Birds are a fascinating part of the natural world, and Bloomington is an excellent place to observe them. Bloomington has a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, that provide excellent homes for a wide range of species.
From the colorful warblers in local parks to the majestic bald eagles soaring in the skies, Bloomington is home to many beautiful and interesting birds. Whether you’re a lifelong birder or just getting started, Bloomington is a great place to explore the avian world..
1. House Finch
The house finch is a species of bird in the finch family, Fringillidae. It is native to western North America and has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii.
This species, along with two other American rosefinches, is classified in the genus Haemorhous. The house finch has an overall brownish-streaked plumage, with white to yellowish markings on its breast and belly. It has a long, pointed bill and a short, notched tail.
These birds feed on buds, fruits, and seeds, and are known to flock to bird feeders in urban areas. The house finch is known to nest in cavities, such as tree hollows, nest boxes, and even window boxes and mailboxes in urban areas.
They are known to form flocks in the winter and migrate south for the colder months. The house finch is an important species in its native range, and its introduction to the eastern states has also had a positive effect since this species has helped to control insect pests in these areas.
It is also an important seed disperser, helping to spread native plant species and maintain biodiversity.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
2. Eastern Screech Owl
The Eastern Screech Owl is a small bird species native to Eastern North America. It can be found from Mexico all the way up to Canada. These owls are fairly common and are one of the most recognizable members of the owl family.
They tend to inhabit woodlands, urban areas, and open meadows. They are active both during the day and night but are most active during the night. They are often heard at night, with their distinctive trill.
Eastern Screech Owls range in size from 6.5 to 9.5 inches, with a wingspan of 18 to 24 inches. They have a mottled gray, brown, or red-brown plumage and a white or pale gray face. They have large, bright yellow eyes, and prominent ear tufts.
They also have a distinctive call, consisting of a series of descending whinnies and trills. These owls are mainly insectivores but also will feed on small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and even other birds.
They are opportunistic feeders and can hunt from a perch or actively search for prey on the ground. They are also known to take advantage of roadkill or other carrion. The Eastern Screech Owl is an important part of the ecosystem in Eastern North America.
They help to regulate insect populations and can help to keep smaller, more vulnerable bird species safe from predation. They are also important indicators of the health of their habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Megascops |
| Species | M. asio |
3. Bald Eagle
The bald eagle is a majestic bird of prey found in North America. It is a sea eagle, which means it is able to hunt both in the air and from the water.
There are two known subspecies of the bald eagle, which share the same habitat and niche as the white-tailed eagle in the Palearctic. The two eagles form a species pair, meaning that they have adapted to the same environment and have coexisted together in balance for many years.
The bald eagle is an iconic symbol of the United States and is protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It is a large bird, with a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet, and has a distinctive white head and tail.
Its diet consists of fish, small mammals, and other birds, and it is most often seen near large bodies of water.
The bald eagle is an amazing animal that has adapted to its environment and can still be seen in the wild today, serving as a reminder of the beauty and power of nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Haliaeetus |
| Species | H. leucocephalus |
4. Red-Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a bird of prey that is found in a wide geographical range across North America. It is present in both the northern and southern parts of the continent, from Alaska and Canada in the north to Panama and the West Indies in the south.
This species is one of the most abundant members of the Buteo genus, which is a large family of birds of prey that is found across the world. Red-tailed hawks are typically quite large birds, with wingspan that can reach up to 4.5 feet across.
They have reddish tails that are quite distinctive, and their coloration can range from deep brown to lighter shades of gray.
They are also capable of soaring high in the sky, and they will often hunt by soaring and then diving down to catch their prey.These birds usually feed on a variety of small animals, including rodents, reptiles, and insects, as well as birds and eggs.
They are also known to scavenge for food and are frequently seen perched on trees or utility poles, looking for their next meal. Red-tailed hawks are solitary birds, and will usually form pairs during the breeding season.
They build large stick nests in trees, and the female will lay up to four eggs, which will hatch in around a month’s time. The young hawks will stay with their parents for up to two and a half years before they are ready to go out on their own.
Overall, the red-tailed hawk is an impressive bird of prey that is widely distributed across North America and much of the world. They are powerful hunters that have adapted to a wide range of habitats, and they are a common sight in many areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. jamaicensis |
5. Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is a small thrush found in North America. It is migratory and prefers open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards for its habitat.
During the breeding season, the male Eastern Bluebird has a bright blue plumage, which makes it easily identifiable on a wire or open perch. This makes it a very popular bird for birders, who like to observe and document the different species of birds.
It is a very attractive bird, with its bright blue color, and is a favorite among birders.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. sialis |
6. Dark-Eyed Junco
The dark-eyed junco is a species of sparrow native to North America. It is a small bird, typically gray in color, and is found in both temperate and arctic climates. The bird is very adaptable and can be found in a variety of different habitats.
It is a member of the junco family, which includes several small grayish species of sparrows. The dark-eyed junco is similar in appearance to the fox sparrow, and the two species have been difficult to distinguish from one another.
Despite ongoing research, the systematics of identifying them has not been completely untangled.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Junco |
| Species | J. hyemalis |
7. Gray Catbird
The gray catbird is a species of bird found in North America and Central America. It belongs to the mimid family, which consists of birds known for their ability to mimic the sounds of other species.
The gray catbird is the only member of the genus Dumetella, which is why it is also referred to as the “catbird”. It is a medium-sized bird, usually having grey feathers and a relatively long tail.
It is a perching bird, which means that it typically rests on branches and twigs, rather than flying. It has a loud, raspy call which is often heard in open areas such as fields and gardens. The gray catbird is an omnivore, meaning that it feeds on both plants and animals.
Its diet includes small insects, fruits, berries, and seeds. It is a solitary species, often found alone or in small family groups. It is also known for its nesting behavior, using materials such as grasses, leaves, and twigs to construct a bulky nest.
The gray catbird is a beneficial species, helping to control insect pest populations and dispersing the seeds of plants.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Dumetella |
| Species | D. carolinensis |
8. House Sparrow
The house sparrow is a species of small bird belonging to the sparrow family, Passeridae. It is a common sight around the world and is easily distinguishable due to its small size and distinct colourings.
The average length of the house sparrow is 16 cm, with a weight of 24-39.5 grams. Females and younger birds are typically pale brown and grey in colour, while males have brighter black, white and brown markings. Their feathers are also slightly longer than those of females.
The house sparrow is an adaptable species and is found in a wide range of habitats, from deserts to forests and urban areas. It feeds on a variety of foods, including insects, seeds, grains, and fruit. The house sparrow is a highly social bird and can be seen in large flocks.
They are known for their vocal chirps and songs, and their presence often indicates the health of the local environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passeridae |
| Genus | Passer |
| Species | P. domesticus |
9. Pine Siskin
The pine siskin is a small, seed-eating bird native to North America. It is a member of the finch family, along with other birds like the goldfinch and crossbill. The pine siskin is a migratory bird, meaning it will travel long distances in search of food and other resources.
Its winter range is particularly unpredictable, as it can be found in some regions one year and in others the next. This means that different populations of pine siskins will move to different locations each year.
The unpredictable winter range of the pine siskin is likely due to the availability of food resources and the bird’s ability to adapt to different environments. It is also possible that the pine siskin is following a set migratory pattern, but one that is not yet understood.
Whatever the cause, the pine siskin’s unpredictable winter range makes it an interesting and unique bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. pinus |
10. White-Crowned Sparrow
The white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) is one of the most easily recognizable bird species in North America. It is a medium-sized member of the New World sparrow family and is distinguished by its striking grey face and black and white streaking on the upper head.
The white-crowned sparrow is found throughout the continent, from the northern United States to Mexico, and even as far south as Panama.
While it is often considered a bird of the West, it actually makes its home in many parts of the East, too. The white-crowned sparrow is unique in both its appearance and its behavior. Its wingspan is usually between 7.5 and 9.1 inches, with a weight between 0.8 and 1.4 ounces.
It has a grey face, with black and white streaking on the upper head, and a white crown on the back of its head. Its back and wings are usually greyish-brown, and its underparts are buffy.
It also has a distinctive black spot on each side of its throat. The white-crowned sparrow is a ground-feeding bird, meaning it forages for food on the ground, usually in grassy or weedy areas. It mostly eats seeds and insects, but will also occasionally eat fruit.
It is a social bird, and can often be found in flocks of up to a hundred birds.
The white-crowned sparrow is a prolific songbird, and its call is a sharp, trill-like whistle. In the winter months, the white-crowned sparrow migrates to the southern parts of its range, and can often be seen in large flocks along the western coast of the United States.
It is a resilient species and is not currently in danger of extinction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Zonotrichia |
| Species | Z. leucophrys |
Conclusion
Bloomington is a great place for bird-watching and bird-lovers alike. With its abundance of parks and natural areas, there is plenty of opportunity to observe many species of birds.
From the common sparrows to the majestic bald eagle, there are many varieties of birds in Bloomington and the surrounding areas. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned birder, Bloomington has something to offer every bird-lover.