Utah is home to various bird species, including many green birds. The state has multiple habitats supporting a rich and diverse bird population. Utah has many green bird species, from the high alpine mountain regions to the warm desert lowlands.
Some of the most notable species are the American kestrel, the American coot, and the yellow-rumped Warbler. All these birds are found in the state and can be seen in different habitats around Utah.
Utah has something to offer whether you’re looking for a rare species or just a family of green birds.
15 Green Birds in Utah
Utah has diverse habitats and landscapes, from deserts and mountains to wetlands and forests. This variety of ecosystems attracts a rich diversity of birdlife, including some species that are green or have green features.
Here are 15 green birds that can be seen in Utah, and learn some interesting facts about them.
1. Violet-Green Swallow
The Violet-Green Swallow is a small North American passerine bird in the swallow family. It is an insectivore, meaning it survives by consuming insects. This particular swallow species is found along the West Coast of North America, from Alaska to Mexico.
Its range even extends eastward as far as Montana and Texas. These birds are aerial insectivores, meaning they rely on catching flying insects in the air. They have an array of adaptations to help them survive, including a slender body, pointed wings, and a deeply forked tail.
These birds often hunt in large flocks, swarming around food sources and snatching insects out of the air with their beaks. Violet-Green Swallows are migratory birds, meaning they migrate south for the winter.
They are found in spring and summer open forests, woodlands, and grasslands. They usually build their nests in the crevices of trees or rock faces. The nests are made of mud and grass and are lined with feathers.
The violet-green swallow is an important species to the environment, as it helps control the flying insect population. They do this by consuming large numbers of these insects, and their diet includes wasps, beetles, and flies.
By regulating the population of these pests, they help keep the environment balanced.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. thalassina |
2. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
The broad-tailed hummingbird is an impressive species found in highland regions in North America. It is a medium-sized hummingbird with a length between 3.5 and 4.5 inches and a wingspan of up to 4 inches.
Its wings are predominantly black with white tips, and its tail is long and broad, giving it its name.
It is found throughout western parts of the United States and Canada, from British Columbia to Mexico and Guatemala. The broad-tailed hummingbird is known for its impressive aerial abilities, using a wingspan of up to 4 inches to hover and dive at high speeds.
It feeds on nectar from flowers and is often seen in gardens or near flowering plants. It is a solitary species usually only seen in pairs or small groups.
It is also known for its beautiful and melodic song, which males sing during courtship rituals. The broad-tailed hummingbird is an important pollinator, playing a vital role in the health of ecosystems throughout its range.
It is also a famous bird in the United States and Canada featured on stamps and coins. It is a species of most minor concern on the IUCN Red List, though it is threatened by habitat loss and degradation due to human activity.
As such, it is essential to protect the habitats of the broad-tailed hummingbird and ensure its numbers remain stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. platycercus |
3. Mallard
The mallard, also known as the wild duck, is a species of dabbling duck that is native to many different regions around the world. It is a very adaptable species in temperate and subtropical areas of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa.
In addition to being native to these areas, the mallard has also been introduced to New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa.
This demonstrates the species’ versatility and ability to thrive in various environments. The mallard is common in many areas and is particularly familiar to people near wetlands, ponds, lakes, and rivers.
It has a distinctive green head that distinguishes it from other species of ducks, and it is usually seen in small groups or pairs.
Mallards are omnivores and will eat a variety of food sources such as seeds, grains, insects, and aquatic plants. Mallards are a highly social species, typically forming large flocks when the weather is freezing.
They also have a strong sense of family and mate for life. During the breeding season, the male mallard will attract a mate by performing an elaborate courtship display.
The female will then build a nest and lay eggs, which she will incubate for approximately one month before they hatch. The mallard is an essential species in its various habitats, providing food for predators such as hawks, owls, and foxes.
Additionally, it plays a vital role in maintaining the health of its environment by eating aquatic plants and insects, which helps to keep the water clean. The mallard is also a famous game bird hunted for sport in many areas.
The mallard is a widespread species with a broad geographical range and an integral part of its various habitats worldwide.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
4. Green Heron
The green heron is a small species of heron that is native to North and Central America. Its scientific name, Butorides virescens, is derived from Middle English and Ancient Greek.
The term “butor” is derived from Middle English and is used to refer to the bittern, a small wading bird, while “-oides” is Ancient Greek for “resembling”.
The term “virescens” is Latin for “greenish,” which aptly describes the green color of this heron’s plumage. The green heron is a solitary bird that prefers to hunt alone, usually near bodies of water such as rivers, streams, and ponds.
It is a versatile hunter and feeds on various prey, including insects, fish, frogs, and even small mammals and reptiles. Its diet is varied, but its preferred prey is fish.
To catch them, the green heron will stand motionless in shallow water, waiting for prey to approach, then snap its beak to catch its meal. The green heron is a unique and exciting species that adds color to its inhabitable wetlands.
Its scientific name helps us better understand its physical characteristics and behavior and gives us a glimpse into its past. Its name will remain in our memories as a symbol of the wetlands and wildlife that make up such a vital part of our natural world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Butorides |
| Species | B. virescens |
5. Eurasian Teal
The Eurasian teal is a small dabbling duck common across temperate Eurosiberia. It is often referred to as simply the teal because it is the only one of its kind in much of its range.
In the summer, the Eurasian teal can be found breeding in temperate Eurosiberia, but during the winter, it migrates south for the colder months. Its scientific name is Anas crecca, also known as the common teal or the Eurasian green-winged teal.
The Eurasian teal has a unique coloration and is easily recognizable. Its head and neck are greyish-brown, its breast is reddish-brown, and its belly is whitish with black speckles. Its back and flanks are a deep green, and its wings have a distinctive green and black pattern.
Its tail and legs are dark grey, and its bill is yellow with a black tip. The Eurasian teal is a dabbling duck that feeds mainly on the water’s surface rather than diving. It feeds on aquatic invertebrates, seeds, and sometimes small fish.
It also eats some plant material, such as grasses and sedges. The Eurasian teal is a social bird, and it can often be seen in large flocks. It is a noisy bird, but its call is usually a low, throaty quack.
During the breeding season, males perform a courtship display called “head pumping” to attract a mate. Overall, the Eurasian teal is a widespread duck that is easily recognizable and can be found in many parts of temperate Eurosiberia.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. crecca |
6. Calliope Hummingbird
The calliope hummingbird is an incredibly tiny bird native to the United States and Canada. It is unique in its extensive breeding range, stretching from California to British Columbia in the west.
During the winter, the calliope hummingbird migrates to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America to find warmer temperatures and a more hospitable environment.
This bird is an incredible traveler, making its way south each year and returning the following spring. The calliope hummingbird is the smallest bird native to North America. Its size is only the beginning of what makes this bird so remarkable.
It is also one of the most colorful hummingbirds, with its distinctive colorful throat and iridescent back feathers.
The calliope hummingbird has a unique song, similar to a warble, used to attract mates and mark its territory. The calliope hummingbird is integral to the United States and Canada ecosystems.
It is a pollinator, helping to ensure that plants can reproduce and grow. It is also a food source for other animals, including hawks, owls, and birds.
The calliope hummingbird is an integral part of the food chain in North America, and its presence is vital to the environment’s health. The calliope hummingbird is an incredible bird; its presence is essential to the environment in the United States and Canada.
It is a small but mighty traveler, traveling south each winter and returning to its breeding range in the spring. Its distinctive song and colorful feathers make it a beautiful addition to any environment, and its importance in the food chain cannot be overstated.
The calliope hummingbird is a treasure of the United States and Canada, and its presence is a reminder of the beauty of nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. calliope |
7. MacGillivray’s Warbler
MacGillivray’s Warbler is a New World warbler species found in various regions of North America. These birds are unique, possessing unique characteristics that set them apart from other warbler species.
They are considered quite sluggish and heavy compared to other singers, as they prefer to spend most of their time on or near the ground. This is especially true when singing, as they fly higher and can be heard from greater distances.
The Warbler’s song is also quite distinct, with a loud, musical sound that is likely to draw the attention of any nearby birdwatchers. The MacGillivray’s Warbler is a large bird with a wingspan reaching 10 inches long.
They are also colorful, combining yellow, black, and white feathers. Additionally, these birds are exceptionally social and can often be seen in large flocks as they migrate throughout their range.
All in all, the MacGillivray’s Warbler is a fascinating species that is sure to delight any bird-lover.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Geothlypis |
| Species | G. tolmiei |
8. Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s hummingbird is a species of bird that belongs to the Trochilidae family of hummingbirds. It can be found in the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico during the breeding season.
During winter, Costa’s hummingbird migrates to western Mexico, where it can find the conditions it needs to survive the cold months.
This hummingbird species is unique due to its small size and bright iridescent plumage, which helps it stand out from other birds in its range. The vibrant colors of the Costa’s hummingbird make it a popular species among birdwatchers and photographers.
The Costa’s hummingbird is also a significant species, as it is a crucial pollinator for many plant species, making it a keystone species in its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. costae |
9. Green-Winged Teal
The American teal, also known as the green-winged teal, is a species of duck native to North America. It is a relatively widespread species, with its range extending from the northern parts of the continent, except for the Aleutian Islands.
For some time, the American teal was believed to be the same species as the Eurasian teal, but later studies revealed they were distinct. The American teal is characterized by its green wings, which give the species its common name.
This species is also known to breed primarily in northern North America, although it may travel further south during winter.
The American teal is a small species of duck, with males generally being around 16 inches in length and weighing approximately 1.2 pounds. The plumage of this species typically consists of a brownish-gray body with white patches on the head and neck.
The males also have green feathers on their wings, which is where the species gets its other common name.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. carolinensis |
10. Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
The ruby-crowned kinglet is a tiny passerine bird throughout North America. It is a member of the kinglet family and has olive-green plumage with two white wing bars and a white eye ring.
Males have a distinctive feature that makes them stand out from the females – a red crown patch. However, this patch is usually concealed, making it invisible to the untrained eye. The ruby-crowned kinglet is a very active bird, often moving between trees searching for food.
During the summer, they migrate to the northern regions of North America and can be found in coniferous forests. During winter, they migrate to the southern states and can be found in deciduous forests.
These birds feed mainly on small insects, such as spiders, flies, and moths. They also eat some fruits and seeds. The ruby-crowned kinglet is a very social bird, often seen in small flocks.
During the breeding season, the males display elaborate courtship to attract a mate. The ruby-crowned kinglet is a fascinating bird and a delight to watch. Its small size and active behavior make it a great bird to observe in the wild.
Its distinct plumage and red crown patch make it easy to identify among other birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Regulidae |
| Genus | Corthylio |
| Species | C. calendula |
11. Lesser Goldfinch
The lesser goldfinch is a small songbird native to the Americas. It is part of the New World goldfinch clade, including the American and Lawrence’s goldfinch, all three of which are in the genus Spinus.
The males of all three goldfinch species have a distinctive black forehead, while the females do not. This critical feature can be used to distinguish between the genders of the lesser goldfinch, American goldfinch, and Lawrence’s goldfinch.
The black forehead on the males of these species can help differentiate them from similarly-sized species, such as house finches or purple finches. The black forehead can also identify them in flight or when perched in trees.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. psaltria |
12. New World Warblers
The New World or wood-warblers are a group of birds found exclusively in the Americas. These birds are small in size and typically have unique, vibrant colors. They are part of the family Parulidae, which is a family of passerine birds.
It is important to note that these birds are unrelated to the Old World warblers or the Australian singers. Despite their similar names, the New World warblers are not closely related to the other two groups of birds.
Although they may look similar from afar, a closer look will reveal their differences. The New World warblers are found throughout North and South America and in habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to temperate deciduous forests.
They have an array of different diets, which can include insects, fruits, and seeds. Many of these birds are migratory, traveling long distances to find the food and climate that suit them.
The New World warblers are an essential part of the ecosystem in the Americas, as they help to keep insect populations in check and disperse the seeds of various plants. They also provide a source of beauty and joy to birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
13. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler is a small bird native to the New World. It is a lively, brightly-colored bird with a greenish back and yellowish underside. Its wings are rounded, and its tail is long and slim.
The males of this species have a distinct black crown patch, which is either significantly reduced or completely absent in the females, depending on the subspecies. This species is often found in various habitats, including deciduous woodlands, open scrublands, and parks.
They are typically seen in small flocks, often hopping along the ground and through shrubs in search of food. Wilson’s Warblers are mainly insectivorous but will also eat some fruit and seeds.
They migrate south during winter, returning to the same breeding grounds each spring.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Cardellina |
| Species | C. pusilla |
14. Northern Parula
The northern parula is a species of Warbler found in the New World. It is a small bird with a length of up to 4.3 inches. This species is found in various habitats, from woodlands to swamps and forests.
It breeds in eastern North America, covering a range from southern Canada to Florida. These birds migrate south in the winter and can be found in Mexico and Central America during this season.
Northern parulas are mainly insectivorous but have small fruits and berries. The manor malaria has a distinctive blue-gray back, yellowthroat, and breast. Females have a plainer coloration, with a gray-green back and a white throat and breast.
Their song is a pleasant, two-part whistle. Northern parulas are a common sight in their range and are seen in flocks during migration. They are an imessentialpecies in the ecosystem, helping to control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. americana |
15. Broad-Billed Hummingbird
The broad-billed hummingbird is a small-sized bird that is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. This hummingbird species displays sexual dimorphism, meaning the males and females have different physical characteristics.
The juvenile birds more closely resemble the female adult in color and size. The adult broad-billed hummingbird is a brightly colored bird with a bright red bill that is broad in shape.
Depending on the light, the best part of its body can appear orange, green, blue, and even purple. This species is known for its aerial acrobatics, as it darts and dives through the air in search of food.
Its diet consists of nectar and insects, which it obtains from flowers and plants. This hummingbird is also a fierce defender of its territory and can be seen chasing away larger birds that may come too close.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Cynanthus |
| Species | C. latirostris |
Conclusion
The presence of 15 green birds in Utah underscores the region’s biodiversity and ecological richness. This observation highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats and fostering conservation efforts to safeguard the diverse avian species inhabiting the area.
Understanding the distribution and behavior of these green birds can offer valuable insights into ecosystem health and potential environmental changes.