Welcome to Fort Bragg, home to some of the most magnificent bird species in the world. The area is a haven for bird watchers, with an abundance of colorful and diverse species to observe.
From the majestic Bald Eagle to the vibrant Pileated Woodpecker, there is something for everyone in Fort Bragg. With miles of coastal wetlands, lush forests, and abundant marshes, the area is home to a variety of birds.
Whether you’re looking to spot a rare species or just want to relax and observe the local wildlife, Fort Bragg is the perfect destination. So grab your binoculars and get ready to explore!.
1. Osprey
The osprey, also known as the sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk, is a species of bird of prey that lives in almost every part of the world. It is a large raptor, measuring over 60 cm in length and 180 cm across the wings.
Its upper parts are brown in color, while its head and underparts are greyish in color. The osprey is a diurnal bird, which means that it is active during the day and sleeps at night.
It primarily feeds on fish, which is why it is often called the “fish hawk.” The Osprey is an important part of the ecosystem in many regions, as it helps to keep fish populations in check.
It is also an important symbol in some cultures, such as that of the indigenous people of North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Pandionidae |
| Genus | Pandion |
| Species | P. haliaetus |
2. Wood Duck
The wood duck, also known as the Carolina duck, is a species of perching duck native to North America. It is known for its impressive plumage and vibrant colors, making it one of the most beautiful waterfowl on the continent.
The drake wood duck is particularly striking, boasting an array of colors including iridescent greens, blues, and purples. Its chest and head are glossy green, while its back is a deep purple.
Its wings are adorned with white and black markings, and its tail is a chestnut color, edged with black and white. It is not only renowned for its stunning appearance, but also for its unique behavior.
It can often be seen perched on low branches overhanging bodies of water and is known to dive and swim under the surface in search of food. This remarkable species is a sight to behold and is sure to captivate birdwatchers and casual observers alike.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aix |
| Species | A. sponsa |
3. Black-footed Albatross
The black-footed albatross is a large seabird belonging to the Diomedeidae family, which inhabits the North Pacific Ocean.
This species of albatross is one of three species that range in the northern hemisphere, with the other two being the Laysan albatross and the short-tailed albatross.
The majority of the black-footed albatross population, which is estimated to be around 2.5%, is found among the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. These birds choose to nest on isolated tropical islands, far away from the mainland.
This species of albatross is considered to be an important part of the marine ecosystem and is a species of conservation concern due to the decline in their numbers as a result of human activities such as marine debris ingestion.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Diomedeidae |
| Genus | Phoebastria |
| Species | P. nigripes |
4. Western Gull
The western gull is a species of large gull that inhabits the coasts of North America and the Pacific Ocean. It has a white head and is found in the region from British Columbia in Canada to Baja California in Mexico.
Prior to being identified as its own species, the western gull was thought to be the same species as the yellow-footed gull, which is found in the Gulf of California. The western gull is a medium-sized gull, with a wingspan of around 48-56 inches.
It has a white head, a gray back and wings, and a white underside. In addition to this, it has a yellow bill and yellow legs. This species is usually found near the coast, either on the rocky shoreline or near estuaries and marshes.
It feeds mainly on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, as well as some other invertebrates. The western gull is considered to be a distinct species from the yellow-footed gull despite some similarities in their coloration and range.
The two species differ in their size, behavior, and movements. The western gull is larger and tends to stay in flocks much of the year, while the yellow-footed gull is usually found alone or in small groups.
The yellow-footed gull also has a yellow bill and legs, while the western gull has a yellow bill and gray legs. The western gull is an important species in its range, both ecologically and culturally.
It is an important part of the food web in its habitat and is also a popular target for birdwatchers. In addition, many Native American tribes have stories and legends about the western gull, which is seen as an important symbol of the coast and its culture.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. occidentalis |
5. White-crowned Sparrow
The white-crowned sparrow is a small, unique bird that is native to North America. It is a member of the New World sparrow family and is distinguished by its grey face and striking black and white streaking on the top of its head.
The medium-sized bird typically lives in open woodlands, deserts, grasslands, and other environments that are close to water sources. The white-crowned sparrow is a social bird, often seen in flocks made up of various species of sparrows.
They feed on insects and seeds and build their nests in low shrubs and trees. The white-crowned sparrow is known for its distinctive song, which is composed of a series of whistles and trills.
This species of bird has adapted to many different habitats, making them quite widespread throughout North America. With its distinct features and playful nature, the white-crowned sparrow is an interesting bird to observe and appreciate.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Zonotrichia |
| Species | Z. leucophrys |
6. Pelagic Cormorant
The pelagic cormorant is a small bird species in the Phalacrocoracidae family, which is a group of cormorants. It is commonly known by several different names, such as Baird’s cormorant and the violet-green cormorant.
This species is quite small compared to other cormorants, and as a result, it is sometimes referred to as the pelagic shag. This name is used to differentiate it from the larger species of cormorants. The pelagic cormorant is native to the coastal regions of the Pacific Ocean.
It is also found along the coasts of North and South America, as well as in other parts of the world. This species has a large wingspan, which helps it to soar long distances. It is a strong swimmer and dives for its food.
It usually feeds on fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic creatures. The pelagic cormorant is a fairly solitary bird and does not typically form large flocks. It is a migratory species and can travel great distances in search of food.
It is a dark brown color, with a paler belly and throat. The plumage of this species is quite striking, with a bright green sheen and purple tinge on its wings. This is why it is sometimes referred to as the violet-green cormorant.
The pelagic cormorant is considered to be an important species, as it helps to maintain balance in the ecosystem. It is listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN, meaning that it is not currently threatened with extinction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Urile |
| Species | U. pelagicus |
7. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird that belongs to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family, which is part of the wider thrush family. It is named after the European robin because the two species share a similar reddish-orange breast coloring.
However, the two species are not closely related. The European robin belongs to the Old World flycatcher family, which is a different family altogether. This is why the American and European robins look quite similar but do not share any genetic similarities.
The American robin is a migratory bird, which means it travels far distances in order to find suitable climates and habitats. This is why it is found in both North America and parts of Europe, depending on the season.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
8. Band-tailed Pigeon
The band-tailed pigeon is a species of bird found throughout the Americas. It is a member of the Columbidae family, which includes all pigeons and doves. It is a medium-sized bird, with an average length of between 13 and 15 inches.
Its body is typically a bluish-gray color, with white and black spots on the wings.
The tail of the band-tailed pigeon is long and distinctive, banded white and black to create a striped pattern. The band-tailed pigeon is mainly found in areas of open woodland, and forages in both forests and agricultural fields.
They usually travel in flocks and prefer to feed on the ground.
Their diet consists mainly of grains, fruits, and seeds, supplemented by insects and other invertebrates. Band-tailed pigeons have a long-term monogamous relationship, with the breeding pair remaining together for several years.
The female lays two eggs in a nest built on a tree branch, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs.
The young are able to fly within a few weeks of hatching and are then cared for by the parents for a few more weeks before they become independent. The band-tailed pigeon is a species of conservation concern due to their declining population.
This is largely due to habitat loss, and the species is listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List. However, their numbers are still declining, and conservation efforts are needed to ensure their survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. fasciata |
9. California Quail
The California quail, also known as the California Valley quail or Valley quail, is a small bird belonging to the New World quail family. It is typically found living on the ground and has a distinctive plume on its head.
This plume is made up of six feathers and it curves forward. In males, the feathers are black in color, while in females they are brown. The quail’s flanks are brown with white streaks. This molted coloration helps it blend in with its natural habitat.
The quail’s crest is also used as a form of communication between members of its species. When a male is feeling threatened, he will raise his crest to make himself look bigger and more intimidating.
The California quail is an important part of the ecosystem, as it is a common prey species for many predators. Its ability to blend in with its environment allows it to survive in many different habitats, making it a resilient species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Odontophoridae |
| Genus | Callipepla |
| Species | C. californica |
10. Red-necked Grebe
The red-necked grebe is a species of bird that resides in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. During the winter, they migrate to areas with calm waters near the ocean coasts.
This species of grebe prefers to winter in places that have minimal wave action, which helps to protect them from dangerous winds and inclement weather. Additionally, some red-necked grebes have been known to spend their winter on large lakes, such as the Great Lakes.
The red-necked grebe is a unique species of bird due to its migratory habits. In the summer, they can be found in freshwater lakes and rivers. During this time, they feed primarily on aquatic insects and small fish.
Once winter comes, they migrate to areas with calmer waters, where they can find more protection from the elements. The red-necked grebe is an interesting species of bird that is adapted to a wide range of habitats.
They are able to make use of both freshwater and saltwater environments, and they are able to adapt to the changing seasons. This makes them a resilient species, and they will likely continue to inhabit the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere for many years to come.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. grisegena |
11. Red-cockaded Woodpecker
The red-cockaded woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that is only found in the southeastern United States. It is a medium-sized woodpecker, typically growing to be between 7 and 10 inches in length. It has a black body with white and red markings on its wings and tail.
Its head is black with a white forehead and white stripes running down its cheeks. It also has a red patch on each side of its head near the eyes. This bird is an endangered species and is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Its population has been decreasing due to the destruction of its habitat for agricultural and residential development. It is also threatened by logging, which reduces the amount of dead trees that it needs for nesting and foraging.
The red-cockaded woodpecker is also susceptible to competition from other woodpeckers, such as the more aggressive red-headed woodpecker. In order to protect this species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has established various programs.
These programs include the Red-cockaded Woodpecker Recovery Plan, which emphasizes the protection of existing habitat, as well as the creation of new habitat, to help increase the population of the red-cockaded woodpecker. Additionally, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service has also established a program that provides financial incentives to landowners who are willing to manage their land in a way that is beneficial to the red-cockaded woodpecker.
The red-cockaded woodpecker is a species that is endemic to the southeastern United States. It is an important part of the region’s biodiversity and it is important that we continue to protect this species in order to ensure its survival for generations to come.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Leuconotopicus |
| Species | L. borealis |
12. Hermit Warbler
The hermit warbler is a small, colorful bird that is a part of the New World warbler or wood-warbler family. It resides in the western United States and migrates to other areas of the country in order to breed.
The breeding range of the hermit warbler spans the majority of the west coast, making it one of the more widespread species of migratory birds in the United States. The hermit warbler is a small bird with a plain gray-green back and yellowish-white underparts.
It has a white eye ring and a white line above the eye, making it easily distinguishable from other species of warblers. It also has a long tail which is often held upright when flying.
Hermit warblers can be found in a variety of habitats including coniferous forests, woodlands, and even suburban parks. They feed mainly on insects and spiders, foraging among tree branches and shrubs. They are also known to eat fruits and berries during the winter months.
The hermit warbler is an important part of the ecosystem as it is a food source for many predators such as hawks and owls. It is also an important pollinator as it eats nectar from flowers.
This species of warbler is an important part of the United States biodiversity and should be protected and cherished.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. occidentalis |
13. Black Oystercatcher
The black oystercatcher is a unique species of bird found along the western coast of North America. It is easily identifiable by its all-black feathers and its bright orange-red bill and eyes.
It is found from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska all the way down to the coasts of the Baja California peninsula. The black oystercatcher is a shorebird, meaning it lives and forages along the shoreline, feeding on marine invertebrates such as crabs, mussels, and clams.
They are usually found in pairs, searching for food in the sand or along the rocky shoreline. The black oystercatcher is a striking species and is an important indicator of the health of coastal ecosystems in the region.
Its presence indicates a healthy, diverse coastal habitat, providing essential food and shelter for the species. As such, the black oystercatcher is an important species to protect and conserve for the health of the entire coastal environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Haematopodidae |
| Genus | Haematopus |
| Species | H. bachmani |
14. Northern Rough-winged Swallow
The northern rough-winged swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) is a small, migratory bird belonging to the Hirundinidae family. It is found throughout North America and can be identified by its dark brownish-gray upperparts, white underparts, and chestnut throat.
Its wings have long, pointed feathers, and its tail is deeply forked. The northern rough-winged swallow is very similar in appearance to the southern rough-winged swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis).
Both species are small, migratory swallows with dark brownish-gray upperparts, white underparts, and chestnut throats. The main difference between the two is that the northern rough-winged swallow has more pointed wings than the southern rough-winged swallow.
The northern rough-winged swallow is also slightly larger than the southern rough-winged swallow, with a wingspan of approximately 16-20 cm. The northern rough-winged swallow migrates south in the winter and can be found in Central and South America.
It typically prefers open areas with plenty of insects to feed on.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Stelgidopteryx |
| Species | S. serripennis |
15. Sooty Shearwater
The sooty shearwater is a species of seabird belonging to the family Procellariidae. It is considered medium-sized in the family and is found in many parts of the world. In New Zealand, the sooty shearwater is better known by its Māori name, tītī.
It has also been given the common name muttonbird, much like its relatives the wedge-tailed shearwater and the Australian short-tailed shearwater. The sooty shearwater is a migratory species, often traveling great distances between its breeding and wintering grounds.
It breeds on islands and coasts in the southern hemisphere, including New Zealand, Australia, South America, and South Africa.
During the non-breeding season, sooty shearwaters can be found in the northern hemisphere, often as far north as Alaska. The sooty shearwater has dark brown or black plumage and a long, slender body.
The wingspan is typically around 100 cm, and the body length ranges from 38 to 44 cm. The bill is slender and hooked, and the legs and feet are dark gray or black. The diet of the sooty shearwater consists mainly of small fish and squid, which they capture by diving from the air.
They often forage in large flocks, which can be seen from shore. They usually nest in burrows on islands, or in dense vegetation on the mainland. In New Zealand, the sooty shearwater is an important part of the culture and economy.
It is hunted for food and its feathers have traditionally been used for decoration in Māori clothing and carvings. The New Zealand government has worked to protect the sooty shearwater from overfishing and other human activities, and its population is now stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Ardenna |
| Species | A. grisea |
16. Virginia Rail
The Virginia rail is a small waterbird belonging to the Rallidae family. These birds are still fairly abundant despite suffering from habitat loss, but they are usually difficult to spot due to their secretive nature. More often than not, they can be heard rather than seen.
In some states and provinces, these birds are classified as game species, although they are rarely hunted. This is primarily due to their secretive nature and their small size. As a result, they are not typically considered viable hunting targets.
Despite this, the Virginia rail is still facing threats from habitat loss, and conservation efforts should be taken to ensure their continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Rallus |
| Species | R. limicola |
17. Acorn Woodpecker
The Acorn Woodpecker is a fascinating bird that inhabits parts of Central and South America. It is a medium-sized woodpecker, measuring 21 centimeters long and weighing an average of 85 grams.
It is easily identified by its black and white stripes, white forehead, and bright red crown. The underside of its body is white with black stripes on the wings. Along its back is a black stripe, bordered by white.
It has a long bill and strong feet with two toes pointing forward and two toes pointing backward. The Acorn Woodpecker is an omnivorous species that feed on insects, nuts, seeds, and fruits. They are most famous for their habit of storing acorns in tree bark.
They create cavities in the bark and use their tongue to fill the holes with acorns. This helps the birds to survive during times of food scarcity. The Acorn Woodpecker is a social species that lives in groups of up to 30 birds.
They communicate with loud vocalizations and physical displays.
They are also known to have a complex system of cooperation within their groups. The Acorn Woodpecker is a beautiful bird that plays an important role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and providing habitat for other species.
It is an important species for conservation and is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. formicivorus |
Conclusion
Fort Bragg is an incredibly diverse area for birds. With multiple habitats, it is home to a variety of species from both migratory and resident birds.
This provides a great opportunity for birdwatchers to experience a variety of birds in one area, and to observe different behaviors of the birds.
With its vast array of birds, Fort Bragg is a great place to witness the beauty and diversity of bird life.