Welcome to Orangevale, the community of birdwatchers! This charming city is home to a wide variety of birds, both resident and migratory. From the colorful cardinals to the majestic bald eagles, to the tiny wrens of the wetlands, Orangevale has something for everyone.
Birders of all levels of experience can enjoy the sights and sounds of this vibrant birding community. From the city parks to the undeveloped areas, take the time to admire the beauty of Orangevale’s feathered friends.
Whether you’re an experienced birder or a beginner, you’ll be sure to find something to appreciate in Orangevale. So grab your binoculars and let’s take a look at all the birds that call Orangevale home!
1. Pigeons
Columbidae is a family of birds which includes both doves and pigeons. They are the only birds in the order Columbiformes and are easily identified by their stout body shape and short necks.
The bills of Columbidae are short and slim, and some species feature a fleshy ‘cere’ on top. Columbidae feed mainly on seeds, fruits, and plants, and can often be seen foraging on the ground for food. They are generally seen in pairs or small groups and are very social birds.
Columbidae are found in most parts of the world and can adapt to both rural and urban environments. They are popular birds among humans and are often kept as pets in many parts of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Columbimorphae |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
2. Woodpeckers
The bird family Picidae is made up of a variety of species, including woodpeckers, piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers. These birds can be found in many different habitats around the world, ranging from tropical areas to temperate zones.
Members of this family are found on every continent, except for Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, and the extreme polar regions. Woodpeckers are perhaps the best-known member of this family, which is why they are often used to represent the entire group.
Woodpecker species range in size from the tiny downy woodpecker to the large pileated woodpecker. They have strong bills and strong feet, which they use to hammer away at tree trunks in order to find food.
Piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers are also members of the Picidae family, and they share some of the same characteristics as woodpeckers. Piculets are smaller than woodpeckers and tend to live in dense forests.
They have short bills and prefer to feed on insects, such as ants and caterpillars. Wrynecks are also quite small and they have a distinctive habit of feeding upside down. These birds can be found in open woodlands and they feed on insects as well.
Sapsuckers are a bit larger than the other members of the family and they have a unique feeding behavior. They suck sap from trees, as well as eat insects and fruits.
Overall, the Picidae family is an incredibly diverse group of birds, with a variety of sizes, shapes, and behaviors. While they are not found in Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, or the extreme polar regions, they can be found in many other parts of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
3. Swallows
The Hirundinidae family of songbirds, commonly known as swallows, martins, and saw-wings, is found around the world, including in Antarctica. These birds are highly adapted for aerial feeding, meaning they can catch their food while in flight.
The Hirundinidae have a distinct look, allowing them to be easily identified in the wild. Their bodies are slender and streamlined, with long and pointed wings and forked tails.
The coloring of these birds is usually a mix of grey, brown, black, and white. The Hirundinidae family is made up of over 90 species of birds. Most of these species are migratory and will travel long distances to find a suitable habitat.
Swallows, martins, and saw-wings have been observed nesting in large colonies, often in man-made structures such as bridges, barns, and buildings.
Their nests are typically cup-shaped and made of mud, twigs, and grass. The Hirundinidae family is well known for its aerial acrobatics, as they can fly at high speeds and maneuver quickly in the air. They will often swoop and dip while hunting, catching insects in mid-flight.
This behavior is thought to help them evade predators while also helping them to locate food sources. The Hirundinidae are an important part of the ecosystem, as they help to control insect populations.
They are also important indicators of environmental health, as their presence or absence can provide insight into the health of an area.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
4. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s warbler is a small, brightly colored bird that is native to the New World. It has a distinctive greenish color on its back and a vibrant yellow color on its underside. Its wings are rounded and its tail is long and slim.
The male of the species has a unique black patch on its crown; however, this patch may be reduced or absent in the female of the species, depending on the subspecies. This black crown patch helps to distinguish the male from the female and is a key feature of this species.
The Wilson’s warbler is an intriguing bird that is easily identifiable by its bright colors and unique features.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Cardellina |
| Species | C. pusilla |
5. Dark-Eyed Junco
The dark-eyed junco is a species of junco, a bird that is part of a larger group of small, grayish sparrows that are native to the New World.
This particular species is abundant and widespread across much of temperate North America, and during the summer months, it can be found migrating to areas further north, such as into the Arctic.
The dark-eyed junco is a very variable species, meaning that there is a lot of variation in its characteristics and behavior. In fact, its systematics, or the scientific study of its taxonomy, is still not fully understood.
This is likely due to its similarity to the related fox sparrow, and the fact that some characteristics of the dark-eyed junco can overlap with the fox sparrow, making it difficult to definitively distinguish between the two species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Junco |
| Species | J. hyemalis |
6. Swainson’s Thrush
Source: Wikipedia
Swainson’s thrush is a medium-sized bird belonging to the genus Catharus. It is known for its distinctive coloring of olive or russet and its beautiful, flute-like song.
The species was named after William Swainson, an English ornithologist who is best remembered for his pioneering work in bird classification. Swainson was an early adopter of binomial nomenclature, the system of giving a two-word Latin name to each species of animal.
He was a prolific writer and illustrator of birds and other natural history subjects, and his influence extended beyond the world of ornithology.
His work on the Swainson’s thrush in particular helped to bring attention to the species and bring it to the forefront of scientific study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Catharus |
| Species | C. ustulatus |
7. Loggerhead Shrike
The loggerhead shrike is a passerine bird of the family Laniidae. It is native to North America and is the only species of shrike found in this region.
The Northern Shrike, which is closely related to the loggerhead shrike, is found in the northern parts of North America, as well as in Siberia. It is quite distinct from the loggerhead shrike and has a much larger range.
Its range does not overlap with that of the loggerhead shrike, so the two species maintain their distinctiveness. The loggerhead shrike is a fascinating bird and a unique member of the shrike family. It is a medium-sized bird with a grey back, white belly, and black wings.
It has a distinctive black mask over its eyes, and its beak is curved. It is most famous for its hunting behavior, which involves impaling its prey on thorns and barbed wire. This is a unique behavior among passerines and is an important part of the loggerhead shrike’s ecology.
It is a species of conservation concern due to its declining numbers in parts of its range. Conservation efforts are important for this species, as it is an important part of North America’s biodiversity.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Laniidae |
| Genus | Lanius |
| Species | L. ludovicianus |
8. Brown-Headed Cowbird
The brown-headed cowbird is a small species of icterid bird native to North America. It is a permanent resident in the southern parts of its range, such as the southern United States and Mexico.
The species is an obligate brood parasite, meaning that it lays its eggs in the nests of other birds rather than constructing its own nest to raise its young.
During the winter months, northern populations of the brown-headed cowbird migrate to the southern parts of its range, usually returning to their summer habitat around the months of March or April.
This species is an important part of the North American avian ecosystem and is an important part of the food web in its habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. ater |
9. Western Tanager
The western tanager is a medium-sized songbird native to the Americas. It was formerly classified in the Tanager family, but more recent research has placed it and other members of its genus in the cardinal family.
This is evidenced by the species’s plumage and vocalizations, which bear close resemblance to those of other birds in the cardinal family. The western tanager typically has an olive green back, yellow underparts, and a bright red face.
Its call is a loud and raspy trill that is quite distinct from the songs of other birds in the genus. This is further evidence of its classification in the cardinal family.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. ludoviciana |
10. White-Faced Ibis
The white-faced ibis is a species of wading bird found in the Threskiornithidae family. These birds tend to breed in colonies in marshes and typically build their nests in low trees or bushes.
The white-faced ibis is a species of water bird, typically found in wetlands, marshes, and flooded fields. It is often seen wading in shallow water, probing for food with its long, down-curved bill.
It is a medium-sized bird with a wingspan of 29–32 inches, and it typically has an overall white plumage. The head and neck are glossy, iridescent green, while the wings and back are a deep chestnut color. The legs and bill are a dark reddish-pink color.
The white-faced ibis is a social bird and is often seen in flocks of several dozen birds. They are also known to roost in large groups, particularly during the breeding season. During this time, they tend to build their nests in trees or low bushes near the water’s edge.
They typically lay two to three eggs in a shallow depression, and both parents help to incubate the eggs. The young ibises are able to fly after four to six weeks, and they remain in the area for several weeks before migrating to other areas.
The white-faced ibis is an important species in many wetland ecosystems, as it helps to control insect populations and disperses seeds to help promote plant growth.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Plegadis |
| Species | P. chihi |
11. Cassin’s Finch
Cassin’s finch is a type of bird that belongs to the Fringillidae family. The Fringillidae family is a group of small seed-eating birds that usually have conical-shaped beaks, and includes species like the goldfinch, the canary, and many other types of finches.
The Cassin’s finch is also known as one of the “American rosefinches” and is placed in the Haemorhous genus. This genus contains other species of rosefinches native to North America, such as the purple finch and the house finch.
The Cassin’s finch is easily identifiable by its bright yellow head and brownish-gray body and can be found in a variety of habitats, ranging from scrublands to high elevations in the Rocky Mountains.
It is also known for its distinctive song, which is a mix of twittering and trilling notes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. cassinii |
12. Swamp Sparrow
The swamp sparrow is a small bird belonging to the family of New World sparrows. It is closely related to the song Sparrow and is similar in size, shape, and color. It has a rounded head, a short neck, and a plump body.
Its upperparts are gray-brown with lighter streaks, while the underparts are whitish or pale gray with darker streaks. The wings are gray-brown with a white wing bar.
Its long tail is brown with white outer feathers. The swamp sparrow can be found in wetland habitats, such as marshes, wet meadows, swamps, and wet thickets. It prefers areas with dense shrubbery and tall grass, where it feeds on insects and seeds.
It is often seen perched on a shrub or grass stem, searching for food. The swamp sparrow has a sweet, high-pitched song that is similar to a song sparrow’s. It is usually heard during the breeding season from early spring to late summer.
During this time, pairs of swamp sparrows build nests in dense shrubbery and tall grass.
The female incubates the eggs, while the male helps to defend the nest from predators. Overall, the swamp sparrow is a small bird with a sweet song that can be found in wetland habitats throughout the Eastern United States and parts of Canada.
It is closely related to the song Sparrow and is similar in size, shape, and color.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Melospiza |
| Species | M. georgiana |
13. Marbled Godwit
The marbled godwit is a species of shorebird belonging to the family Scolopacidae. It is a migratory bird, meaning that it moves between different areas or habitats in response to changing seasons.
On average, the marbled godwit is the largest of the four species of godwit, with a length of up to 50 centimeters and a wingspan of up to 82 centimeters.
The bird has a long, slightly upturned bill which is used to feed on small invertebrates, such as worms, crustaceans, and mollusks, which it finds in mudflats or shallow waters. It also feeds on seeds, berries, and other plant material.
The marbled godwit is found in coastal areas of North America, Europe, and Asia, usually in marshlands or estuaries. It breeds in the northern parts of its range and then migrates south during the winter.
The marbled godwit is listed as “least concern” on the IUCN Red List, meaning that its population is stable and not in immediate danger of extinction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Limosa |
| Species | L. fedoa |
14. Black-Legged Kittiwake
The black-legged kittiwake is a seabird species that belongs to the gull family, known as Laridae. It was first classified by renowned scientist Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae. Linnaeus gave the scientific name of Larus tridactylus to the species.
The English name of the species has been derived from the shrill call it makes, which is “kittee-wa-aaake, kitten-we-make”. The black-legged kittiwake is a migratory species and is found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans.
It breeds in the Arctic and subarctic regions, where it can be found on cliffs, rocks, and islands. The diet of the black-legged kittiwake consists of small fish, crustaceans, and even small squid. It is a relatively small gull, with an average body length of about 25 cm.
The wingspan of the species is usually around 90 cm. It has a black bill, black legs, and dark grayish-black wings. The upper parts are a light gray, while the underside is white.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Rissa |
| Species | R. tridactyla |
15. Surf Scoter
The surf scoter is a species of large sea duck that is native to North America. It is most easily identified by its size, which is significantly larger than many other species of waterfowl.
Adult males of the surf scoter species have almost entirely black plumage, with white patches on the forehead and nape. The females, on the other hand, are slightly smaller and have browner plumage than the males.
Unlike many other species of waterfowl, the males and females of the surf scoter species do not possess any significantly different plumage patterns or colors. This makes them one of the easier species of waterfowl to identify in the wild.
The surf scoter’s diet consists primarily of aquatic invertebrates such as mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. They have also been known to feed on small fish and some plant material. They forage in shallow waters, along the shoreline, and even on land.
The surf scoter breeds in the summer months, typically near coastal areas in northern parts of North America. The male performs a courtship display that involves raising its feathers, swimming in circles, and vocalizing.
The female typically lays three to five eggs which are incubated by both parents. The chicks are able to fly within two months and reach sexual maturity within two years. The surf scoter is an important species for many ecosystems.
They provide a vital source of food for predators such as eagles, owls, and foxes. Additionally, they help to keep populations of aquatic invertebrates in check by feeding on them.
This helps to ensure that the aquatic food web is in balance and that the environment remains healthy. Overall, the surf scoter is an important species of sea duck.
Its unique plumage and behavior make it easily identifiable in the wild, and it plays an important role in many North American ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Melanitta |
| Species | M. perspicillata |
16. Willet
The willet is a species of shorebird belonging to the family Scolopacidae. It is found along the coasts of the Americas and is also known by other names such as the Scolopacidae, the willet, and the tattler.
The willet is a large and robust sandpiper and is the largest species of the genus Tringa, also known as shanks. It has a characteristic gray-brown back, white belly, and distinctive black and white wings with white wing spots.
The willet has a long, slightly decurved bill which it uses to probe for food in the sand or mud. Its diet consists of small crustaceans, worms, insects, and occasionally small fish. The willet is a social bird, often seen in large flocks foraging along the shoreline.
It is also known to migrate great distances, with some individuals traveling between North and South America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Tringa |
| Species | T. semipalmata |
17. Double-Crested Cormorant
The double-crested cormorant is a bird that belongs to the cormorant family of water birds. These birds are commonly seen living near rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.
The double-crested cormorant is particularly widespread across North America, from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska all the way down to Florida and Mexico. These birds are easy to spot due to their long necks and dark coloration.
They are often seen standing on the shore of rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. The double-crested cormorant is an excellent swimmer and diver. They have webbed feet and a long, powerful bill that helps them to catch fish and other aquatic creatures.
Their diet consists mainly of fish, but they also feed on frogs, crustaceans, and mollusks. They are also known to eat small birds and rodents. The double-crested cormorant is an important part of the aquatic ecosystem.
They feed on fish, which helps to keep the fish populations healthy. They also help to keep the water clean by eating dead fish and other aquatic creatures.
The presence of these birds can even help to attract other fish to the area. In addition to being important to the aquatic ecosystem, the double-crested cormorant is also an important species to bird watchers.
These birds are fairly easy to observe, as they do not migrate and are found in a wide range of habitats. Bird watchers often look for their distinctive features, such as their long necks and their dark feathers.
The double-crested cormorant is an interesting bird to observe and is sure to bring any bird watcher a great deal of satisfaction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Nannopterum |
| Species | N. auritum |
18. Ash-Throated Flycatcher
The ash-throated flycatcher is a species of bird belonging to the family Tyrannidae, which is commonly known as the tyrant flycatcher family. This species is a small passerine, meaning it is a perching bird that is also capable of short bursts of flight.
It is usually found in open woodlands and chaparral throughout western North America, ranging from California to Texas and as far north as Alberta and the Dakotas. The ash-throated flycatcher has a gray-brown body with a lighter gray head and a yellowish-orange bill.
It has a wide range of vocalizations, including a loud song made up of short phrases and a soft call made up of harsh scolding notes. It feeds mainly on insects, but will also take some fruits and berries.
The ash-throated flycatcher is a fairly common species, but its population has been declining in some areas due to habitat loss and degradation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Myiarchus |
| Species | M. cinerascens |
Conclusion
Birds are an important part of the Orangevale ecosystem. They play an important role in the area’s food web, providing both food and shelter for other animals.
They also help to disperse seeds and pollinate plants, which improves the overall health of the local environment. As a result, it is important to protect and preserve the habitats of these birds in order to maintain the natural balance of the region.