Welcome to Laguna Woods, a beautiful city located in Orange County, California. Here, you can find many different kinds of birds, from the smallest hummingbirds to the majestic bald eagle. Laguna Woods is home to many species of birds and is an ideal spot for bird watching.
From woodpeckers to owls, there is something for everyone to enjoy. You can also learn about the habits and behavior of the local birds, as well as how to identify them.
Whether you are a novice or an experienced birder, Laguna Woods is the perfect place to explore the avian world.
1. Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is a species of woodpecker found throughout North America, from Canada and Alaska in the north to the deserts of the southwestern United States. It is the smallest of all woodpeckers in North America, with a length of between 14 to 18 cm.
The Downy Woodpecker is most commonly found in forested areas, where it is able to find food and shelter among the trees. However, they are unable to survive in the northern tundra regions, nor in the deserts of the southwestern United States.
The Downy Woodpecker is an important part of the North American ecosystem, helping to control insect populations by eating them. They also provide many other benefits to the environment, such as helping to disperse tree seeds and serving as a food source for other animals.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Piciformes |
Family | Picidae |
Genus | Dryobates |
Species | D. pubescens |
2. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is an impressive bird that belongs to the heron family Ardeidae. It can be found in many parts of North and Central America, as well as in some areas of South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands.
This large wading bird typically inhabits areas near the shoreline of open water or wetlands. It has a long neck and legs, a sharp, pointed bill, and its feathers are a deep blue-gray in color.
It also has white plumes at the top of its head, and its wingspan can reach up to 6 feet. The great blue heron is a skilled hunter, feeding on fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and even insects.
It is a solitary bird but will sometimes form small groups during migratory periods. The great blue heron nests in colonies and builds large stick nests in trees near wetlands or other bodies of water.
It is a protected species, and its population is stable due to conservation efforts. The great blue heron is an iconic species, and it is a symbol of the beauty of nature. Its presence is a reminder of the importance of conserving and protecting the environment.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Pelecaniformes |
Family | Ardeidae |
Genus | Ardea |
Species | A. herodias |
3. Great Horned Owl
The great horned owl is a common species of owl native to the Americas. Its scientific name is Bubo virginianus, and it is also known as the tiger owl or hoot owl. This bird is quite large in size, with a wingspan of up to five feet.
They are an incredibly adaptable species, with a vast range that encompasses most of the Americas. In fact, it is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas. The great horned owl has a distinctive appearance, with a large, round head and two ear tufts.
The color of its feathers can range from gray to brown, and it has yellow eyes.
Its call is loud and distinctive, and is often described as a “hoot” or a “hoo-hoo”.These birds are mostly active at night, and they are carnivores, preying on small rodents, birds, and other small animals.
They are also skilled hunters, using their powerful talons to capture their prey. The great horned owl is an important species in the Americas, and it plays a vital role in its ecosystem. It is an important predator, helping to keep the populations of its prey species in balance.
It is also a popular species for birdwatchers, as they are fairly easy to spot and identify.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Strigiformes |
Family | Strigidae |
Genus | Bubo |
Species | B. virginianus |
4. Acorn Woodpecker
The acorn woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that can be found in western North America. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring 21 cm in length, and having an average weight of 85 g.
This species has a distinctive black-and-white pattern, with a white forehead, a black stripe through the eye, and a black back and wings. The head is also red, with a white throat and breast.
It has a long, straight beak and short, rounded wings. The acorn woodpecker is best known for its habit of storing acorns in crevices or hollows in trees. This species will often store large numbers of acorns in one spot and may create multiple storage sites in the same tree.
Additionally, the acorn woodpecker is known for its communal roosting habits, which involve a group of birds living in close proximity to one another. The acorn woodpecker is an omnivorous species, feeding mainly on acorns, insects, and fruits.
It nests in cavities in trees, often excavating the cavity itself. It is a vocal species, with a call described as a harsh, rasping rattle. Acorn woodpeckers can often be found in open woodlands, parks, and gardens, although they may also be found in urban areas.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Piciformes |
Family | Picidae |
Genus | Melanerpes |
Species | M. formicivorus |
5. Woodpeckers
The bird family Picidae consists of woodpeckers, piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers. These birds can be found in almost all parts of the world, with the exception of Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, and the regions near the North and South Pole.
Woodpeckers are the largest and most recognizable members of the Picidae family. They have strong beaks that are used for drilling and tapping into trees in order to find food.
Piculets are much smaller than woodpeckers and have shorter beaks, which are used for probing into bark and leaves. Wrynecks are also small, but their beaks are adapted for drilling, which is used to get to insects hidden beneath tree bark.
Finally, sapsuckers have thin, sharp beaks that are used to make small holes in trees, from which the birds can extract sap and other foods.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Piciformes |
Family | Picidae |
6. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove is a widely recognized bird in North America. It is a member of the Columbidae family, which also includes other species of doves and pigeons.
The American mourning dove is its most common name, though it is also known as the rain dove, colloquially as the turtle dove, and historically as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove.
The mourning dove is grayish-brown in color with a white belly and a long, pointed tail. It has a distinctive call that sounds like a deep, low-pitched cooing sound. When in flight, the mourning dove can be identified by its rapid wingbeats and long glides.
Its diet consists of grains, fruits, and insects. The mourning dove is a social bird, often seen in small flocks in open fields and woodlands. They are also found in urban areas, where they feed on birdseed and other food sources.
The mourning dove is a popular game bird and is hunted in many parts of North America. They are an important part of the ecology and provide food for a variety of predators, including hawks, owls, and foxes.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Columbiformes |
Family | Columbidae |
Genus | Zenaida |
Species | Z. macroura |
7. Cactus Wren
The cactus wren is an interesting species of bird that is found exclusively in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico. It is the state bird of Arizona, making it an important symbol of the state.
This species of wren is also the largest in the United States, standing out from its smaller cousins. The cactus wren has a distinct brown plumage with black and white spots as markings, making it easy to identify in its natural habitat.
It is also quite vocal, producing a series of loud, harsh calls that can be heard in the desert. The cactus wren is a unique species that is important to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Troglodytidae |
Genus | Campylorhynchus |
Species | C. brunneicapillus |
8. Yellow-Rumped Warbler
The yellow-rumped warbler is a species of bird native to North America. It is a migratory species, meaning that it can be observed in different parts of the continent at different times of the year.
It is a very common species, and can be found in most areas of the continent during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. The yellow-rumped warbler is a small bird, with a length of about 4.7 inches and a wingspan of about 7.9 inches.
It has a distinctive yellow patch on its rump, which is what gives the species its name. It is mostly grayish-brown in color, with white patches on its wings and tail.
The yellow-rumped warbler usually feeds on insects, seeds, and berries, and will often go to feeders in urban and suburban settings. It nests in deciduous trees, usually in the mid-to upper canopy. This species is often seen flitting around the treetops in search of food.
It also has a distinctive song, which can be heard in the early morning and late evening. In short, the yellow-rumped warbler is a regular North American bird species that is easy to observe all across the continent.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Parulidae |
Genus | Setophaga |
Species | S. coronata |
9. California Scrub Jay
The California scrub jay is a species of bird that is native to western North America. It has a wide range, stretching from southern British Columbia, through the entire state of California, and into western Nevada, near Reno.
The California scrub jay is also found west of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, making it one of the most widely distributed species of scrub jay in the western United States. This species of bird is mostly found in oak woodlands, chaparral, and riparian woodlands.
The California scrub jay has also been known to inhabit suburban areas, as well as parks, gardens, and other human-made habitats.
This species of bird is also known to be very vocal, making a variety of calls, including a harsh “screechy” call as well as a softer, more melodic call. The California scrub jay is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of insects, small vertebrates, and fruits.
It is also known for its tendency to cache food, often burying acorns and other nuts in the ground for later consumption. This species of bird is also known to be very social, often forming flocks of up to 10 individuals.
The California scrub jay is an important species in the western United States, as it provides numerous services to local ecosystems, such as seed dispersal and pest control.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Corvidae |
Genus | Aphelocoma |
Species | A. californica |
10. Western Bluebird
The western bluebird is a species of bird native to North America. It is a type of thrush, a family of birds that includes over 200 species of migratory birds. The western bluebird is a small bird that typically grows between six and nine inches in length.
It has a plump body, a rounded head, and a long, thin beak. The upperparts of the western bluebird are blue-gray in color, while the underparts are a lighter gray or white. The male western bluebird has a reddish breast.
The western bluebird is a common sight in western North America, where it inhabits meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands. It feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates, which it finds by perching on trees and shrubs and scanning the ground for prey.
It is also known to eat some fruit and seeds. The western bluebird is a monogamous species and usually nests in tree cavities or birdhouses. During the breeding season, the female lays three to five eggs, which are incubated by both parents.
The western bluebird is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN due to its large population and wide range.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Turdidae |
Genus | Sialia |
Species | S. mexicana |
11. Double-Crested Cormorant
The double-crested cormorant is an aquatic bird from the cormorant family of birds. This species can be found all over North America, from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to the southernmost regions of Florida and Mexico.
These birds typically inhabit areas near rivers and lakes, as well as coastal regions. Double-crested cormorants are most easily identified by their distinct crests, which are located on their heads and are responsible for their namesake.
These crests are typically dark brown in color and stand out against the light feathers of the body. They have long, slender necks and webbed feet that are adapted to swimming. Double-crested cormorants are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whatever food is available.
They mainly feed on small fish, but they will also eat insects, crustaceans, amphibians, and even small birds. They hunt by diving underwater and catching their prey with their beak.
Double-crested cormorants are monogamous birds, and pairs will typically stay together for the duration of their lives. They build nests out of sticks and other materials that they find close to the water.
They usually lay two to three eggs, with the female incubating them for about a month before they hatch. The double-crested cormorant is an important part of the North American ecosystem, and its wide distribution across the continent is a testament to its adaptability.
It is a fascinating species to observe, and its presence is indicative of a healthy aquatic environment.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Suliformes |
Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
Genus | Nannopterum |
Species | N. auritum |
12. Red-Naped Sapsucker
Source: Wikipedia
The red-naped sapsucker is a species of North American woodpecker that is medium-sized in size. It is identified by its distinctive red-colored nape, which is a patch of feathers found on the back of its neck.
For many years, the red-naped sapsucker was thought to be a subspecies of the yellow-bellied sapsucker. This was due to the fact that the two species had similar physical characteristics and were found in the same geographical region.
However, after further examination, it was discovered that the red-naped sapsucker was actually a distinct species, separate from the yellow-bellied sapsucker.
This discovery has allowed for a better understanding of the two species, as well as their respective habitats and behaviors.
Furthermore, it has been found that each species has adapted certain traits that are unique to their particular species, which further emphasizes the fact that they are distinct species.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Piciformes |
Family | Picidae |
Genus | Sphyrapicus |
Species | S. nuchalis |
13. Red-Breasted Sapsucker
The red-breasted sapsucker is a spectacular species of woodpecker found in the forests of the west coast of North America. It is a medium-sized bird and is easily recognizable due to its red-breasted chest and distinctive black and white patterned feathers.
The red-breasted sapsucker is usually seen near trees, searching for sap, insects, and larvae hidden beneath the bark. As they feed, they create shallow wells in the bark of trees, which collect sap and attract other birds and animals to the area.
This species of woodpecker is also known for their loud, persistent tapping sound, and their courtship rituals in which they drum loudly on trees in order to attract a mate.
The red-breasted sapsucker is an integral part of the west coast forest ecosystem, and their presence is a reminder of the importance of protecting these precious habitats.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Piciformes |
Family | Picidae |
Genus | Sphyrapicus |
Species | S. ruber |
14. Black Phoebe
The black phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) is a species of passerine bird that belongs to the tyrant-flycatcher family. It is native to North and South America, where it can be found from southwest Oregon and California in the US down to Central and South America.
The black phoebe is present year-round in most of its range, although its northern populations are partially migratory. This means that while some individuals remain in the same location throughout the year, other individuals will migrate southwards during the winter months.
In comparison to other birds in its genus, the black phoebe migrates less often.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Tyrannidae |
Genus | Sayornis |
Species | S. nigricans |
15. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a species of bird in the family Trochilidae, known for their small size and impressive flying ability. They are native to western coastal regions of North America and were named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli.
In the early 20th century, Anna’s hummingbirds were found mostly in northern Baja California and Southern California. Anna’s hummingbirds are well-known for their iridescent coloring.
Males have a bright, iridescent green back, head, and throat, while females have a grey-green back and white throat with some iridescent green.
They also have a long, curved bill which they use to feed on nectar from flowers. Anna’s hummingbirds are very agile fliers and can hover in midair while they feed.
They feed mainly on nectar from flowers, but will occasionally eat small insects and spiders. Anna’s hummingbirds are quite territorial, and will aggressively defend their feeding and nesting territories.
They are also monogamous, meaning they will usually pair with the same mate for several breeding seasons. Overall, Anna’s hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that can be seen in western North America.
They are known for their vibrant colors, impressive flying abilities, and territorial behavior.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Clade | Strisores |
Order | Apodiformes |
Family | Trochilidae |
Genus | Calypte |
Species | C. anna |
16. Lesser Goldfinch
The lesser goldfinch is a small bird native to the Americas. It belongs to the genus Spinus, which is a group of birds commonly referred to as New World goldfinches. This group contains the American goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch, which are the lesser goldfinch’s relatives.
The male lesser goldfinch is distinguishable from the female by its black forehead. This feature is absent in the female. The same is true for the other two species in the New World goldfinch clade.
This black forehead is a common trait among male members of this clade and is a key characteristic in identifying them.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Fringillidae |
Genus | Spinus |
Species | S. psaltria |
17. Least Sandpiper
The least sandpiper is a very small shorebird that is part of the genus Calidris. This genus name comes from Ancient Greek, where the term “kalidris” or “skalidris” was used by Aristotle to refer to grey-colored birds that lived near water.
The species name of this particular sandpiper is minutilla, which is Medieval Latin for “very small.” This small shorebird is one of the smallest of its species, earning it its scientific and common name.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Scolopacidae |
Genus | Calidris |
Species | C. minutilla |
18. Oak Titmouse
The oak titmouse is a species of bird from the tit family Paridae. It is classified as a passerine bird, meaning it perches and is adapted for aerial movement.
In 1996, the American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU) recognized the difference between the oak titmouse and the juniper titmouse and formally split them into two separate species.
This decision was based on the birds’ distinct differences in song, preferred habitat, and genetic makeup. The oak titmouse is found in the western United States, while the juniper titmouse is found in the eastern United States.
The oak titmouse has a song that is more metallic and higher pitched than the juniper titmouse. In terms of preferred habitat, the oak titmouse prefers oak woodlands, while the juniper titmouse prefers dry, open habitats with juniper or scrub oak trees.
The two species are also genetically distinct. The oak titmouse has a lower genetic diversity than the juniper titmouse, and their mitochondrial DNA has been found to be distinct. This suggests that the two species have been evolving separately for some time.
Overall, the evidence collected by the AOU showed that the oak titmouse and the juniper titmouse are two distinct species, and this is why they were formally split in 1996.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Paridae |
Genus | Baeolophus |
Species | B. inornatus |
19. American Kestrel
The American kestrel, also known as the sparrow hawk, is the smallest and most common falcon in North America. It is a small bird of prey, with a wingspan of approximately two feet. It has distinctive plumage, with reddish-brown upperparts and white underparts.
The male and female kestrels have different sizes, with the males being larger than the females. The male kestrels can weigh up to twice as much as the females, with a range in size from that of a blue jay to that of a mourning dove.
The kestrels are usually found in open habitats such as grasslands, meadows, and fields. They feed mainly on small mammals, insects, and reptiles, and are able to spot their prey from a great distance.
The American kestrel is an important species in its ecosystem, as it helps to control the population of pests that can cause damage to crops.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Falconiformes |
Family | Falconidae |
Genus | Falco |
Species | F. sparverius |
20. California Gull
The California Gull is a species of gull that inhabits the Western coast of North America. It is a medium-sized gull, usually smaller than the Herring Gull, but larger than the Ring-billed Gull.
The California Gull is found from California to Alaska and also has inland breeding grounds. The most distinctive feature of the California Gull is its yellow bill, which has a black ring at the tip.
This bird is a very adaptable species, and its range has expanded over the past few decades. It is now commonly seen in urban areas and is often seen foraging in large flocks.
The California Gull is an important species to the ecology of the Western coast of North America and plays an important role in controlling pests and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Laridae |
Genus | Larus |
Species | L. californicus |
21. Western Tanager
The western tanager is a medium-sized American songbird that was formerly classified in the tanager family. However, recent studies have reclassified it, along with other members of its genus, as part of the cardinal family.
This is due to the fact that the species has many similarities in terms of its plumage and vocalizations to other members of the cardinal family.
The western tanager is mainly distinguished from other members of the cardinal family by its bright yellow and orange coloration, as well as its distinctive song.
This species is also known to be quite adaptable to different habitats, making it a popular choice for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Cardinalidae |
Genus | Piranga |
Species | P. ludoviciana |
22. Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a species of woodpecker that resides in Canada and the northeastern United States. It is considered to be a medium-sized bird, with a body length of between 6 and 8 inches.
Its most distinctive feature is its yellow underside, which gives it its name. The bird has a black head and back, with white stripes running along its wings and tail.
Its black bill is long and pointed and is used to peck and excavate trees in search of food. The yellow-bellied sapsucker is an omnivore, eating a variety of nuts, berries, and insects.
It is also known for drilling small holes in trees to extract sap, and for storing nuts and suet in these holes for later consumption. During the summer months, the yellow-bellied sapsucker breeds in Canada and the northeastern United States, producing up to two broods per year.
The birds nest in cavities in trees and will use the same nest for multiple years. The yellow-bellied sapsucker is an important species for biodiversity, as its presence helps to maintain healthy forest ecosystems.
It also plays an important role in the pollination of trees, as it visits flowers and feeds on nectar and pollen. The species is not considered to be at risk, but it has been declining in some areas due to habitat loss.
It is important to protect the areas in which the yellow-bellied sapsucker is found in order to ensure its continued survival.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Piciformes |
Family | Picidae |
Genus | Sphyrapicus |
Species | S. varius |
23. Common Yellowthroat
The common yellowthroat is a species of New World warbler that is native to North America. It is a small bird with a distinctive yellow throat and a black mask across its eyes.
The common yellowthroat is known by several names, including the yellow bandit and the Maryland yellow-throat. This bird is an abundant breeder throughout its range, which extends from southern Canada all the way down to central Mexico.
It is a common sight in open woodlands, marshes, and other semi-open habitats. The male common yellowthroat is easily identified by its bright yellow throat and black mask, while the female is brownish-gray with a pale yellow throat.
Both sexes also have white streaks on their wings and tail feathers. The common yellowthroat is an active forager, often seen darting from bush to bush in search of food. Its diet consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates.
The common yellowthroat is also a vocal species, with a distinct, sharp ‘witchety-witchety-witchety’ song.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Parulidae |
Genus | Geothlypis |
Species | G. trichas |
24. Orange-Crowned Warbler
The orange-crowned warbler is a small species of songbird belonging to the New World warbler family. The bird is native to North America and is found in a wide variety of habitats from Alaska to Mexico, including open woodlands, wooded ravines, and even urban areas.
It is a migratory species, wintering in the southern United States and Central America. The orange-crowned warbler is a plain-looking bird, with olive-green upperparts and yellowish-olive undersides.
It is mostly grey on its head and neck, with a yellowish-orange crown patch, from which it gets its name.
The birds are usually about four inches in length and weigh around 0.5 ounces. Orange-crowned warblers feed mainly on small insects and spiders, which they find among foliage and under the bark of trees. They also eat a variety of berries and other fruits.
The birds are mostly active during the day and can often be seen foraging for food in small flocks. The orange-crowned warbler’s song is a high-pitched, thin whistle, and they also produce a variety of other calls. Males sing during the breeding season to attract a mate.
They build their nests in low vegetation or shrubs, usually in the forks of trees, and the female will lay up to six eggs.
The parents take turns incubating the eggs until they hatch. Overall, the orange-crowned warbler is a common species throughout its range, and it is not currently considered threatened or endangered.
It is a delightful bird to observe, and its song and colorful plumage make it a favorite among birdwatchers.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Parulidae |
Genus | Leiothlypis |
Species | L. celata |
Conclusion
Birds in Laguna Woods are a great way to experience nature in the city. With the variety of habitats available, they provide a wealth of opportunities for birdwatchers, photographers, and casual observers alike.
The diversity of species found in the area also makes it a great spot for birding research. With careful consideration of the local habitats and the birds they support, Laguna Woods can be a great place to observe and learn about the beauty of nature.