Menlo Park is home to a wide variety of bird species and offers the perfect habitat for birds to thrive.
From the colorful songbirds of the Redwood Shores to the majestic raptors soaring overhead, Menlo Park is a great place to observe and appreciate the diverse and unique beauty of the avian world.
From the familiar robin to the elusive marsh hawk, Menlo Park provides a unique opportunity to observe and appreciate birds in their natural habitat. With a little patience, you may even spot one of the rarer species that call Menlo Park home.
1. House Finch
The house finch is a species of bird from the family Fringillidae. It is native to western North America but has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii. This species, along with the other two American rosefinches, belongs to the genus Haemorhous.
The house finch is a small bird with a wingspan of about 4-6 inches. It is brown-gray in color with a bright red forehead and throat patch. Its diet consists mainly of seeds, fruits, and insects.
This species is known for its loud, melodious song, which can be heard throughout the year in its native range. The house finch has adapted well to urban environments and is a common backyard bird in many areas.
This species plays an important role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and providing pest control. It is also an important food source for many predators.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
2. Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is an impressive bird, with a wingspan of up to six and a half feet. It is a wading bird and belongs to the heron family Ardeidae.
It can be found in many regions across the Americas, from North and Central America, to as far south as northwestern South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands.
This bird is commonly seen near the shores of open water, as well as in wetlands, indicating its ability to adapt to a variety of environments. It is a large bird, with a long neck and a long, pointed beak. Its plumage is gray-blue, and its legs are long and yellow.
The Great Blue Heron is an impressive sight and a remarkable example of nature’s adaptability.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
3. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove is a species of bird belonging to the Columbidae family, commonly known as the dove family. It is also referred to by a variety of other names, such as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, and colloquially the turtle dove.
In the past, this bird was known as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove. The mourning dove is a small, slender bird with a long tail and pointed wings. It is grayish-brown in color with darker spots on its wings and tail.
The birds are found throughout North America and parts of Mexico. Mourning doves are mainly seed eaters, but they will also eat insects and other small invertebrates. They nest in trees or shrubs, laying two eggs at a time.
The mourning dove is a popular game bird and is hunted for sport in many areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
4. Red-Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a bird of prey found in North America and parts of Central America. It is a very common species within the Buteo genus, which is found all over the world.
The red-tailed hawk can be found from the interior of Alaska and northern Canada all the way down to Panama and the West Indies. It is a highly adaptable bird that is capable of thriving in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and urban areas.
It is an opportunistic hunter, feeding on small mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects. It is a large bird, typically measuring between 18 to 25 inches in length and weighing between 1.5 to 3.5 pounds.
The red-tailed hawk has a distinctive, reddish-brown tail, which is why it got its name. It also has a large wingspan, typically measuring between 44 to 52 inches.
The red-tailed hawk is an iconic species of North America, and its presence is an indicator of a healthy environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. jamaicensis |
5. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbird is a species of bird from the family Trochilidae and is native to coastal regions of North America. Its name is derived from Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, who was a French aristocrat.
These birds are medium-sized and typically measure between 3 and 5 inches in length. They are known for their bright green feathers and iridescent red throats. In the early 20th century, Anna’s Hummingbird was primarily found in Northern Baja California and Southern California.
Despite their limited habitat, they have since spread further north and can now be found along the Pacific coast in places such as Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. They are also found in parts of Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico.
The diet of Anna’s Hummingbird mainly consists of nectar from flowers and small insects. They use their long beaks to extract nectar from flowers, and they also use their tongues to collect insects.
They are excellent fliers, able to fly in all directions and reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Anna’s Hummingbird is an important species to many ecosystems and is a welcome sight in many gardens.
They are an important pollinator, helping to spread pollen from flowers to other plants. Additionally, they are a popular species for bird watching and are often the subject of photography and other forms of art.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
6. Black Phoebe
The black phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) is a small passerine bird that belongs to the tyrant-flycatcher family. It is native to the western regions of North America, ranging from southwest Oregon and California, south into Central and South America.
The black phoebe is a year-round resident in most of its range, though its northern populations may migrate a short distance during the winter months.
This type of bird is less migratory than other species belonging to its genus, which is comprised of species of tyrant flycatchers.
As a species, the black phoebe is quite common, and can often be seen perched atop branches, fences, or other elevated surfaces, watching for small insects or other prey to capture and eat.
Though a small bird, it is incredibly adaptable and can be found in both urban and rural habitats, making it an interesting and easily observed species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Sayornis |
| Species | S. nigricans |
7. American Crow
The American crow is a species of bird belonging to the Corvidae family, which is a large group of passerines, or perching birds. These birds are found all over North America and have a similar lifestyle to the carrion crow and hooded crow, which are found in Eurasia.
American crows are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals and are usually found scavenging for food, such as insects, seeds, small mammals, and eggs. They also feed on carrion or dead animals.
American crows are highly social birds, living in large groups and communicating with each other through a variety of calls. They are also very intelligent and can solve complex problems.
American crows can be seen in many different habitats, from farmland to city parks, and they play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Corvus |
| Species | C. brachyrhynchos |
8. Lesser Goldfinch
The lesser goldfinch is a small songbird native to the Americas. It is part of a larger group of birds, the New World goldfinch clade, which includes the American goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch.
All three of these species share similar characteristics, the most notable of which is the black forehead of the male birds. This black forehead is absent in female birds of the three species.
This black forehead is a defining feature of the New World goldfinch clade and differentiates it from other species of birds in the same genus. The black forehead of the male lesser goldfinch is a striking feature that serves to quickly identify it and its relatives.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. psaltria |
9. Northern Flicker
The northern flicker, also known as the common flicker, is a species of woodpecker that is found across a large area of North America. It is a medium-sized bird, with an average body length of around 11 inches and a wingspan of around 19 inches.
Its coloration is distinctive, with a dark back, reddish underparts, and a spotted white rump.
Its head is adorned with a dark brown cap and a bright red crescent on the nape of the neck. The northern flicker is native to most of North America, as well as parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.
It is one of the few woodpecker species that migrates, with some populations moving south during the winter months.
This species is also unusual in that it forages on the ground more than other woodpeckers, often searching for ants and other insects. In addition to its ground-feeding habits, the northern flicker can also be found feeding on fruits, nuts, and seeds.
It also has a unique call, consisting of a series of loud, rapid knocks that can be heard from up to a mile away.
The northern flicker is an important species in its range, as it helps to disperse the seeds of many trees and bushes, which in turn helps to keep the forest healthy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
10. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird that belongs to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family, which is a wider classification of thrushes. It was named after the European robin due to its reddish-orange breast, even though the two species are not closely related.
The European robin is actually a part of the Old World flycatcher family. The American robin is native to North America and is well known for its orange-red chest and grey back.
It is a popular sight in gardens due to its food preferences, which include fruits, worms, insects, and berries. This species of bird is also known for its melodic songs which are heard in the morning and evening.
The American robin is an important species to understand when looking at the ecology of North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
11. Northern Mockingbird
The northern mockingbird is a species of bird commonly found in North America. It is a permanent resident, but in cold times it may migrate south to warmer climates.
This species is not found in Europe, though it has been sighted there on rare occasions. The northern mockingbird is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring 8.7 – 11 inches in length.
It has a grayish-brown upper body and a white belly, with a white patch on its wings and a long tail. Its diet consists mainly of insects, fruits, and berries. These birds are known for their vocalizations, as they are able to mimic the sounds of other birds.
They are also known for their territorial behavior, as they will defend their territory from other birds, including other mockingbirds. The northern mockingbird is an important part of the North American ecosystem.
It helps to control insect populations, provide food for other animals, and disperse seeds.
Its presence also helps to beautify the environment, as it is an attractive bird to watch. Overall, the northern mockingbird is an important part of the North American ecosystem, and its presence is beneficial both to the environment and to the people who observe it.
Though it is rarely found in Europe, it is a common sight in North America and a pleasure to behold.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Mimus |
| Species | M. polyglottos |
12. Bushtit
The American bushtit is a small songbird that is native to parts of North America. It is the only species in its genus Psaltriparus and the only species in the family Aegithalidae found in the New World.
This means that the American bushtit is unique to North America and not found in any other part of the world. The American bushtit has grayish-brown upperparts and white underparts, with a long, thin black bill and a white eye ring.
It typically forages in small flocks, searching for insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates in trees, bushes, and other vegetation. It is also known to feed on nectar and other plant matter.
The American bushtit is an important species for North American ecosystems, providing an important source of food for other bird species, and helping to control insect and spider populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Aegithalidae |
| Genus | Psaltriparus |
| Species | P. minimus |
13. Hermit Thrush
The hermit thrush is a bird native to North America. It is of medium size and belongs to the species Catharus. It is not closely related to other North American migrant species of Catharus but has closer ties to the Mexican russet nightingale-thrush.
The specific name guttatus is Latin for “spotted” which reflects the fact that it has a spotted pattern on its feathers. The hermit thrush can be found in woodlands, forests, and parks. They feed on insects, fruits, and berries that they find on the ground or in low vegetation.
They also have a beautiful song, which is often heard in the early mornings and late evenings. The hermit thrush is a common bird and can be seen throughout its range. It is a beloved bird and an important part of the North American ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Catharus |
| Species | C. guttatus |
14. California Towhee
The California towhee is a species of bird belonging to the family Passerellidae, which also includes sparrows, towhees, juncos, and longspurs.
This species is native to the coastal regions of western Oregon and California in the United States, as well as Baja California and Baja California Sur in Mexico.
It is a relatively small bird, with a distinctive gray-brown coloration. As with many species of birds, the taxonomy of the California towhee has been the subject of debate among ornithologists.
Whether it is classified as a subspecies of the larger Canyon Towhee or as an independent species has been a point of contention.
Additionally, there is also disagreement over the extent of its range; some scientific papers have suggested that it may be present in other areas of the West Coast, such as parts of Arizona and Utah, but this has yet to be definitively proven.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Melozone |
| Species | M. crissalis |
15. Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is a species of woodpecker, and it is the smallest one found in North America. It has a length of between 14 and 18 cm.
This particular species of woodpecker is mainly found in forests located in the United States and Canada, although there are some exceptions. These exceptions include deserts in the southwest of the United States and the northern tundra.
The Downy Woodpecker is a common sight in these forests, as it forages for food such as insects and spiders. It also feeds on nuts, seeds, and berries, and sometimes even visits bird feeders.
The Downy Woodpecker is a popular bird among birdwatchers due to its distinctive appearance and its habit of drumming on trees. It is also known for its loud calls, which can be heard from a distance.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. pubescens |
16. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a small bird that belongs to the finch family. It is native to North America and is migratory in nature, meaning it will travel between different areas during different seasons.
During the breeding season, which typically begins in mid-Alberta and ends in North Carolina, the American goldfinch will migrate north to these locations.
In the winter, the goldfinch will migrate south to areas just south of the Canada–United States border and as far south as Mexico. This migration helps the goldfinch to find suitable habitats and abundant food sources, both of which are necessary in order to survive.
The American goldfinch is a beautiful bird that can be found in many areas throughout North America, providing a cheerful addition to any backyard.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
17. Great Egret
The great egret is a widely distributed bird species that is found all over the world in a variety of regions. It is also known by various other names, such as the common egret, large egret, great white egret, or great white heron.
The species is divided into four different subspecies, which are found in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe.
In recent years, the great egret has been observed in more northern regions of Europe, indicating that it is spreading its range and becoming more widespread. The great egret is a large bird, with a white plumage, black legs and feet, and a long, yellow bill.
It usually stands around two and a half feet tall and has a wingspan of up to five and a half feet. The great egret is typically found in wetlands, shallow waters, and other wetland habitats, where it feeds on fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and other small aquatic animals.
It is a solitary bird, but it will occasionally form small groups in the winter months. The great egret is an important species that plays an integral role in the local ecosystem.
It helps maintain the health of the wetlands it inhabits by controlling the population of small aquatic creatures. In addition, it also provides food for larger predators, such as hawks and owls.
The great egret is currently listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, its population is declining in some areas, particularly in southern Europe, due to habitat destruction and pollution.
As such, it is important to take steps to protect and preserve the great egret’s habitats and populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. alba |
18. Brown Pelican
The brown pelican is a species of bird belonging to the family Pelecanidae, which is made up of large water birds with distinctive bills. It is one of three pelican species found in the Americas and one of only two species that feed by diving into the water.
This unique feeding behavior is made possible by its large bill, which can hold up to three gallons of water and can be used to scoop up fish from the ocean. The brown pelican also has a large throat pouch which helps it to store the water and fish it has gathered.
It is a graceful and graceful bird that is seen gliding gracefully over the water and diving to capture its prey. Its wings are long and thin and its legs are short and powerful. The brown pelican is a magnificent bird that is a joy to watch in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. occidentalis |
19. Spotted Towhee
The spotted towhee is a large sparrow that is native to the New World. In recent decades, the taxonomy of the towhees has been debated, resulting in a change in the classification of the species.
Until 1995, the spotted towhee and the eastern towhee were grouped together as one species, known as the rufous-sided towhee. Since then, the two species have been identified separately, and the spotted towhee has been given the alternate name of the Oregon towhee.
This bird is easily identified by its unique black-and-white pattern of spots and stripes. It is an important part of the New World ecosystem, and its conservation is important for the preservation of its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Pipilo |
| Species | P. maculatus |
20. Bewick’s Wren
The Bewick’s wren is a small bird native to North America and is the only species placed in the genus Thryomanes. This wren measures about 14 cm in length and has a grey-brown color on its upper body and white on its lower body.
It has a distinguishing feature of a long white eyebrow, which sets it apart from the Carolina wren. In addition, the Bewick’s wren has a long tail that is tipped in white. This feature further emphasizes its difference from the Carolina wren.
The combination of its distinct white eyebrow and long white-tipped tail makes the Bewick’s wren easily identifiable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Troglodytidae |
| Genus | Thryomanes |
| Species | T. bewickii |
21. California Scrub Jay
The California scrub jay is a species of bird that is native to western North America. It is found from British Columbia in the north, all the way south to California and western Nevada near Reno. Its range extends west of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
This bird species is a type of scrub jay, which is a type of bird that typically lives in scrubland, or areas of low vegetation. They are adapted to living in these habitats and can be found in areas of dry, open woodlands, chaparral, and oak savannahs.
The California scrub jay is a fairly large bird, with a length of about 30 cm. Its back and wings are a light gray-blue color, while its head is a darker blue-gray color. Its underparts are light gray, with a white stripe along its throat and sides.
It has a black-streaked crest on its head, and its bill is black. The California scrub jay is an omnivore, meaning that it eats both plants and animals. Its diet consists of mostly insects, such as ants and beetles, as well as other invertebrates.
It also feeds on grains, fruits, nuts, and seeds. The California scrub jay is a social bird, living in small family groups. These groups typically consist of a mated pair, along with their offspring. They are territorial and will chase away other birds that enter their area.
They are also known for their loud, high-pitched calls, which are used to communicate with other members of their group. The California scrub jay is an important part of the western North American ecosystem.
It plays an important role in the dispersal of seeds, helping to spread plant species throughout its range. It is also an important food source for predators, such as hawks, owls, and foxes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Aphelocoma |
| Species | A. californica |
22. Acorn Woodpecker
The Acorn Woodpecker is a species of bird found in the western parts of North America. It is a medium-sized woodpecker, measuring 21 cm in length, with an average weight of 85 g. Its wingspan is approximately 34 cm, and the bird’s bill is about 3 cm long.
The Acorn Woodpecker’s coloring is black and white, with a red head and neck. It has a black tail with white outer tail feathers and white spots on its wings. Its primary sources of food are acorns, insects, and fruit.
The Acorn Woodpecker is a social bird, and will often gather in small groups to feed. It is also a cavity-nesting bird, using existing cavities in trees or creating its own. The acorns stored in the cavities serve as the bird’s food supply during the winter months.
The Acorn Woodpecker is an important species in its native habitat, providing numerous ecosystem services such as seed dispersal, pest control, and cavity creation for other bird species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. formicivorus |
23. Dark-Eyed Junco
The dark-eyed junco is a species of junco, which is a group of small, grayish sparrows native to the Americas. This particular species is common across much of temperate North America and in the summertime, its range extends far into the Arctic.
It is a very variable species, meaning that there is a significant amount of physical variation between different individuals.
This species has a lot of similarities to the fox sparrow, another species of sparrow, and its systematics are still not completely understood, meaning that the exact relationships between different species of juncos are still not fully known.
The dark-eyed junco is an important species to study as it is a common species that can provide insight into the biology of many other species of juncos.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Junco |
| Species | J. hyemalis |
24. Chestnut-Backed Chickadee
The chestnut-backed chickadee is a small bird in the tit family, Paridae. It is native to the Pacific Northwest of the United States and western Canada, where it is found from southern Alaska to as far south as southwestern California.
It was historically known as Parus rufescens, however, it was reclassified as Poecile rufescens in the late 19th century. The chestnut-backed chickadee is a small bird, typically measuring 4 to 5 inches in length.
It is easily identifiable by its chestnut-brown back and wings, as well as its black cap and throat. Its underside is typically white or gray, with a few scattered black feathers.
It has a stout bill and a relatively long tail. The chestnut-backed chickadee lives in a variety of habitats, including deciduous forests, coniferous forests, and suburban areas. It prefers areas with dense vegetation, as it uses foliage for protection from predators.
It is an omnivore, feasting on small insects, seeds, berries, and nuts. It will also occasionally scavenge for scraps of food in human homes and gardens. The chestnut-backed chickadee is a sociable bird, often living in small flocks of up to ten individuals.
They communicate with each other with a recognizable call, which sounds like “chick-a-dee-dee-dee”. They are also highly adaptable, being able to adjust to different climate conditions and changing food sources.
This has enabled them to survive and thrive in their Pacific Northwest range for many years.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. rufescens |
Conclusion
Menlo Park is home to a variety of birds that are found in the region. Many of these birds, such as the California Quail, Red-tailed Hawk, and Anna’s Hummingbird, are common sights in the area.
Bird watchers in the area can take advantage of the many parks and open spaces in the area to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitats. With its diverse bird population, Menlo Park is a great place to observe and appreciate the beauty of the avian world.