birdwatching

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1965. Örebro läns museum, Örebro, Sweden

1965. Örebro läns museum, Örebro, Sweden

1965. Public domain photograph, 1900s Sweden, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

19 oktober 1964. Örebro läns museum

19 oktober 1964. Örebro läns museum

19 oktober 1964. Public domain photograph, 1900s Sweden, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Öland, 1968. Örebro läns museum

Öland, 1968. Örebro läns museum

Öland, 1968. Public domain photograph, 1900s Sweden, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

1968. Örebro läns museum, Örebro, Sweden

1968. Örebro läns museum, Örebro, Sweden

1968. Public domain photograph, 1900s Sweden, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Kvismaren Öbykulle 10 april 1960.

Kvismaren Öbykulle 10 april 1960.

Kvismaren Öbykulle 10 april 1960. Public domain photograph, 1900s Sweden, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Bird of prey with its meal, a common rock dove (Columba livia), Boston National Historical Park, 2016.

Bird of prey with its meal, a common rock dove (Columba livia), Boston...

North America's only indigenous passenger pigeon, which may have gathered in flocks numbering in the billions, became extinct in 1914 at the hands of humans. So, how are pigeons one of the most easily-recogniza... More

House finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, 2016.

House finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), Florissant Fossil Beds National Mo...

American rosefinches form the genus Haemorhous. This includes Cassin's finch (H. cassinii), the purple finch (H. purpureus) and the house finch (H. mexicanus). Identify the house finch by its streaked flank fea... More

White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), Point Reyes National Seashore, 2015.

White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), Point Reyes National Seashore, 20...

Their coloration is gull-like but their shape and flight are falcon-like. Look for mostly white underparts with black wingtips and shoulders. Due to shooting and egg-collecting, the white-tailed kite was almost... More

Kvismaren bild tagen från Öbykulle 10 april 1960.

Kvismaren bild tagen från Öbykulle 10 april 1960.

Kvismaren bild tagen från Öbykulle 10 april 1960.

Rock wren (Salpinctes obsoletus), Saguaro National Park, 2015.

Rock wren (Salpinctes obsoletus), Saguaro National Park, 2015.

Like most desert animals, rock wrens don't drink water (even in captivity). They get their water from the insects and spiders they eat. They are also fantastic singers, especially males. He may have an amazing ... More

Eurasian collared doves (Streptopelia decoacto) in a tree near Bullfrog Marina, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, 2015.

Eurasian collared doves (Streptopelia decoacto) in a tree near Bullfro...

Native to warm and subtropical Asia, these doves were introduced to North America in the 1980's.

Hawaiian coot (Fulica alai), Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, 2015.

Hawaiian coot (Fulica alai), Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park...

The Hawaiian coot, also called 'alae kea' in Hawaiian, is similar to the American coot (Fulica americana) you are probably familiar with. They are similar in appearance, size and weight as well as both exhibiti... More

Steller's jay, Yellowstone National Park, 2005.

Steller's jay, Yellowstone National Park, 2005.

Steller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) is a jay native to North America and is, perhaps not surprisingly, closely-related to the blue jay. Jays are noisy, (usually) colorful birds in the crow family. This particul... More

Birdwatchers on the Towpath Trail

Birdwatchers on the Towpath Trail

Birdwatchers on the Towpath Trail Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Birders at Beaver Marsh - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
National parks: birdwatching - public domain image

National parks: birdwatching - public domain image

birdwatching Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

A mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) blends into the swamp, George Washington Memorial Parkway, 2011.

A mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) blends into the swamp, George Washingto...

Mallards are also commonly called simply, 'wild duck'. This dabbling duck lives in wetlands and enjoys eating water plants and small animals. Highly social, it congregates in groups / flocks of varying sizes. T... More

Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), Hampton National Historic Site, 2012.

Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), Hampton National Historic S...

Northern cardinals are found in southern Canada, through the eastern US and south through Mexico in woodlands, gardens, shrublands and even swamps. The common & scientific names of this bird refer to the cardin... More

Wood stork among American alligators, Everglades National Park, 2015.

Wood stork among American alligators, Everglades National Park, 2015.

This wood stork (Mycteria americana) goes about its own business with American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) lounging nearby.

Black oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani), Kenai Fjords National Park, 2012.

Black oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani), Kenai Fjords National Park,...

Researchers study details in the black oystercatcher's eye to aid in determining the sex of the bird.

Tern (Sternidae), Missouri National Recreational River, 2012.

Tern (Sternidae), Missouri National Recreational River, 2012.

Picryl description: Public domain image of wildlife, wild animals, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), Congaree National Park, 2012.

Prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), Congaree National Park, 20...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a bird, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Black oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani), Kenai Fjords National Park, 2012.

Black oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani), Kenai Fjords National Park,...

Researchers study details in the black oystercatcher's eye to aid in determining the sex of the bird.

Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus), Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, 2012.

Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus), Bering Land Bridge National Preserve,...

Flammeus literally means "flaming" or "color of fire" in Latin. Owls belonging to the genus Asio are known as the eared owls because their tufts of feathers resemble mammalian ears. Interestingly, these 'ear' t... More

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias), Congaree National Park, 2012.

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias), Congaree National Park, 2012.

Picryl description: Public domain image of a mountain cliff view, natural rocky landscape, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), Congaree National Park, 2012.

Prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), Congaree National Park, 20...

Picryl description: Public domain image of wildlife, wild animals, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Tern (Sternidae), Missouri National Recreational River, 2012.

Tern (Sternidae), Missouri National Recreational River, 2012.

Picryl description: Public domain image of wildlife, wild animals, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor), Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, 2013.

Tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor), Chattahoochee River National Rec...

These birds live in deciduous or mixed evergreen-deciduous woods above 2,000 feet elevation. Distinguish the tufted titmouse from other similar titmice by the black patch just above its bill. This bird has inte... More

Winter park residents, Rock Creek Park, 2013.

Winter park residents, Rock Creek Park, 2013.

These are just some of the park's winter residents; see the tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) in flight and the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) resting in the tree.

Red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, 2013.

Red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), Chattahoochee River Nat...

These woodpeckers have strikingly-barred backs and gleaming red caps. Don't confuse this species with the similar but rarer red-headed woodpecker which has a mostly black back with big white wing bars. If you c... More

California condor (Gymnogyps californianus), Cedar Breaks National Monument, 2013.

California condor (Gymnogyps californianus), Cedar Breaks National Mon...

This New World vulture is the largest land bird in North America and one of the world's rarest bird species. Sadly, the condor became extinct in the wild in 1987 which means that every condor you see has been c... More

Anhinga, Everglades National Park, 2013.

Anhinga, Everglades National Park, 2013.

The anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) has many common names, including snakebird and water turkey. You've probably guessed that the name water turkey stems from its swimming habits and broad turkey-like tail seen in th... More

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias), National Capital Parks - East, 2013.

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias), National Capital Parks - East, 2013...

Breeding great blue herons gather in colonies or heronries to build stick nests high off the ground. Known for its dagger-like bill, slow walk while stalking prey and a conspicuous S-shaped curl in its neck, th... More

California condor (Gymnogyps californianus), Cedar Breaks National Monument, 2013.

California condor (Gymnogyps californianus), Cedar Breaks National Mon...

This New World vulture is the largest land bird in North America and one of the world's rarest bird species. Sadly, the condor became extinct in the wild in 1987 which means that every condor you see has been c... More

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias), National Capital Parks - East, 2013.

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias), National Capital Parks - East, 2013...

Breeding great blue herons gather in colonies or heronries to build stick nests high off the ground. Known for its dagger-like bill, slow walk while stalking prey and a conspicuous S-shaped curl in its neck, th... More

Wood duck (Aix sponsa) ducklings, Rock Creek Park, 2013.

Wood duck (Aix sponsa) ducklings, Rock Creek Park, 2013.

The day after hatching, young wood ducks will climb to the tree nest entrance (or in this case, man-made nest box entrance) and jump! These precocial ducklings then make their way to the water where they are al... More

Greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus), Montezuma Castle National Monument, 2013.

Greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus), Montezuma Castle Nationa...

Along with the lesser roadrunner (G. velox), it is one of only two species in the roadrunner genus, Geococcyx. The name 'geococcyx' is Latin for 'earth-cuckoo' but you may also know this bird by the name chapar... More

Common eiders (Somateria mollissima), Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, 2014.

Common eiders (Somateria mollissima), Bering Land Bridge National Pres...

The common eider is the largest eider species. They are characterized by a bulky shape and large, wedge-shaped bill. The male is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and green nape. The female, as you ... More

Magnificent frigatebirds in flight, Dry Tortugas National Park, 2013.

Magnificent frigatebirds in flight, Dry Tortugas National Park, 2013.

The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) is the largest frigatebird at 35-45 inches in length. This seabird is recognized mostly for the male's striking red gular sac which it uses to attract a mate. A... More

California condor (Gymnogyps californianus), Cedar Breaks National Monument, 2013.

California condor (Gymnogyps californianus), Cedar Breaks National Mon...

This New World vulture is the largest land bird in North America and one of the world's rarest bird species. Sadly, the condor became extinct in the wild in 1987 which means that every condor you see has been c... More

Prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, 2016.

Prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), Jean Lafitte National Hist...

This small songbird is the only member of its genus, Protonotaria. Adult males have a bright orange-yellow head; females and immature birds are duller and have a yellow head.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Fort Matanzas National Monument, 2013.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Fort Matanzas National Monument, 2013.

The osprey has many common names, including fish eagle, sea hawk, river hawk and fish hawk. While the osprey can live in a wide variety of habitats, it prefers to live and nest near bodies of water with an adeq... More

Young male Bullock's oriole (Icterus bullockii), Curecanti National Recreation Area, 2013.

Young male Bullock's oriole (Icterus bullockii), Curecanti National Re...

Bullock's orioles are sexually dimorphic, with males showing more color (as in the photo) than females. Males are also slightly larger and heavier. Juveniles resemble females with a pink or whitish bill and dar... More

Bald eagle chicks, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, 2013.

Bald eagle chicks, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, 2013.

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is the largest eagle native to North America and a bird of prey also known as a 'sea eagle'. Sea eagles are all birds of prey in the genus Haliaeetus. Their diets consi... More

California condor (Gymnogyps californianus), Cedar Breaks National Monument, 2013.

California condor (Gymnogyps californianus), Cedar Breaks National Mon...

This New World vulture is the largest land bird in North America and one of the world's rarest bird species. Sadly, the condor became extinct in the wild in 1987 which means that every condor you see has been c... More

Wild turkey, Wind Cave National Park, 2013.

Wild turkey, Wind Cave National Park, 2013.

The wild turkey is native to North America and is the same species as the domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). Interestingly, the head and neck of the male (tom) turkey turns bright blue during courtship. So,... More

Western tanager (Piranga ludoviciana), Mesa Verde National Park, 2013.

Western tanager (Piranga ludoviciana), Mesa Verde National Park, 2013.

Find the western tanager at the park throughout spring and summer.

Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea), Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, 2013.

Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea), Bering Land Bridge National Preserve,...

The arctic tern is a strongly migratory seabird with a convoluted route between its northern breeding grounds and the Antarctic coast. By far, it has the longest known migration in the animal kingdom (up to 44,... More

Mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides), Craters of the Moon National Park & Preserve, 2013.

Mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides), Craters of the Moon National P...

The mountain bluebird is a relative of the eastern and western bluebirds.

Tufted puffin (Fratercula cirrhata), Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, 2014.

Tufted puffin (Fratercula cirrhata), Glacier Bay National Park and Pre...

This puffin is easily differentiated from the only other two puffin species because of its thick red bill and yellow tufts.

Red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, 2014.

Red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), Sequoia and Kings Canyon Nationa...

As a perch-hunter, this bird sits atop branches and scans the ground for small animals to devour. If you see a raptor, identify the red-shouldered hawk by the rusty patches on its shoulders that give the animal... More

Osprey in flight, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 2014.

Osprey in flight, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 2014.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) tolerate a wide variety of habitats and will nest almost anywhere near a body of water with an adequate food supply. The osprey has many common names, including fish eagle, sea hawk, ... More

Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Arches National Park, 2014.

Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Arches National Park, 2014.

Blue-gray gnatcatcher (polioptila caerulea) catches a meal on the wing.

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), Sitka National Historical Park, 2015.

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), Sitka National Historical Park, 2015.

This wading bird is one of the most widespread of the curlews, which are a group of birds characterized by long, slender, downcurved bills and mottled brown plumage.

Western scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica), Golden Gate National Recreation Area, 2014.

Western scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica), Golden Gate National Recre...

Don't confuse the scrub jay with a blue jay, which is an entirely different species of bird! True to its name, the western scrub jay prefers low scrub areas. These birds usually forage in pairs, family groups o... More

Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), George Washington Birthplace National Monument, 2014.

Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), George Washington Birthplace N...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a bird, eagle, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Great horned owl fledgling, Yellowstone National Park, 2014.

Great horned owl fledgling, Yellowstone National Park, 2014.

The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) was originally called the 'winged tiger' or 'tiger of the air' by naturalists, which has gained it the modern nickname of tiger owl. This extremely adaptable bird has suc... More

Arctic terns, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, 2014.

Arctic terns, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, 2014.

Arctic terns (Sterna paradisaea) will soon begin heading south. They fly from northern breeding grounds to antarctic wintering areas, travling up to 50,000 miles each year. Arctic terns are long-lived birds wit... More

American kestrel, Yellowstone National Park, 2014.

American kestrel, Yellowstone National Park, 2014.

The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is the smallest falcon in North America and the smallest raptor in America (under traditional classifications.) Unlike other raptors, the sexes of the kestrel differ more... More

Spotted towhee (Pipilo maculatus), Pinnacles National Park, 2014.

Spotted towhee (Pipilo maculatus), Pinnacles National Park, 2014.

Look for the spotted towhee beneath the dense chaparral, noisily scratching at the leafy ground. This spunky bird will often be seen jumping backwards and scratching through the leaves, looking for seeds and in... More

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias), National Capital Parks - East, 2014.

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias), National Capital Parks - East, 2014...

Breeding great blue herons gather in colonies or heronries to build stick nests high off the ground. Known for its dagger-like bill, slow walk while stalking prey and a conspicuous S-shaped curl in its neck, th... More

Great northern loon with chick, Isle Royale National Park, 2014.

Great northern loon with chick, Isle Royale National Park, 2014.

You may know the great northern loon as the common loon (Gavia immer). This adult is still in breeding plumage, with a black head, white underparts and a checkered black-and-white mantle. After breeding season ... More

Starlings (Sturnidae), Nicodemus National Historic Site, 2014.

Starlings (Sturnidae), Nicodemus National Historic Site, 2014.

As summer becomes fall and fall becomes winter, Kansas witnesses one of the most impressive natural dramas: birds migrating south to warmer climates. These starlings, introduced to North America in the 1890s, a... More

Osprey in flight, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 2014.

Osprey in flight, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 2014.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) tolerate a wide variety of habitats and will nest almost anywhere near a body of water with an adequate food supply. The osprey has many common names, including fish eagle, sea hawk, ... More

Cactus wren, Saguaro National Park, 2014.

Cactus wren, Saguaro National Park, 2014.

True to its name the cactus wren (campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) builds nests in cactus plants, sometimes in a hole in a saguaro or sometimes where its nest will be protected by prickly cactus spines of a cho... More

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) taking off, National Capital Parks - East, 2014.

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) taking off, National Capital Parks -...

Breeding great blue herons gather in colonies or heronries to build stick nests high off the ground. Known for its dagger-like bill, slow walk while stalking prey and a conspicuous S-shaped curl in its neck, th... More

Brandt's cormorant, Redwood National and State Parks, 2014.

Brandt's cormorant, Redwood National and State Parks, 2014.

Brandt's cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus) is a strictly-marine cormorant, inhabiting the Pacific coast of North America. The specific name penicillatus is Latin for 'painter's brush', meaning pencil of ha... More

Willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus), Katmai National Park & Preserve, 2014.

Willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus), Katmai National Park & Preserve, 2...

Picryl description: Public domain image of wildlife, wild animals, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Gambel's quail, Joshua Tree National Park, 2014.

Gambel's quail, Joshua Tree National Park, 2014.

Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii) chicks seek cover under Mojave yucca. Not to be confused with California quail (Callipepla californica), look for a black patch on the lower breast of the male bird. This pa... More

Waterfowl on the Kobuk River, Kobuk Valley National Park, 2015.

Waterfowl on the Kobuk River, Kobuk Valley National Park, 2015.

A flock of waterfowl, mostly mallards (Anas plathyrhynchos) and scaups (Aythya), rise up from the Kobuk River on a clear September day. Soon they will be gone and the land will seem a little quieter until next spring.

Sandhill cranes, Everglades National Park, 2014.

Sandhill cranes, Everglades National Park, 2014.

Sandhill cranes mate for life, choosing their partners based on dancing displays. They stretch their wings, pump their heads, bow and leap into the air during their mating displays. Juvenile sandhill cranes usu... More

Osprey in flight, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 2014.

Osprey in flight, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 2014.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) tolerate a wide variety of habitats and will nest almost anywhere near a body of water with an adequate food supply. The osprey has many common names, including fish eagle, sea hawk, ... More

A tern (Sternidae) in flight, Dry Tortugas National Park, 2014.

A tern (Sternidae) in flight, Dry Tortugas National Park, 2014.

Picryl description: Public domain image of a bird in flight, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), Fort Matanzas National Monument, 2014.

Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), Fort Matanzas National Monumen...

One of only three pelican species found in the western hemisphere and one of only two that feed by diving into water. Although a large bird in general, it is the smallest of the pelicans. Easily distinguish thi... More

Barred owl fledgling, Acadia National Park, 2014.

Barred owl fledgling, Acadia National Park, 2014.

The barred owl (Strix varia) is better known as the hoot owl because of its distinctive call. The only similar owl in an overlapping range is the spotted owl; however, the spotted owl, perhaps not surprisingly,... More

Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana), Grand Teton National Park, 2014.

Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana), Grand Teton National Park, ...

One Clark's nutcracker can cache up to 98,000 whitebark pine seeds in a single year. The gnarly whitebark pine survives in harsh environments with the help of birds like the nutcracker.

Birds are the most visible animals at the park, Pinnacles National Park, 2014.

Birds are the most visible animals at the park, Pinnacles National Par...

Picryl description: Public domain image of wildlife, wild animals, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Bald eagle, Wind Cave National Park, 2014.

Bald eagle, Wind Cave National Park, 2014.

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is the largest eagle native to North America and a bird of prey also known as a 'sea eagle'. Sea eagles are all birds of prey in the genus Haliaeetus. Their diets consi... More

Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) families, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, 2014.

Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) families, Lake Roosevelt National Re...

Adult turkey hens with their baby turkeys, also known as poults.

Broad-tailed hummingbird, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, 2014.

Broad-tailed hummingbird, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, 2014.

Amazingly, the broad-tailled hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) is actually a medium-sized hummingbird at nearly 4 inches in length. Both sexes have irridescent green backs, crowns and as well as a white bre... More

Osprey with its prey, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 2014.

Osprey with its prey, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 2014.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) tolerate a wide variety of habitats and will nest almost anywhere near a body of water with an adequate food supply. The osprey has many common names, including fish eagle, sea hawk, ... More

Bald eagles, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, 2014.

Bald eagles, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, 2014.

Two mature bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) perch on ice near Hermit Island. The bald eagle is the largest eagle native to North America and a bird of prey also known as a 'sea eagle'. Sea eagles are all ... More

Black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, 2014.

Black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), Pu'ukohola Heiau Na...

This heron can be found throughout most of the world, except the coldest regions and Australasia (where a related night heron is found instead). You probably know herons for their ambush predator behavior: a he... More

Osprey in flight, Yellowstone National Park, 2014.

Osprey in flight, Yellowstone National Park, 2014.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) tolerate a wide variety of habitats and will nest almost anywhere near a body of water with an adequate food supply. The osprey has many common names, including fish eagle, sea hawk, ... More

Piping plover chick, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, 2014.

Piping plover chick, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, 2014.

Piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) are sand-colored, sparrow-sized shorebirds that nest and feed along coastal sand and gravel beaches in North America. They're usually difficult to see when standing still and... More

American kestrel, Arches National Park, 2014.

American kestrel, Arches National Park, 2014.

American kestrel (Falco sparverius) perform courtship behavior in flight. It is the smallest falcon in North America and the smallest raptor in America (under traditional classifications.) Unlike other raptors,... More

Juvenile black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, 2014.

Juvenile black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), Pu'ukohola...

This heron can be found throughout most of the world, except the coldest regions and Australasia (where a related night heron is found instead). You probably know herons for their ambush predator behavior: a he... More

Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, 2014.

Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), Lake Roosevelt National Recreatio...

This powerful predator can take down birds and mammals that are larger than itself. However, that doesn't mean it will pass on tiny dishes like scorpions, mice and frogs. It's one of the most common owls in Nor... More

Long-billed curlew (Numenius americanus), Golden Gate National Recreation Area, 2014.

Long-billed curlew (Numenius americanus), Golden Gate National Recreat...

The long-billed curlew's diet includes many invertebrates and even some vertebrates; however, its bill is best adapted for capturing shrimp and crabs living deep below tidal mudflats or earthworms in flooded pa... More

Tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), Yellowstone National Park, 2014.

Tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), Yellowstone National Park, 2014.

This migratory passerine breeds in North America and winters in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Very social outside breeding season, tree swallows may form flocks of several thousand birds near roost sites.

Great horned owl, Yellowstone National Park, 2014.

Great horned owl, Yellowstone National Park, 2014.

The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) was originally called the 'winged tiger' or 'tiger of the air' by naturalists, which has gained it the modern nickname of tiger owl. This extremely adaptable bird has suc... More

White-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi), Mojave National Preserve, 2014.

White-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi), Mojave National Preserve, 2014.

The white-faced ibis is very similar in appearance to the glossy ibis in its non-breeding plumage (as pictured). However, the white-faced ibis is smaller with somewhat warmer-colored plumage. To tell them apart... More

Northern fulmar (Fulmaris glacialis), Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, 2014.

Northern fulmar (Fulmaris glacialis), Bering Land Bridge National Pres...

The northern fulmar and the southern fulmar are the only extant species in the genus Fulmarus. Though similar in appearance to gulls, they are actually members of the family Procellariidae, along with other sea... More

Least tern (Sterula antillarum), Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, 2014.

Least tern (Sterula antillarum), Boston Harbor Islands National Recrea...

It is similar in plumage to the little tern except that the least tern's rump and tail are grey, not white.

Clark's nutcracker, Crater Lake National Park, 2015.

Clark's nutcracker, Crater Lake National Park, 2015.

One Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) can cache up to 98,000 whitebark pine seeds in a single year. The gnarly whitebark pine survives in harsh environments with the help of birds like the nutcracker.

Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, 2014.

Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), Lake Roosevelt National Recreatio...

This powerful predator can take down birds and mammals that are larger than itself. However, that doesn't mean it will pass on tiny dishes like scorpions, mice and frogs. It's one of the most common owls in Nor... More

Nēnē on nest (Branta sandvicensis), Haleakalā National Park, 2014.

Nēnē on nest (Branta sandvicensis), Haleakalā National Park, 2014.

Nene or nēnē (pronounced nay-nay), is the official state bird of Hawai'i. It is thought that the nene evolved from the Canada goose (Branta canadensis) after arriving on the Hawai'ian islands about 500,000 year... More

Young barred owls, Everglades National Park, 2015.

Young barred owls, Everglades National Park, 2015.

The barred owl (Strix varia) is better known as the hoot owl because of its distinctive call. The only similar owl in an overlapping range is the spotted owl; however, the spotted owl, perhaps not surprisingly,... More

American goldfinch (Spinus tristis), Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 2014.

American goldfinch (Spinus tristis), Wolf Trap National Park for the P...

This species has quite a large range and found anywhere from Wolf Park to as far west as California and north to British Columbia, Canada. The preferred habitat includes brushy thickets and weedy grasslands sim... More

Horned lark (Eremophila alpestri), Arches National Park, 2014.

Horned lark (Eremophila alpestri), Arches National Park, 2014.

This is a bird of open ground. Look carefully at bare, brown fields - especially in winter - and parts of the brown ground may appear to be moving. In fact, a horned lark's body blends well with the ground but ... More

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