Birds are an important part of life in Altadena, California.
From the majestic Bald Eagle soaring above the San Gabriel Mountains to the colorful House Finch perched in our backyard trees, Altadena’s birds fill the skies with beauty and provide a pleasant soundtrack to our days and nights.
With its diverse habitats and varied topography, Altadena is a haven for birdwatchers and a perfect spot for birders of all levels of experience. With its unique mix of mountain, desert, and urban environments, Altadena is home to a wide array of native and non-native birds.
From the endangered California Condor to the ubiquitous American Robin, Altadena’s rich array of birds provides an ever-changing landscape of beauty and drama for its residents to enjoy.
1. Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is a magnificent bird of prey that can be found across the globe. It is widely known as the duck hawk in North America and is easily recognizable by its blue-grey back, barred white underparts, and black head.
Its impressive size makes it a formidable hunter, and it is most famous for its exceptional speed. The peregrine falcon can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when diving, making it the fastest animal on Earth.
This incredible speed has enabled the bird to capture its prey in mid-air, and it is a master of aerial maneuvering. It can fly in a variety of directions and at various speeds to outwit its prey, and it is an incredibly skilled hunter.
This remarkable speed and agility, combined with its striking physical features, make the peregrine falcon an extraordinary bird of prey.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | F. peregrinus |
2. American Kestrel
The American kestrel, also known as the sparrow hawk, is the smallest and most widespread falcon species in North America. It has a significant size variation between subspecies and sex, which can range from being roughly the same size as a blue jay to that of a mourning dove.
This size variation is roughly two-to-one, meaning that the size difference between the largest and smallest specimens of the species is twice as large as the size difference between the smallest and second-smallest specimens.
The American kestrel is a small bird of prey, with males having a length of between 8 and 11 inches, and a wingspan of between 17 and 21 inches. Females are generally a bit larger than males, with a length of between 9 and 12 inches and a wingspan of between 19 and 22 inches.
The American kestrel has a distinctive plumage, with a rusty-red back, white face and belly, and dark wings marked with white, black, and gray. Its diet consists mostly of small rodents, insects, and other small animals, which it hunts from perches or while hovering in the air.
The American kestrel is a common sight in open fields and grasslands, as well as in urban areas. It is a widespread species, found in parts of Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Its population is considered to be stable, although it is threatened by habitat loss due to urbanization and other human activities.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | F. sparverius |
3. Red-Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a bird of prey that can be found in many areas of North America. It is commonly seen in the interior of Alaska and northern Canada, as well as in Panama and the West Indies.
This hawk belongs to the genus Buteo, which is a group of birds of prey that are found in North America and throughout the world. Red-tailed hawks are adapted to a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and deserts.
They are known for their long wings and powerful talons, which they use to capture their prey. Red-tailed hawks have a distinct red tail, which is one of their most recognizable features. They are also very vocal, producing loud, high-pitched calls.
Red-tailed hawks are often seen soaring in the sky, as they are strong flyers that can reach high altitudes. They are an important part of the ecosystem, helping to keep populations of small mammals in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. jamaicensis |
4. Barn Owl
The barn owl is a species of owl that is found in almost all parts of the world except for the polar and desert regions, Asia north of the Himalayas, most of Indonesia, and some Pacific Islands.
This makes it one of the most widespread and distributed species of birds in the world. It is found in a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, fields, and even cities. It is nocturnal and has a distinct hooting call that is easily recognizable.
Its diet consists mainly of small mammals, such as mice, voles, and shrews, but it will also take insects and other small prey. It nests in tree cavities, caves, or old buildings, and typically lays between two and five eggs.
The barn owl is an important predator, helping to keep rodent populations in check. It is also an impressive sight to behold, with its white heart-shaped face, long legs, and buff-colored wings.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Tytonidae |
| Genus | Tyto |
| Species | T. alba |
5. Turkey Vulture
The turkey vulture is a type of New World vulture, meaning it is native to the Americas. It is part of the Cathartes genus, which belongs to the Cathartidae family.
These birds can be found across a huge range, stretching from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. This makes them among the most widespread of all the vultures. The turkey vulture is a large bird, usually having a wingspan of between five and six feet.
It has a bald, featherless head, which is usually red or black in color. Its body is typically grayish-brown in color, and its wings are broad and long. This bird has excellent vision, which helps it to spot potential food sources from a great distance.
In terms of diet, the turkey vulture mainly eats carrion, which is the flesh of dead animals. It is an important part of the ecosystem, helping to keep the environment clean by consuming dead animals. However, they will occasionally feed on eggs, reptiles, and small mammals.
These birds are interesting creatures, and their ability to travel vast distances allows them to be found in areas all over the Americas. They play an important role in the environment, helping to keep it clean by consuming dead animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Cathartidae |
| Genus | Cathartes |
| Species | C. aura |
6. Great Horned Owl
The great horned owl is an impressive bird that is native to the Americas and has adapted to many different climates and habitats. It is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 60 inches. It is known by many different names, including the tiger owl, or hoot owl.
This owl is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas, and its range stretches from Alaska and northern Canada all the way to South America. The great horned owl is a powerful hunter and its diet includes small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
It is also an excellent flyer and can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Its feathers are a mottled mixture of brown, black, and white, which helps it blend in with its surroundings. Despite its size, the great-horned owl is a shy bird and is rarely seen in the wild.
It is, however, a common sight in urban and suburban areas, where it can be seen perched on telephone poles or roosting in tree branches.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Bubo |
| Species | B. virginianus |
7. Northern Flicker
The northern flicker is a species of bird that belongs to the woodpecker family. This species is native to many areas, including most of North America, parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.
It is a medium-sized bird and one of the few woodpecker species that migrate. The northern flicker is typically identified by its bright red and black feathers, white patches on its wings and tail, and a black “bib” on its chest.
It has a long, pointed bill which helps it to feed on insects, fruits, and nuts. The northern flicker can sometimes be seen hovering in the air as it looks for food on the ground.
The northern flicker has various calls and songs, including a loud rolling call that is often heard in wooded areas. During mating season, males can be seen performing a display in which they fly up and down, making loud noises.
This species is a cavity nester, meaning that it uses existing cavities in trees or creates its own cavities for nesting.
The northern flicker is an important species in its range, as it helps to create cavities for other birds to nest in and can help to disperse the seeds of certain plants. It is also an important part of the food chain, providing sustenance to many predators.
Despite its importance, the northern flicker is still threatened in some areas due to deforestation and other human activities.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
8. Steller’s Jay
Steller’s jay is a distinct species of bird native to western North America and the mountains of Central America. It is most closely related to the blue jay found in eastern North America, and is the only crested jay species west of the Rocky Mountains.
This bird species is easily identifiable by its blue-grey crest and black head and neck. Its wings and tail are a vibrant blue color, and its underside is white with black markings. It is also usually larger than its eastern counterpart, with a body length of up to 11 inches.
The Steller’s jay is an omnivorous feeder, and its diet is composed of nuts, seeds, acorns, insects, and fruit. It is known to be quite bold and inquisitive, often approaching humans and making loud calls.
They can be found in wooded areas, including coniferous forests, oak woodlands, and urban parks. These birds are also very social, living in flocks of up to twenty individuals.
The Steller’s jay is an important species of bird, playing an important role in the North American ecosystem. They help to disperse seeds and provide food for other animals. They are also known to be quite intelligent, learning to recognize and make use of tools.
As a result, they are an important part of the natural environment and should be protected.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. stelleri |
9. Northern Mockingbird
The northern mockingbird is a species of mockingbird that is widely distributed throughout North America. It is a permanent resident in most areas, but in times of extreme weather conditions, some of the northern birds may migrate to the south.
This species is not native to Europe but has been sighted there on rare occasions. They are usually found in open woodlands, suburban gardens, parks, and other areas where there are trees and shrubs. They are grayish-brown in color with white spots on their wings.
Northern mockingbirds are omnivorous, meaning they eat a variety of food including insects, fruits, and seeds. They are also known to imitate the sounds of other birds, as well as man-made sounds. Northern mockingbirds are popular birds and are often kept as pets.
They are also the state bird of Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
They are considered a beneficial bird species due to their diet, as they consume many insects and larvae that are considered pests. Overall, the northern mockingbird is an interesting species that is found in North America and has been rarely seen in Europe.
It is a permanent resident in most areas and is a beneficial species due to its diet. It is also a popular bird and is the state bird of four states in the US.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Mimus |
| Species | M. polyglottos |
10. Acorn Woodpecker
The acorn woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that is medium-sized in size and has an average length of 21 cm. This species is also known to have an average weight of 85 g which is relatively light compared to other species of woodpecker.
The acorn woodpecker has a black head with a large white spot on the forehead and a long white stripe running down the back of its neck. The body is mainly black with white stripes on the wings and white spots on the tail. The chest and belly of the bird are a bright red color.
This species of woodpecker can be found in the western parts of the United States and Mexico, where they inhabit oak, pine, and other types of trees. They feed mainly on insects, nuts, and fruits, including acorns, hence their name.
Acorn woodpeckers are also known to store large amounts of acorns in holes in trees or on telephone poles, which they use as food reserves during the winter months. These birds are very social creatures and can often be seen in groups of up to 30 individuals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. formicivorus |
11. California Towhee
The California towhee is a species of bird belonging to the family Passerellidae, which is native to the coastal regions of western Oregon and California in the United States, as well as Baja California and Baja California Sur in Mexico.
The taxonomy of this species is a topic of debate amongst biologists and ornithologists. It is difficult to classify the California towhee due to its unique characteristics, which vary from region to region.
For example, the California towhee in California is typically lighter in color and more slender than the towhee in Oregon, which is darker and has a more robust body.
Additionally, the California towhee is considered to be a subspecies of the Canyon towhee, which is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico.
This further complicates the taxonomy of the California towhee, as it is difficult to determine whether the two species should be classified as distinct species or as a single species with two subspecies.
As such, the debate over the classification of the California towhee is ongoing.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Melozone |
| Species | M. crissalis |
12. White-Crowned Sparrow
The white-crowned sparrow is a species of bird that is native to North America. It is a medium-sized bird, belonging to the New World sparrow family. This species is easily identifiable due to its distinctive grey face, and black and white streaking on the upper head.
This pattern is unique to the white-crowned sparrow and serves as a helpful identifier when trying to distinguish them from other birds.
In addition to its distinctive features, the white-crowned sparrow is also notable for its melodious song, which is often heard echoing through the trees. Its song is composed of complex, high-pitched notes that can be heard from a distance.
This species is an important part of North American ecosystems, as it helps to control pests by consuming insects and other organisms. Furthermore, the white-crowned sparrow is also an important food source for many predators, such as hawks and owls.
All in all, the white-crowned sparrow is an important part of the natural world and an important part of the North American ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Zonotrichia |
| Species | Z. leucophrys |
13. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a small, vibrant bird species that belongs to the family Trochilidae. Its scientific name is Calypte anna, and it was named after Anna Masséna, the Duchess of Rivoli.
This species is native to the western coastal regions of North America, stretching from British Columbia to Baja California. In the early 20th century, Anna’s hummingbirds were mainly found in the northern regions of Baja California and Southern California.
These areas are home to a variety of different habitats, including chaparral, oak woodland, and coastal sage scrub.
The birds enjoy nectarine on the many flowers found in these habitats, particularly the Mexican sage, which is one of their favorite sources of nectar. Anna’s hummingbird is a unique species due to its coloration.
Its back is typically a metallic green with a hint of bronze, while its head and throat are a brilliant iridescent pink-red. This vibrant coloration makes it one of the most easily recognizable hummingbird species in the North American West.
Anna’s hummingbird is a highly territorial species, and males will fiercely defend their territory against other males. They are also capable of flying in any direction and are able to hover in the air.
This allows them to feed on flowers and other sources of nectar, and to quickly escape any potential predators. In recent years, Anna’s hummingbird has become a very popular bird for backyard birdwatchers.
Its vibrant coloration and friendly behavior make it a delight to observe and photograph. As such, it has become one of the most beloved and iconic hummingbird species in North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
14. Dryobates Nuttallii
Nuttall’s woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that was named after the naturalist Thomas Nuttall in 1843. These birds are found in oak woodlands located in California.
They are particularly similar to ladder-backed woodpeckers in regards to both their genetics and appearance. Nuttall’s woodpeckers have a unique black and white striped pattern on their wings and a black and white striped head. They also have a red crest and a black bill.
Their genetic relationship to the ladder-backed woodpecker is quite close and the two species are often found in the same woodlands. These birds feed on insects and small invertebrates that they find in the bark of trees. They also pick up their food from the ground.
They use their sharp bills to peck through the bark of trees in search of food.
In addition, they also visit bird feeders and gardens to supplement their diet. Nuttall’s woodpeckers are a protected species and their population is decreasing due to habitat destruction and human activities.
Therefore, it is important to protect these birds and their habitats in order to ensure their survival. Conservation efforts such as planting native trees, maintaining healthy food sources, and protecting nesting sites are all essential for the preservation of these birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. nuttallii |
15. California Scrub Jay
The California scrub jay is a species of bird that can be found in western North America. It is native to the region, meaning that it is a naturally occurring species that has evolved and adapted to the local environment.
The species ranges from southern British Columbia, all the way down the coast of California and western Nevada near the city of Reno. It is also found west of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This species is a medium-sized bird, with a bright blue head, wings, and tail.
Its back is a grayish-brown color, and its underside is a pale yellow. The California scrub jay is an omnivorous bird, meaning that it eats both plants and animals. It feeds on a variety of fruits, nuts, insects, arthropods, and small vertebrates.
This species is highly adaptive and can be found in both urban and rural areas. It is also known for its intelligence and can be quite playful in both captivity and in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Aphelocoma |
| Species | A. californica |
16. California Quail
The California quail, also known as the California Valley quail or Valley quail, is a small bird that lives on the ground. It belongs to the New World quail family.
Both male and female California quail have a distinctive crest or plume made of six feathers, which droops forward. The male’s crest is black while the female’s crest is brown. The flanks of the bird are brown with white streaks.
This is a unique feature of the California quail which helps to distinguish it from other species. The California quail is an adaptable bird and is found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, and agricultural land.
Its diet consists mainly of seeds, insects, and leaves. It is a ground forager and will scratch the soil with its feet to uncover food. California quail are social birds and form small flocks that typically contain between five and fifteen individuals.
They are known to be quite vocal and can often be heard in the early morning and evening. The California quail is a popular game bird and is hunted for sport. However, it is also an important species in the environment, as it helps to disperse seeds and maintain healthy habitat.
It is an important food source for predators such as coyotes and foxes. Overall, the California quail is an interesting bird with a distinctive look and behavior. It is an important species to the environment and is also a popular game bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Odontophoridae |
| Genus | Callipepla |
| Species | C. californica |
17. Band-Tailed Pigeon
The band-tailed pigeon is a species of bird found in the Americas. It is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive tail band at the end of its tail feathers. Its coloration is mainly grey and brown, with iridescent, iridescent feathers located on its neck.
This species is closely related to the Chilean pigeon and the ring-tailed pigeon, which are both species of Patagioenas. These three species together form a clade, a group of organisms that share a common ancestor and are closely related to one another.
The band-tailed pigeon is found in a variety of habitats, from forests to marshy wetlands, and is a resident of many North and South American nations. It feeds mainly on fruits and berries and is a popular game bird in the Americas.
It is also hunted for its meat, and its feathers are used for various decorative purposes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. fasciata |
18. American White Pelican
The American white pelican is a species of bird from the order Pelecaniformes. It is a large bird, mostly found in bodies of water, using its wings for soaring.
During the breeding season, the white pelicans are usually found in the North American interior, but when the winter months arrive, they migrate south and can be found as far south as Costa Rica.
These birds feed mainly on fish, which they hunt and catch in large groups, rarely hunting alone. The white pelican has a wingspan of up to 1.8 meters, making it one of the largest species of bird in the Pelecaniformes order.
They have bright white plumage on their bodies, black flight feathers on their wings, and a unique, bright orange bill. They are a very social species, living in large colonies and participating in communal feeding habits.
The American white pelican is an impressive bird to witness, and its migration is a truly remarkable phenomenon.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. erythrorhynchos |
19. Psittacara Mitratus
The mitred parakeet, also known as the mitred conure in aviculture, is a species of bird belonging to the subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae. This family includes African and New World parrots.
The mitred parakeet is native to the countries of Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. It has also been introduced to Uruguay, where it has become established in the wild. The mitred parakeet is a medium-sized parrot, with a long tail and a bright green body and wings.
It has a black head and chest, red feathers around its eyes, and a yellow-orange beak. This species is easily distinguished from other parakeets because of its unique plumage.
In the wild, the mitred parakeet inhabits a variety of habitats, including subtropical and temperate forests, grasslands, and wetlands. It is also commonly found in urban areas, where it has adapted to feeding on food scraps and cultivated fruit.
The mitred parakeet is considered to be an intelligent and social species of parrot. It is known to form flocks of up to several hundred individuals and is often seen in large groups in parks and other urban areas.
In captivity, this species requires a large enclosure and plenty of enrichment activities to prevent boredom. Overall, the mitered parakeet is a beautiful and unique species of parrot that is native to parts of South America and has been introduced to parts of Uruguay.
It is a highly social species that occupies a variety of habitats. It is important to ensure that this species is protected and conserved in its native range and that its populations are managed responsibly in areas where it has been introduced.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Psittacara |
| Species | P. mitratus |
Conclusion
Birds in Altadena are a vital part of the local ecosystem, providing essential services such as seed dispersal, pest control, and pollination. They also provide an important source of entertainment and beauty to the local community, as well as a source of inspiration for many.
Altadena is home to a diverse variety of birds, including some rare species that cannot be found anywhere else.
As the local environment continues to be threatened by climate change, it is more important than ever that we protect the birds of Altadena and ensure their continued survival.