Welcome to the wonderful world of birds in Monterey! This coastal city is home to some of the most incredible bird species in the world.
From the majestic pelicans that soar over Monterey Bay to the vibrant hummingbirds that flit through the trees of the coastal forest, Monterey is a bird watcher’s dream come true.
With its diverse habitats, from the rocky coastlines to the grassy hills, Monterey is a great place for birders of all levels to explore and observe the native and migratory birds.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned birder, the variety of bird species in Monterey will delight and amaze you. From the rare marble murrelet to the majestic Bald Eagle, Monterey is a bird paradise.
So come explore the birds of Monterey and be sure to take your binoculars and camera!
1. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a member of the Trochilidae family of birds. It is named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, and is native to the western coast of North America.
Before the early 20th century, the species had a relatively small range, with populations only found in northern Baja California and Southern California.
However, as time passed, the species spread further north and is now found in other parts of the United States and Canada.
The bird is medium-sized and has a distinctive coloring. Its feathers are predominantly green and iridescent, with a reddish-orange throat and a black mask across its face.
Anna’s hummingbirds are especially known for their bright green feathers and their ability to hover in mid-air while they feed on nectar.
This species is also capable of flight speeds up to 34 miles per hour. These birds are solitary, and they are most active during the day.
During the breeding season, males will perform courtship displays to attract potential mates. The female builds the nest and is responsible for raising the chicks.
Anna’s hummingbirds are important pollinators, and they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy plant populations. They are also a popular species among birdwatchers, due to their unique appearances and behaviors.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
2. Brown Pelican
The brown pelican is a large water bird belonging to the family Pelecanidae. It is one of three species of pelicans found in the Americas and one of two species that feed by diving into the water.
The brown pelican is typically found along coastal areas and is well-adapted for life in marine environments. It has a large bill with a gular pouch used for storing and draining water when the bird dives into the water to catch its prey.
Its wingspan can reach up to 7 feet, and its feathers are usually dark brown with white highlights around the head and neck. The brown pelican is an important part of the marine ecosystem, helping to keep the fish populations in balance.
While it is listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List, it is threatened by the loss of its coastal habitats and pollution.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. occidentalis |
3. California Gull
The California Gull is a species of gull that is smaller than the Herring Gull, but larger than the Ring-billed Gull. This gull is native to the entire western coastline of North America, and can also be found breeding inland.
It can be identified by its yellow bill that has a black ring circling it. This gull can be seen in a wide range of habitats, from coastal areas to inland wetlands, marshes, and lakes. It is a highly adaptable species that is capable of thriving in a variety of environments.
The California Gull primarily feeds on small fish, insects, crustaceans, and worms. It is also a scavenger and will consume the remains of dead animals, such as fish or birds. This species of gull is also a social bird, often seen in large flocks.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. californicus |
4. Band-Tailed Pigeon
The band-tailed pigeon is a species of bird indigenous to the Americas. It is a medium-sized bird, with a length of around 40 centimeters and a wingspan of up to 60 centimeters. Its plumage is generally gray, with a black tail and beak.
It has a distinctive white patch on the underside of its wings, and its neck feathers are iridescent, giving it a shimmering appearance. The band-tailed pigeon belongs to the genus Patagioenas, and its closest relatives are the Chilean pigeon and the ring-tailed pigeon.
These three species share a number of traits, including a terminal tail band and iridescent plumage on their necks.
They are also similar in size and behavior, often gathering in large flocks. The band-tailed pigeon is found throughout the Americas, from Mexico to Canada in the north and from Venezuela to Chile in the south.
It inhabits a variety of habitats, from forests and woodlands to open grasslands. It is an omnivore, and its diet includes berries, nuts, and seeds, as well as insects. In recent years, the band-tailed pigeon has been listed as a vulnerable species due to several threats.
These include habitat loss, hunting, and competition with non-native species. Conservation efforts are underway in many areas to protect this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. fasciata |
5. Black-Footed Albatross
The black-footed albatross is an impressive seabird that belongs to the albatross family Diomedeidae. This species is found mainly in the North Pacific, with only 2.5% of its population located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
It is one of three species of albatross that inhabit the northern hemisphere, nesting on remote tropical islands.
The black-footed albatross has a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters, making it one of the largest birds in the world.
Its diet consists of fish, squid, and crustaceans, which it finds in the ocean. It has adapted to its environment and has several features that help it thrive in the wild, such as an oil gland at the base of its tail, which helps waterproof its feathers.
Additionally, the black-footed albatross has a long life span of up to 30 years, which allows it to raise several generations of offspring in its lifetime.
Unfortunately, the species is threatened by human activities such as plastic pollution, long-line fishing, and habitat destruction.
Despite these challenges, conservation efforts are being made to protect the black-footed albatross and ensure its long-term survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Diomedeidae |
| Genus | Phoebastria |
| Species | P. nigripes |
6. Common Murre
The Common Murre, also known as the Common Guillemot, is a type of large auk. It can be found in many different regions of the world, living in low-Arctic and boreal waters in both the North Atlantic and North Pacific.
This type of bird mostly stays at sea, and only comes to land to breed. When it does come to land, it does so on rocky cliffs and islands. This species of bird is very adaptable, allowing it to survive in both cold and warm climates.
The species of the Common Murre is broken down into three distinct subspecies. The first is the Atlantic Common Murre, which is found in the North Atlantic Ocean. This species can be found on the coast of Europe, as well as in Canada and the United States.
The second is the Pacific Common Murre, which is found in the North Pacific Ocean. This species is located along the coasts of North America, Japan, and Russia.
The third is the Magellanic Common Murre, which is found in South America in the waters of Argentina and Chile.
The Common Murre has a wide range of physical characteristics. It has a black head and back, with white underparts and a white line running from its eye to its bill. Its bill is large and pointed, and its feet are webbed.
The wings of the Common Murre are short and pointed, which allows it to fly quickly and easily. The Common Murre feeds mainly on small fish, insects, and crustaceans. It dives underwater to catch its prey and can stay submerged for up to 30 seconds.
This species of bird is also known to eat the eggs of other birds, which can make it unpopular with other species. The Common Murre is an important species to many ecosystems.
Its presence helps maintain the balance of the food chain, and it also helps to spread the seeds of plants from one area to another. This species of bird is also important to the tourism industry, as its presence attracts birdwatchers and other nature enthusiasts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae |
| Genus | Uria |
| Species | U. aalge |
7. Pigeon Guillemot
The pigeon guillemot is a species of bird that belongs to the auk family, Alcidae. This species is part of the genus Cepphus, which consists of three different species. It is most closely related to the spectacled guillemot, which is one of the three species in the genus.
The pigeon guillemot is a medium-sized seabird, with a black body and white underparts. Its slender bill is black and its legs and feet are a yellowish-green color. It has a unique call that sounds like a dove cooing.
Its diet consists mainly of benthic fish and small crustaceans. The pigeon guillemot can be seen in coastal areas across the Northern Hemisphere, including Alaska, Canada, and northern parts of Europe. It often nests in large colonies on the rocky cliffs along the shore.
The pigeon guillemot is an important species to many coastal ecosystems, as it helps to control the populations of its prey.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae |
| Genus | Cepphus |
| Species | C. columba |
8. Brandt’s Cormorant
Brandt’s cormorant is a seabird native to the Pacific coast of North America. Its range during the summer extends from Alaska to the Gulf of California, though the population north of Vancouver Island migrates south during the winter.
This cormorant is a strictly marine bird, meaning it is adapted to living in the ocean and is rarely found inland. It is a member of the cormorant family and is found in other coastal areas around the world.
The cormorant is a large, long-necked bird with a wingspan of up to 2.5 feet. It is predominately black-brown, with a white patch on its throat and a red-orange facial patch. Its diet consists mainly of fish, which it catches by diving and swimming underwater.
In its Pacific coast habitat, Brandt’s cormorant is an important predator of the local fish populations. It is also an important part of the local ecosystem, providing food for other marine predators such as bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and ospreys.
Additionally, its guano is an important source of essential nutrients for the coastal environment. Brandt’s cormorant is currently classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
This is due to its wide range and generally stable population. However, the bird is still threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, and fishing activities.
To maintain healthy populations of this species, conservation efforts are needed to preserve its Pacific coast habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Urile |
| Species | U. penicillatus |
9. Long-Billed Curlew
The long-billed curlew is a large shorebird that is native to North America. It belongs to the family Scolopacidae, and is also known by the names “sickle-bird” and “candlestick bird”.
This species usually breeds in the central and western parts of North America, before migrating southward and towards the coast during the winter months. The long-billed curlew is a migratory bird, and its long bill is well-suited for probing mud and sand for food.
The bird has a mottled brown and white plumage and a long curved bill that gives it a distinct shape. Its diet mostly consists of insects, worms, and other small invertebrates.
The long-billed curlew is an important species for conservation, as its population is in decline due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. americanus |
10. Chestnut-Backed Chickadee
The chestnut-backed chickadee is a small bird that is part of the tit family, Paridae. It is native to the Pacific Northwest of the United States and western Canada, stretching from southern Alaska to southwestern California.
It is easily recognizable due to its distinctive chestnut-brown back and white and black face. It is a highly vocal bird that makes a two-part call, the first part being a sharp ‘chick-a-dee-dee’, followed by a softer ‘dee-dee’ sound.
The chestnut-backed chickadee is commonly found in coniferous forests and often visits bird feeders. It feeds on small insects, spiders, and seeds. It is an active bird that is constantly on the move and can often be seen flying from tree to tree in search of food.
It builds its nest in cavities and tree hollows and is often seen in pairs. It is a social bird and can be seen in small flocks during the winter months.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. rufescens |
11. Red-Necked Phalarope
The red-necked phalarope, also referred to as the northern phalarope and hyperborean phalarope, is a small wader bird that is native to the Arctic regions of both North America and Eurasia.
It is a migratory species and is quite unique when compared to other wading birds in that it chooses to spend its winters in tropical oceans – rather than inland – while it migrates.
This species is known for its colorful neck feathers, which are typically a bright red or orange. In addition to its striking coloration, this species is well-known for its highly specialized feeding behavior.
It uses its bill to create small whirlpools in the water, which then causes small aquatic organisms to rise to the surface where they can more easily feed. This behavior has earned it the nickname “spinning phalarope”.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Phalaropus |
| Species | P. lobatus |
12. Gull
Gulls, or commonly referred to as seagulls, are seabirds of the family Laridae, found in the suborder Lari. Gulls are closely related to terns and skimmers, and they are somewhat related to auks. Waders are the most distantly related group to gulls.
Gulls are typically found near large bodies of water such as oceans, lakes, and rivers, and they are known for their loud, distinctive calls. Gulls come in a variety of sizes, from the large herring gull to the small black-headed gull.
They generally have long wings, strong bills, and webbed feet. Gulls are omnivorous, meaning they will eat a variety of different foods.
They feed on fish, insects, worms, and other small creatures, as well as scavenge for food from humans or animals. Gulls are generally considered to be beneficial to their environment, as they help to keep the populations of insects and other small animals in check.
They also provide important nutrients to the ecosystem, such as nitrogen, which helps to promote the growth of plants.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
13. Pied-Billed Grebe
The pied-billed grebe is a species of the grebe family of water birds, which are found in many places around the world. It is the only species of its genus, Podilymbus, since the Atitlán grebe went extinct.
The pied-billed grebe can be found primarily in ponds throughout the Americas. Its range extends from North to Central America, the Caribbean islands, and even up into Canada.
It is a small bird, usually measuring between 30 and 35 centimeters in length, and has a distinctive black-and-white pattern on its feathers.
Its bill is pale yellow and has a black band around its circumference. It feeds mainly on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
The pied-billed grebe is a solitary bird, although it may form small flocks during the breeding season. It is an excellent swimmer, and its feet are located far back on its body, allowing it to propel itself through the water.
It can dive for several minutes at a time, to depths of up to 15 meters. When hunting, the pied-billed grebe can completely submerge itself, only leaving its eyes visible above the water.
It is a vocal bird, with a variety of calls used for communication between individuals, as well as for courtship and to scare away predators. The pied-billed grebe is an important species in its ecosystems, both as a prey item for larger animals and as a predator itself.
It helps keep the balance of the food chain and acts as an indicator of the health of its local environment. As a result, its conservation is important for the overall health of the ponds it inhabits.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podilymbus |
| Species | P. podiceps |
14. Surf Scoter
The Surf Scoter is a large duck species native to North America. This species is easily recognizable due to its distinctive coloring.
Male Surf Scoters are almost entirely black with white patches on their forehead and nape, while females are slightly smaller in size and have a browner plumage overall. This species is also known for its impressive diving ability.
It can dive up to 30 feet to feed on aquatic organisms like mollusks, crustaceans, and fish. The Surf Scoter lives and feeds in coastal areas and wetlands, and can often be spotted in large groups.
They are also quite social and are often seen in mixed species flocks with other ducks and seabirds. This species is an important part of the North American ecosystem and plays an important role in helping to keep aquatic populations healthy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Melanitta |
| Species | M. perspicillata |
15. Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s hummingbird is a species of bird that belongs to the hummingbird family Trochilidae. This species is found in the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
It is an interesting species of bird as it has adapted to the arid climate of this region. During the summer months, Costa’s hummingbird breeds in the arid regions of the southwest United States and northwest Mexico.
However, when winter arrives, the bird migrates to western Mexico to find food and shelter in a region that is not as dry as the arid regions it left behind. This species of bird is an amazing example of adaptation and resilience in the face of a changing environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. costae |
Conclusion
Monterey is a great place to observe birds, as there is a great diversity of species found here. Many species of waterfowl, seabirds, and land birds can be seen in Monterey, making it a great destination for birders of all levels.
The diversity of habitats available in the area offers a unique opportunity to observe a wide range of birds in their natural environment. With the right knowledge and equipment, birders can have a great experience in Monterey.