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Dolichonyx oryzivorus- Bobolink
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- The Bobolink is a dramatic, 7 inch long bird with a black back, head and under parts. There is a large yellow crown on the head and white streaking on the wings. The female is pale yellow, with brown wings.
- Bobolinks breed in southern Canada and the northern United States in grasslands and agricultural fields. The species is a long distance migrant, wintering in southern South America, in Argentina and south Brazil and Chile. This round trip is one of the longest migrations of any songbird.
- Bobolinks original occupied prairie grasslands. The species now uses agricultural fields. On the wintering grounds, the species inhabits the pampas grasslands, marshes and rice fields.
- Bobolinks eat spiders, seeds, insects and fruit. The birds forage by gleaning from foliage or by eating seeds directly from grasses while perched on stems.
- During winter Bobolinks are highly social, forming large flocks. The species is polygynous with the male having several mates.
- The female builds a nest in a scrape in the ground under dense foliage. She lines the nest with soft grasses. She incubates the clutch of 5-6 eggs for about 11 days and both parents care for the chicks. The young birds fledge after about 12 days and remain with the adults for some time. Many nests fledge synchronously within a few days. The adults who have finished breeding and the immature birds form a large flock which leaves the breeding grounds. The male directs most of his attention to the first nest on his territory, but also helps feed chicks in other nests.
- Bobolinks are persecuted on the wintering grounds where they are considered an agricultural pest. Males are also captured for the cage bird trade. Early mowing of fields destroys nests and kills chicks.
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Agelaius phoeniceus- Red-winged Blackbird
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- One of the most abundant birds in North America, the Red-winged Blackbird can be found year round across much of the United States.
- The male Red-winged blackbird has distinctive red epaulets which he flashes during display. The female is very different, with overall brown streaked coloration. The loud gurgling song of the male Red-winged Blackbird, displaying from an exposed perch is a common feature of spring.
- The Red-winged Blackbird uses wetland and upland habitats. During late summer and fall this species is known to form into huge flocks with other blackbird species usually in wetlands. These flocks feed heavily on agricultural crops.
- The Red-winged Blackbird feeds on a variety of foods, including insects, and seeds. Large amounts of corn are consumed where available. During the breeding season mostly insects are eaten.
- Red-winged Blackbirds are strongly polygynous, with up to 15 females nesting in the territory of 1 male. The female builds the nest, located in wetland vegetation, or sometimes in parks and suburban areas. The female incubates the 3-4 eggs for about 12 days. The male may help feed the chicks, but most food is brought by the female. The male spends most of his time defending the breeding territory against predators, often giving flashes of his red epaulets during chases.
- The female will continue to feed the chicks for 2-3 weeks after fledging, after which they will join large flocks of females and juveniles which feed in marshes during the day. At the end of the breeding season these flocks will contain the males and birds of other blackbird species too.
- Northern populations of Red-winged Blackbirds migrate south in October and over winter in the southern United States.
- An amendment to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, allows farmers to kill Red-winged Blackbirds which they consider to be agricultural pests because they consume corn and rice in the fields. Extermination campaigns using avicides and surfactants have resulted in the deaths of millions of Red-winged Blackbirds, grackles and starlings at their winter roosts. These surfactants remove the waterproofing oils from the birds' feathers and they subsequently die from exposure. Other chemical sprays reduce the birds' ability to reproduce or cause other abnormal behaviors. The impact of Red-winged Blackbirds on agricultural production is often grossly exaggerated, and their positive impact on numbers of insects is over looked. Changes in the timing of harvesting, and cultivation of crops such as oats and barley in fields close to roost sites can prevent this conflict of interests and stop the cruel deaths of millions of birds.
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Sturnella neglecta- Western Meadowlark
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- The Western Meadowlark is one of the most widely distributed species of North American grasslands.
- This is a stunning 9 inch bird, with bright yellow under parts with a prominent black "V" on the chest, and streaky brown back and wings.
- Western Meadowlarks breed from central Canada south to Central America. Northern populations are migratory. During winter particularly, this species range overlaps with that of the extremely similar Eastern Meadowlark. The two may only be distinguished by vocalization. Large winter flocks may contain both species.
- Western Meadowlarks feed on the ground, eating insects, snails and seeds.
- Male Western Meadowlarks establish territories for nesting and feeding. The females arrive later. This species is polygynous, with the male usually having more than one mate.
- The female builds the nest, which is a scrape on the ground lined with fine grasses. She incubates the clutch of 5 eggs for about 14 days. The male assists with feeding the chicks which fledge after 10 days. The chicks remain dependent on the parents for a further 2 weeks.
- Western Meadowlark numbers are declining throughout Canada and the United States. This species is uncommon in agricultural fields and is vulnerable to habitat loss. The birds nest in hayfields and pasturelands, where nests and young are destroyed by early mowing.
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Quiscalus quiscula- Common Grackle
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- The Common Grackle is a large member of the blackbird family, which is very common throughout eastern and central North America. This highly adaptable species is found in many habitats with open areas and scattered trees, and is one of the most successful and widespread birds in North America. The beautiful iridescent plumage, keel shaped tail and yellow eye of the Common Grackle make this species a highly visible part of many suburban landscapes.
- The Common Grackle is a partial migrant, those in the northern part of the species range migrate south, while the more southerly birds are resident year round.
- During the breeding season, the Common Grackle feeds mostly on invertebrates but during the rest of the year it consumes large amounts of agricultural seeds, tree seeds and fruits. Corn is a particular favorite of this bird. The horny keel in the birds' mouth enables it to crack hard shells such as those of acorns. Common Grackles are also known to consume nestlings and eggs of other song birds, but this is not a large part of their diet.
- Pairs from as soon as they reach the breeding grounds. The female constructs a cup shaped nest of fine grasses, woody stems and other plant material. Nest sites are quite variable, although coniferous trees are preferred, and Common Grackles will nest in agricultural, wooded and residential areas, particularly near to water. This species is a colonial nester, however sometimes isolated nests may be found. The clutch size can vary from 1-7 eggs which the female incubates for approximately 13 days. Both parents feed the chicks a diet of insects and gradually introduce seeds as they get older. The female broods the chicks, and occasionally the male also does so. The chicks fledge after 15 days, and the parents continue to feed them until they are able to fly well.
- The Common Grackle is considered a pest species by the agriculture industry. The large populations form dense roosts in winter and feed heavily on grains. Roost sites may develop a fungus which can cause respiratory disease in humans, and this risk is often used to justify the destruction of the birds by spraying with surfactants. These chemicals destroy the waterproofing oils on the birds' feathers and the birds subsequently die from exposure. In fact, this fungus is only found at roost sites occupied for several years, and is not a common problem. The birds are most attracted by corn and changes in the timing of harvesting, or cultivation of crops such as oats and barley in fields close to roost sites can prevent this conflict of interests and stop the cruel deaths of millions of birds.
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Icterus galbula- Baltimore Oriole
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- The Baltimore Oriole is a (8 inches long) brightly colored black and orange songbird, common in urban and suburban parks and gardens, open woodlands and riparian habitats of the eastern United States and Canada.
- The female Baltimore Oriole has pale orange under parts and brown back, head and wings.
- The breeding range of Baltimore Oriole extends from south eastern Canada into the eastern United States as far south as north eastern Texas. This species is a neo-tropical migrant which winters in Florida, Cuba, Mexico and South America.
- Baltimore Orioles are adaptable in their habitat requirements, but prefer deciduous trees and riparian habitats.
- The diet of this species consists of fruit, insects, nectar, caterpillars and spiders. Baltimore Orioles glean from foliage and bark or on the ground. The birds often feed in flowering trees. This species will visit nectar and fruit feeders in backyards.
- On arrival at the breeding grounds male Baltimore Orioles establish territories. The males do not attain their adult plumage until their second year, but may breed in their first year. During the winter, the species roosts in flocks. This species is monogamous and pairs form when the females arrive at the breeding grounds and the male begins courtship displays when she enters his territory.
- The female builds a gourd shaped nest under a drooping branch, high in a tree. The nest is woven of plant fibers. She incubates the clutch of 4-5 eggs for about 13 days. Both parents care for the chicks which fledge after 13 days. The parents continue to feed the chicks for a further 2 weeks after which they disperse.
- Baltimore Orioles need large shade trees for nesting, but do well in modified landscapes. In winter, the birds will use shade coffee plantations and other modified habitats where suitable trees remain.
- You can help this species and other neo-tropical migrants by purchasing only certified shade-grown coffee.
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- Subfamily Fringillinae- Chaffinches
- There are no flock members in this subfamily.
- Subfamily Euphoniinae- Euphonias
- There are no flock members in this subfamily.
- Subfamily Carduelinae- Finches
Carpodacus purpureus- Purple Finch
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- The Purple Finch is a beautiful rose red finch that is fairly common in open woodlands, parks and gardens and a frequent visitor to backyard feeders. The male is deep rose colored, with brown wings and tail. The female is brown streaked overall and lacks the rose coloring.
- The breeding range of the Purple Finch extends from Canada south to the far north eastern United States, and on the pacific coast, south into California. The birds winter in the eastern United States south to central Texas and far northern Florida and on the pacific coast.
- The Purple Finch is an irruptive migrant. Large numbers may migrate into the north eastern United States in response to coniferous cone crop abundance. In the west the species is an altitudinal migrant.
- Habitat used by Purple Finches is varied. During the breeding season, the species is mostly found in coniferous and mixed forests. During the winter Purple Finches may be found in urban, suburban and woodland habitats. Food availability is more significant in determining where this species is found than habitat type.
- The diet of the Purple Finch consists mostly of seeds. The birds also eat fruits, insects, buds and flowers. The flowers are crushed to extract the nectar.
- Purple Finches are social during winter and forage in flocks which may also contain American Goldfinches and Pine Siskins. During the breeding season, male Purple Finches defend territories.
- The pair builds a cup shaped nest in a coniferous tree, using twigs, fine roots and grasses. The female incubates the clutch of 4-5 green eggs for 13 day. The chicks are fed by both parents on a diet almost entirely of seeds until they fledge after about 14 days.
- Competition with other species has resulted in population declines for Purple Finches. Historically, Purple Finch numbers declined with the introduction of the House Sparrow. More recently, Purple Finches have declined with the spread of the House Finch into the eastern United States.
- Help this species by participating in Project Feederwatch and The Great Backyard Bird Count.
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Carpodacus mexicanus- House Finch
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- The spread of the House Finch across eastern North America was one of the great ornithological successes of the twentieth century. This species is native to the western United States, and a small number of House Finches which were released on Long Island, New York in 1940 have subsequently colonized the eastern United States and this range expansion continues today.
- Originally the House Finch occupied a variety of open habitats. Now it is a familiar back yard bird in urban and suburban residential areas, parks and other human dominated environments. The House Finch is a regular visitor to back yard feeders and nests in close proximity to buildings.
- The House Finch has a great variety of plumage coloration. The males may exhibit any range from pale yellow to bright red plumage. The coloration is a result of carotenoid pigments in their food. The female House Finch is brown streaked overall, and studies have shown that she will select a mate based on how red his plumage is. There is a link between the amount of coloration a male exhibits and the quality of the food he has recently consumed, therefore a bright red male is likely to be a better provider for the nestlings.
- House Finches forage on the ground for seeds often in large flocks. They frequent back yard feeders, and are especially fond of sunflower seeds.
- Some pairs remain together throughout the year. Other birds will form pair bonds before the start of the breeding season. This species is mostly resident, but some populations from the northern part of the species range are migratory, these will form pairs before arriving at the breeding territory.
- A wide variety of nest sites are used by House Finches. Coniferous trees, cactus, rock ledges, ledges on buildings, vines on buildings and parking lots, street lamps, hanging planters, and abandoned nests of other birds are popular locations, deciduous trees are rarely used for nesting.
- The female constructs the nest of fine leaves, grasses, stems and twigs. The nest is often conspicuous, but most sites chosen have some over head cover.
- The female incubates the 1-6 pale blue eggs for 13-14 days. The altricial (blind, helpless, naked) chicks are brooded by the female for the first few days after hatching. Both parents will feed the chicks until they fledge after about 12 days. The parents will continue to care for the young, however if it is early in the season the male will care for them while the female begins a second brood. In late summer the juveniles form into large flocks and congregate at feeding sources.
- House Finches benefit from human land development. However one subspecies became extinct in 1964 following development of its habitat in California.
- In January 1994 House Finches suffering from Mycoplasmal conjunctivitis, a form of eye disease, were observed at feeders in Washington DC. Since then eye disease has spread to other parts of the eastern population. Scientists are studying the spread of this disease among House Finch populations using data collected by citizen scientists who participated in the House Finch Disease Survey.
- Help the House Finch and all other back yard birds by participating in Project FeederWatch and The Great Backyard Bird Count.
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Carduelis flammea- Common Redpoll
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- The Common Redpoll is a very small (5 inch) finch with a bright red crown, black face and yellow beak.
- Common Redpolls breed in the arctic tundra and boreal forests of northern Canada and Alaska. In winter this species is irruptive in response to distribution of coniferous seed crops. Though typically the birds winter in southern Canada and the northern United States, in some years Common Redpolls may winter much further south.
- Common Redpolls eat cone seeds, seeds of grasses and other crops, and insects. The birds feed in trees and can hang upside down to extract seeds at the far end of branches. They may also forage on the ground and on grass and weed stems. Insects are important during the breeding season.
- Common Redpolls are highly social. They often forage in small flocks and during migration flocks may number in the thousands of individuals. No territory is established and pairs may next in close proximity.
- The female builds a nest of fine twigs and grasses lined with feathers. The nest is located on a tree branch, or on the tundra, on a rocky ledge.
- The clutch consists of 4-5 green/ blue eggs which the female incubates for about 10 days. The male brings food to the female during incubation and brooding. He rarely feeds the chicks directly but may bring food which she passes to them. The female provides most of the food for the chicks herself. The chicks fledge after 12 days and are independent by about 26 days of age.
- The Common Redpoll frequently visits back yard feeders during winter. Help this species by participating in Project Feederwatch and The Great Backyard Bird Count.
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Carduelis tristis- American Goldfinch
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- The American Goldfinch is common in second growth woodlands, suburban gardens, parks and old fields across North America. This species breeds across the northern and central United States and southern Canada. Northern populations migrate to the southern United States during winter. Large winter flocks are nomadic; roaming in search of a food supply. The American Goldfinch is common at back yard feeders during the winter months.
- The American Goldfinch is both sexually and seasonally dimorphic. In fall the males molt into drab winter plumage similar to that of the female.
- American Goldfinches feed entirely on seeds. This is thought to be the reason why Brown-headed Cowbird nestlings fail to survive in American Goldfinch nests. (The Brown-headed Cowbird parasitizes the nests of other song birds, laying its eggs in their nests and leaving the host to raise the chicks.)
- This gregarious species feeds in flocks at all times of the year. A wide assortment of annual seeds are eaten, and American Goldfinches particularly like thistle seeds. This preference has resulted in this species evolving an unusually lake nesting season for a temperate song bird. The birds do not begin nesting until July, in order to time the arrival of their chicks with the emergence of thistle seeds.
- The American Goldfinch nests in deciduous shrubs and second growth woodlands, often in loose colonies, which probably result from the local availability of food. The nest is built by the female in three stages. First she makes a base and attaches it to the tree or shrub with spider silk. Secondly she builds a cup of plant fibers around her body. Finally she adds a lining of soft down. The female incubates the 2-7 pale blue eggs for about 13 days. The male will feed the female during incubation and brooding of the chicks, and the female passes some of this food on to the chicks. The chicks fledge after about 12 days and the parents continue to care for them for about three weeks. The juveniles form into flocks and roam in search of food. These flocks may not migrate during their first winter, but remain in the northern part of the species range.
- The American Goldfinch does well in areas of human development. Careful suburban landscaping can provide abundant food for this species.
- American Goldfinches have been affected by the eye disease Mycoplasmal conjunctivitis which was first observed in House Finches in 1994. Scientists are currently analyzing data collected by citizen scientists who participated in the House Finch Disease Survey to map the spread of this disease for conservation purposes.
- Help the American Goldfinch and all other back yard birds by participating in Project FeederWatch and The Great Backyard Bird Count.
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Coccothraustes vespertinus- Evening Grosbeak
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- The Evening Grosbeak is a large, (8 inches) yellow and black finch with a large break and conspicuous yellow eyebrow.
- Evening Grosbeaks are resident in coniferous and mixed forests of southern Canada, the extreme north eastern United States, and in the western United States in mountainous regions south to Mexico. Irruptions of this species occur in response to availability of cone crops.
- The habitat of Evening Grosbeaks is primarily mountainous. The birds use spruce and pine forests, second growth woodlands, parks and in winter urban and suburban locations.
- Evening Grosbeaks eat seeds of trees and shrubs, fruits and insects. Winter feeding flocks may be very large. This species is social and individuals do not defend territories. Food resources are patchy and constantly moving.
- A cup shaped nest of fine materials is built by the female high in a tree. She incubates the clutch of 3-4 blue/ green eggs for about 12 days. Both parents feed the chicks insects until they fledge after about 13 days. The immatures continue to associate with adults who feed them shelled seeds and insects for several weeks.
- This species frequents back yard feeders. Help this species by participating in Project Feederwatch and The Great Backyard Bird Count.
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- Subfamily Drepanidinae- Hawaiian Honeycreepers
Vestiaria coccinea- I'iwi/ Scarlet Hawaiian Honeycreeper
I'm Endangered
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- The I'iwi is an endemic species of the Hawaiian Islands.
- One of the most abundant of the honeycreepers, this beautiful, colorful bird lives high in the rainforest canopy.
- The I'iwi is a nectar feeder and also eats small arthropods.
- A bird of the upper forest canopy, the I'iwi is found in the Ohi'a a lehua tree, and feeds on its blossoms, native raspberries and other flowers. The sickle shaped bill is perfectly adapted for the flowers of the Hawaiian lobelias.
- Breeding is timed to coincide with the peak blossoming of the Ohi'a a lehua trees. The pair builds a small cup shaped nest from plant fibers and down. The female lays 2 or 3 eggs, which are incubated for 14 days. The chicks fledge at 24 days of age.
- The I'iwi was hunted for its feathers which were used in the garments of Hawaiian royalty.
- Currently the greatest threat to this species is from habitat loss. Although, the I'iwi is still common in parts of its range, it is very rare on O'ahu and Molokai, and has been extirpated from Lana'i.
- Avian malaria has restricted this species to higher elevations, and the birds no longer occupy habitat where mosquitoes are found, even when the habitat is otherwise intact. The species is an altitudinal migrant, which follows the blossoming trees, and may be unable to survive in this restricted range.
- The Nature Conservancy has established reserves on Molokai, fencing out feral pigs which dig wallows and attract mosquitoes, in an effort to preserve more habitat for the I'iwi.
- Learn how you can help the I'iwi here.
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Passer domesticus- House Sparrow
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- The House Sparrow is an extremely successful species which has almost worldwide distribution. Native to Europe, north Africa, India, Arabia and Burma, the House Sparrow has been introduced in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. One hundred House Sparrows were released in 1881 and 1882 in New York, in 1871 and 1872 in San Francisco and in Salt Lake City in 1873 and 1874. These birds have since colonized North America as far north as Anchorage and southwards throughout the United States and through much of Central and South America.
- The House Sparrow thrives around human habitation, agricultural fields and urban and suburban residential areas. This cheerful little song bird is common in back yards and parks.
- House Sparrows eat mostly grain seeds which they forage for on the ground. They also eat insects during the breeding season. They readily visit back yard feeders, often in large flocks.
- A strict dominance hierarchy exists within House Sparrow populations. The male with the largest black bib throat patch is the most dominant. Females are streaked brown overall and have no black bib. Young males also lack the black bib, and all young have yellow oral flanges (markings on the sides of the mouth) which encourage the parents to feed them.
- House Sparrows may raise as many as four broods in one season. This versatile bird will nest in trees, shrubs, vines, crevices, buildings, nest boxes or the old nests of other species. Often House Sparrows will nest in boxes supplied for Bluebirds and are frequently killed as a result. This species is considered a pest by some due to its abundance and non native status.
- The nest is lined with soft plant materials and the typical clutch of 5 greenish/bluish speckled eggs are laid. Both parents incubate the eggs for approximately 9 days. The chicks are fed regurgitated insects by both parents until they fledge after about 14 days. The parents continue to feed the chicks for several more days, after which they care for themselves.
- House Sparrows were protected and fed in the late 1800s, but as they became more numerous attitudes changed. The species was well adapted for life in cities, and filled a niche that no native species filled. As they expanded their range, House Sparrows became the victims of campaigns to limit their population.
- The House Sparrow is exempt from the protections of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and other laws which protect native bird species.
- Since changes in farming practices to monoculture crops, House Sparrow numbers have declined.
- Competition for nest boxes can be prevented by placing the nest boxes away from preferred House Sparrow habitat.
- House Sparrow numbers are useful environmental indicators. Help House Sparrows by participating in Project FeederWatch, Celebrate Urban Birds and The Great Backyard Bird Count.
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- Subfamily Ploceinae
- There are no flock members in this subfamily.
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- Subfamily Estrildinae
- There are no flock members in this subfamily.
- Subfamily Viduinae
- There are no flock members in this subfamily.
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