Baja California, a northern Mexican state, is a region of diverse landscapes ranging from arid deserts to scenic beaches. The state’s geography makes it the ideal habitat for a wide variety of bird species, including resident and migratory birds.
The area’s diversity is attributed to its location between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, as well as its proximity to the US. This has led to an impressive list of birds found in Baja California that birdwatchers, ornithologists, and nature lovers flock to see.
From the majestic peregrine falcons to the colorful sumptuous trogon, this article showcases some of the remarkable birds that are native to Baja California.
1. Cactus Wren
The cactus wren is an enchanting bird found in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico.
It has a unique brown plumage, with black and white spots as markings, along with a distinctive white eyebrow sweeping to its nape.
Its chest is also snow-white, whereas its belly features light brown bars that contrast nicely against other feathers.
This species holds special significance for Arizona – it was declared their state bird due to its large size compared to other US wrens.
Cactus Wrens are often seen perched atop Saguaro cacti or jumping around on desert ground searching for food such as insects like beetles or spiders.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Troglodytidae |
| Genus | Campylorhynchus |
| Species | C. brunneicapillus |
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2. Yellow-Footed Gull
The Yellow-footed Gull is a large seabird endemic to the Gulf of California. It has a white head, dark slate colored wings and back, and a thick yellow bill with yellow legs (pink in young birds).
In appearance it is quite similar to its relative the Western Gull but was classified as a separate species until around 1960.
This bird feeds mainly on small fish found near shorelines which it catches by diving into shallow waters from heights up to 20m above sea level.
As well as being an efficient hunter they are also renowned scavengers that feed at dumps or follow fishing boats for scraps.
They have even been seen eating jellyfish. A range of conservation measures including protection given under Mexican law means this beautiful bird can be enjoyed long into the future.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. livens |
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3. Blue-Footed Booby
The blue-footed booby is a marine bird that can be found in subtropical and tropical parts of the eastern Pacific Ocean.
It’s one of six species from the same genus, with its unique bright blue feet being a product of their diet as well as an attractive mating ritual for males.
During this ritual, they lift up their feet to show off their brilliant colouring to potential mates.
Boobies are excellent divers, using these skills primarily to hunt fish and squid close by reefs or open ocean waters – plunging into the sea from heights between 10–30 metres.
They also feed on smaller prey such as crustaceans which float near the surface.
Their wingspan averages 1 metre across, making them graceful flyers over large distances both on land and above water surfaces alike.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Sula |
| Species | S. nebouxii |
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4. Xantus’s Hummingbird
Xantus’s hummingbird is a species of bird native to the Baja California Peninsula. It was first placed in the genus Basilinna but then moved to Hylocharis before going back again to its original classification.
This small and vibrant bird has striking black feathers on its front, with green and white plumage covering its body.
When it takes flight, they produce an audible hum as their wings beat rapidly; this sound can be heard up to 200 feet away.
Xantus’s hummingbird feeds mainly on nectar from flowers which they suck up using their long curved bills while hovering mid-air or perched atop branches.
They are also known for being very territorial creatures that fiercely defend their nests against intruders – definitely not one you want around your garden.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Basilinna |
| Species | B. xantusii |
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5. Baja Pygmy Owl
The Baja pygmy owl, also known as the cape pygmy owl, is a small bird found only in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur.
Some experts consider it to be a distinct species, while others classify it as a subspecies of the northern pygmy owl.
This bird is known for its small size and distinctive markings, including a spotted pattern on its chest and a distinctive facial disk.
While little is known about its behavior in the wild, the Baja pygmy owl is believed to primarily feed on insects and small rodents.
This bird is considered to be at risk due to habitat loss and other threats, and conservation efforts are underway to protect its population.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Glaucidium |
| Species | G. hoskinsi |
6. Gray Thrasher
The Gray thrasher is a bird species that is part of the Mimidae family. It can be found in the Baja California peninsula of Mexico.
This medium-sized bird has two subspecies, which are the T. c. cinereum and T. c. mearnsi.
Measuring around 21.4 to 25.0 cm in length, the Gray thrasher has a notable weight difference between males and females.
Male Gray thrashers usually weigh between 58.6 to 69.8 g while female Gray thrashers are around 54.4 g.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Toxostoma |
| Species | T. cinereum |
7. Belding’s Yellowthroat
Belding’s yellowthroat is a resident breeder found only on the southern Baja California Peninsula in Mexico.
It is a type of New World warbler and belongs to the superspecies which also includes common yellowthroat, Altamira yellowthroat and Bahama yellowthroat.
These birds are closely related, and were previously thought to be the same species.
Belding’s yellowthroat usually inhabits freshwater marshes and lagoons that have cattail plants growing nearby, where it breeds.
As a result of its limited range and habitat requirements, the species is considered to be vulnerable.
The Belding’s yellowthroat has a yellow throat and bright yellow, with conspicuous black markings on its head and face.
It is a small bird, measuring around 12.5 cm in length and weighing about 10-12 grams.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Geothlypis |
| Species | G. beldingi |
8. Guadalupe Caracara
The Guadalupe caracara, also called the mourning caracara or quelili, was an extinct bird of prey in the falcon family.
It was closely related to the crested caracara and was formerly categorized under the genus Polyborus.
The bird lived on Mexico’s Guadalupe Island until the early 1900s.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Caracara |
| Species | †C. lutosa |