Green birds are a common sight in North Dakota, especially during the summer months when they make their seasonal migrations. With over 20 species of birds with green feathers, North Dakota is home to various green birds.
These birds range from tiny hummingbirds to large waterfowl and are found in various habitats throughout the state. From prairies to wetlands, North Dakota is a great place to find and observe these beautiful birds.
Here, we will discuss some of the most common green birds found in North Dakota and explore their unique habitats and behaviors.
3 Green Birds In North Dakota
If you are a bird lover, you might be interested in learning about some of the green birds that can be found in North Dakota. North Dakota is a state with diverse habitats, from prairies and wetlands to forests and badlands.
Here are three green birds that you can look for in North Dakota.
1. Green-Winged Teal
The American teal, also called the green-winged teal, is a type of duck native to North America. It is a widespread species found in many African areas.
This species breeds in the northern regions, except the Aleutian Islands in the far north. For a time, the American teal was thought to be of the same species as the Eurasian teal.
However, with further research, it has been established that these two ducks are distinct species. The American teal is generally smaller and has a light gray head, whereas the Eurasian teal has a darker head.
They also have different calls and different breeding behaviors.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. carolinensis |
2. Violet-Green Swallow
The violet-green swallow is a small bird native to North America. It belongs to the swallow family, a group of passerine birds known for their aerial insectivory.
These birds are found along the continent’s west coast, from Alaska to Mexico, and even extending to the interior of the United States in Montana and Texas. They are incredibly agile in the air, catching flying insects with their beaks.
The plumage of the violet-green swallow is striking, with a glossy green back, white throat and belly, and violet wings. They can often be seen swooping and diving over treetops and meadows, chasing after their insect prey.
They are a welcome sight to birdwatchers, especially during the summer months when they are the most active.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. thalassina |
3. Green Heron
The green heron is a 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 word “butor” in Middle English is related to the word “bittern,” which describes a type of wading bird. The ending “-oides” is a suffix used to denote something that resembles something else, and it is taken from Ancient Greek.
The last part of the scientific name, “virescens”, is taken from the Latin word for “greenish”. This reinforces that the green heron has a greenish tinge to its feathers.
All in all, the green heron’s scientific name accurately describes the species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Butorides |
| Species | B. virescens |
Conclusion
Green birds are a relatively rare sight in North Dakota but can be found in certain areas. These birds bring an exciting diversity to the state’s avian population and remind them of the importance of preserving and protecting our natural habitats.
With careful conservation, green birds will continue to thrive in North Dakota for generations t