Birds are a beautiful and beloved part of nature that can be found in North Tustin. With its unique climate, the area is home to many different species of birds.
From the common house sparrow to the majestic bald eagle, North Tustin is a great place to observe and enjoy the beauty of these feathered friends.
Bird watching is a popular activity in the area, and locals and visitors alike can be seen enjoying the sights and sounds of the many different birds in the area. Whether you are a novice or an experienced bird watcher, North Tustin has something to offer everyone.
1. House Finch
The house finch is a species of finch that belongs to the family of Fringillidae. It is native to western North America and can be found in the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii.
The house finch is one of three species of American rosefinches and is classified into the genus Haemorhous. This species of finch is known for its varied diet, which includes seeds, fruits, and insects.
Its plumage is generally dull brown in color, with streaks of black and white. The house finch is a common sight in cities and suburban areas and is often seen in bird feeders and gardens.
It is a social species, often seen in flocks of up to 50 individuals, and is an important species for seed dispersal.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
2. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove is a species of the dove family, Columbidae, which is native to the Americas. It is a medium-sized bird that is often seen perched in trees or flying in the open sky.
It is also known as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, or colloquially as the turtle dove. This species of dove is known for its loud, sorrowful cooing, which is why it is referred to as the mourning dove.
In the past, the mourning dove was also known as the Carolina pigeon or Carolina turtledove. The mourning dove is usually gray-brown in color with a black spot near the tip of its tail. Its diet consists of grains and seeds, which it obtains by foraging on the ground.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
3. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic bird that is found in many parts of North and Central America, as well as South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands. It is from the heron family Ardeidae and is a large wading bird.
The great blue heron is most commonly seen near the shores of open water and wetlands. It is a graceful flier and stands tall in its wading hunts. It is grey and blue in color with black wings and long legs. Its long neck and pointed beak make it easily recognizable.
Its long wingspan allows it to soar and catch its prey with great accuracy. The great blue heron is an elegant and awe-inspiring creature that is an important part of many natural ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
4. Yellow-Rumped Warbler
The yellow-rumped warbler is a medium-sized songbird species. It is a native species to North America and can be observed in a variety of habitats. In particular, it is common in woodlands, fields, shrubland, and near the coast.
It is a migratory species, but it can be seen year-round in some areas of the continent. Its name comes from the yellow patch of feathers that are found on either side of its rump.
This species is relatively small, measuring between 4.3-5.1 inches long and weighing between 0.4-0.7 ounces. The yellow-rumped warbler is a common sight for bird watchers as it has a wide distribution across the continent.
Its diet consists of insects and fruits, making it an important part of the local food web.
During the breeding season, the males of the species are known to be quite territorial and can often be seen singing and displaying their bright yellow patches of feathers to attract a mate. Despite its wide range, the yellow-rumped warbler is listed as a species of least concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
This is largely due to the fact that it is a widespread and abundant species. However, due to habitat loss and fragmentation, the population of this species has been in decline in some areas. To ensure its long-term survival, it is important to protect its natural habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. coronata |
5. Double-Crested Cormorant
The double-crested cormorant is a large, brown water bird that is part of the cormorant family.
It is a common sight in many regions of North America, ranging from Alaska’s Aleutian Islands to the south all the way down to Florida and Mexico.These birds are often found near rivers and lakes, but they also frequent coastal areas.
They are excellent swimmers and divers, so they can be seen around any body of water, from large, deep lakes to small, shallow streams.
They can even be seen in the ocean along the coast. Double-crested cormorants are distinguished by their brown or black feathers and distinctive yellow-orange facial skin. They also have a pair of thin, curved crests on their head.
These crests are most visible when they spread their wings, which they often do while drying their feathers in the sun. These birds are omnivorous and feed on a variety of different fish, aquatic insects, and even small birds.
They often hunt in groups, diving into the water in search of prey.
They are also known to eat carrion, meaning they will scavenge for food as well. The double-crested cormorant is an interesting and adaptable species that can be found in many different habitats across North America.
They are a common sight in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, and are an important part of the aquatic ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Nannopterum |
| Species | N. auritum |
6. White-Crowned Sparrow
The white-crowned sparrow is a species of passerine bird found in North America. It is a medium-sized bird belonging to the family of New World sparrows. Its most distinguishing feature is its grey face, which is covered with black and white streaks on its upper head.
This coloration allows the white-crowned sparrow to blend into its environment and helps it to camouflage itself from potential predators. The white-crowned sparrow typically inhabits open woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural fields.
It feeds on insects, grains, and seeds, and it nests in trees or shrubs. The white-crowned sparrow is an important part of the North American ecosystem, as it assists in controlling insect populations.
It is also a favorite among bird watchers due to its distinctive markings and behavior.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Zonotrichia |
| Species | Z. leucophrys |
7. Cactus Wren
The cactus wren is a species of wren found in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico. It is the state bird of Arizona and is the largest species of wren in the United States.
Its plumage is predominantly brown in color and is adorned with black and white spots. The cactus wren is an integral part of the desert’s ecosystem and is a great example of how nature can thrive even in harsh environments.
Its diet consists of insects, seeds, and fruits, and it builds its nest in cacti and other desert plants. The cactus wren is an impressive bird, not only because of its large size but also because of its ability to survive in the harsh conditions of the desert.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Troglodytidae |
| Genus | Campylorhynchus |
| Species | C. brunneicapillus |
8. Red-Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a majestic bird of prey that can be found in many parts of North America. Its range extends from the interior of Alaska and northern Canada all the way down to Panama and the West Indies.
It is a common species of Buteo, a genus of birds of prey that are found throughout the world. The red-tailed hawk is a large bird, with a wingspan of up to four feet and a weight of two to three pounds. It has a distinctive red tail, which is often used to identify it.
The red-tailed hawk is a powerful hunter, preying on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is also an opportunistic feeder, meaning it will take advantage of food sources when they are available.
The red-tailed hawk is also an important part of the North American ecosystem, helping to keep populations of small mammals, birds, and reptiles in balance.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. jamaicensis |
9. Least Sandpiper
The least sandpiper is the smallest species of shorebird, belonging to the genus Calidris. The name Calidris is derived from Ancient Greek, where it was used by the philosopher Aristotle to refer to small, grey colored birds near the water’s edge.
The species name minutilla is derived from Medieval Latin, and translates to mean “very small”. This aptly describes the size of the least sandpiper, as it is the smallest species of shorebird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. minutilla |
10. California Scrub Jay
The California scrub jay is a species of bird native to western North America. This bird is found in a wide range of habitats, ranging from the southern portions of British Columbia, all the way down to California and western Nevada.
It even can be found near Reno and west of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. These birds are very adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats including chaparral, oak woodlands, and pine-oak forests.
They feed on a wide variety of foods, including seeds, insects, fruits, grains, and even sometimes small lizards or snakes. They are also very social birds and live in small family groups, usually composed of an adult pair and their offspring.
The California scrub jay is an important member of the California ecosystem. It is a keystone species, meaning that its presence helps maintain the balance of the environment. It is also an important seed disperser, helping to spread native plants throughout its range.
Additionally, it plays an important role in controlling insect populations, helping to keep them in balance. Overall, the California scrub jay is an important species, and its presence is essential to the health of the California ecosystem.
It is a species worth protecting, and its conservation is essential to keeping California’s diverse and unique ecosystem healthy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Aphelocoma |
| Species | A. californica |
11. Woodpeckers
The bird family Picidae is comprised of a wide variety of birds, including woodpeckers, piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers.
This family of birds can be found throughout the world, with the notable exceptions of Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar and the extreme polar regions.
Each species of bird in this family is adapted to its particular habitat, with some species living in forests, others in deserts and still others in urban environments.
Woodpeckers, perhaps the most well-known of the Picidae family, can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, gardens, parks, and even suburban areas.
Woodpeckers have specialized adaptations that enable them to find food in trees, such as their sharp beaks and strong legs which allow them to cling to trunks and branches.
They also have a distinctive call that is easy to recognize. Piculets are smaller, more delicate birds than woodpeckers and they are found mainly in tropical and subtropical forests.
These birds are adapted to foraging for insects in the crevices of trees, and they have a sharp, chisel-like beak to do so. Wrynecks are found mainly in Europe and Asia, and they look very similar to woodpeckers.
They are unique in that they have a long, flexible tongues which they use to catch ants and other insects. Sapsuckers are found mainly in North America and their diet consists of sap and insects.
They have a specialized adaptation that enables them to drill holes in trees to collect sap, and they use their long tongues to catch the insects that are attracted to the sap.
Overall, the bird family Picidae is a diverse and widespread family with members found all over the world, with the notable exceptions of Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, and the extreme polar regions.
Each species of bird in this family is adapted to its particular habitat, enabling it to survive in its environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
12. Long-Billed Curlew
The long-billed curlew is a large shorebird found in North America. It belongs to the family Scolopacidae, and is also known as the ‘sickle-bird’ and the ‘candlestick bird’.
This species primarily breeds in central and western North America, and then migrates southward and towards the coastline for the winter. Its long bill is a defining feature, and its habitat includes grasslands, marshes, mudflats, and coastal areas.
During the breeding season, the long-billed curlew feeds mainly on insects, earthworms, and other invertebrates, while during the winter, it feeds mainly on crabs, mollusks, and other marine organisms.
This bird is vulnerable to habitat loss and destruction, so conservation efforts are necessary to ensure its survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. americanus |
13. Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s hawk is a type of raptor, or bird of prey, that is found throughout North America. It is a medium-sized hawk, usually measuring between 14 and 21 inches from head to tail, with a wingspan measuring between 25 and 39 inches.
The Cooper’s hawk can be identified by its slate gray to blue-gray upperparts, white underparts, and reddish-brown barred tail and wings. This species is found from southern Canada as far south as Mexico and is a permanent resident in many areas.
It is a powerful and agile flier, capable of reaching speeds up to 60 miles per hour. Cooper’s hawk is an opportunistic hunter, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
It is an important predator in its habitat, helping to keep populations of prey species in balance.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Accipiter |
| Species | A. cooperii |
14. Spotted Sandpiper
The spotted sandpiper is a small shorebird that together with its sister species, the common sandpiper, makes up the genus Actitis. It is found in different parts of the world and is known to replace its sister species in certain geographic areas.
In some cases, the two species may overlap in their natural habitats and a stray bird from one species may settle down in the breeding ground of the other species, leading to hybridization between the two.
Hybridization is the process of combining genetic material from two different species, resulting in a new species that is a combination of the two.
In the case of the spotted sandpiper and common sandpiper, hybridization can lead to a new species that has the traits and characteristics of both parents.
This process of natural selection is an important part of the evolutionary process and can lead to the development of new species that are suited to a particular habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Actitis |
| Species | A. macularius |
15. White-Tailed Kite
The white-tailed kite is a species of raptor found in North and South America. It is a small bird of prey, with a length of 25 to 30 cm, and a wingspan of up to 72 cm.
It is mainly found in western parts of North America, particularly in California, and parts of South America, including Peru and Chile. The white-tailed kite is a relative of the Old World black-winged kite, which is also a species of raptor found in Europe and Asia.
While the two species are related, the white-tailed kite is found in areas that the black-winged kite is not.
This is due to the fact that the white-tailed kite is better adapted to the conditions found in North and South America, such as more open grasslands and agricultural land. The White-tailed Kite has a distinct white tail and wings and dark gray upperparts.
It has a slim body and long wings, which make it adept at soaring while hunting. It feeds mainly on small rodents, reptiles, and insects, and is known to snatch prey from the ground or swoop down to grab it in mid-air.
This species is also known to form groups of up to 20 birds, which can be seen feeding and soaring together. Overall, the white-tailed kite is an impressive species of raptor found in western North America and parts of South America.
It is an important part of the local ecosystem, and its presence serves as an indicator of healthy, undisturbed grassland and agricultural habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Elanus |
| Species | E. leucurus |
16. American Yellow Warbler
The yellow warbler is a small bird that belongs to the family of New World warblers. It is the most common species of the genus Setophaga. The yellow warbler is native to North America, the Caribbean Islands, and northern South America.
It is quite widespread, breeding in almost all these regions. The yellow warbler is a small, brightly-colored bird. Its plumage is mainly yellow with some greenish patches, and its wings and tail are a darker shade of yellow.
The underside of the bird is a lighter shade of yellow. Its bill is short and pointed. The yellow warbler lives in wooded areas and around bodies of water. It prefers areas that are near water, where it can find an abundance of insects to feed on.
It also enjoys wet areas, such as marshes and swamps. During the summer months, the yellow warbler migrates to Canada, where it breeds and raises its young. The yellow warbler is an important species in the bird population.
It helps with the control of insects, as well as providing food for other predators. It is also a popular bird for birdwatchers, who find its colorful plumage and song attractive.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. petechia |
17. Red Phalarope
The red phalarope and grey phalarope are two species of small wader birds. These birds breed in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia, making them migratory birds.
Unlike other migratory waders, the red and grey phalaropes migrate mainly in oceanic routes and spend their winters in warmer waters of tropical oceans. This is an unusual behavior for waders, as they typically migrate to inland areas for the winter months.
The red phalarope is especially unique in its migration behavior, as it is the only wader that feeds while swimming and spinning in circles. This behavior helps the phalarope to stir up food from the ocean depths, which it then consumes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Phalaropus |
| Species | P. fulicarius |
18. Baird’s Sandpiper
Baird’s sandpiper is a small shorebird that is part of the calidrids family. In 1973, the genus Erolia, which included the calidrids, was combined with the genus Calidris.
The name of the genus comes from the Ancient Greek word ‘kalidris or skalidris’, which was used by Aristotle to refer to birds with grey feathers that live in or near water.
Baird’s Sandpiper is a species of shorebird that is adapted to living in aquatic environments and can be identified by its grey feathers. They are usually found in coastal areas and near lakes and rivers. They feed on invertebrates that they find near the shoreline.
Baird’s sandpiper is an important species of bird, as it helps to keep the shoreline environment healthy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. bairdii |
Conclusion
Birds in North Tustin are a vital part of the local ecosystem, providing food for other animals, helping to pollinate plants, and providing a natural source of beauty and serenity.
They are also important indicators of environmental health, and the presence or absence of birds can tell us a great deal about the health of the ecosystem in North Tustin.
Therefore, it is essential that we take steps to protect and conserve the birds of North Tustin in order to ensure that they remain a part of our community for many years to come.