Meet the Ring-necked Pheasant

Adult Male Ring-necked Pheasant, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This month, let’s talk about a local, non-native species called the Ring-necked Pheasant, which is also known as Common Pheasant. Ring-necked Pheasants originally came from China and other parts of Asia. They were introduced to the United States in 1881 from China as a game bird (a bird hunted for sport or food). Game birds are in a large group that includes pheasants, wild turkey, chukar, grouse, quails, guineafowl, guans, etc.). The largest North American populations of Ring-necked Pheasants are located in the central United States and southern Canada. Young birds may roam after leaving their nest sites to find a new area to live. However, Ring-necked Pheasants are not considered migratory and tend to stay in a general area from generation to generation. They are usually seen alone in the wild; but are known to gather in flocks during the winter. Most of the time, Ring-necked Pheasants either walk or run on the ground. However, when frightened or threatened, they can immediately burst almost vertically into the air using their powerful and specialized (unique) chest muscles. They usually fly only for short distances when necessary.

What do Ring-necked Pheasants look like?

Adult Male Ring-necked Pheasant, Image by Mary Forrestal

It may be difficult to get more than a quick glimpse of a Ring-necked Pheasant because they can be hidden in their dense habitat. Ring-necked Pheasants are large birds that have long tails, curved bills, and short, rounded wings. Males and females look very different. Male Ring-necked Pheasants are eye-catching due to their brightly colored plumage (feathers). Males have gold, copper or rust, and brown plumage on their bodies with black and white spots. The heads and necks of male Ring-necked Pheasants are green, bluish-black, or purple. Their feathers are shiny and iridescent, (changes in color depending on how the angle of the light). Male Ring-necked Pheasants have bright red patches around their eyes and faces, a white neck collar (or ring) (which is not always visible), and ear tufts which sometimes extend past the back of their heads. Female birds are fairly drab (or dull in color). This allows them to blend into field habitats while nesting or caring for their young. Compared with males, female Ring-necked Pheasants are lighter in color overall, smaller, and have shorter tails. They have sandy-brown plumage with dark brown-black markings on their backs, heads, and wings and pale chests.

Adult Female Ring-necked Pheasant, Photo is from Classic Collection North American Birds, Birds-of-North-America.net, used by permission

Where do Ringed-necked Pheasants live?

Juvenile Male Ring-necked Pheasant, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Ring-necked Pheasants are found in grassy woodland edges, areas with tall vegetation, open fields, brushy grassland areas, farmlands, pastures, weedy roadsides, prairies, cattail wetlands or marshes, and suburban gardens. They tend to be in areas that are near streams, brooks, or even constructed water channels. Ring-necked Pheasants tolerate human presence fairly well and are often seen in the outskirts of major cities. They usually roost (rest and sleep) in trees or tall bushes. 

The nests of Ring-necked Pheasants are built on the ground under thick cover. Nests can be found along fence lines or in ditches. The female Ring-necked Pheasant chooses the nesting site and constructs a simple nest which is about 7 inches across and 3 inches deep. She uses feathers, grasses, and other plant materials to line the nest. The usual clutch size (a group of eggs in a nest) is between 10 and 12 eggs. Ring-necked Pheasant chicks are born with their eyes open and are covered with very soft feathers, called down. At only two hours of age, the chicks are able to leave the nest and start looking for food with their mothers. Young birds will remain close to their mothers for 10 to 12 weeks.

What do Ring-necked Pheasants eat?

Adult Male Ring-necked Pheasant, Photo is from Classic Collection North American Birds, Birds-of-North-America.net, used by permission

Ring-necked Pheasants are omnivorous (eat foods either of plant or animal origin). They scratch the ground with their feet to find food and will also dig for roots or seeds with their powerful bills. Their diet changes throughout the year with the seasons. Adult Ring-necked Pheasants eat insects, spiders, grain and other agricultural crops, seeds, roots, wild fruits, nuts, snails, and earthworms. They also will eat leaves, buds, flowers, and occasionally small reptiles or rodents. In bad weather, Ring-necked Pheasants can go up to two weeks without eating. This is because their bodies have the capability to adjust their metabolism (chemical processes in the body) which acts to reduce their energy requirements. Ring-necked Pheasant chicks eat grasshoppers and other insects for the first six weeks of their lives before switching to a more varied diet.

What do Ring-necked Pheasants sound like?


The sounds that Ring-necked Pheasants make are described as hacking, crowing, or cackling. They also make a rapid wing-beat noise that can be either soft or loud. The ‘crowing’ sound is only made by males. You can listen to Ring-neck Pheasants now.

These calls of the Ring-necked Pheasant are from xeno-canto. More Ring-necked Pheasant vocalizations can be found at xeno-canto.org/species/Phasianus-colchicus.

Meet the Bald Eagle

Adult Bald Eagle, Image by Larry Hickey


This month, let's talk about a raptor (bird of prey) that’s being seen more often in the Sacramento region, the Bald Eagle. Populations live in many regions within the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico. Bald Eagles can live for many years; one bird was reported to have lived 39 years in the wild and another to age 50. Despite their large size, they are agile fliers (able to move quickly and easily). They can reach speeds up to 70 miles per hour and soar with flat, straight wings. Bald Eagles are frequently seen alone or in pairs; but in winter they will gather together in numbers at resting or feeding sites. When on the ground walking, their gait appears somewhat awkward. Bald Eagles walk with a back and forth rocking motion.

Bald Eagles were put on the endangered species list in 1978; but thankfully their numbers have gradually recovered due to national protection measures and after the use of the pesticide DDT was banned.

Some Bald Eagles will migrate (to move from one region or habitat to another according to the seasons) if the water freezes where they catch fish or when juveniles leave the nest. Bald Eagles instinctively use migration routes that have good flying conditions and food sources. Their migration generally takes place during the daytime when thermals (upward currents of warm air) are produced by the sun.    

What do Bald Eagles look like?

Adult Bald Eagle, Image by Larry Hickey

The heads of Bald Eagles are not bald; they have feathers on their heads. The species was given their name because of the old English word ‘balde’ meaning ‘white-headed’. Adult Bald Eagles stand out because of the huge contrast between their dark-brown bodies and their bright white heads, necks, and tails. They have whitish-yellow eyes, large hook-shaped yellow bills, yellow feet with large talons, and feather-less legs. Although males and females look the same, female birds are about 25% larger than males. Females can have a wingspan of up to 8 feet, whereas males have a wingspan of up to 6 feet.

Immature Bald Eagle, Image by Jane Van Kessel

Baby eagles, called eaglets, are light gray when born and change color over time. It takes 4-5 years for young birds to look like adult Bald Eagles. Young birds have varying amounts of white streaking on their wings and tails. Their tails can also have a dark band at the tip. The bodies, necks, and heads of young Bald Eagles can be either solid brown or are mottled (spotted or splotchy) with patches of white and brown. Young birds have dark bills and eyes; but these gradually become lighter in color like on adult birds.

Bald Eagles can easily be mistaken for Golden Eagles, which is another eagle species that is seen in the Sacramento Valley. They are also sometimes mistaken for Turkey Vultures or large hawks. 

Where do Bald Eagles live?

Bald Eagles prefer habitats near bodies of open water that have large trees for their nests. They are seen near rivers, grasslands, marshes, lakes, streams, sometimes coastal areas, and in mountain ranges when they are migrating. They can also be found in drier and more inland areas in winter. 

Bald Eagles make the largest nests in North America. They frequently reuse and rebuild their nests year after year. Because they add additional materials to the nest each year, their nests can weigh up to 1-2 thousand pounds! Sometimes other bird species, such as Great Horned Owls, use abandoned Bald Eagle nests.

Adult Bald Eagle high on a nest, Image by Jane Van Kessel

Bald Eagles usually nest in trees. Pairs frequently remain together for life. They tend to choose the tallest tree in an area so that they have an excellent view of their surroundings. It can take up to three months for the pair to build a nest. Both parents carry building material to the nest site. Large sticks are woven together and are covered or lined with a softer material such as moss, lichen, grass, and downy feathers. The nesting female lays 1-3 eggs per year and their eggs are the size of baseballs. For about one month, both parents take turns incubating the eggs (sitting on the eggs to keep them warm). One parent will remain with the eaglets in the nest at all times for about two weeks. The parents hunt from dawn to dusk to provide food for their young. They rip the food into small pieces for their eaglets using their sharp pointed beaks. Even after the young birds are able to fly, young Bald Eagles remain near the nest for around three months before leaving the area. It is common for the fledged eagles to return to the same area when they start nesting in about 5 years.

What do Bald Eagles Eat?

Adult Bald Eagles, Image by Larry Hickey

Bald Eagles are carnivorous (meat-eating) and will accept a wide variety of prey (animals caught by another animal for food). Their primary and preferred food is fish; but they will also consume birds (usually water birds, such as ducks and coots), mammals (such as rabbits, squirrels, and prairie dogs), reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Because of their excellent eyesight, Bald Eagles can see fish in the water up to a mile away! They can swoop down from a high perch at a very fast speed and grab fish or other prey with their talons (the claws on a bird of prey). Bald Eagles sometimes will wade in shallow water either to catch fish or to drag a fish over to the shore that was too heavy to lift in flight. They will occasionally hunt in pairs, which helps make catching prey easier. Even though they are great hunters, Bald Eagles often steal prey that smaller raptors or mammals have caught. In addition, they will eat carrion (the decaying meat of dead animals), such as dead fish washed up on a shore. Bald Eagles tend to eat a large volume of food when food is available; but can go without eating anything for weeks!

What do Bald Eagles sound like?

When someone hears the call of a Bald Eagle for the first time, they are usually surprised at how high-pitched and weak-sounding it is. In TV commercials or movies where a Bald Eagle is shown, it is common for the call of a Red-tailed Hawk to be used in order to create a more dramatic effect. The calls of Bald Eagles are described as a series of chirps or a loud screaming whistle. Listen to Bald Eagle calls below.

These calls of the Bald Eagle are from xeno-canto. More Bald Eagle vocalizations can be found at xeno-canto.org/species/Haliaeetus-leucocephalus.

Meet the Common Raven

Adult Common Raven, Image by Timothy Jackson

This month, let’s learn about a member of the Covidae family called the Common Raven. Crows, magpies, and jays are also in this family. Common Ravens have been observed in the Sacramento Valley more often in recent years. In the past, ravens were mainly seen at higher elevations or in rural or coastal areas; whereas American Crows were only seen here in the valley. So now, there are two species in the area that look quite similar. The main differences between Common Ravens and American Crows are size, tail shape, beak size, and the sounds they make. Common Ravens are larger overall, have diamond-shaped tails, have longer and narrower wings, and have larger and thicker beaks. They also soar or glide in the air and do less flapping than crows do. Adult Common Ravens are frequently seen in pairs, rather than in flocks. However, juvenile (or young) birds, that aren’t old enough for nesting yet, frequently form small groups. Common Ravens are also seen in numbers at garbage dumps searching for food.

Common Ravens tend to be permanent residents in their territories and do not migrate. They are found in the U.S. (especially the western states), Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, and South America. Common Ravens used to be common in the North Eastern U.S., but their populations declined severely after forests were cut down. However, their numbers have increased in recent years because trees have had time to regrow.  

Common Ravens are extremely intelligent birds. They are quick learners and great problem solvers. Common Ravens don't need to rely on the trial and error method that many other birds use when tackling problems; they can actually come up with successful solutions right away. Common Ravens have been known to use tools to obtain food and make shelters. They even “plan for the future'' by hiding both food and tools for later.

Common Ravens can be quite acrobatic when flying. They can be seen diving and tumbling in the air. One was recorded flying upside down for more than a half-mile! Young birds are fond of playing games with sticks, repeatedly dropping them, and then diving to catch them in midair.

What do Common Ravens look like?

Common Raven, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Common Ravens are large, shiny, all-black birds that are slightly larger than Red-tailed Hawks. They have large, thick, and slightly curved beaks, thick necks, and long, narrow wings that span 4 ½ feet. Common Ravens also have long, diamond-shaped (or wedge-shaped) tails. There are long feathers on their throats (called “hackles”) which make this area appear shaggy. Juveniles have gray neck feathers, are not as shiny, have shorter tails, and have violet or blue-gray eye color.

Where do Common Ravens live?

Common Ravens live in many different habitats including forests, dry grasslands, sagebrush, desert, and even arctic regions. They are usually found in rural areas. Because Common Ravens are so intelligent, it is easy for them to adapt to many different environments. Some actually live in the city of Los Angeles!

Common Raven pairs can remain together for life and will defend their nesting territories from other raven pairs. They usually have one clutch ( group of eggs in a nest) per year. Common Raven nests are built in trees or on cliff sides, and sometimes on structures such as power-line towers, telephone poles, billboards, and bridges. Nests are frequently reused and reinforced the following year. They make their nests out of sticks, grasses, bark strips, moss, fur, wool, mud, and sometimes trash. Female Common Ravens incubate the eggs (to sit on and keep nest eggs warm), while the male both guards the nest and brings food to the nest. After fledging (leaving the nest), young birds can remain near their parents for up to six months. Both parents help feed the fledglings.

Adult Common Raven, Image by Chris Conard

 What do Common Ravens eat?

 Common Ravens have a wide-ranging, omnivorous diet (which means they eat both plant and animal sources for food). They are quite skilled at finding many types of foods depending on habitat and availability. Common Ravens eat carrion (dead animal meat), bird eggs, insects, scorpions, grains, acorns, buds, small live animals (which include amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and nesting birds), berries and other fruit, pet food, and food waste left by humans. Recently, there has been concern with the negative effect brought on by Common Ravens regarding the population of local nesting shorebirds. Now that Common Ravens are more common in the Sacramento Valley, they have discovered that nesting shorebird species are an easy target for food. 

What do Common Ravens sound like?

Common Ravens have a wide range of vocalizations. Their calls have been described as croaking, screaming, whistling, knocking, and musical-like gurgling. The most common call of the Common Raven is a harsh and low-pitched croak or “wonk - wonk'' sound.

Common Ravens use various sounds for specific times. They have sounds used as alarm calls, chase calls, comfort calls, flight calls, and calls for advertising their territory. Common Ravens can also mimic (or copy) sounds from their environment. You can listen to the Common Raven now.

These calls of the Common Raven are from xeno-canto. More Common Raven vocalizations can be found at xeno-canto.org/species/Corvus-corax.

Ducks in Scopes at the Cosumnes River Preserve

Saturdays, December 17 and January 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2023. Come any time between 10am and 2pm.

Wintering waterfowl and cranes are here! Don't miss this chance to see them in the seasonal wetlands at the Cosumnes Preserve. CRP docents have a row of of spotting scopes set up, including lower ones for children, giving you excellent views of the many colorful ducks, other waterfowl, shorebirds and more.

Microscopes and hand lens provide close-up looks at “Duck Soup”, dishes of water dipped from the pond full of water fleas, rat-tailed maggots, scuds and other squiggly things that provide the protein the birds are feeding on.  

The Preserve is a quick drive from Sacramento – south on I-5 to Twin Cities Road; left (east) on Twin Cities for 1 mile; then right (south) on Franklin Blvd. The viewing area is in the first parking lot on your right as you drive into the preserve. Steady rain or flooding cancels event. 

Northern Shoveler, Image by Dana J. Miller-Blair

Meet the White-crowned Sparrow

Adult White-crowned Sparrow, Image by Chris Conard

This month, let’s learn about a songbird called the White-crowned Sparrow. White-crowned Sparrows migrate into the Sacramento Valley starting in the fall. They stay over winter and leave in the spring to go to their nesting sites. Most populations of White-crowned Sparrows migrate; but there are populations on the Pacific coast and in some areas of the interior West that stay year-round. White-crowned Sparrows are native to North America and are found in the continental U.S., Canada, and northern Mexico. If White-crowned Sparrows are seen in the northeastern U.S., they usually won’t stay long because they are probably just migrating through. One bird that was tracked by scientists during migration flew 300 miles in one night. Alaskan White-crown Sparrows fly 2,600 miles to stay in Southern California for the winter.

What do White-crowned Sparrows look like?

Some species of sparrows may be difficult to identify because they look similar; but White-crowned Sparrows are fairly easy to identify. The adults have “eye-catching” black and white stripes on their heads. The bills of White-crowned Sparrows are small and are either yellow, orange, or pink depending on the subspecies (a group in a species that has slight differences). There are five identified subspecies of the White-crowned Sparrow that live in different regions. White-crowned Sparrows have plain, gray chests and abdomens and have brown wings with light and dark streaking (or lines). They have long tails and their heads can appear either rounded or slightly peaked. Their crown feathers (the feathers on the top of the head) can be raised or lowered at will depending on their mood! Males and females look alike. However, first-year birds, or immatures, have brown and grayish-tan head stripes, instead of the black and white stripes that adults have. Juveniles (the age up until August after hatching) have dark streaks all over their bodies. 

Immature White-crowned Sparrow, Image by Nancy J. Kapellas

Where do White-crowned Sparrows live?

One can frequently spot a White-crowned Sparrow either hopping on the ground or perching low inside bushes. They are found in many habitats such as weedy fields, thickets, city parks, suburban yards, alpine meadows, roadsides, agricultural fields, and edges of woodlands. White-crowned Sparrows prefer to have low brush or trees nearby so that they can quickly find shelter when necessary. 

It’s the female White-crowned Sparrow that builds the nest. The nests are built with twigs, grasses, pine needles, moss, bark, and dead leaves. Finer grass and sometimes hair is used to line their nests. Nests are usually fairly low to the ground in thickets, not higher than 3-10 feet. In far northern regions where brush or thickets are not available, such as the arctic tundra, White-crowned Sparrows build nests on the ground. These nests are usually hidden behind clumps of moss or in other types of groundcover. The female incubates (or sits on) the eggs to keep them warm. After hatching, both parents help feed their young. When White-crowned sparrow fledglings (young birds that are able to move on their own) leave the nest, they do not learn to fly for another week or so. They remain close to the nest during this time. Siblings may stay together for a few months.

Adult White-crowned Sparrow, Image by Larry Hickey

What do White-crowned Sparrows eat?

White-crowned Sparrows eat many types of food and what they eat can change from season to season. In the winter, they mainly eat seeds; and in the summer, they eat insects, such as caterpillars, wasps, and beetles. In addition, White-crowned Sparrows also eat buds and other plant parts, grains (such as barley, oats, wheat, corn), and berries, such as elderberries and blackberries. In winter, flocks are seen looking for food in open or grassy areas. When searching for food on the ground, White-crowned Sparrows use a successful technique called “double-scratching”. This is when birds turn over leaves when they hop in one direction and then quickly hop in the opposite direction to pounce on food, such as insects or seeds, that are suddenly exposed. 

What do White-crowned Sparrows sound like?

White-crowned Sparrows have a beautiful song and also have a few different calls. Each subspecies in their specific regions have slightly unique song versions. It is thought that males sing more often; but that females do sing as well. You can listen to the White-crowned Sparrow now.

These songs and calls of the White-crowned Sparrow are from xeno-canto. More White-crowned Sparrow vocalizations can be found at xeno-canto.org/species/Zonotrichia-leucophrys.

Meet the Turkey Vulture

Turkey Vulture, Image by Larry Hickey

This month, let’s talk about a common bird found in the Sacramento Valley called the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura). In the Fall, northern populations of this species migrate south in large flocks. Some populations remain in certain areas year round, like they do in the Sacramento Valley. Turkey Vultures are truly amazing, beneficial, and mild-mannered birds. They live in many areas, from southern Canada to the southern tip of South America. Turkey Vultures were given their name because their red heads resemble that of male Wild Turkeys. 

Let’s clear up some misconceptions (or false ideas) about Turkey Vultures. Some people call them ‘buzzards’. However, this name is not correct. Turkey Vultures are not even related to buzzard species. Buzzards are members of the hawk family and don’t live in the United States! Besides, Turkey Vultures don’t look anything like the true buzzards. 

Many people believe that when Turkey Vultures are circling high in the sky that they are looking down on a potential meal. Actually, when they fly in big circles, they are most likely taking advantage of rising air currents or thermals. These warm pockets of air lift the birds so they can glide without using much energy. Since Turkey Vultures are large birds and have huge wingspans, it takes an enormous amount of energy to fly by flapping their wings. Therefore, finding thermals and gliding is a great way to save energy. Turkey Vultures frequently hold their wings in a V-shape. This specific wing position helps them stabilize themselves if they meet up with turbulent air (air moving very strongly and suddenly). 

In contrast to many other raptors, Turkey Vultures are fairly social birds. They often fly in small groups in the daytime. In the evening, they usually gather in large groups (or colonies) to roost or rest. Turkey Vultures have been known to share carrion with Black Vultures, eagles, and ravens.

What do Turkey Vultures look like?

Adult Turkey Vulture, Image by Mary Forrestal

The size of a Turkey Vulture is between an eagle and a hawk. Turkey Vultures have long wings, bulky-looking bodies, small heads, and light-colored beaks. When they are flying high in the sky, they may appear black. However, when seen close up, Turkey Vultures’ feathers are actually dark brown. Their head, face, and upper neck is absent of feathers! The bare skin on these areas is generally red, but when relaxed it can appear pale pink or even light blue. Turkey Vultures’ underwings have a divided coloration. The front underwing area is dark; while the rear underwing area is a silvery-gray, as shown in the photo below. Juvenile birds can be distinguished from adults by their gray heads and dark beaks. 

Where do Turkey Vultures live?

Adult Turkey Vulture, Image by Chris Conard

Turkey vultures live in many habitats and are seen flying over open countryside such as suburbs, scrublands, landfills, rangeland, and farm fields; but they are also seen in woodland areas and forests. They roost (or rest) on dead tree limbs, fence posts, poles, or towers at night. Turkey vultures are frequently seen in the morning high in trees with their wings spread facing the sun. There are a few theories on why they hold their wings like this: perhaps they get an energy boost from the sun by warming up or the sun may aide in the digestion of their food. Some suggests that the heat from the sun kills parasites that are on their bodies. (Parasites are living things that live or feed on on other living things, such as ticks and fleas.)

Turkey Vulture nests are usually very well hidden. This has made studying the birds’ nesting habits difficult for scientists. Whereas Turkey Vultures will frequently roost and hunt near humans, their nest sites are usually far away from people! Turkey Vultures use sheltered nest sites in logs, rock crevices (spaces between rocks), inside dense bushes or trees, fallen trees, old buildings, and even use old nests of raptors and herons. The carefully selected nest sites tend to be used over-and-over again. Turkey Vultures do not make structured nests. They simply scrape the ground to make a slight depression where the eggs will be.

What do Turkey Vultures eat?

Adult Turkey Vulture, Image by Chris Conard

Turkey Vultures scan the countryside for food as they fly. They mainly eat mammals; but will also eat reptiles, other birds, amphibians, fish, and even invertebrates. Turkey vultures also eat animal bones! Some people worry that Turkey Vultures will swoop down and carry away their pets for food. They need not worry though because Turkey Vultures usually will only eat animals that are dead and starting to decay. They frequently eat dead animals near roadways which have been hit and killed by automobiles. An amazing finding is that Turkey vultures can go without a meal for more than two weeks if they have to!

Decaying animal flesh is called carrion. Eating carrion doesn't sound very appetizing to humans; but it’s nature’s way of keeping the environment clean and free of dead animals. So Turkey Vultures continuously provide a cleaning service for humans and other animals! Without vultures in the ecosystem, there would be more infectious disease spread due to the accumulation of rotting carcasses (the dead bodies of animals) which harbor viruses and bacteria.  

Another interesting fact is that Turkey Vultures do not get sick after eating decayed meat or other animal parts. Carrion is toxic (harmful) to most animals. Fortunately for the Turkey Vulture, their gastrointestinal tracts are very acidic and kill most of the microorganisms that are eaten. Scientists have also discovered that Turkey Vultures have an amazing tolerance for many bacteria that are found inside their bodies.

What do Turkey Vultures sound like?

Most of the time, Turkey Vultures are silent birds; but they occasionally hiss or grunt to communicate, especially when they are feeding or around their nests. They can not sing or call like many other birds do because they do not have a voice box or larynx. You can listen to the Turkey vulture below.

These sounds of the Turkey Vulture are from xeno-canto. More Turkey Vulture vocalizations can be found at xeno-canto.org/species/Cathartes-aura.

Effie Yeaw's NatureFest

After a two year hiatus, NatureFest is back!

Effie Yeaw’s largest family event of the year, NatureFest promotes science & nature education and is an excellent opportunity to learn more about local organizations that support our community. Held at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, this family-friendly event includes live animal presentations, kids activities, demonstrations, guided nature hikes, and more.

Date: Sunday, October 9th
Time: 10am – 3pm
Price: $7 for Adults (12+) | $3 for Kids (3-11) | Ages 2 & Under Free

Sign up for Effie Yeaw Nature Center’s email list HERE to receive updates on NatureFest and more!

Congratulations to NatureFest 2022 Logo Winner, Liam S. Age 11!

Effie Yeaw Nature Center is located at 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael, CA, 95608.

 

Meet the California Scrub-Jay

California Scrub-jay, Adult, Image by Dana J. Miller-Blair

This month, let’s talk about a songbird called the California Scrub-Jay. California Scrub-Jays are frequently seen all year long in the Sacramento Valley. Their range is from the western coast of Canada down to the Baja Peninsula in Mexico and parts of Nevada. California Scrub-Jays are non-migratory which means they remain year-round in a permanent territory. Occasionally, it may be necessary for them to travel to find food if acorns and other foods become scarce where they live.

California Scrub-Jays are often incorrectly called Blue Jays; but the Blue Jay is a different species that is found east of the Rockies. There are at least 10 different species of jays living in North America! Another scrub-jay species, called the Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay, is found in states to the east of California. This species looks extremely similar to the California Scrub-Jay. The two species, California and Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays, used to be considered a single species; but were separated in 2016. All jay species are in the bird group or family, called Corvidae (corvids). Corvids include crows, ravens, jays, and magpies. Birds in this family are thought to be very intelligent!

You will often see California Scrub-Jays at the tops of high trees, keeping watch over their territory. They can be quite vocal and they frequently make their presence known! 

What do California Scrub-Jays look like?

Both male and female California Scrub-Jays are bright blue, have a patch of grayish-brown on their backs, and have white on their throats and abdomens. Their heads are round; there isn’t a crest, which some other jay species have. California Scrub-Jays also have a blue band or ‘necklace’ that runs from their neck area diagonally into their chest area. They have a white ‘eyebrow’ line and have a black area around their eyes. California Scrub-Jays’ tails are long and they have long, thick bills that have a small hook at the end. Their specialized bills make it easy to carry and open up acorns so that they can eat what’s inside.

California Scrub-Jay nestlings start out totally gray. As they grow, the juvenile (or young) birds have gray heads and backs, a blue tail, and some blue on their wings. There is also a little blue on the forehead of the juvenile in the photo below.

California Scrub-Jay, Juvenile, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Where do California Scrub-Jays live?

The habitat of California Scrub-Jays is quite variable; they are seen both around homes and in more remote areas. California Scrub-Jays are found in parks, pastures, neighborhoods, riverside woodlands, and oak scrublands. Pairs usually have a permanent territory and can be very protective of their area. They will chase out other jays (and sometimes other species of birds). 

California Scrub-Jays nest in bushes and low trees, usually not more than 5 to 15 feet above the ground. Both the male and female build the nest and there is usually only one clutch (or group of eggs) per year. Some believe that it’s the female that does most of the nest building, while the male guards the nest area. California Scrub-Jay nests are cup-shaped, very sturdy, and are usually well hidden. They are made of grass, moss, and twigs and lined with tiny roots, plant fibers, and sometimes animal hair. It usually takes about ten days to build a nest. The female of the pair incubates the eggs (sits on and keeps the eggs warm) for 15-17 days. According to some researchers, the male brings food to the female during the incubation period. The nestlings (or baby birds) are fed by both parents. 18-22 days after hatching, juvenile birds leave the nest; but their parents continue to feed and watch over them for about a month until they learn to be independent.

What do California Scrub-Jays eat?

California Scrub-Jay, Adult, Image by Mary Forrestal

California Scrub-Jays eat a variety of foods and what they eat depends on where they live and what time of year it is. They look for food on the ground, in trees, and also will eagerly come to feeders. California Scrub-Jays eat mostly insects, spiders, and sometimes snails during spring and summer. They switch to acorns, nuts, berries, and grass seeds during fall and winter. California Scrub-Jays will also eat other animals’ eggs, small rodents, the young of other birds, small reptiles, and amphibians. Parents feed their young mainly moth caterpillars. 

California Scrub-Jays, like other Corvids, are very clever or intelligent. They actually can plan for the future, an ability known as metacognition. California Scrub-Jays often bury acorns to eat in future months. They try to make sure there aren't any other animals watching when they bury them! California Scrub-Jays also have fantastic memories and can remember up to 200 places where they previously buried acorns! They do leave many acorns in the ground, however. This is the reason that the Miwok Indians call the Scrub-Jay ‘the one who plants oaks’. California Scrub-Jays can also be quite sneaky and will take stored acorns from Acorn Woodpeckers and other jays!

What do California Scrub-Jays sound like?

As stated above, California Scrub-Jays are quite vocal and often loud. They mainly use calls and rarely sing. Often pairs will communicate with each other using their typical harsh calls. Listen to the California Scrub-Jay now. 

These calls and song of the California Scrub-Jay are from xeno-canto. More California Scrub-Jay vocalizations can be found at xeno-canto.org/species/Aphelocoma-californica.

Meet the Wood Duck

Male Wood Duck, Image by Chris Conard

This month, let’s learn about the magnificent Wood Duck. Wood Ducks are medium-sized ducks and are a North American species. They are found in many states in the U.S., as well as in southern Canada and western Mexico. The Wood Duck is one of the few duck species that remain in the Sacramento Valley year-round. They are listed in a category or group called perching ducks because they perch in trees to preen or rest.

Some sources also include Wood Ducks in a group called dabbling ducks. Dabblers are ducks that feed close to the surface of the water and will either swim and skim the water’s surface or tilt their bodies head first into the water with their tails pointing upwards to grab food which is slightly underwater.

Adult male ducks are called drakes and adult female ducks are called hens. Wood Duck drakes have feathers of many different colors. Their appearance is an example of how beautiful nature can be; when you spot one, it’s as if an artistic masterpiece is gliding on the water.

Male Wood Duck, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

What do Wood Ducks look like?

Wood Ducks have large heads that have a crest that droops backwards, fairly short bills, long squared-off tails, and have a white border along their dark wings.

Wood Duck drakes have both green and purple on their heads. They also have bold white lines on their heads, cheeks, and neck areas. Wood Ducks have dramatic red eyes, reddish bills, black backs and tails, black and blue colored wings, tanish-yellow sides, reddish-brown chest and rump areas, and white bellies. 

Wood Duck male and two females, Image by Mary Forrestal

Wood Duck hens are much less colorful. Except for a white belly, white throat, and white markings on their wings, they are mostly gray and brown. Wood Duck hens also have a bold white, teardrop-shaped patch around their eyes. 

Juvenile (or young) Wood Ducks look fairly similar to hens. Juveniles, however, have spots on both their chests and bellies; whereas Wood Duck hens only have spotting on their chests.

Where do Wood Ducks live?

As the name suggests, Wood Ducks ‘require wooded cover for nesting’. They prefer wooded swamps or marshes; but can also be found in freshwater wetlands, shady ponds, creeks, shallow lakes, and quiet rivers. By using the strong claws on their feet, Wood Ducks can climb up into trees and perch securely on branches. They usually nest in tree holes (or cavities) too; but are not capable of digging holes for their nests. Wood Ducks must find holes that are already present and often use the ones that woodpeckers have made in the past. They will also use man-made nest boxes, which has helped increase their numbers. Hens use their own down feathers to put around the eggs in their nests.

Male Wood Duck, Image by Craig Swolgaard

Occasionally, Wood Ducks will nest either close to the ground or far from the water’s edge. However, they prefer their nests to be hanging over (or near) a body of water. Wood Duck ducklings typically jump from the nest the day after they hatch! Having water or wet ground below the nest will ensure a soft landing for the young birds. After jumping from the nest, the tiny ducklings immediately know how to swim, walk, and find food on their own. Wood Duck hens will watch over their brood (or young) for several weeks. The ducklings can be seen riding on their mother’s back while she swims. Although adult Wood Ducks usually sleep or roost on the water, hens with young often sleep along water banks or on logs that are tucked away from danger. The ducklings learn to fly at 8 or 9 weeks of age.

What do Wood Ducks eat?

Adult Wood Ducks mainly eat plant material. They enjoy eating seeds, aquatic plants, acorns, nuts, and berries; but they also will also eat insects, clams, snails, tadpoles, and salamanders. Therefore, adult Wood Ducks are omnivores. (Omnivores are animals that eat a variety of foods that include both plants and animals.) When there are no aquatic feeding areas nearby, Wood Ducks will search for food in open areas, such as agricultural fields. Juveniles only eat invertebrates (animals without a backbone) or sometimes small fish. As they age, their diet changes and they start eating plant material.

What do Wood Ducks sound like?

Wood Duck drakes have a soft, whistle-like call while hens have louder calls. You can listen to the calls of Wood Ducks below:

These calls of the Wood Duck are from xeno-canto. More Wood Duck vocalizations can be found at xeno-canto.org/species/Aix-sponsa.

Meet the Pied-billed Grebe

Adult Pied-billed Grebe, Image by Chris Conard

This month, let’s talk about Pied-billed Grebes. They are water birds, frequently seen swimming alone on bodies of water around the Sacramento region. Pied-billed Grebes spend a lot of time underwater; so it helps to scan the water repeatedly to see if one will surface.

Pied-billed Grebes are found in Canada, the United States, Central America, and in parts of South America. Populations that live in the southern regions of their range stay year-round. However, where water freezes in winter, Pied-billed Grebes migrate (move from one region to another according to the seasons) south before winter comes. 

Pied-billed Grebes have an amazing ability to alter or control their buoyancy (the ability to float). If they wish to sink down underwater to escape danger, they have the ability to trap additional water in their feathers. The extra water increases their weight and down they go without leaving a single ripple on the water! Conversely, Pied-billed Grebes can simply release this stored water from their feathers and raise back up, just like an elevator! They frequently have only their heads peaking out from the water, like a submarine.

Pied-billed Grebes have a few different ways to hide or leave an area if intruders come around. Besides diving or sinking slowly into the water, they use is a crash-dive (belly flop). This is done by: first, pulling their head and rump above their belly and then, plunging into the water causing a big splash. This can frighten or startle potential predators and give Pied-billed Grebes time to swim away. In addition, they will swim long distances underwater to find safe areas.

Pied-billed Grebes are not often seen in flight. They are strong fliers; but are not great at flying around objects or in tight spaces. Also, Pied-billed Grebes must make a long running start on the water’s surface before they can lift up into the air. They usually just stay in the water unless they are migrating, which is done at night.

Adult and Juvenile Pied-billed Grebes, Image by Mary Forrestal

What do Pied-billed Grebes look like?

Pied-billed Grebes look somewhat like ducks; but they are members of an entirely different family of birds. The word ‘grebe’ in Latin means “feet at the buttocks (or rear end)”. The legs of Pied-billed Grebes are placed far back towards the rear which is common among diving birds. This adaptation helps them to be skillful swimmers and hunters in water; but it also causes them to be very awkward on land. The word ‘pied’ means “two colors” and refers to the two-toned bill color they have during nesting season.

Pied-billed Grebes are small diving birds with short necks, large heads, short, thick bills, and dark eyes. Male and female Pied-billed Grebes look alike. Their bills, in the nesting season, have a thick, black, vertical band that wraps around an otherwise bluish-silver or white bill. Pied-billed Grebes, overall, are dark brown birds with shiny and soft feathers. In the winter, they become reddish-brown and their bills become dull in color. They have gray feathers on the sides of their necks and body. Adult birds have a white ring encircling their eyes called an eye-ring and also have a black patch on their throats and necks in the nesting season. Pied-billed Grebes have essentially no tail to speak of. They only have a little bunch or tuft of feathers on their rear ends with white feathers on the underside. 

Whereas ducks have webbed feet, Pied-billed Grebes have lobed feet. This means their feet have individual toe segments with gaps in-between. Having lobed feet is the reason they are extremely fast swimmers, even in water with dense vegetation. Because of this unique foot structure, there is less resistance in the water. Below are sketches of a lobed foot and a webbed foot:                                          

 

Lobed Foot

 

Webbed Foot

 

Juvenile birds are a reddish-brown color with black and white striped heads. Young chicks also have a pinkish-red or yellow area of skin on their bills near their eyes and have black, white, and orange stripes on their heads.

Where do Pied-billed Grebes live?

Adult Pied-bill Grebe, Image by Larry Hickey

Look for Pied-billed Grebes in marshes, lakes, ponds, and other slow-moving bodies of water that have plants growing in the water. They use water plants and grasses for shelter and to make nests. During both migration and in the winter, Pied-billed Grebes are also seen in coastal bays. 

Both male and female Pied-billed Grebes help to build floating nest platforms that support open bowl style nests. They use tender water plant material for constructing these structures. Pied-billed Grebes place their nests near the water’s edge in shallow water or in between the stems of plants in somewhat deeper water. They use vegetation, such as cattails, growing in the water to anchor their nest platforms.

Very soon after birth, baby Pied-billed Grebes leave their nest and are able to swim, dive, and catch food. They frequently climb onto the backs of their parents and can remain there for about 1-3 weeks. Some young birds will simply swim and follow their parents or they will cling to the rear feathers of their parents. Both parents help feed their young. At about 10 weeks after hatching, young birds head out on their own. By then, they are capable of finding enough food by themselves.

The population of Pied-billed Grebes has drastically declined over the past several years. They are no longer seen in some states where they used to be in the past. Our remaining wetland habitats need to have strong laws that preserve and protect them. We need to keep our wetlands free of pollutants and trash so that Pied-billed Grebes and other wildlife can continue to exist.

What do Pied-billed Grebes eat?

Pied-billed Grebes eat crayfish, small fish, frogs, spiders, shrimp, mussels, snails, tadpoles, seeds, some plant material, and insects. They dive underwater for the majority of their foods; but are also seen catching insects on the water’s surface or in the air.

It’s amazing; but Pied-billed Grebes eat a large quantity of their own feathers! They do this to prevent sharp shells and other foods from entering and damaging their intestines. The feathers act like a shield or a strainer inside their stomachs!

What do Pied-billed Grebes sound like?

Pied-billed Grebes are usually not all that vocal except during the nesting season. You can listen now to their sounds:

These calls and songs of the Pied-billed Grebe are from xeno-canto. More Pied-billed Grebe vocalizations can be found at xeno-canto.org/species/Podilymbus-podiceps.

Sacramento Audubon Family Friendly Field Trip: Beals Point

Rock Wren, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Join Sandra Steurer on Saturday, June 4 from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm at Beals Point, part of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, for a Family Friendly Field Trip.

This is a great spot for family members of all ages, and this is a good time to find a nice variety of birds. Join Sandra on a 2 to 3 mile walk in the oak woodlands with views of the lake. Recently, in addition to expected species, specialty birds such as Phainopepla, Rock Wrens, and Rufous-crowned Sparrow have been found. There could be some patches of uneven trail. The trip will end before noon. 

Meeting Location: Meet in the parking lot of the Beals Point unit of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (turn left as you enter the parking lot, to park near the first row).

Directions: The entrance to Beals Point is on Oak Hill Drive off Auburn-Folsom Rd, about 2 miles south of Douglas Blvd and about 3 miles north of Greenback Lane. This is a great trip for beginning birders. 

Parking & Fees: The entrance fee is $12 per car, or you may use a state (not county) park pass.

COVID 19 Precautions:

  • All participants, including field trip leaders, must be vaccinated.

  • Field trip participants should maintain adequate social distance.

  • Field trips leaders are authorized by the Sacramento Audubon Board to cancel field trips stated precautions are not met.

What To Do If You Find a Baby Bird

House Sparrow Fledgling, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Have you every seen a baby bird in its nest? It is that time of year when, if we are lucky, we get to see baby birds. But what should you do if you find a baby bird out of its nest? The answer may surprise you, but most of the time, you should not do anything.

Fledglings are larger baby birds, with feathers, and the ability to hop. You will often see them fluttering their wings and begging for food. For many species of birds, fledglings leave the nest before they are fully capable of flight. The parents remain nearby helping the young bird. For this reason, if you find a fledgling out the nest, the best practice is to leave it alone. It is doing what it’s supposed to do by trying to leave the nest. If the fledgling is in a dangerous spot, it’s all right to move it. However, don’t move it too far as the parents are probably close by.

Fledgling California Quail with Mother, Image by Ray Rozema

If you find a nestling, it may need your help. Nestlings are small, typically naked, and can only drag themselves on the ground. First look for the nest and try to return it. It’s a myth that baby birds won’t be accepted back by the parents. If a the nest is too high to reach, National Audubon recommends placing “the baby in a shoe box or hanging basket in the tree or shrub that holds the nest. The parents can hear the chick's calls from a relatively long distance”. If a nest can’t be found, a wildlife rehabilitation center is your next step.

 

Stellar Jay with nestlings, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

 

For more information and ideas on what to do if you find a baby bird, check out these resources:

California Raptor Center: What You Should Do If You Find a Baby Raptor
National Audubon: When You Should - and Should Not Help A Baby Bird
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: I Found a Baby Bird - What Should I Do?

Common Merganser with Fledglings, Image by Ray Rozema

Meet the Spotted Towhee

Adult Male Spotted Towhee,
Image by Chris Conard

This month let’s learn about an attractive bird called the Spotted Towhee. Towhees are in the same Family (or in the same bird classification group) as sparrows. Spotted Towhees live mainly in Western North America; but their range is from Canada down to Guatemala in South America. They are resident birds in the Sacramento Valley. This means they live in this area year-round and do not migrate away. However, Spotted Towhee populations that nest in colder, northern regions will migrate to warmer locations for the winter. 

There is a species of bird that is very similar to the Spotted Towhee which is found east of the Great Plains, called the Eastern Towhee. Eastern Towhees look very much like Spotted Towhees; but they don’t have the bright white spots and wing bars. Some scientists suggest that the bold white spots on Spotted Towhees in the Western U.S. help them blend into the frequently sun-dappled undergrowth. This may allow them to be better camouflaged (or not easily seen).

Adult Female Spotted Towhee, Image by Larry Hickey

What do spotted Towhees look like?

Once you see a Spotted Towhee, you'll appreciate their beautiful colors! They are fairly large for a sparrow and are about the size of an American Robin. Spotted Towhees have round bodies, short necks, and long, fan-shaped tails. They have red eyes, pinkish legs, and thick, dark, pointed beaks. Spotted towhees have rufous (reddish-brown) sides or flanks, white bellies, and white spots and white wing bars on their backs and wings. The outer corners at the end of their tails are white as well; so when they fly, you can see a flash of white. Males have jet black heads, throats, backs, and tails. In contrast, the heads, throats, backs, and tails of female birds are a dark brown or a grayish-black. Juvenile birds are mostly brown with brown streaking and tanish spots. 

Where do Spotted Towhees live?

Look for Spotted Towhees in open, shrubby habitat with thick undergrowth that they use for shelter. They frequently build their nests on the ground inside a shallow hole, with the rim of the nest at ground level. Spotted Towhees may also build their nests a few feet above the ground. It’s the female of the pair that builds the nests. Leaves, grasses, twigs, pine needles, weeds, rootlets, strips of bark, and occasionally animal hair may be used for nest building. It’s interesting that Spotted Towhees don't usually build their nests inside dense thickets or shrubs, the areas where they frequently stay or hide. Instead, their nests tend to be out in the open somewhat under trees. There is almost always either a log, some tall grass, or a bush in front of the nest. When Spotted Towhees are in the process of building their nests, they are very careful not to reveal the nest location. 

Usually two times a year, the female Spotted Towhee lays around 2-6 eggs. She incubates the eggs (sits on and keeps the eggs warm) for 12-14 days. Both parents help feed the baby birds or hatchlings. Young birds leave the nest around 9-11 days after hatching; but can stay near their parents for some time before leaving the area.

Adult Male Spotted Towhee, Image by Chris Conard

What do Spotted Towhees eat?

During the nesting season, Spotted Towhees mostly eat a variety of high protein foods such as: beetles, weevils, crickets, grasshoppers, moths, spiders, millipedes, snails and wasps. In Winter, they switch to eating seeds, plants, acorns, and berries. In residential backyards, Spotted Towhees will eat bird seed that is scattered on the ground.

 What do Spotted Towhees sound like?

Spotted Towhees can be quite secretive and can remain hidden in thick bushes and dense underbrush. But in Spring and early Summer, male Spotted Towhees are known to  sing from high perches. The song of the Spotted Towhee is variable depending on which region one hears the bird. You can listen to the calls and songs of Spotted Towhees now.

These songs and calls of the Spotted Towhee are from xeno-canto. More Spotted Towhee vocalizations can be found at xeno-canto.org/species/Pipilo-maculatus.

Meet the Osprey

Male Osprey, Image by Ray Rozema

This month, let’s talk about a magnificent bird called the Osprey. Ospreys are raptors (birds that eat other animals) and are found in many parts of the world. They are usually seen alone or in pairs; but they can also be in small groups. While some Ospreys stay in the Sacramento Valley for the winter, many migrate in the Fall to Central and South America. It was reported in 2008 that a female Osprey started her Fall migration from the state of Massachusetts. After some short visits to several countries along the way, she ended up along a remote river in the South American country of Suriname! Scientists learned about this bird’s travels after they attached a miniature satellite transmitter to her back. This Osprey flew over 3000 miles in 13 days to find a perfect spot to stay for the winter!

What do Ospreys look like?

Female Osprey, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Ospreys are medium to large, slender raptors that have long, broad wings. They have brown backs, brown upperwings, and brown upper tail feathers. Male Ospreys’ chests are completely white; whereas female birds have a finely patterned, dark ‘necklace’ on their otherwise white chest. There are two colors on their underwings: there is a solid white area in front, and in back there are areas with brownish-black markings. Ospreys also have a dark patch on their front underwings. They have white heads except for a small dark area on the top. Ospreys have a brown stripe that runs across their eye area and continues across their cheeks. This dark mask on their face acts to reduce the glare that occurs when the sun shines on the water! On the underside of their tails, you can see the same barred pattern that is also present on part of the rear underwing. In flight, Ospreys hold their wings with a slight bend in the middle; so their wings are in the shape of the letter M. Young birds have a white fish scale-like pattern on their backs and have tannish colored chests.

Where do Ospreys live?

Osprey landing in a nest, Image by Ray Rozema

You can find Ospreys living near open bodies of water of either freshwater or saltwater. They are found soaring along seacoasts, lakes, rivers, ponds, and estuaries (areas near where the ocean tide meets with a river or stream). Ospreys lay 1 to 4 eggs and they nest once per year. The nests are quite large and look like a pile of disorderly sticks or twigs. Ospreys use bark, sod, grasses, vines, algae, and other materials to line their nests. Frequently, it’s the male that brings in nest-building material and the female designs the nest. You can often see Osprey nests in the top of bare trees (or tree snags), on boulders, flat ground, utility poles, or other man-made structures. Special-made platforms have been put up for Ospreys to nest on. These platforms have helped to increase the number of Ospreys in some areas where their population had decreased. 

What do Ospreys eat? 

Osprey carrying a fish, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

The diet of Ospreys is almost entirely fish! Occasionally, they have been seen eating small reptiles, birds, and mammals. Ospreys are unique among North American raptors because they are able to locate and catch fish when flying over water. After bringing their feet and heads into a forward position, they will grasp fish near the surface of the water and carry them away. Ospreys can position their toes so that two toes are pointing forward and two are in the back which makes it easier to grasp and hold prey. In addition, they have tiny, curved spikes (or barbs) on the soles of their feet that help them to grip slippery fish.

What do Ospreys sound like?

Ospreys can be quite vocal at times. Their calls have been described as a series of short chirps or whistles. You can listen to Ospreys calling below.

These sounds of the Osprey are from xeno-canto. More Osprey vocalizations can be found at xeno-canto.org/species/Pandion-haliaetus.

Meet the Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Image by Larry Hickey

This month let’s learn about a frequent visitor in our yards called the Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Ruby-crowned Kinglets stay in the Sacramento area in the fall and winter. They are migratory birds, which means they move from one region or habitat to another according to the seasons. In the Spring, Ruby-crowned Kinglets will fly in search of woodland or forest habitats where there are tall, coniferous (cone-bearing) trees to nest in. Most Ruby-crowned Kinglets migrate to the far northern states and Canada; but birds in the western states usually fly east to the foothills or mountains to find the types of tall trees they like. After the nesting season is over, some birds migrate as far south as Mexico for the winter. Sometimes Ruby-crowned Kinglets can be seen traveling in flocks along with other species.

What do Ruby-crowned Kinglets look like?

Ruby-crowned Kinglet male with red crown patch, Image by Larry Hickey

Ruby-crowned Kinglets are mainly olive-gray green above with a lighter color (yellowish beige, olive buff, or a dull white) on the chest and abdomen. The male sometimes will have a red or orange patch of feathers on the top of it’s head (or crown). Most of the time this patch is hidden; but this flashy color on the head can appear suddenly when a male Ruby-crowned Kinglets becomes excited or agitated. Except for this head patch, both male and female adults, as well as juvenile (or young) birds, look alike. Ruby-crowned Kinglets have bright white rings along the sides of their eyes and have two white wing bars; the second white wing bar is more noticeable and longer in length. There is a smudgy, black area below the second white wing bar. Ruby-crowned Kinglets have fairly large heads, (compared to their tiny body size). They have short and thin tails, tiny and straight bills, and have very thin black legs. 

It may be difficult to get a good look at Ruby-crowned Kinglets because they always seem to be darting from one spot to another. However, when not nesting, they often come down to low bushes or trees in search of food; so you probably will get many chances to see one. Ruby-crowned Kinglets also flick their wings a lot, which is a behavior that may help you identify them.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Image by Larry Hickey

Where do Ruby-crowned Kinglets live?

In Fall and Winter, you can find Ruby-crowned Kinglets in the Sacramento area in many different wooded habitats, such as nature areas, parks, or suburban yards. In the Spring, Ruby-crowned Kinglets migrate to find dense forests with tall evergreen trees to nest in. Usually their nests are about 40 feet off the ground and can be as high as 90-100 feet! Ruby-crowned Kinglets prefer spruce and fir trees for nesting; but they are sometimes found nesting in other tree species in meadows or in mountain-shrub habitat. The female picks a nest site and builds a cup-shaped nest while the male may look for their food. Nests are made using moss, roots, bark strips, feathers, plant down or fluff, spiderwebs, cocoon silk, tree needles, and twigs, and other plant material. Webs and silk make the nests able to stretch; so as the babies get larger, so does the nest!! There are usually 4-10 eggs laid in the nest; but there can be up to 12! Ruby-crowned Kinglet females usually only lay eggs once per year. The female incubates (sits on the eggs and keeps them warm) for around 14 days. After the babies hatch, both parents help feed them. They will be ready to leave the nest in about 16 days.

What do Ruby-crowned Kinglets eat?

Ruby-crowned Kinglets are mainly insectivorous birds (they eat insects, worms, or other invertebrates). They will eat spiders, wasps, ants, bark beetles, aphids, flies, leafhoppers, bugs, and caterpillars, and both insect and spider eggs. Ruby-crowned Kinglets also eat seeds, tree sap, and berries, such as poison-oak berries and dogwood berries. Inside tree canopies, they will hover and peck looking for insects on leaves and branches. Ruby-crowned Kinglets can also catch flying insects in mid-air.

Ruby-crowned Kinglets seem to be constantly flicking their wings when they look for food. Some experts think this is a way to scare insects out of their hiding places so that they can be caught and eaten. Others think Ruby-crowned Kinglets flick their wings when they are excited.

What does a Ruby-crowned Kinglet sound like?

If you learn the sounds of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, it may help you find them. You can frequently hear them calling and sometimes they will also sing here in the Sacramento Valley. It is interesting that they are pretty loud for such a tiny bird! You can listen now:

These songs and calls of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet are from xeno-canto. More Ruby-crowned Kinglet vocalizations can be found at xeno-canto.org/species/Corthylio-calendula.

Safe Materials to Offer Nesting Birds

Nature is so incredibly amazing! Most birds are extremely skilled at building nests without any help from people. But often our fascination with birds inspires us to want to make it easier for them. If you decide to offer birds nesting material in your yard, make sure you only offer safe materials. Synthetic or man-made materials are not recommended. Provide birds with natural materials that are safe for them to use and haven’t been treated with chemicals. Some bird species can start to nest early in the year; so you may want to have materials available in your yard by January or February. Remember to refresh your supply for later nesters throughout the spring.

Bushtit near nest, Image by Larry Hickey

Safe materials to offer nesting birds:

  • Twigs or small sticks

  • Leaves and other yard debris - Ask your parents to leave fallen leaves and twigs in an area of your yard because they make excellent nesting material for many birds. Providing nooks in your backyard where leaves and twigs collect will provide a variety of materials for the birds to choose from when they are building nests. Birds may even pick through your compost pile looking for suitable nest material. Allow spiders to make webs in your plants. Some birds use spider webs when they build their nests, such as hummingbirds.

  • Dried grass clippings - Only if the grass hasn’t had chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals applied to it.

  • Mud - In Spring, routinely add water to an area of plain soil in your yard to make a mud bed. In the Sacramento area, Barn and Cliff Swallow, American Robin, and Black Phoebe use mud for building their nests.

  • Moss - Hummingbirds use moss for their nests along with spider webs!

  • Strips of fallen tree bark

  • Pine needles

  • Straw (available at feed stores)

  • Cattails

Materials NOT to offer birds:

  • Yarn or string - Both can get tangled around a bird's legs or feet. Also, many yarns are synthetic (made of plastic). It is recommended to use natural materials.

  • Human hair - Even though hair is natural, birds can become tangled in it!

  • Dryer lint - When it rains, holes form in a nest made with dryer lint. After it dries, dryer lint becomes crumbly and the nest falls apart. Dryer lint can also have chemicals in it that are harmful to birds.

  • Pet fur - Birds’ legs or feet can become tangled in pet fur. Pet fur may also be harmful to birds if the pet was treated with flea and tick medications or other chemicals.

  • Fabric scraps - Even fabrics made with natural fibers can get tangled around birds feet and much fabric contains synthetic materials.

  • Plastic of any kind, aluminum foil, and cellophane are not recommended

Anna’s Hummingbird in nest, Image by Larry Hickey

How to Provide Safe Nesting Material:

  • In piles on the ground (works well for leaves and twigs)

  • In clean wire-mesh suet cages, or in mesh bags hung on tree trunks, fence posts, or railings

  • Pushed into tree crevices or openings

  • Draped over plants

  • In open-topped berry baskets

  • Spiral wire hangers made especially for putting out nest material (one type looks like an oversized honey-dipper)

Hopefully you will soon see a wild bird collecting nesting material in your yard! Good luck!

Yellow-billed Magpie carrying nesting material, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

 

White-tailed Kite carrying nesting material, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Meet the Great Egret

Great Egret, Image by Larry Hickey

This month, let’s learn about an elegant bird called the Great Egret. It is a member of the heron family and is found on all continents except for Antarctica. You may have seen a Great Egret near your home by a creek or along a roadside drainage ditch. The Great Egret lives year-round in the Sacramento Valley; but is considered to be a partially migratory species. Flocks in more northern areas may travel southward to enjoy a warmer climate during the winter months. Great Egrets can travel as far south as the West Indies or southern Central America. They fly fairly slow; but are powerful flyers. The population of Great Egrets has made a great comeback since the late 1900’s when their feathers were used for hat decorations, etc. This practice was banned in 1910. Great Egrets are now under the protection of bird conservation laws. The National Audubon Society’s organizational symbol is that of a Great Egret in flight!

What do Great Egrets look like?

Great Egret, Image by Larry Hickey

Great Egrets are completely white in color except for their orange-yellow bills and dark legs. Male and female Great Egrets look exactly alike. They are over three feet tall and have impressive wingspans of almost five feet. Great Egrets have long curved necks, long legs, and long toes. They also have long bills that are very sharp and are shaped like a dagger. Great Egrets tuck in their long necks and position their long legs behind their bodies during flight. At the start of nesting season, these beautiful birds become even more spectacular when they grow long, graceful, white plumes of feathers from their backs, which curl over their tails, called aigrettes. Great Egrets also develop an area of skin on their faces that turns a neon-green color this time of year! 

Great Egret with aigrettes, Image by Larry Hickey

Where do Great Egrets Live?

Great Egrets usually stay in habitats that have areas of either saltwater or freshwater nearby. They are seen near marshes, ditches, canals, ponds, tidal flats, rivers, streams, swamps, lakes, estuaries (or water passages where the ocean tide meets a river current), and flooded farm fields. Great Egrets are usually solitary birds when not nesting. But they also can gather together from surrounding areas to form a place where a large group can rest or sleep, called a communal roost. Frequently, several pairs build nests in the same tree and form a colony; but occasionally a pair may nest alone. Great Egrets often share colonial nesting sites, or rookeries, with other egret species, herons, and other wading birds as well. They build their nests in trees, thickets, or shrubs 10-90 feet above water or ground. Nesting colonies are usually located in extremely tall trees. Great Egrets build large platform-style nests using sticks and line the nests with plant material. Both parents help to build the nest, incubate (to sit on and keep the eggs warm) the eggs, and feed their young. The young will be able to fly in 6-7 weeks after hatching.

Great Egret, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

What do Great Egrets Eat?

The preferred food of a Great Egret is fish; but they also eat crustaceans, aquatic insects, grasshoppers, frogs, snakes, rodents, mice, rats, rabbits, and many other small animals. Because of their powerful bills and quick responses, they are skilled hunters in both shallow water and on dry ground. In shallow water, Great Egrets wade slowly. Then, without moving, they wait for a fish to come near. Their spear-like bill is able to grab the fish in an instant. 

Great Egret parents feed their hatchlings (or babies) partially digested food that is regurgitated (food brought up again to the mouth). The parents will feed their babies this way until the young are able to eat solid foods.

What do Great Egrets Sound Like?

Most of the time, Great Egrets are fairly quiet birds. But if one is disturbed or when in a breeding colony, Great Egrets can make some interesting sounds. Listen to the Great Egret now:

These calls of the Great Egret are from xeno-canto. More Great Egret vocalizations can be found at xeno-canto.org/species/Ardea-alba.

Meet the American Barn Owl

After this article was published, there has been a name change from Barn Owl to American Barn Owl by The American Ornithological Society’s (AOS) Committee on Classification and Nomenclature of North and Middle American Birds (a.k.a. NACC.

Adult Barn Owl, Image by Dan Brown

Adult Barn Owl, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This month, let’s learn some facts about the Barn Owl. You may not ever have seen a Barn Owl because they are nocturnal birds (awake and active at night). Barn Owls live here in the Sacramento Valley and are one of the most widespread species of birds in the world! Although Barn Owls aren’t considered to be a migratory species, young owls do travel long distances to find their own home after they learn to fly and hunt. You won't hear them flying overhead because their flight is totally silent! Barn Owls have exceptional hearing and also have excellent nighttime vision. Because their eyes can't move like ours can, they have to turn their heads in order to look around. Barn Owls can turn their heads around really far!

What do Barn Owls Look Like?

Barn Owls have rounded wings, squared-off and short tails, and long legs. They are around 14-20 inches in length and their wingspan is about 4 feet. Female Barn Owls are larger than male Barn Owls.

Barn Owls have a white face, chest, and belly. They have dark eyes, long toes, sharp talons (claws), and lightly-colored feathered legs. Barn Owls have reddish-brown, golden-brown, or gray color pattern on their heads, backs, and upper wings. There are scattered small spots over these areas. Even though Barn Owls have beautifully colored feathers, they often appear to be entirely white when seen flying at night. This is probably because of their light underwing color and their white faces and chests.

Adult Barn Owl roosting in a nest box, Image by Jane Van Kessel

The faces of Barn Owls are curved inward. This specific facial structure is called a facial disc. Barn Owls have short, stiff feathers that outline their face in the shape of a heart. 

It’s difficult to tell females and males apart; but if you get a close look, female Barn Owls usually have several dark spots on their chests. Males usually have pure white chests (or just a few spots). Females may also have darker feathers outlining their faces and can have darker tails too.

Where do Barn Owls Live?

Barn Owls can live in a vast range of habitats but usually live at low elevations. They do not survive in extreme cold regions. Barn Owls fly at night over grasslands, deserts, marshes, and agricultural fields where they hunt for food. They nest and roost (rest) in hollow trees, inside holes in cliffs or riverbanks, in old barns, in church steeples, and in hay stacks. Barn Owls look for a hole or covered platform to roost and lay eggs in. They will ‘gladly’ use nest boxes when available. It is very important for Barn Owls to have a place that will keep them dry! If they become wet, they are no longer silent fliers. In order for Barn Owls to be successful at hunting and to eat their meals, their feathers need to be dry. 

Adult Barn Owl, Image by Jane Van Kessel

Barn Owls usually reuse old nests that have been used for many years rather than build new ones. On average, females lay 4 to 7 eggs. Each egg is laid about 2 to 3 days apart. The male Barn Owl brings food to the female while she incubates the eggs (sits on and keeps the eggs warm). After hatching, the male brings food to the mother and babies for several weeks. Both parents will hunt and bring food to the nest after the babies grow larger. Young Barn Owls start flying 50 to 70 days after hatching. The parents then begin to teach the young owls how to hunt. Around 3 to 5 weeks after learning to fly, the young owls individually leave to find their own places to live.

What do Barn Owls Eat?

Small mammal species that are active at night make up most of the Barn Owl’s diet. These include mice, rats, voles, and rabbits. Barn Owls will occasionally prey on small birds as well. 

Adult owls, in general, eat their prey whole. Owls, however, can not digest fur, feathers, and bones. So you may find what’s called an owl pellet on the ground that an owl has coughed up. Owl pellets look like furry, oval clumps on the ground.

Even though Barn Owls have great nighttime vision, it’s their excellent hearing that makes it possible for them to locate prey in total darkness! Barn Owls can both hear and locate prey easily in darkness because of two factors: the curved dish-like structure of their facial discs and because their ears are not located straight across from each other. This uneven ear location actually helps them hear better! The ears on Barn Owls are hidden on the sides of their heads. The left ear is located above eye level and the right ear is below eye level. There are other species of owls that have the same interesting anatomy.

What do Barn Owls Sound Like?

If you are trying to listen for Barn Owls at night, don't listen for typical owl-like hoot sounds. Barn Owls don’t make hoot sounds! Instead, their sounds have been described as shrieks, screams, yells, screeches, hisses, clicks, purrs, and snoring sounds!

These sounds of the Barn Owl are from xeno-canto. More Barn Owl vocalizations can be found at xeno-canto.org/species/Tyto-furcata.

Meet the Mourning Dove

Mourning Dove, Adult, Image by Dan Brown

Mourning Dove, Adult, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This month, let’s learn about the Mourning Dove. This bird is frequently seen in the Sacramento area. Mourning Doves are often spotted on telephone wires or when looking for seeds on the ground.

The word ‘mourning’ means to grieve or have great sorrow. Early naturalists described the Mourning Dove’s song as being sad or sorrowful. Mourning Doves, like most birds, use their unique sounds to communicate with other birds in their species or to claim their territories.

You can find Mourning Doves throughout the United States, southern Canada, some parts of Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and further south into Central America. In Fall, many Mourning Doves that had nested in the North begin to migrate south in flocks.

The Mourning Dove is a very strong flier. It usually flutters at first when it first takes off to fly; but once in the air, it soars gracefully and is quite fast. Migrating Mourning Doves can fly thousands of miles to get to their winter resting areas!

Mourning Doves will usually fly away when disturbed or frightened; but occasionally they use body displays, such as fanning their tails, to try to scare off intruders that come near. When a predator comes too close to the nest, sometimes Mourning Dove parents will fly away from their nest and pretend they are injured on the ground. Then, hopefully the predator will focus on the adult Mourning Dove and forget about the eggs or young birds in the nest. This is called a nest-distraction display.

What Do Mourning Doves Look Like?

Mourning Dove, Adult, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

Mourning Doves are mostly light-brown or light-gray in color. These two colors blend into the open-country habitats where Mourning Doves frequently live. They have slender bodies with small heads, black spots on their wings, and have long, fan-shaped, and pointed tails that have white outer-tail feathers. Males and females look pretty much the same. However, when a male and female are next to each other, you can see that the male’s chest and throat area have a light pinkish tone; whereas the female’s throat and chest are light brown or tan. The male has a bluish-gray area on the crown (top of his head). Juvenile Mourning Doves have more dark spots on their wings than the adult birds do. Juveniles also have an interesting pattern on their wings that look like a group of fish scales.

Where do Mourning Doves Live?

Mourning Doves live in many open or semi-open habitats including suburban yards, city parks, roadsides, agricultural fields, grasslands, and lightly wooded areas. They need trees around their habitat for protection and nesting. Mourning Doves don’t usually stay in swampy areas, dense forests, or in the far North. However, this species has adapted well to living near humans. 

Mourning Doves usually build their nests in trees; but will nest in shrubs or even on the ground if they have to. They have been seen nesting in hanging pots or other structures. From February to November each year, female Mourning Doves can lay eggs up to six different times! Two eggs are laid each time. Their nests are not constructed very well and are usually made of grass or pine needles and a few twigs piled loosely on top of each other. The male brings nest-building materials to the female and the female builds the nest. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs (sitting on and keeping them warm). In about two weeks after hatching, the young birds will fledge (leave the nest). The father will continue to bring food to the fledglings for another two weeks. After that, the young birds must look for seeds on their own. The young birds by this time can fly very well and may leave to find areas of their own.

Mourning Dove cooling off in a backyard pond, Image by Mary Forrestal

Mourning Dove cooling off in a backyard pond, Image by Mary Forrestal

What Do Mourning Doves Eat?

The diet of Mourning Doves is almost entirely made up of seeds. Occasionally, they eat insects, peanuts, berries, and snails. Mourning Doves walk around, pecking at the ground, to search for seeds. Each day, they try to eat and collect a large amount of seeds. The seeds are stored in an area in their throats called the crop. Later, when the birds are resting, the seeds stored inside the crop will digest ( break down into small particles so that their bodies can use the food for energy and nutrients). 

Newly hatched baby birds are fed what’s called pigeon milk or crop milk. This ‘milk’ is made by the parents. It is a partially-digested food that is regurgitated (or brought up again into the mouth after eating). Over the next few weeks, the parents will gradually offer seeds to their young, which will eventually replace the milk. 

What do Mourning Doves Sound Like?

Mourning doves are well known for their soft cooing song. People often mistake their song to be the call of an owl. When Mourning Doves take-off flying or when they are landing, their wings make a fluttering, whistle-like sound. Listen to the Mourning Dove now.

These sounds of the Mourning Dove are from xeno-canto. More Mourning Dove vocalizations can be found at xeno-canto.org/species/Zenaida-macroura.

Meet the Great Horned Owl

Adult Great Horned Owl, Image by Dan Brown

Adult Great Horned Owl, Image by Daniel Lee Brown

This month let’s talk about the Great Horned Owl. Its name alone makes it clear that this is quite a special species! It has a huge range and is found all over North America and in some parts of South America as well. It’s even found in far northern regions if there are trees present. The Great Horned Owl is nocturnal (active at night); but is sometimes active in the late afternoon or early morning, especially when food supplies are low. Even though they are fairly large birds, their soft feathers and special wing structure makes them able to fly silently! Also, they can fly up to 40 mph! They have excellent night vision; but because their eyes don’t move in their sockets, Great Horned Owls must move their heads in order to look around. This is pretty easy for them because their necks can rotate 270 degrees!

What do Great Horned Owls look like?

Great Horned Owls have a barrel-shaped body, large yellow eyes, a large head, a fairly short tail, and short yet very wide wings. Depending on the region they live in, these owls have a few different color tones. Some are more whitish, some very dark, and some are a pale gray. This is thought to be because Great Horned Owls are non-migratory birds (remain in their area year-round). Their feathers can be orangish-brown, white, black, or gray. They have two high or peaked feather groupings on the top of their heads, which look like ears; but they are not! Their ear openings are further down on the sides of their heads. Like many owls, one ear is lower than the other. This ‘unusual’ ear placement actually improves their hearing and makes locating food extremely easy! A Great Horned Owl’s hearing is about ten times better than a human; and they can hear sounds up to ten miles away! Their talons (or claws at the end of their toes) are very powerful.

Adult Great Horned Owl, Dana J. Miller-Blair

Where do Great Horned Owls live?

They can be found in forests, river valleys, lake shores, agricultural areas, and sometimes in wooded suburban and urban areas, mostly around golf courses or parks. Great Horned Owls are very early nesters compared to most birds and start their nests in early winter. It has been said that these owls are a bit lazy when it comes to building their own nests. Usually, they simply reuse an old nest of a hawk or other large bird. They also nest in tree hollows (holes or cavities inside trees), caves, tree stumps, or abandoned structures. While the male does the hunting for food while the female sits on the eggs, both parents will feed the babies after they hatch. Baby Great Horned Owls are cared for and fed by their parents for several months. The parents stay fairly close to the area after the nesting season; but the young owls leave the area. The young owls fly far away in the Fall and find new areas to live in. A pair of nesting Great Horned Owls won't allow others to nest in their area.

Juvenile Great Horned Owl, Image by Jane Van Kessel

Juvenile Great Horned Owl, Image by Jane Van Kessel

What do Great Horned Owls eat?

Great Horned Owls don't seem to be very picky about what they eat. They will eat many species; but their diet is mostly that of mammals. Great Horned Owls are one of the only predators of skunks! They have a terrible sense of smell; so they aren't bothered at all if a skunk should spray them. They also eat birds, amphibians, and reptiles.

When perched in trees, Great Horned Owls are usually well camouflaged (the ability to not be seen easily) and usually fly down to the ground to catch prey. They also may glide along the ground to look for food. Their short, wide wings also make it easy to fly in dense forests or in heavily planted landscapes; but hunting success increases when owls hunt in more open spaces.

Adult Great Horned Owl, Image by Craig Swolgaard

What do Great Horned Owls sound like?

Some people label the familiar hooting sound of the Great Horned Owl as a call. Most researchers now label the hooting sound as a song. Many people also confuse the daytime song of the Mourning Dove with that of the Great Horned Owl, which is heard at night. The song of the Mourning Dove is added below; so you can compare the two. Let’s listen now:

These songs and calls of the Great Horned Owl are from xeno-canto. More Great Horned Owl vocalizations can be found at xeno-canto.org/species/Bubo-virginianus.