Welcome to Coronado, home to an incredible array of birds. From the iconic Pelican to the colorful Warbler, Coronado’s skies are alive with the sights and sounds of birds.
From the wetlands of San Diego Bay to the rolling hills of the Coronado National Forest, birds of all shapes and sizes can be found throughout the city. Whether you are a bird enthusiast or just enjoy the beauty of birds, Coronado has plenty to offer.
So come explore the amazing bird life of Coronado and catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures.
1. California Gull
The California Gull is a species of gull that is found all along the western coast of North America. It is considered to be a medium-sized gull, which means that it is smaller on average than the Herring Gull, but larger on average than the Ring-billed Gull.
It is a migratory species, so it can be found in many different habitats, ranging from coastal areas to inland breeding grounds. The California Gull is known for its yellow bill, which has a black ring around it. This feature makes it distinguishable from other gull species.
The California Gull is an important species in the western United States, as it is a keystone species in the region. It helps to maintain the balance of the local ecosystem, and it plays a role in controlling populations of certain pest species.
It is also an important member of the food chain, as it is both a predator and a prey species. The California Gull is not currently considered an endangered species, but it has experienced population declines in certain areas due to environmental changes and human disturbances.
Conservation efforts are ongoing to ensure that the species remains part of the western United States’ natural landscape.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. californicus |
2. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic bird that can be found in many areas throughout the Americas. This large wading bird belongs to the heron family Ardeidae and can be seen near the shores of open water and in wetlands.
This bird species can be found in North and Central America, as well as in the northwestern region of South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands.
Standing at three to four feet tall and having a wingspan of up to six feet, the great blue heron is an impressive sight. Its plumage is a striking blue-gray color, and its long neck and pointed bill add to its beauty.
This species feeds on a variety of fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and invertebrates.
It can be seen stalking the shallow waters of rivers, lakes, and marshes, slowly wading through the water with its long legs, and then quickly stabbing its prey with its sharp bill. The great blue heron is a fascinating species and an important part of its natural habitat.
As an apex predator, it helps keep the populations of its prey in check, and its presence is an indication of a healthy wetland ecosystem. It is also a popular subject for birders and photographers who enjoy seeing this stately bird in its natural setting.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
3. Snowy Egret
The snowy egret is a small white heron that is native to many parts of the world. Its genus name, Aigrette, comes from Provençal French and is a diminutive of aigron, which is the French word for heron.
Its species name, Thula, is derived from the Araucano term for the black-necked swan, which was mistakenly assigned to this species by Chilean naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina in 1782.
This misnomer has stuck with the species ever since, and it is still commonly referred to as the snowy egret. Although the snowy egret is not a swan, it is a close relative of the heron family and it is often found in a variety of wetland habitats.
Its white plumage makes it easily recognizable, and it is often seen wading in shallow water, looking for small fish and aquatic insects to feed on.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. thula |
4. Western Gull
The western gull is a species of large white-headed gull found in the coastal regions of North America and the Pacific Ocean. It is native to the west coast of North America, extending from British Columbia, Canada in the north to Baja California, Mexico in the south.
This species was previously considered to be the same species as the yellow-footed gull of the Gulf of California, but recent studies have shown that the two are distinct species. The western gull is a large bird, with adults reaching a length of up to 24 inches and a wingspan of up to 50 inches.
Its plumage is predominantly white, with black markings on the wings and tail. Its head is white with yellow eyes and a yellow bill. Its legs and feet are yellow.
It is a powerful flyer, and often soars high in the air, using its long wings to catch the wind. The western gull is a highly social species, and can often be seen in large flocks along the coast. It feeds on small fish and invertebrates and scavenges for food whenever it can.
It nests in colonies on rocky outcrops or on islands, laying one to three eggs in a shallow cup-shaped nest.
The chicks are born with dark brown down and are fed by both parents. Overall, the western gull is an important species in the coastal regions of North America and the Pacific Ocean.
It is a species of conservation concern due to the destruction of its habitat along the coast, and its population is declining. It is important to protect its habitat to ensure the continued survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. occidentalis |
5. Willet
The willet is a type of large shorebird that belongs to the family Scolopacidae. It is a robust sandpiper, with a body size that is larger than other species of the same genus Tringa, commonly known as “shanks”.
Willets are usually found near the shoreline, where their large size makes them easily noticeable. They are typically grey, brown, or black in colour, with white underparts and black markings on their wings.
Willets have long legs and long, pointed wings, which they use to fly in long, swift glides. They primarily feed on small aquatic creatures such as insects, crustaceans and molluscs, which they scoop up with their bill.
When not feeding, they can be seen resting on the shore or flying in flocks. Willets are migratory birds that breed in North America and winter in the southern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Tringa |
| Species | T. semipalmata |
6. Marbled Godwit
The marbled godwit is a species of shorebird in the family Scolopacidae and is the largest of four species of godwits. It is a migratory bird, which means it travels between different places in order to find food or a better climate.
Its average size is larger than the other three species of godwits – the black-tailed, bar-tailed, and Hudsonian godwits. Generally, the marbled godwit is around 16 to 17 inches long and has a wingspan that can reach up to 32 inches.
It has a brownish-black head, neck, and breast, with white underparts and a brownish-black tail. The wings are mostly white with black and brown markings, and it has a long, slightly upturned bill.
Its habitat consists of mudflats and shallow coastal wetlands, where it feeds on invertebrates, worms, mollusks, and small fish. During the summer, the marbled godwit is found from Alaska and northern Canada to the Great Lakes region, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
During the winter, it migrates to the coasts of California, Mexico, and Central America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Limosa |
| Species | L. fedoa |
7. Western Grebe
The western grebe is a species of water bird that belongs to the grebe family. It is also known by several folk names, such as “dabchick”, “swan grebe” and “swan-necked grebe”.
The western grebe is typically found in western North America, including parts of Canada, Alaska, and the western United States. The bird is known for its black head, white neck, and grayish-black back.
It also has a distinctive long, thin, and curved bill that is yellowish-orange in color. Its feet are short and webbed, and it has a long, slender, and slightly curved neck. Western grebes generally feed on small fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and amphibians.
They typically hunt in shallow water near the shore. During the summer months, they often move to deeper waters to feed. The western grebe is also known for its intricate courtship and mating behavior.
To attract a mate, the male will perform a “dancing ritual” in which it dives underwater and then resurfaces with a fish in its beak.
This is done to impress the female and demonstrate its ability to provide for her and her young. The western grebe is one of the most popular species of water bird in North America. It is an important species for many birdwatchers, and its populations are largely stable.
As such, the western grebe is a species of conservation concern, and it is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Aechmophorus |
| Species | A. occidentalis |
8. Long-Billed Curlew
The long-billed curlew is a species of shorebird found in North America. It belongs to the family Scolopacidae, and is also referred to as the “sicklebird” and the “candlestick bird”.
This species is known to breed in the central and western parts of North America, and then migrate south and to the coast during the winter months. It is a large bird with a long bill, hence its name.
It is known for its unique call, which is a series of whistling cries that are often heard during the night. The long-billed curlew is an important part of the ecosystem, as it helps to keep the shoreline clean by eating insects and other small creatures.
It also plays a role in keeping the population of certain species of birds in check. By doing this, the long-billed curlew helps maintain balance in the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. americanus |
9. Western Sandpiper
The western sandpiper is a small shorebird belonging to the genus name kalidris or skalidris, which was used by Aristotle in Ancient Greek to refer to grey-colored waterside birds. To honor Italian botanist, Ernesto Mauri, the species of the western sandpiper was named mauri.
This species is considered to be a symbol of his remarkable contribution to the field of botany. The western sandpiper is a rather small bird, measuring only between four and six inches in length. It has a grey-brown back, with a white underside.
Its wings have a unique rounded shape, which makes it a very agile bird. It is an excellent flier and is capable of flying long distances. The western sandpiper is found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
It prefers to live in coastal areas, but can also inhabit inland wetlands and estuaries. It feeds on insects, worms, and crustaceans, as well as small fish and mollusks. This species is important to the ecosystem as a whole, as it helps to maintain balance in the food web.
It is also one of the most important shorebirds for migratory birds, as it provides a safe haven and a foraging ground for them during their long journeys.
The western sandpiper is an iconic symbol of Ernesto Mauri’s contribution to botany, and the species name is a fitting tribute to his exceptional work. This species is also important for the environment, and it serves as an important part of the food web.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. mauri |
10. Brown Pelican
The brown pelican is a large bird belonging to the Pelecanidae family. This family includes several species of pelicans that are found in the Americas. Among these species, the brown pelican is one of two species that feed by diving into the water.
This is a unique feeding method as most other species of birds feed on land. The brown pelican is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters and a body length of up to 1.5 meters. It is mainly brown in color with a white head and neck.
Its bill is long and slender and its throat pouch is large and expandable. This pouch is used to scoop up fish and water when the bird dives head-first into the water. The brown pelican is an excellent and efficient hunter.
It can dive from heights of up to 10 meters and can stay underwater for up to 30 seconds. It usually feeds on small fish, such as mullet and anchovies, though it will also feed on crustaceans and jellyfish.
It can hold up to three gallons of water and fish in its pouch, which it then drains before swallowing its catch. The brown pelican is an important species in the Americas and plays a vital role in the food chain.
Its population has been in decline in the past due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and the use of chemical pesticides which have caused eggshell thinning. Thankfully, conservation efforts have been successful in increasing its population.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. occidentalis |
11. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a species of bird found in the family Trochilidae. It is native to the western coastal regions of North America and was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli.
In the early 20th century, Anna’s hummingbirds were only found breeding in northern Baja California and Southern California.
This species of hummingbird is considered to be medium-sized, with males typically ranging between 7-8 centimeters in length, and females ranging between 6-7 centimeters.
They can also be identified by their bright green upperparts, white undersides, and deep pink or red throat patch. Anna’s hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers, as well as small insects.
They are also able to hover in front of flowers to feed, which is a trait that has allowed them to become one of the most common hummingbirds in North America.
They are also known for their territorial behavior, often chasing away other birds and animals from their feeding areas, and even from their nests. Overall, Anna’s hummingbirds are a fascinating species of bird that are found in the western coastal regions of North America.
They are identified by their bright colors, and their ability to hover in front of flowers to feed. They are also known for their territorial behavior and their breeding only in northern Baja California and Southern California in the early 20th century.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
12. Black Bellied Plover
The grey plover is a species of bird that is widely distributed across the world. It is sometimes referred to as the black-bellied plover in North America. This bird is a large plover that breeds in Arctic regions and is a long-distance migrant.
During the times when it is not breeding, it can be found near coastlines around the world. The grey plover is a species of shorebird that is generally found in coastal habitats, such as estuaries, mudflats and beaches.
It is a medium-sized bird, ranging between 18 and 24 centimeters in length and weighing between 92 and 130 grams. This species has a grey back, a white belly and a black breast and wings. Its legs and bill are usually black in color.
The grey plover breeds in Arctic regions during the summer months, before undertaking long-distance migrations to spend the winter in warmer climates.
These migrations usually take them to areas along the south coast of Europe, Africa and Asia, as well as parts of North and South America. When not breeding, the grey plover can be found along coastlines in these areas, where it feeds mainly on insects, crustaceans and mollusks.
The grey plover is a species that is not currently threatened, however, its population is thought to be declining slowly due to habitat destruction and the effects of climate change.
In order to help protect this species, conservation efforts are being made to create and protect suitable breeding and wintering habitats, as well as to monitor population trends.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. squatarola |
13. Northern Harrier
The northern harrier is a species of bird of prey found throughout the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere. It is also known by the names of marsh hawk or ring-tailed hawk.
This species of raptor is found in abundance in Canada and the northernmost parts of the United States of America. The northern harrier is a medium-sized raptor, measuring up to 18 inches in length with a wingspan of up to 43 inches.
It is easily recognizable by its unique appearance, with its characteristic pale grey upperparts, white underparts, and white rump. It also has a distinctive face with a black mask and yellow eyes.
In terms of diet, the northern harrier mainly feeds on small mammals, such as voles, mice, and shrews. It will also hunt birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. This raptor is known to be quite agile and is able to fly low over open habitats in search of prey.
The northern harrier is a migratory species, and in the northern part of its range, it will migrate south for the winter. During the breeding season, males will establish their territories and perform elaborate aerial displays to attract females.
The females will then build a nest in a tree or on the ground, where they will lay between four and six eggs. After hatching, the young birds will stay with their parents for up to a year before dispersing.
The northern harrier is a species of conservation concern in some parts of its range. This is mostly due to habitat destruction, as this species needs open areas to hunt and breed.
Conservation efforts, such as habitat protection and the reintroduction of this species to suitable areas, are underway in some areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Circus |
| Species | C. hudsonius |
14. Least Tern
The least tern is a species of small bird, typically found in North America and northern South America. It is closely related to the little tern, a species of bird found in the Old World.
Other related species include the yellow-billed tern and the Peruvian tern, both of which are found in South America. The least tern is typically found in coastal habitats, where it feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and insects.
It is a migratory species, breeding in the United States and Canada during the summer months before heading to South America for the winter. The least tern is classified as a Near Threatened species due to its declining numbers.
The least tern is very similar in appearance to the little tern of the Old World, which was previously classified as the same species. However, the two birds have some slight differences in size and markings.
The least tern is slightly smaller than the little tern and has a darker back and wings. The least tern also has a black line on its forehead and a white line running down its back.
The yellow-billed tern and Peruvian tern are both closely related to the least tern, although both of these species are found only in South America.
The yellow-billed tern is larger than the least tern, and has a yellowish-orange bill, while the Peruvian tern is also larger, with a forked tail and a black cap.
Overall, the least tern is an important species of bird, closely related to other species from both North and South America. It is an important part of the local ecosystem, and its numbers are unfortunately declining due to habitat destruction and other human activities.
It is important that we take steps to protect this species, and its related species, in order to ensure their survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sternula |
| Species | S. antillarum |
Conclusion
Coronado is home to a diverse population of birds and is a great place to observe and enjoy them. The wide range of habitats, from coastal marshes and mudflats to grasslands and chaparral, provide a rich and varied selection of avian life.
From the smallest hummingbirds to the largest raptors, Coronado is a great place to observe and appreciate the beauty of birds.