Birds are a diverse and fascinating species that have captivated people around the world for thousands of years. Poway, California is no exception when it comes to beautiful and varied bird species that call the area home.
From common backyard birds to rarer species, Poway is home to a variety of birds that can be spotted in backyards, parks, and nature preserves.
Whether you are a bird enthusiast or just someone looking to enjoy the beauty of nature, Poway offers a wide variety of birds to observe and appreciate.
1. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove is a type of bird that belongs to the Columbidae family of doves. It is native to North America and is also known as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, and colloquially as the turtle dove.
This bird has been known by other names throughout history such as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove. The mourning dove is a small, brown, and gray bird that is often seen in gardens and woodlands. It has a long, pointed tail and a wide wingspan.
Its call is a low, soft cooing sound that is recognizable in many parts of the world. The mourning dove is a gentle and social bird that typically forms pairs for mating and nesting. They are known to mate for life and will often return to the same nesting area each year.
They are often seen in flocks of up to several hundred birds when foraging for food. The mourning dove is an important part of North American ecology and is a treasured species among many birdwatchers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
2. California Thrasher
The California Thrasher is a species of bird from the family Mimidae. It is native to the chaparral habitats of California and Baja California and is the only species of Toxostoma in the region.
This bird is one of the larger members of the Mimidae family, which includes other species such as mockingbirds, thrashers, and catbirds. It has a long, curved bill and brown upperparts with grayish underparts. It is known to forage on the ground for insects, seeds, and fruits.
The California Thrasher builds a cup-shaped nest in a shrub or tree and usually lays two to three eggs. It is a monogamous species, meaning that a pair of California Thrashers will generally stay together and raise their young in the same nest.
This species is fairly common in its range but is threatened by habitat loss due to urbanization and other human-caused disturbances.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Toxostoma |
| Species | T. redivivum |
3. Turkey Vulture
The turkey vulture is a species of vulture found in the Americas. It is part of the genus Cathartes, which is in the family Cathartidae.
This species of vulture is the most widespread of the New World vultures, found in a range stretching from southern Canada all the way to the southern tip of South America. It is a large bird, with a wingspan of up to 6.5 feet and a body length of around 25 inches.
The turkey vulture has a bare head and neck, which are usually a pinkish-red or grayish-black color. It has a brownish-black body and long, broad wings. The tail is fan-shaped and the legs are short. This species of vulture is a scavenger, feeding mainly on carrion.
It is also known for its keen sense of smell, which helps it locate food. It also has a habit of soaring high in the sky, using its long wings and the thermals generated by the sun to stay aloft. Turkey vultures often form large flocks and are known for their communal roosts.
They are also often seen perched on tree limbs and telephone poles. The turkey vulture is an important species to the environment, as it helps to keep the environment clean by consuming carrion.
It is also an important part of the food chain, as its presence provides food to many predators, such as hawks and eagles.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Cathartidae |
| Genus | Cathartes |
| Species | C. aura |
4. House Finch
The house finch is a bird belonging to the family Fringillidae, which is composed of various species of finches. It is native to western parts of North America, but it has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent as well as Hawaii.
This bird belongs to the genus Haemorhous, which also includes two other American rosefinches. The house finch is a small bird, measuring around 13 cm in length and weighing between 13-18 g. It has a brownish-red back, a yellowish underside, and a white rump.
Its tail is usually forked and its wings are short and pointed. The house finch mainly feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects, and can often be found in urban and suburban areas.
It is also known to visit bird feeders and can be found in gardens, parks, and other places with plenty of vegetation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
5. Western Bluebird
The western bluebird is a species of bird native to North America. It is a small member of the thrush family, measuring around 7 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 10 inches.
The western bluebird is a beautiful bird, with vivid blue-hued plumage on its upper body, fading to a rusty red color on its belly. Its wings and tail are brownish in color, with white patches on its wings and tail.
The western bluebird is a common sight in the western United States and parts of Canada, where it inhabits open fields, grasslands, and woodlands. It is an omnivorous bird, eating a wide variety of insects, small mammals, and berries.
During the summer months, they form breeding pairs and make nests in tree cavities or nest boxes. The female lays up to five eggs, which hatch after approximately two weeks.
The western bluebird is an important species to many natural habitats, as it helps to control insect populations and pollinate wildflowers. This species is currently listed as of least concern, due to its widespread range and stable population.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. mexicana |
6. Black Phoebe
The black phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) is a species of passerine bird in the tyrant-flycatcher family. This species is native to the Americas, breeding from southwest Oregon and California south through Central and South America.
The black phoebe is a year-round resident in most parts of its range, and only partially migratory in its northernmost populations. It is less migratory than other species in its genus.
This species is a medium-sized flycatcher, typically featuring a dark grayish-black upperparts and tail, with a white belly and throat. Its wings are blackish-brown, with a white patch on the primary feathers. Its bill is black and short, and its legs and feet are black.
The black phoebe typically forages in low to mid-level vegetation and is often seen perched on fence posts or other elevated perches. During the breeding season, it may also forage in flight, catching insects in mid-air.
Its diet mainly consists of flying insects, and it is often seen hunting around streams and lakes. The black phoebe is a territorial species, often defending its territory by chasing away potential intruders. Its song is a repeated, low-pitched “fee-bee” call.
The nest of this species is typically constructed in a sheltered location, such as a crevice in a rock face or a hole in a tree. The female typically lays two to three eggs, which are incubated by both parents.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Sayornis |
| Species | S. nigricans |
7. Lesser Goldfinch
The lesser goldfinch is a small songbird found in the Americas. It is a member of the genus Spinus and forms part of the New World goldfinch clade, alongside the American goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch.
Males of all three species have a distinctive black forehead, which is absent in females. This feature is used to differentiate between males and females of the species. The black forehead is also a common feature seen in many other species of birds.
The lesser goldfinch is a small bird, usually measuring between 10 and 13 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 18 to 20 centimeters. The plumage is generally brown and yellow, with a light gray or white underside.
Males have a bright yellow rump patch and a black forehead, while females lack a black forehead and have a grayish head. The beak is short and conical, and the tail is relatively short. The lesser goldfinch feeds mainly on seeds and grains, as well as some insects.
It is commonly found in open habitats, such as grasslands and meadows, as well as in forests and woodlands. It is a vocal species, often singing a variety of melodic songs.
The lesser goldfinch is a social species and often forms flocks with other goldfinches, as well as other small birds. Overall, the lesser goldfinch is a small but distinctive songbird found in the Americas.
It is easily identified by its black forehead, which is only present in males. It is an adaptable species, able to inhabit a variety of habitats, and it is a vocal species, often singing melodic songs.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. psaltria |
8. Northern Mockingbird
The northern mockingbird is a species of mockingbird native to North America. It is typically found in a wide variety of habitats, from grasslands to woodlands, but prefers open areas with scattered trees for nesting.
It is a permanent resident, and is rarely seen migrating, but may move south during colder weather. This species has been rarely observed in Europe, though there have been a few sightings in Spain and the United Kingdom.
This bird is easily identifiable by its loud, melodic songs, and is known to imitate other birds and sounds it hears in its environment. It is a shy, skittish bird, and is known to avoid humans.
Northern mockingbirds are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, fruits, and seeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Mimus |
| Species | M. polyglottos |
9. Yellow-Rumped Warbler
The yellow-rumped warbler is a species of bird that is commonly found across North America. It is a migratory species, meaning it can be seen in different areas of the continent at different times of the year.
The yellow-rumped warbler is easily identifiable by its bright yellow rump, as well as its white throat and breast. It is a small bird, usually no more than five inches in size.
It is known to be a very vocal bird, making a variety of different sounds. The yellow-rumped warbler is a very versatile species, capable of both migrating long distances and adapting to a variety of habitats.
It can be seen in both urban and rural areas, including parks, forests, and even backyards. It feeds on insects, berries, and other small food sources.
It is a very social bird, often seen in small flocks, and is a frequent visitor to bird feeders. Overall, the yellow-rumped warbler is a regular North American bird species that can be seen all across the continent.
It is a common sight in many areas, and its bright yellow rump makes it easy to spot. It is an important part of the local ecology, providing food for other species and helping to keep insect populations in check.
Its versatility and social nature make it a popular bird to observe, and a valuable member of North American bird communities.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. coronata |
10. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a species of bird found in the Trochilidae family. It is native to the western coastal regions of North America, specifically northern Baja California and Southern California. The name of this bird is a tribute to Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli.
In the early 20th century, Anna’s hummingbird was only found breeding in the two locations mentioned above. This species of bird is considered to be of medium size, making it one of the more common species of hummingbirds.
Its size makes it easy to spot among other birds, and its beautiful, vibrant colors make it stand out even more. Anna’s hummingbird is a very important species in the Trochilidae family. It has become a protected species, thanks to its importance in the ecosystem.
This species of bird has been studied extensively in recent years, and efforts have been made to conserve and protect it. As a result, its population has been steadily increasing, and it can now be found in more regions than before.
Anna’s hummingbird is an important part of the ecosystem and is a beautiful species of bird. It has become a symbol of conservation and protection, and its name is a tribute to the Duchess of Rivoli.
This species of hummingbird deserves to be appreciated both for its beauty and its importance in the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
11. California Towhee
The California towhee (Passerellidae) is a type of bird found in western Oregon and California in the United States and Baja California and Baja California Sur in Mexico. This species has been the subject of debate when it comes to its taxonomy.
Taxonomy is the classification of organisms into groups based on shared characteristics. It is an important step in scientific research as it helps to identify the relationships between different species.
The California towhee is a medium-sized bird, about 7 to 8 inches in length, with a wingspan of 11 inches. Its coloration is gray-brown to olive-brown on its upper parts, with a white throat and chest and a warm buff-brown belly.
Its beak is long and slender, and its legs and feet are pale yellow. Its call is a loud, clear “chee-burr.”The California towhee is typically found in areas of low shrubs, dense brush, and chaparral, often near streams, rivers, and ponds.
It is a ground-dwelling bird, foraging for food on the ground and rarely visiting bird feeders. Its diet consists of insects, seeds, and fruits. The taxonomy of the California towhee has been debated due to its wide range and its similarities to other birds.
Some scientists believe that the California towhee is a subspecies of the Spotted Towhee, while others think that it is a separate species altogether. This debate has led to a lack of consensus on the species identity.
Ultimately, more research into the California towhee’s taxonomy and its relationship to other birds is needed in order to accurately classify it. This species identification is important for its conservation, as it can help determine which habitats need to be protected.
With further study, scientists can better protect this species and its unique ecological role in California and beyond.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Melozone |
| Species | M. crissalis |
12. American Crow
The American Crow is a species of large passerine bird from the Corvidae family. It is a very widespread bird and is found in many places throughout North America.
The American Crow is part of a group of similar birds that are found both in the New World and the Old World, including the Carrion Crow and the Hooded Crow.
All of these birds occupy the same ecological niche, meaning they are all found in similar habitats and have similar roles within their local ecosystems.
They are usually found in open fields, woodlands, and urban areas, where they feed on a variety of different foods including insects, grains, carrion, and sometimes even eggs and nestlings of other birds.
American Crows are very intelligent birds, known for their problem-solving abilities and their use of tools. They are also very social birds, often forming large flocks and communicating with each other through a variety of calls and gestures.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Corvus |
| Species | C. brachyrhynchos |
13. California Scrub Jay
The California Scrub Jay is a species of bird found in western North America. It is native to this region and can be found in British Columbia, California, and western Nevada near Reno. It is also found west of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
This species of Scrub Jay is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 8 to 10 inches in length from the tip of its beak to the tip of its tail. Its wingspan is anywhere from 12 to 16 inches and it typically weighs around two ounces.
Its plumage is a combination of gray and blue with white underparts and a blue crown on its head. It is an omnivore, feeding on insects, spiders, acorns, and other small seeds and nuts. It is a social species, often found in small groups and tending to live in family groups.
They are also known to be quite vocal, making a variety of calls and having a wide repertoire of songs.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Aphelocoma |
| Species | A. californica |
14. White-Crowned Sparrow
The white-crowned sparrow is a species of passerine bird found in North America. It belongs to the New World sparrow family, which includes other species such as the house sparrow and American tree sparrow.
This species is easily identifiable by its grey face and contrasting black and white streaking on the upper head.
It is considered a medium-sized bird, with an average length of around 6 inches and a wingspan of 9-10 inches. The white-crowned sparrow is found throughout most of North America, although there are some variations in range and habitat.
Its preferred habitat is open woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands, although it can also be found in suburban and urban areas. They tend to stay near the ground, feeding on seeds and small insects.
During the winter months, some populations migrate south, while others remain in their northern habitats. The white-crowned sparrow has a distinct song, a series of rapid notes that ends with a trill.
They are also known for their courtship displays, which involve the male hopping and fluttering around the female while singing. Breeding takes place primarily in the spring and summer, with nests being built in trees or shrubs.
The female will incubate a clutch of 3-4 eggs for around 12-13 days before they hatch. The male and female will take turns feeding the young until they are ready to leave the nest.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Zonotrichia |
| Species | Z. leucophrys |
15. Mallard
The mallard or wild duck is a species of duck that is widely distributed across the world. It is native to the temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa.
This species is also known for its successful introduction to other parts of the world, including New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa. The mallard is a dabbling duck, meaning it feeds on the surface of bodies of water, as opposed to diving ducks, which plunge underwater.
The mallard spends most of its time in shallow water, where it can reach food with its bill. This species is also known for its ability to adapt to a variety of habitats, including parks, lakes, rivers, and wetlands. The mallard is a fairly social bird, often seen in flocks.
During the breeding season, males are easily identified by their bright green heads and yellow bills. The females are much duller in color, with mottled brown feathers. This species is found in many different habitats, from open fields to woodlands.
In addition to its wide distribution, the mallard is also known for its hardiness and resilience to cold climates.
This has allowed the species to expand its range and adapt to new environments. Overall, the mallard is an incredibly successful species, with a wide geographical distribution and impressive adaptability.
This species is a common sight in many parts of the world, and its presence serves as a reminder of the power of nature and its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
16. American Coot
The American coot is a type of bird that is part of the family Rallidae. It is often mistaken for a duck, but the American coot is only distantly related to ducks and belongs to a different order of birds.
This bird is commonly referred to as a mud hen or rouleau, and is found in many parts of North America. It is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring between 11 and 15 inches in body length.
The American coot has a blackish-gray body and white bill, and a small white patch on the forehead. Its feet are lobed, similar to those of the common loon. The American coot is an aquatic bird and usually inhabits shallow freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes.
It feeds on aquatic vegetation, small fish, insects, and crustaceans. The American coot is also known to dive underwater in search of food. During the breeding season, the American coot builds a floating nest of vegetation.
The female then lays between 3 to 12 eggs, which the parents incubate for about 20 days.
Once hatched, the chicks are able to swim and forage for food soon after hatching. The American coot is a relatively common bird, but its population is declining due to habitat loss and pollution.
It is listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List, although it is not thought to be facing an immediate threat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Fulica |
| Species | F. americana |
17. Allen’s Hummingbird
The Allen’s hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that is native to the western region of the United States. It is one of seven species that belong to the genus Selasphorus.
The genus includes a variety of birds, but Allen’s hummingbird stands out as it is the smallest of the group. It is also one of the most common hummingbirds in the US, often being spotted in gardens and parks.
The males of this species have a bright green back and a deep orange-red throat, while the females have a duller green back and a white throat. They are known for their unique and quick flight patterns, often making complex maneuvers in the air.
They are also quite nimble, maneuvering their way through branches and foliage to get to the nectar they feed on. The Allen’s hummingbird is a unique species that will bring beauty to any garden or park.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. sasin |
18. Cassin’s Kingbird
Cassin’s Kingbird is a species of tyrant flycatcher that is native to western North America. It is a large bird, with males having a length of around 18 cm and females slightly smaller. The plumage of this species is mainly grey, with a white belly and a darker head and back.
The wings and tail are also darker, with the tail having a forked shape. The name of this species commemorates the American ornithologist John Cassin.
Cassin worked extensively on the classification of North American birds during the 19th century, and his work was highly influential in the field.
He described several species, including Cassin’s Kingbird, and his name is recognized as a tribute to his contributions to the study of birds. The Cassin’s Kingbird is found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, riparian zones, and deserts.
It feeds mainly on insects, which it catches while in flight. It is a fairly common species, and its population is believed to be stable or slightly increasing. It has a global population of around 2 million birds, and it is not considered threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Tyrannus |
| Species | T. vociferans |
19. Rock Pigeon
The rock dove, also known as the rock pigeon or common pigeon, is a species of bird that is part of the Columbidae family. It is the species from which the domestic pigeon has descended. As a result of this, there are now many feral pigeon populations located around the world.
These populations are the result of domestic pigeons that have escaped and established their own colonies. The rock dove can be found in a variety of habitats, from rocky sea cliffs to mountains and even city centers.
They are well adapted to both urban and rural areas, which is why they can be seen in a variety of places. They have a distinctive blue-gray color with white patches on the wing and tail. They are also known for their cooing sounds and can often be heard during the day.
Domestic pigeons are largely derived from the rock dove, as many have been domesticated for centuries. They have been used for a variety of purposes, including being used for racing and messaging. They are also commonly kept as pets.
Domestic pigeons have been selectively bred to produce a wide variety of colors and patterns, and they are typically smaller than their wild counterparts. The rock dove is a species that has had a long history of association with humans.
It is a species that has been able to adapt to the changes that human development has brought, and it is likely that its populations will continue to be seen in both urban and rural settings.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
Conclusion
Birds in Poway are a valuable part of the community, providing beauty, joy, and a connection to nature for many of its residents.
From the bald eagles and hawks to the smaller house finches and hummingbirds, these feathered friends offer us a glimpse into the outdoors and a reminder of the natural wonders that still exist in our fast-paced world.
Whether you are a casual observer or a dedicated birder, Poway has many species of birds to enjoy.