Meet the Ash-throated Flycatcher

Ash-throated Flycatcher, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This month let’s learn about a bird in the flycatcher family called the Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens). This species is common and widespread in the western regions of the United States. In the spring, Ash-throated Flycatchers migrate to find nesting sites in the western United States and in northern and central Mexico. In late summer or early fall, they migrate to western and eastern Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. There are populations of Ash-throated Flycatchers that remain in specific locations year-round in southern California, Baja California, and Mexico. In the Sacramento area we see Ash-throated Flycatchers primarily in the summer. They migrate to our area in late April, nest, raise their young, and leave the area beginning in early September.

Ash-throated Flycatchers typically have an erect posture when perched on twigs or low branches and remain fairly still when perched. When they take flight, there is often a burst of cinnamon color seen on their wings and tails. The same subtle colors of the Ash-throated Flycatcher’s plumage (or feathers) are often seen in nature. This enables Ash-throated Flycatchers to be well camouflaged.

What do Ash-throated Flycatchers look like?

Ash-throated Flycatcher, Image by Mary Forrestal

Male and female Ash-throated Flycatchers look the same and are around 7.5 to 8.6 inches in length. Male Ash-throated Flycatchers are usually slightly larger than females. Ash-throated Flycatchers have olive-brown backs, dark brown heads, sometimes a light gray neck collar, brown wings with white wing bars, rust-colored wing edges, whitish-gray throats and chests, narrow bills, black feet, long tails, pale yellow bellies, and the area on the belly (near where the tail begins) is also a pale yellow. The tails of Ash-throated Flycatchers have streaks of rust and brown feathers. They have a slightly peaked crests (a group of projecting feathers) near the back of their crowns (or heads). Juveniles are similar to adults. They are somewhat paler except for their tails. The tails of juvenile birds have a greater amount of bold rust color compared to the tails of adults.

Where do Ash-throated Flycatchers live?

Ash-throated flycatcher, Image by Larry Hickey

Ash-throated Flycatchers are found in a wide variety of habitats. They are most often found in dry, open habitats such as lightly wooded forests along rivers or streams, dry scrubby deserts, and chaparrals. Ash-throated Flycatchers will sometimes nest in grassland areas if nesting sites are available. However, they usually will avoid mountains and dense forests. Ash-throated Flycatchers do not need to drink water because they are able to get ample water in the foods they eat. This is the reason they can survive in very dry regions with high summer temperatures. In the Sacramento Valley, they are found in foothill locations and in oak woodlands.

Because they are cavity (or hole) nesters, Ash-throated Flycatchers seek habitats that have standing dead trees. Because they do not make new cavities, they need to find pre-existing ones. Ash-throated Flycatchers will nest in abandoned woodpecker holes and occasionally cactus holes. Because it can be difficult to find nest sites in dead trees (or other natural sources), they will also nest in artificial structures such as nest boxes, pipes, mailboxes, metal frames, fence posts, hanging articles of clothing, and ledges under eaves. Both the male and female help with nest construction. Ash-throated Flycatchers make the cup-shaped nests from strips of bark, grasses, twigs, weeds, and small roots. The nests are lined with mammal hair and soft feathers. The female Ash-throated Flycatcher usually lays eggs soon after the nest is completed, often in May. She incubates the eggs (keeps the eggs warm by sitting on them) for approximately 15 days. In the meantime, the male defends the nesting territory, brings food to the female, and provides extra materials for inside the nest. When the chicks hatch, their eyes are closed and they are bare-skinned. Both parents care for the nestlings. The young will leave the nest about 14-17 days after hatching. Usually, an Ash-throated Flycatcher pair will raise one brood (or group of young) in a nesting season. Pairs located in the more southern areas of the nesting range may raise two broods. An Ash-throated Flycatcher’s nest is usually found no more than 20 feet off the ground, however some nests have been found as high up as 70 feet. Pairs will sometimes reuse the same cavity for the following season. 

What do Ash-throated Flycatchers eat?

Ash-throated Flycatcher, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Ash-throated Flycatchers mainly eat insects and spiders. They help the environment by controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds. Ash-throated Flycatchers eat flies, larvae, bees, caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, moths, dragonflies, wasps, bugs, and sometimes cicadas. They will also eat fruit and berries, especially in winter. Rarely, they will eat small mammals and reptiles. 

When foraging (hunting for food), Ash-throated Flycatchers fly for short distances to grab insects or spiders on the ground or on leaves in the lower parts of trees and bushes. Unlike many other flycatcher species, they don’t usually return to the same perch after flying to catch food nor do they usually catch insects in mid-air. 

What do Ash-throated Flycatchers sound like?

The call of Ash-throated Flycatchers can be a useful identifier or clue to its presence. It is thought that one particular call sounds similar to an old-fashioned policeman’s whistle. Ash-throated Flycatcher calls have been described as sounding like: “ka-brick”, “burr”, “wheer”, “prrrt”, “pip”, and “zheep”. The song is a continuous but variable combination of their calls. You can listen now to Ash-throated Flycatcher calls and songs.

Meet the California Towhee

Adult California Towhee, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This month, let’s talk about a fairly common bird that is seen year-round in the Sacramento Valley, the California Towhee (Melozone crissalis). California Towhees are in the sparrow family. They are large, bulky, and non-migratory. In some regions, however, California Towhees will move from their low-land nesting areas to nearby foothill locations in late summer or fall. They are frequently spotted on the ground along roadsides or trails but are also seen in trees or on fences. California Towhees live in a variety of habitats and have adapted well to rural development and urbanization. Therefore, they are not only found in secluded natural habitats but also in urban and suburban yards. California Towhees are typically seen year-round in pairs due to their strong pair bond. The name towhee came about because its pronunciation is similar to that of a call made by another towhee species, the Eastern Towhee. Names created like this one are termed onomatopoeic (or imitative) names.

What do California Towhees look like?

California Towhee, Image by Craig Swolgaard

California Towhees are slightly smaller than American Robins. Male and female birds look alike; however the males are somewhat larger. California Towhees are mainly brown (or grayish-brown) overall, have thick bills, long tails, short wings, tiny dark spots in a broken ring pattern circling around their necks. They also have the characteristic orange-brown patches around their bills, under-tail feathers, and sometimes the face. The chests and abdomens of California Towhees are lighter in color and are mostly free of streaking. Juvenile birds look similar; but have faint wing bars and blurry, faint streaking on their chests.

Where do California Towhees live? 

California Towhees are found in southern Oregon, western and central California, and western Mexico. Occasionally they are seen in eastern California. Their habitats vary and can be fairly dry or moist regions. California Towhees live in areas with streamside thickets (dense bushes), shady underbrush, in riparian areas (areas along rivers), parks, brushy patches in open woodlands, chaparral regions (habitat having mainly tangled shrubs and thorny bushes), coastal sage scrub, and canyon bottoms. 

California Towhees build cup-shaped nests fairly low in bushes, vines, or small trees, typically 4-12 feet above the ground. The female builds the nest while the male watches over their territory. Poison oak is often used for nest sites. For the outside of their nests, female California Towhees weave together twigs, strips of bark, weeds, grass, dried flowers, and sometimes trash, such as plastic ribbons. Then the nest is lined with fine grass, rootlets, and animal hair. Female California Towhees lay 1–3 clutches (or groups of eggs) per year. While only the female incubates the eggs (sits on the eggs to keep them warm), both parents feed the nestlings. The young usually fledge (or leave) the nest about 8 days after hatching. Since the new fledglings are unable to fly, young birds will stay near their parents for several weeks. They begin to forage for food by themselves at 3 to 4 weeks old.

Because California Towhees are extremely protective of their nesting and food location sites, conflicts can happen with other pairs living close by. In addition, a California Towhee may endlessly peck or attack a reflection of themselves in a mirror or window thinking it is an actual rival. Covering the area may be the only way to get them to stop this behavior. 

What do California Towhees eat?

California Towhee, Image by Larry Hickey

Seventy percent of the food eaten by California Towhees is found on the ground. California Towhees eat a variety of both weed and grass seeds. Their thick beaks make it easy to crack seeds. They also sometimes eat waste grain. They eat the berries of native plants including those of coffeeberry, elderberry, and poison oak. California Towhees will also eat edibles from the home garden such as stone fruits, lettuce, and peas. During the nesting season, California Towhees will eat live foods such as beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars, spiders, and snails. Parents feed their young mainly insects. When foraging for food (looking for food) under leaves on the ground, they often use a double-scratching technique where they jump forward and then quickly jump backward. Edible morsels that pop up after this disturbance are quickly caught and consumed. When eating grass seeds, California Towhees hold onto a stem and strip the seeds off all at once with their beaks. In some parts of California they depend on native berries and/or cattle troughs for sources of water during the hot summer months.

What do California Towhees sound like?

California Towhees make a variety of sounds. One of their more distinctive calls has been described as a bright chip, a sharp ringing note, a loud metallic chip, a seet or seek, a tsip, a tink, and a chink. They also have a call that has been described as a thin tseeee. 

The song of the California Towhee has been described as “a series of high-pitched notes” or “squeaky chips followed by an accelerating trill”. Pairs often call to each other (in duets) using a series of squealing sounds. Song patterns vary as to geographical area. You can listen to the California Towhee below.

Meet the Snow Goose

Adult Snow Goose, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This month let’s learn about another fascinating bird called the Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens). Snow Geese are one of the most abundant waterfowl in North America. They begin nesting in late spring or summer in the arctic tundra (the extreme northern regions of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia) where it can be icy cold in winter and trees never grow due to environmental conditions. In the fall, Snow Geese migrate south to the United States using one of the four major North American flyways (or bird migration routes). They travel as far south as Mexico. Snow Geese, like many other species of birds, migrate to where there is more food in the winter. Although the Snow Goose population is extremely large in the United States in the winter, Snow Geese only gather in specific habitats in each region. Some of the best places to see Snow Geese in our area are the National Wildlife Refuges: Gray Lodge, Colusa, and Sacramento.

Snow Geese usually walk on the ground (or wade in shallow water) for several hours a day to search for food. They sleep sitting on land, standing on one leg, or even while swimming.

Around March, Snow Geese head north again for spring migration. They usually fly in groups of at least two dozen birds; but often gather into flocks of several hundred thousand birds! Snow Geese flocks fly in a U pattern or a “messy” line formation. Traveling in flocks offers birds greater protection from predators and increases their success rate for finding food sources. During migration, Snow Geese travel for long distances and will fly over the same routes and stop in the same places they have used historically.

Snow Geese are divided into two subspecies: greater and lesser. In fall, the lesser subspecies (A. c. caerulescens) migrate to several regions in the United States. In contrast, Greater Snow Geese (A. c. atlantica) only migrate to areas close to the eastern U.S. coastline. In the Sacramento Valley, the Lesser Snow Goose is the subspecies that’s usually seen.

What do Snow Geese look like?

Adult Snow Goose, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Male and female Snow Geese look alike; but females are often smaller than males. Lesser Snow Geese have variations in plumage (or feather) color. The color pattern seen most often in the Sacramento Valley is the light- or white-morph. Light-morph Snow Geese are mostly white, have thick long necks, pink legs, pink feet, and pinkish-orange bills. The Snow Goose’s bill has a horizontal black streak running along the bottom half which is referred to as the grin patch. The ‘grin patch’ is a very helpful tool used to identify this species. Snow Geese also have black wingtips (a group of wing feathers called primaries). Their black primaries tend to be more noticeable in flight. Frequently Snow Geese will have orange-stained faces and heads caused by iron in the soil where they forage (or search) for food. Juvenile white-morph Snow Geese are partially white. They have black primaries, dark bills, and grayish-brown smudges on their heads, necks, and wings.

Adult Snow Geese: blue-morph on left, and white-morph on right, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

The second color form of the Lesser Snow Goose is the dark- or blue-morph. These darker birds are seen less often in the Sacramento Valley. The blue-morph Lesser Snow Geese have dark-brown or dark slate-gray bodies, white heads, and a variable amount of gray and white on the underside. Birds with this darker coloration also have the characteristic ‘grin patch’. Juvenile “blue morphs” have an overall dark-brown plumage and have dark bills and legs.

The Greater Snow Geese subspecies, found along the eastern coast of the United States, rarely has any color variations like lesser Snow Geese do.

Where do Snow Geese live?

Adult Snow Geese: a blue-morph along with several white-morph, Image by Mary Forrestal

Usually around late May or June, Snow Geese build their nests in the arctic tundra along shallow rivers, on small islands with surrounding shallow lakes, in low grasses, or among Arctic willows. They often nest in colonies (groups of animals or plants living close together). Pairs generally will remain together for life and begin to nest when they reach 3 years old. Female Snow Geese lay eggs once per year and choose the nest sites. Female birds also build nests in a shallow depressions on the ground among grasses, rocks, shrubs. They use grasses, leaves, twigs, or seaweed to make the base of the nest. Then the nest is lined with the females’ own down feathers. Some sources say male feathers are also used. Female Snow Geese tend to choose sites which are slightly elevated so there is better visibility to spot potential predators. Males stand guard while the females spend most of their time incubating the eggs (keeping eggs warm by sitting on them). Females incubate their eggs for 22 to 25 days and don't consume much food during this period. A few hours after hatching, the goslings (or baby geese) will quickly leave the nest. They immediately start feeding themselves while their parents watch over them. Family groups can walk for hours searching for food. The young will start to fly in about 40-50 days; but often remain near the family until they are about 2-3 years old.

When they migrate south in the fall, Snow Geese are found in wetlands or agricultural fields, such as plowed cornfields. They can also be found in or near lakes, bays, ponds, and coastal salt marshes.

What do Snow Geese eat?

Adult Snow Goose, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Snow Geese are mainly vegetarians and eat grass, water plants, shrubs, seeds, stems, horsetails, and willows. Because their diet consists mainly of plant life and they are fairly large birds, Snow Geese must spend a long time each day foraging for food in order to eat enough to survive. They dig up roots, shoots, and tubers in muddy fields and marshes and will consume nearly any part of a plant. Snow Geese have serrated (having a saw-like or jagged edge) bills and tongues that help them cut and tear the strong marsh plants. In the winter, Snow Geese will eat the waste grains found in plowed agricultural fields. Goslings may eat flowers, fruits, plant shoots, and insect larvae.

What do Snow Geese sound like?

Snow Geese are extremely vocal and can be heard about a mile away. Their call has been described as hoarse, nasal, or honking. Researchers think that the continuous calling of geese flocks in flight helps to maintain the organized pattern or formation of the flock. You can listen to Snow Geese now. 

Great Backyard Bird Count for Kids

Sacramento Audubon Society is partnering with State Parks and Effie Yeaw to host a Great Backyard Bird Count for Kids on February 17th and 18th. The Great Backyard Bird Count is an opportunity for people all over the world to contribute to our scientific understanding of bird populations by recording the birds found in their neighborhood. On Saturday, February 17th, we will contribute to the Great Backyard Bird Count at the Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park, located on the shores of Lake Natoma in historic Folsom. On Sunday, February 18th, our count will move to Effie Yeaw Nature Center, farther downstream along the American River.

Dates and locations:

  • February 17th at Folsom Powerhouse SHP (9980 Greenback Ln, Folsom, CA)

  • February 18th at Effie Yeaw Nature Center (2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael, CA)

Time: 9am - 1pm  (volunteers are asked to arrive at 8:30)

Ages: 7+ (children must be accompanied by an adult the whole count)

Please bring: Your kids or borrow someone else's, warm layers in case of chilly weather or rain, sturdy shoes, binoculars if you have them (or borrow some from us), a bagged lunch, and your observational skills for spotting birds!

What to Expect: Start the count day by borrowing a pair of binoculars and learning how to use them during a binocular boot camp. We will then have a quick chat about why it's important to count birds, before splitting into small groups and exploring along the trail. Adults are expected to bird alongside their kids and each group will have an experienced bird leader to help identify what we find. After counting, we will gather back together for lunch and short presentations from each group to share their findings. 

Young birders over the age of 7 and their beginner or experienced level adults are all welcome to join. Parking at the Folsom Powerhouse SHP is $10 for the day or covered with an annual State Parks pass. Parking at Effie Yeaw is $7 per car, payable at the entrance. Both locations have easily accessible options for flat, paved trails, as well as ADA parking. Please let us know of any accessibility requirements when you register.

Registration: Registration is required. Please complete a separate registration for each child that wishes to attend. Registration is limited to the first 20 children registered for each location. If your child is one of the first 20 registered you will receive a confirmation email from folsomlake@ports-ca.us. All others will receive an email informing them they have been added to the waitlist. Click the button below to register.

for the Great Backyard Bird Count for Kids

Interested in volunteering?  Email Nicole.

For more information about the GBBC and other ways to participate, visit birdcount.org.

An Acorn Woodpecker is one of the birds we hope to see and add to our counts. Image by Ray Rozema.

Meet the Red-breasted Sapsucker

Adult Red-breasted Sapsucker, Image by Kevin Thomas

This month let’s learn about a colorful woodpecker called the Red-breasted Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber). Why are some woodpeckers named ‘sapsuckers’? It’s because sap is an important food source for sapsuckers; while other woodpeckers don't eat sap. Red-breasted Sapsuckers are closely related to both the Red-naped and the Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. They were all considered to be the same species prior to 1983.

While some populations of Red-breasted Sapsuckers live in the same location year-round, others migrate (or change locations depending on the availability of food or the season). They will move to lower elevations or coastal regions to locate edible food when temperatures drop cold enough to freeze the sap.

In the Sacramento area, Red-breasted Sapsuckers are seen from late September through March. Look for these birds as they cling against tree trunks in their quest for food. Like other woodpeckers, Red-breasted Sapsuckers use a flight style that is referred to as undulating which is a combination of flapping and gliding. One source describes this type of flight as: “alternating a burst of wing flaps that make the birds rise, followed by a gentle descent with their wings tucked close to their bodies.” In the spring, the Red-breasted Sapsuckers wintering in the Sacramento Valley will migrate to their nesting region outside our local area.

What do Red-breasted Sapsuckers look like? 

Adult Red-breasted Sapsucker, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Red-breasted Sapsuckers are similar in size to an American Robin. Adult birds have completely red heads and chests. They have chisel-shaped bills, white rumps, black backs with lightly-colored spots, black tails with white barring, and black wings with a white patch running lengthwise. The area that is between the nostril and the eye, called the lore, is also bright white. Red-breasted Sapsuckers have white or light-yellow bellies with dark streaks on the sides. Female and male birds look similar; but some sources say that females have less red and more white. Juvenile Red-breasted Sapsuckers either have no red or very little red. Their head and chest are brown and have brownish-black backs and wings. Their wings have white patches similar to adult birds. 

Where do Red-breasted Sapsuckers live?

Adult Red-breasted Sapsucker, Image by Kevin Thomas

Red-breasted Sapsuckers are found in the western regions of Canada, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, and the western tip of Mexico. They nest in the far western portions of Canada, Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, and northeastern California.

Red-breasted Sapsuckers are cavity nesters which means they nest inside tree holes. They frequently nest in mixed forests with both coniferous and deciduous trees. Red-breasted Sapsuckers seek dead tree snags (sharp, jagged projections) to drill nest cavities in. The cavities are often 50-60 feet high. Red-breasted Sapsucker pairs will drill out several cavities each nesting season. Afterwards, they pick one of these cavities to be their nest site. Whereas their nest cavity may be in the same tree as the previous year, Red-breasted Sapsuckers will not reuse old cavities. They usually only nest once per year. The entrance holes of their cavities are just large enough for the parent birds. This prevents most predators from entering. Red-breasted Sapsuckers can be quite territorial (or protective) of the area around their nest and are extremely dedicated parents. Both parents are active in the incubation of eggs (keeping the eggs warm by sitting on the eggs) and help raise and feed their young. The nestlings are fed every seven minutes for six days after hatching! Other nearby Red-breasted Sapsucker adults without nestlings of their own may help to feed the young. The nestlings are fed spiders, caterpillars, flies, sap, and fruit. The young leave the nest 23-28 days after hatching and their parents continue to feed them for about 10 days. Young birds are shown by the adults how to obtain and consume sap.

Horizontally-patterned tree wells made by a Red-breasted Sucker, Image by Jane Van Kessel

What do Red-breasted Sapsuckers eat?

As previously mentioned, the Red-breasted Sapsucker’s primary diet is tree sap. They consume a certain type of sap called phloem which has a high sugar and amino acid content. In search of sap, Red-breasted Sapsuckers drill shallow holes or wells in the trunks of a variety of tree species, such as aspen, cedar, pine, birch, or maple. They return to the same wells periodically to feed on the sap as it slowly oozes out. It is interesting to note that sapsuckers in general do not suck the sap out of tree wells, like their name implies. They simply lick or collect sap with their brush-like tongues. Red-breasted Sapsuckers will also conveniently eat insects that are attracted to the sap. Their entire bodies cling to tree trunks while they drill for sap or look to find insects in tree crevices (or narrow openings). Red-breasted Sapsuckers have stiff tail feathers that help brace their bodies close to tree trunks. They can also securely hold onto surfaces because their feet have strong claws, with two toes facing forward and two toes facing backwards. Besides sap, Red-breasted Sapsuckers eat spiders, caterpillars, berries, fruits, and tree cambium (the slender plant membrane located under the bark of a woody tree or plant). They sometimes will also catch insects in mid-air. Mammals, insects, and other birds benefit by feasting on the sap and trapped insects that are inside the tree wells made by sapsuckers. 

What do Red-breasted Sapsuckers sound like?

Red-breasted Sapsucker calls have been described as a ‘mew’, ‘cheer’, ‘weep weep', ‘waa', or a ‘nasal squealing’ sound. One additional call is a chatter-like sound. Their bill-drumming sound has an irregular cadence (or beat) and has slower beats toward the end.

Like most bird species, Red-breasted Sapsuckers use their calls to establish territory or to find a mate. All species of sapsuckers tend to be quieter in the winter.

You can listen to the calls of Red-breasted Sapsuckers now. 

Meet the Bufflehead

Male Bufflehead, Image by Ray Rozema

This month let’s learn about the smallest diving duck found in North America, the Bufflehead. Buffleheads were given this name because the male Bufflehead’s puffy head is similar in shape to that of a buffalo’s head. Buffleheads are excellent swimmers, both on the surface and underwater. In addition, they are one of the fastest waterfowl. They have very fast wingbeats and can travel up to 48 miles per hour! When Buffleheads are swimming in the water, they can take flight quickly, unlike other diving ducks.

Buffleheads can be found in the Sacramento region from late summer to early spring. They are migratory birds (birds that travel to different areas depending on the season) and usually fly at night. The spring migration for Bufflehead starts in April or May. Their destination is either Alaska or Canada, where they claim their nest sites. After the nesting season is over, Buffleheads again take flight for their fall migration and head for warmer regions. They spend their winters in the United States, Mexico, or the western coast of Canada. Buffleheads are related to and are in the same family (Bucephala) as goldeneyes.

What do Buffleheads look like?

Male bufflehead, Image by Ray Rozema

Buffleheads have a compact shape, short wings, tiny bills, and fairly large heads. However, the males and females look quite different from each other. Male Buffleheads are slightly larger and have a large white patch that starts behind the eyes and wraps over the top of their head from cheek to cheek. The rest of their head can appear black. At certain times, however, this dark area on their heads and necks is shimmery purple and green! This is because the feathers in this area are iridescent (having glossy and luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles). The bodies of male Buffleheads are mostly black and white which makes them very noticeable due to the contrasting colors. Males also have large white wing patches on black wings, have gray underwings, and their legs and feet are tannish-pink.

In contrast, Female Buffleheads have dark brown heads, grayish-brown wings and backs, grayish-brown flanks or sides, gray feet and legs, and pale undersides. They have a small, white patch behind their eyes and a small, white patch on their wings. Juvenile males resemble adult females for about one year after birth.

In the summer, the male Bufflehead leaves the nest site and the female must care for the nestlings alone. This is a period of time when males molt (to lose old feathers and replace with new feathers). Male Buffleheads lose their colorful breeding plumage (or feathers) and temporarily look more like females. This temporary plumage change is called eclipse plumage. Having less color during this time makes it easier to hide from predators. This is fortunate because there is a three-week period during molting when male Buffleheads are unable to fly.

Where do Buffleheads live?

Buffleheads, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Buffleheads are found in lakes, harbors, flooded wetlands, estuaries, reservoirs, slow-moving rivers, and sheltered bays. In the winter, Buffleheads live in protected coastal areas or open inland waters. During nesting season, Buffleheads prefer to find nest sites that are located in small wooded lakes and ponds in aspen groves or mixed (coniferous and deciduous) forests.

Buffleheads are tree cavity nesters (or “hole-nesting”) ducks. Each year, the nest site is chosen by the female. The site may be the same as was used for the previous nesting season. Nests are usually 2-10 feet above ground; but they can be much higher. It is quite interesting that Buffleheads actually look for old nesting cavities of a specific woodpecker, the Northern Flicker, to nest in. Because Buffleheads are very small ducks, they are able to fit into these small Northern Flicker holes and hopefully stay safe from larger predators that aren't able to enter the hole. They will sometimes nest in old Pileated Woodpecker nest cavities or nest boxes. The Bufflehead female makes only one improvement to the woodpecker hole. She lines the inside of the hole with her own down feathers. The female lays eggs once a year. She will incubate the eggs (or sit on and keep the eggs warm) for approximately one month. 1-2 days after hatching, the mother encourages the nestlings to jump out of the cavity. The mother will then lead her young directly to a body of water. At first, very young ducklings will simply dabble at the water’s surface to locate food. With their mother protecting and guiding them, young ducklings very quickly learn how to dive and find food underwater by themselves. This takes place in just a few days! Young birds will take flight approximately 50-55 days after hatching. In two years time, these young Buffleheads will be ready to prepare their own nest sites.

What do Buffleheads eat?

Male Bufflehead, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

The diet of Buffleheads varies by both season and their habitat. They are very active ducks and seem to be constantly diving in search of food. Not only do they find their food underwater, they also eat their food while still submerged. Buffleheads eat aquatic (water) insects, mollusks (especially snails and clams), crustaceans, and occasionally small fish. They also eat underwater plant matter in the fall, such as the seeds from pond weeds and bulrushes. Buffleheads are found either in pairs or small groups of no more than ten. Some researchers have witnessed a few Bufflehead in each group watching for predators while the others are actively diving for food. Another report, however, said that all members of a small group can be diving at the same time.

Male bufflehead, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

What do Buffleheads sound like?

The female’s Bufflehead’s call is known to be a barking, croaking, “throaty” cluck, or hoarse quack. The male’s call is a high-pitched squeal, squeaky whistle, or occasional growl. However, Buffleheads are frequently silent. You can listen to Buffleheads now.

The Pacific Flyway

Multitudes of Snow Geese spend their winters in the Sacramento Area, migrating along the Pacific Flyway from their Artic breeding grounds. Image by Daniel Lee Brown.

Each year in late summer and fall billions of migrating birds travel south along the Pacific Flyway. They travel 1,000s of miles from breeding grounds to wintering grounds to find food, mates, and more hospitable conditions. They cover seemingly impossible distances stopping to rest in wetlands, forests, and even neighborhoods (maybe yours) all along their route.

The Pacific Flyway is one of four regional flyways in the United States. It extends from Alaska down to South America all along the Pacific coast. It is 10,000 nautical miles long and reaches inland to the Rocky Mountains. Some birds travel nearly the entire distance. The Olive-sided Flycatcher travels up to 7,000 miles between its breeding grounds in Northern British Columbia to its southern wintering grounds in South America. Others such as Snow Geese only travel a portion of the flyway. Some of them stopping in the Sacramento Area to spend the winter.

Some Rufous Hummingbirds travel nearly 3,000 miles along the Pacific Flyway, traveling between British Columbia and Mexico. Image by Ray Rozema.

Not all migrating birds use a flyway or the same flyway in spring and fall. Some songbirds travel one route going south and another when heading north. Waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans), however, tend to use the same flyway year after year. They use these routes because of the wetland habitats located along the flyway. Here they stop, rest, and find partners for the next breeding season.

Sadly, these wetland areas are in jeopardy. In California, 90% of historic natural wetlands are gone due to human development or intervention. Instead, waterfowl now largely rely on flooded rice fields, National Wildlife Refuges, State Wildlife Areas, and privately managed lands.

You Can Help

  • Support those organizations that support this wetland habitat: the National Audubon Society, the Pacific Flyway Council, and the Central Valley Joint Venture are just a few. Read more about the work of these organizations here.

  • Buy a Duck Stamp. 98% of the purchase price of each stamp goes directly to help acquire and protect wetland habitat.

  • Share your love of these birds with others. There are many wonderful places in the the Sacramento Area to visit during the winter. Cosumnes River Preserve, Yolo Bypass Area, and Gray Lodge Wildlife Area are just a few of the wonderful places to see many of the migrating waterfowl.

A Few of the Pacific Flyway Birds

Meet the Bushtit

Male Bushtit, Image by Chris Conard

This month, let’s talk about a very active songbird that's often seen in the Sacramento area called the Bushtit. The name Bushtit is derived from the Old Icelandic “titr” which means something small. Bushtits are one of the smallest bird species in North America. They are related to chickadees and titmice, and are similar in size to kinglets. Their range includes the southernmost part of western Canada, the western U.S., Mexico, and Guatemala. Bushtits don’t usually migrate (or change their location according to season). They usually stay in the same area year-round. However, Bushtit populations that stay in higher elevations in the summer months may move down to a lower elevation for the winter. Occasionally, they may travel a bit further to locate a warmer winter area. 

Bushtits do not seem all that concerned when there are humans standing nearby. When searching for food, they seem to be preoccupied and in constant motion. Bushtits are social birds and form flocks of 10-40 birds or more after their nesting season is over. On cold nights, a Bushtit flock sometimes will huddle together to share body heat. Bushtits help keep their flock together by using sound. They continuously call out to each other as they travel. When a flock flies into an area, the group quickly begins to search for food. Soon they will take flight again, in single file, to investigate another tree or location. Bushtit flocks will repeat this foraging technique over-and-over throughout the day. Sometimes birds from other species, such as warblers, kinglets, or chickadees, join Bushtits in search of food and water. When birds form a large group, there is a greater success rate in finding ideal locations that offer ample food for all the participants. This is also a way to have safety in numbers.

What do Bushtits look like?

Female Bushtit, Image by Chris Conard

Bushtits are plain and tiny birds about 3 inches in length. They are brown and gray on top and have slightly lighter, grayish-white, breasts. Bushtits have round bodies, short pointed bills, short necks, long tails that seem to drag in flight, and relatively large heads. Males and female birds look similar except that males have dark eyes and females have light-colored (or golden) eyes. 

There are geographical differences in coloration and markings in Bushtit populations. Here in the interior valley and foothills, Bushtits have gray heads and brown ear patches. Those living near the coast have brown heads. Some male Bushtits found in the south (in Texas, Arizona, and Mexico, for example) have a blackish cheek area that resembles a mask. 

Where do Bushtits live?

Bushtits live in a variety of habitats. They are found in open woodlands, forests, scrub or sagebrush habitats, riparian areas (areas situated near banks of a river), suburban parks, and residential gardens. Bushtits are not commonly found in high mountainous areas or in the hot desert regions of the West.

Bushtit near nest, Image by Larry Hickey

Bushtits will produce 1-2 clutches (groups of eggs) per year. Both parents help to weave very unique, hanging nests, up to a foot in length, that are constructed out of spider webs, twigs, rootlets, grass, moss, and leaves. Bushtit nests may take up to a month or more to build and are at various heights; but the nests are often low enough to visualize. Spider web is used to hold the grassy structure together. An entrance hole is located on the side of the nest, near the top. The nest is lined with soft and insulating material such as fur, cushiony plant material, and feathers. Bushtits will often attempt to camouflage their nests by placing leaves or other plant materials around the outside. Both parents usually sleep inside the nest with their eggs or young birds at night. In addition, both parents will incubate the eggs (keep the eggs warm using close contact), care for, and feed their young. Bushtits aren’t territorial towards other Bushtits or even with other bird species. Sometimes, a few additional adult Bushtits (usually males) help the parents care for the nestlings and are welcome to sleep inside the nest too! Young birds (fledglings) will leave the nest about 14-18 days after hatching.

Bushtits, Image by Mary Forrestal

What do Bushtits eat?

Bushtits are omnivores meaning they will eat both animal and plant based foods. They mainly eat spiders and insects, such as aphids, scale, leafhoppers, caterpillars, larvae, beetles, wasps, and ants. However, in cooler weather when live food is difficult to find, Bushtits will eat berries, fruits, and seeds. They will occasionally come to seed feeders or to seed that has been scattered on the ground. Because Bushtits are small and nimble birds that can easily hang upside-down on twigs, they find it easy to search for insects or spiders that are hiding on the underside of leaves or pine needles. Larger bird species usually search on the tops of foliage when they forage (search) for live food. In the cold winter months, Bushtits’ rate of body heat loss is high and they must consume about 80% of their body weight per day in order to not lose weight!

What do Bushtits sound like?

Bushtits have several calls. Some sources feel that Bushtits have songs and other think they only have calls. They frequently use various short and simple contact sounds (or calls) to communicate. Bushtits use different calls for different occasions such as: “It’s time to move to another spot; you should follow me”. They also may use a certain call for perhaps: “ Beware! There's a large raptor overhead”. The calls made by Bushtits have been described as high-pitched buzzing chips, loud chattering notes, soft chips and twitters, and as being scratchy or wispy. Listen to the Bushtits now below:






Birdbath Tips: Help Wild Birds by Creating a Clean Water Source in your Yard

Bushtit, Image by Mary Forrestal

When a wild bird visits your yard, clean water to drink and to bathe in is a welcome sight. Even though some birds obtain a small amount of water from the insects or fruits they eat, most wild birds will search for fresh water to drink. You can help wild birds find water by setting up a birdbath in your yard! Experts say that supplying fresh water for wild birds is a lot more important than supplying them with seed or other foods. Wild birds use birdbaths to drink water, cool themselves, bathe, and to remove parasites (organisms that live in or on an organism of another species and benefit by deriving nutrients at the other's expense). Climate change may make summers hotter and longer in the future; so wild birds and other wildlife will benefit when there is clean water available in our yards!

Setting Up a Birdbath 

Orange-crowned Warbler, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Many birdbaths used today are often made out of cement. However, cement is a very difficult surface to clean due to all the nooks and crannies present. In addition, Cement birdbaths are also frequently made too deep and will often crack in freezing temperatures. Basins made of hard plastic are a better choice because they are easier to clean, don't break if they fall, and don't usually crack in cold weather. You can either purchase a birdbath or make your own.

You can make a birdbath at home by using a 2 inch deep, shallow basin (or round container), such as a garbage can lid, old frying pan, cake pan, or a flower-pot saucer that’s used to collect draining water. Avoid flimsy or lightweight basins that will blow over in the wind. A heavy rock can be used to anchor down a basin. Here are some additional tips on having a birdbath in your yard:

  1. Choose a shady or partially shady site so that the water stays cool and birds can cool off. Water that’s in a shady location will evaporate slower and will stay fresher longer. Bushes or trees should be close by so that birds using the birdbath can find shelter quickly when necessary.

  2. The water in the basin should only be 1-2 inches deep. Shallow water will give young birds more confidence to drink from your birdbath when venturing out their own.

  3. Empty and replace the water every 1-2 days.

  4. A rock that’s positioned slightly higher than the water’s surface can be placed inside the basin. This will offer a solid surface and will help wild birds feel more secure. Gravel or sand can be added to the bottom of the birdbath so that the surface isn’t slippery. 

  5. Your birdbath should be positioned as close to the ground as possible. Birds naturally drink water from puddles on the ground. It‘s also nice to position the birdbath where you can see the birds.

  6. You may want to purchase a device for your birdbath to keep the water moving or agitated (like a bubbling fountain). The sight and sound of moving water will attract more birds to your birdbath. A birdbath with moving water is less likely to be used by mosquitoes for egg laying since mosquitoes lay their eggs in still or stagnant water. There are also birdbath heaters available that prevent the water from freezing in the winter.

Anna’s Hummingbird, Image by Gesna Clarke

Keeping your Birdbath Clean

Neglecting your birdbath may cause more harm than good. Birds need both fresh water and a clean birdbath. Dirty birdbaths can harbor harmful bacteria and spread viruses. Birds are more attracted to birdbaths with clean surfaces too. Here’s how to go about cleaning your birdbath:

  1. Pour out the old water from the basin.

  2. Rinse the basin off with a hose.

  3. Scrub the basin with a wire brush using a solution of one part vinegar and nine parts water. Let the solution soak inside the basin for several minutes. Avoid using household cleansers because they may adversely affect the essential oils that are naturally on birds’ feathers.

  4. Empty out the solution inside the basin and thoroughly rinse the basin with a hose.

  5. Allow the basin to dry. Then return it to its location in your yard and fill it with water.

Anna’s Hummingbird, Image by Gesna Clarke

Meet the Double-crested Cormorant

Adult Double-crested Cormorant, Image by Ray Rozema

This month, let’s talk about a bird that’s often seen around the Sacramento Valley near bodies of water, the Double-crested Cormorant. Double-crested Cormorant is the most widespread and common cormorant species in North America. Cormorants are active during the daytime (or diurnal). You may find Double-crested Cormorants along with herons, geese, and ducks; but they are not closely related to them. Bird experts have placed cormorants in a separate bird family or group. Double-crested Cormorants are found in Alaska, the continental United States, Mexico, Caribbean Islands, and Central America. Many nest along coastlines; but they also nest inland where there is a body of water nearby. While some Double-crested Cormorants live in California’s Central Valley year-round, many populations are migratory. Large flocks will migrate in a messy V formation and frequently winter along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts. 

Double-crested Cormorants may be seen swimming alone and often will swim in open water areas, such as the middle of a lake. They are also seen in small or large sized flocks when both nesting and feeding. It can be easier to observe Double-crested Cormorants out of water because sometimes only their necks and heads are visible when they swim. They often will perch with their wings outstretched. Double-crested Cormorants do this to dry their feathers. Unlike duck feathers, their feathers are not fully waterproof. However, it has been suggested that not having waterproof feathers is a benefit for Double-crested Cormorants. Their wet feathers make them very fast and agile when they chase prey underwater.

There have been times in U.S. history when the population of Double-crested Cormorants has decreased to very low numbers. In the 1920’s, Double-crested Cormorants were killed and generally disliked. It was thought that they consumed too many fish. The population of Double-crested Cormorants also declined when the pesticide DDT was used in the 1960’s. In addition, the species has been negatively affected by oil spills and the exposure to other types of water contamination. After the use of DDT ended and the U.S. government made laws to protect wild birds, Double-crested Cormorants began to thrive again. Their numbers are now continuing to increase markedly. However, some fishing industries currently blame Double-crested Cormorants for depleting fish populations. Huge flocks can suddenly fly in and congregate at fish hatcheries or near commercial fishing areas. Studies have shown that a single cormorant can eat 1.5 pounds of fish per day. In a few regions, it is also believed that Double-crested Cormorants may be crowding out other colonial birds, such as herons. However, many scientists believe Double-crested Cormorants do not cause the negative impact that some people think to be the case. These scientists feel that the species is being treated unfairly or cruelly once again. 

What do Double-crested Cormorants look like?

Double-crested Cormorants, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Double-crested Cormorants are in-between the size of a crow and a goose and have a wingspan of about four feet. Both males and females look alike; however, male birds are usually slightly larger. Adult Double-crested Cormorants have black (or brownish-black) feathers and in certain lighting they have a greenish or bronze sheen. They have a yellow-orange area of bare skin on their faces and throats (called the gular area) which extends to the lores (the facial area on birds that’s in front of their eyes and next to their bills). They have teal (or aquamarine) colored eyes and the lining inside their mouths is also a bright blue color. Double-crested Cormorants have long bodies, wedge-shaped tails, small heads, relatively short legs and wings, and slender bills. Their long necks frequently appear to be bent or s-shaped. When double-crested cormorants fly, they pull their necks inwards creating a bent neck appearance. The necks of other cormorant species in the western U.S. appear straight during flight. 

As the nesting season approaches, adult Double-crested Cormorants develop a curled, double crest of feathers on their heads. Their crests of white or black feathers (crest feather color is specific to each subspecies) stick out away from their heads and curve backwards, making them very unique-looking birds. Double-crested Cormorants also develop blue eyelids and their throat area turns deep orange during this time. Some people describe them as being ‘prehistoric’ looking. 

Juvenile (or immature) Double-crested Cormorants have pale necks and spotted white (or pale-gray) upper chests. Their backs, wings, and tails are brown. Juveniles also have a yellow bare skin area on their faces.

Double Crested Cormorant, Image by Mary Forrestal

Where do Double-crested Cormorants live?

Double-crested Cormorants are very adaptable and live in many types of water habitats, either in fresh or saltwater. They are found near rivers, ponds, reservoirs, swamps, lakes, and in coastal areas. Double-crested Cormorants require water for feeding and sturdy perches to rest or dry off, such as rocks, dead tree tops, or docks.

Double-crested Cormorants form nesting colonies between May and July. They nest in trees or shrubs that are frequently near or in water, on sea cliffs, on platforms, among flooded logs, or on the ground where there are no sturdy trees. Pairs work together to repair an old nest or to build a new one. Usually it’s the male that brings in materials for nest building and the female does the nest construction. The simply-constructed nests are 1.5 to 3 feet in diameter and are made out of sticks and plant material. It is reported that Double-crested Cormorants will use pieces of trash when constructing their nests. Both parents will sit on the eggs to keep them warm (or incubate the eggs). After hatching, both parents feed the young and bring water to them using their bills.

Double-crested Cormorants parents frequently will use their bodies to shield the eggs or their young from the sun, since their nests are not normally under cover. The young leave the nest 3-4 weeks after birth, learn to fly at about 5-6 weeks of age, and are completely independent when they reach about 9-10 weeks of age. They will start nesting when they are around 2-3 years of age.

What do Double-crested Cormorants eat?

Double-crested Cormorant, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Double-crested Cormorants are carnivorous (or flesh-eating). They mainly eat fish and hunt by swimming and diving. Double-crested Cormorants are very skillful at catching their prey when they dive into water. They use their wings for steering and their powerful webbed feet to quickly propel their bodies underwater. Double-crested Cormorants will also eat insects, crayfish, crabs, shrimp, frogs, salamanders, and eels. Occasionally they will eat plant material and snakes. Because the tips of their upper bills are shaped like a hook, it is easy for them to catch and manipulate their prey for eating. Double-crested Cormorants generally eat smaller fish underwater; but they bring larger fish up out of the water prior to eating them. They actually flip fish into the air and then swallow them head first!

What do Double-crested Cormorants sound like?

Double-crested Cormorants are often silent. However, they do use calls to communicate with each other. Their calls are described as hoarse, bull-frog-like grunting sounds. 

Mather Lake at Sunrise - Cormorants in the top of the trees, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Meet the Black-headed Grosbeak

Black-headed Grosbeak, adult male, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This month, let’s learn about a brilliantly-colored songbird that the Sacramento area welcomes each Spring, the Black-headed Grosbeak. Black-headed Grosbeaks share a bird family (or group) with cardinals and buntings. They are found in the western U.S., southern Canada, and Mexico. Black-headed Grosbeaks are diurnal birds. (They are active in the daytime and rest at night.) They spend the wintertime in Mexico. Some populations remain in Mexico year round; but the majority migrate northward in the Spring. They are short to long distance migrants (birds that travel from one area to another according to the seasons). In the Spring, Male Black-headed Grosbeaks are known to start their migration before females do. After nesting season is over, they usually gather in small flocks, looking for berries and other foods, and then head south before winter comes. 

What do Black-headed Grosbeaks look like?

Overall, Black-headed Grosbeaks are chunky birds and are about 8½ inches in length. They are fairly large for songbirds (larger than sparrows) and have thick, large, gray bills that are triangular or conical (cone-like) in shape. The top of the bill is slightly darker than the bottom half.

When in their nesting plumage, the males are especially eye-catching. They have solid black heads, black wings with bright white wing bars and patches, deep-orange chests, yellow bellies, orange sides, neck, and rump areas, and black tails that have splashes of white and have white outer tail feathers. Female birds are not as colorful. They have brown backs with dark streaking, brown wings with white wing bars, light-brownish yellow or light-orange chests, necks and throats, streaked flanks (or sides), and white bellies. Females also have brown heads with white stripes. One white stripe runs above their eye and is called the supercilium. Both males and female birds have yellow underwing linings which can be seen during flight. 

Young male Black-headed Grosbeaks do not attain full adult plumage (feather color and design) until they are two years of age. During this time male Black-headed Grosbeaks can have a wide variation in color, as some males develop more adult-looking plumage sooner than others do. It can be difficult to distinguish juvenile males and adult females. First-year males can be brown, have streaking on their bodies, and have striped heads like females; but their chests tend to be more orange than females.

Black-headed Grosbeak, female or juvenile, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Where do Black-headed Grosbeaks live?

Black-headed Grosbeaks frequently choose to live among deciduous trees (trees that lose leaves annually in the fall) and mixed wooded areas. They also require a good water supply nearby. Black-headed Grosbeaks are found in foothill habitat, forest edges, lakeshores, suburban gardens, urban parks, riverside woods, and even mountainous slopes having a water source. They are seldom seen among conifers (trees having needle-like leaves and cones). Black-headed Grosbeaks will accept human presence and will sometimes nest in residential yards and gardens if there is ample cover.

Black-headed Grosbeak nests are built by the female of a pair. It takes around 3-4 days to build a nest. The nests are frequently located on the outer limbs of trees and bushes along streams, ponds, or swamps. Nests are usually 4- 25 feet high and are well hidden by leaves. They are saucer or cup-shaped and constructed with twigs, rootlets, weeds, flowers, animal hair, and grasses. Black-headed Grosbeak nests are very loosely constructed. This thin nest structure may act to keep the eggs cool by allowing good air circulation during warm weather. 

The male and female spend equal time both incubating the eggs (sitting on eggs and keeping them warm) and feeding the young after they hatch. The young birds start to climb out of the nest around 11-14 days after hatching; but aren’t able to fly for two more weeks. Usually the fledglings (young birds that have left the nest) are in nearby trees and wait for their parents to bring them insects. A Black-headed Grosbeak pair usually only has one brood (a group of young birds that hatch around the same time) per year. Males tend to migrate south earlier than females do. The female alone continues to feed the fledged young until they learn to find enough food on their own.

Black-headed Grosbeak, adult male, Image by Mary Forrestal

What do Black-headed Grosbeaks eat?

While Black-headed Grosbeaks move around inside the branches and leaves of trees and shrubs, they search for insects and fruits to eat. Occasionally, they will look for food on the ground or catch insects in mid-air. While in Mexico during the Winter, Black-headed Grosbeaks eat mainly seeds. When they migrate to California, around 60% of their diet is animals (insects, spiders, snails, etc.) and 40% is plant matter. As previously mentioned, all species of grosbeaks have large conical-shaped bills. The extra-long sides of their large bills have strong muscles attached. These muscles allow them to open heavy-walled seeds that many other birds are not able to crack open. Their powerful beaks also let them catch hard-bodied insects such as beetles.

In summer, they will eat caterpillars, grasshoppers, scale insects, wasps, bees, flies, moths, beetles, butterflies, and spiders. Black-headed Grosbeaks are one of the few species of birds that are able to eat the poisonous Monarch butterfly! There is a toxin (or poison) inside Monarch butterflies that comes from the milkweed plants they eat. Black-headed Grosbeaks are able to eat Monarch butterflies because they instinctively know to wait a few days in between Monarch eating sessions. This way the toxin is cleared from their bodies. Monarch butterflies taste very bitter to most birds due to this toxin and they spit them out! Black-headed Grosbeaks, however, find Monarch butterflies quite tasty. 

Black-headed Grosbeaks also enjoy both wild and cultivated (grown for crops) fruits such as cherries, crabapples, elderberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, mistletoe berries, and poison oak berries. Black-headed Grosbeaks occasionally eat snails; their strong beaks make it easy for them to crack open the shells. They also eat grain, buds, and seeds. Even though they frequently stay in the upper levels of trees, Black-headed Grosbeaks will readily come to backyard feeders. They seem to be particularly fond of sunflower seeds and will come to suet cakes when placed in yards.

What does the Black-headed Grosbeak sound like?

Some consider the song and calls of Black-headed Grosbeaks to be a sign that Spring has finally come. Unlike some other songbirds, both the male and female Black-headed Grosbeaks sing. The male’s song appears to function primarily to defend a territory or to attract a female. The female’s song is usually a shortened version of the male’s song and appears to aid in communication with both the male and the fledglings. Their song has been described to be like that of an American Robin’s but at a faster pace. It is a flute-like, warble (a constantly changing series of notes). Their call has been described as a crisp pik, sharp eek, or tick sound. Listen to the song and calls of the Black-headed Grosbeak below.




Meet the Snowy Egret

Snowy Egret, Image by Larry Hickey

This month, let's learn about the Snowy Egret, a graceful wading bird that's frequently seen in the Sacramento Valley. Snowy Egrets are found in North America, Central America, South America, and in the Caribbean. A previous Kids’ Corner article featured a larger, local egret species called the Great Egret. Egrets are all members of the heron family. The name egret has been given to herons that are white and have decorative plumes. Other species in the heron family that can be found in the Sacramento Valley are the Cattle Egret, Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Green Heron, and American Bittern. Some Snowy Egrets are permanent residents of their areas and others are long-distance migrants that move to warmer areas for the winter.

Snowy Egrets at one time were nearly extinct. In the 1800’s, they were hunted for their feathers (or plumes) to use to decorate ladies’ hats. One source reported that the elegant plumes of the Snowy Egret were valued at $32 per ounce. This is more than gold was sold for at the time! The population of Snowy Egrets was severely affected because the demand for their plumes was greater than those of the Great Egret. Thankfully, the population of Snowy Egrets has come back strong due to both legal protections and education.

What does the Snowy Egret look like?

Adult Snowy Egret, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Snowy Egrets are around two feet tall, which is in-between Great Egrets that are about three feet tall and Cattle Egrets which are around one and a half feet tall. Snowy Egrets are entirely white except for a yellow area of skin called a lore in front of their yellow eyes. They also have long, slender black bills, long, black legs, and yellow or greenish-yellow feet. Male and female birds look exactly alike; but males are slightly larger. Young Snowy Egrets look similar to adult birds except that their legs are light-green and the base of their bills can be gray.

In the nesting season, adult Snowy Egrets develop long, lacy, flowing feathers or plumes that curve along their necks and backs and drape over their sides. These plumes are also called aigrettes. During this time, they also develop shaggy, spike-like head feathers which form a crest. In addition, the yellow skin patch around their eyes changes to a reddish color and their feet turn to a deep yellow-orange. 

Adult Snowy Egret, Image by Mary Forrestal

Where does the Snowy Egret live?

Snowy Egrets are found near marshes, wet agricultural fields, swamps, ponds, river and lake edges, and estuaries (locations where the ocean connects with a river or stream). They are often seen in protected coastal areas. Snowy Egrets readily accept the presence of other wading birds in their immediate environment, both when they roost or hunt. 

Snowy Egret pairs often build nests in large trees or shrubs surrounded by water. Sometimes, they will even build nests close to the ground in marsh grasses. When nesting sites are surrounded by water, Snowy Egrets are able to hear approaching predators moving in the water and are alerted to fly to safety. There are usually many Snowy Egrets that roost in the same tree or group of trees, forming a colony. A single tree can be the nesting site for different species of herons. With herons, different species all live together in harmony. 

The nests of Snowy Egrets are built fairly flat or ‘platform’ style. Nest placement ranges from 5-30 feet high and are usually positioned at the top of a tree or the outer part of a side limb. Males select the nest site and often will start to build a nest. When a female joins the male, she will often finish building the nest and the male will bring her nesting materials to use. Snowy Egret nests are made of loosely woven twigs, sticks, moss, and grass. After the female lays eggs in the nest, both parents take turns incubating the eggs (sitting on eggs and keeping them warm). After hatching, young birds will start to leave the nest in 19-25 days and will start flying soon after that. 

 What does a Snowy Egret eat?

Snowy Egret, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Snowy Egrets look for food near water because they prefer fish and other aquatic animals. Occasionally, they will search for food in dry fields. Obtaining food is a fairly easy task for Snowy Egrets due to their long legs, long necks, and the ability to catch prey swiftly with their sharp bills. When foraging (or searching) for food, snowy Egrets often are seen alone. Sometimes they will be found in small groups, especially when a food source in a certain area is abundant. Snowy Egrets will eat many different types of food. Their diet includes small fish, tadpoles, frogs, snails, crabs, shrimp, crayfish, insects, earthworms, lizards, and squid.

Snowy Egrets have several different hunting techniques. They often remain totally still in shallow water and quickly catch prey that comes close to them. In contrast, they may hunt more actively, flapping their wings while chasing their prey. Snowy Egrets use their thick, leathery toes and feet to stir and rake up prey from the water bottom. They are sometimes seen hovering close over the water surface, spearing fish with their bills. Snowy Egrets also catch insects that are attracted to ocean debris washed up on a shore.

Both Snowy Egret parents feed their hatchlings (baby birds) partially digested food that they regurgitate (bring up again to the mouth). The parents will continue with this method of feeding for a few days until their young are able to eat pieces of solid food.

What does a Snowy Egret sound like?

Snowy Egrets can be quiet when they are foraging for food. However, when they are in their rookeries (nesting colonies) they can be quite loud. Their call has been described as a hoarse, raspy croak and has a slightly higher pitch than the call of the Great Egret. You can listen to the Snowy Egret below:


Meet the Ring-necked Pheasant

Adult Male Ring-necked Pheasant, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This month, let’s talk about a local, non-native species called the Ring-necked Pheasant, which is also known as Common Pheasant. Ring-necked Pheasants originally came from China and other parts of Asia. They were introduced to the United States in 1881 from China as a game bird (a bird hunted for sport or food). Game birds are in a large group that includes pheasants, wild turkey, chukar, grouse, quails, guineafowl, guans, etc.). The largest North American populations of Ring-necked Pheasants are located in the central United States and southern Canada. Young birds may roam after leaving their nest sites to find a new area to live. However, Ring-necked Pheasants are not considered migratory and tend to stay in a general area from generation to generation. They are usually seen alone in the wild; but are known to gather in flocks during the winter. Most of the time, Ring-necked Pheasants either walk or run on the ground. However, when frightened or threatened, they can immediately burst almost vertically into the air using their powerful and specialized (unique) chest muscles. They usually fly only for short distances when necessary.

What do Ring-necked Pheasants look like?

Adult Male Ring-necked Pheasant, Image by Mary Forrestal

It may be difficult to get more than a quick glimpse of a Ring-necked Pheasant because they can be hidden in their dense habitat. Ring-necked Pheasants are large birds that have long tails, curved bills, and short, rounded wings. Males and females look very different. Male Ring-necked Pheasants are eye-catching due to their brightly colored plumage (feathers). Males have gold, copper or rust, and brown plumage on their bodies with black and white spots. The heads and necks of male Ring-necked Pheasants are green, bluish-black, or purple. Their feathers are shiny and iridescent, (changes in color depending on how the angle of the light). Male Ring-necked Pheasants have bright red patches around their eyes and faces, a white neck collar (or ring) (which is not always visible), and ear tufts which sometimes extend past the back of their heads. Female birds are fairly drab (or dull in color). This allows them to blend into field habitats while nesting or caring for their young. Compared with males, female Ring-necked Pheasants are lighter in color overall, smaller, and have shorter tails. They have sandy-brown plumage with dark brown-black markings on their backs, heads, and wings and pale chests.

Adult Female Ring-necked Pheasant, Photo is from Classic Collection North American Birds, Birds-of-North-America.net, used by permission

Where do Ringed-necked Pheasants live?

Juvenile Male Ring-necked Pheasant, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Ring-necked Pheasants are found in grassy woodland edges, areas with tall vegetation, open fields, brushy grassland areas, farmlands, pastures, weedy roadsides, prairies, cattail wetlands or marshes, and suburban gardens. They tend to be in areas that are near streams, brooks, or even constructed water channels. Ring-necked Pheasants tolerate human presence fairly well and are often seen in the outskirts of major cities. They usually roost (rest and sleep) in trees or tall bushes. 

The nests of Ring-necked Pheasants are built on the ground under thick cover. Nests can be found along fence lines or in ditches. The female Ring-necked Pheasant chooses the nesting site and constructs a simple nest which is about 7 inches across and 3 inches deep. She uses feathers, grasses, and other plant materials to line the nest. The usual clutch size (a group of eggs in a nest) is between 10 and 12 eggs. Ring-necked Pheasant chicks are born with their eyes open and are covered with very soft feathers, called down. At only two hours of age, the chicks are able to leave the nest and start looking for food with their mothers. Young birds will remain close to their mothers for 10 to 12 weeks.

What do Ring-necked Pheasants eat?

Adult Male Ring-necked Pheasant, Photo is from Classic Collection North American Birds, Birds-of-North-America.net, used by permission

Ring-necked Pheasants are omnivorous (eat foods either of plant or animal origin). They scratch the ground with their feet to find food and will also dig for roots or seeds with their powerful bills. Their diet changes throughout the year with the seasons. Adult Ring-necked Pheasants eat insects, spiders, grain and other agricultural crops, seeds, roots, wild fruits, nuts, snails, and earthworms. They also will eat leaves, buds, flowers, and occasionally small reptiles or rodents. In bad weather, Ring-necked Pheasants can go up to two weeks without eating. This is because their bodies have the capability to adjust their metabolism (chemical processes in the body) which acts to reduce their energy requirements. Ring-necked Pheasant chicks eat grasshoppers and other insects for the first six weeks of their lives before switching to a more varied diet.

What do Ring-necked Pheasants sound like?


The sounds that Ring-necked Pheasants make are described as hacking, crowing, or cackling. They also make a rapid wing-beat noise that can be either soft or loud. The ‘crowing’ sound is only made by males. You can listen to Ring-neck Pheasants now.

Meet the Bald Eagle

Adult Bald Eagle, Image by Larry Hickey


This month, let's talk about a raptor (bird of prey) that’s being seen more often in the Sacramento region, the Bald Eagle. Populations live in many regions within the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico. Bald Eagles can live for many years; one bird was reported to have lived 39 years in the wild and another to age 50. Despite their large size, they are agile fliers (able to move quickly and easily). They can reach speeds up to 70 miles per hour and soar with flat, straight wings. Bald Eagles are frequently seen alone or in pairs; but in winter they will gather together in numbers at resting or feeding sites. When on the ground walking, their gait appears somewhat awkward. Bald Eagles walk with a back and forth rocking motion.

Bald Eagles were put on the endangered species list in 1978; but thankfully their numbers have gradually recovered due to national protection measures and after the use of the pesticide DDT was banned.

Some Bald Eagles will migrate (to move from one region or habitat to another according to the seasons) if the water freezes where they catch fish or when juveniles leave the nest. Bald Eagles instinctively use migration routes that have good flying conditions and food sources. Their migration generally takes place during the daytime when thermals (upward currents of warm air) are produced by the sun.    

What do Bald Eagles look like?

Adult Bald Eagle, Image by Larry Hickey

The heads of Bald Eagles are not bald; they have feathers on their heads. The species was given their name because of the old English word ‘balde’ meaning ‘white-headed’. Adult Bald Eagles stand out because of the huge contrast between their dark-brown bodies and their bright white heads, necks, and tails. They have whitish-yellow eyes, large hook-shaped yellow bills, yellow feet with large talons, and feather-less legs. Although males and females look the same, female birds are about 25% larger than males. Females can have a wingspan of up to 8 feet, whereas males have a wingspan of up to 6 feet.

Immature Bald Eagle, Image by Jane Van Kessel

Baby eagles, called eaglets, are light gray when born and change color over time. It takes 4-5 years for young birds to look like adult Bald Eagles. Young birds have varying amounts of white streaking on their wings and tails. Their tails can also have a dark band at the tip. The bodies, necks, and heads of young Bald Eagles can be either solid brown or are mottled (spotted or splotchy) with patches of white and brown. Young birds have dark bills and eyes; but these gradually become lighter in color like on adult birds.

Bald Eagles can easily be mistaken for Golden Eagles, which is another eagle species that is seen in the Sacramento Valley. They are also sometimes mistaken for Turkey Vultures or large hawks. 

Where do Bald Eagles live?

Bald Eagles prefer habitats near bodies of open water that have large trees for their nests. They are seen near rivers, grasslands, marshes, lakes, streams, sometimes coastal areas, and in mountain ranges when they are migrating. They can also be found in drier and more inland areas in winter. 

Bald Eagles make the largest nests in North America. They frequently reuse and rebuild their nests year after year. Because they add additional materials to the nest each year, their nests can weigh up to 1-2 thousand pounds! Sometimes other bird species, such as Great Horned Owls, use abandoned Bald Eagle nests.

Adult Bald Eagle high on a nest, Image by Jane Van Kessel

Bald Eagles usually nest in trees. Pairs frequently remain together for life. They tend to choose the tallest tree in an area so that they have an excellent view of their surroundings. It can take up to three months for the pair to build a nest. Both parents carry building material to the nest site. Large sticks are woven together and are covered or lined with a softer material such as moss, lichen, grass, and downy feathers. The nesting female lays 1-3 eggs per year and their eggs are the size of baseballs. For about one month, both parents take turns incubating the eggs (sitting on the eggs to keep them warm). One parent will remain with the eaglets in the nest at all times for about two weeks. The parents hunt from dawn to dusk to provide food for their young. They rip the food into small pieces for their eaglets using their sharp pointed beaks. Even after the young birds are able to fly, young Bald Eagles remain near the nest for around three months before leaving the area. It is common for the fledged eagles to return to the same area when they start nesting in about 5 years.

What do Bald Eagles Eat?

Adult Bald Eagles, Image by Larry Hickey

Bald Eagles are carnivorous (meat-eating) and will accept a wide variety of prey (animals caught by another animal for food). Their primary and preferred food is fish; but they will also consume birds (usually water birds, such as ducks and coots), mammals (such as rabbits, squirrels, and prairie dogs), reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Because of their excellent eyesight, Bald Eagles can see fish in the water up to a mile away! They can swoop down from a high perch at a very fast speed and grab fish or other prey with their talons (the claws on a bird of prey). Bald Eagles sometimes will wade in shallow water either to catch fish or to drag a fish over to the shore that was too heavy to lift in flight. They will occasionally hunt in pairs, which helps make catching prey easier. Even though they are great hunters, Bald Eagles often steal prey that smaller raptors or mammals have caught. In addition, they will eat carrion (the decaying meat of dead animals), such as dead fish washed up on a shore. Bald Eagles tend to eat a large volume of food when food is available; but can go without eating anything for weeks!

What do Bald Eagles sound like?

When someone hears the call of a Bald Eagle for the first time, they are usually surprised at how high-pitched and weak-sounding it is. In TV commercials or movies where a Bald Eagle is shown, it is common for the call of a Red-tailed Hawk to be used in order to create a more dramatic effect. The calls of Bald Eagles are described as a series of chirps or a loud screaming whistle. Listen to Bald Eagle calls below.

Meet the Common Raven

Adult Common Raven, Image by Timothy Jackson

This month, let’s learn about a member of the Covidae family called the Common Raven. Crows, magpies, and jays are also in this family. Common Ravens have been observed in the Sacramento Valley more often in recent years. In the past, ravens were mainly seen at higher elevations or in rural or coastal areas; whereas American Crows were only seen here in the valley. So now, there are two species in the area that look quite similar. The main differences between Common Ravens and American Crows are size, tail shape, beak size, and the sounds they make. Common Ravens are larger overall, have diamond-shaped tails, have longer and narrower wings, and have larger and thicker beaks. They also soar or glide in the air and do less flapping than crows do. Adult Common Ravens are frequently seen in pairs, rather than in flocks. However, juvenile (or young) birds, that aren’t old enough for nesting yet, frequently form small groups. Common Ravens are also seen in numbers at garbage dumps searching for food.

Common Ravens tend to be permanent residents in their territories and do not migrate. They are found in the U.S. (especially the western states), Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, and South America. Common Ravens used to be common in the North Eastern U.S., but their populations declined severely after forests were cut down. However, their numbers have increased in recent years because trees have had time to regrow.  

Common Ravens are extremely intelligent birds. They are quick learners and great problem solvers. Common Ravens don't need to rely on the trial and error method that many other birds use when tackling problems; they can actually come up with successful solutions right away. Common Ravens have been known to use tools to obtain food and make shelters. They even “plan for the future'' by hiding both food and tools for later.

Common Ravens can be quite acrobatic when flying. They can be seen diving and tumbling in the air. One was recorded flying upside down for more than a half-mile! Young birds are fond of playing games with sticks, repeatedly dropping them, and then diving to catch them in midair.

What do Common Ravens look like?

Common Raven, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Common Ravens are large, shiny, all-black birds that are slightly larger than Red-tailed Hawks. They have large, thick, and slightly curved beaks, thick necks, and long, narrow wings that span 4 ½ feet. Common Ravens also have long, diamond-shaped (or wedge-shaped) tails. There are long feathers on their throats (called “hackles”) which make this area appear shaggy. Juveniles have gray neck feathers, are not as shiny, have shorter tails, and have violet or blue-gray eye color.

Where do Common Ravens live?

Common Ravens live in many different habitats including forests, dry grasslands, sagebrush, desert, and even arctic regions. They are usually found in rural areas. Because Common Ravens are so intelligent, it is easy for them to adapt to many different environments. Some actually live in the city of Los Angeles!

Common Raven pairs can remain together for life and will defend their nesting territories from other raven pairs. They usually have one clutch ( group of eggs in a nest) per year. Common Raven nests are built in trees or on cliff sides, and sometimes on structures such as power-line towers, telephone poles, billboards, and bridges. Nests are frequently reused and reinforced the following year. They make their nests out of sticks, grasses, bark strips, moss, fur, wool, mud, and sometimes trash. Female Common Ravens incubate the eggs (to sit on and keep nest eggs warm), while the male both guards the nest and brings food to the nest. After fledging (leaving the nest), young birds can remain near their parents for up to six months. Both parents help feed the fledglings.

Adult Common Raven, Image by Chris Conard

 What do Common Ravens eat?

 Common Ravens have a wide-ranging, omnivorous diet (which means they eat both plant and animal sources for food). They are quite skilled at finding many types of foods depending on habitat and availability. Common Ravens eat carrion (dead animal meat), bird eggs, insects, scorpions, grains, acorns, buds, small live animals (which include amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and nesting birds), berries and other fruit, pet food, and food waste left by humans. Recently, there has been concern with the negative effect brought on by Common Ravens regarding the population of local nesting shorebirds. Now that Common Ravens are more common in the Sacramento Valley, they have discovered that nesting shorebird species are an easy target for food. 

What do Common Ravens sound like?

Common Ravens have a wide range of vocalizations. Their calls have been described as croaking, screaming, whistling, knocking, and musical-like gurgling. The most common call of the Common Raven is a harsh and low-pitched croak or “wonk - wonk'' sound.

Common Ravens use various sounds for specific times. They have sounds used as alarm calls, chase calls, comfort calls, flight calls, and calls for advertising their territory. Common Ravens can also mimic (or copy) sounds from their environment. You can listen to the Common Raven now.

Ducks in Scopes at the Cosumnes River Preserve

Saturdays, December 17 and January 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2023. Come any time between 10am and 2pm.

Wintering waterfowl and cranes are here! Don't miss this chance to see them in the seasonal wetlands at the Cosumnes Preserve. CRP docents have a row of of spotting scopes set up, including lower ones for children, giving you excellent views of the many colorful ducks, other waterfowl, shorebirds and more.

Microscopes and hand lens provide close-up looks at “Duck Soup”, dishes of water dipped from the pond full of water fleas, rat-tailed maggots, scuds and other squiggly things that provide the protein the birds are feeding on.  

The Preserve is a quick drive from Sacramento – south on I-5 to Twin Cities Road; left (east) on Twin Cities for 1 mile; then right (south) on Franklin Blvd. The viewing area is in the first parking lot on your right as you drive into the preserve. Steady rain or flooding cancels event. 

Northern Shoveler, Image by Dana J. Miller-Blair

Meet the White-crowned Sparrow

Adult White-crowned Sparrow, Image by Chris Conard

This month, let’s learn about a songbird called the White-crowned Sparrow. White-crowned Sparrows migrate into the Sacramento Valley starting in the fall. They stay over winter and leave in the spring to go to their nesting sites. Most populations of White-crowned Sparrows migrate; but there are populations on the Pacific coast and in some areas of the interior West that stay year-round. White-crowned Sparrows are native to North America and are found in the continental U.S., Canada, and northern Mexico. If White-crowned Sparrows are seen in the northeastern U.S., they usually won’t stay long because they are probably just migrating through. One bird that was tracked by scientists during migration flew 300 miles in one night. Alaskan White-crown Sparrows fly 2,600 miles to stay in Southern California for the winter.

What do White-crowned Sparrows look like?

Some species of sparrows may be difficult to identify because they look similar; but White-crowned Sparrows are fairly easy to identify. The adults have “eye-catching” black and white stripes on their heads. The bills of White-crowned Sparrows are small and are either yellow, orange, or pink depending on the subspecies (a group in a species that has slight differences). There are five identified subspecies of the White-crowned Sparrow that live in different regions. White-crowned Sparrows have plain, gray chests and abdomens and have brown wings with light and dark streaking (or lines). They have long tails and their heads can appear either rounded or slightly peaked. Their crown feathers (the feathers on the top of the head) can be raised or lowered at will depending on their mood! Males and females look alike. However, first-year birds, or immatures, have brown and grayish-tan head stripes, instead of the black and white stripes that adults have. Juveniles (the age up until August after hatching) have dark streaks all over their bodies. 

Immature White-crowned Sparrow, Image by Nancy J. Kapellas

Where do White-crowned Sparrows live?

One can frequently spot a White-crowned Sparrow either hopping on the ground or perching low inside bushes. They are found in many habitats such as weedy fields, thickets, city parks, suburban yards, alpine meadows, roadsides, agricultural fields, and edges of woodlands. White-crowned Sparrows prefer to have low brush or trees nearby so that they can quickly find shelter when necessary. 

It’s the female White-crowned Sparrow that builds the nest. The nests are built with twigs, grasses, pine needles, moss, bark, and dead leaves. Finer grass and sometimes hair is used to line their nests. Nests are usually fairly low to the ground in thickets, not higher than 3-10 feet. In far northern regions where brush or thickets are not available, such as the arctic tundra, White-crowned Sparrows build nests on the ground. These nests are usually hidden behind clumps of moss or in other types of groundcover. The female incubates (or sits on) the eggs to keep them warm. After hatching, both parents help feed their young. When White-crowned sparrow fledglings (young birds that are able to move on their own) leave the nest, they do not learn to fly for another week or so. They remain close to the nest during this time. Siblings may stay together for a few months.

Adult White-crowned Sparrow, Image by Larry Hickey

What do White-crowned Sparrows eat?

White-crowned Sparrows eat many types of food and what they eat can change from season to season. In the winter, they mainly eat seeds; and in the summer, they eat insects, such as caterpillars, wasps, and beetles. In addition, White-crowned Sparrows also eat buds and other plant parts, grains (such as barley, oats, wheat, corn), and berries, such as elderberries and blackberries. In winter, flocks are seen looking for food in open or grassy areas. When searching for food on the ground, White-crowned Sparrows use a successful technique called “double-scratching”. This is when birds turn over leaves when they hop in one direction and then quickly hop in the opposite direction to pounce on food, such as insects or seeds, that are suddenly exposed. 

What do White-crowned Sparrows sound like?

White-crowned Sparrows have a beautiful song and also have a few different calls. Each subspecies in their specific regions have slightly unique song versions. It is thought that males sing more often; but that females do sing as well. You can listen to the White-crowned Sparrow now.

Meet the Turkey Vulture

Turkey Vulture, Image by Larry Hickey

This month, let’s talk about a common bird found in the Sacramento Valley called the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura). In the Fall, northern populations of this species migrate south in large flocks. Some populations remain in certain areas year round, like they do in the Sacramento Valley. Turkey Vultures are truly amazing, beneficial, and mild-mannered birds. They live in many areas, from southern Canada to the southern tip of South America. Turkey Vultures were given their name because their red heads resemble that of male Wild Turkeys. 

Let’s clear up some misconceptions (or false ideas) about Turkey Vultures. Some people call them ‘buzzards’. However, this name is not correct. Turkey Vultures are not even related to buzzard species. Buzzards are members of the hawk family and don’t live in the United States! Besides, Turkey Vultures don’t look anything like the true buzzards. 

Many people believe that when Turkey Vultures are circling high in the sky that they are looking down on a potential meal. Actually, when they fly in big circles, they are most likely taking advantage of rising air currents or thermals. These warm pockets of air lift the birds so they can glide without using much energy. Since Turkey Vultures are large birds and have huge wingspans, it takes an enormous amount of energy to fly by flapping their wings. Therefore, finding thermals and gliding is a great way to save energy. Turkey Vultures frequently hold their wings in a V-shape. This specific wing position helps them stabilize themselves if they meet up with turbulent air (air moving very strongly and suddenly). 

In contrast to many other raptors, Turkey Vultures are fairly social birds. They often fly in small groups in the daytime. In the evening, they usually gather in large groups (or colonies) to roost or rest. Turkey Vultures have been known to share carrion with Black Vultures, eagles, and ravens.

What do Turkey Vultures look like?

Adult Turkey Vulture, Image by Mary Forrestal

The size of a Turkey Vulture is between an eagle and a hawk. Turkey Vultures have long wings, bulky-looking bodies, small heads, and light-colored beaks. When they are flying high in the sky, they may appear black. However, when seen close up, Turkey Vultures’ feathers are actually dark brown. Their head, face, and upper neck is absent of feathers! The bare skin on these areas is generally red, but when relaxed it can appear pale pink or even light blue. Turkey Vultures’ underwings have a divided coloration. The front underwing area is dark; while the rear underwing area is a silvery-gray, as shown in the photo below. Juvenile birds can be distinguished from adults by their gray heads and dark beaks. 

Where do Turkey Vultures live?

Adult Turkey Vulture, Image by Chris Conard

Turkey vultures live in many habitats and are seen flying over open countryside such as suburbs, scrublands, landfills, rangeland, and farm fields; but they are also seen in woodland areas and forests. They roost (or rest) on dead tree limbs, fence posts, poles, or towers at night. Turkey vultures are frequently seen in the morning high in trees with their wings spread facing the sun. There are a few theories on why they hold their wings like this: perhaps they get an energy boost from the sun by warming up or the sun may aide in the digestion of their food. Some suggests that the heat from the sun kills parasites that are on their bodies. (Parasites are living things that live or feed on on other living things, such as ticks and fleas.)

Turkey Vulture nests are usually very well hidden. This has made studying the birds’ nesting habits difficult for scientists. Whereas Turkey Vultures will frequently roost and hunt near humans, their nest sites are usually far away from people! Turkey Vultures use sheltered nest sites in logs, rock crevices (spaces between rocks), inside dense bushes or trees, fallen trees, old buildings, and even use old nests of raptors and herons. The carefully selected nest sites tend to be used over-and-over again. Turkey Vultures do not make structured nests. They simply scrape the ground to make a slight depression where the eggs will be.

What do Turkey Vultures eat?

Adult Turkey Vulture, Image by Chris Conard

Turkey Vultures scan the countryside for food as they fly. They mainly eat mammals; but will also eat reptiles, other birds, amphibians, fish, and even invertebrates. Turkey vultures also eat animal bones! Some people worry that Turkey Vultures will swoop down and carry away their pets for food. They need not worry though because Turkey Vultures usually will only eat animals that are dead and starting to decay. They frequently eat dead animals near roadways which have been hit and killed by automobiles. An amazing finding is that Turkey vultures can go without a meal for more than two weeks if they have to!

Decaying animal flesh is called carrion. Eating carrion doesn't sound very appetizing to humans; but it’s nature’s way of keeping the environment clean and free of dead animals. So Turkey Vultures continuously provide a cleaning service for humans and other animals! Without vultures in the ecosystem, there would be more infectious disease spread due to the accumulation of rotting carcasses (the dead bodies of animals) which harbor viruses and bacteria.  

Another interesting fact is that Turkey Vultures do not get sick after eating decayed meat or other animal parts. Carrion is toxic (harmful) to most animals. Fortunately for the Turkey Vulture, their gastrointestinal tracts are very acidic and kill most of the microorganisms that are eaten. Scientists have also discovered that Turkey Vultures have an amazing tolerance for many bacteria that are found inside their bodies.

What do Turkey Vultures sound like?

Most of the time, Turkey Vultures are silent birds; but they occasionally hiss or grunt to communicate, especially when they are feeding or around their nests. They can not sing or call like many other birds do because they do not have a voice box or larynx. You can listen to the Turkey vulture below.

Effie Yeaw's NatureFest

After a two year hiatus, NatureFest is back!

Effie Yeaw’s largest family event of the year, NatureFest promotes science & nature education and is an excellent opportunity to learn more about local organizations that support our community. Held at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, this family-friendly event includes live animal presentations, kids activities, demonstrations, guided nature hikes, and more.

Date: Sunday, October 9th
Time: 10am – 3pm
Price: $7 for Adults (12+) | $3 for Kids (3-11) | Ages 2 & Under Free

Sign up for Effie Yeaw Nature Center’s email list HERE to receive updates on NatureFest and more!

Congratulations to NatureFest 2022 Logo Winner, Liam S. Age 11!

Effie Yeaw Nature Center is located at 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael, CA, 95608.

 

Meet the California Scrub-Jay

California Scrub-jay, Adult, Image by Mary Forrestal

This month, let’s talk about a songbird called the California Scrub-Jay. California Scrub-Jays are frequently seen all year long in the Sacramento Valley. Their range is from the western coast of Canada down to the Baja Peninsula in Mexico and parts of Nevada. California Scrub-Jays are non-migratory which means they remain year-round in a permanent territory. Occasionally, it may be necessary for them to travel to find food if acorns and other foods become scarce where they live.

California Scrub-Jays are often incorrectly called Blue Jays; but the Blue Jay is a different species that is found east of the Rockies. There are at least 10 different species of jays living in North America! Another scrub-jay species, called the Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay, is found in states to the east of California. This species looks extremely similar to the California Scrub-Jay. The two species, California and Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays, used to be considered a single species; but were separated in 2016. All jay species are in the bird group or family, called Corvidae (corvids). Corvids include crows, ravens, jays, and magpies. Birds in this family are thought to be very intelligent!

You will often see California Scrub-Jays at the tops of high trees, keeping watch over their territory. They can be quite vocal and they frequently make their presence known! 

What do California Scrub-Jays look like?

Both male and female California Scrub-Jays are bright blue, have a patch of grayish-brown on their backs, and have white on their throats and abdomens. Their heads are round; there isn’t a crest, which some other jay species have. California Scrub-Jays also have a blue band or ‘necklace’ that runs from their neck area diagonally into their chest area. They have a white ‘eyebrow’ line and have a black area around their eyes. California Scrub-Jays’ tails are long and they have long, thick bills that have a small hook at the end. Their specialized bills make it easy to carry and open up acorns so that they can eat what’s inside.

California Scrub-Jay nestlings start out totally gray. As they grow, the juvenile (or young) birds have gray heads and backs, a blue tail, and some blue on their wings. There is also a little blue on the forehead of the juvenile in the photo below.

California Scrub-Jay, Juvenile, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Where do California Scrub-Jays live?

The habitat of California Scrub-Jays is quite variable; they are seen both around homes and in more remote areas. California Scrub-Jays are found in parks, pastures, neighborhoods, riverside woodlands, and oak scrublands. Pairs usually have a permanent territory and can be very protective of their area. They will chase out other jays (and sometimes other species of birds). 

California Scrub-Jays nest in bushes and low trees, usually not more than 5 to 15 feet above the ground. Both the male and female build the nest and there is usually only one clutch (or group of eggs) per year. Some believe that it’s the female that does most of the nest building, while the male guards the nest area. California Scrub-Jay nests are cup-shaped, very sturdy, and are usually well hidden. They are made of grass, moss, and twigs and lined with tiny roots, plant fibers, and sometimes animal hair. It usually takes about ten days to build a nest. The female of the pair incubates the eggs (sits on and keeps the eggs warm) for 15-17 days. According to some researchers, the male brings food to the female during the incubation period. The nestlings (or baby birds) are fed by both parents. 18-22 days after hatching, juvenile birds leave the nest; but their parents continue to feed and watch over them for about a month until they learn to be independent.

What do California Scrub-Jays eat?

California Scrub-Jay, Adult, Image by Mary Forrestal

California Scrub-Jays eat a variety of foods and what they eat depends on where they live and what time of year it is. They look for food on the ground, in trees, and also will eagerly come to feeders. California Scrub-Jays eat mostly insects, spiders, and sometimes snails during spring and summer. They switch to acorns, nuts, berries, and grass seeds during fall and winter. California Scrub-Jays will also eat other animals’ eggs, small rodents, the young of other birds, small reptiles, and amphibians. Parents feed their young mainly moth caterpillars. 

California Scrub-Jays, like other Corvids, are very clever or intelligent. They actually can plan for the future, an ability known as metacognition. California Scrub-Jays often bury acorns to eat in future months. They try to make sure there aren't any other animals watching when they bury them! California Scrub-Jays also have fantastic memories and can remember up to 200 places where they previously buried acorns! They do leave many acorns in the ground, however. This is the reason that the Miwok Indians call the Scrub-Jay ‘the one who plants oaks’. California Scrub-Jays can also be quite sneaky and will take stored acorns from Acorn Woodpeckers and other jays!

What do California Scrub-Jays sound like?

As stated above, California Scrub-Jays are quite vocal and often loud. They mainly use calls and rarely sing. Often pairs will communicate with each other using their typical harsh calls. Listen to the California Scrub-Jay now.