The city of Malibu is home to a wide variety of birds, from the majestic Bald Eagle to the colorful Western Tanagers. With its beautiful beaches, rich forests, and rolling hills, Malibu provides a diverse habitat for birds of all types.
From the high peaks of the Santa Monica Mountains to the low-lying coastal areas, Malibu provides a unique and varied ecosystem for birds to thrive. Whether you’re a birder, an admirer of nature, or just looking for a peaceful hike, Malibu has something for you.
Let’s take a look at some of the birds you may come across in Malibu.
1. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic species of bird, belonging to the heron family Ardeidae. It is often found near the shorelines of open water and wetlands all over North and Central America, as well as in far northwestern South America, the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands.
It is a large wading bird with a long neck, long legs and a wide wingspan. The great blue heron is a distinctive bird, standing up to five feet tall and with a wingspan of more than six feet.
They have a blue-grey body, a white head and a black stripe running from the eye to the neck. These birds also have a grey-brownish neck and back. They are usually seen wading in shallow waters in search of fish and other aquatic prey.
The great blue heron is a protected species in the United States and many other countries, due to their vulnerability to habitat destruction and the effects of human activities.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
2. Brown Pelican
The brown pelican is a bird belonging to the family Pelecanidae, which is one of the three species found in the Americas. It is one of two species that feed by diving into the water. This diving technique is unique to the brown pelican, as it is the only bird of its kind to do so.
The brown pelican can be found along the coastlines of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the eastern and western coasts of Mexico.
It typically feeds on small fish, squid, and crustaceans, and its diet is highly dependent on the location and season. The brown pelican is a large bird, with an average wingspan of 6.5 feet and a total body length of up to 6 feet.
Its wings are long and pointed, which allows it to soar above the water and spot potential prey. Its bill is long and powerful, and it has a pouch at the bottom that it uses to scoop up fish and other food.
It has a brown and white plumage that helps it blend in with its coastal surroundings. The brown pelican is a highly social bird, and it is often seen in large flocks along the coasts.
It breeds during the warmer months, and the female will lay up to four eggs in a nest that is usually built in a tree.
The chicks fledge after about three months, and they remain in the flock for several years before going off to find their own territory. The brown pelican is an important species in its coastal habitats, as it helps to keep the species’ populations in check through its predation.
It is also a well-loved bird, with its graceful flight and unique feeding habits. As a result, it is widely protected by laws and regulations, and it is an important part of coastal ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. occidentalis |
3. Great Egret
The great egret is a large bird that can be found in many parts of the world. It is also known by a variety of names, including the common egret, large egret, great white egret, and great white heron.
It has four distinct subspecies, which can be found in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe. Recently, its range has been expanding and it can now be found in more northern areas of Europe. The great egret is a beautiful bird, with a white plumage and yellow bill.
It has long, slender legs and a long neck, which it uses to wade through shallow water in search of food. Its diet consists of fish, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. It is a powerful predator, able to take down prey much larger than itself.
The great egret is an important species, playing an integral role in the natural balance of its environment. It helps to keep the populations of smaller animals in check, which in turn helps to keep the ecosystems healthy.
It is also a valued species for its aesthetic beauty, and many people appreciate it as a symbol of nature’s beauty and grace. The great egret is still a common species, but its numbers have been decreasing due to habitat loss, hunting, and other human-caused activities.
Conservation efforts have been made to protect this species and its habitats, and many people are working hard to ensure its long-term survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. alba |
4. Double-Crested Cormorant
The double-crested cormorant is a species of water bird that belongs to the cormorant family. It is widely distributed across North America and is found near rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.
It can be seen in many places, from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska all the way down to the southernmost tip of Florida and Mexico. This species of bird prefers to live near water sources, as these provide a plentiful supply of food.
They typically feed on fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and other aquatic creatures.
They are powerful swimmers and divers and are capable of staying underwater for up to a minute while they hunt for food. The double-crested cormorant has a distinctive black color with a white throat and yellow face. It also has two long plumes on its head that give it its name.
They are social birds and often travel in large flocks. During the breeding season, they build nests on high cliffs and islands, where they can raise their young in safety. Overall, the double-crested cormorant is an interesting and widespread bird species.
It is well adapted to living near water sources and has a unique appearance that makes it easily recognizable. They are a valuable part of the ecosystem and provide many benefits to their local environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Nannopterum |
| Species | N. auritum |
5. Snowy Egret
The snowy egret is a small white heron that is native to many parts of the world. Its scientific name is Egretta thula, and the genus name, Egretta, comes from the Provençal French word for the little egret, aigrette, which is a diminutive of the word aigron, meaning ‘heron’.
The species named Thula is an interesting story. It was originally derived from the Araucano term for the black-necked swan, which was mistakenly applied to this species by Chilean naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina in 1782.
This error has since been corrected, but the name Egretta thula has stuck as the scientific name for this species. The snowy egret is a graceful bird that can often be seen wading in shallow waters, searching for food.
It has beautiful white plumage, which is often adorned with long, showy plumes during the breeding season.
These plumes were highly sought after by the fashion industry in the late 1800s, leading to widespread hunting and trapping of the snowy egret, and the near extinction of the species in many areas.
Fortunately, conservation efforts have allowed the snowy egret to make a recovery, and the species is now considered to be of least concern.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. thula |
6. Red-Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a raptor, a bird of prey, that breeds across large parts of the North American continent. It is found from the interior of Alaska and northern Canada, all the way south to Panama and the West Indies.
It is the most commonly found species of its genus, Buteo, in North America and in the world. Red-tailed hawks are large birds, with a wingspan of up to four feet. Their most distinguishing feature is their reddish-brown tail feathers, which can be seen when they are in flight.
They are also known for their loud calls which can be heard throughout the day. Red-tailed hawks hunt small mammals, such as rabbits and squirrels, and sometimes birds. They usually hunt by soaring above the ground and then diving to catch their prey.
They use their beak and talons to catch their victims and then carry them away to a perch where they can eat it. Red-tailed hawks typically build their nests in trees, however, they will also use man-made structures such as radio towers and telephone poles.
They usually stick to wide-open spaces, such as grasslands, deserts, and agricultural land, for hunting. Red-tailed hawks are a very important part of the environment. They help to keep small mammal populations in check and can provide valuable pest control for farmers.
They are also beneficial to other species, such as songbirds, by controlling the populations of the predators that would otherwise catch them. In conclusion, the red-tailed hawk is a very important bird of prey that can be found throughout most of North America.
It is the most common member of its genus and provides valuable pest control and environmental benefits.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. jamaicensis |
7. Willet
The willet is a shorebird belonging to the family Scolopacidae that is known for its large size and robustness. It is the largest member of the genus Tringa, also known as the “shanks”. Willets are found along the coasts of most of the Americas, from Canada to Argentina.
Their distinctive calls can often be heard echoing through the marshes and wetlands. Willets have long, pointed wings and a long, slightly upturned bill. They have a mottled gray and white plumage, which helps them blend in with their surroundings.
During the breeding season, males develop black and white horizontal stripes on the breast. Willets can be seen foraging in mudflats, salt marshes, and shallow ponds. They feed on marine worms, crustaceans, and insects.
Willets may also use their long bills to probe in the sand for food.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Tringa |
| Species | T. semipalmata |
8. Turkey Vulture
The turkey vulture is an iconic species of bird that can be found throughout the Americas. It is a member of the Cathartidae family and belongs to the genus Cathartes, one of three species of vulture in this genus.
This species can be found across a large range, from the southernmost tip of South America in the south, all the way up to Canada in the north. Turkey vultures can inhabit a variety of different ecosystems, from tropical forests to grasslands and deserts.
They are also highly adaptable and can survive in both urban and rural settings. The turkey vulture has a distinctive look, with its black feathers and a featherless, bald head.
This feature helps the vulture keep cool in hot weather, as well as keeping it clean from the carrion it feeds on. The turkey vulture also has an excellent sense of smell, which helps it locate its food.
They are mostly scavengers, feeding on dead animals and helping to clean up the environment. The turkey vulture plays an important role in the ecosystems of the Americas. By feeding on dead animals, they help to keep the environment clean and healthy.
They also provide an important food source for other species, as well as a source of nutrients for the soil. As such, they are an important species for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Cathartidae |
| Genus | Cathartes |
| Species | C. aura |
9. Mallard
The mallard or wild duck is a common species of dabbling duck found in many parts of the world. It is native to temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa.
The mallard has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa. The mallard is an adaptable species, being able to survive in both rural and urban habitats.
It is often seen foraging for food in ponds, lakes, wetlands, and even on land. The mallard feeds primarily on seeds, aquatic plants, and insects, making it one of the most important and beneficial species of waterfowl. The mallard is also known for its unique breeding behavior.
The males, known as drakes, are very colorful, with distinctive green heads, chestnut-colored bodies, and white tail feathers. The females, known as hens, are mottled brown in color. During the breeding season, the male produces a distinctive call to attract potential mates.
The female usually lays a clutch of 8 to 12 eggs, which hatch in approximately 28 days. The mallard is an important species both economically and ecologically. It is widely hunted for its meat and feathers, and its eggs are used in many cultures for food.
Additionally, mallards play an important role in the control of aquatic vegetation, helping to keep wetlands healthy and diverse.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
10. Killdeer
Source: Wikipedia
The Killdeer is a species of large plover native to the Americas. It is known for its loud, two-syllable call which can often be heard in many habitats.
The killdeer was first described and given its scientific name in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus in his tenth edition of Systema Naturae. There are currently three known subspecies of the killdeer, which are further distinguished by their unique physical features.
The Killdeer is a unique species of bird that has long been a part of the American landscape, and its distinctive call is a recognizable part of the natural soundscape.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. vociferus |
11. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a species of bird belonging to the Trochilidae family. It was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, and is native to the western coastal regions of North America.
In the early 1900s, this hummingbird species only bred in the two regions of northern Baja California, and Southern California. Its medium size and bright colors make it one of the most recognizable hummingbird species in North America.
It is known for its long, forked tail and its ability to hover in mid-air while feeding on nectar from flowers. Anna’s hummingbird is an important pollinator for many species of plants.
It feeds on insects and spiders as well as nectar and can often be found in gardens and parks. The male Anna’s hummingbird is especially known for its impressive display of aerial acrobatics during courtship.
It is also renowned for its territorial behavior, often chasing away other birds from its feeding sources. In recent years, Anna’s hummingbird has been expanding its breeding range to the north and east, with sightings reported as far as British Columbia and Montana.
Its adaptability and resilience have allowed it to thrive in a wide variety of habitats, from deserts to mountain forests. As a result, it is now one of the most common hummingbird species in the United States.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
12. Sanderling
The sanderling is a small wading bird that is found in many parts of the world. Its name originates from the Old English term sand-yrðling, which translates to “sand-ploughman”.
The genus name of the bird, kalidris or skalidris, is derived from the Ancient Greek term used by Aristotle for some grey-coloured waterside birds.
The specific name, alba, is Latin for “white” and describes the colour of the bird. The sanderling is a migratory bird, meaning it will travel to different parts of the world depending on the season.
It breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia, then migrates to its wintering grounds in Africa, Australia, and South America. It is a small bird, measuring between 12 and 15 cm in length, and weighing around 28 to 37 grams.
The sanderling has a distinctive white underbelly and grey back, with a black band running across the eye. The sanderling feeds mainly on insects and molluscs, which it digs up from the sand.
It has a habit of running along the wet sand at the water’s edge, which is how it earned its name as the “sand-ploughman”. The sanderling is an important species of migratory bird and is often seen in large flocks on beaches.
Despite its small size, it is an important part of the food chain, providing a source of food for predators such as foxes and cats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. alba |
13. California Gull
The California Gull is a bird that is typically found along the western coast of North America. It is a medium-sized gull, smaller than the herring gull but larger than the ring-billed gull. While its name may suggest that it is only found in California, this is not the case.
The California Gull is found up and down the entire western coast of North America. It also has breeding grounds inland, allowing it to have a far-reaching range.
The California Gull has a distinctive yellow bill with a black ring, which helps to distinguish it from other gull species. This species is an important part of the local ecosystem and helps to maintain balance in the food chain.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. californicus |
14. Whimbrel
The Eurasian or common whimbrel is a species of wader belonging to the Scolopacidae family. This species is widely distributed across subarctic Asia and Europe, and is found as far south as Scotland.
It is also known as the white-rumped whimbrel in North America.The Eurasian or common whimbrel is a medium sized shorebird, typically measuring between 28 and 36 cm in length. Its bill is long and straight, and its wings are broad and rounded.
This species has a mottled brownish upperparts, with a white rump and a white line along its upper back, and white underparts. This species feeds mainly on small aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms.
It can often be seen wading in shallow water, and sometimes even in estuaries, searching for food. The Eurasian or common whimbrel breeds across a large portion of subarctic Asia and Europe, with its range extending as far south as Scotland.
It can often be seen migrating in large flocks during the winter months. The Eurasian or common whimbrel is a species of conservation concern, due to its declining population due to habitat loss and degradation. It is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. phaeopus |
15. Marbled Godwit
The marbled godwit is a large migratory shorebird belonging to the family Scolopacidae. It is a unique species, distinct from other shorebirds. This species is renowned for its size, since it is larger than the other three species of godwits.
On average, the marbled godwit has a length of about 40 cm, with a wingspan of around 70 cm. It has a distinctive appearance, with its long downward-curved bill and barred wings.
Its plumage is also unique; its head and neck feathers are mottled black and white, while its back is streaked with brown. The marbled godwit is a long-distance migrant, travelling between nesting grounds in the northern United States and Canada, and wintering grounds in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America.
It feeds mainly on mollusks, insects, and crustaceans, which it finds in the mudflats where it forages. The marbled godwit is an important species, both ecologically and economically.
It helps to maintain healthy shoreline habitats, and its populations are important indicators of the health of coastal ecosystems. The species is also a valuable game bird and is hunted in some areas.
As such, it is important to ensure that the species is protected and conserved so that it can continue to play its important role in the ecosystems it inhabits.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Limosa |
| Species | L. fedoa |
16. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove is a species of bird belonging to the Columbidae family, which is commonly known as the dove family. It is sometimes referred to as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, and colloquially as the turtle dove.
In the past, this species was referred to as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove. The mourning dove is known for its soft, cooing call and its gray-brown body. It has a long, pointed tail with white edges and a white-tipped black beak.
It is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 33 cm in length, and is found throughout North America. The mourning dove feeds mostly on seeds and fruit and prefers open areas such as fields and grasslands. It nests in trees or shrubs and typically lays two white eggs.
The mourning dove is an important species in its habitat, as its presence can indicate a healthy environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
17. Sternidae
Terns are a type of seabird that can be found all over the world. They are part of the family Laridae, which includes species such as gulls and skimmers. Within the family Laridae, there are eleven separate genera (groups) of terns.
These birds typically live near bodies of water, such as the sea, rivers, or wetlands. Terns can be found in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from coastal areas to inland wetlands. They have adapted to living in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Terns have a variety of unique features that make them distinct from other birds. One of the most distinguishing features is their forked tail. They also have long, pointed wings and a long, slender beak.
These features make them well-suited for flying long distances and catching fish. Terns are migratory birds that travel to different parts of the world when the weather changes.
During the summer, they can be found in the northern hemisphere, while in the winter they migrate to more tropical climates. They also form large flocks during migration, making them a beautiful sight to behold.
Terns are important members of the ecosystem, as they feed on fish, insects, and other small creatures. They also provide food for other animals, such as owls and hawks. In addition, they help to maintain healthy aquatic habitats by controlling the population of certain pests.
Overall, terns are fascinating birds that have adapted to living in a wide variety of environments. They are an important part of the global ecosystem and provide a vital service to their local habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
18. Black Bellied Plover
The grey plover, also known as the black-bellied plover in North America, is a species of large cosmopolitan plover birds that breed in Arctic regions. It is a long-distance migrant species, which means it tends to migrate to other places for a certain period of time.
During the non-breeding season, it has a nearly worldwide coastal distribution, which means it can be found in coastal areas all around the world. Its migratory habits are a result of its need for food and more suitable climates.
The grey plover is a very adaptable bird species, which is why it is able to live in so many different areas. It is also a very important species for the environment, as it helps to keep the food chain balanced.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. squatarola |
19. Reddish Egret
The reddish egret is a medium-sized heron that resides throughout Central America, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Gulf Coast of the United States, and Mexico.
This species is unique in its behavior compared to other herons and prefers to inhabit mud flats to carry out its foraging activities. The reddish egret is most known for its elegant and graceful dance-like movements during its hunt for prey.
It will often wade through shallow waters while flapping its wings and shuffling its feet, stirring up the water and disturbing its prey. This behavior has been thought to be an adaptation to its environment as the mud flats the egret inhabits can be difficult to wade through.
Furthermore, the reddish egret is a solitary species, and very rarely hunts in groups like other herons. Its diet primarily consists of small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic invertebrates.
Despite its impressive hunting technique, the reddish egret is still vulnerable to predators such as large birds of prey, foxes, and cats. It is also threatened by habitat loss due to human activities such as development, pollution, and hunting.
As a result, conservation efforts are being made to protect this species and ensure its survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. rufescens |
20. Black-Crowned Night Heron
The black-crowned night heron is a medium-sized bird species found worldwide in many different regions. It is most commonly referred to as the night heron in areas of Eurasia but is also known as the black-capped night heron.
This species can be found in parts of Europe, Asia, as well as North and South America. It is characterized by a black crown and white face, dark wings, and pale gray upperparts. Its long legs and neck are used for hunting prey in shallow water.
The night heron is an opportunistic feeder, meaning it will feed on a variety of prey items such as fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and insects. During the breeding season, they can be seen in colonies, often nesting in trees or shrubs near water sources.
They are solitary birds, however, and will only come together to breed. Outside of the breeding season, they spend much of their time alone, foraging for food.
The black-crowned night heron is an important species in many ecosystems, and its presence is a sign of a healthy wetland environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Nycticorax |
| Species | N. nycticorax |
21. Royal Tern
The royal tern is a species of tern that belongs to the family Laridae. It is commonly found in the Americas, with some reports of strays being identified in Europe. This species of bird is characterized by its white-colored body, black cap, and orange bill.
It has long, pointed wings and a forked tail. It is usually seen in groups on the coast, often in large flocks. The royal tern feeds mainly on small fish, but it will also feed on mollusks, crustaceans, insects, and other marine invertebrates.
Its diet is supplemented by occasional scavenging. It nests on sandbanks or rocky islands, usually near the sea. The species is considered to be of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Thalasseus |
| Species | T. maximus |
22. Western Gull
The western gull is a species of gull that inhabits the west coast of North America and the Pacific Ocean. Its range covers the entire coastline from British Columbia in Canada all the way down to Baja California in Mexico.
It is a large bird with a white head and can be easily distinguished from other gulls. Previously, the western gull was thought to be the same species as the yellow-footed gull, which is found in the Gulf of California.
However, studies have since revealed that they are two distinct species. The yellow-footed gull has a yellowish tinge to its feet, which the western gull lacks.
Additionally, their ranges do not overlap, with the western gull only living along the west coast of North America and the Pacific Ocean, while the yellow-footed gull is found exclusively in the Gulf of California.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. occidentalis |
23. Least Sandpiper
The least sandpiper is the smallest shorebird in the world and is part of the genus of birds called Calidris. The term Calidris comes from Ancient Greek, from a term used by Aristotle to refer to certain grey-colored birds found near water.
The species name of the least sandpiper is minutilla, which is Medieval Latin for “very small”. This reflects the small size of the least sandpiper, which is the smallest shorebird in the world.
The least sandpiper is found in many parts of the world, typically near wetlands, lakes, and coastlines. They are usually seen in small flocks, foraging for food in the mud and sand. They have a unique diet, consisting of insects, worms, and other small invertebrates.
They are also known to migrate long distances to find food in winter.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. minutilla |
24. American Coot
The American coot is a bird that is part of the Rallidae family and goes by a few different names, including mud hen and pouldeau. Though it might look like a duck, it is actually not closely related to them at all.
It is part of a separate order, indicating that they are not as closely related as they appear. The American coot is quite different from ducks in many ways. For example, they have a lobed toe on each foot, which helps them to move around in the water much more easily.
Additionally, they have a white beak and small head, compared to the larger bill and head of a duck.
Their diet also varies greatly from ducks, as they eat mostly aquatic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. The American coot is found in North America, mainly around lakes, ponds, and marshes.
They typically migrate south during the winter months, and they can often be seen in large flocks. They mate for life, and males are known to perform courtship displays in order to attract females.
Overall, the American coot is an interesting bird that is not closely related to ducks, despite the similarities in their appearance. They have unique characteristics, including their lobed toes and diet, and they are found across North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Fulica |
| Species | F. americana |
Conclusion
The diversity of bird species in Malibu is astounding, and the sheer size of the population of these birds is a testament to the importance of preserving the natural habitats in the area.
With the proper conservation efforts and management, the birds of Malibu can continue to thrive for generations to come.