Birds are some of Hillsborough’s most beautiful and fascinating creatures. From majestic bald eagles soaring over the hills to colorful woodpeckers tapping away at the bark of trees, Hillsborough is home to a wide variety of birds.
With its diverse habitats, including forests, meadows, wetlands, and streams, Hillsborough provides a rich and varied environment for birds to thrive. There are many opportunities to observe birds, whether it be in a backyard, a local park, or during a hike through the woods.
With a little luck, it’s possible to glimpse some of Hillsborough’s feathered residents in their natural habitats.
1. Great Egret
The great egret is a species of heron that is found in many parts of the world. It is also known as the common egret, large egret, or great white egret or great white heron.
It is a large bird that is widely distributed and can be found in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe. In recent years, the great egret has been seen to be expanding its range and is moving into more northern parts of Europe.
The great egret is a majestic bird, with a white or grey colouring, long legs, and a curved neck. It has a large wingspan, which can reach up to 6 feet and is often seen wading in shallow water or standing on the edges of lakes and ponds.
The great egret feeds on fish, frogs, and other small aquatic animals, and it also eats insects and reptiles. The great egret is a widely respected bird, and it is a symbol of purity and grace. It is also an important species for its role in the ecosystem.
The great egret helps to keep the waters it inhabits clean, by eating small animals that can pollute the water. It is also an important part of the food chain, providing food for larger predators such as wild cats and birds of prey.
Overall, the great egret is a magnificent bird that is found in many parts of the world. It is a symbol of purity and grace, and its presence is important for the health of the environment.
As it continues to spread to more northern areas, we should take care to ensure that its habitat is protected and that its population is allowed to thrive.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. alba |
2. Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal is an iconic bird found across North America. It is known by several different names, including the redbird, common cardinal, red cardinal, or just cardinal.
This bright red bird belongs to the genus Cardinalis, which includes several other species of cardinal birds. The northern cardinal is a medium-sized songbird, with a conical bill, a crest, and a bright red body and wings.
They are monogamous birds, meaning they form long-term pair bonds with a single mate. Cardinals are often found in woodlands, thickets, and gardens, and they feed on a variety of seeds and insects. They are also known for their singing ability, with a loud, melodious song.
Because of their beautiful feathers, bright coloration, and cheerful song, the northern cardinal is a popular and beloved bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Cardinalis |
| Species | C. cardinalis |
3. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic bird found in several parts of the world. It is part of the family Ardeidae and is known for its large size and its ability to wade in water.
It is most commonly seen near the edges of open water and wetlands located in North and Central America, northwestern South America, the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands. The great blue heron is a large bird, typically growing up to 3.2 feet tall and can weigh up to 4.5 pounds.
Its wingspan can reach up to 6.6 feet and its feathers are greyish-blue in color with white on its head, neck, and chest.
It has a long beak, which it uses to hunt for food in shallow waters, such as fish, frogs, and small reptiles. The great blue heron is a solitary bird, usually found alone or in small groups.
It is a graceful flyer and is often seen soaring over its habitat with its long wings outstretched. It can also be seen standing still in shallow water, waiting to ambush its prey.
It is an important species to its ecosystem, as it helps keep populations of smaller species in check. The great blue heron is a beloved bird, often seen and admired by birdwatchers across the world.
Its majestic presence and graceful movements make it a sight to behold in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
4. Glossy Ibis
The glossy ibis is an aquatic bird found in the order of Pelecaniformes and the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. Its scientific name is derived from two sources: Ancient Greek plegados and Latin falcis.
Both of these terms mean “sickle,” which is a reference to the unique shape of the glossy ibis’ bill. The glossy ibis is known to inhabit in warm wetlands, marshes, and other aquatic environments.
Its diet consists of small fish, amphibians, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and even small reptiles. As its name suggests, the glossy ibis has a glossy, iridescent plumage, which can range from various shades of brown to purple and green.
The glossy ibis is a social bird, often found in groups or flocks of up to a hundred individuals. It is also known to be quite vocal, using a variety of calls and sounds to communicate with other members of its flock.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Plegadis |
| Species | P. falcinellus |
5. American Kestrel
The American kestrel, sometimes referred to as the sparrow hawk, is the smallest and most commonly seen falcon in North America. It has a range of size variations, with the subspecies and sex of the kestrel being the determining factor of size.
Typically, American kestrels are roughly twice the size of other subspecies, ranging from the weight of a blue jay to that of a mourning dove. This means that the American kestrel can be quite small, but also can reach the size of a dove.
The American kestrel is an incredibly adaptable bird, found in grasslands, deserts, and urban areas, as well as forests. It feeds mainly on insects, but can also hunt small mammals, reptiles, and other birds.
The American kestrel is a beautiful bird, with distinctive plumage, consisting of a rusty-red back, grey breast, and spotted wings, making it quite recognizable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | F. sparverius |
6. Laughing Gull
The Laughing Gull is a medium-sized bird that is found in North and South America. Its name comes from its distinctive laugh-like call, which is a key feature of the species. It is an opportunistic omnivore and scavenger, which means it will feed on a wide variety of foods.
This includes both plant and animal sources, as well as scavenging for food. It breeds in large colonies along the Atlantic coast of North America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
The two subspecies of Laughing Gulls are Larus atricilla atricilla, which is found in North America, and Larus atricilla brasilianus, which is found in South America. The Laughing Gull is a sociable bird and is often seen in large flocks.
Its breeding habits are quite varied and it is known to use a variety of habitats, from freshwater marshes to saltwater lagoons. It is also a strong flier and it will often travel long distances to find food.
The Laughing Gull is also well adapted to urban environments, so it is common to see it in cities and towns. The Laughing Gull is a familiar sight along many of the coasts of North and South America.
It is an important part of the local ecology, helping to keep the environment healthy by keeping populations of insects, small mammals, and other animals in check.
It is also an important food source for many other birds and animals, making it an important part of the food chain..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Leucophaeus |
| Species | L. atricilla |
7. Red-Shouldered Hawk
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a type of Buteo, a medium-sized bird of prey. Its breeding range covers a large area, extending from eastern North America, along the coast of California, and also reaching northern and northeastern-central Mexico.
It is generally a permanent resident throughout most of its range, although the birds from more northerly areas will migrate during winter, mostly traveling to central Mexico.
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a common sight in its range, and its diet consists mainly of small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as carrion and insects. It is an important part of the local ecology, helping to keep smaller populations of prey animals in check.
The bird is also an important part of the food chain, providing an important source of sustenance for other predators.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. lineatus |
8. Reddish Egret
The reddish egret is a medium-sized heron that is commonly found in Central America, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Gulf Coast of the United States, and Mexico.
Its habitat of choice is mud flats, making it an integral part of coastal ecosystems that rely on the nutrients brought up by the tides. This unique species is known for its behavior that is quite different from the foraging techniques of other herons.
For example, it has a habit of running in circles and flapping its wings to disturb the water and bring up its prey. This behavior is known as the “dancing display”, and it is a fascinating sight to observe.
The reddish egret is also known to stand still for long periods of time, waiting for its prey to come to it. Its diet consists of a variety of small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic organisms.
As a species that is both beautiful and ecologically important, the reddish egret is a species worth protecting.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. rufescens |
9. Roseate Spoonbill
The roseate spoonbill is a unique species of wading bird that belongs to the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is native to both South and North America and breeds there year-round.
The bird is easily identifiable due to its distinctive pink hue, which is a result of its diet consisting of carotenoid pigments such as canthaxanthin. This is the same pigment that gives the American flamingo its signature bright pink color.
The roseate spoonbill is a gregarious species, meaning that it tends to live in large flocks and forage together. It has a long, curved bill and long legs, which it uses to stir up mud and water to search for food.
As a keystone species, it plays an important role in its local ecosystem in terms of controlling insect populations, dispersing nutrients, and helping to maintain wetland habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Platalea |
| Species | P. ajaja |
10. Limpkin
The limpkin, sometimes referred to as the carrao, courlan, or crying bird, is a type of large wading bird that is related to both rails and cranes.
It is the only bird species in the family Aramidae, and is found primarily in wetland habitats in warm parts of the Americas, ranging from Florida in the United States to northern Argentina. This species of bird has also been spotted in more northern areas, such as Pennsylvania.
The limpkin has a unique appearance, with a long, curved bill and a streaky brown and white plumage. It stands around 50 cm tall and has a wingspan of 80 cm.
It is an omnivorous species and feeds mainly on mollusks, particularly apple snails, as well as some insects, fish, and frogs. It has a distinctive call that is often likened to a child’s cry, hence its nickname of the crying bird.
The limpkin is listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN, as its population is currently stable. Although it is not considered to be threatened, its habitat is under threat from human development, making conservation efforts important.
In some areas, the limpkin is considered to be a pest species, as it can feed on crops and damage fields. Despite this, it is still an important part of the ecosystem and plays an important role in controlling the populations of its prey species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Aramidae |
| Genus | Aramus |
| Species | A. guarauna |
11. Little Blue Heron
The little blue heron is a small heron of the genus Egretta. It is a small, darkly colored heron with a two-toned bill. The two-toned bill consists of a black upper portion and a yellow lower portion, making it a distinct feature of the species.
Juveniles are entirely white, making them look very similar to snowy egrets. During the breeding season, adults develop different coloration on their heads, legs, and feet, with hues of blue, green, and yellow.
The head may be a deep blue, while the legs and feet may be a light green and a yellow shade may be seen on their neck and chest. These colorations help to distinguish the little blue heron from other species in the area.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. caerulea |
12. Cattle Egret
The cattle egret is a species of heron that can be found in various parts of the world.
It is the only bird belonging to the monotypic genus Bubulcus, although some experts suggest that the two subspecies of the cattle egret—the western and the eastern cattle egret—should be regarded as separate species.
The cattle egret is found in tropical and subtropical climates, as well as in warm-temperate zones. This means that it is able to live in a variety of climates and habitats, from hot tropical jungles to cool temperate forests.
The bird is able to adapt to different kinds of environments, making it a highly successful species. It is also an important part of the local ecosystems, as it helps to keep insect populations in check by preying on them.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Bubulcus |
| Species | B. ibis |
13. Bar-Tailed Godwit
The bar-tailed godwit is an impressive species of bird in the Scolopacidae family. It is a large wader, with long legs and a long upturned bill, making it easily recognizable.
During the breeding season, it has a distinctive red plumage, which stands out against its more subdued, non-breeding plumage. The bar-tailed godwit is a strongly migratory species, traveling vast distances between its breeding grounds and its wintering grounds.
It is found mainly in coastal areas, where it feeds on bristle worms and shellfish found on mudflats and estuaries. It has been known to travel up to 11,000 km in a single journey between Alaska and New Zealand.
The bar-tailed godwit is an important part of many ecosystems, providing food for other species and dispersing nutrients from its migratory journeys.
It is also a key indicator of the health of coastal wetlands and estuaries, making it a valuable species to monitor and conserve.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Limosa |
| Species | L. lapponica |
14. White-Faced Heron
The white-faced heron is a species of bird that is native to Australasia, including New Guinea, the islands of Torres Strait, Indonesia, New Zealand, and all but the driest areas of Australia.
It is known by a variety of names, including the white-fronted heron, grey heron, and blue crane. Despite its name, the white-faced heron is not actually grey but has a white face.
It is a common sight across much of its range and is seen in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, estuaries, and open grasslands. Its diet consists mainly of fish, frogs, lizards, and insects. The white-faced heron is a medium-sized bird, with a wingspan of up to 1.2m.
Its body is mainly grey, with a white head, neck, and belly, and a black patch on its back. It has long, yellow legs and a pointed beak. Its eyes are yellow, and its plumage is largely white, with some grey and black feathers.
The white-faced heron is a solitary bird and is rarely seen in large groups. It is most active in the early morning and late evening when it searches for food. During the breeding season, it builds a large nest in a tree or bush and lays three to five eggs.
The white-faced heron is a highly adaptable species and is well-suited to living in human-modified landscapes. It is also a popular bird amongst birdwatchers and is a protected species in many parts of its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. novaehollandiae |
15. Caspian Tern
The Caspian tern is a species of seabird found across a wide range of the world’s oceans. It is the only species in its genus, meaning that it has no accepted subspecies. The scientific name of the Caspian tern is derived from Ancient Greek and Latin words.
The Greek word hudros translates to “water”, and the Latin word progne translates to “swallow”, reflecting the bird’s typical habitat and its similarities to swallows. The Caspian tern is found in both coastal and inland areas, making it a truly sub cosmopolitan species.
It is a migratory bird, although the exact migratory patterns are not clear, and it spends much of its time near large bodies of water, such as coastal estuaries, lakes, and rivers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Hydroprogne |
| Species | H. caspia |
16. Brown Booby
The brown booby is a species of seabird that belongs to the Sulidae family, the family of boobies. It is considered to be the most common and widespread among all booby species, as it has a pantropical distribution that overlaps with other booby species.
The brown booby is a gregarious bird, which means it lives and forages in large groups. It has a tendency to commute and look for food at a low height above inshore waters.
This behavior is typical of many types of boobies, providing them with an excellent opportunity to feast on small fish and other sea creatures. The brown booby is an efficient hunter, with a sharp eye and powerful wings which allow it to stay in the air for long periods of time.
Its strong and agile body enables it to plunge into the water with great speed and accuracy in order to catch its prey. The brown booby is a beautiful bird that can often be seen soaring above the sea, it’s distinct brown plumage and white belly making it easily identifiable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Sula |
| Species | S. leucogaster |
17. Common Tern
The common tern is a species of seabird that belongs to the family Laridae. This species of bird has a wide distribution that covers many areas in the Northern Hemisphere. It can be found breeding in temperate and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.
The common tern is a strongly migratory species and it spends its winters in tropical and subtropical areas on the coast. This species is divided into four different subspecies, which each have their own unique characteristics.
The common tern feeds mainly on small fish, which it catches by diving into the air. It also consumes some insects and other marine life. The common tern has a distinctive appearance, with its white head, grey back, and black-tipped wings.
They usually form large colonies when breeding, and they have a loud call that is often heard near the shore.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sterna |
| Species | S. hirundo |
18. Australian White Ibis
The Australian white ibis is a species of wading bird found across much of Australia. It belongs to the ibis family, Threskiornithidae, which is made up of several species of long-legged wading birds.
The Australian white ibis is easily recognizable due to its white plumage, black head, long downcurved bill and black legs. This species is a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 50 to 65 centimeters in length, and weighing between 1.2 and 1.5 kilograms.
The white ibis is also known for its glossy white feathers, which are contrasted by its bare black head. This bird has a long, downcurved bill that is used to probe the mud for food.
Additionally, the Australian white ibis has long black legs which are adapted for wading in shallow waters. The white ibis is an omnivore, which means it eats both plants and animals.
It feeds on a variety of food items, including aquatic insects, fish, crustaceans, frogs, small mammals, seeds, and fruits.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Threskiornis |
| Species | T. molucca |
19. Black-Tailed Godwit
The black-tailed godwit is a unique shorebird that was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It is a member of the godwit genus, Limosa, and is easily identified by its large size and long legs and bill.
This bird is a migratory species, with many populations breeding in the Arctic tundra and then spending the winter in more temperate climates. This species is considered to be a ‘long-distance migrant’, since it can travel between its breeding and wintering grounds with ease.
The black-tailed godwit is known for its spectacular aerial displays during their breeding season and is often seen in large flocks. This species also has a very distinctive call, which can be heard from long distances.
In addition to being a beautiful bird, the black-tailed godwit is also an important link in the food chain, as it feeds on a variety of insects and small invertebrates, which in turn are an important food source for fish, amphibians, and other animals.
The black-tailed godwit is a species that is both fascinating and important to the environment and is worth protecting.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Limosa |
| Species | L. limosa |
20. Masked Lapwing
The masked lapwing is a large, striking bird found in Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea. It is a common bird and can be easily spotted due to its distinctive features.
The masked lapwing has a bright yellow face and chest, with a white plumage and a black-tipped yellow crest on its head. Its wings are black with white stripes, and it has a yellow beak and legs.
This bird spends most of its time on the ground, searching for food such as insects and worms. It has several loud, distinctive calls that it uses to communicate with other birds. It can be heard in many parts of its range, especially in the Australian outback.
The masked lapwing is an important part of its local ecosystem. It helps to keep insect populations in check, and also forms part of the food chain for other predators.
It is a hardy species that is able to withstand environmental changes and is considered to be a symbol of resilience and strength.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Vanellus |
| Species | V. miles |
21. Cuckoos
Cuckoos are a type of bird belonging to the Cuculidae family, which is the only bird family belonging to the order Cuculiformes. This family includes a variety of birds, such as the common or European cuckoo, roadrunners, koels, malkohas, couas, coucals, and anis.
While all of these birds are members of the Cuculidae family, there is some debate about whether coucals and anis should be classified as separate families. In some cases, coucals and anis are classified as the Centropodidae and Crotophagidae families, respectively.
This is due to the differences in size, shape, and behavior between these two types of birds and the other members of the Cuculidae family. Regardless, all of these birds are related to each other and are considered to be members of the same extended family.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Otidimorphae |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
22. Ruddy Turnstone
The ruddy turnstone is a small bird that can be found in a variety of places around the world. It belongs to the genus Arenaria, which is part of the sandpiper family Scolopacidae. In the past, this bird was sometimes classified under the plover family Charadriidae.
It is a wading bird, which means it spends much of its time in shallow water looking for food. The ruddy turnstone is one of two species of turnstone in the genus Arenaria. This small migratory bird has a distinctive reddish-brown back and white underside.
It is around 15-25 cm in size, with a wingspan of 34-44 cm. Its diet consists of small invertebrates, including insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. The ruddy turnstone is also known to consume eggs, small reptiles, and other birds.
During the non-breeding season, the ruddy turnstone may form flocks of up to several thousand birds. This species is noted for its curious behavior of turning over stones and shells to search for food.
The ruddy turnstone uses its bill to flip objects, which is why it is called a “turnstone.” This behavior helps it to find food that is hidden in the sand or mud. The ruddy turnstone is a widely distributed species, breeding in the Arctic tundra of North America and Eurasia and wintering in temperate and tropical regions.
It is an abundant species and is not considered threatened at present.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Arenaria |
| Species | A. interpres |
23. Pied Oystercatcher
The pied oystercatcher is a species of wading bird that is native to Australia. It is found on the coastline of Australia and is characterized by its black and white feathers, which is why it is called the “pied” oystercatcher.
The oystercatcher is a large bird that feeds mainly on molluscs and crustaceans. In addition to Australia, a similar South Island pied oystercatcher also occurs in New Zealand.
The South Island pied oystercatcher has distinct white and black feathers, but its back is all white. This species is slightly smaller than the Australian pied oystercatcher and can be found primarily in coastal areas of the South Island.
Both species are known for their loud calls which can be heard during the breeding season. Oystercatchers are important members of the coastal ecosystem, helping to keep the beaches clean by feeding on molluscs, and helping to spread the seeds of beach vegetation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Haematopodidae |
| Genus | Haematopus |
| Species | H. longirostris |
24. Gull-Billed Tern
The gull-billed tern is a species of bird that is a member of the Laridae family. It is widely distributed and breeds in different parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Northwest Africa, and the Americas. It was formerly known as Sterna nilotica.
The Australian gull-billed tern was believed to be a subspecies of the gull-billed tern, however, this is no longer the case. This species of tern is known to nest in areas with marshy or wetland habitats, and they feed mainly on insects and small fish.
The gull-billed tern is a large bird, with males and females both weighing between 80 and 90 grams, and having a wingspan of around 70 cms. They have a distinctive black-and-white coloration and a yellow bill.
In some areas, they are considered a migratory species, meaning they travel between different regions to breed and find food.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Gelochelidon |
| Species | G. nilotica |
Conclusion
Birds in Hillsborough are an integral part of the natural beauty of the area, offering a wide variety of species for birdwatchers to observe and enjoy.
The variety of habitats, from beaches and wetlands to woodlands and urban areas, ensures that there is something for everyone. The Hillsborough Bird Sanctuary provides a safe haven for many of the birds that call this area home.
With continued conservation and protection of the area, birds in Hillsborough will continue to thrive and remain an important part of the local environment.