Washington is home to a variety of beautiful green birds. Many of these birds are migratory and spend the summer months in Washington before heading south for the winter. These green birds add color to the often grey and wet Washington landscape.
They can be found in various habitats throughout the state, from coastal areas to wetlands, forests, and even urban parks.
Washington’s most common green birds are the American goldfinch, the northern cardinal, the Evening Grosbeak, the Cedar Waxwing, and the Anna’s Hummingbird.
Each species is unique, contributing to the overall beauty of Washington’s bird population.
5 Green Birds In Washington
If you are a bird lover, you might be interested in learning about some of the green birds in Washington state. Washington is home to various habitats, from coastal forests to alpine meadows, and hosts a rich diversity of avian life.
Here are 5 green birds.
1. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that is native to North America. It was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, a prominent figure in the early 20th century.
The hummingbird is found in the western coastal regions of the continent, breeding mainly in northern Baja California and Southern California. This hummingbird species is small, typically around 4 to 6 inches long.
Its wingspan is around 3 cm with a greenish-brownish back and a greyish-white underside. It has a long, thin bill and an orange-red throat patch unique to the species.
It is known for its fast and acrobatic flight patterns, which it uses to feed on nectar from flowers and small insects. It is an important pollinator of many plants, and its population is stable in many areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
2. Violet-Green Swallow
The Violet-Green Swallow is a species of bird found in North America. It belongs to the family of swallows known for their aerial insectivore habits. This bird can be found along the West Coast of the United States, from Alaska to Mexico.
It can also be found in some parts of the Midwest, such as Montana and Texas. These birds have a unique coloration, with a bright green back and a deep violet-colored head. They are small, typically measuring four to six inches in length.
The Violet-Green Swallow feeds mainly on flying insects, such as flies, midges, and beetles. They often fly swiftly over open fields, meadows, and marshes, searching for prey.
These birds also nest in cavities in trees or buildings, usually near water sources. During the breeding season, male Violet-green Swallows often engage in spectacular aerial displays, showing their graceful flying ability.
They are a unique and beautiful species that is well-known throughout North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. thalassina |
3. Calliope Hummingbird
The Calliope Hummingbird is a tiny bird found in North America. It is the smallest bird native to the United States and Canada. During the breeding season, the hummingbird can be found in the western parts of the continent, ranging from California to British Columbia.
During the winter, the bird migrates to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America, where it will spend the colder months. This journey is known as the wintering grounds, as the bird can find a more hospitable climate during these months.
The calliope hummingbird is a beautiful bird with a tiny size of under 4 inches long. Its distinctive feature is the bright red gorget or throat found in both males and females. Its wings are a darker shade of green, and its tail is black with white tips.
The bird is known for its high-pitched call, described as a ‘chirp’ or a ‘peep.’ The calliope hummingbird is an essential species in the North American ecosystem. It helps to pollinate flowers and helps to spread the seeds of various plants.
It is also essential to the food chain, providing food for other birds and animals. As such, the calliope hummingbird’s habitat must be protected so that these tiny birds can continue to thrive.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. calliope |
4. Green-Winged Teal
The American teal, also known as the green-winged teal, is a species of duck native to North America. It is widespread across the continent and can be found breeding in northern areas, except the Aleutian Islands.
For some time, the American teal was considered the same species as the Eurasian teal, but it has since been reclassified as a separate species. The American teal is known for its distinctive green feathers on its wings, which give it its common name.
This species of duck is considered to be expected and can be found in various habitats, from wetlands to woodlands. They are also known to be highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of different environments.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. carolinensis |
5. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s warbler is a small bird native to the New World, meaning it is found in North, Central, and South America. It is easily identifiable due to its distinctive coloring, which consists of a greenish color on its back and a yellow shade on its stomach.
Its wings are rounded and its tail is long and slim. Male Wilson’s warblers have a black crown patch, while the females may or may not have the patch depending on the subspecies they belong to.
The black crown patch is an important distinction between the sexes, as it is often used to help identify the birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Cardellina |
| Species | C. pusilla |
Conclusion
Green birds in Washington are diverse and abundant. They can be found in a variety of habitats, from open meadows and wetlands to city parks and backyards. They provide an important food source for other animals and serve as indicators of a healthy environment.
With the proper care and protection, green birds in Washington will continue to thrive and provide an invaluable contribution to the local ecosystem.