Fascinating Facts About Some Unique Birds

Find some of these birds and others among our original artwork in our clothing section on T-shirts and more.

Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill Cranes are known for their impressive migratory journeys, traveling up to 200 miles a day at speeds of 35 miles per hour. These elegant birds, with their distinctive red crowns, have been around for millions of years, with fossils dating back 2.5 million years. They mate for life and perform elaborate courtship dances, involving jumps, bows, and wing flaps.

Great Blue Herons

The Great Blue Heron is the largest heron in North America, standing up to 4.5 feet tall with a wingspan of up to 6.6 feet. These majestic birds are expert fishers, striking with lightning speed to catch their prey. They have specialized feathers that produce a powdery substance to clean their plumage.

Snowy Egrets

Snowy Egrets are easily recognizable by their bright white plumage, black legs, and striking yellow feet. During the breeding season, they develop long, wispy plumes on their backs, necks, and heads. These birds were once hunted nearly to extinction for their feathers, which were highly valued in the fashion industry.

Roseate Spoonbills

With their vibrant pink feathers and unique spoon-shaped bills, Roseate Spoonbills are a sight to behold. They get their pink coloration from the crustaceans and other invertebrates they eat. These social birds are often found in groups, sweeping their bills side to side in shallow waters to catch food.

Wood Ducks

Wood Ducks are among the most colorful of all waterfowl, with males displaying iridescent chestnut and green plumage. They nest in tree cavities and are one of the few duck species that can perch on branches thanks to their strong claws. Wood Ducks were once nearly hunted to extinction but have made a remarkable recovery.

Pileated Woodpeckers

The Pileated Woodpecker is one of the largest woodpeckers in North America, known for its striking red crest and loud, resonant drumming. These birds create large rectangular holes in trees to find insects, particularly carpenter ants. Their distinctive call and drumming can be heard from a great distance.

Green Jays

Green Jays are vibrant birds found in the woodlands of southern Texas and Central America. They are highly social and intelligent, often seen in small flocks. Their striking green, blue, and yellow plumage makes them a favorite among birdwatchers.

Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers

These medium-sized woodpeckers are known for drilling neat rows of holes in trees to feed on sap and the insects attracted to it. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker’s distinctive drumming pattern and the yellow wash on their bellies make them easy to identify.

Elegant Trogons

Elegant Trogons are stunning birds with iridescent green backs, red bellies, and white under tails. They are primarily found in the canyons and forests of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Their soft, cooing calls are often heard before the birds are seen.

Bluebirds

Bluebirds are symbols of happiness and are known for their bright blue plumage and cheerful songs. They are cavity nesters and readily use nest boxes provided by humans. Bluebirds primarily feed on insects and berries.

Eastern Towhees

Eastern Towhees are striking birds with black, white, and rufous plumage. They are often heard before they are seen, with their distinctive “drink-your-tea” song. Towhees are ground foragers, scratching through leaf litter to find food.

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures known for their incredible hovering ability and rapid wing beats. They are only found in the Americas, with over 300 species ranging from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. These tiny birds have a high metabolism and feed on nectar and insects.

Black-throated Blue Warblers

These small, striking warblers are known for their deep blue backs and black throats in males, while females are more subdued in color. They breed in the forests of eastern North America and migrate to the Caribbean for the winter. Their distinctive “zoo-zoo-zoo-zoo-zoo” song is a delight to hear.

Birdwatching offers endless opportunities to discover the beauty and diversity of these incredible creatures. Happy birding!