Welcome to Los Alamitos, California, home to various birds! This vibrant city in the heart of Orange County is an ideal destination for birders of all levels.
From the iconic American White Pelican to the more elusive Painted Redstart, the birding opportunities in this region are endless. Los Alamitos has something to offer, whether you’re looking to spot a rare species or relax and observe the local wildlife.
With its diverse habitats and abundant bird populations, Los Alamitos is a great place to explore the fascinating world of birds.
23 Birds to Watch in Los Alamitos
Los Alamitos is a small city in Orange County, California, that offers a variety of birdwatching opportunities for nature lovers. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can find many species of birds to admire and learn about in this area.
Here are 23 birds to watch in Los Alamitos, along with some tips on where and when to spot them.
1. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a species of bird belonging to the family Trochilidae. It was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, and is native to the western coast of North America.
In the early 1900s, the species was limited to two small areas in the south of California: northern Baja California and southern California. Anna’s hummingbird is a medium-sized bird, measuring up to 4.3 inches in length and weighing up to 0.1 ounces.
Its wingspan can reach up to 8 inches, allowing the bird to fly up to 30 miles per hour. The species is easily recognizable by its bright green iridescent feathers and red throat patch.
Anna’s hummingbird feeds on nectar from flowers and small insects, such as ants and flies. They can be found in gardens, parks, and other areas with abundant flowers and insects.
They are solitary birds, and males are incredibly territorial during breeding. The males perform elaborate aerial courtship displays to attract a mate, often fighting with other males for the same territory.
Anna’s hummingbirds are relatively common, and their populations increase as they expand their range into new areas. They are also popular among birdwatchers, making them pretty easy to spot and identify.
Overall, Anna’s hummingbirds are a fascinating species that bring much beauty to the western coasts of North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
2. House Finch
The house finch is a species of bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae. It is native to the western parts of North America but has been introduced to the eastern parts of the continent and Hawaii.
This finch species is part of the American rosefinches, all placed in the genus Haemorhous. The house finch’s natural habitat consists of open woodlands, gardens, and orchards, a ubiquitous sight in urban areas.
It is a small bird, measuring around 4.5 to 6.3 inches in length, with a wingspan of 8.3 to 10.2 inches, and weighing approximately 0.5 to 0.8 ounces. It has a brownish-red crown, grey-brown wings and tail, and a white underbelly.
Its diet consists mainly of seeds and fruit but will also eat some insects. The house finch is a social species, often seen in small flocks, and it has a pleasant song that it sings from high perches in trees and other elevated locations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
3. California Scrub Jay
The California scrub jay is a bird species native to western North America. It is found in various habitats, from coastal areas to open shrubland and oak woodlands.
It is found in the states of British Columbia, California, and Nevada near Reno and west of the Sierra Nevada range. Though found in various habitats, the California scrub jay prefers open, dry areas with sparse vegetation.
It is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 10 inches in length and having a wingspan of about 18 inches.
The bird is primarily blue, with a lighter underside and a white-striped head. The California scrub jay is an omnivore, feeding on various items, including insects, nuts, berries, and eggs.
It is known for its social behavior, often in small family groups or larger flocks.
They are also known for their intelligence and ability to remember and recall specific locations of food caches. The California scrub jay is listed as a species of most minor concern by the IUCN and is currently not considered at risk of extinction.
However, its population is thought to be declining due to urbanization and habitat loss. Conservation efforts are being made to protect the species and ensure its future survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Aphelocoma |
| Species | A. californica |
4. Western Bluebird
The western bluebird is a small bird species native to North America. It is a member of the thrush family, which includes various birds known for their beautiful song.
The western bluebird is mainly found in the west of the United States, although its range extends into parts of Canada and Mexico. Its diet consists of insects, fruit, and berries. It typically nests in tree cavities but may also use nest boxes.
The appearance of the western bluebird is distinct, with its bright blue head, back, and wings. It has a reddish-brown breast and white belly, with a black line running down the front. Its song is a cheerful trill and often sings from an exposed perch.
The western bluebird is a species of particular concern in some of its range, and conservation efforts are needed to ensure its continued existence.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. mexicana |
5. Lesser Goldfinch
The lesser goldfinch is a small songbird found in the Americas. It is one of the three species of goldfinch that make up the New World goldfinch clade in the genus Spinus. Male lesser goldfinches have a black forehead not found in their female counterparts.
This is also seen in the other two species of New World goldfinches, the American goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch. The black forehead is a distinct physical trait of the male goldfinches and is a critical identifier in differentiating between the sexes.
The male lesser goldfinch also has a bright yellow face and breasts, a grey back, and a white belly. The female has a more muted coloring, with a grey face, breast, and olive green back. Both sexes have black wings with white bars and whitetails with black edges.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. psaltria |
6. American White Pelican
The American white pelican is a large bird belonging to Pelecaniformes. This bird is usually found around aquatic regions and can soar or fly gracefully for long distances.
It breeds in the interior parts of North America, and during the winter months, it migrates south and to the coasts. It can sometimes be found as far south as Costa Rica. This is an impressive feat, considering the size of the bird and the distances it covers.
The American white pelican is a beautiful bird with a wingspan of up to eight feet and a bright white coloring. It feeds mainly on small fish, which it catches while swimming on the water’s surface.
It is an integral part of the ecosystem, as it helps to keep the fish population in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. erythrorhynchos |
7. Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s hummingbird is a species found in the western regions of the United States. It is part of the larger genus Selasphorus, which encompasses seven species of hummingbirds.
This species is most commonly found in California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada, though it may also occur in other western states. Its habitat includes open woodlands, chaparral, and mountain meadows. It also frequents suburban gardens and feeders.
The Allen’s hummingbird is a small species with a length of 3.5 inches and a wingspan of 4.7 inches. It has a broad, rounded head and a short, straight bill.
It is easily distinguished from other hummingbirds by its green-and-white coloration, with green upperparts and white underparts. The male has a distinctive orange-red gorget on the throat. The female is less brightly colored but still has a reddish tinge to the throat area.
Allen’s hummingbird feeds mainly on nectar from flowers but will also take small insects to supplement its diet. It is an agile flier and can hover in mid-air while foraging for food. This species has a rapid, high-pitched trill used to defend its territory.
The breeding season for Allen’s hummingbird generally runs from March through August. During this period, the male will court and attract a mate by displaying his bright plumage and performing elaborate aerial displays.
This species is not considered endangered, though its population is monitored carefully.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. sasin |
8. Red-Crowned Amazon
The red-crowned Amazon, also known as the red-crowned parrot, green-cheeked Amazon, or Mexican red-headed parrot, is an endangered species of Amazon parrot. It is native to northeastern Mexico, and there have been reports of sightings in southern Texas in the United States.
The red-crowned Amazon has a bright red crown, forehead, green cheeks, and a light greyish-blue body with yellow feathers on the wings and tail.
It has a distinctive call that sounds like a “shriek” or a “scream.”The red-crowned Amazon is an endangered species due to habitat loss and illegal trapping for the pet trade. It is estimated that less than 5,000 red-crowned Amazon parrots remain in the wild.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect the species, but the population will take many years to recover. The red-crowned Amazon is an essential species in its native habitat, as it helps to disperse seeds and maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
It is also a famous pet bird due to its attractive colors and unique calls. The red-crowned Amazon symbolizes hope, reminding us of the importance of conservation and protecting endangered species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Amazona |
| Species | A. viridigenalis |
9. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird belonging to a specific genus of true thrushes, and a broader family called the Turdidae. The bird is named after the European robin because the two species share a similar reddish-orange breast.
However, this similarity is merely cosmetic as the two species are not closely related, with the European robin belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. American robins can be found across North America during the breeding season and migrate south in the winter.
They are a social species, often gathering in large flocks and foraging for food in lawns and gardens. They are omnivorous, eating insects, earthworms, fruits, and berries.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
10. California Thrasher
The California thrasher is a bird that belongs to the family Mimidae. It is found mainly in chaparral habitats in California and Baja California.
This bird species is the only Toxostoma found in most of its range, making it a unique and fascinating bird species. The California thrasher is a medium to large-sized bird with a body length of up to 7.9 inches.
It has a long, slender bill and a long tail, usually tipped with white. Its plumage is brown to grayish on the back, with white on the underparts. The wings and tail are marked with dark streaks and spots.
The California thrasher has adapted to its environment by becoming a ground forager, which allows it to search for food in the dense vegetation of its habitat. It is omnivorous, eating various insects, seeds, fruits, and berries.
It also uses bird feeders, which provide it with a reliable food source. The California thrasher is a solitary bird, usually seen alone or in pairs. It is a territorial bird and may become aggressive toward other birds entering its territory.
It is known for its loud, melodious song, which it sings from its high perches. The California thrasher is an essential species for conserving chaparral habitats, as its presence helps maintain the diversity of the vegetation.
It is also a beneficial species for humans, as it helps to control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Toxostoma |
| Species | T. redivivum |
11. Wilson’s warbler
Wilson’s Warbler is a small species native to the New World. It has a distinctive plumage with a green-colored upper body and yellowish-colored underside. Its wings are rounded, and it has a long, slender tail.
The male Wilson’s Warbler is distinguishable by its black crown patch, though the size and presence of this can vary depending on the subspecies. The female Wilson’s Warbler may have a reduced or no crown patch, depending on the subspecies.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Cardellina |
| Species | C. pusilla |
12. Song Sparrow
The song sparrow is a species of sparrow native to North America. It is a medium-sized bird, about the size of a robin. It is one of the most abundant and widespread native sparrow species in North America, making it a wildly successful species.
This success is likely due to its ability to adapt to various habitats, including urban and suburban areas. The song sparrow is also highly variable in appearance, with different plumage colors, markings, and sizes in other subspecies.
This variability allows the species to continue to thrive in various environments.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Melospiza |
| Species | M. melodia |
13. Black Phoebe
The black phoebe is a type of bird belonging to the tyrant-flycatcher family. It is found throughout much of the Americas, from southwest Oregon and California in North America to Central and South America.
Although many birds in its genus migrate for large parts of the year, the black phoebe is unique because it tends to remain in its native range year-round.
Northern populations of this species may migrate seasonally, but generally speaking, the black phoebe is a non-migratory bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Sayornis |
| Species | S. nigricans |
14. Common Raven
The common raven is a large, black bird belonging to the passerine family. It is found in many regions worldwide, making it the most widely distributed of all members of the Corvid family.
Ravens are typically all-black in color, though their feathers may appear to have a purple or blue tint in certain lights. They have a wingspan of up to four feet and can reach speeds of up to 56 miles per hour in flight.
Ravens are omnivores, meaning they can feed on plants and animals and are known for their intelligence. They can solve complex problems and even use tools. Ravens are also highly social and can form strong bonds with other birds.
They mate for life, and pairs of ravens often stay together for many years.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Corvus |
| Species | C. corax |
15. Golden Eagle
The golden eagle is a magnificent bird found in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a member of the Accipitridae family, a classification of birds of prey. Golden eagles are prevalent and can be found in many countries across the Northern Hemisphere.
They are one of the most recognizable birds of prey, with their signature golden feathers and large size. Golden eagles are known for their incredible hunting skills, which they use to catch small mammals and other birds.
They also have an impressive wingspan, reaching up to seven feet. This allows them to soar through the air with incredible speed and grace. Golden eagles can live up to twenty-five years in the wild, making them one of the longest-lived birds of prey.
Their impressive physical capabilities and longevity make them a symbol of strength and power.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Aquila |
| Species | A. chrysaetos |
16. Hooded Oriole
The Hooded Oriole is a medium-sized bird found in the New World. The male of this species is quite prominent in its coloring and stands out from the rest of the birds.
Its coat ranges from a bright orange to a pale yellow, with a black back, face, tail, and bib. The wings contain two white bars, adding to the bird’s distinct look.
The female of the species is more of an olive color, with some yellow accents that contrast nicely with the darker colors of the male. Overall, the Hooded Oriole is a beautiful bird that stands out from other birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Icterus |
| Species | I. cucullatus |
17. California Towhee
The California towhee is a species of bird that is part of the family Passerellidae, found in coastal regions of western Oregon and California in the United States and Baja California and Baja California Sur in Mexico.
These birds have been the subject of much scientific research and debate regarding their taxonomy. Taxonomy is the science of naming, defining, and classifying organisms and is essential for understanding the biology and evolution of a species.
In the case of the California towhee, researchers have debated the genus it belongs to, its relationship to other species, and how it has evolved.
This debate is ongoing, and new evidence is constantly being presented that may change the classification of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Melozone |
| Species | M. crissalis |
18. Dark-Eyed Junco
The dark-eyed junco is a species of junco, one of many small grayish sparrows native to North America. It is a ubiquitous bird, found in temperate climates across the continent and occasionally in the far north during the summer.
This bird is quite variable in coloration, meaning it can look similar to the fox sparrow, and scientists are still studying its exact classification. Its behavior is typical of most sparrows, foraging on the ground for food and nesting in trees or shrubs.
The dark-eyed junco is an abundant species whose numbers have remained relatively stable. It is an integral part of many ecosystems and signifies a healthy environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Junco |
| Species | J. hyemalis |
19. Band-Tailed Pigeon
The band-tailed pigeon is a unique species of bird found throughout the Americas. It is medium-sized, usually measuring 13–15 inches in length. Its most recognizable feature is its long black tail with a white band at the end.
This unique marking distinguishes itself from its closest relatives, the Chilean pigeon and the ring-tailed pigeon, which are also part of the Patagioenas clade. These birds share similar iridescent plumage on their necks, making them relatively easy to identify.
The band-tailed pigeon is mainly found in western North and South America, from Alaska to Patagonia. It is typically found in wooded or mountainous habitats, feeding on seeds, fruits, and berries.
During the breeding season, the band-tailed pigeon will nest in large colonies, often with other bird species. They are known to be very social birds and can sometimes be seen flying in large flocks.
The band-tailed pigeon is an important species in many ecosystems, as it helps disperse seeds and keep vegetation healthy. It is also an important food source for many predators, such as hawks and owls.
Due to its wide range, the band-tailed pigeon is listed as a species of most minor concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, its population has declined in some areas due to habitat destruction and hunting.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. fasciata |
20. Red-Winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is a passerine bird in much of North and Central America. Passerine birds, also known as perching birds, are characterized by their feet, which are adapted for perching.
The red-winged blackbird belongs to the family Icteridae, a family of small to medium-sized passerine birds that includes the orioles, meadowlarks, cowbirds, grackles, and bobolinks.
Its distinctive black body and bright red and yellow wing feathers recognize the red-winged blackbird. It is found in various habitats, including grasslands, marshes, wet meadows, and woodlands.
It is also quite common in agricultural areas, where it feeds on seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates. The red-winged blackbird nests in colonies, often alongside other icterids, such as grackles and cowbirds.
The red-winged blackbird is an integral part of the North and Central American avian landscape and indicates a healthy environment.
Its loud, melodic calls are a familiar sound in many of these regions, and its bright colors make it a standout among passerines.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
21. Spotted Towhee
The spotted towhee is a large New World sparrow that has been debated in recent decades due to its taxonomic classification. Until 1995, this bird was classified as a single species, the rufous-sided towhee and the eastern towhee.
This classification has since been revised, and the two birds are now considered distinct species. An outdated name for the spotted towhee is the Oregon towhee, which is no longer used. Before its taxonomic classification was updated, this name was used to refer to the bird.
The debate surrounding the taxonomy of the towhees is because the two species share many characteristics, such as similar plumage and behavior. This has confused birdwatchers, making distinguishing between the two species difficult.
However, the two species have some essential differences that can be used to identify them, such as the spotted towhee’s larger size and white wing bars. Overall, the spotted towhee is an interesting species that has been debated in recent decades.
While it was once considered a single species, it is now recognized as two distinct species. Furthermore, its outdated name, the Oregon towhee, is no longer used, as its taxonomic classification has been updated.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Pipilo |
| Species | P. maculatus |
22. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a small bird native to North America. It belongs to the finch family and is migratory, meaning it changes its location depending on the season.
During the summer months, it can be found from mid-Alberta to North Carolina, while in the winter, it is seen just south of the Canada-United States border to Mexico.
This bird is known for its distinctive bright yellow feathers, which make it an unusual sight in the sky. The American goldfinch is also known for its pleasant chirping song, often heard in spring and summer.
This bird is a common sight in many parts of North America and an integral part of the local ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
23. Black-Necked Stilt
The black-necked stilt is a shorebird native to North America, found in both coastal and inland wetlands.
It is most commonly seen on the West Coast of the United States, including California, Oregon, Washington, and parts of Arizona and Nevada. Still, it can also be found in various western states, including Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas.
It is a locally abundant species, yet its population is not evenly distributed, as it is more commonly seen in certain areas than others. This species is adapted to various habitats, from shallow salt ponds to lakes, rivers, and flooded fields.
They often stand in shallow water, searching for food like small crustaceans, insects, and worms.
They will also feed on small fish, frogs, and mollusks. The black-necked stilt is easily identified by its long, pinkish-red legs and its black neck and head, which are set off by white cheeks and a white breast. They are also characterized by a crest on the back of their head.
Adults reach about 13 inches and have a wingspan of around 25 inches. The black-necked stilt is a social bird, often forming large flocks in their preferred habitats.
They breed in the spring and summer and can be seen in pairs or small groups. The female builds a nest of vegetation and feathers on the ground, and the male helps to defend the nest from predators.
The chicks hatch after about three weeks and can fly after about five weeks. The black-necked stilt is an integral part of many wetland ecosystems and can be an indicator species for the environment’s health.
They are also popular among birdwatchers due to their bright colors and engaging behavior.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
Conclusion
Birds in Los Alamitos are an essential part of the local ecology and benefit the community. They play a crucial role in the local food chain, provide natural pest control, and are a great source of enjoyment for birdwatchers.
While there are some challenges, like invasive species, the overall health of the bird population in Los Alamitos is robust. With ongoing conservation efforts, Los Alamitos can continue to enjoy the presence of its avian population for years to come.