Birds of Minnesota Laura Kienlen Andy Bushell 21 Common Birds Common Loon (Gavia immer) Common Loon...

Birds of MinnesotaBirds of Minnesota

Laura KienlenLaura Kienlen

Andy BushellAndy Bushell

21 Common Birds21 Common Birds

Common Loon Common Loon (Gavia immer)(Gavia immer) Food Sources: Fish and aquatic insectsFood Sources: Fish and aquatic insects Interesting Fact: Name comes from the Interesting Fact: Name comes from the

Swedish word lom, meaning “lame” because Swedish word lom, meaning “lame” because the bird’s legs are set so far back that they the bird’s legs are set so far back that they walk awkwardly on land. They are very walk awkwardly on land. They are very sensitive during nesting and they will abandon sensitive during nesting and they will abandon their nest.their nest.


Great Blue Heron Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)(Ardea herodias) Food Sources: Small fish, frogs, insects, and Food Sources: Small fish, frogs, insects, and

snakes.snakes. Interesting Fact: The Great Blue Heron flies Interesting Fact: The Great Blue Heron flies

holding its neck in an “S” shape and barks like holding its neck in an “S” shape and barks like a dog when it is startled.a dog when it is startled.


Canada Goose Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) (Branta canadensis) Food Sources: Aquatic plants, insects, and Food Sources: Aquatic plants, insects, and

seeds.seeds. The Canada Goose was eliminated from The Canada Goose was eliminated from

Minnesota in the 1930s and early 1940s and Minnesota in the 1930s and early 1940s and had to be reintroduced and adapt to our had to be reintroduced and adapt to our environment.environment.


Mallard Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)(Anas platyrhynchos) Food Sources: Seeds, plants, aquatic insects, Food Sources: Seeds, plants, aquatic insects,

can be seen at feeders with corn.can be seen at feeders with corn. The Mallard is the most abundant and The Mallard is the most abundant and

widespread waterfowl, with its estimated widespread waterfowl, with its estimated world population now at 29,000,000 to world population now at 29,000,000 to 30,000,000. 30,000,000.


Wood Duck Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) (Aix sponsa) Food Sources: Aquatic insects, plants, seeds.Food Sources: Aquatic insects, plants, seeds. The Wood Duck was nearly extinct around The Wood Duck was nearly extinct around

1900 due to overhunting. 1900 due to overhunting. Young stay in nest for 24 hours after hatching, Young stay in nest for 24 hours after hatching,

then jump from up to 30 feet to the ground or then jump from up to 30 feet to the ground or water to their mother.water to their mother.


Red-Tailed Hawk Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)(Buteo jamaicensis) Food Sources: Mice, birds, snakes, insects, Food Sources: Mice, birds, snakes, insects,

mammals.mammals. The Red-Tailed Hawk returns to the same nest The Red-Tailed Hawk returns to the same nest

every year, and obtains the red feather on their every year, and obtains the red feather on their tail in their second year of life.tail in their second year of life.


Osprey Osprey (Pandion halietus)(Pandion halietus) Food Source: FishFood Source: Fish The Osprey is the only raptor that plunges feet The Osprey is the only raptor that plunges feet

first into the water to catch fish and carries its first into the water to catch fish and carries its fish in a head-first position for better fish in a head-first position for better aerodynamics.aerodynamics.


Bald Eagle Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)(Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Food Source: Fish, carrion, birds (mainly Food Source: Fish, carrion, birds (mainly

ducks).ducks). Sometimes Bald Eagles nests can weigh up to Sometimes Bald Eagles nests can weigh up to

1,000 pounds. Minnesota has one of the largest 1,000 pounds. Minnesota has one of the largest breeding populations in the lower 48 states.breeding populations in the lower 48 states.


American Crow American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)(Corvus brachyrhynchos) Food Source: Fruit, insects, mammals, fish, Food Source: Fruit, insects, mammals, fish,

carrion, seed/suet feeders.carrion, seed/suet feeders. American Crows collect and store bright , American Crows collect and store bright ,

shiny objects in the nest. They are able to shiny objects in the nest. They are able to mimic other birds and human voices.mimic other birds and human voices.


Red-Headed Woodpecker Red-Headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)erythrocephalus)

Food Source: Insects, nuts, fruit, seed/suet Food Source: Insects, nuts, fruit, seed/suet feeders.feeders.

This Woodpecker uses dead and rotten trees to This Woodpecker uses dead and rotten trees to nest in as it is not as well adapted for drilling nest in as it is not as well adapted for drilling holes.holes.


Ring-Necked Pheasant Ring-Necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)(Phasianus colchicus) Food Source: Insects, seeds, fruit.Food Source: Insects, seeds, fruit. This bird was originally introduced to the This bird was originally introduced to the

United States from China in the late 1800s.United States from China in the late 1800s.


Wild Turkey Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)(Meleagris gallopavo) Food Source: Insects, seeds, fruit.Food Source: Insects, seeds, fruit. Wild Turkeys are strong fliers that can reach Wild Turkeys are strong fliers that can reach

speeds of 60 mph. Their eyesight is three times speeds of 60 mph. Their eyesight is three times better than the eyesight of humans.better than the eyesight of humans.


American Robin American Robin (Turdus migratorius)(Turdus migratorius) Food Source: Insects, fruit, berries, Food Source: Insects, fruit, berries,

earthworms.earthworms. A group of this bird is commonly known as a A group of this bird is commonly known as a

“worm” and they have been seen in water up “worm” and they have been seen in water up to their belly trying to catch small fish.to their belly trying to catch small fish.


Eastern Bluebird Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)(Sialia sialis) Food Source: Insects, fruitFood Source: Insects, fruit The Eastern Bluebird’s numbers have declined The Eastern Bluebird’s numbers have declined

because of competition from starlings and because of competition from starlings and house sparrows.house sparrows.


Northern Cardinal Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)(Cardinalis cardinalis) Food Source: Seeds, insects, fruit, seed feedersFood Source: Seeds, insects, fruit, seed feeders Male Cardinals that have a brighter red color Male Cardinals that have a brighter red color

feed at higher rated and have greater feed at higher rated and have greater reproductive success.reproductive success.


American Goldfinch American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis)(Carduelis tristis) Food Source: Seeds, insects, seed feedersFood Source: Seeds, insects, seed feeders The American Goldfinch changes from winter The American Goldfinch changes from winter

plumage to breeding plumage by a complete plumage to breeding plumage by a complete molt of its body feathers. It is the only member molt of its body feathers. It is the only member of its family to have this second molt in the of its family to have this second molt in the spring; all the other species have just one molt spring; all the other species have just one molt each year in the fall. each year in the fall.


Barn Swallow Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)(Hirundo rustica) Food Source: Insects, prefers beetles, wasps Food Source: Insects, prefers beetles, wasps

and flies.and flies. The Barn Swallow builds a mud nest that uses The Barn Swallow builds a mud nest that uses

up to 1,000 beak loads of mud and drinks up to 1,000 beak loads of mud and drinks while it is in flight.while it is in flight.


Blue Jay Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)(Cyanocitta cristata) Food Source: Insects, seeds, fruit, carrion, Food Source: Insects, seeds, fruit, carrion,

nuts, ground feeders with corn.nuts, ground feeders with corn. Extremely intelligent bird that will mimic a Extremely intelligent bird that will mimic a

hawk to scatter birds at a feeder. Their hawk to scatter birds at a feeder. Their feathers don’t have blue pigment, the refracted feathers don’t have blue pigment, the refracted sunlight casts blue light.sunlight casts blue light.


Northern Oriole Northern Oriole (Icterus galbula)(Icterus galbula) Food Source: Insects, fruit, nectarFood Source: Insects, fruit, nectar The Baltimore Oriole hybridizes extensively The Baltimore Oriole hybridizes extensively

with the Bullock's Oriole where their ranges with the Bullock's Oriole where their ranges overlap in the Great Plains. The two species overlap in the Great Plains. The two species were considered the same for a while and were considered the same for a while and called the Northern Oriole, but recently, they called the Northern Oriole, but recently, they were separated again. were separated again.


Ruby Throated Hummingbird Ruby Throated Hummingbird (Archilochus (Archilochus colubris)colubris)

Food Source: Nectar, insectsFood Source: Nectar, insects The only bird that is able to fly backward. The The only bird that is able to fly backward. The

wings flap 50-60 times each second, their heart wings flap 50-60 times each second, their heart pumps 1,260 beats per minute, and it breathes pumps 1,260 beats per minute, and it breathes 250 times per minute.250 times per minute.


Common Raven Common Raven (Corvus corax)(Corvus corax) Food Source: Insects, fruit, small animals, Food Source: Insects, fruit, small animals,

carrion.carrion. Common Ravens have been seen flying upside Common Ravens have been seen flying upside

down for nearly one kilometer and are down for nearly one kilometer and are considered to be the most intelligent of all considered to be the most intelligent of all birds.birds.

WarblersWarblers

Yellow Warbler Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia)(Dendroica petechia)

Found in the summer in all biomesFound in the summer in all biomes

Eats insects and is about 5 inches longEats insects and is about 5 inches long

Likes shrubby gardens near water.Likes shrubby gardens near water.

Yellow-rumped Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata)(Dendroica coronata)

Found in the summer in the Northern Coniferous Forest and can Found in the summer in the Northern Coniferous Forest and can be seen in migration through all of Minnesota.be seen in migration through all of Minnesota.

They are 5-6” long and their diet consists of insects and berries.They are 5-6” long and their diet consists of insects and berries.

Male Female ->Male Female ->

Male (left) Female (right)Male (left) Female (right)

Aquatic Wading BirdsAquatic Wading Birds

Black-crowned night heron Black-crowned night heron (Nyctiorax nycticorax)(Nyctiorax nycticorax)

About 22-27” with a 3 ½ foot wingspan. They eat fish and aquatic insects and are most About 22-27” with a 3 ½ foot wingspan. They eat fish and aquatic insects and are most active during dawn/dusk. Can be found in parts of the Prairie Grassland and active during dawn/dusk. Can be found in parts of the Prairie Grassland and Eastern Deciduous Forest biomes.Eastern Deciduous Forest biomes.

Great Egret Great Egret (Ardea alba)(Ardea alba)

About 38” with a 4 ½ foot wingspan. They eat fish, aquatic insects, frogs, and crayfish. About 38” with a 4 ½ foot wingspan. They eat fish, aquatic insects, frogs, and crayfish. They spear fish with their sharp bill and can be found in parts of the Prairie They spear fish with their sharp bill and can be found in parts of the Prairie Grassland and Eastern Deciduous Forest biomes. Grassland and Eastern Deciduous Forest biomes.

FemaleFemale

<- Male<- Male

Ground Nesting BirdsGround Nesting Birds Ruffed Grouse Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)(Bonasa umbellus)Eats seeds, insects, fruit, and leaf buds and can be found in Eats seeds, insects, fruit, and leaf buds and can be found in the Northern Coniferous Forest biome. About 16-19”.the Northern Coniferous Forest biome. About 16-19”.

Ring-necked Pheasant Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)(Phasianus colchicus)Eats insects, seeds, and fruit. The male is about 30-36” in length and the female about 20-25”, Eats insects, seeds, and fruit. The male is about 30-36” in length and the female about 20-25”,

both including the tail. They can be found in Prairie Grassland and Eastern Deciduous Forest both including the tail. They can be found in Prairie Grassland and Eastern Deciduous Forest Biomes.Biomes.

Greater Prairie Chicken (Greater Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido)Tympanuchus cupido) Found in the Prairie Grassland biome of the state. This bird is about 17” and eats insects and Found in the Prairie Grassland biome of the state. This bird is about 17” and eats insects and

seeds. It is well known for its incredible mating dance.seeds. It is well known for its incredible mating dance.

Female Male Female Male

Male Male FemaleFemale

Male Female Male Female

FalconsFalcons Prairie Falcon Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)(Falco mexicanus)This bird resides in the Prairie Grassland biome and is about 17-20” long with a This bird resides in the Prairie Grassland biome and is about 17-20” long with a

wingspan of about 3 ½ feet. Prairie falcons eat other birds. They chase them in the wingspan of about 3 ½ feet. Prairie falcons eat other birds. They chase them in the air, then capture them on the ground. They also eat small mammals and the young air, then capture them on the ground. They also eat small mammals and the young eat insects. They make a “kree-kree-kree” call.eat insects. They make a “kree-kree-kree” call.

Peregrine Falcon (Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)Falco peregrinus)Being the rarest bird of prey in Minnesota, Peregrines live near cliffs, bluffs, and city Being the rarest bird of prey in Minnesota, Peregrines live near cliffs, bluffs, and city

skyscrapers and bridges during the nesting season. They are found in a small part of skyscrapers and bridges during the nesting season. They are found in a small part of the Coniferous Forest, but mostly in the Eastern Deciduous Forest. They are about the Coniferous Forest, but mostly in the Eastern Deciduous Forest. They are about 16-20 inches long and make a “cuck cuck cuck” sound. Peregrines mainly prey on 16-20 inches long and make a “cuck cuck cuck” sound. Peregrines mainly prey on ducks, pigeons, and other birds. They sometimes eat small mammals or insects ducks, pigeons, and other birds. They sometimes eat small mammals or insects such as beetles, dragonflies, or butterflies. such as beetles, dragonflies, or butterflies.

Female MaleFemale Male

Female Female Male Male

OwlsOwlsBarred Owl Barred Owl (Strix varia)(Strix varia)About 20-24” with a 3 ½ foot wingspan. Diet consists of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. This About 20-24” with a 3 ½ foot wingspan. Diet consists of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. This

owl hunts during the day and has no horns or ear tufts. Found mostly in the Northern Coniferous Forest owl hunts during the day and has no horns or ear tufts. Found mostly in the Northern Coniferous Forest and sounds like a dog barking before it hoots “who-cooks-for-you”.and sounds like a dog barking before it hoots “who-cooks-for-you”.

Eastern-Screech Owl Eastern-Screech Owl (Megascops asio)(Megascops asio)About 9” with a 20” wingspan. Can be either gray and white or a rusty color About 9” with a 20” wingspan. Can be either gray and white or a rusty color

depending on the color of its surrounding habitat. Found in the Eastern Deciduous Forest or Prairie depending on the color of its surrounding habitat. Found in the Eastern Deciduous Forest or Prairie Grassland biomes and eats large insects, small mammals, birds, and snakes. The only small owl with ear Grassland biomes and eats large insects, small mammals, birds, and snakes. The only small owl with ear tufts and is active at dusk making a noise like a screeching call.tufts and is active at dusk making a noise like a screeching call.

Great Horned Owl Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)(Bubo virginianus)About 20-25” with a 3 ½ foot wingspan. About 20-25” with a 3 ½ foot wingspan.

They eat mammals, birds, snakes, and insects. They eat mammals, birds, snakes, and insects. Has ear tufts and is know as the “Flying Tiger”. Has ear tufts and is know as the “Flying Tiger”. Can be found in every biome in the state and makes Can be found in every biome in the state and makes

the common “Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” callthe common “Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” call ..

Male (left) Female (right) Male (left) Female (right) Great Horned OwlGreat Horned Owl

Eastern Eastern Screech OwlScreech Owl Barred Barred

OwlOwl

ChickadeesChickadees

Black-capped chickadee Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)(Poecile atricapillus)

Can be found in every biome in the state and eats insects, fruit, seeds, and can Can be found in every biome in the state and eats insects, fruit, seeds, and can actually be hand fed. About 5” long and has the very common summer actually be hand fed. About 5” long and has the very common summer calls of “Chika-dee-dee-dee” and “Fee-bee”.calls of “Chika-dee-dee-dee” and “Fee-bee”.

Boreal chickadee Boreal chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)(Poecile hudsonicus) These birds are mostly found in the Northern Coniferous Forest and are about These birds are mostly found in the Northern Coniferous Forest and are about

12.5 to 14.5 centimeters in length. Their call sounds husky, and is often 12.5 to 14.5 centimeters in length. Their call sounds husky, and is often referred to as “tsik-a-dee-dee” and they mainly eat insects and seeds.referred to as “tsik-a-dee-dee” and they mainly eat insects and seeds.

BlackbirdsBlackbirds

Red-winged blackbird Red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)(Agelaius phoeniceus)

Can be found year round in the southeastern part of the state, and mostly Can be found year round in the southeastern part of the state, and mostly found in the Eastern Deciduous Forest biome, but can be found across the found in the Eastern Deciduous Forest biome, but can be found across the whole state during the summer. About 8 ½ inches in length and eats seeds whole state during the summer. About 8 ½ inches in length and eats seeds and insects and also enjoys living by shallow water.and insects and also enjoys living by shallow water.

Yellow-headed blackbird Yellow-headed blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)(Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)

About 9-11” in length and eats seeds and insects. Larger than the Red-winged About 9-11” in length and eats seeds and insects. Larger than the Red-winged blackbird and summer in the Prairie Grassland and Eastern Deciduous blackbird and summer in the Prairie Grassland and Eastern Deciduous Forest biomes. They have a low hoarse call and like deep water marshes as Forest biomes. They have a low hoarse call and like deep water marshes as opposed to the shallow preferred by the Red-winged blackbird.opposed to the shallow preferred by the Red-winged blackbird.

Female Female MaleMale

Male FemaleMale Female

NuthatchesNuthatches

Red-breasted nuthatch Red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)(Sitta canadensis)

About 4 ½ inches in length, smaller than the White-breasted nuthatch. Found About 4 ½ inches in length, smaller than the White-breasted nuthatch. Found in the Northern Coniferous Forest and eats insects, seeds, and from in the Northern Coniferous Forest and eats insects, seeds, and from feeders. Will often wedge a seed in a crack of a tree in order to get the feeders. Will often wedge a seed in a crack of a tree in order to get the seed open.seed open.

White-breasted nuthatch White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)(Sitta carolinensis)

About 5-6 inches in length and feeds on insects, seeds, and at feeders. The bill About 5-6 inches in length and feeds on insects, seeds, and at feeders. The bill is slightly upturned and the bird will crawl down the tree in search of food. is slightly upturned and the bird will crawl down the tree in search of food. The common summer call “Whi-whi” can be heard. Can be found year- The common summer call “Whi-whi” can be heard. Can be found year-round in all biomes, but mostly the Eastern Deciduous Forest and Prairie round in all biomes, but mostly the Eastern Deciduous Forest and Prairie Grassland.Grassland.

Female MaleFemale Male

Male Female Male Female

Our Minnesota State Bird: The Our Minnesota State Bird: The Common LoonCommon Loon

There is a previous page on the loon. So here are some fun facts:There is a previous page on the loon. So here are some fun facts:- The bones of most birds are hollow and light, but loons have solid bones. The bones of most birds are hollow and light, but loons have solid bones. - The extra weight helps them dive as deep as 250 feet to search for food. The extra weight helps them dive as deep as 250 feet to search for food.

They can stay underwater for up to five minutes. They can stay underwater for up to five minutes. - Because their bodies are heavy relative to their wing size, loons need a Because their bodies are heavy relative to their wing size, loons need a

100- to 600-foot "runway" in order to take off from a lake. 100- to 600-foot "runway" in order to take off from a lake. - Loons can fly more than 75 miles per hour. Loons can fly more than 75 miles per hour. - The red in the loon's eye helps it to see under water. The red in the loon's eye helps it to see under water.

- Scientists think loons can live for 30 years or moreScientists think loons can live for 30 years or more

Works CitedWorks Cited http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/staticfiles/NGS/Shared/StaticFiles/ahttp://animals.nationalgeographic.com/staticfiles/NGS/Shared/StaticFiles/a

nimals/images/800/common-loon.jpgnimals/images/800/common-loon.jpg picture 2/27/09 picture 2/27/09

http://www.alaska-in-pictures.com/data/media/4/mature-bald-eagle-group_http://www.alaska-in-pictures.com/data/media/4/mature-bald-eagle-group_847.jpg picture 2/27/09847.jpg picture 2/27/09

http://www.majestyofbirds.com/w_Cooper'sHawkdiving_lrg.jpg picture 2/http://www.majestyofbirds.com/w_Cooper'sHawkdiving_lrg.jpg picture 2/27/0927/09

http://www.math.sunysb.edu/~tony/birds/index.html bird songs 3/3/09http://www.math.sunysb.edu/~tony/birds/index.html bird songs 3/3/09 Birds of Minnesota field guide by Stan Tekiela. Bird information 3/3/09Birds of Minnesota field guide by Stan Tekiela. Bird information 3/3/09 http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/Infocenter/infocenter.html Bird songs 3/3/0http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/Infocenter/infocenter.html Bird songs 3/3/0

99 http://www.naturesongs.com/falcstri.html#LFALChttp://www.naturesongs.com/falcstri.html#LFALC bird calls 3/3/09 bird calls 3/3/09 http://www.junglewalk.com/sound/Raven-sounds.htmhttp://www.junglewalk.com/sound/Raven-sounds.htm bird calls 3/3/09 bird calls 3/3/09

Birds of Minnesota Laura Kienlen Andy Bushell 21 Common Birds Common Loon (Gavia immer) Common Loon...

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