Moreno Valley is home to a variety of birds, from the majestic bald eagle and the colorful peacock to the small and shy hummingbird.
Birds of all shapes and sizes can be seen in and around Moreno Valley, from the shorebirds that frequent the nearby lakes to the raptors that soar over the hills.
Bird watching has become a popular pastime in Moreno Valley, and many people come to the area to observe the avian wildlife.
With a variety of habitats and access to food and water, Moreno Valley is an ideal place for birdwatchers to observe and enjoy the beauty of these feathered creatures.
1. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove is a species of dove that is found in North and South America. It is a member of the Columbidae family, which includes all types of doves and pigeons.
The mourning dove is also known by several other names, including the American mourning dove, the rain dove, and colloquially the turtle dove. In the past, it was also referred to as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove.
The mourning dove is a medium-sized bird, with a slender body and a long tail. It has a grey-brown body, with a white belly and a black tail. Its wings are large and pointed, and it has a long, thin beak.
It has a distinctive call that is often heard in the early morning and at dusk. The mourning dove is found in habitats ranging from woodlands to grasslands, and it is particularly common in agricultural lands.
It feeds on a variety of seeds, fruits, and insects, and it is known to feed on the ground. It is migratory, and it is found throughout the Americas, from Canada to Argentina. The mourning dove is a popular game bird, and it is hunted in many parts of the world.
It is also kept as a pet in some areas, where it is trained to perform tricks such as catching food and retrieving objects. The mourning dove is an important species in many cultures. In Native American cultures, it is seen as a symbol of peace and renewal.
It is also the official state bird of seven US states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
2. House Finch
The house finch is a species of bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae. It is native to western North America and has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii.
The house finch, along with the other two American rosefinches, are placed in the genus Haemorhous. This genus of birds is characterized by its bright colors, such as red, orange, and yellow.
The house finch has a relatively short wingspan of 6.3–7.5 in (16–19 cm) and a body length of 5.1–6.7 in (13–17 cm). Its diet consists of mainly seeds, fruits, and insects.
This species is a common sight in the urban environment, where it can be found in parks, gardens, and backyards. They can be heard singing their melodic calls throughout the year.
The house finch is an important species in the North American avifauna and plays an important role in the ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
3. California Quail
The California quail, also known as the California Valley quail or Valley quail, is a small bird that lives on the ground. It is found in the New World quail family and has a distinctive curved crest made up of six feathers on its head.
The color of the feathers on the crest varies depending on the gender of the bird, with males having black feathers and females having brown ones. The feathers on the sides of the bird are brown and have white streaks running through them.
This species of quail is native to the western United States and parts of Mexico, and is often found in open, grassy areas. They are considered game birds and are popular for hunting.
The California quail is also a popular aviary bird and is kept as a pet in many parts of the world. They are social birds, and can often be seen in large groups. They are also very vocal and have a wide variety of calls that they use to communicate with each other.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Odontophoridae |
| Genus | Callipepla |
| Species | C. californica |
4. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that is native to North America, specifically the western coastal regions. The species was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli.
It is a relatively small bird, growing to just over 3 inches in length, with bright green feathers and a red forehead. In the early 20th century, Anna’s hummingbirds were only found breeding in two distinct regions: northern Baja California and Southern California.
This is likely due to the species’ reliance on the year-round abundance of flowers in these particular regions. The birds feed on the nectar of flowers and also consume small insects to supplement their diet.
They can also be found in shrubs and trees, where they build nests to raise their young. Anna’s hummingbirds are very active and agile, capable of hovering in mid-air for long periods of time.
They are also extremely territorial and will fiercely defend their nesting areas against intruders.
This species is also known for its rapid flight patterns, which can reach speeds of up to 40mph.Anna’s hummingbird is an iconic species in North America and is widely appreciated for its graceful beauty and vibrant colors.
It is also an important pollinator, helping to spread the seeds of many different plants. Despite its wide range and relative abundance, Anna’s hummingbird is still vulnerable to habitat destruction and other forms of human-caused environmental degradation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
5. Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s hummingbird is a small species of bird from the family Trochilidae, also known as the hummingbird family. This bird is native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, where it mainly breeds during the summer months.
During the winter months, however, it migrates south to western Mexico, where it will spend the colder months. This species is well-adapted to the hot and dry climates of its native range and is capable of surviving in areas with limited resources.
Costa’s hummingbird is a common sight in its natural habitat, often seen hovering over flowers and other sources of nectar. It is also known for its distinctive call, which is a piercing and high-pitched trill.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. costae |
6. Tyrant Flycatchers
The tyrant flycatchers are a family of passerine birds that inhabit both North and South America. These birds are known for their boldness and aggressive behavior, making them well-known to bird watchers.
With a wide range of sizes, colors, and shapes, these birds are considered to be some of the most diverse of all the bird species. The tyrant flycatchers are the largest family of birds in the world, with more than 400 species known to exist.
From the tiny vermilion flycatcher to the large great kiskadee, these birds come in all shapes and sizes. Each species has its own unique characteristics, from the size and color of its feathers to its call and diet.
They are generally found in open areas, such as savannas, woodlands, and wetlands, and they are found throughout the Americas. They are an important part of the ecosystem, as they feed on both insects and fruit, helping to keep the balance of the natural environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
7. White-crowned Sparrow
The white-crowned sparrow is a type of bird found in North America and is part of the New World sparrow family. It is known for its distinctive grey face and the black and white stripes along the top of its head.
This medium-sized bird is found in a variety of habitats, from open woodlands to grasslands and shrublands. It is a migratory species, with some individuals traveling from Canada to northern Mexico during the winter months.
It is a fairly common species and can often be seen foraging on the ground for seeds and insects. The white-crowned sparrow also likes to visit bird feeders and is known to be relatively tame and approachable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Zonotrichia |
| Species | Z. leucophrys |
8. Black-necked Stilt
The black-necked stilt is a species of shorebird native to the United States. It is mostly found in wetlands and coastal areas, ranging from California to much of the interior western United States.
It has also been spotted along the Gulf Coast, where it often frequents mudflats, sandbars, and shallow lagoons. The black-necked stilt has a long, thin black bill, a white face, and a black neck. Its lower body is white with dark brown or black wings and tail.
Its long red legs make it a standout among shorebirds. The black-necked stilt is a highly adaptable bird and can be found in habitats ranging from small ponds to large wetlands. It feeds on a variety of invertebrates, including insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.
The black-necked stilt also eats some plant material such as seeds and berries. During the breeding season, it nests in shallow water, often in colonies with other shorebirds.
The female lays two to three eggs in a shallow depression lined with pebbles and bits of vegetation.The black-necked stilt is a relatively common bird throughout the United States, though its population is declining due to habitat loss and degradation.
It is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but it is still important to protect its wetlands habitats for the future of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
9. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a type of small bird that belongs to the finch family. It is found throughout North America and migrates according to the different seasons. During the breeding season, it can be found in a range between mid-Alberta and North Carolina.
During the winter season, it migrates south to areas that are just south of the Canada-United States border, all the way down to Mexico. The American goldfinch is a unique bird, and its migratory patterns are quite distinct.
It is one of the more common birds found in North America and is easily recognizable by its yellow and black plumage, as well as its small size. The American goldfinch is also notable for its unique call, which is often described as a “per-chick-o-ree” sound.
The American goldfinch is an important species to the North American environment. It plays an important role in the local ecosystem, as it helps to disperse seeds and other plant material through its diet and its migratory patterns.
It also provides food for larger predators such as hawks and owls. Additionally, the American goldfinch is an important bird to birdwatchers, as its colorful plumage is a delight to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
10. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird that belongs to the true thrush genus and the larger Turdidae family. It was named after the European robin because of its reddish-orange breast, however, the two species are not closely related.
The European robin is actually part of the Old World flycatcher family. The American robin is native to North America, while the European robin is native to Eurasia and parts of Africa. They differ in their behaviors and preferred habitats.
The American robin tends to prefer open areas such as lawns, parks, and woodlands, while the European robin occupies more densely wooded habitats.
Additionally, the American robin is a migratory bird, traveling south for the winter, while the European robin is a resident bird, staying in the same geographical area all year round.
Despite the differences in their behaviors and habitats, the American robin and the European robin share one key similarity: their beautiful reddish-orange breast.
This trait is the reason why the American robin was given its name, and it is sure to bring a smile to the face of any bird watcher.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
11. Western Tanager
The western tanager is a medium-sized American songbird that was previously placed in the tanager family. However, it is now classified in the cardinal family along with other members of its genus.
This is due to the fact that its plumage and vocalizations are quite similar to those of other members of the cardinal family. The western tanager is a plump bird with a bright yellow face and black wings.
Its breast and upper parts are a bright red, while its underparts are a soft white. In addition to its striking colors, the Western tanager is also distinguished by its loud, melodic song.
This song is similar to that of other cardinals and is composed of a series of clear, whistling notes. All in all, the western tanager is an impressive bird with a unique set of features that make it stand out from its peers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. ludoviciana |
12. Whimbrel
The Eurasian or common whimbrel is a large species of wader in the family Scolopacidae and is known as the white-rumped whimbrel in North America. It is a migratory bird that can be found breeding across a large portion of subarctic Asia and Europe, as far south as Scotland.
The whimbrel is one of the most widespread of the curlews, with its range extending from Greenland to Siberia, and from Portugal to Scandinavia.
Its breeding range covers much of northern Europe, stretching from Scotland to the Arctic Circle, and from the Ural Mountains to the White Sea. The whimbrel is a medium to large shorebird, with a long bill, a white rump, and a barred black and white back.
It typically feeds on small invertebrates, such as mollusks, crustaceans, and worms. During the winter, it can be found in coastal areas, mudflats, and estuaries.
The Eurasian or common whimbrel is an important species to conservation efforts, as its range covers a large area and provides a valuable link between bird populations in different parts of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. phaeopus |
13. Sandhill Crane
The sandhill crane is a species of large crane that is native to North America and extreme northeastern Siberia.
These birds are aptly named for their preference of habitats, which are typically the grasslands, marshes, and open woodlands located near rivers, such as the Platte River in Nebraska.
The Platte River runs through the Sandhills of the American Great Plains, which is the primary habitat of the sandhill crane. The sandhill crane is a large bird, with a wingspan of up to seven feet and a body length of about four feet.
The crane’s feathers are grayish-brown, with a white patch on the top of its head, and a bright red patch of skin around its eyes. The crane has long legs and a long, pointed bill.
It is an omnivorous bird, feeding on a variety of animals and plants, including small mammals, fish, amphibians, crustaceans, snails, insects, and berries. The sandhill crane is an important species in its native range, as it plays an important role in the food chain and helps to maintain a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
The crane is also a symbol of hope and renewal, as it is known to migrate long distances to return to its nesting grounds. This bird is also important to many local cultures and is often featured in stories and artwork.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Antigone |
| Species | A. canadensis |
14. Common Goldeneye
The common goldeneye is a sea duck that belongs to the genus Bucephala, also known as goldeneyes. This species is closely related to Barrow’s goldeneye, which is very similar in appearance.
The name of the genus comes from the Ancient Greek boukephalos, which refers to the bulbous head shape of the bufflehead. The common goldeneye is a medium-sized sea duck, usually measuring between 40 and 50 cm in length, with a wingspan of up to 80 cm.
Its plumage is mostly black and white, with a bright yellow bill and eye-rings. It is a strong swimmer and an adept diver, able to dive up to 9 meters in pursuit of prey. It feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates, as well as small fish and amphibians.
The common goldeneye breeds in forested areas near freshwater lakes and rivers, preferring areas with tall trees for nesting. Females lay 5–10 eggs per clutch, which are incubated for about 28 days before hatching.
This species is a popular game bird, hunted for its meat and feathers. Conservation efforts have been successful, and the common goldeneye is currently classified as the Least Concern by the IUCN.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Bucephala |
| Species | B. clangula |
15. Lesser Goldfinch
The lesser goldfinch is a small songbird that is native to the Americas. It belongs to the genus Spinus and is one of three species in the New World goldfinch clade. Male lesser goldfinches are distinguished by their black forehead, while females lack this feature.
This trait is shared with the other two species of the clade, the American goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch. The lesser goldfinch is a small bird, usually ranging from 4.7 to 5.5 inches in length. The male has a bright yellow body, with a black face, wings, and tail.
The female is duller in color and lacks a black face. They are primarily seed eaters, and can often be found foraging on the ground or in trees and shrubs for food.
They often form flocks with other species of birds, such as the American goldfinch, and can often be seen in open fields and parks.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. psaltria |
16. Silky-flycatchers
The Silky-flycatcher family, Ptiliogonatidae, is comprised of a small group of passerine birds. This family consists of only four species, which are spread across three genera.
These birds used to be part of the larger family of waxwings and hypocolius, known as the Bombycillidae family. This is still the family that is listed in the Sibley-Monroe checklist. Silky flycatchers are small, stocky birds that are usually brightly colored.
They have large heads and short, square-shaped tails. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, such as Mexico, Belize, and Peru.
They are primarily found in open areas with sparse vegetation, such as grasslands and scrublands. Silky flycatchers mainly feed on insects, such as flies and beetles, which they catch in mid-air. They also eat some fruits and berries.
They build their nests in low shrubs and trees, and the males will often sing to attract a mate.The Silky-flycatcher family is an important part of the ecosystem, as they keep the insect population in check.
They are also an important food source for other animals, such as hawks and owls. Unfortunately, their populations have been declining due to habitat destruction and other human activities.
Conservation efforts are needed to ensure that these birds can continue to play an important role in the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Ptiliogonatidae |
17. Lesser Nighthawk
The lesser nighthawk is a type of nightjar found across much of the Americas. It is a relatively small bird, with a body length of around 20 cm. In terms of coloration, the adults are mainly dark with some brown, grey, and white patterning on their upperparts and breast.
The wings are long and black, and when in flight, a white bar is visible across them. This white bar makes the lesser nighthawk distinct from other nightjar species and is a useful way of identifying it.
The lesser nighthawk is mainly active during the night when it can be seen hunting for insects. It has a unique vocalization that consists of a series of loud, harsh, rapidly repeated calls.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Chordeiles |
| Species | C. acutipennis |
18. Black-bellied Whistling Duck
The black-bellied whistling duck is an interesting species of duck that was once known as the black-bellied tree duck. It is found mainly in the southern United States, Mexico, and in Central to South American tropical areas.
Prior to 2000, this species was mainly found breeding in these areas. Today, however, it can be found year-round in many parts of the United States. This species is easily distinguished by its unique whistling sound; a call that it uses to communicate with its family or flock.
Its feathers are predominantly black and white, while its underside is light gray with black markings. This species is also known to nest in trees or on the ground, and its diet consists of plant materials, aquatic insects, and small fish.
The black-bellied whistling duck is an interesting and unique species of duck that is worth learning more about.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Dendrocygna |
| Species | D. autumnalis |
19. Western Grebe
The western grebe is a species of bird that belongs to the grebe family of water birds. It is a graceful and elegant-looking bird, with a long, slender neck and a slender body.
The western grebe also has a striking black and white plumage, with its back and wings being black and its breast and front being white. It is commonly found in the lakes, ponds and rivers in the western United States.
Due to its stunning appearance, the western grebe has several folk names, such as “dabchick”, “swan grebe” and “swan-necked grebe”. It gets its name “dabchick” from its habit of diving and making a dabbing motion with its head while foraging for food.
Its other name, “swan grebe”, is derived from its resemblance to the swans, which have a similar long necks and slender bodies. Lastly, its name “swan-necked grebe” is due to its long, slender neck, which is similar to a swan’s neck.
The western grebe is an expert swimmer and diver and is capable of diving to depths of up to 15 feet in search of food. It feeds mainly on small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans.
It has an interesting mating ritual, in which the male and female perform a courtship dance, involving head-shaking, bobbing, and circling movements.
All in all, the western grebe is a beautiful and unique species of bird that has a long and slender neck and graceful black and white plumage. It has several folk names, such as “dabchick”, “swan grebe” and “swan-necked grebe”, and is a skilled swimmer and diver.
It is an interesting bird to observe and is sure to be a delight to any bird enthusiast.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Aechmophorus |
| Species | A. occidentalis |
20. Long-billed Curlew
The long-billed curlew is an impressive shorebird native to North America. It belongs to the family Scolopacidae and is commonly referred to as the “sickle bird” and the “candlestick bird”.
This bird is widely distributed across much of central and western North America, where it nests in the summertime. During the winter months, it migrates southward and towards the coast in order to find food and suitable temperatures.
This species is one of the largest shorebirds in North America, and its distinctive bill is its namesake. Its bill curves downward in a hook-like shape and can be up to 7 inches in length.
This species is also known for its beautiful call, which is said to sound like a melodic trill. The long-billed curlew is a magnificent species that is well-loved by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. americanus |
Conclusion
Moreno Valley is home to a variety of birds, ranging from the common robin to the rarer species of birds such as the California condor. These birds can be enjoyed by birdwatchers, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
With the many public parks and open spaces in the city, Moreno Valley is a great place to observe a wide range of birds.