Green birds are some of the most stunning creatures to be found in Virginia. Not only are they brightly colored, but the variety of species that inhabit the area make them interesting wildlife to observe.
From the American Redstart to the Baltimore Oriole, there are a number of green birds found throughout Virginia, from the coastal areas to the mountains. Many green birds are migratory, so depending on the time of year, you may be able to spot different species.
The green birds of Virginia can be a joy to observe, and by understanding their behavior and habitats, birders can enjoy a rewarding experience.
1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a species of hummingbird found in Eastern North America and Central America.
During the winter, they tend to reside in Central America, Mexico, and Florida, while they migrate to Canada and other parts of Eastern North America for the summer in order to breed.
As a result of this migration, the ruby-throated hummingbird is a common sight in the summer in places such as Canada, where it is often seen hovering around flowers in search of food.
During this time, the males also engage in courtship rituals, which involve chasing one another and performing aerial acrobatics in order to attract the attention of a mate.
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a fascinating species, and one that is of great importance to the environment, as it helps to pollinate flowers and spread seeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. colubris |
2. Green Heron
The green heron is a species of small heron that is native to North and Central America. Its scientific name, Butorides virescens, is derived from Middle English butor, which means “bittern”, and Ancient Greek -oides, which means “resembling”.
The Latin word virescens translates to “greenish”, which emphasizes the green color of the bird. The green heron is a relatively small bird, with a length of about 17 inches and a wingspan of around 24 inches. It has a long neck and a black-tipped bill.
Its upper parts are blue-gray, while its underparts are a lighter shade of gray. Its head, neck, and underparts are covered with green feathers, giving it its namesake color. The green heron also has distinct white stripes on its wings and a white line on its neck.
Green herons are found in a variety of wetland habitats, including ponds, swamps, marshes, and mangroves. They feed on a variety of small fish, amphibians, and insects. They usually hunt from a perch, waiting for prey to come close before they strike.
They typically breed in colonies of up to 10 pairs, with each pair occupying its own territory. The green heron is an important species in the wetland ecosystems of North and Central America.
It is a keystone species, which means that its presence is beneficial for other species in the ecosystem. It helps to maintain a healthy balance of prey and predators, and its presence is an important indicator of the health of the wetland environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Butorides |
| Species | B. virescens |
3. Red-Eyed Vireo
The red-eyed vireo is a small American songbird that is found across a large range throughout the continent. Its size and shape are somewhat similar to warblers, but it is not actually related to the New World warblers.
This species is quite common and is not considered to be endangered or threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The red-eyed vireo is an important part of the North American avian landscape, and its large range and healthy population make it a species that is likely to remain in the wild for a long time to come.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. olivaceus |
4. Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
The ruby-crowned kinglet is a very small passerine bird that is found throughout North America. This bird is part of the kinglet family and is easily recognizable by its olive-green plumage, two white wing bars, and a white eye ring.
The males are even more distinctive, as they have a red crown patch that is usually not visible. This patch is made up of small, bright red feathers and is located on the top of the head.
The color and size of this patch can vary between individuals, with some having larger and brighter patches than others. The ruby-crowned kinglet is an active little bird, and can often be seen hopping around in the trees and shrubs searching for food.
They feed mainly on insects and spiders, and can sometimes be seen hovering in midair while they catch their prey. During the breeding season, male ruby-crowned kinglets are known to sing a loud, high-pitched song to attract a mate.
They also make short flights during courtship displays. The ruby-crowned kinglet is a common sight in many parts of North America, where it can be seen in a variety of habitats such as coniferous and deciduous forests, woodlands, and even suburban areas.
This species is well-adapted to cold weather and can often be seen during the winter months. They are also a popular attraction for birdwatchers, as they are relatively easy to spot and identify.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Regulidae |
| Genus | Corthylio |
| Species | C. calendula |
5. Black-Throated Green Warbler
The black-throated green warbler is a small songbird native to North America. It is a part of the New World warbler family, meaning it is a member of the family of birds that includes many species of warblers found in the Americas.
These birds are known for their beautiful and varied songs, which can often be heard during the spring and summer months. The black-throated green warbler is a bright olive-green in color, with a black throat and a white belly.
Its head is topped with a yellow patch, and its wings are dark with yellow markings. This bird is typically found in open woodlands and forest edges, and can often be seen foraging for insects on the ground or in trees.
It is a migratory species, meaning it follows seasonal changes in the weather and travels to warmer climates in winter. The black-throated green warbler is an important part of the natural ecosystem, and is a beloved sight to birdwatchers across the continent.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. virens |
6. New World Warblers
The New World warblers, also known as wood-warblers, are small passerine birds that belong to the Parulidae family. They are found only in the New World, which includes North and South America.
These birds are known for their bright and vibrant colors, making them instantly recognizable. These birds are not closely related to the Old World warblers or the Australian warblers, which are found in Europe, Asia, and Australia respectively.
The New World warblers, however, share a lot of similarities with the other members of the Parulidae family, such as having similar plumage, behavior, and habitat preferences.
The family Parulidae is divided into several subfamilies, each of which contain species of warblers with their own distinct characteristics. These warblers are found in a variety of habitats, from open forests and woodlands to grasslands and shrublands.
They feed mainly on insects, berries, and other small invertebrates, which they catch while foraging on the ground or in low vegetation. New World warblers are an important part of the ecosystems in which they live, playing an important role in controlling insect populations.
The bright and cheerful songs of these birds are also a delight to hear, adding a touch of charm to any landscape they inhabit.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
7. Green-Winged Teal
The American teal, also known as the green-winged teal, is a species of duck that is found in abundance throughout North America. This species is known to breed in the northern areas of the continent, with the exception of the Aleutian Islands.
For a period of time, this species was considered to be the same as the Eurasian teal. However, due to further study, they have since been classified as two separate species. The American teal is a medium-sized duck, measuring at an average of 16 inches in length.
It has a brown body with a greenish-brown head, and the male bird has a distinctive white crescent on the face. The American teal is known for its bright blue wing patch, which is visible when the wings are extended.
This colourful feature is what gives the bird its name of green-winged teal. This species of duck is often seen in wetlands, marshes, and shallow lakes. It feeds on aquatic invertebrates and plant matter and has been known to migrate up to long distances.
The American teal can be found in both winter and summer, often in large flocks formed of both males and females. In conclusion, the American teal is an abundant duck species that is found in various areas of North America.
It was once considered to be the same as the Eurasian teal but has since been classified as its own species due to further study.
This species of duck is known for its unique colouration and is often seen in wetlands and marshes, feeding on aquatic invertebrates and plant matter.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. carolinensis |
8. Pine Warbler
The pine warbler is a species of songbird belonging to the family of New World warbler. These birds are small in size and usually have a length of up to 5 inches. They are usually found in pine forests, but they can also be seen in deciduous woodlands and in open areas.
Pine warblers can also be found in the eastern and southeastern United States. They have a grayish-olive back with yellowish underparts. They also have two white wingbars and a light yellow throat.
The pine warbler has a distinctive voice, which is a mix of chirps, whistles, and trills. They have a wide variety of vocalizations and are known to sing for hours on end. They feed mainly on insects, but will also eat berries and other fruit.
During the winter, they migrate south to warmer climates. During the summer breeding season, they will build their nests in trees and shrubs and will lay up to five eggs. The female is the one who incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days.
The young will fledge after about two weeks and will be ready to leave the nest after three weeks. The pine warbler is an important part of the North American avian community.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. pinus |
9. Kentucky Warbler
The Kentucky warbler is a small species of New World warbler native to the eastern United States. This warbler is relatively sluggish in its movements and is heavier than other species of warbler.
Its short tail is another distinguishing feature, and it prefers to stay on or close to the ground rather than flying high in the sky. It is most active when singing, which it does during the breeding season, although it also sings at other times of the year.
This species of warbler is well known for its beautiful song, which is composed of a mix of whistles, trills, and other melodic notes. The Kentucky warbler is fairly common in its native range, and it is not considered to be threatened or endangered.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Geothlypis |
| Species | G. formosa |
10. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
The black-chinned hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that is found in a variety of habitats. In the summer, it is found across the western United States and southwestern Canada, and it migrates south for the winter, reaching as far as Mexico.
The most striking feature of this species is its gorget, a patch of iridescent purple feathers that border its black chin. This feature is especially noticeable when the bird is in sunlight, making it a very eye-catching species.
The black-chinned hummingbird is a beautiful creature, and its presence adds a touch of color and beauty to the landscapes it inhabits.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. alexandri |
11. Rivoli’s Hummingbird
Rivoli’s hummingbird is a species of hummingbird belonging to the ‘mountain gems’ tribe, Lampornithini, within the subfamily Trochilinae. It is native to Central America and can be found in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and the United States.
It is also known as the magnificent hummingbird and is a species of hummingbird with a range that extends from the southern United States all the way to Nicaragua.
The Rivoli’s hummingbird is a small bird, with a wingspan of approximately 3-3.5 inches, and a body length of 3-4 inches. Its plumage is mostly green, with an iridescent blue-green head, back, and tail. It has a white throat and chest, and a long, straight, black bill.
The Rivoli’s hummingbird feeds on nectar from flowers, and can often be seen hovering near flowering plants and shrubs. It also feeds on small insects and is known to be a territorial species.
The Rivoli’s hummingbird is a species of special concern in the United States and is listed as endangered in Mexico.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Eugenes |
| Species | E. fulgens |
12. Orange-Crowned Warbler
The orange-crowned warbler is a species of small songbird native to the New World. It is a member of the warbler family, which is composed of many species of birds that are often found in woodlands and other natural habitats.
As its name implies, the orange-crowned warbler has an orange-colored crown and a yellowish-green body.
It also has a white throat and a white belly. The orange-crowned warbler is a migratory species, travelling from its wintering grounds in southern Mexico and Central America to its breeding grounds in the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico.
During its migration, it may be seen in a variety of habitats, from forests to open fields.
In its breeding grounds, it is usually found in areas with thick shrubs and trees, where it can find plenty of insects to feed on. The orange-crowned warbler has a distinctive, high-pitched song that can be heard from a distance.
Its song is composed of a series of rapid, repeated notes and is often heard in the early morning or late evening. The orange-crowned warbler is an important part of its habitat because it helps to control insect populations and disperses seeds.
It is also a popular species among birdwatchers, as it can be spotted easily when it is singing.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Leiothlypis |
| Species | L. celata |
13. White-eyed Vireo
The white-eyed vireo is a small, migratory songbird belonging to the Vireonidae family. It is a passerine bird, meaning it has a long, strong beak for cracking seeds and a slender body with long, pointed wings and a short tail.
The white-eyed vireo is found in the easternmost parts of North America, inhabiting deciduous forests, especially those with tall trees and dense foliage. It is a small olive-colored bird, with a white eye-ring, white belly, and a grayish head.
The male white-eyed vireo has a distinct yellow-green streak on its back, whereas the female’s back is a duller gray. The white-eyed vireo has a unique, melodic song, which it uses to communicate with other birds in its area.
Its diet consists of small insects, berries, and occasionally small fruits.
The white-eyed vireo is a summer resident of North America and migrates south for the winter, usually starting in October for points south and then returning to its northern breeding grounds in late April or early May.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. griseus |
14. Northern Parula
The northern parula is a species of small migratory songbird that is found in North America. It belongs to the family of New World warblers, which are known for their vibrant and melodic singing.
The northern parula breeds in eastern North America, ranging from southern Canada down to Florida. It is a migratory species, with adult males typically arriving at breeding grounds in late April or early May.
During the non-breeding season, they migrate south to Central America, where they spend the winter months. The northern parula is a relatively small bird, with a length of around 4.5 inches and a wingspan of around 8 inches.
It has a grayish-olive upper body, a yellowish-white underbody, and a yellowish-green throat bordered by black streaks. Its most distinctive feature is its bright yellow patch on its wing, which is visible when the bird is in flight.
Its call is a high-pitched, thin “tsit-tsit” sound, and its song is a cheerful, musical trill. The northern parula is a common and widespread species, and its population is considered to be stable.
Its preferred habitat is deciduous woodlands, where it forages for small insects and spiders. It typically builds its nest in trees, using small twigs and grasses to construct a cup-like structure. It lays a clutch of 3-5 eggs, which are incubated by both the male and female.
The chicks fledge after about 12-14 days. The northern parula is an important part of the North American ecosystem, as it helps to control insect populations and contributes to the overall biodiversity of the region.
It is also an important species to birdwatchers, providing them with a beautiful and entertaining species to observe in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. americana |
15. Calliope Hummingbird
The calliope hummingbird is the smallest bird native to North America, measuring only about three inches in length. It is known for its vibrant colors, which range from light brown to deep green.
During the summer months, the calliope hummingbird breeds mainly in the western United States and Canada, from California up to British Columbia.
During the winter, it migrates to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America, where it can find more favorable temperatures and abundant nectar sources.
The calliope hummingbird is a remarkable species, capable of making long-distance migrations in order to survive the winter months. It is highly adapted to its environment and is an important part of the ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. calliope |
16. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s warbler is a small bird native to the Americas. It is an attractive bird with a greenish color on its upper body and yellow underneath. Its wings are rounded and its tail is long and slim.
The male of the species has a distinctive black crown patch, though this varies depending on the particular subspecies. The female may have a reduced or absent black crown patch. This is an adaptation that helps males to stand out and attract mates.
The Wilson’s warbler is a very striking bird and an important part of the New World’s diverse bird population.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Cardellina |
| Species | C. pusilla |
17. Hooded Warbler
The Hooded Warbler is a species of bird that is native to North America. This species of warbler breeds in the eastern part of the continent, ranging from the United States and into southern parts of Canada.
During the winter months, this species moves south, where it migrates to Central America and the West Indies. It is an uncommon occurrence, but some Hooded Warblers have been recorded as vagrants in Western Europe.
In terms of physical appearance, the Hooded Warbler has a yellow body and a black hood, which gives it its name. The wings and tail of the bird are black as well, with white patches on the wings and yellow bars on the tail.
The song of the Hooded Warbler is described as a fast trill, and it is one of the few warbler species that often sing in the evening as well as during the day. Hooded Warblers are found in deciduous woodlands, often near wetlands or streams.
They are insectivorous, meaning they feed mostly on insects and other invertebrates. During the breeding season, the birds are found in tree canopies and shrubs, but during migration they are more likely to be found in the lower parts of trees and shrubs.
The Hooded Warbler is an important species to the ecology of North America, and its populations are relatively stable. However, this species is still vulnerable to habitat destruction, as well as competition from invasive species.
Conservation of its natural habitat is essential to ensure the long-term survival of the Hooded Warbler.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. citrina |
Conclusion
Green birds in Virginia are an important and diverse part of the state’s avian population. They can be found in a variety of habitats across the state, from urban parks and backyards to woodlands and wetlands.
These birds provide an important source of food for other animals, and their presence is an important indicator of a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
With continued conservation efforts, Virginia’s green birds will remain a vibrant and essential part of the state’s avian population for years to come.