Antelope Island State Park is situated in the Great Salt Lake of Utah, USA and is touted to be one of the best birdwatching destinations in the world. The park offers an exceptional variety of bird species, including several rare and endangered species that call the island home.
Birds in Antelope Island State Park range from the majestic and massive American White Pelicans to the tiny, yet colorful and acrobatic hummingbirds. The park provides a wonderful opportunity for visitors to view and appreciate the diverse birdlife of Utah.
From sunrise to sunset, the birds of Antelope Island State Park fill the air with their songs and fascinating displays, creating an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and bird lovers.
1. Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is an iconic bird of prey found throughout the northern hemisphere. It is a large, powerful raptor with dark brown feathers and lighter golden-brown plumage on its nape.
Immature eagles have white patches around their beaks, tails and wings which they lose as they mature.
Its diet consists mostly of small mammals such as rabbits, hares and marmots but can also include birds or reptiles depending on where it lives.
These majestic creatures are known for their remarkable strength in flight; using thermal updrafts to soar high into the sky searching for food or simply enjoying the view below them.
They are often seen soaring alone over open expanses looking out for potential threats from other predators like wolves or foxes that may encroach upon their territory.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Aquila |
| Species | A. chrysaetos |
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2. Downy Woodpecker
The downy woodpecker is a small species of woodpecker found in North America. Growing up to 7 inches long, it can be identified by its white belly and spotted wings.
It inhabits forests throughout the United States and Canada, with the exception of deserts in the southwest and northern tundra.
This bird nests in tree cavities and feeds mostly on insects but will supplement its diet with fruit or nuts when available.
The Downy Woodpecker has an unmistakable call that sounds like a loud ‘pik-er’, similar to other members of its family such as the Hairy Woodpecker.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. pubescens |
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3. California Gull
The California Gull is a medium-sized bird, smaller than the herring gull but larger than the ring-billed gull. It has a yellow bill with black ring and yellow legs.
Its head is rounder compared to other gulls and its body mainly white in color with grey back and wings.
They are mostly found around lakes, rivers or coasts of western North America where there is plenty of food available for them such as fish, insects and crustaceans which they consume on their daily diet.
During breeding season these birds form large colonies near water bodies or wetlands where they also make their nests using grasses sticks or feathers.
As omnivores they play an important role in maintaining balance within local ecosystems by eating both plants material like seeds & fruits as well as small mammals like rodents.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. californicus |
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4. American Avocet
The American avocet is a stunningly beautiful bird found in North America. With its striking black and white plumage, long blue legs, and upturned bill it is an unmistakable sight.
It spends much of its time foraging around shallow water or mud flats searching for crustaceans and insects to feed on by sweeping its beak from side-to-side through the water.
The German naturalist Johann Friedr formally described this species back in 1789 as Recurvirostra americana – aptly named due to their habit of recurving their bills when feeding.
These graceful wading birds are truly a marvel of nature that deserve our admiration.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Recurvirostra |
| Species | R. americana |
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5. American Wigeon
The American Wigeon, also known as the Baldpate, is a species of dabbling duck found throughout North America.
It closely resembles its Eurasian counterpart and was formally described in 1789 by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin.
This medium-sized bird has an overall grey body with white feathers on its face and belly that give it a distinctive bald appearance.
Its wings are brownish black with green speculum markings on them while the tail is dark brown or black at the base and gradually lightens near tips to become chestnut colored.
The male wigeons have purple patches on their heads during breeding season along with yellow eyes which helps differentiate them from females who have duller colors around their faces instead of bright ones like males possess.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. americana |
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6. Mallard
The Mallard is a species of dabbling duck that can be found living in temperate and subtropical regions across the Americas, Eurasia and North Africa.
It has been introduced to other areas such as New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil and South Africa by humans.
This beautiful bird belongs to the Anatinae subfamily of waterfowl family Anatidae. The adult mallards have a glossy green head with white neck ring surrounding.
It along with brownish grey body feathers making them look stunning when they fly away or just sitting in their natural habitat around lakes or ponds.
They are excellent swimmers too due to webbed feet which helps them swim fast underwater while looking for food like aquatic insects etc.. Their loud quacking sound makes them quite popular among nature lovers.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
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7. American White Pelican
The American White Pelican is a majestic bird from the Pelecaniformes order, known for its impressive size and ability to soar gracefully in the sky.
It breeds during summer months in North America and migrates southwards towards Central and South America during winter.
The species was first described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin back in 1789 as part of his updated version of Carl Linnaeus’ work.
This large aquatic bird has an all-white plumage with black primary flight feathers on its wings, while its beak features a characteristic yellowish colouration at the base near the face.
Its diet mainly consists of fish which it typically catches after dipping into water using its long bill; yet sometimes they can be seen stealing food items from other birds such as cormorants or gulls.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. erythrorhynchos |
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8. Gadwall
The Gadwall is a species of duck belonging to the Anatidae family. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 and DNA studies show that it is closely related to the Falcated Duck, as well as three other Wigeons.
They are quite common and can be found across many parts of North America and Europe.
In terms of appearance, they have light grey bodies with white underbellies, brown wings tipped with black spots, yellowish-orange bills, dark eyes and distinctive chestnut heads which make them easy to identify among other ducks.
They prefer shallow wetlands but also inhabit ponds or lakes during winter migration season where they feed on aquatic plants such as pondweed or water lilies alongside small insects like beetles or dragonflies when available.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. strepera |
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9. Chukar
Chukar is a Palearctic upland gamebird belonging to the pheasant family. It has distinctive black and white bars on its flanks, as well as brown upperparts and buff underparts.
Its head is grey with an off-white face, throat and crest which turns chestnut in males during breeding season.
The Chukar typically lives in dry regions like open terrain or semi arid hillsides where it feeds mainly on seeds and invertebrates.
During winter months they tend to inhabit more wooded areas looking for shelter from harsh winds or snow storms.
They are social birds living in groups of up to 20 individuals but will pair off when mating season arrives.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Alectoris |
| Species | A. chukar |
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10. Burrowing Owl
The Burrowing Owl is a small, long-legged owl found in open landscapes throughout North and South America. They are typically seen in grasslands, rangelands, agricultural areas or deserts with low vegetation.
Unlike most owls they nest and roost underground by taking over burrows made by other animals such as prairie dogs.
Their diet consists of insects, rodents and sometimes lizards or frogs that they hunt during the night time hours when their eyesight is sharpest.
This species faces threats due to habitat loss caused by human development but conservation efforts have been successful at reversing some of this damage allowing for populations to remain stable into the future despite these pressures.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Athene |
| Species | A. cunicularia |
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11. Black-Necked Stilt
The Black-necked Stilt is an elegant shorebird that can be found from the coastal areas of California to Florida, then south through Central America and Brazil.
It has black upperparts contrasted by long white wings with a glossy sheen. Its striking red eyes are set against its white facial mask while its legs are bright pinkish in coloration.
The Haematopus mexicanus species inhabits marshy wetlands and brackish lagoons where it feeds on insects, crustaceans, small amphibians and fish which they catch using their slender bill or chase after them as they run across the surface of water or mudflats.
This bird typically nests near shallow waters but will use any habitat type if food resources are available nearby making it a highly adaptable species well suited for human altered habitats such as rice fields and sewage ponds.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
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12. White-Faced Ibis
The White-faced Ibis is a species of wading bird belonging to the ibis family. It breeds in marshes, nesting on low trees or bushes.
The breeding range for this species stretches from western United States south through Mexico, and from southeastern Brazil and Bolivia all the way down to central Argentina and along the coast of Chile.
Its wintering grounds include coastal California, northern Arizona, New Mexico as well as Central America; it also occasionally occurs further north than usual due to favorable conditions.
This beautiful bird has white plumage with bronze wings that shine when seen under sunlight. Furthermore, its head is adorned by an unmistakable white face patch which gives it its name—White-faced Ibis.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Plegadis |
| Species | P. chihi |
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13. Barn Owl
Barn owls are a beautiful and fascinating species of birds found around the world, with the exception of polar and desert regions, most of Indonesia and some Pacific Islands.
They have large eyes, thin legs and long wings that help them to hunt silently in low light conditions.
Their white colouring helps them blend into their surroundings making it easier for them to catch prey.
Barn owls are nocturnal hunters who use their impressive hearing capabilities to locate rodents moving within vegetation or tunnels beneath the ground.
They also feed on insects such as beetles, moths etc., which they can detect from high up in flight using their excellent vision even at night time.
The barn owl plays an important role in balancing ecosystems by controlling rodent populations which is why they should be protected wherever possible so that this vital service continues uninterruptedly.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Tytonidae |
| Genus | Tyto |
| Species | T. alba |
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14. Pelican
Pelicans are a large water bird and form part of the family Pelecanidae. They have long beaks, allowing them to scoop up prey from both land and sea with ease.
Their most distinctive feature is their huge throat pouch which they use to drain water before swallowing their food.
Most pelican species have predominantly pale plumage however exceptions such as the brown and Peruvian pelicans exhibit darker colouring.
The bill, face skin and pouch of all Pelican species become brightly coloured during breeding season in order to attract mates.
Pelicans can often live up to 25 years due to the fact that they eat mostly fish which provides them with enough nutrients for longevity.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus Linnaeus, 1758 |
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15. Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Cranes are a large species of crane native to North America and northeastern Siberia. They are known for their distinctive calls, long legs, and long necks.
These birds typically inhabit wetland areas like the Platte River in Nebraska’s Sandhills on the Great Plains.
In Central Florida, they often gather at the edges of bodies of water such as lakes or rivers.
During breeding season, sandhill cranes can be seen performing elaborate courtship dances that involve bowing and jumping in unison with their partner.
Their diet consists mainly of plant material including grains, roots, tubers and aquatic plants which they obtain by pecking or digging into mudflats using their bill or feet respectively.
With an average lifespan between 10-20 years these majestic creatures make great additions to any wetland habitat.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Antigone |
| Species | A. canadensis |
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16. Red-Naped Sapsucker
The Red-naped Sapsucker is a medium sized woodpecker native to North America. It was initially thought to be a subspecies of the yellow-bellied sapsucker, but it has since been identified as its own species.
This bird belongs in the genus Sphyrapicus, and does not have any known subspecies. Its distinct red head patch makes this species easy to identify among other birds of its kind.
It can usually be found near conifers or deciduous trees that contain sap wells drilled by these birds for their food source – mainly insects and tree sap.
These birds are also known to eat fruits, berries and nuts during winter months when bug populations decrease significantly.
The Red-naped Sapsucker is an important part of many ecosystems across North America due their unique diet habits which provide essential nutrients needed for plant growth and health; making them a valuable asset in preserving forests everywhere.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Sphyrapicus |
| Species | S. nuchalis |
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17. Williamson’s Sapsucker
Williamson’s sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker belonging to the Sphyrapicus genus.
It inhabits open coniferous forests, particularly those of ponderosa pine, douglas-fir and grand fir in western North America from northern British Columbia through California and as far east as Idaho.
During winter months it can also be found further south into Mexico. Williamson’s sapsuckers feed on arthropods that they drill out from tree bark or sap oozing from their feeding holes—hence its name.
They are an elegant species with glossy black wings patterned by white crescent shaped marks; the back being barred yellowish grey while underparts have fine barring too with chestnut tones around neck area.
In addition, red crowns make males easily distinguishable amongst females who sport dark brown heads instead.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Sphyrapicus |
| Species | S. thyroideus |
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18. Horned Lark
The Horned Lark, known as the Shore Lark in Europe and North America, is a species of lark belonging to the family Alaudidae.
It can be found across the northern hemisphere and has been classified under its Latin name Eremophila alpestris which means “of high mountains”, referring to its prevalence in mountainous areas like the Alps.
This bird is distinguished by two black tufts or ‘horns’ on either side of its head. Its size varies from 11-13 cm long with brown upperparts and pale whitish underparts sporting darker streaks throughout them both.
With an adaptation for ground nesting, it builds nests out of grasses lined with feathers near open fields where food sources are abundant such as insects, grains and seeds giving this species great potential for survival even when conditions may become harsh during winter months.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Alaudidae |
| Genus | Eremophila |
| Species | E. alpestris |
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19. Long-Billed Curlew
The Long-billed Curlew is an impressive shorebird, 50 to 65 cm in length and boasting a bill that can be up to 10cm long – hence its name
This species breeds in the central and western areas of North America before migrating south for winter.
Its distinctive call has earned it nicknames like “sickle bird” or “candlestick bird”. They are omnivorous, eating insects, spiders as well as plants both on land and in the water.
In addition they also have been known to scavenge carrion from time to time.
These magnificent birds inhabit coastal regions such as mudflats, marshes and beaches making them easy enough spot if you know their habitat.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. americanus |
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20. Ring-Necked Pheasant
The Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is a stunning bird from the pheasant family. It has an iridescent green and gold plumage, with bright red facial wattles and white neck rings that contrast against its black tail feathers.
This elegant species can be found in fields, meadows, woodlands and open areas across Northern Europe to East Asia where it feeds on grain, insects and other small animals. The male displays spectacular courtship rituals to attract mates.
He spreads his wings wide while making loud calls as a sign of dominance which helps him establish territories for breeding season.
Despite being hunted for both food by humans or predators like foxes and cats this magnificent creature remains one of nature’s most beautiful sights.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Phasianus |
| Species | P. colchicus |
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21. Northern Harrier
The Northern harrier, also known as the marsh hawk or ring-tailed hawk, is a bird of prey that can be found breeding in the northern parts of the northern hemisphere in Canada and the northernmost USA.
During winter, they migrate to more southerly areas, with breeding birds moving to the southernmost USA, Mexico, and Central America.
This hawk has a distinctive white rump patch that is visible during flight, making it easy to spot.
It is known for its unique hunting behavior, as it searches for prey by flying low over fields and marshes, using its incredible hearing to detect prey beneath the surface.
The Northern harrier feeds on small mammals, birds, and even insects.
They are important both ecologically and culturally and are a common sight for bird watchers in their respective habitats.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Circus |
| Species | C. hudsonius |
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22. Wilson’s Phalarope
The Wilson’s phalarope is a relatively small species of wading bird native to North America. It is known for being the largest of the phalaropes and livings in the prairies of western Canada and the western United States.
During migration, the Wilson’s phalarope travels through Central America during March/April and September/October. It winters near the Andes in Argentina, where it can be found near inland salt lakes.
While not particularly common, the species is a good example of the unique wildlife found in North America.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Phalaropus |
| Species | P. tricolor |
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23. Northern Shoveler
The Northern Shoveler, also known as the Shoveler, is a widely distributed and common duck. It breeds in northern regions of Europe and across much of North America.
During the winter months, it can be found in various locations including southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Central, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
This duck is rarely seen in Australia. The Northern Shoveler is easily identifiable by its large, spoon-shaped bill, which it uses to filter small organisms from the water. It is a dabbling duck that feeds on seeds and aquatic plants.
The male Shoveler has striking plumage with a green head, white breast, chestnut sides, and black tail. Females are more subdued in color with mottled brown feathers.
Overall, the Northern Shoveler is a fascinating bird with unique physical features and a wide distribution range.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. clypeata |
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24. Sage Thrasher
The Sage thrasher is a bird belonging to the family Mimidae, known for its unique singing talent. Unlike other thrashers, it is not closely related to Caribbean thrashers but rather to mockingbirds.
They are medium-sized, and only one species, Oreoscoptes montanus, exist under the genus Oreoscoptes. These birds are typically pale grey-brown on the upper parts, with whitish underparts and streaky dark marks on the throat.
They are known to inhabit western North America in the sagebrush, grasslands, and arid bushlands.
These birds are considered to be solitary breeders, laying up to five eggs in nests that are about a foot off the ground. They mainly feed on insects, fruits, and seeds that they forage for on the ground.
Sage thrashers have proven to be unique and vital species in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Oreoscoptes Baird, 1858 |
| Species | O. montanus |
