Wildlife Species Library

Identification guides, behavior notes, and camera tips for the wildlife visiting backyard habitats across the EverydayEarth community.

Showing 98 species in Birds

African Woolly-necked Stork
Birds

African Woolly-necked Stork

Ciconia microscelis

The African Woolly-necked Stork is a master of patient hunting, easily recognized by its fleecy white neck and shimme...

American Crow
Birds

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

The American Crow is a brilliant strategist and a social powerhouse of the backyard. Witness the incredible intellige...

American Goldfinch
Birds

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

Meet the 'Wild Canary' of North America! These cheerful, acrobatic finches bring a splash of brilliant yellow to your...

American Herring Gull
Birds

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

The iconic 'sea gull' of North America, the American Herring Gull is an exceptionally clever survivor. Whether patrol...

American Robin
Birds

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

The iconic orange-breasted neighbor of every American backyard, the American Robin is a master forager and a soulful ...

American Tree Sparrow
Birds

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

A hardy visitor from the Arctic tundra, the American Tree Sparrow is a winter favorite known for its 'stickpin' breas...

Bald Eagle
Birds

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

The ultimate symbol of American wilderness, the Bald Eagle is a master of the skies and a breathtaking sight for any ...

Bewick's Wren
Birds

Bewick's Wren

Thryomanes bewickii

The Bewick's Wren is a tiny package of immense personality, known for its bold white 'eyebrow' and a voice that can f...

Black-capped Chickadee
Birds

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

The Black-capped Chickadee is a tiny bird with a big personality. Famous for its 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' call and remar...

Black-chested Jay
Birds

Black-chested Jay

Cyanocorax affinis

A bold and brilliant socialite of the tropical forest, the Black-chested Jay is impossible to miss with its striking ...

Black-crested Titmouse
Birds

Black-crested Titmouse

Baeolophus atricristatus

The spirited 'mohawk' of the Texas brush, the Black-crested Titmouse is a charismatic visitor known for its bold pers...

Black Phoebe
Birds

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

A dapper flycatcher in a charcoal tuxedo, the Black Phoebe is a backyard favorite known for its elegant tail-wag and ...

Blue-gray Tanager
Birds

Blue-gray Tanager

Thraupis episcopus

Meet the 'Blue Jean' of the bird world, a social and vibrant songbird that brings a splash of powdery azure to backya...

Blue Jay
Birds

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

Brilliant, bold, and incredibly smart, the Blue Jay is the colorful sentinel of the American backyard. With their str...

Boat-tailed Grackle
Birds

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

With a tail that acts as a rudder and a coat of shimmering midnight-blue feathers, the Boat-tailed Grackle is the und...

Brewer's Blackbird
Birds

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

The Brewer's Blackbird is the ultimate suburban opportunist, recognizable by its confident stride and the male's pier...

Brown-headed Cowbird
Birds

Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus ater

The clever socialite of the backyard, the Brown-headed Cowbird is a master of adaptation with a unique history of fol...

Brown-headed Nuthatch
Birds

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Sitta pusilla

The 'Rubber Ducky' of the South, this tiny pine-loving acrobat is one of the few birds in the world that uses tools t...

California Scrub-Jay
Birds

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

Meet the bold architect of the oak woodlands. Famous for their incredible memory and vibrant azure plumage, Californi...

Carolina Chickadee
Birds

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

A tiny dynamo of the southern woods, the Carolina Chickadee is famous for its curiosity, acrobatic foraging, and icon...

Carolina Wren
Birds

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

The Carolina Wren is a charismatic, cinnamon-colored powerhouse with a voice that can fill an entire neighborhood. Bo...

Cassin's Finch
Birds

Cassin's Finch

Haemorhous cassinii

A hardy mountaineer of the West, the Cassin's Finch is famous for its vibrant raspberry crown and its preference for ...

Cedar Waxwing
Birds

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

With their silky plumage, elegant black masks, and vibrant yellow tail tips, Cedar Waxwings are among the most stylis...

Chihuahuan Raven
Birds

Chihuahuan Raven

Corvus cryptoleucus

The Chihuahuan Raven is the clever, social spirit of the American Southwest. Known for its problem-solving skills and...

Chipping Sparrow
Birds

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

Meet the 'hair-bird' of the backyard—a tiny, friendly sparrow with a dapper red cap and a song like a ticking clock. ...

Clay-colored Thrush
Birds

Clay-colored Thrush

Turdus grayi

Meet the soul of the garden: the Clay-colored Thrush. Known for its flute-like melodies and friendly disposition, thi...

Common Grackle
Birds

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

The Common Grackle is the iridescent jewel of the backyard, blending prehistoric looks with high-level intelligence. ...

Common Ostrich
Birds

Common Ostrich

Struthio camelus

The world's largest bird is a prehistoric marvel that trades flight for incredible speed. Towering over the African p...

Common Raven
Birds

Common Raven

Corvus corax

Witness the genius of the avian world. The Common Raven is a massive, soulful mastermind that brings a touch of wild ...

Crested Oropendola
Birds

Crested Oropendola

Psarocolius decumanus

Architects of the sky, the Crested Oropendola is famous for its massive hanging nests and liquid, metallic songs. Wit...

Crimson-backed Tanager
Birds

Crimson-backed Tanager

Ramphocelus dimidiatus

Nicknamed 'Sangre de Toro' for its intense, bull-blood red plumage, the Crimson-backed Tanager is a social sparkplug ...

Dark-eyed Junco
Birds

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

The 'snowbirds' of North America, Dark-eyed Juncos bring life to quiet winter gardens with their crisp tuxedo-like pl...

Double-banded Sandgrouse
Birds

Double-banded Sandgrouse

Pterocles bicinctus

A master of desert camouflage with a secret twilight life, the Double-banded Sandgrouse is famous for its incredible ...

Downy Woodpecker
Birds

Downy Woodpecker

Dryobates pubescens

The Downy Woodpecker is the acrobatic tiny star of the backyard bird world. Small enough to balance on a twig but tou...

Eastern Bluebird
Birds

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

The Eastern Bluebird is a stunning splash of sky-blue and rusty-orange that brings life to any open landscape. A belo...

Eastern Towhee
Birds

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

A striking bird of the brush, the Eastern Towhee is more often heard than seen. With its bold tricolor pattern and un...

Egyptian Goose
Birds

Egyptian Goose

Alopochen aegyptiaca

Strikingly beautiful and famously bold, the Egyptian Goose is a master of adaptation. With its iconic 'mascara' eye p...

Eurasian Collared-Dove
Birds

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

With its elegant silhouette and soothing rhythmic coo, the Eurasian Collared-Dove is a master of adaptation. Easily r...

Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Birds

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

Often mistaken for its urban cousin, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow is a dapper little bird distinguished by its rich ches...

European Starling
Birds

European Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

A master of mimicry with a coat of shimmering 'stars,' the European Starling is a backyard acrobat that brings high-e...

Field Sparrow
Birds

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

With its endearing 'surprised' expression and its signature bright pink bill, the Field Sparrow is the sweetheart of ...

Fish Crow
Birds

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

The sleek, nasal-voiced cousin of the American Crow, the Fish Crow is a master of the marsh and the suburban landscap...

Flame-rumped Tanager
Birds

Flame-rumped Tanager

Ramphocelus flammigerus

An endemic treasure of Colombia, the Flame-rumped Tanager dazzles with its high-contrast velvet black and scarlet plu...

Glaucous Tanager
Birds

Glaucous Tanager

Thraupis glaucocolpa

A masterpiece of subtle tropical color, the Glaucous Tanager is a frequent and welcome visitor to gardens across Colo...

Golden Eagle
Birds

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

The Golden Eagle is the undisputed monarch of the mountain sky, a golden-crowned predator of immense power and grace....

Gray-headed Chachalaca
Birds

Gray-headed Chachalaca

Ortalis cinereiceps

Meet the Gray-headed Chachalaca, the raucous socialite of the forest edge. Known for their loud morning choruses and ...

Hairy Woodpecker
Birds

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

A powerful and focused percussionist of the forest, the Hairy Woodpecker is a striking sight with its bold black-and-...

Helmeted Guineafowl
Birds

Helmeted Guineafowl

Numida meleagris

With their striking polka-dotted plumage and distinctive bony crest, Helmeted Guineafowl are the ultimate backyard gu...

Hermit Thrush
Birds

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

A champion of the forest's ethereal choir, the Hermit Thrush is as famous for its haunting song as it is for its subt...

House Finch
Birds

House Finch

Haemorhous mexicanus

The House Finch is a master of the neighborhood, bringing a splash of rosy color and a cheerful, rambling song to eve...

House Sparrow
Birds

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

The ultimate urban survivor, the House Sparrow is a cheerful and boisterous regular in backyards worldwide. Watch for...

Juniper Titmouse
Birds

Juniper Titmouse

Baeolophus ridgwayi

A master of the high desert and pinyon-juniper woodlands, the Juniper Titmouse is a small bird with a big personality...

Keel-billed Toucan
Birds

Keel-billed Toucan

Ramphastos sulfuratus

Meet the 'flying banana' of the tropical canopy. With its iconic rainbow-hued bill and playful social personality, th...

Lazuli Bunting
Birds

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

Bring the brilliant azure of the West to your screen. The Lazuli Bunting is a summer jewel whose vibrant colors and c...

Marsh Wren
Birds

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

A tiny, vocal powerhouse of the wetlands, the Marsh Wren is best known for its rattling song and habit of building do...

Mountain Bluebird
Birds

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

A breathtaking flash of cerulean against the western sky, the Mountain Bluebird is nature’s turquoise treasure. Known...

Mountain Chickadee
Birds

Mountain Chickadee

Poecile gambeli

The spirited 'eyebrowed' acrobat of the high country, the Mountain Chickadee is a master of survival and a delight to...

Mourning Dove
Birds

Mourning Dove

Zenaida macroura

The Mourning Dove is a symbol of peace and one of North America's most frequent backyard visitors. Recognizable by th...

Northern Cardinal
Birds

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

With its brilliant red plumage and soulful song, the Northern Cardinal is the undisputed king of the backyard. A year...

Northern Flicker
Birds

Northern Flicker

Colaptes auratus

A ground-dwelling woodpecker with a penchant for ants and a coat of many colors, the Northern Flicker is a backyard f...

Northern House Wren
Birds

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

A pint-sized powerhouse with a voice that fills the garden, the Northern House Wren is the ultimate backyard architec...

Nuttall's Woodpecker
Birds

Nuttall's Woodpecker

Dryobates nuttallii

The quintessential spirit of the California oaks, the Nuttall's Woodpecker is a master of bark-gleaning and acrobatic...

Osprey
Birds

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

Meet the world's most sophisticated fisherman. With a six-foot wingspan and a specialized 'fish-grip,' the Osprey is ...

Palm Tanager
Birds

Palm Tanager

Thraupis palmarum

Meet the subtle acrobat of the tropical garden. The Palm Tanager may lack flashy colors, but it makes up for it with ...

Pied Crow
Birds

Pied Crow

Corvus albus

Dapper and exceptionally bright, the Pied Crow is the tuxedo-clad genius of the African skies. Known for its bold whi...

Pileated Woodpecker
Birds

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

A prehistoric-looking giant of the North American woods, the Pileated Woodpecker is as famous for its flaming red cre...

Pine Siskin
Birds

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

The Pine Siskin is a whirlwind of energy, often arriving in sudden, massive winter flocks that turn a quiet backyard ...

Purple Finch
Birds

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

Often described as a sparrow dipped in raspberry juice, the Purple Finch is a vibrant addition to any backyard. This ...

Pygmy Nuthatch
Birds

Pygmy Nuthatch

Sitta pygmaea

A tiny dynamo of the western pine forests, the Pygmy Nuthatch is a social superstar known for its acrobatic tree-clim...

Pyrrhuloxia
Birds

Pyrrhuloxia

Cardinalis sinuatus

Meet the 'Desert Cardinal,' a master of arid survival with a parrot-like beak and striking crimson highlights. A must...

Red-bellied Woodpecker
Birds

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Melanerpes carolinus

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is the vibrant, vocal percussionist of the eastern woods. With its striking zebra-striped ...

Red-billed Oxpecker
Birds

Red-billed Oxpecker

Buphagus erythroryncha

Nature's bravest groomer, the Red-billed Oxpecker, spends its life hitching a ride on Africa's largest mammals. These...

Red-breasted Nuthatch
Birds

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a pocket-sized acrobat of the forest, famous for its gravity-defying ability to walk hea...

Red-headed Woodpecker
Birds

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

Often called the 'flying checkerboard,' the Red-headed Woodpecker is a bold and charismatic showstopper. With its com...

Red-tailed Hawk
Birds

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

The Red-tailed Hawk is the quintessential guardian of the open sky, known for its piercing gaze and iconic cinnamon t...

Red-winged Blackbird
Birds

Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

The bold sentinel of the marsh, the Red-winged Blackbird is a master of display and one of the most iconic sounds of ...

Redpoll
Birds

Redpoll

Acanthis flammea

A hardy survivor of the Arctic tundra, the Redpoll brings a splash of crimson and boundless energy to winter backyard...

Ring-billed Gull
Birds

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

The ultimate urban survivor, the Ring-billed Gull is a familiar face across North American lakes, parking lots, and s...

Rock Pigeon
Birds

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

The world's most famous urban adventurer, the Rock Pigeon is a master of adaptation with stunning iridescent plumage ...

Sayaca Tanager
Birds

Sayaca Tanager

Thraupis sayaca

The Sayaca Tanager is the elegant 'blue-grey' ghost of South American gardens. A frequent and friendly visitor, this ...

Silver-beaked Tanager
Birds

Silver-beaked Tanager

Ramphocelus carbo

The Silver-beaked Tanager is a masterpiece of contrast, featuring deep velvety maroon plumage and a bill that shines ...

Social Flycatcher
Birds

Social Flycatcher

Myiozetetes similis

Meet the Social Flycatcher, the lively and vocal neighbor of the tropical backyard. With its bright yellow belly and ...

Song Sparrow
Birds

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

The Song Sparrow is a master of melody and a staple of the American backyard. Easily recognized by its soulful song a...

Southern Ground Hornbill
Birds

Southern Ground Hornbill

Bucorvus leadbeateri

The Southern Ground Hornbill is a majestic, ground-dwelling giant known for its vivid red face and deep, lion-like bo...

Spotted Eagle-Owl
Birds

Spotted Eagle-Owl

Bubo africanus

With its iconic ear tufts and piercing yellow gaze, the Spotted Eagle-Owl is the ultimate nocturnal guardian of the g...

Spotted Towhee
Birds

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

With its striking red eyes and rhythmic 'double-scratch' hop, the Spotted Towhee is the flashy, secretive star of the...

Steller's Jay
Birds

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

Meet the bold, blue-blooded intelligence of the Western woods. With their striking charcoal crests and clever persona...

Summer Tanager
Birds

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

The Summer Tanager is a flash of brilliant strawberry-red among the green leaves of the forest canopy. A master of th...

Tricolored Blackbird
Birds

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

The most social songbird of the West, the Tricolored Blackbird is a master of life in the colony. Distinguished by th...

Tufted Titmouse
Birds

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

Bold, crested, and full of personality, the Tufted Titmouse is the backyard acrobat that every birdwatcher loves. Wit...

Turkey Vulture
Birds

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

The Turkey Vulture is a master of the skies, using a keen sense of smell and massive wingspan to patrol the landscape...

Varied Thrush
Birds

Varied Thrush

Ixoreus naevius

A masterpiece of the misty woods, the Varied Thrush combines the familiar shape of a robin with a striking, high-cont...

Western Bluebird
Birds

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

A flash of cobalt blue against a rusty breast marks the arrival of the Western Bluebird, one of the most beloved back...

White-breasted Nuthatch
Birds

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

The acrobat of the backyard, the White-breasted Nuthatch is famous for its head-first descent down tree trunks. With ...

White-winged Dove
Birds

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

With their striking blue eye-rings and bold white wing patches, White-winged Doves bring a touch of southwestern char...

Whooping Motmot
Birds

Whooping Motmot

Momotus subrufescens

With its brilliant blue crown and iconic racket-tipped tail, the Whooping Motmot is a crown jewel of the tropical bac...

Wild Turkey
Birds

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

The Wild Turkey is the heavy-weight champion of the North American forest, a bird of surprising intelligence and stun...

Wood Thrush
Birds

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

The Wood Thrush is the hidden virtuoso of the eastern forests, known for its spotted breast and a song that sounds li...

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