Welcome to Laguna Beach, California, home to an abundance of bird life! From the iconic seagulls that soar through the air to the majestic bald eagles that nest in the nearby hills, Laguna Beach is a bird-lovers paradise.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful morning of birdwatching or an exciting afternoon of falconry, you won’t be disappointed. The variety of birds that can be found in Laguna Beach is truly remarkable.
From the colorful hummingbirds that flit around the flowers to the majestic ospreys that soar above the cliffs, there is something for everyone. So grab your binoculars and get ready to explore the wonderful world of birds in Laguna Beach!
1. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic bird that is found across a wide range of habitats. It belongs to the heron family, which is known as Ardeidae.
This species is commonly seen close to lakes, rivers, and wetlands across much of North and Central America, and also in some areas of northwestern South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands. The great blue heron is a large bird, with a body length of up to 1.2m and a wingspan of up to 2m.
It is mainly grayish-blue in color, with a white head and neck, and yellow eyes. Its long, pointed beak is used to spear fish, frogs, and other prey from the water.
It has long legs which enable it to wade in shallow water to look for food. In addition to its striking appearance, the great blue heron is also known for its loud, deep croak, which is used to communicate with other herons.
It is also capable of flight, and will often migrate to different areas of the Americas depending on the season. The great blue heron is an important species to the ecology of the areas it inhabits, as it helps to control the populations of small fish, insects, and other aquatic species.
It is also a popular bird to watch among birders and other wildlife enthusiasts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
2. Double-Crested Cormorant
The double-crested cormorant is a large water bird from the cormorant family. It can be seen in a variety of places near both freshwater and saltwater sources. It is commonly seen in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.
This species of cormorant has a wide geographic range, stretching from Alaska’s Aleutian Islands all the way down to Mexico and Florida.
This makes the double-crested cormorant one of the most widespread cormorants in North America. The double-crested cormorant is a stocky bird with a long neck and webbed feet. It has a long, pointed beak and a bright yellow throat patch.
It also has a distinct crest of feathers, which are black and white. These feathers are usually only visible when the bird is displaying aggression or during courtship.
The double-crested cormorant’s plumage is mostly dark brown or black in color.The double-crested cormorant is a predatory bird, meaning that it feeds mainly on other animals. Its diet consists of primarily fish and small invertebrates.
It hunts by diving underwater and searching for its prey. It also has the ability to fly underwater, allowing it to reach deeper depths and capture more of its prey. The double-crested cormorant is an important species, as it helps maintain the balance of its ecosystem.
It helps to control the populations of fish and other aquatic creatures, which in turn helps to maintain a healthy environment and ecosystem.
This species also serves as an important food source for other animals, such as ospreys, bald eagles, and pelicans. The double-crested cormorant is a species of conservation concern, due to its declining numbers in many areas.
Its population is threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. Conservation efforts have been put in place to help protect this species and its habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Nannopterum |
| Species | N. auritum |
3. House Finch
The house finch is a species of finch belonging to the Fringillidae family. It is native to western North America but has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii. The house finch is part of a group of three American rose finches in the genus Haemorhous.
These birds are all closely related and are known for their colorful plumage. They are small birds, measuring between 4.7 and 5.9 inches in length, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, meadows, and woodlands.
The house finch is a seed-eating bird, with a diet consisting mainly of grains and other small seeds. The house finch is also known for its song, which can be heard in the early morning and late evening.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
4. Green Heron
The Green Heron is a small bird that is found across North and Central America. It is part of a group of birds known as herons. The scientific name for the Green Heron is Butorides virescens. This name is derived from two sources.
The first part, Butor, is from the Middle English word for ‘bittern’, an aquatic bird found in Europe and North America. The second part, -oides, is derived from the Ancient Greek word meaning ‘resembling’.
The last part of the name, virescens, is Latin for ‘greenish’ and is a reference to the bird’s greenish color. The Green Heron is a solitary and secretive bird, and can often be seen standing motionless along the edges of ponds and streams, waiting patiently to catch a fish.
They are usually found near shallow waters and can be seen in a variety of habitats, including marshes, swamps, ponds, and lakes. They are also found near rivers and streams, as well as in mangroves and coastal wetlands.
The Green Heron is a medium-sized heron, measuring between 23 and 28 cm in length. It is generally grey-brown in color, with a black crown and a greenish back. They have a short neck and a short, thick bill that is yellow-orange in color.
They have yellow legs and feet, and their eyes are dark brown. The Green Heron is an opportunistic feeder and will eat almost anything it can catch. Its diet consists of fish, frogs, insects, crustaceans, small reptiles, and even small birds, mammals, and eggs.
It uses a variety of foraging techniques, including standing motionless and waiting for prey, and slowly wading through shallow waters while searching for prey.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Butorides |
| Species | B. virescens |
5. Brown Pelican
The brown pelican is a large, fish-eating bird that belongs to the family Pelecanidae. This family of birds is found in many parts of the world including the Americas, Africa, and Europe. Out of the three species found in the Americas, the brown pelican is one of them.
It is also one of the two species of pelicans that feed by diving into the water to catch their prey. The brown pelican can be easily recognized by its large, bulky body and its long, pointed bill. Its wingspan can reach up to 6.5 feet and its body length can reach up to 4 feet.
The bird is characterized by its brownish-gray plumage and white head and neck. Its head also features a pouch that is used to store and carry water or food. The brown pelican is an excellent swimmer and is capable of diving to depths of up to 20 feet in search of food.
It feeds on a variety of fish, crabs, and other aquatic organisms. The brown pelican is an important species in its ecosystem and plays a vital role in controlling the populations of its prey.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. occidentalis |
6. Snowy Egret
The snowy egret is a small white heron belonging to the genus “Aigrette”. This genus is derived from Provençal French and translates to “little egret”. The species name “thula” is derived from the Araucano term for the black-necked swan.
Interestingly, this species was given the name “thula” in error by Chilean naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina back in 1782. The snowy egret is a graceful bird, with white plumage and long, thin, black legs that are often seen standing in shallow waters.
They have a black bill and yellow lores, which are the areas between the bill and eyes. These birds can be found in temperate and tropical areas, such as wetlands, estuaries, and shallow coasts.
They feed on fish, amphibians, crustaceans, insects, and other aquatic invertebrates. The snowy egret is an important part of the ecosystem, helping to keep the population of these creatures in check.
They are also an important part of the food chain, as they are a food source for predators such as hawks and owls. Moreover, the snowy egret is a symbol of conservation, as it was one of the first species to be protected by law in the late 1800s, due to its declining population.
Overall, the snowy egret is an amazing species with a fascinating history and a unique place in the environment.
Its scientific name, “Aigrette thula,” is a reminder of how it was incorrectly named by a Chilean naturalist long ago, and its importance in the ecosystem and food chain is undeniable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. thula |
7. Long-Billed Curlew
The long-billed curlew is a species of shorebird native to North America. It is part of the family Scolopacidae, and is also known as the “sickle-bird” or the “candlestick bird”.
The long-billed curlew breeds in central and western North America, and migrates southward and coastward during the winter months. This species makes its home in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, marshes, and wetlands.
They typically feed on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. Long-billed curlews are quite large, measuring up to 40 inches long and weighing up to two pounds. Their most distinctive feature is their long, curved bill, which is used for probing in the mud for food.
The birds also have a mottled brown-and-white pattern on their bodies, and long, pointed wings. The long-billed curlew population has declined in recent years due to habitat loss and other human-related activities.
In order to protect this species, conservation efforts are underway to protect the bird’s breeding grounds and to reduce habitat loss. In addition, research is being conducted to better understand the species’ population dynamics and migration patterns.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. americanus |
8. Sanderling
The sanderling is a small wading bird that has an interesting name derived from Old English. The name, sand-yrðling, literally means “sand-ploughman” and is indicative of the bird’s habit of running along the beaches, much like a farmer would plough a field.
Furthermore, the genus name, kalidris or skalidris, is from Ancient Greek and was used by Aristotle to describe certain grey-coloured waterside birds. Additionally, the specific name, alba, is Latin for “white” and is likely a reference to the white plumage of the sanderling.
This small bird is easily distinguishable by its white feathers, grey back, and dark legs. It has a unique name and appearance that make it memorable among other wading birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. alba |
9. Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s hawk is a species of bird of prey found in North America. It is a medium-sized hawk, with a body length of 17 to 25 inches and a wingspan of 28 to 37 inches. As its name suggests, it is native to the continent of North America.
It can be found from southern Canada to Mexico. Cooper’s hawks inhabit a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and even urban areas. They feed mainly on small mammals such as mice, voles, and squirrels, but also on birds, frogs, and insects.
They hunt by flying quickly through trees and bushes and then quickly capturing their prey. Cooper’s hawks are well-adapted to their environment, and they are quite successful predators.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Accipiter |
| Species | A. cooperii |
10. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove is a species of bird belonging to the family known as Columbidae. It is native to the Americas and is commonly referred to as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, and colloquially as the turtle dove.
In the past, it was also known as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove. The mourning dove is a medium-sized bird with grayish-brown upperparts, pinkish-brown underparts, a black bill, and a long tail with a white-edged terminal band.
It has a narrow white patch on the side of its neck, which is conspicuous in flight. It has a distinctive, soft, cooing call and makes a low-pitched, trilling sound in flight. Mourning doves are generally found in open woodlands, fields, and suburban areas.
They feed mainly on seeds, but they also eat small fruits, insects, and leaf buds. They build their nests in trees, shrubs, and on window ledges. Mourning doves are monogamous and mate for life. The female lays two eggs which are incubated for 14–15 days.
The young birds fledge about 15–18 days after hatching. Mourning doves are popular game birds and are hunted in many parts of the world. They are also popular as pets because of their mellow temperament and beautiful coloring.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
11. California Gull
The California gull is a bird that can be found in various places across the western coast of North America. It is a medium-sized gull, which means it is smaller than the herring gull but larger than the ring-billed gull.
It lives in California but also has breeding grounds inland. One of its most distinguishable features is its yellow bill with a black ring. This feature is what makes it stand out from other similar species.
The California gull primarily feeds on insects, but it will also scavenge food from any other sources it can find. It can be seen in large flocks, often gathering near lakes and wetlands. Its habitat is in areas that are close to water, and its population is mostly stable.
Because of its wide range, the California gull is not considered endangered and is still a common sight in the Western United States.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. californicus |
12. California Gnatcatcher
The California gnatcatcher is a small bird, measuring only 10.8 cm in length. It is an insectivore, meaning it feeds primarily on insects.
This species is usually found in dense coastal sage scrub growth and is distinct from the similar black-tailed gnatcatcher, which is found in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts.
The California gnatcatcher is usually solitary, but in winter it may join with other birds to form flocks. It is known for its bright blue-gray upperparts, which are contrasted with a white belly and tail.
Its wings have a distinctive white wing-bar, and its bill is slender and black. The California gnatcatcher is a species of conservation concern and is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Its population is estimated to be less than 10,000.
Conservation efforts are underway to help protect the habitat of this species, as well as to monitor and manage its population.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Polioptilidae |
| Genus | Polioptila |
| Species | P. californica |
13. American Kestrel
The American kestrel, or sparrow hawk, is one of the most widely seen falcons in North America. It is the smallest falcon found in the region and can range in size from that of a blue jay to a mourning dove.
This range in size is due to variations among the subspecies, as well as between males and females. Males are typically smaller than females, and there are several different subspecies spread throughout the continent.
The American kestrel has adapted to a variety of habitats, from grasslands and open woodlands to city parks and golf courses. They feed primarily on small mammals, such as mice and voles, as well as insects and other invertebrates.
The American kestrel is an important part of the ecosystem, helping to keep populations of small mammals and insects in balance.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | F. sparverius |
14. Red-Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a large bird of prey that can be found in many parts of North America. It is widespread and found in Alaska, Canada, Panama, and the West Indies.
It is a member of the Buteo genus, which is one of the most common genera of birds of prey in North America and around the world. Red-tailed hawks are powerful and agile hunters. They have keen eyesight and sharp talons which they use to catch their prey.
These hawks mainly eat small mammals, such as mice, rats, and rabbits, as well as other small birds. They also feed on reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. They are also known to steal food from other birds.
Red-tailed hawks are also known for their distinctive red tail feathers, which are often quite noticeable in flight. They are usually brown in color with lighter-colored breasts and a white throat. The wingspan of a red-tailed hawk can range from around 4 feet to nearly 6 feet.
These birds are highly adaptable and can be found in many different habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, deserts, and even urban areas. They can also be found in a variety of climates, from the cold of the Arctic to the heat of the tropics.
The red-tailed hawk is a magnificent bird that is both an important part of the natural ecosystem and a welcomed sight to many people. They are a large and powerful species of bird of prey and are found throughout most of North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. jamaicensis |
15. Sandpiper
Sandpipers are a large family of wading birds, belonging to the Scolopacidae family. This family includes a variety of species, such as sandpipers, curlews, and snipes. These species feed mainly on small invertebrates, which they find in the mud or soil.
They use their long beaks to probe the mud or soil for food. Sandpiper species are found all over the world, from the Arctic tundra to tropical mangrove swamps. They are a common sight in wetlands, mudflats, and estuaries.
They are also known to inhabit dry, open habitats such as prairies, deserts, and grasslands. Sandpipers are highly adaptable, and their diet can vary depending on the environment. They feed on a variety of small invertebrates, such as shrimp, worms, insects, and mollusks.
Sandpipers are often seen in flocks, foraging for food. This behavior helps them find food more efficiently and also provides protection from predators.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
16. Osprey
The Osprey is a majestic bird of prey that is found all over the world. It is also known by its other names, such as sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk. It hunts during the day and its diet consists mainly of fish.
This bird is quite large, with a length of more than 60 cm and a wingspan of around 180 cm. Its upperparts are usually brown in color, while its head and underparts tend to be a greyish hue. The Osprey is a powerful hunter that uses its sharp talons to catch its prey.
It is also an agile flyer, able to swiftly maneuver through the air in pursuit of its food. Its sharp eyesight also helps it to spot its prey from a distance. The Osprey is a fascinating bird of prey and an important part of our natural environment.
Although it is still being threatened by human activity, its population is slowly increasing, thanks to conservation efforts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Pandionidae |
| Genus | Pandion |
| Species | P. haliaetus |
17. Black Bellied Plover
The grey plover is a species of bird which is found around the world. It is also known as the black-bellied plover in North America. This species of plover is quite large and is typically found breeding in the Arctic regions.
However, it is also a long-distance migrant, meaning that it will travel long distances in search of suitable habitats. As a result, the grey plover has a nearly worldwide coastal distribution when it isn’t breeding.
This means that it can be found in coastal areas around the world, and shows the impressive migratory nature of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. squatarola |
18. California Thrasher
The California thrasher is a large, distinctive bird belonging to the family Mimidae, which includes the mockingbirds and the catbirds. It is found primarily in chaparral habitats, which are areas of dense shrubs and other vegetation, in California and Baja California.
It is a species of Toxostoma, which is a genus of songbirds, and is the only species of Toxostoma found throughout most of its range. The California thrasher is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 10 inches in length, with a long, wide bill and a dark brownish-gray body.
Its wings and tail are darker gray and its chest is a lighter gray. It has a white eye ring and a reddish-brown patch on the back of its head. The California thrasher is known for its loud, melodic song, which can be heard for long distances.
The California thrasher eats a variety of insects, seeds, and fruits. It forages on the ground, in shrubs, and in trees, searching for insects with its long bill. It is also known to eat lizards, snakes, and other small animals.
The California thrasher is found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, woodlands, and urban areas. It is a year-round resident of California but may migrate south into Mexico in the winter. It is rarely found in large flocks but may join mixed flocks of other birds.
The California thrasher is an important species in its habitat, as it helps to disperse seeds and pollinate plants. It is also an important food source for other animals.
Unfortunately, it is threatened by habitat destruction and predation and is listed as a species of Special Concern by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Toxostoma |
| Species | T. redivivum |
19. Killdeer
The Killdeer is a type of large plover bird native to the Americas. It is easily identifiable due to its distinct two-syllable call, which is often heard in the wild.
The bird was first described and given its scientific name in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of his Systema Naturae. The species is further broken down into three subspecies, each with its own physical characteristics and geographic distribution.
The Killdeer is a fascinating creature, with its unique two-syllable call and wide range of habitats making it a very interesting species to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. vociferus |
20. Acorn Woodpecker
The Acorn Woodpecker is a unique species of woodpecker that stands about 21 cm tall and has an average weight of 85 g. This species of woodpecker can be found in the dry woodlands of western North America.
It is known for its black and white patterned feathers, redhead, and white streaks along its wings. Its diet consists of tree sap and insects, but it is most well known for its use of acorns to store food for long periods of time.
It is believed that the Acorn Woodpecker is the only species of woodpecker that stores food in this way. The Acorn Woodpecker has a strong bill which helps it to drill into trees and store acorns in the crevices.
It has also been known to store acorns in other places such as between rocks and in abandoned buildings. The Acorn Woodpecker also has a unique way of communicating with other woodpeckers in its family.
It uses a specific sound known as “drumming” to call out to its family members. The Acorn Woodpecker is an important part of the ecosystem in the dry woodlands of western North America. It helps to spread seeds from the acorns it collects and stores.
This helps to keep the forest healthy and allows other species of plants and animals to thrive. The Acorn Woodpecker is also important to humans, as it helps to keep the insect population in check. This is important for farmers, as it helps to keep their crops free from pests.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. formicivorus |
21. Black Phoebe
The black phoebe is a type of bird that belongs to the tyrant-flycatcher family. This species is found in a wide geographic range, from southwest Oregon and California in the United States, all the way south to Central and South America.
It is a year-round resident in the majority of its range, but the populations living in the northern part may migrate during certain times of the year. This species migrates less than other birds in its genus, however.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Sayornis |
| Species | S. nigricans |
22. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a species belonging to the family Trochilidae. It is native to western coastal regions of North America, specifically in northern Baja California and Southern California.
This species was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, and was largely found only in these two regions until the early 20th century. Anna’s hummingbird is a medium-sized species with a metallic green body and reddish-pink throat.
It has a wingspan of about four inches and is known for its long and curved bill. Its diet consists mainly of nectar from flowers, and it can often be seen hovering near flower patches in search of food. It also eats small insects and spiders to supplement its diet.
Anna’s hummingbird is known for its energetic and acrobatic mating displays. The male will perform a dive from high above the female, producing a loud humming noise with its wings. It will then hover in front of the female before flying away.
This species is also known for its ability to survive in urban areas and can often be seen in parks and gardens. Anna’s hummingbird is a species that has been admired by many for its beautiful and unique characteristics.
Its popularity has even led to its protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which ensures the species’ conservation and protection.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
23. Willet
The willet is a species of shorebird belonging to the family Scolopacidae. It is considered a relatively large and robust sandpiper, and its size makes it the largest of the species referred to as “shanks” in the genus Tringa.
Willets have long, grayish-brown legs and a long, slightly upturned bill. They have a gray back, white underparts, and white wing bars. Breeding adults have a distinctive black-and-white pattern on the wings and tail.
Willets are found along the North American coastline, from Canada to Mexico, and during the breeding season they can also be found in the Great Plains and Great Basin regions. During the winter, they migrate south to coastal areas and the Caribbean.
Willets feed on insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and marine worms, and they can often be seen searching for food in the intertidal zone. They nest in large colonies, often in coastal marsh areas, and their nests are usually located near the water.
Willets are considered a vulnerable species due to their declining numbers, primarily as a result of habitat loss.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Tringa |
| Species | T. semipalmata |
24. White-Tailed Kite
The white-tailed kite is a species of raptor, or bird of prey, native to the western parts of North America and South America. It is a small bird, typically measuring between 30 and 38 cm in length, with a wingspan of up to 80 cm.
The plumage of the white-tailed kite is mostly light grey or white, with a black tail and black wings.The white-tailed kite is closely related to the Old World black-winged kite, which is found in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
However, the white-tailed kite does not occur in the Old World and serves as an ecological replacement for its relative in its native range.
In other words, the white-tailed kite fills a similar niche in the environment as the black-winged kite in the rest of the world. The white-tailed kite feeds mainly on small rodents and insects and is often seen hovering in the air, looking for prey.
It can also be seen perching on tall trees or shrubs or gliding in the air. The white-tailed kite is an important species in its native range, helping to control rodent and insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Elanus |
| Species | E. leucurus |
Conclusion
The birds of Laguna Beach are a beautiful part of the local landscape. From the majestic pelicans to the tiny hummingbirds, these birds bring life and beauty to the area.
They provide an important source of food for other wildlife, and they also provide a great opportunity for bird watching. The variety of species and the abundance of birds in Laguna Beach make it a great place for birders to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature.