wisconsin, and New England, but through my experience, most winters Evening Grosbeaks only inhabit the most northern parts of these areas. Evening Grosbeaks do have years in which they fly farther South during winter but in recent years they have not irrupted in the same way that records from the past show. Additionally, the range of this species seems to be receding farther north into Canada each year.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Evening Grosbeaks have different diets depending on the time of year. During summer, they feed primarily on insects and other invertebrates, most notably spruce budworm larva. Other times of the year, Evening Grosbeaks eat various types of seeds including seeds from fruits.
Where to Find This Bird
Evening Grosbeaks can be found in conifer forests. They also can be found near bird feeders in their native range.
In Wisconsin, one of the most reliable places to find Evening Grosbeaks are the bird feeders in the small northern town of Alvin. They can also be found in other small towns and homes in the Northern part of the state.
Badgerland Birding searches for an Evening Grosbeak in Milwaukee, WI
Pine Grosbeak
Male Pine Grosbeak
Identification
Male Pine Grosbeaks are a rosy reddish pink color with dark gray wings, two white wing bars, and a gray under tail. Females and immature males are mostly gray with yellow to orange coloration on the head, back, rump, and sometimes the chest. It’s worth noting that Pine Grosbeaks vary slightly in color based on region.
Range
Pine Grosbeaks live year round in the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. In North America, this species breeds in the forests of Canada along with some parts of the continental United States and Alaska. In winter, Pine Grosbeaks move south into states in the Midwest and Northeast.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Pine Grosbeaks primarily feed on fruits and seeds, but will also eat insects and other invertebrates when available.
Where to Find This Bird
To find Pine Grosbeaks, one must go to where their food source is. They show up at bird feeders as well as places with fruit trees. In winter, remaining crabapples and other ornamental trees are big draws for this species. Some places that often plant these types of trees are cemeteries and school campuses.
Grosbeaks in the Cardinal Family
Blue Grosbeak (Rare)
Blue Grosbeak – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Identification
As their name suggests, male Blue Grosbeaks are a deep blue color. They have a gray bill, small black mask, and two rusty wing bars. Females and immature males are orangey brown with faint wing bars still visible.
Range
Blue Grosbeaks spend the winter in Central America and Mexico. Some of them stay in Mexico year-round while others move north into the United States where they can be found in the southern states as well as the Great Plains States for the duration of the summer.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Blue Grosbeaks eat a combination of insects and seeds. They will also eat other invertebrates such as spiders and snails.
Where to Find This Bird
Blue Grosbeaks are most at home in open areas such as scrub and desert. They are also fond of edge habitats where they can hide in trees and thickets while singing.
In Wisconsin, Blue Grosbeaks are rare but a few of them typically turn up annually. Spring Green Preserve in Sauk County is a great place to them.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Identification
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are dapper looking birds with a thick bill. Males have a black head, back, tail and wings with white markings also appearing on the wings. They have a white underside with their most noticeable feature appearing on their chest: A namesake bright red marking. Females have a mottled brown back with a yellowish underside and a white eye brow stripe.
Range
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks migrate annually from Northern South America, Central America, and Southern Mexico into the Eastern United States. In summer, they end up in the Northeastern U.S. and parts of Southern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks feed on different food items depending on the time of the year. During spring and summer, insects make up a large portion of their diet. While in fall, berries and other fruits become more of a staple. They will also eat seeds and other plant matter.
Where to Find This Bird
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks live in a variety of habitats including deciduous and mixed conifer woods, forest edges, areas with streams and other water sources, and in backyards. They will also visit both seed and fruit bird feeders, so this is a species that can be attracted to parks, backyards, and nature centers.
Summary
Grosbeaks are beautiful and popular birds to both birders and backyard bird lovers. Knowing more about the species that are expected in your area can be instrumental in finding and identifying them, especially since they have such irregular migratory patterns. Hopefully, this article has helped to answer some questions about the grosbeaks of Wisconsin.
Kingfishers are fascinating birds that specialize in catching and eating fish. There are a handful of different kingfisher species in North America, but only one species that can be found in Wisconsin. Here is everything you need to know about that species.
Belted Kingfisher
Male Belted Kingfisher (Photo by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Southwest Region)
Female Belted Kingfisher (Photo by USFWS Midwest Region)
Identification
Belted Kingfishers are short, compact birds with large pointed bills. Males are grayish blue with a large crest, a white underside, and a grayish blue band across their chest. Females look similar to the males but have rust on their sides and a second band (rust colored) underneath the blue chest band. Both males and females have a white spot near their eye on each side of the head.
Range
Belted Kingfishers winter in Northern South America, Central America, Mexico, and the Southern United States. In spring they migrate north throughout most on the United States, Canada, and Alaska where they spend the summer. Some Belted Kingfishers stay in the Northern United States year round provided there is open water.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Belted Kingfishers are primarily fish-eaters, choosing to eat fish that are on the medium to small side such as sticklebacks and various minnows. They find and catch prey by sitting high on a perch and scanning for fish by sight. Once they spot something they want, they dive in head first and use their bill to grab onto the food item. In addition to fish, Belted Kingfishers will also eat amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and small mammals.
Where to Find This Bird
Belted Kingfishers can be found near water including rivers, ponds, streams, and lakes. Clear water is most optimal for kingfishers as they need to be able to see prey in order to catch it. Listen for this species rattling call and look for them swooping low as they fly from perch to perch.
Summary
Kingfishers are unique birds that occupy a very specific niche in the ecosystem. With just one species living in Wisconsin, any encounter with one of these vibrant and energetic birds is sure to be a Belted Kingfisher. Hopefully this post has helped answer some of your questions about the Kingfishers of Wisconsin.
Orioles are beautiful birds well known for their bright coloration. There are many different oriole species that live in North America and two of them are regular visitors to Wisconsin. Here is everything you need to know about these two species.
Baltimore Oriole
Male Baltimore Oriole – Photo by USFWS Midwest Region
Female Baltimore Oriole – Photo by Judith Jackson
Identification
Male Baltimore Orioles have a bright orange chest, underside, tail, and patch on the shoulder. They have black wings with white wing bars and a black hood extending slightly into the upper chest. Females are slightly less colorful with a yellowish orange body and gray wings with white wing bars.
Range
Baltimore Orioles spend the winter in Northern South America, Central America, Southern Mexico and much of Florida. In spring they migrate north and summer throughout the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Baltimore Orioles eat a variety of foods and their diet varies seasonally. In spring and fall they readily feed on fruit and nectar but during summer they feed primarily on protein rich food items such as insects and other invertebrates. Baltimore Orioles are known to come to bird feeders if jelly or orange slices are placed out and may even come to hummingbird feeders.
It’s worth noting that there is debate over whether or not jelly is good for birds due to the high sugar content.
Where to Find This Bird
Look for Baltimore Orioles high up in deciduous trees. They prefer more open areas such as edge habitat and small groves of trees to thick forests. Also keep an eye out for orioles at bird feeding stations. To attract them, orange slices are often enough to entice them in.
Orchard Oriole
Male Orchard Oriole
Female Orchard Oriole – Photo by Andrew Weitzel
Identification
Adult male Orchard Orioles are a deep burnt orange color with a black head, back, wings, and tail. They have white edging on some of their wing feathers. Female Orchard Orioles are yellow with dark gray wings and look vastly different than the adult males.
Range
Orchard Orioles winter in Northern South America, Central America, and Southern Mexico. In spring, they start their migration north with their range expanding into much of the Eastern United States and a small portion of South-central Canada. Some part of the population summers in North-central Mexico.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Orchard Orioles eat many different types of foods including insects, fruit, and nectar. They have been known to dip their heads into flowers, feed at hummingbird feeders, and even priece certain types of flowers to get a meal.
Where to Find This Bird
Orchard Orioles are at home in open areas such as oak savannas, forest edges, and woodlands near prairies. They typically reside in the tree tops where it is sometimes easier to hear them than it is to see them. Listen for this species’ melodic song that sounds somewhat similar to an American Robin or Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Summary
Orioles are bright and exciting birds to see while out birding or while watching your bird feeder. Knowing which species to expect in your region can be incredibly useful in identifying these charismatic birds. Hopefully, this article has helped to answer some of your questions about the orioles of Wisconsin.
Bluebirds are affable members of the thrush family named for their coloration. There are three species of bluebirds native to North America, and two species that can be found in Wisconsin with one being common and the other being a very rare visitor. Here is everything you need to know about the bluebirds of Wisconsin.
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 (Rare)
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.
In Wisconsin, Mountain Bluebirds occasionally show up but are by no means annual. Most sightings of them occur in the Western part of the state.
Badgerland Birding searches for a female Mountain Bluebird outside of its normal range
Summary
Bluebirds are typically birds that people are happy to see. 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 Wisconsin.
Pelicans are very unique birds that are typically found around the water. They are of cultural significance in many parts of the United States and are even represented in professional sports with the NBA’s New Orleans pelicans.
In the United States there are two different species of pelicans, but in Wisconsin, only one species can be found on an annual basis. Here is everything you need to know about that species.
American White Pelican
American White Pelican
Identification
American White Pelicans are large birds with long bills ranging from pink, to yellow, to orange in color. They have a white body with black wing tips and are most well-known for their throat pouch used to catch and hold fish. American White Pelicans often fly together in large groups and create v-shaped formations similar to Canada Geese.
Range
American White Pelicans winter along the southern ocean coasts of the United States as well as most of Mexico. In Spring they move north into the Central and Western United States as well as some parts of Southern Canada.
Diet and Foraging Habits
American White Pelicans primarily feed on fish. However, they are incredibly opportunistic and are known to try and eat almost anything that will fit in their mouth including invertebrates, amphibians, and even medium sized birds and mammals.
Where to Find This Bird
American White Pelicans can be found in shallow waters such as ponds and marshes where they breed during the summer months. This species can often be seen foraging and traveling in large groups meaning that if they are around they are quite noticeable.
In Wisconsin, there are many different places to find American White Pelicans including Horicon Marsh, along the Mississippi River, and the Green Bay area. In fact, some American White Pelicans typically stay in Green Bay year round.
Summary
Pelicans are fascinating and unique birds that aren’t quite like other species. 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.
While many different bird species are migratory, some species do it a little differently. An irruption is an influx of a certain species into an area (typically the lower 48 states) usually caused by a lack or an abundance of food in a certain region. In Wisconsin, there are 11 species that are typically regarded as “irruptive” species. The movements of these birds are tracked and predicted by specialists who look at conifer cone crops, and forecast the movements of these birds. Here are the 11 irruptive species that make it into Wisconsin.
Finches
Out of the 11 irruptive species in the Eastern United States, many of them are finches. Finches usually travel in flocks, and in an irruption year can arrive in new locations in large numbers.
Common Redpoll
Male Common Redpoll
Identification
The Common Redpoll is a compact finch species with a small, stubby, pointed yellow bill. They have a brown back streaked with cream coloration, black above and below their bill, and a red patch on their head. Males have a rosy wash on their chest and flanks along with some streaking on their sides. Females and immature birds do not have noticeable red wash but do have dark streaking on their underside and flanks.
Range
Common Redpolls breed in the extreme north of Canada and Alaska as well as Southern Greenland. In winter, they migrate south into Southern Canada and the Northern United States. This species is irruptive and on years when food is scarce in the North, they expand farther into the United States and in greater numbers. The amount of Redpolls in the United States as well as the locations they spread to vary depending on the year.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Common Redpolls eat small seeds from trees such as birches, alders, and conifers. They will also eat berries and seeds from wildflowers. Common Redpolls are very acrobatic feeders, often foraging in large groups and hanging upside down as they pry seeds out of cones.
Where to Find This Bird
Common Redpolls follow the food and will show up wherever there are plentiful seeds to eat. When they are around, their buzzy calls can be heard in flight, and keeping an eye out for flocks of them in and around conifer trees will typically yield results. During irruption years, swarms of these birds will descend on bird feeders creating quite the spectacle. Thistle, nyjer, and sunflower seeds are all common bird feeder fill that will attract Common Redpolls.
Common Redpolls during an irruption year
Evening Grosbeak
Evening Grosbeak
Identification
Evening Grosbeaks are an extremely bright looking species. Males have electric yellow undersides, backs, and markings on their head just above the eye. They have black wings, a black tail, clean white wing patches, and an extremely thick bill. Females and immature birds are mostly gray with a yellow nape, black wings, and a black tail with white patches on them.
Range
The Evening Grosbeak’s range is somewhat misleading. They are year round residents of Southern Canada and some parts of the Western United States. Most maps show their wintering range covering most of Michigan, Wisconsin, and New England, but in my experience, most winters Evening Grosbeaks only inhabit the most northern parts of these areas. Evening Grosbeaks do have years in which they fly farther South during winter, but in recent years they have not irrupted in the same way that records from the past show. Additionally, the range of this species seems to be receding farther north into Canada each year.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Evening Grosbeaks have different diets depending on the time of year. During summer, they feed primarily on insects and other invertebrates, most notably spruce budworm larva. Other times of the year, Evening Grosbeaks eat various types of seeds including seeds of fruits.
Where to Find This Bird
Evening Grosbeaks can be found in conifer forests. They also can be found near bird feeders in their native range.
In Wisconsin, one of the most reliable places to find Evening Grosbeaks are the bird feeders in the small northern town of Alvin. They can also be found in other small towns and homes in the Northern part of the state.
Badgerland Birding searches for an Evening Grosbeak in Milwaukee, WI
Hoary Redpoll
Hoary Redpoll – Photo by Ryan Brady
Identification
The Hoary Redpoll is a small frosty looking finch species with a brownish gray back, a tiny yellow bill, a white underside with very faint streaking, and a a bright red patch of color on their head. Males have a faint red wash on their chest. This species is quite similar looking to the Common Redpoll and is expected to be lumped together with them in the near future.
If you’d like to know more about telling the Hoary and the Common Redpoll apart, click here to read about their difference or watch the video below.
In depth comparison of Common Redpoll and Hoary Redpoll
Range
Hoary Redpolls live extremely far north in North America, Europe and Eastern Asia. They breed in the Arctic Tundra of Greenland, Russia, and Northern Canada. They do move south in the winter but don’t move too far into the United States most years with the exception of irruption years. Some of the Great Lakes states get these birds annually.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Hoary Redpolls feed on small seeds from trees, grasses, and weeds. They also consume insects and buds. Like the Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpolls are very acrobatic while foraging, often hanging upside-down and voraciously picking seeds out of cones .
Where to Find This Bird
Hoary Redpolls can be found in tundra habitat in their breeding range. In their nonbreeding range, look for this specie mixed in with flocks of Common Redpolls in areas with plentiful food such as fields, conifer forests, and even backyard bird feeders.
Pine Grosbeak
Pine Grosbeak
Identification
Male Pine Grosbeaks are a rosy reddish pink color with dark gray wings, two white wing bars, and a gray under tail. Females and immature males are mostly gray with yellow to orange coloration on the head, back, rump, and sometimes the chest. It’s worth noting that Pine Grosbeak coloration varies slightly based on region.
Range
Pine Grosbeaks live year round in the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. In North America, this species breeds in the forests of Canada along with some parts of the continental United States and Alaska. In winter, Pine Grosbeaks move south into states in the Midwest and Northeast.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Pine Grosbeaks primarily feed on fruits and seeds, but will also eat insects and other invertebrates when available.
Where to Find This Bird
To find Pine Grosbeaks, one must go to where their food source is. They show up at bird feeders as well as places with fruit trees. In winter, remaining crabapples and other ornamental trees are big draws for this species. Some places that often plant these types of trees are cemeteries and school campuses.
Pine Siskin
Pine Siskin
Identification
Pine Siskins are an overall brownish tan color with cream colored wing bars and a lighter colored underside. They have heavy streaking on the chest and sides as well as a lighter colored eye brow stripe. The brightest color on a Pine Siskin is the yellow edging on their wing and tail feathers.
Range
Pine Siskins have an extremely expansive range across the US and Canada. They live year round in Southern Canada, the Northern United States, and parts of the Western United States and Mexico. in summer, the breeding range of Pine Siskins extends up into Canada and Southwestern Alaska. In winter, Pine Siskins southern movements vary wildly from year to year with the species making it well into Mexico and the Southeastern US.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Pine Siskins eat a wide variety of food items including insects, buds, and seeds. The majority of their diet during the colder months is seeds ranging from deciduous to coniferous. As their name would suggest, they are particularly fond of the seeds of pine trees. Pine Siskins are often found feeding in flocks flying from tree to tree and making their distinctive, buzzy call.
Where to Find This Bird
Pine Siskins live in a variety of habitats including deciduous and coniferous woods, parks, and backyards. If it’s the right time of year for them, exploring pine and other conifer forests will often times lead to an encounter. Another great place to find these lively birds is at home bird feeders where they will eat alongside other finch species such as American Goldfinches.
Finding Pine Siskins during an irruption year
Purple Finch
Purple Finch – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Male Purple Finches are stunning birds with a rosy pink wine-stained color on their back, head, and chest. They have dark brown wings and a brown colored tail. Male Purple Finches also have lighter and darker variations of pink on their face giving them the look of having an eye stripe. Females completely lack the rosy pink color of the males and have brown wings with cream colored undersides and a noticeable cream colored eye brow stripe. They also have streaking on their chest and sides.
Sometime Purple Finches can be hard to tell apart from House Finches. To find out how to differentiate between the two, click here to read our article about it or check out the video below.
Learn to differentiate House Finches from Purple Finches
Range
Purple Finches live year round in the Northeastern, Northern Great Lakes, and West Coast of the United States as well as Southeastern Canada. They’re summer range expands farther north into Canada and move south in the winter (mostly in the Eastern United States).
Diet and Foraging Habits
Purple Finches eat many different types of seeds and berries. They will also eat soft buds from plants and feed on nectar from flowers.
Where to Find This Bird
Purple Finches can be found in forested areas with conifer forests seeming to be the preferred habitat. In winter, look for these birds near feeding stations where the males will stand out.
Badgerland Birding searches for Purple Finches
Red Crossbill
Red Crossbill
Identification
Male Red Crossbills are orangish red with brownish black wings and a brownish black tail. They have a marking that goes over their eye and is not terribly noticable unless seen at close range. Females are yellowish in color with brownish gray wings. Red Crossbills get their name for there interesting bill structure. The mandibles are crossed, making it easy for this species to open up pine cones to extract seeds.
Range
The range of Red Crossbills is complicated. They are extremely nomadic and will simply travel to where the food is. In general, this species is a year round resident of Western and Southern Canada, the Western and Northern forests of the United States, and parts of Mexico. During winter, they move into the the rest of the United States in search of fruitful cone crops. In any given year they may stay relatively far north or make it as far south as Texas and Mexico.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Red Crossbills are specialized to feed on conifer cones and do so by placing their crossed mandibles in-between scales of the cones. They then open up the cone and eat the seed out of it. These birds typically feed in flocks and will descend on a tree together, feasting in what looks and sounds like a frenzy.
Where to Find This Bird
Red Crossbills can certainly be a tough species to get a read on. The best time to find them is during an irruption year when many of them flood into the continental US. During these times, keep an eye out for conifer trees with healthy cone crops. Another good way to find this species is by listening for their “jip jip” flight call.
It’s worth noting that Red Crossbills have several different “types.” Each of these types has a slightly different call and habitat preference. It’s possible that at some point these birds could be split into multiple species
White-winged Crossbill
White-winged Crossbill
Identification
Male White-winged Crossbills are bright red with black wings, white markings on the wings, a black tail, a light colored under tail, and dark markings on their cheeks. Females are yellowish with darker wings, streaking on the underside, and dark cheek marks. Both males and females have the same crossed mandibles, differentiating them from most other finch species.
Range
White-winged Crossbills are year round residents in Canada, parts of Alaska, and parts of the Western and Midwestern United States. In winter, they move south into the continental United States. How far south they go depends on how much food is available in their typical range.
Diet and Foraging Habits
White-winged Crossbills feed on the seeds of conifer trees, particularly those of tamaracks and spruces. They will also eat spiders, insects, and buds. White-winged Crossbills usually feed in flocks, arriving at conifer trees and quickly getting to work pulling out seeds with their specialized mandibles.
Where to Find This Bird
White-winged Crossbills can be found in stands of conifers with good cone crops. They will move around frequently, often chattering as they fly in a group. For people in the continental United States, fall and winter are the best times to see White-winged Crossbills.
Badgerland Birding searches for White-winged Crossbills
Other Irruptive Species
While finches are some of the more hyped up irruptive species, other birds also fall into the “irruptive” category and can also be tracked and predicted.
Blue Jay
Blue Jay
Identification
The Blue Jay is a medium sized bird with a blue back and light gray to white underside. They have intricate black and white markings on their wings, a barred tail, and a black collar going from the back of the neck around to the front of the chest. Blue Jays have a crest, giving them a distinctive look.
Range
Blue Jays live year round in the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. They also inhabit parts of Western Canada. In winter, Blue Jays move south and west with a higher concentration of Blue Jays in the Continental United States and some making it as far west as Washington and Oregon.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Blue Jays primarily eat insects and nuts, but will also eat other birds and small animals. In all, this species is very opportunistic and will take advantage of a wide array of food items.
Where to Find This Bird
Blue Jays live in many different habitats including forests and backyards. They are especially found of oak forests as acorns are a staple food item for the species. One of the best ways to see a Blue Jay is to put large nuts such as peanuts out in your yard. Then wait to hear the distinctive calls of Blue Jays that will appear to grab a nut and then quickly fly off.
Bohemian Waxwing
Bohemian Waxwing
Identification
Bohemian Waxwings have dark gray wings, a light gray underside, a peach colored face, and a black mask over their eyes. This species has black wing tips with yellow edges on them and a black tail with a yellow tip. Unlike Cedar Waxwings, Bohemian Waxwings have an auburn colored under tail.
Range
Bohemian Waxwings summer in Alaska and Northwestern Canada. In winter, they move south and east into the Northern United States. Bohemian Waxwings get their name from the fact that they are very nomadic and move to where the food is. This makes their movements somewhat unpredictable.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Bohemian Waxwings are primarily fruit eaters. In fact, during nonbreeding season, they eat almost entirely fruit. In breeding season they eat insects as well.
Where to Find This Bird
For people who do not live in Canada and Alaska, the best time to find Bohemian Waxwings is in winter when they move south in search of food. Look for this species in places with fruit trees. Some notable places are cemeteries, neighborhoods, and college campuses. In their breeding range, Bohemian Waxwings can be found in conifer forests.
In Wisconsin, small cities in the Northern part of the state are the best places to look for Bohemian Waxwings. Rhinelander is often times a hotspot for the species.
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Identification
Red-breasted Nuthatches are personable and energetic birds with blueish gray backs, rusty orange undersides, and white heads with black stripes. Males have slightly more striking colors than females but both have the same general patterns and colors.
Range
Red-breasted Nuthatches live year round in the northern forests of North America including the Southwestern portion of Alaska, much of Canada, and parts of the Northern, Eastern, and Western United States. As early as July, Red-breasted Nuthatches start making their way south for the winter. They can end up as far south as Texas and Louisiana depending on the year.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Red-breasted Nuthatches eat insects and other invertebrates like spiders when they are available. In times of the year when insects are not around, these birds eat conifer seeds. They will also visit bird feeders and take seeds to either eat in a nearby tree or save for later.
Where to Find This Bird
Red-breasted Nuthatches are birds of conifer forests and can usually be found in locations with healthy cone crops. They will also visit bird feeders where they show up momentarily and are gone just as fast as they came in.
Badgerland Birding searches for Red-breasted Nuthatches
Summary
Irruptive bird species can certainly add some excitement to the colder months of the year. 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.
Hummingbirds are captivating creatures that buzz around backyards and flowers at a frenetic pace. While they are quite small, they sometimes travel extreme distances during migration, leading to many species showing up in places outside of their normal range.
While Wisconsin has records of many different rare hummingbirds showing up in the state over the years, there are really only two species that can be found in the state on a regular basis. Here is everything you need to know about those two species.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Male – Photo by USFWS Midwest Region
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Female – Photo by Susan Young
Identification
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds look different depending on the lighting. Sometimes they can appear dark olive color, but when the sun hits them, they shine with a bright emerald green on the back, wings, head, and tail. Female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have a white throat and underside while males have a bright shining red throat. Again, if the lighting is dark, the throat will be dark red to black looking in color.
Range
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird spends the winter in Central America and Southern Mexico. In spring, they head north and breed throughout the Eastern United States as well as some parts of Southern Canada. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only naturally occurring hummingbird species that breeds in the Eastern US.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds consume nectar from flowers, particularly from red or orange flowers. They will also eat small insects that they find near flowers or even catch them out of mid air.
Where to Find This Bird
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can be found in forested areas, around fields, and in backyards. They frequent ornamental flowers as well as hummingbird feeders and are common in their normal range. To find them, either stake out flower beds, or keep your eyes peeled for something that looks like a very large insect buzzing through the air.
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird Adult Male – Photo by Alan Schmierer
Rufous Hummingbird – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer
Identification
Adult male Rufous Hummingbirds have a golden orange color on their head, back, and tail with darker colored wings. They have dark tips of the tail feathers with the exception of the outer tail feathers that are white-tipped. Adult males have a reddish pink iridescent throat and a white bib. Females and immature males are much more pale overall with a light underside and a green back, head, and tail. They still have hints of the rusty orange coloration that adult males possess but it looks like more of a light wash.
Range
Rufous Hummingbirds live in the Western half of North America. They winter in Southwestern Mexico and have a fairly lengthy migration to the Pacific Northwest and Southwestern Canada where they spend the breeding months.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Rufous Hummingbirds feed from flowers where they use their long bills to get nectar. They also eat small insects such as flies and aphids. They will catch them on the wing or pick them off of flowers and vegetation.
Where to Find This Bird
Rufous Hummingbirds live in a wide variety of habitats including forests, meadows, and backyards. This species is known to visit hummingbird feeders and can sometimes be a bully to other hummingbirds trying to get nectar.
In Wisconsin, Rufous Hummingbirds are rare visitors but do make an appearance on an annual basis. They are typically found during fall migration and usually by a homeowner who notices them at their hummingbird feeder. Look for a large hummingbird from August to November and leave feeders up well into late fall if you’d like to attract one.
Summary
Hummingbirds are beloved by many birders and backyard bird watchers alike. 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. Keep in mind, Wisconsin has had an assortment of rare hummingbirds that show up very occasionally, so it’s possible that a bird you are trying to identify could be a vagrant species, so do not rule any of them out if your bird doesn’t fit with either of the two expected species.
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 Wisconsin, there are five different species of grebes that usually make an appearance on an annual basis, with some of them being extremely common, and others being fairly rare. Here is everything you need to know about these five species
Eared Grebe (Rare)
Eared Grebes in Breeding Plumage – Photo by Tom Bunker
Eared Grebe Winer Plumage
Identification
Eared Grebes are compact looking members of the grebe family displaying a shorter neck than other species in the grouping as well as a shorter bill. In breeding plumage, this species is quite colorful with a black head, neck, and back, orangey brown colored sides, and golden feathers just behind their bright red eye. It’s also worth noting that they have a crested appearance. In nonbreeding plumage they are far less extravagant looking with a dark head and back, white sides, a white throat, and a white underside. Even in nonbreeding plumage, Eared Grebes still have a bright red eye but they do not appear as crested.
Range
Eared Grebes winter in Mexico and the Southwestern United States in addition to the Pacific coast. In spring, they move north and spend the summer in most of the Northern States west of the Mississippi River as well as Southwestern Canada. They have a habit of showing up farther east than expected during migration.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Eared Grebes eat an assortment of different small vertebrates and invertebrates including fish, shrimp, insects, and amphibians. Since they often live in water with a high salt content, brine shrimp are sometimes a staple food item.
Where to Find This Bird
Eared Grebes are typically found in shallow ponds and lakes. Often times, these birds gather in extremely large groups during migration and are regular visitors of salty bodies of water.
In Wisconsin, Eared Grebes can be found during migration. They are not particularly common, but a few reports come in each year. One of the best places to find them are along the Lake Michigan coastline but they also show up inland from time to time.
Horned Grebe
Transitional and Breeding Plumage Horned Grebes
Identification
Horned Grebes are fairly small members of the grebe family with a short bill. In breeding plumage, Horned Grebes have a black head and wings with rusty reddish brown sides, a bright red eye, and amber colored feathers near their eye, which somewhat resemble horns. Nonbreeding birds have a black top of the head, wings, and back of the neck, but are white everywhere else. They still have a bright red eye in ninbreeding plumage.
Range
Horned Grebes winter in the Southeastern United States, along the Atlantic Coast, and along the Pacific coast from Baja California all the way up to the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. In spring, they move north and breed in Alaska, Western Canada, and some of the northern states that border Canada such as North Dakota and Montana.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Horned Grebes eat a very wide variety of aquatic creatures including small fish, crustaceans, tadpoles and many different species of insects. They will not only eat aquatic insects but also catch them out of the air.
Where to Find This Bird
Horned Grebes breed in shallow lakes and ponds with plenty of vegetation to hide in. During migration, they show up in many different bodies of water ranging from manmade lakes to ponds.
In Wisconsin, look for Horned Grebes along the Lake Michigan coast as well as in random inland bodies of water.
Pied-billed Grebe
Pied-billed Grebe
Identification
The Pied-billed Grebe is a small and distinctive looking bird with a brown body and white near the tail. The wings and top of the head are darker than the chest and underside. The term “pied-billed” means striped bill, and it’s certainly an apt way to describe the species as the black stripe on the short, wide bill is obvious in breeding adult birds. Nonbreeding birds look generally the same but without as noticeable of a stripe on the bill. One fascinating thing about Pied-billed Grebes is that they can actually control how much of their body is underwater. Sometime they will only have their neck and head above the surface.
Range
Pied-billed Grebes are extremely widespread across the Western Hemisphere with a year-round range in Southern South America, Northern South America, Central America, Mexico, and most of the United States. In summer, Pied-billed Grebes move north and breed in the Northeastern US, as well as the Midwest. They also can be found throughout Southern Canada in summer.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Pied-billed Grebes mostly prey on small fish and crustaceans, but they will also eat snails, tadpoles, and aquatic insects. These birds hunt for food by diving and catching prey items underwater.
Where to Find This Bird
Pied-billed Grebes can be found in slow moving water such as marshes, flooded fields, and ponds.
In Wisconsin, there are many places to find Pied-billed Grebes, but Horicon Marsh is a place where they are almost a guarantee.
Red-necked Grebe (Uncommon)
Red-necked Grebe in Breeding Plumage – Photo by Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Red-necked Grebe in Nonbreeding Plumage – Photo by Caleb Putnam
Identification
Red-necked Grebes are quite striking in breeding plumage when they have their namesake rusty red neck as well as distinctive gray and white cheeks. They also a dark gray to black cap, a long yellow bill with a dark tip, and a dark gray to black back. In nonbreeding plumage, this species is much more pale with only light traces of a red neck and white cheeks. In terms of grebes, the Red-necked Grebe is on the more slender side with a longer neck than many other species.
Range
Red-necked Grebes are widespread across the globe with most of North America, parts of Asia, and Europe serving as a native home to this species. In North America, these birds winter along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, then make their way into Alaska and Western Canada (in addition to some states in the continental US) to breed.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Red-necked Grebes eat a variety of aquatic animals, most commonly fish, crustaceans, and insects. They will also eat other aquatic invertebrates as well as reptiles and amphibians. This species takes a page out of the loon handbook when it comes to hunting as they will often use sight to locate food in clear water and then actively hunt for it.
Where to Find This Bird
During the breeding months Red-necked Grebes can be found in marshes and shallow lakes. Usually their breeding areas have thick vegetation lining the shore, providing good places to hide. In winter, the coasts of the United States can hold large numbers of these birds just offshore.
Wisconsin is actually one of the best places in the continental United States to see Red-necked Grebes as they breed in the state. Schoenberg Marsh in Columbia County and Crex Meadows along the Mississippi River are great places to find this species. Additionally, Red-necked Grebes can be seen along the Great Lakes during migration where they even sometimes show up in the hundreds.
Western Grebe (Rare)
Western Grebe
Identification
Western Grebes are slender looking waterbirds with a longer neck and bill than many other grebe species. They look the same in both breeding and nonbreeding seasons with dark gray to black on their back, wings, back of the neck, and top of the head. They have a white face and underside with a yellow bill and bright red eye.
Range
True to its name, the Western Grebe is a species of Western North America. They winter along the Pacific coast of Mexico and the United States all the way up to the most Southwestern part of Canada. In summer, they move into the Western half of the US and Canada to breed. Western Grebes are year-round residents in parts of Northern and Central Mexico.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Western Grebes primarily feed on fish, but they also eat other creatures found in the water including crustaceans, amphibians, and insects. This species actively dives for it’s prey and easily moves through the water while hunting.
Where to Find This Bird
In winter, look for Western Grebes in saltwater habitats along the Pacific Coast. In summer, this species utilizes large freshwater lakes to breed in.
In Wisconsin, Western Grebes are rare but annual visitors. They are most often found on Lake Michigan but do show up in smaller bodies of water as well.
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 Wisconsin.
