Welcome to Placentia, home to a wide variety of birds! With its diverse and plentiful landscapes, Placentia is a perfect place to observe and appreciate many different species of birds.
From ducks and geese to raptors and songbirds, Placentia provides a wide variety of habitats for our feathered friends to thrive. Whether you are an experienced birder or just curious about the birds in your area, Placentia has something for everyone.
From its vast open fields to its dense forests, Placentia provides an excellent opportunity for bird watching. So come and explore the many wonders Placentia has to offer and discover the beauty of its birds.
20 Birds to Watch in Placentia
If you are a bird lover, you might want to visit Placentia, a charming town in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Placentia is home to a variety of birds, some of which are rare or endangered.
Here are 20 birds to watch in Placentia, along with some tips on where and when to find them.
1. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic bird in many parts of the world. It belongs to the heron family Ardeidae, a large group of wading birds.
This species is expected near the shores of open water and wetlands in many places, such as North and Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands. The great blue heron has a long neck, a white head, and a black stripe across its eyes.
It also has a long bill and long legs that help it to wade in shallow waters. They usually stand still, waiting for prey to come close enough to snatch up with their beak. They feed primarily on fish, frogs, snakes, insects, and small mammals.
The great blue heron is an integral part of many local ecosystems and a symbol of graceful beauty and nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
2. Double-Crested Cormorant
The double-crested cormorant is a species that belongs to the cormorant family of water birds. It is a species found in various habitats across North America, from the Aleutian Islands to Alaska to Florida and Mexico.
It is commonly seen near rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. This bird is very adaptable and can survive in a variety of habitats. It is a strong swimmer and dives below the water’s surface to feed on fish and other aquatic creatures.
It has webbed feet that help it to swim in water. Its wings are long and narrow, and its feathers are dark in color. The double-crested cormorant is a social bird living in colonies and often nests in trees or cliffs.
Breeding pairs form lifelong bonds and raise their young together. They build their nests out of sticks, grass, and other materials that they find in their environment. The double-crested cormorant is an integral part of the ecosystem in North America.
It helps to maintain the balance of nature by preying on fish that would otherwise overpopulate, and its droppings provide essential nutrients to aquatic plants. It also serves as a food source for larger predators such as bald eagles and other birds of prey.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Nannopterum |
| Species | N. auritum |
3. Yellow-Rumped Warbler
The yellow-rumped warbler is a species of bird found in North America. It is a regular visitor to the continent and can be seen in many different habitats. It is a migratory bird, traveling between different regions depending on the season.
During the fall, they can be seen in much of the northern parts of the US and Canada, while in the spring, they can be found in the southern areas. They are a common sight in many parts of the continent and can often be seen foraging in small groups.
They have a distinctive yellow patch on their rumps, which is how they got their name. The birds are small in size and usually feed on insects and fruits. They also make various calls, including a distinctive “chip” sound.
Overall, the yellow-rumped warbler is a ubiquitous bird species in North America and can be enjoyed by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. coronata |
4. Western Bluebird
The western bluebird is a small bird native to North America. It is a member of the thrush family, which includes over 200 species. The bluebird of the west can be identified by its blue head, back, wings, and reddish-brown breast.
It is found in western North America, from Alaska to Mexico, and can be seen in open areas such as meadows, fields, and suburban parks. It feeds on insects, fruit, and other small animals and is an essential species for controlling insect populations.
Western bluebirds are social animals that gather in small groups and nest in tree cavities. They are famous in many western parks and are often perched on fence posts or telephone wires.
Despite their small size, western bluebirds have a surprisingly loud, melodious song that can be heard up to a mile away.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. mexicana |
5. Rufous-Crowned Sparrow
The rufous-crowned sparrow is a species of passerine bird native to the Southwestern United States and the interior of Mexico. It is a small bird, measuring only about 12 cm in length. The bird is easily recognized by its distinctive brown and gray plumage and rust-colored crown.
The bird can be found in various habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and scrublands.
It is most commonly observed in open areas with sparse vegetation, such as chaparral and oak woodlands. The range of the rufous-crowned sparrow extends from the transverse mountain range in the south to the Pacific coast in the southwest.
It is a migratory species, meaning it can be found in different areas at different times of the year. It is widespread in winter when the birds migrate south to warmer climates.
During the summer, the sparrow can be observed in the northern parts of its range, including the Southwestern United States. The rufous-crowned sparrow is an omnivorous species. It feeds on plant material, such as seeds and small insects.
It is an important seed disperser in the areas it inhabits. Birds play an essential role in local ecosystems, helping to maintain the balance of the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Aimophila |
| Species | A. ruficeps |
6. Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s hawk is a species of hawk found throughout North America. It is a medium-sized bird of prey with a body length of approximately 15-20 inches and a wingspan of 24-35 inches. The bird is native to the continent, ranging from southern Canada to Mexico.
It is a predatory bird, hunting small mammals, reptiles, and other birds. It prefers to hunt in wooded areas and is often seen soaring through the sky or perched in trees. Its diet consists mainly of small birds and mammals, which it captures with its sharp talons.
Cooper’s hawk is a common sight throughout North America and is often recognized by its distinctive barred plumage and rounded tail.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Accipiter |
| Species | A. cooperii |
7. California Thrasher
The California thrasher is a bird native to California and Baja California, belonging to the Mimidae family. It is pretty significant and is most often found in chaparral habitats. This species of Toxostoma is the only one in its range, so it stands out from other birds.
This bird has brown feathers and a long tail, often held up in the air. The California thrasher is an omnivore, meaning it feeds on various food sources, such as berries, seeds, and insects.
It is an insectivore during the warmer months and a berry-eater during the colder months. The California thrasher is known for its vocalizations, which are used for communication and defending territory.
Its song is a series of rapid notes repeated repeatedly, ending with a long trill. This species is also used as a symbol of California and is a popular subject for artwork.
The California thrasher is an essential species in its range and is vital to the ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Toxostoma |
| Species | T. Redivivum |
8. California scrub jay
The California scrub jay is a bird species native to western North America. It is in an extensive range stretching from British Columbia in Canada to Reno, Nevada, in the United States.
Their range also includes most of California and the western side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. California scrub jays are known for their blue and gray feathers, and they typically have a crest of feathers on their head.
They are omnivorous birds, and they feed on both insects and seeds. They are also quite vocal and can make a variety of calls. California scrub jays are social birds and live in small groups. They typically build their nests in trees or bushes.
They are also known to cache food, which means they store food in one place for later consumption. The California scrub jay population is stable but threatened by habitat loss due to human activities such as urbanization and agriculture.
They are also vulnerable to predation from cats, hawks, and other birds. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the species, but more needs to be done to ensure the long-term survival of the California scrub jay.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Aphelocoma |
| Species | A. Californica |
9. Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbird is a small, colorful bird native to the western United States. It is a member of the genus Selasphorus, which comprises seven species of hummingbirds.
The Allen’s Hummingbird is the smallest of the seven species, measuring about three inches long. Its wingspan is usually around four inches. Its back and wings are bright green, while its underside is a pale yellowish-green.
Its head is black with a bright red throat patch. The Allen’s Hummingbird is often found in open woodlands, parks, and gardens. It is known for its aerial acrobatics, as it can hover in the air and perform complex aerial maneuvers.
It feeds on the nectar of flowers and small insects and often visits backyard feeders. It nests in trees and shrubs, and its nest is usually made of plant material, feathers, and spider webs.
The Allen’s Hummingbird is a common species in its range and is not considered threatened or endangered. However, its population is affected by habitat loss due to urbanization and deforestation, and it is also affected by climate change.
As a result, conservation efforts have been put in place to protect this species and its habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. sasin |
10. Cassin’s Kingbird
Cassin’s kingbird is a species of flycatcher that is native to western North America. It is a large bird, typically between 7 and 9 inches long and weighing about an ounce.
This species is named after the American ornithologist John Cassin, who worked extensively in studying birds in North America. Cassin is credited for describing several North American bird species, and his name is memorialized in Cassin’s Kingbird.
This species is found in open woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands, and is often seen catching insects in flight. Its gray-brown upper body, yellow-green underparts, and long, pointed bill identify it.
These birds are usually found in pairs or small groups and are known to defend their territory aggressively.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Tyrannus |
| Species | T. Vociferans |
11. Marbled Godwit
The marbled godwit is a large bird in the family Scolopacidae, which are a group of migratory shorebirds. It is also one of the four species of godwits and is the largest in size among them. It has a long, slim body and long, pointed wings.
Its back and wings are dark brown or black with white or pale brown spots and stripes, and its chest is speckled white and light gray.
Its bill is long, slightly up-curved, and its legs are long and gray. During the breeding season, the marbled godwit inhabits grasslands, wetlands, and coastal areas of Alaska and western Canada.
Its migration route takes it south to California, Arizona, the Gulf Coast, the east coast of the United States, and even as far as Argentina and Chile.
The marbled godwit is a long-distance traveler who can fly up to 800 miles in one day. When it reaches its wintering ground, the marbled godwit feeds on small clams, worms, and insects in the mudflats of coastal areas. It also eats seeds, grains, and berries.
It feeds on insects, worms, and crustaceans during the breeding season. The marbled godwit is an important species for conservation efforts, as its numbers have been declining due to habitat loss and human activities.
It is listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN, but conservation efforts are still necessary to ensure its continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Limosa |
| Species | L. Fedoa |
12. White-Tailed Kite
The white-tailed kite is a small bird of prey found in the western parts of North America and some parts of South America.
It is a related species to the Old World black-winged kite, which is native to the Old World, but the white-tailed kite has replaced it in its native range.
This is likely because of its adaptability to different climates and ability to survive in various habitats. The white-tailed kite is a medium-sized raptor with a wingspan of up to 3 feet. It has a white head and tail and a greyish-brown body.
Its sharp beak and yellow eyes make it an efficient hunter of small mammals and birds. The white-tailed kite is a social bird and is often seen in flocks.
It has a unique courting display in which the male and female birds soar together in a high circle, dive down, and back up again. During this display, the birds will make loud calls to each other.
The white-tailed kite also uses its sharp talons to steal prey from other birds. The white-tailed kite is a beneficial species, as it helps to control rodent populations in its native range.
It is also a popular species for birdwatchers, as it is easy to spot in the air due to its distinctive white head and tail. Despite its adaptability, the white-tailed kite is vulnerable to threats like habitat loss, fragmentation, and climate change.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Elanus |
| Species | E. leucurus |
13. American Crow
The American crow is a large bird belonging to the family Corvidae. It is found throughout many parts of North America and is a widespread bird. This species is the New World counterpart to the Eurasian and hooded carrion crow.
All of these birds share a similar ecological niche, meaning they are all adapted to the same environment and fulfill the same role in their respective ecosystems.
In addition to their similar habitats, American crows, carrion crows, and hooded crows are identical in size, color, and behavior. They are all omnivorous, meaning they feed on animal and plant material and can be seen as scavenging for food or foraging in open fields.
Despite their similarities, American crows are unique in their vocalizations, which range from low caws to high-pitched whistles or chirps.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Corvus |
| Species | C. brachyrhynchos |
14. Western Grebe
The western grebe is a bird species belonging to the Grebes family. It is also known by several other folk names, such as “dabchick,” “swan grebe,” and “swan-necked grebe.”
This grebe species is most commonly found in western North America, although its range extends as far south as Colombia and Venezuela. The grebe of the west is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring between 40 and 45 centimeters in length and weighing around 400 to 500 grams.
It has a distinctive black-and-white plumage, white neck, head, black back, and wings. Its long, snake-like neck is one of its most identifiable features.
The western grebe also has a long, thin bill to catch fish and other aquatic prey. The grebe of the west is an excellent swimmer and can be found in many marine habitats, including fresh and saltwater.
It is an active forager, diving to depths of up to 30 feet for food. Its diet mainly consists of fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. The western Grebe is also known for its complex and beautiful courtship displays.
During courtship, pairs of these birds will perform a synchronous mating dance, which involves a lot of head-bobbing and side-to-side swimming.
They also produce a variety of vocalizations, including a loud, piercing call. The western grebe is a fascinating waterbird species with many exciting behaviors.
It is an integral part of the local ecology and should be respected and protected.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Aechmophorus |
| Species | A. occidentalis |
15. Spotted Towhee
The spotted towhee is a species of large sparrow native to the New World. Its taxonomy, or scientific classification, has been debated in recent decades.
Until 1995, the spotted towhee and the eastern towhee were classified as a single species, known as the rufous-sided towhee. This species’ name is outdated, and the spotted towhee is now the accepted common name for this bird.
The spotted towhee is also sometimes called the Oregon towhee, although this name is not as widely used. This species is distinguished from the eastern towhee by its spotted back and distinct, melodious song.
It is a common species in many parts of the United States and Canada.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Pipilo |
| Species | P. maculatus |
16. Black Turnstone
The black turnstone is a small wading bird belonging to the genus Arenaria and is one of only two species of turnstone. It is now classified as a part of the sandpiper family, Scolopacidae. Previously, it was classified as a part of the plover family, Charadriidae.
This bird species is found in coastal regions of the Northern Hemisphere and can often be seen turning over stones with its bill in search of food. Its black and white plumage and distinctive black head with white patches quickly identify it.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. It is an essential species in the ecosystem, as it helps keep the invertebrate population in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Arenaria |
| Species | A. melanocephala |
17. Willet
The willet is a bird belonging to the Scolopacidae family of shorebirds. It is a large and robust sandpiper, the largest within the genus Tringa. Willets are known for their long, pointed wings and large size, reaching up to 25 inches long.
They tend to inhabit areas near the coast, such as beaches and mudflats. Their plumage is usually gray and white, with a black-and-white pattern on the back and wings. Willets feed mainly on small invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.
They are also known to eat small fish and other tiny aquatic organisms. Willets are monogamous, pairing with the same mate each year during the nesting season. They build their nests in shallow depressions in the sand and lay 2-3 eggs.
The chicks hatch after about three weeks and remain with their parents until they can fly. Willets are relatively common in North America and are a protected species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Tringa |
| Species | T. semipalmata |
18. Oak Titmouse
The oak titmouse is a small passerine bird belonging to the family of Paridae. It is native to parts of North America, particularly in the western United States.
Due to differences in their songs, preferred habitat, and genetic makeup, the American Ornithologists’ Union separated the plain titmouse into two distinct species: the oak titmouse and the juniper titmouse 1996. The oak titmouse is a small bird, measuring 11-13 cm in length and 15-17 cm in wingspan.
They have a grey-brown back and wings, crowned with a crest on the head. They have a light grey face and white underparts with a white line on the sides of the breast. Oak titmice prefer to inhabit oak woodlands, making them a critical species in conserving these habitats.
They feed mainly on insects but often eat fruits and nuts.
They are pretty vocal birds, producing a loud “tsit” sound and various other calls. As mentioned, the oak titmouse and the juniper titmouse differ in their song, preferred habitat, and genetic makeup.
While the songs of the two species are similar, they are distinct enough for experts to tell them apart. The oak titmouse is found mainly in oak woodlands, while the juniper titmouse inhabits juniper woodlands.
Additionally, the genetic makeup of the two species also differs. In conclusion, the American Ornithologists’ Union split the plain titmouse into two distinct species – the oak titmouse and the juniper titmouse – due to the differences in their songs, preferred habitat, and genetic makeup.
The oak titmouse is an essential species for conserving oak woodlands.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. inornatus |
19. Purple Finch
The purple finch is a small songbird that belongs to the finch family Fringillidae. This family includes well-known species such as the goldfinch, the siskin, and the chaffinch. The purple finch is found in North America, from Alaska to Mexico.
It prefers wooded areas with an abundance of shrubs and trees. The purple finch is a small bird with a bright purple-red body, black wings, and a white belly. Its bill is short and pointed, and its tail is forked.
The male purple finch has a bright red head, while the female is a more muted brown-red color. The purple finch is a skulking species, often heard rather than seen. Its song is a series of short, melodic notes with a rattling quality.
The purple finch feeds on buds, seeds, and insects. Its diet consists mainly of tiny seeds from trees and shrubs. The purple finch is a monogamous species, with both parents helping to feed and raise their young.
In the winter, small flocks of purple finches can be seen in open areas, feeding on seeds and berries. The purple finch is a widespread species that brings a splash of color to our woodlands and backyards.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. purpureus |
20. Western Kingbird
The western kingbird is an impressive flycatcher species inhabiting a wide range of environments in North America. It is widespread in the continent’s western regions, as far south as Mexico.
This bird is considered relatively large, with a wingspan of up to 20 inches. It is a type of tyrant flycatcher, a broad group of birds known for their aggressive behavior and sharp, distinctive calls.
The western kingbird is often seen perched on shrubs and trees or on wires, scanning the area for insects to eat. Its diet mainly consists of flying insects, from beetles to bees and wasps.
It has a grayish-brown head, wings, yellow underparts, a white throat, and a belly. The western kingbird is an integral part of the North American ecosystem, and its numbers are currently stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Tyrannus |
| Species | T. verticalis |
Conclusion
Birds in Placentia are an essential part of the city’s ecology. They provide food, help with pest control, and add beauty and song to the city’s atmosphere.
They are also important indicators of the health of the local ecosystems, and their presence or absence can tell us a lot about the environment. Placentia’s birds are vital to the city and should be protected and cherished.