Irvine is home to an amazing array of birds. From the tiny hummingbirds that flit through the air to the majestic bald eagles that soar overhead, the city is a haven for avian species.
Whether you’re a backyard birdwatcher, an avid photographer, or a professional ornithologist, there is something here for everyone. Irvine provides a great opportunity to observe, study, and enjoy the birds that make the city their home.
1. House Finch
The house finch is a species of finch native to western North America, including parts of Canada and Mexico, as well as Hawaii and other parts of the United States.
It belongs to the family of birds known as Fringillidae, which includes a variety of other finch species found throughout the continent. Along with two other species of rosefinches native to the continent, the house finch is placed in a genus called Haemorhous.
This genus includes all of the American species of rosefinches, which are characterized by the vibrant, colorful feathers found on the males of the species.
The house finch is a common sight in many parts of the United States and is well known for its beautiful plumage and cheerful song.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
2. Great Horned Owl
The great horned owl is an impressive bird of prey that is native to the Americas. It is also known as the tiger owl or the hoot owl due to its characteristic call.
This species of owl is notable for its large size and adaptability, and it has the widest range of any true owl species in the Americas.
It is capable of living in a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts to urban environments, and can survive in a wide range of climates. The great horned owl is an omnivore, which means it will eat both animals and plants.
Its diet consists of small mammals, such as rabbits, rats, and squirrels, as well as amphibians, insects, and even some birds. It also eats a variety of fruits and berries.
The great horned owl hunts primarily at night, when its excellent night vision and hearing give it an advantage over its prey. This species of owl is monogamous, meaning that it usually mates for life.
During the mating season, the male owl will perform a courtship display, fluffing its feathers and calling out in loud hoots.
After mating, the female owl will lay 2-4 eggs in a nest, which is usually built in a tree, though they can also be found in abandoned buildings and other structures.
The female will incubate the eggs until they hatch, and both parents will help to raise the young owls. The great horned owl is an interesting and unique species of bird that has adapted to a wide range of environments throughout the Americas.
Its adaptability and wide range make it one of the most widely distributed true owl species in the Americas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Bubo |
| Species | B. virginianus |
3. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove is a species of bird belonging to the family Columbidae, which includes doves and pigeons. It is commonly referred to as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, and colloquially as the turtle dove.
This species of bird has had many names throughout history; it was once known as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove. The mourning dove is a medium-sized bird with a slender body and long tail.
Its back is typically grayish-brown while its underparts are mostly grayish-white. It has a black collar and a white patch on its neck. The beak is small and pointed, and the wings have distinctive black-and-white bars. Its legs are a pinkish-red color.
The mourning dove is found in many parts of the United States and Canada and parts of Mexico and Central America. It prefers open habitats such as fields, pastures, and suburban areas. It feeds mainly on seeds and insects, but it will also eat fruits and berries.
It is particularly fond of sunflower seeds. This species of bird is known for its soft, mournful call, which is often heard at dawn and dusk.
It is also well-known for its courtship display, which involves the male flying high into the air, then diving back to the ground in a series of loops. The mourning dove is an important species in the avian world, and its population is stable.
It is an important game bird and is hunted in many parts of the world. It is also an important symbol in many cultures, representing peace, love, and hope.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
4. Woodpeckers
The family Picidae is well-known for its members, the woodpeckers. This family also includes piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers, all of which can be found across the globe, with the exception of Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, and the very cold polar regions.
Woodpeckers can be found in various habitats, from woodlands and urban areas to deserts and forests. They can be identified by their strong beaks that they use to peck at trees and other surfaces.
Woodpeckers also have stiff tails that assist in pushing off from the tree when they fly away. Piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers are all smaller than woodpeckers and have different feeding habits.
Piculets, for example, typically feed on insects, while wrynecks feed mostly on ants. Sapsuckers are known for drilling holes in trees and drinking the sap that comes out.
All of these birds play important roles in the ecosystems in which they live, helping to control insect populations and disperse seeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
5. Acorn Woodpecker
The acorn woodpecker is a species of woodpecker native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring 21 centimeters in length from its beak to its tail, and has an average weight of 85 grams.
It has a black body, white belly, and redhead and nape. The acorn woodpecker is well-known for its unique behavior of storing acorns in holes that it creates in trees for later use. The species is also known for its loud calls that can be heard echoing through forests.
The acorn woodpecker is a social species, living in groups of up to six individuals. They are active during the day and feed on insects, fruit, and nuts such as acorns. They are also known to feed on the eggs of other birds, lizards, and small mammals.
During the breeding season, the acorn woodpecker will form monogamous pairs and construct a nest together, usually in the cavity of a dead tree. The female will lay 2-5 eggs and the young will fledge after about 25 days.
The acorn woodpecker is a unique and interesting species, and it is an important part of many southwestern ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. formicivorus |
6. Red-tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a powerful bird of prey that is found throughout most of North America. It can be found living in the interior of Alaska and northern Canada, all the way down to Panama and the West Indies.
It is part of the Buteo genus, which is a very large family of birds that consists of species found all over the world. The red-tailed hawk is one of the most common members of the genus, and as such is very widely distributed.
It is a highly adaptable bird that can thrive in a variety of habitats, from the open grasslands of the prairies to the densely wooded areas of the north. Red-tailed hawks are active hunters, utilizing their excellent eyesight and agility to spot and pursue prey.
They feed mainly on small rodents, insects, and other birds, although they are also known to scavenge carrion. Red-tailed hawks have adapted to human-dominated landscapes and can often be seen hunting in agricultural areas or perched atop telephone poles in suburban areas.
They are an important part of the North American ecosystem, helping to keep the rodent population in check.
In addition to its ecological importance, the red-tailed hawk also has great symbolic significance, being seen as a powerful totem animal in many Native American cultures.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. jamaicensis |
7. California Quail
The California quail is a species of bird that belongs to the New World quail family. It is a small ground-dwelling bird and is recognizable by its distinctive curving crest or plume made of six feathers. This crest is black in males and brown in females.
The flanks of the quail are brown with white streaks. The California quail is also commonly known as the California Valley quail or Valley quail. This bird is native to the western United States, primarily in California.
It lives in open areas with bushes and shrubs such as chaparral and woodlands, and can also be found in parks and gardens. The California quail feeds on a variety of seeds, insects, and fruits.
It is an important seed disperser in its natural habitat and helps support the local environment. During the breeding season, the males become very vocal, producing a variety of calls to attract females.
The female then builds a nest in the ground, lined with grass, feathers, and other materials. The female lays a clutch of 8-12 eggs and incubates them for around 21 days.
The California quail is an important part of California’s biodiversity and is an interesting bird to observe. It is not considered endangered or threatened, but its numbers have declined in some areas due to habitat loss and hunting.
Therefore, it is important to protect the habitat of this species to ensure its continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Odontophoridae |
| Genus | Callipepla |
| Species | C. californica |
8. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a North American species of hummingbird that is native to the western coastal regions of the continent. The species was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, who was a French noblewoman.
In the early 20th century, Anna’s hummingbirds were only found breeding in the northern parts of Baja California and in Southern California. This species of hummingbird is well known for its iridescent green feathers which have a pinkish hue.
It is also known for its small size and for its ability to hover in mid-air while drinking nectar from flowers. Anna’s hummingbirds feed on the nectar of many different types of flowers, and they are known to be very important pollinators in this region.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
9. Yellow-rumped Warbler
The yellow-rumped warbler is a species of bird that is found throughout North America. It is a relatively common sight in many parts of the continent and can be observed in a variety of habitats including deciduous forests, coniferous forests, and even urban areas.
The yellow-rumped warbler is a medium-sized bird that is easily recognizable by its bright yellow rump, which is an area of bright yellow feathers located on its lower back. It also has a distinctive white stripe above its eye and yellow feathers on its throat.
The yellow-rumped warbler is a migratory bird, meaning that it will migrate south to warmer climates during the winter months.
During the summer, the yellow-rumped warbler can be seen foraging for insects in the tops of trees, where it will often perch on branches or twigs to feed.
In addition to its bright yellow rump, the yellow-rumped warbler is also known for its distinct call, which is a sharp “chip” sound. This call is often used by the bird to advertise its presence to other birds in the area.
All in all, the yellow-rumped warbler is a beautiful and interesting bird and a regular feature of North American bird species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. coronata |
10. California Scrub Jay
The California scrub jay is a species of bird that is native to western North America. It can be found in an area that stretches from southern British Columbia, all the way down to California and western Nevada near Reno.
This species is also found west of the Sierra Nevada range. The California scrub jay is a medium-sized bird, that has a body length of about 25-30 cm. It has a blue head, wings, and tail, with a white underside.
The bird also has a distinct white stripe above its eyes and a black bib on its throat. It is a sociable bird that lives in groups, but it is also known to be quite territorial. The diet of the California scrub jay mainly consists of insects, nuts, fruits, grains, and eggs.
The bird also forages for food on the ground, as well as in trees and shrubs. This species is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though its population numbers have decreased in some parts of its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Aphelocoma |
| Species | A. californica |
11. Barn Owl
The Barn Owl is a species of owl that is found across the globe, from the Americas to Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is one of the most widespread species of bird in the world, occurring in nearly every habitat except for extreme climates like deserts and the Arctic.
The Barn Owl is absent from a few areas, such as northern parts of Asia, most of Indonesia, and a few Pacific Islands. This is likely due to the lack of suitable habitats for the species in these regions.
Generally, Barn Owls prefer open grasslands, marshes, and agricultural areas where they can find plenty of food and places to nest. They are also commonly found in urban areas, where they can hunt rodents and other small animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Tytonidae |
| Genus | Tyto |
| Species | T. alba |
12. Green Heron
The green heron is a species of heron that is native to North and Central America.
Its scientific name, Butorides virescens, is derived from Middle English butor, meaning “bittern,” and Ancient Greek -oides, meaning “resembling,” alongside Latin virescens, meaning “greenish.” The green heron is a small heron, typically measuring anywhere from 22 to 26 inches in length.
It has a distinctive green plumage, and its short yellow legs make it easy to spot when wading through shallow waters. It feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and insects, which it finds in wetlands and streams.
The green heron is a highly adaptable species, able to survive in a wide variety of habitats. As such, it has a large range across much of North and Central America. It is a common sight year-round in many areas, making it an important part of the local ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Butorides |
| Species | B. virescens |
13. Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s hawk is an impressive bird of prey native to the North American continent. It is found from southern Canada all the way to Mexico, making it a wide-ranging species. This medium-sized hawk has a powerful body shape with broad wings and a long, rounded tail.
Its plumage is a dark bluish-gray on the upper parts and a lighter gray below, with a white throat and chest. The Cooper’s hawk is an agile hunter that preys on small birds, mammals, and insects.
It typically hunts from a perch, diving down to capture its prey with its strong talons. In addition to its hunting prowess, Cooper’s hawk is also an incredible flyer, capable of soaring at high altitudes and performing complex maneuvers.
The Cooper’s hawk is a remarkable species of hawk and an impressive sight in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Accipiter |
| Species | A. cooperii |
14. Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbird is a species of hummingbird native to the western United States. As its name suggests, it is one of seven species in the genus Selasphorus, which are all small birds with short bills and long wings.
The Allen’s Hummingbird is mostly found in woodlands or shrublands, and occasionally in grasslands and deserts. It is a small bird, with a length of about 3.5 inches, and a wingspan of about 4 to 5 inches.
It has a bright green back and head, a white throat, and an orange-red throat patch. Its underparts are grayish-white. The male and female look very similar, but the male has a bright orange-red throat patch.
The Allen’s Hummingbird feeds mainly on nectar from flowers and small insects. It is important for pollination, as it helps to spread pollen from one flower to the next.
This species breeds mainly during the spring and summer months and will build its nest on a branch or in a shrub. The female will lay two white eggs in her nest, and both the male and female will take turns incubating the eggs.
Once the eggs hatch, both parents will feed the young hummingbirds until they can fly. The Allen’s Hummingbird is listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN, as its population size is stable and widespread.
However, it is still important to protect its habitat, as any destruction or degradation could lead to a decline in the hummingbird population.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. sasin |
15. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
The blue-gray gnatcatcher is an incredibly small songbird native to North America. This tiny creature measures in at a length of around four inches, and its wingspan is no larger than five inches.
Its name comes from a combination of its light blue-gray feathers and its habit of eating insects known as gnats.
The gnatcatcher is a migratory bird, and during the winter months, it can be found in parts of Central America and the Caribbean. It is a highly adaptable bird and can be found in a variety of habitats throughout its range.
These include wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, and even urban areas. It is an active forager and often seeks out food while in flight.
Its diet consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. The blue-gray gnatcatcher is a very vocal bird, and its song is quite musical. It is also an active nest builder and builds cup-shaped nests out of grass and mosses, foraging from the surrounding area.
It typically lays three to five eggs per brood. Overall, the blue-gray gnatcatcher is an important part of its habitat, and its presence is essential for the health of all the other animals and plants in the same ecosystem.
Its presence provides food for other birds and animals, and its song is a welcome addition to the chorus of birdsong that can be heard in its habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Polioptilidae |
| Genus | Polioptila |
| Species | P. caerulea |
16. American Kestrel
The American kestrel, also known as the sparrow hawk, is a species of small falcon native to North America. It is the most common and smallest of the North American falcons and can vary significantly in size depending on the subspecies and gender.
The size of an American kestrel can range from the weight of a blue jay to a mourning dove, with the male usually being larger than the female. This gives them a roughly two-to-one range in size.
The American kestrel is a colorful bird, with males having a blue-gray head and wings and rusty red back, while the females are typically more brownish-gray. They have a distinctive white rump and tail with black barring.
They are often seen soaring in the sky or perched atop fence posts or telephone poles, looking for their next meal. These birds feed mainly on small rodents, insects, and lizards.
The American kestrel is an important member of the North American avian community and plays an important role in controlling the population of small mammals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | F. sparverius |
17. California Gull
The California gull is a species of gull that is found along the Western coast of North America. It is a medium-sized bird, smaller than the herring gull but larger than the ring-billed gull. Its habitat ranges from the coastline to inland areas, where it has breeding grounds.
The California gull is easily distinguishable by its yellow bill with a black ring. It is an important species to the ecology of the West Coast, as it helps to keep insect populations in check.
It is also a popular bird among bird watchers, as its bright colors make it easy to spot.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. californicus |
18. Nuttall’s Woodpecker
Nuttall’s woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that was named in 1843 after the naturalist Thomas Nuttall. It is found in oak woodlands of California and is closely related to the ladder-backed woodpecker in both its genetics and physical appearance.
The scientific name for Nuttall’s woodpecker is Picoides nuttallii. Nuttall’s woodpecker is a medium-sized bird, with a length of around 8 to 10 inches and a wingspan of 13 to 15 inches.
The head and back of the bird are a dark gray-brown color, while the underparts are a lighter gray with barred black and white feathers. The wings and tail feathers have black and white barring as well.
The bill is long and pointed, and it has a distinctive red patch on the back of its head. Nuttall’s woodpecker is an omnivore, but its diet consists mainly of insects. It will also feed on tree sap, fruits, and nuts.
It typically forages by climbing up the trunks of trees and drilling into the bark to find food. Nuttall’s woodpecker is a solitary bird, but they do form pairs during the breeding season. They typically nest in small cavities in dead trees or in holes that they drill themselves.
The female woodpecker will lay 2 to 7 eggs, and both parents will take turns incubating and caring for their young. Nuttall’s woodpecker is an important species in the oak woodlands of California, as it helps to control the insect population and also helps to disperse the seeds of some of the trees.
Unfortunately, the population of this species has been declining due to deforestation, which has caused a decrease in the number of suitable nesting sites. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. nuttallii |
19. Red-shouldered Hawk
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a species of buteo, which is a medium-sized raptor. It is found in a wide variety of habitats throughout its native range, which stretches from eastern North America to northern and northeastern-central Mexico, and along the coast of California.
This species is a permanent resident in most of its range, though some of the northern populations will migrate, mostly to central Mexico. This migration helps the species to survive in areas of the range with colder winters.
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a versatile species and has been spotted in many different kinds of habitats, including woodlands, swamps, riparian woodlands, and even suburban and urban habitats.
They are mainly seen in the east of North America and are found in larger numbers in the south. This species is an opportunistic feeder, mainly preying on small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. lineatus |
20. Northern Flicker
The northern flicker, also known as the common flicker, is a bird belonging to the woodpecker family. This species is native to a wide range of regions, including most of North America, some parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.
What makes the northern flicker unique is its migratory behavior, which is uncommon amongst woodpecker species. This medium-sized bird is easily recognizable by its mottled plumage, with its upper parts being a mixture of black, white, and brown.
Its underside is a lighter shade of brown, with a bright red patch near its neck. Its wings also have white bars.
The northern flicker is also known for its loud call, which is usually a “wick-a-wick-a-wick” sound. The northern flicker’s diet mainly consists of insects, fruits, and nuts, which it obtains by pecking at wood, hence its woodpecker classification.
It prefers to nest in cavities of trees, and it breeds in the springtime.
The female northern flicker lays 3 to 8 white eggs, and the eggs are incubated for 11 to 12 days. In terms of its behavior, the northern flicker is an adaptable species and is found in a variety of habitats, from forests to urban areas.
Although it is mostly sedentary, it is known to migrate across different regions of North America during the winter season.
The species also often travel in flocks, made up of up to 30 or 40 birds. Overall, the northern flicker is a fascinating bird, with its colorful plumage and migratory behavior.
Its adaptability has also made it a common sight in many parts of the world, making it a great bird to observe for bird enthusiasts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
21. Lesser Goldfinch
The lesser goldfinch is a small, sparrow-sized songbird that lives in the Americas. Along with the American goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch, it forms part of a clade of birds known as the New World goldfinches, which are all members of the genus Spinus.
The males of these birds can be identified by the black forehead they possess, which is absent in the females. This is a characteristic that all three species of New World goldfinches share.
The lesser goldfinch is the smallest of the three species and is known for its bright yellow body and black wings. Its beautiful song is often heard in the summer months, and it can be found in a variety of habitats throughout its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. psaltria |
22. Band-tailed Pigeon
The band-tailed pigeon is a species of bird native to the Americas. The species is known for its distinctive long, pointed tail and soft, grayish plumage. It is a medium-sized bird, usually measuring between 30-35 cm in length, with a wingspan of up to 45 cm.
The band-tailed pigeon has a black head and neck, white belly, and dark grayish-brown back and wings.
Its tail is tipped with a white band, which gives the species its name. The band-tailed pigeon typically inhabits forests and woodlands, particularly those with oak or conifer trees. It feeds on a variety of fruits, grains, and nuts, and is known to visit feeders when available.
It is a social species, typically found in flocks of up to several hundred individuals. During the breeding season, pairs establish nesting territories and build nests in tree cavities and on ledges. Females lay two white eggs, which both parents take turns incubating.
After hatching, the young are cared for by both parents until they fledge after about a month. The band-tailed pigeon is an important species for both humans and wildlife.
It serves as an important seed disperser in its native range, and its meat is traditionally used as a food source. The species is also a popular game bird and is hunted in some parts of its range.
Despite this, the band-tailed pigeon is not considered threatened and its population is considered to be stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. fasciata |
23. Double-crested Cormorant
The double-crested cormorant is a species of water bird that belongs to the cormorant family. This species can be found in various habitats including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.
It is a widely distributed species, spanning from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska down to the coasts of Mexico and Florida. The cormorant is known to inhabit a wide variety of habitats, including both fresh and saltwater bodies.
They can be seen near fish-rich waters such as estuaries, rocky coasts, and even the open ocean. They are also known to inhabit inland areas such as rivers and lakes.
This species is highly adapted for aquatic life, with webbed feet and a streamlined body that helps them to easily dive and swim underwater. The double-crested cormorant is an important component of the aquatic ecosystem.
It helps to regulate the populations of fish and other aquatic species by feeding on them. It also serves as an important source of food for predators such as eagles and ospreys.
With its wide range and varied habitats, the double-crested cormorant is an important species that contribute to the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Nannopterum |
| Species | N. auritum |
24. California Thrasher
The California thrasher is a large bird that belongs to the family Mimidae. It is found mainly in the chaparral habitat that is found in California and Baja California. This bird is the only species of Toxostoma in most of its range.
It is a unique species of bird and is easily distinguishable from other birds.
It is usually found in dense shrublands and woodlands along coastal regions. The California thrasher is usually seen foraging on the ground, among leaves and twigs, for insects, spiders, seeds, fruits, and other food. It has a long, curved bill which helps it to forage for food.
They are found alone or in pairs, and sometimes small groups will gather to feed and rest in the same area. California thrashers are monogamous and usually mate for life.
They build their nests out of grass and twigs in shrubs and trees, and the female will lay 2-4 eggs in the nest. The California thrasher is an important species for the environment, as it helps to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
It is also an important indicator species, as changes in its population can reflect changes in the environment. It is important to protect this species as it is an integral part of the California ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Toxostoma |
| Species | T. redivivum |
Conclusion
The birds of Irvine are an amazing sight to behold. From the hummingbirds that flit about in the summer to the bald eagles that soar over the hills, these avian visitors bring life and color to the city.
They are a testament to the resilience of nature and the importance of preserving our wild spaces. With a wide variety of natural habitats, Irvine is an ideal home for these feathered friends and a great place to observe them in their natural habitats.