Welcome to Pennsylvania! This state is home to a fantastic variety of green birds. From the vibrant hues of the Baltimore Orioles to the emerald green of the Green Heron, Pennsylvania is full of vibrant avian life.
Whether you’re a birdwatcher or enjoy watching the unique colors of these birds, Pennsylvania has something for everyone. This article will explore some of the most common green birds in the Keystone State.
We’ll also discuss their habitat, behaviors, and conservation efforts that are helping to protect them. So, let’s get started and discover the beauty of Pennsylvania’s green birds!
12 Green Birds in Pennsylvania
If you are a bird lover in Pennsylvania, you might be interested in learning about some of the green birds in your state. Green is not a standard color among birds, but a few species have green feathers or iridescence.
Here are 12 green birds.
1. Green Heron
The green heron is a small species found in North and Central America. Its scientific name, Butorides virescens, is derived from Middle English butor, which means Ancient Greek -oides, which means “resembling”.
The Latin word virescent translates to “greenish,” accurately describing the color of this species of heron. The green heron is typically found in freshwater wetlands, marshes, and swamps.
They often stand motionless in shallow water or on logs, waiting for small fish or other aquatic prey to come within range before they strike with their long, sharp beak. This species is also known to wade in shallow water, where they can find insects and crustaceans to eat.
They are solitary birds but may be seen in groups of two or three during winter. These herons are easily recognized by their greenish-black back, greyish-white belly, and white throat.
They have a whstripeand below the eye and a black cap on their head. The green heron is smaller than other heron species, with an average length of about 16 inches (41 cm).
The green heron is an integral part of the ecosystem it inhabits, as it feeds on a variety of small animals that would otherwise overpopulate and potentially integral to other species. This species is not considered to be threatened and is relatively common throughout its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Butorides |
| Species | B. virescens |
2. Mallard
The mallard, also known as the wild duck, is a species of dabbling duck found in various habitats around the world. This species is native to temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa.
Recently, mallards have been introduced to several countries outside of these native regions, including New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa.
This duck species is commonly found in wetland habitats, such as marshes, ponds, and lakes.
They feed by upending themselves in shallow water, tipping their head underwater to feed on aquatic plants, mollusks, crustaceans, and insects.
Mallards are also known to eat grains, seeds, and grasses. Mallards are highly social birds, living in large flocks and pairs during the breeding season. During the non-breeding season, they gather at suitable feeding grounds in large flocks.
The mallard is the ancestor of several domesticated duck breeds, including the famous Pekin duck. This species is also an important game bird, with the hunting of mallards occurring in many parts of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
3. New World Warblers
The New World warblers, also known as wood-warblers, are a family of small birds belonging to the passerine order. They are found exclusively in the New World and are easily identified by their vibrant and often brightly colored feathers.
These birds are members of the family Parulidae and are not closely related to Old World warblers or Australian warblers. The New World warblers are mainly found in North America, but some species have spread throughout Central America and South America.
They are found in various habitats, including forests, shrublands, grasslands, and mangroves.
They are small songbirds, ranging from 4 to 8 inches long, with slender bodies and long tails. The New World warblers have diverse diets, mainly consisting of insects, but they also eat some plant material and occasionally small fruits.
They forage on the ground and in trees, often using their long, thin beaks to catch their prey. They have a variety of calls and songs, which are often used to attract mates and to communicate with other birds.
The New World warblers are essential for maintaining a healthy environment, as they help control insect populations. They are also important to humans, as they are a significant source of food for birds of prey and provide a source of enjoyment for birdwatchers.
Unfortunately, some species are considered threatened due to habitat destruction and other human activities. We must protect the habitats of these birds so that future generations can continue to enjoy them.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
4. Green-Winged Teal
The American teal, or green-winged teal, is a duck in many parts of North America. This duck is a common sight found in most areas north of the Aleutian Islands.
Until recently, this duck species was considered the same as the Eurasian teal, but further research has shown that they are different species.
This duck species is known for its bright green wings, sometimes called green-winged teal.
The American teal is a widespread species of duck for hunters and birdwatchers alike and can be found in various habitats, from marshes to wetlands and even open water.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. carolinensis |
5. Kentucky Warbler
The Kentucky warbler is a species of New World warbler classified as a small bird. It is characterized by its sluggish and heavy movements and its short tail.
The warbler prefers to spend most of its time on the ground or near it, except when singing. The Kentucky warbler is a New World warbler family species found in North America.
It is generally a tiny bird with a body length of around 5 inches and a wingspan of 7.5 inches.
Its plumage is usually a dull olive green with a yellowish-orange patch on its underside. The Kentucky warbler is a sluggish and heavy bird, preferring to move slowly and take time.
It has a short tail, which can be seen as a critical identifier when searching for the warbler. The Kentucky warbler prefers to spend most of its time on or near the ground rather than in the air or trees.
It enjoys taking its time and stalking through the undergrowth, searching for food. The warbler is also known to sing from the ground or a low perch, making its presence known to the environment. In summary, the Kentucky warbler is a small New World warbler species.
It is characterized by its sluggish and heavy movements, short tail, and preference for spending time on the ground. The warbler is a beautiful bird; its singing can be heard from the ground or a low perch.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Geothlypis |
| Species | G. formosa |
6. Eurasian Teal
The Eurasian teal is a widespread waterfowl that inhabits temperate regions of Europe and Siberia. It is a dabbling duck, meaning it feeds mainly on the surface or slightly below the water’s surface.
It is also known as the common teal or the Eurasian green-winged teal and is often referred to simply as “the teal” due to being the only one of its kind in many of its habitats. During the colder months, it migrates south to warmer areas to survive.
It is a highly adaptable species, able to survive in various environments. Its diet includes aquatic plants, small fish, and invertebrates, such as mollusks, crustaceans, and insects. It is a social bird, often seen in large flocks during the winter season.
The Eurasian teal is an important species, providing food and waterfowl hunting opportunities for humans and being an essential part of the food chain in its native habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. crecca |
7. Vireonidae
The Vireonidae family is a group of birds that are small to medium-sized and belong to the passerine family. These birds are found in the New World and Southeast Asia. The word “video” is derived from Latin and refers to a green migratory bird.
This bird is believed to be the female golden oriole or the European greenfinch. Vireonidae is an exciting family of birds because they vary in size and are found in different parts of the world.
The birds in this family have adapted to their environment and can migrate to new places. They are also popularly known as “green birds” due to their green coloration. The Vireonidae family is a diverse group of birds that are fascinating to observe and study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
8. Hooded Warbler
The Hooded Warbler is a species of warbler native to North America. It breeds in the eastern parts of the United States and southern parts of Canada. Every year, during its migratory season, it travels to Central America and the West Indies for wintering.
This species is occasionally seen as a vagrant in Western Europe, but these sightings are rare. The Hooded Warbler is a small bird with bright yellow-green upperparts and grayish-white underparts. It has a black hood, giving it its name, and a white eye ring.
It can usually be seen in shrubby areas and tall grasslands, foraging for insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. This species is not considered to be threatened and has a stable population. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species lists it as Least Concern.
However, like many other birds, it is affected by human activities such as deforestation and pollution. To help protect this species, it is essential to conserve its natural habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. citrina |
9. Black-Throated Green Warbler
The black-throated green warbler is a small songbird belonging to the family of New World warblers. It is a wood-warbler species in North America and Central America.
The bird is typically a drab olive-green on the upperparts and yellowish below, with a black throat and face. It has a white eye-ring and a thin bill. Males have a blacker throat than females.
The species breeds in coniferous and deciduous forests in North America, such as the boreal forests of Canada and the hardwood forests of the eastern and southeastern United States.
The black-throated green warbler migrates to its wintering grounds in Central America and the Caribbean. During migration, it can be seen in many habitats, from open woodlands to lands near water.
It feeds mainly on insects and small fruits gleaning from foliage and low branches. It nests in a cup-shaped nest of bark, grass, and leaves placed in a tree or shrub. The black-throated green warbler is a relatively common species with a stable population.
It is a widespread species for birdwatchers, as it is pretty approachable, and its song is melodious.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. virens |
10. Great Crested Flycatcher
The great crested flycatcher is a large bird that belongs to the tyrant flycatcher family. This bird species is found throughout North America, specifically in the eastern and mid-western regions. It is the most widespread member of the genus Myiarchus in North America.
These birds typically live in the treetops and rarely venture to the ground. They feed mainly on insects, which they hunt from the air or pick off of foliage.
They have a distinct call that can be heard in the summer months, described as a rough “weep” or “what.” They have various vocalizations that can be used to communicate with one another.
Great crested flycatchers often nest in tree cavities or crevices and can make these nests relatively quickly. During the breeding season, they can be seen in pairs or small groups but will join larger flocks during migrations.
The great crested flycatcher is an integral part of the environment, as it helps to control the insect population. It is also a famous bird for birdwatchers, as it is relatively common and easy to spot.
Its unique call and wide range of vocalizations make it a great species to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Myiarchus |
| Species | M. crinitus |
11. Northern Parula
The northern parula is a species of small songbird belonging to the family of New World warblers. It is mainly found in eastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida.
This bird is recognizable for its distinct blue and yellow plumage and beautiful melodic song. It has a gray head with a white eye ring, a yellow throat and breast, and blue wings and tail.
During the breeding season, the northern parula builds its nest in shrubs and trees, typically near water. It feeds mainly on small insects, spiders, and snails.
The northern parula is a migratory species, spending the winter months in Central America and the Caribbean. Overall, the northern parula is an integral part of North America’s avian diversity, providing an essential link in the ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. americana |
12. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s warbler is a small bird native to North and Central America. It has a distinctive, bright color pattern, with a greenish color on its upperparts and yellow on its underparts. Its wings are rounded, and its tail is long and slim.
The male Wilson’s warbler has a black patch on its head, known as a crown patch. Depending on the subspecies, this patch may be reduced in size or absent altogether in females.
The Wilson’s warbler is essential in its native habitats, as it helps control specific insect populations. It is also a vital food source for other birds and small mammals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Cardellina |
| Species | C. pusilla |
Conclusion
Green birds are an essential part of Pennsylvania’s wildlife. They provide various benefits to the environment, from providing food for other animals to helping control insect populations.
Although green birds may not be as common as other species, their presence in the state is an integral part of the ecosystem. Green birds can continue to thrive in Pennsylvania for many years with proper conservation and management.