Birds are an integral part of life in Citrus. With its sunny weather and lush vegetation, Citrus provides a perfect habitat for many species of birds, both native and migratory.
There are over 130 species of birds recorded in Citrus, from tiny hummingbirds to majestic raptors such as eagles, and from colorful songbirds to large waterfowl. Each species brings its unique beauty to the area, making birdwatching a popular pastime in Citrus.
Whether you’re looking to spot rare species or just enjoy the chirping of a small bird, Citrus has something for everyone.
1. Tanagers
The tanagers are a large family of birds belonging to the order Passeriformes. They are found in the Neotropical region, which includes Central and South America, and nearby islands.
This family is the second largest family of birds, comprising 4% of all avian species and 12% of the birds in the Neotropical region.
The tanagers are a diverse and varied group, with over 400 species divided into two subfamilies: the Tanagrinae, which includes the true tanagers, and the Thraupinae, which includes the grosbeaks, honeycreepers, and seedeaters.
They are characterized by their brightly colored plumage and their strong, powerful beaks. Most species are found in dense tropical forests, where they feed on a variety of fruits and insects.
They are important seed dispersers and have an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystems in which they live.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
2. Western Tanager
The western tanager is a medium-sized songbird that is native to the Americas. It was formerly placed in the Tanager family but is now classified in the cardinal family.
This bird can be distinguished by its bright and colorful plumage, which is very similar to other members of the cardinal family. Its vocalizations are also similar to those of the cardinal family, making it easy to identify.
The western tanager is a favorite of birdwatchers, as it is often seen in open woodlands, gardens, and other habitats. Its diet consists mainly of insects, but it will also feed on berries and other fruits.
The western tanager is a great addition to any backyard, and its presence can bring a lot of joy to birders.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. ludoviciana |
3. Reddish Egret
The reddish egret is a medium-sized heron that can be found in several regions, including Central America, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Gulf Coast of the United States, and Mexico. It breeds in these areas and is known for its distinctive behavior while foraging.
Unlike other herons, the reddish egret will actively stir up the water with its feet to stir up prey from the mud flats where it usually feeds. This habitat is the reddish egret’s preferred place to live and feed, making it unique among the heron species.
The reddish egret’s unusual behavior makes it a fascinating bird to observe, and it has become an important species to study to understand more about herons and their behavior.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. rufescens |
4. Northern Mockingbird
The northern mockingbird is a species of mockingbird found in North America. It is a permanent resident, but during particularly harsh weather it may migrate further south.
The northern mockingbird is not a common sight in Europe, however, there have been a few cases of sightings. This species of mockingbird is mainly located in North America, where it can survive more easily due to the climate and food sources.
The northern mockingbird is mostly grey and white, with black and white wings. Its dark eyes are surrounded by white feathers. Its long tail feathers help it to maneuver through the air.
Its song is one of the most recognizable sounds in North America and is characterized by its versatility and complexity. The northern mockingbird can mimic the calls of other birds, as well as noises from its environment.
The northern mockingbird is an omnivorous species, meaning it will eat both plants and animals. It is known to eat insects, fruits, berries, and grains. These birds often feed in open areas like fields and lawns.
They are also known to feed in areas near human activity, such as parks and gardens. The northern mockingbird is a species that has been around for centuries. It has a long history of being admired by humans for its beauty, intelligence, and its ability to mimic sounds.
This bird is also a symbol of strength and resilience, and it is an important part of the ecosystem in North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Mimus |
| Species | M. polyglottos |
5. Woodpecker
The bird family Picidae is a worldwide family, with a wide variety of birds included in it. Woodpeckers, piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers are all members of this family.
This large family can be found in almost every region, with the exceptions of Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, and the extreme polar regions. Woodpeckers, in particular, are the most commonly thought of when it comes to the Picidae family.
They are known for their sharp beaks, which they use to peck at trees and branches to find food. Woodpeckers have unique feet, which they use to cling to the bark of trees as they search for food.
They also have stiff tail feathers to help them balance as they peck away. Piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers are all smaller than woodpeckers, but just as important members of the Picidae family.
Piculets can be found in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, and are known for their small size and drab coloring. Wrynecks are also found in these regions and have a unique, snake-like neck, which helps them to reach their food in hard-to-reach places.
Sapsuckers, on the other hand, are found in North America and are named for their habit of drilling small, circular holes into trees to feed on sap. Overall, the Picidae family is a large and important family of birds, found throughout most of the world.
Woodpeckers, piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers are all essential members of this family and play an important role in the ecosystems in which they live.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
6. Red-Bellied Woodpecker
The red-bellied woodpecker is a woodpecker that belongs to the Picidae family. It can be found in various places in the eastern United States, from Florida to Canada. It is a medium-sized woodpecker that is characterized by its red belly.
It breeds all year round, but more actively during the summer months. The red-bellied woodpecker can be identified by its white and black stripes and red belly, which is also its distinguishing feature.
Its diet consists mainly of insects and their larvae, but it also eats nuts and fruits. It nests in dead trees, where it builds its nest and raises its young. The red-bellied woodpecker is an important part of many ecosystems, as it helps to keep insect populations in check.
It is also an important source of food for other animals, such as hawks and owls.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. carolinus |
7. Bullock’s Oriole
Bullock’s oriole is a species of small blackbird found in the New World. This species was once grouped with the Baltimore oriole and referred to as the ‘northern oriole’. The name of this bird was given in honor of William Bullock, an English amateur naturalist.
Bullock was known for his contributions to zoological research, having traveled to South America and Mexico to collect specimens for his studies. He was also an innovator in the field of taxidermy and published several books on natural history.
His name and work are still remembered today, especially through the Bullock’s oriole. This species is a reminder of the important contributions made by amateur naturalists to our understanding of the world around us.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Icterus |
| Species | I. bullockii |
8. Brown Thrasher
The brown thrasher is a bird from the family Mimidae. It is sometimes mistakenly called the brown thrush or fox-colored thrush. The Mimidae family also includes other birds such as the New World catbirds and mockingbirds.
The brown thrasher is a medium-sized bird known for its long, brownish-black tail and its brown feathers. It has a white underside, and its wings have white stripes along them. Its bill is curved and slender, and its legs are long and sturdy.
The brown thrasher is mostly found in the United States and Canada, and it prefers open woodlands, thickets, and scrubby areas. It spends most of its time on the ground foraging for food, such as insects, small snakes, and fruits.
The brown thrasher is a very territorial bird and will sing loudly to ward off other birds from its territory. It is an important species for its ability to disperse seeds and help spread plants around its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Toxostoma |
| Species | T. rufum |
9. Gray Catbird
The gray catbird is a species of bird that is spread throughout North and Central America. It belongs to the family of Mimids, which is also known as the mockingbird family. The species is the only one of its kind, belonging to the genus of Dumetella.
It is a medium-sized bird, with a long tail, and gray feathers on the body, wings, and head. Its head is adorned with a black cap, and its tail is tipped with white and black feathers. The gray catbird is usually found in gardens, wooded areas, and occasionally in open pastures.
It is an omnivore, feeding on a wide variety of insects, fruits, and seeds. Its call is described as a combination of mews, chatters, and whistles. Its song is made up of a series of notes, and it is particularly known for its mimicry of other birds.
The gray catbird is an important species in its range, as it is a key part of the food chain. It is also known to control insect populations, which helps to keep the environment healthy.
The species is also beneficial to humans, as they help to pollinate flowers and disperse seeds, which in turn helps to promote healthy ecosystems.
In addition, the species is often used as a model for conservation efforts, due to its wide range and its importance to the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Dumetella |
| Species | D. carolinensis |
10. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
The rose-breasted grosbeak is a beautiful bird that is part of the cardinal family. It has a striking coloration, which is why it is often referred to as “cut-throat”.
It is a fairly large bird, and it is mainly known for its seed-eating habits. The male rose-breasted grosbeaks are particularly distinctive in their plumage. The head, wings, back, and tail are all black.
The most striking feature, however, is the bright rose-colored patch on their white breast. This unique color combination is what makes them so easily recognizable. In addition to its feeding habits, the rose-breasted grosbeak is primarily a foliage gleaner.
This means that it will search for food among the leaves and branches of trees. Its diet consists mainly of small seeds and insects. The rose-breasted grosbeak is found in a variety of habitats and can often be seen in backyards, parks, and woodlands.
It is also a migratory bird, which means that it can be seen in different parts of the world at different times of the year. Overall, the rose-breasted grosbeak is a beautiful bird that is easily recognized by its unique coloration.
It is a seed-eating grosbeak that mainly feeds on small seeds and insects, and it can be found in a variety of habitats. It is also a migratory bird, which means that it can be seen in different parts of the world at different times of the year.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Pheucticus |
| Species | P. ludovicianus |
11. Scarlet Tanager
The scarlet tanager is a beautiful bird that is native to North America. It has a distinctive red plumage with black wings and tail and is a medium-sized songbird.
Traditionally, it was grouped in the tanager family, but recent studies have reclassified it as part of the cardinal family. This is due to similarities in behavior, physical characteristics, and genetic makeup.
The scarlet tanager has a variety of vocalizations and ranges in habitat from open woodlands to swamps and marshes. It feeds mainly on insects, but will also eat fruit and berries.
It is usually found in pairs or small flocks, and during breeding season they migrate to the northern and eastern parts of the continent. These birds are considered a species of least concern, meaning they are not currently endangered or threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. olivacea |
12. Red-Cockaded Woodpecker
The red-cockaded woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that is only found in the southeastern United States. It is a small bird, typically measuring about 8 to 10 inches in length with black and white streaked feathers and a distinctive red patch at the back of its head.
In addition to its red patch, it has two white stripes running down its back. The red-cockaded woodpecker is an important species in the region, as it plays a vital role in the healthy maintenance of pine forests.
It is considered an indicator species, meaning that its presence is an indicator of a healthy forest. This is because the red-cockaded woodpecker relies on healthy pine forests with open canopies for nesting and foraging for food.
The woodpecker also uses the acidic wood of the pine tree to create cavities for nesting. The red-cockaded woodpecker is a species of conservation concern and is listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List.
This is due to the loss of its preferred habitat from deforestation and fire suppression.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect this species, including the management of its habitat, the establishment of captive breeding programs, and research into the ecology of the species.
It is hoped that these efforts will help to ensure the survival of the red-cockaded woodpecker in the southeastern United States.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Leuconotopicus |
| Species | L. borealis |
Conclusion
Birds are an important part of the Citrus County ecosystem. They provide food, shelter, and beauty to the area. They also play an important role in controlling pests, pollinating plants, and dispersing seeds.
The presence of birds in the area ensures that the region’s environment is healthy and vibrant. It is important to protect these birds and their habitats to ensure that they remain a part of the area’s ecology for generations to come.