plumage

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A baby swan is sitting in the water. Swan baby swan water, animals.

A baby swan is sitting in the water. Swan baby swan water, animals.

A close up of a bird with a black beak / A baby swan is sitting in the water / Animals public domain photography.

Fresh water marsh hen : Rallus elegans, Aud. Male spring plumage, 1. Young autumnal plumage, 2. c.1 v.3 plate 203

Fresh water marsh hen : Rallus elegans, Aud. Male spring plumage, 1. Y...

Public domain illustrated book page scan, related to zoology, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Purple heron : Ardea rufescens, Buff. Adult full spring plumage, 1. Young two years old in spring plumage, 2. c.1 v.3 plate 256

Purple heron : Ardea rufescens, Buff. Adult full spring plumage, 1. Yo...

Public domain scan - Bird, 19th-century zoological illustration print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Semipalmated snipe or willet : Totanus semipalmatus, Temm. Male adult spring plumage, 1. Female adult winter plumage, 2. c.1 v.3 plate 274

Semipalmated snipe or willet : Totanus semipalmatus, Temm. Male adult ...

Public domain scan - Bird, 19th-century zoological illustration print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Louisiana tanager. Scarlet tanager : Tanagra ludoviciana, Wils. 1 & 2. Males spring plumage. Tanagra rubra, L. 3. Old male spring plumage. 4. Old female, Do, Do. Plant, Laurus carolinensis. c.1 v.4 plate 354

Louisiana tanager. Scarlet tanager : Tanagra ludoviciana, Wils. 1 & 2....

Public domain illustrated book page scan, related to zoology, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Danish ballerina Adeline Genee, Sydney, 1913 / photograph by May & Mina Moore

Danish ballerina Adeline Genee, Sydney, 1913 / photograph by May & Min...

Adeline Genee was the most illustrious ballerina to have visited Australia until 1913. After her tour she retired, although she occasionally made charity appearances in England, where she lived until her death ... More

A prize fighting cock as he appears in full plumage before being trimmed. Puerto Rico

A prize fighting cock as he appears in full plumage before being trimm...

Public domain photograph related to Puerto Rico, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A glossy ibis searches for food in the shallow waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Identified by its chestnut plumage and green wings, the glossy ibis ranges on or near the coast from Maine to Florida and Texas. It inhabits marshes, swamps, flooded fields, coastal bays, and estuaries. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99pp0257

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A glossy ibis searches for food in the s...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A glossy ibis searches for food in the shallow waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with Kennedy Space Center. Identified by its chestnut ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Two young Little Blue Herons perch on a limb in the underbrush at a site on NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.  These herons inhabit freshwater swamps and lagoons in the South; coastal thickets on islands in the North. Adults are slate blue with maroon necks.  Young birds acquiring adult plumage have a piebald appearance. The Center shares a boundary with the 92,000-acre Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles.  The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds. KSC-04pd0204

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Two young Little Blue Herons perch on a l...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Two young Little Blue Herons perch on a limb in the underbrush at a site on NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. These herons inhabit freshwater swamps and lagoons in the South; coastal th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  At NASA Kennedy Space Center, a snowy egret in breeding plumage stalks the ground.  This species is identified by its slender black bill, black legs and yellow feet.  It inhabits salt marshes, ponds, rice fields and shallow coastal bays.  Its range is northern California, Oklahoma and Maine to southern South America.  They winter regularly north to California and South Carolina.  The Center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. In addition, the Refuge supports 19 endangered or threatened wildlife species on Federal or State lists, more than any other single refuge in the U.S. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0233

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center, a snowy eg...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center, a snowy egret in breeding plumage stalks the ground. This species is identified by its slender black bill, black legs and yellow feet. It inhabits s... More

Polar Plumage, NASA Mars Images

Polar Plumage, NASA Mars Images

This Mars MOC image shows dunes in the north polar region of Mars covered by a layer of carbon dioxide frost that accumulated during the winter in 2005. Dark spots indicate areas where frost has begun to sublim... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  --  A female anhinga roosts in branches near the water.  Anhingas can be found in freshwater ponds and swamps where there is thick vegetation and tall trees. Male anhingas are black and gray; females are distinguished by a buff-colored neck and breast.  When anhingas are in their breeding plumage they have a blue ring around their eyes, as seen here. The female lays three to five light blue eggs. The nest is in a tree and it is made of sticks and lined with leaves. The chicks hatch in about a month. Anhingas breed off the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Coast from North Carolina to Texas and in the Mississippi Valley north to Kentucky and Missouri. They winter along the Gulf Coast north to North Carolina.  The anhinga diet is primarily fish.  Using their sharp bills, anhingas spear the fish, flip them in the air and swallow them head-first. KSC shares a boundary with the Merritt Island Wildlife Nature Refuge. The refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. In addition, the Refuge supports 19 endangered or threatened wildlife species on Federal or State lists, more than any other single refuge in the U.S.   Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-07pd0881

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A female anhinga roosts in branches ne...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A female anhinga roosts in branches near the water. Anhingas can be found in freshwater ponds and swamps where there is thick vegetation and tall trees. Male anhingas are black ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  --   Possibly a willet or a sandpiper in winter plumage, this bird nearly blends into the rocky background of the river bank on Kennedy Space Center.  KSC shares a boundary with the Merritt Island Wildlife Nature Refuge. The refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. In addition, the Refuge supports 19 endangered or threatened wildlife species on Federal or State lists, more than any other single refuge in the U.S.   Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-07pd0868

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Possibly a willet or a sandpiper in w...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Possibly a willet or a sandpiper in winter plumage, this bird nearly blends into the rocky background of the river bank on Kennedy Space Center. KSC shares a boundary with the ... More

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

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.

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.

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

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

Long-eared owl (Asio otus), Mojave National Preserve, 2013.

Long-eared owl (Asio otus), Mojave National Preserve, 2013.

Those who approach quietly often see long-eared owls in the tamarisk trees at Kelso Depot Visitor Center. Over much of its range, long-eared owls occur with the similar-looking short-eared owl (Asio flammeus). ... 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

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.

Beautiful Plumage - NASA Cassini Huygens images

Beautiful Plumage - NASA Cassini Huygens images

Like a proud peacock displaying its tail, Enceladus shows off its beautiful plume to NASA Cassini spacecraft cameras. Enceladus 313 miles, or 504 kilometers across is seen here illuminated by light reflected of... 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 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

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

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

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.

Anhinga in breeding plumage, Everglades National Park, 2015.

Anhinga in breeding plumage, Everglades National Park, 2015.

The 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 also from its broad turkey-like tail. The name anhi... 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

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

American white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), Cape Lookout National Seashore, 2014.

American white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), Cape Lookout Nati...

Though uncommon at Cape Lookout NS in late fall, these striking American white pelicans were seen at Old Drum Inlet in October 2014. With a wingspan of about 8-feet, they are considerably larger than our reside... More

Barred owl (Strix varia), Chickasaw National Recreation Area, 2014.

Barred owl (Strix varia), Chickasaw National Recreation Area, 2014.

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

Chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina), Theodore Roosevelt National Park, 2015.

Chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina), Theodore Roosevelt National Par...

Throughout the year, adults are gray below with an orangish-rush color above. Adults in breeding plumage (like the one pictured) have a persimmon-red cap, a white supercilium and a black trans-ocular line. Adul... More

Joshua Tree National Park - Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii), Joshua Tree National Park, 2015.

Joshua Tree National Park - Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii), Josh...

Not to be confused with California quail (Callipepla californica), look for a black patch on the lower breast of the male bird. This patch is absent in the California quail.

Wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) crossing the road, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, 2015.

Wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) crossing the road, Lake Roosevelt N...

The wild turkey is native to North America; however, the name probably came from a domestic variety imported to Britain. At the time, domestic turkeys were being shipped to Britain from the Levant (eastern Medi... More

Steller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), Timpanogos Cave National Monument, 2015.

Steller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), Timpanogos Cave National Monument...

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

Harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus), Glacier National Park, 2015.

Harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus), Glacier National Park, 201...

Public domain scan of print / book page depicting birds, ornithology, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), Amistad National Recreation Area, 2015.

Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), Amistad National Recreation ...

The only commonly-found mockingbird in North America, the northern mockingbird is renowned for its mimicking ability. This is why its scientific name 'polyglottos' and 'mimus' traslate as 'many-tongued mimic'.

Male mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides), Cedar Breaks National Monument, 2015.

Male mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides), Cedar Breaks National Mon...

A relative of the eastern and western bluebirds, the mountain bluebird is easily-recognized by its conspicuous blue plumage. Even the female sports a few bright blue feathers but mostly just on her wings. In th... More

Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) in flight, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 2015.

Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) in flight, Lake Mead National Recr...

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

Common loon (Gavia immer), Gulf Islands National Seashore, 2015.

Common loon (Gavia immer), Gulf Islands National Seashore, 2015.

A loon will spend most of its life in the water because it has limited ability to move around on land. The body position of the loon's legs, as demonstrated by this photo, is what makes it such an excellent swi... More

Great northern loons with chick, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 2015.

Great northern loons with chick, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshor...

You may know the great northern loon as the common loon (Gavia immer). These adults are still in breeding plumage, with a black head, white underparts and a checkered black-and-white mantle. After breeding seas... More

Northern gannet (Morus bassanus), Cape Hatteras National Seashore, 2015.

Northern gannet (Morus bassanus), Cape Hatteras National Seashore, 201...

This northern gannet was rescued by park biologists on Bodie Island in January 2015. This bird was entangled in two different types of fishing line - both braided and monofilament. The lines were wrapped around... More

Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), Ocmulgee National Monument, 2015.

Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), Ocmulgee National Monument,...

In late summer and fall when birds molt, individuals usually grow and replace feathers gradually. However, northern cardinals and blue jays will occasionally lose all of their head feathers at once. It is possi... More

Kingbird (Tyrannus), Niobrara National Scenic River, 2015.

Kingbird (Tyrannus), Niobrara National Scenic River, 2015.

The majority of birds in the tyrant flycatcher family are known as kingbirds. These insect-eaters defend their territories aggressively and are often able to chase away much larger birds. Not surprisingly, the ... More

California condor, Grand Canyon National Park, 2015.

California condor, Grand Canyon National Park, 2015.

Regarded as one of the rarest birds in the world, the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is the largest land bird in North America - with a wingspan up to 9 1/2 feet and weighing up to 23 pounds. There... More

Harlequin duck, Glacier National Park, 2015.

Harlequin duck, Glacier National Park, 2015.

This harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is hunting for larvae in a raging water.

American avocets reflection in the wetland, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, 2015.

American avocets reflection in the wetland, Great Sand Dunes National ...

In spring, American avocets (Recurvirostra americana) have a striking, rusty-orange breeding plumage. This species lays light green speckled eggs right on the shore of the wetlands, with little to no nest mater... More

Red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), Mississippi National River & Recreation Area, 2015.

Red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), Mississippi National River...

A perched red-winged blackbird calls while showing off his red and yellow wing patches. They are one of the first birds to arrive to the park in spring.

Ptarmigan (Lagopus) roost together, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, 2015.

Ptarmigan (Lagopus) roost together, Gates of the Arctic National Park ...

Small flocks of ptarmigan like to roost together, looking from afar like snow-covered trees and shrubs. When you walk a little too close, however, the snow suddenly takes wing, filling the sky with cooing and c... More

Kildeer (Charadrius vociferus), City of Rocks National Reserve, 2015.

Kildeer (Charadrius vociferus), City of Rocks National Reserve, 2015.

The largest ringed plover, the kildeer, is named onomatopoeically after its call. It is well known for performing a distraction display called the 'broken wing act' to distract predators from its nest. Chicks a... More

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Mississippi National River & Recreation Area, 2015.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Mississippi National River & Recreation Ar...

This fish-eating bird of prey lives in a wide variety of habitats, usually nesting near a body of water.

Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii) singing, Saguaro National Park, 2015.

Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii) singing, Saguaro National Park, 2...

Not to be confused with California quail (Callipepla californica), look for a black patch on the lower breast of the male bird. This patch is absent in the California quail.

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias), Colonial National Historical Park, 2015.

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias), Colonial National Historical Park, ...

A leisurely stroll along the Island Loop Drive or walking paths of the historic site one may see blue jays, terns, mockingbirds, various sparrows, vultures, eagles, osprey or one of these majestic great blue he... More

Great northern loons with chick, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 2015.

Great northern loons with chick, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshor...

You may know the great northern loon as the common loon (Gavia immer). These adults are still in breeding plumage, with a black head, white underparts and a checkered black-and-white mantle. After breeding seas... More

Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), Curecanti National Recreation Area, 2015.

Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), Curecanti National Recreation Area, 2...

This amazing bird is a well-known scavenger, feeding almost exclusively on carrion. The turkey vulture finds food using its keen eyesight and sense of smell, which is why you see them flying low to the ground. ... More

Juvenile sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), Fort Washington Park, 2015.

Juvenile sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), Fort Washington Park...

These rapters have distinctive proportions: long legs, short wings and very long tails. The tail tends to be square-tipped and may show a notch at the tip. Females are also considerably larger than males. Recog... More

Palm warbler (Setophaga palmarum), Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, 2016.

Palm warbler (Setophaga palmarum), Sagamore Hill National Historic Sit...

Recognize the palm warbler by a characteristic tail-wagging habit that shows off a yellow undertail. Along with a constantly wagging tail look for a chestnut cap, brownish back and faint streaks down the bird's sides.

Western wood pewee (Contopus sordidulus), Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, 2015.

Western wood pewee (Contopus sordidulus), Bighorn Canyon National Recr...

Have you ever been chased by this little tyrant flycatcher? You would probably remember! It will make a clapping noise with its bill while chasing and attacking intruders as a nest defense.

Sooty grouse (Dendragapus fuliginosus) dislpaying, Mount Rainier National Park, 2015.

Sooty grouse (Dendragapus fuliginosus) dislpaying, Mount Rainier Natio...

You may have heard these animals referred to as 'the turkey of Mount Rainier National Park'. The sooty grouse is the third largest grouse in North America - and one of the largest grouse in the world. Only sage... More

American avocets in the wetlands, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, 2015.

American avocets in the wetlands, Great Sand Dunes National Park and P...

Where does all of the water in Medano Creek go? It disappears beyond the end of the dunefield, then emerges again as wetlands west of the dunes. This water makes a surprising oasis of life in the desert and is ... More

Grouse (Dendragapus), North Cascades National Park, 2015.

Grouse (Dendragapus), North Cascades National Park, 2015.

Sooty grouse and dusky grouse overlap in this region. Determining whether this female is sooty or dusky is very difficult. You may also know this bird as a partridge, drummer or even a thunder chicken.

Little green heron (Butorides virescens), Buffalo National River, 2015.

Little green heron (Butorides virescens), Buffalo National River, 2015...

Little green herons are small compared to other heron species. Their long neck is also often tucked in as they crouch on the shoreline. These little birds have distinct thick yellow/orange legs. Their plumage i... More

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias), National Capital Parks - East, 2015.

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias), National Capital Parks - East, 2015...

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

Black vulture (Coragyps atratus), Big Cypress National Preserve, 2015.

Black vulture (Coragyps atratus), Big Cypress National Preserve, 2015.

Like other scavengers, the black vulture feeds on carrion; however, this cunning animal will also eat eggs or even kill newborn animals for food. It has keen eyesight and, just like other New World vultures, po... More

Downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens), Fire Island National Seashore, 2015.

Downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens), Fire Island National Seashore,...

The downy woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America. Distinguish the nearly-identical downy and hairy woodpeckers: the hairy woodpecker's bill is about equal length to its head while the downy wood... More

Bird silhouette on the river, Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River, 2015.

Bird silhouette on the river, Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational Riv...

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

Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), Cape Cod National Seashore, 2015.

Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), Cape Cod National Seashore, 2015.

At the time of colonial settlement, wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were found almost throughout Massachusetts. As settlement progressed and land was cleared for buildings and agriculture, turkey populations... More

Red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), Shenandoah National Park, 2015.

Red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), Shenandoah National Park, 2015.

A red-eyed vireo holds the record for most songs given in a single day among bird species: more than 20,000 songs in one day!

Willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus), Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, 2015.

Willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus), Bering Land Bridge National Preser...

The name lagopus is derived from Greek lagos meaning hare and pous meaning foot, referring to the bird's feathered feet. Similar to the rock ptarmigan, you can differentiate the two species in a few ways: the w... More

Tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus), Mississippi National River & Recreation Area, 2015.

Tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus), Mississippi National River & Recreat...

Tundra swans migrate from their tundra nesting sites southwestward where they pass through the recreation area. From here they fly to their important migration feeding sites further south along the river. They ... More

Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) male, Shenandoah National Park, 2015.

Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) male, Shenandoah National Park, 2015.

During mating season an eastern bluebird will become territorial and defend its feeding area throughout the season. However, outside of breeding season these birds are very social, sometimes gathering in flocks... More

Trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator), Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, 2015.

Trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator), Wrangell-St. Elias National Park ...

The trumpeter swan is the heaviest living bird native to north America and the largest extant waterfowl. In captivity they are known to survive to 33 years old and in the wild to at least 24 years.

Chipping sparrows (Spizella passerina), Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 2015.

Chipping sparrows (Spizella passerina), Lincoln Home National Historic...

This adult is feeding its fleding chick and is still in its breeding plumage, recognized by its white supercilium (feathers on its head) and distinctive red cap. The non-breeding plumage is characterized by a b... More

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) silhouette, National Mall and Memorial Parks, 2015.

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) silhouette, National Mall and Memori...

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

American avocet mother and fledglings, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, 2015.

American avocet mother and fledglings, Great Sand Dunes National Park ...

These American avocet (Recurvirostra americana) fledglings are learning from their mother how to feed in the wetland shallows. Their father is also helping rear the young. His job is to chase away other birds a... More

Great northern loon, Acadia National Park, 2015.

Great northern loon, Acadia National Park, 2015.

You may know the great northern loon as the common loon (Gavia immer). This adult is in non-breeding plumage, which are shades of brown with a white chin and foreneck. During breeding season the plumage changes... More

Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), Fort Matanzas National Monument, 2014.

Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), Fort Matanzas National Monument, 2014...

Both turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) and black vultures (Coragyps atratus) are native to Florida. At first glance, these vultures may appear similar but are fairly easy to differentiate. Black vultures have a ... More

Yellow-headed blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus), Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, 2015.

Yellow-headed blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus), Bighorn Canyo...

The most memorable description of this bird may be from wikipedia: "This bird's song resembles the grating of a rusty hinge." These blackbirds migrate to the SW United States and Mexico in winter, often in huge... More

Double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), Everglades National Park, 2015.

Double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), Everglades National...

This all-black seabird is named for a small double crest of head feathers it gains during breeding season. Called its nuptial crest, the feathers may be black, white or a combination of the two. It also has a b... More

Rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta), Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, 2015.

Rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta), Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Pres...

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

Brown creeper (Certhia americana), Effigy Mounds National Monument, 2016.

Brown creeper (Certhia americana), Effigy Mounds National Monument, 20...

Also called the American treecreeper, this small songbird is the only North American member of the treecreeper family, Certhiidae.

Red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve, 2015.

Red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), Timucuan Ecological & H...

This bird is commonly found all year long at the preserve.

Lark sparrow (Chondestes grammacus), Theodore Roosevelt National Park, 2015.

Lark sparrow (Chondestes grammacus), Theodore Roosevelt National Park,...

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

Indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea), Buffalo National River, 2015.

Indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea), Buffalo National River, 2015.

The indigo bunting is a small seed-eating migratory bird with a huge habitat range from southern Canada to northern Florida while breeding and from southern Florida to northern South America during winter. This... More

Ptarmigan (Lagopus), Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, 2015.

Ptarmigan (Lagopus), Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, 2015...

In winter plumage the rock ptarmigan looks very much like the willow ptarmigan: black tail feathers tipped with white. However, the rock ptarmigan's much narrower bill and smaller body clearly distinguishes it ... More

Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), George Washington Birthplace National Monument, 2015.

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

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

Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, 2015.

Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), Bighorn Canyon National Recreation ...

The wild turkey is native to North America; however, the name probably came from a domestic variety imported to Britain. At the time, domestic turkeys were being shipped to Britain from the Levant (eastern Medi... More

Common loon (Gavia immer), Gulf Islands National Seashore, 2015.

Common loon (Gavia immer), Gulf Islands National Seashore, 2015.

A loon will spend most of its life in the water because it has limited ability to move around on land. The body position of the loon's legs, as demonstrated by this photo, is what makes it such an excellent swi... More

American avocet, Wind Cave National Park, 2015.

American avocet, Wind Cave National Park, 2015.

This American avocet (Recurvirostra americana) is wandering around the pond on Bison Flats, just south of the park's visitor center. In spring, American avocets have this striking, rusty-orange breeding plumage... More

Grouse (Dendragapus), North Cascades National Park, 2015.

Grouse (Dendragapus), North Cascades National Park, 2015.

Sooty grouse and dusky grouse overlap in this region. Determining whether this female is sooty or dusky is very difficult. You may also know this bird as a partridge, drummer or even a thunder chicken.

A close up of a bird with a mustache on it's head. Bird color plumage, animals.

A close up of a bird with a mustache on it's head. Bird color plumage,...

A bird with a mustache on it's face / A close up of a bird with a mustache on it's head / Animals public domain photography.

A white owl sitting on top of a wooden post. Snowy owl white bird.

A white owl sitting on top of a wooden post. Snowy owl white bird.

Owl. Free images of owls. Use free pictures of birds without any copyright restrictions. A white owl sitting on top of a wooden post

A large white bird standing in shallow water. Egret great egret florida.

A large white bird standing in shallow water. Egret great egret florid...

A white bird standing in water with its legs spread / A large white bird standing in shallow water / Animals public domain photography.

A bird flying over a body of water. Flying stork heron.

A bird flying over a body of water. Flying stork heron.

A bird flying over the water with its wings spread / A bird flying over a body of water / Animals public domain photography.

A colorful bird sitting on top of a tree branch. Animals parrot colorful.

A colorful bird sitting on top of a tree branch. Animals parrot colorf...

Birds images: Free photographs of birds all over the World, available for commercial use and free download. Copyright-free, no attribution required.

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