Welcome to Ridgecrest, a small town in the desert of California. Ridgecrest is known for its beautiful desert landscape and diverse wildlife, including birds.
From the majestic golden eagles soaring overhead to the small hummingbirds zipping past, the bird life in Ridgecrest is truly incredible. Whether you are an experienced birder or just starting out, Ridgecrest has something to offer everyone.
With its unique terrain and climate, Ridgecrest is home to many different species of birds that can be seen in the area. From the common sparrows to the rare California Condor, Ridgecrest is a great place to observe and learn about birds.
So come explore the skies of Ridgecrest and discover the amazing bird life that awaits!
1. Band-Tailed Pigeon
The band-tailed pigeon is a medium-sized bird that is native to the Americas. It is most closely related to two other species of pigeons – the Chilean pigeon and the ring-tailed pigeon – and all three of these species form a clade belonging to the genus Patagioenas.
The common feature amongst these three species is that they all have a band of color at the end of their tails, and they all have iridescent plumage on their necks.
The band-tailed pigeon is primarily a ground-dwelling species, and its diet consists mainly of seeds, berries, and other fruits. It is known for its long-distance migrations, which can take it far away from its native range.
The band-tailed pigeon is an important part of the ecosystem in the Americas, as it helps to disperse seeds and other nutrients across large areas.
Although its population has been declining in recent years due to habitat loss and hunting, conservation efforts are aiming to protect it and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. fasciata |
2. Gambel’s Quail
Gambel’s quail is a species of bird in the New World quail family. It is a small, ground-dwelling bird, typically growing to a size of 10-14 inches in length. This species of quail inhabits the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Specifically, these regions include Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Sonora, New Mexico-border Chihuahua, and the Colorado River region of Baja California. Gambel’s quail are adapted to survive in desert habitats.
They are able to thrive in arid conditions due to their diet of seeds, fruits, and insects, which provides them with the necessary water and nutrients for survival.
The birds also have the ability to quickly take shelter in burrows or under vegetation when temperatures become too hot. Gambel’s quail are monogamous, forming pairs during the breeding season.
The male will typically perform a display ritual to attract a female mate, showing off his plumage and making a “chirp” call. Once a pair has formed, the female will lay between 8-12 eggs in a shallow nest.
After hatching, the young quail quickly fledge and become independent from their parents. Overall, Gambel’s quail is an interesting species of bird that inhabits the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
They are adapted to survive in these harsh conditions and have unique mating and nesting behavior.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Odontophoridae |
| Genus | Callipepla |
| Species | C. gambelii |
3. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove is a species of bird that belongs to the Columbidae family, also known as the dove family. It is native to North America, where it is commonly referred to as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, or colloquially as the turtle dove.
Historically, the bird was also known as the Carolina pigeon or Carolina turtledove. It is a medium-sized bird, with a wingspan of around 36 cm. Its coloration is mostly grayish-brown, with white spots on its wings and tail.
It has a pointed tail and long legs, and its diet consists mainly of seeds and fruits. The mourning dove is a strong flier, capable of speeds up to 88 km/h, and its distinctive call often serves as an indicator of its presence in the area.
It is a popular game bird, and it is also kept as a pet in some parts of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
4. White-Winged Dove
The white-winged dove is a species of dove found throughout the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Larger than most other doves, it can be easily identified by the white edge along the edges of its wings.
Additionally, the white-winged dove has blue eyering, and its eyes are a deep red. These features, along with its size, help to distinguish it from other species of dove. White-winged doves primarily inhabit open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands.
They feed mainly on seeds and have also been known to eat insects. They typically nest in trees, and both the male and female share the responsibility for building the nest. The female lays two white eggs, which hatch in about two weeks.
The young doves fledge in another two weeks. This species of dove has been classified as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is abundant in its range and is not currently threatened by human activity.
As a result, the white-winged dove is a common sight in the wild and can be seen throughout its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. asiatica |
5. California Quail
The California quail is a species of small bird found in the New World quail family. It is known by several different names including the California Valley quail and Valley quail.
This bird is a ground-dwelling species and is characterized by its distinctive crest or plume, made up of six feathers. This plume droops forward and is black in color for males and brown for females. As well as this, the flanks of the bird are brown with white streaks.
This bird is relatively small in size and has a short bill and tail. It is a diurnal species, meaning that it is active during the day. The California quail is an important species in its habitat and plays a vital role in its ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Odontophoridae |
| Genus | Callipepla |
| Species | C. californica |
6. Mallard
The Mallard or Wild Duck is a species of dabbling duck that is native to a wide range of climates and habitats. It is found throughout the temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa.
Its range has expanded due to intentional and unintentional introductions of the species to other parts of the world, such as New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa.
The Mallard or Wild Duck is a highly adaptable species and has been able to survive in a variety of habitats, from wetlands to parks and even urban areas. It is a common sight in many countries and is often recognized as an important component of wetland ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
7. Rock Pigeon
The rock dove, also known as the rock pigeon or common pigeon, is a bird species that belongs to the family Columbidae. It is often simply referred to as the “pigeon” in everyday language.
This species is the ancestor of the domestic pigeon we know today, the type of pigeon that is often found in city parks and other public areas.
In fact, over the years, escaped domestic pigeons have contributed to the population of feral pigeons that can be found around the world.
This is because they have bred with the already existing wild populations of rock doves, leading to an increase in the number of feral pigeons.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
8. Red-Necked Grebe
The red-necked grebe is a species of aquatic bird that is found in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. During the winter, these birds migrate to calm waters near the coastlines of oceans, while some may choose to spend the winter on large lakes.
This species is highly adapted to its aquatic environment, possessing a streamlined body, webbed feet, and a powerful beak for catching fish and other aquatic creatures. The red-necked grebe is easily recognizable for its curved bill, red neck patch, and white underparts.
During the breeding season, these birds can be found in freshwater wetlands, such as marshes and shallow lakes. Red-necked grebes are highly sociable birds, often gathering in large flocks during the winter months.
They feed mainly on small fish and aquatic insects, but may also consume crustaceans and small amphibians.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. grisegena |
9. Rufous Hummingbird
The rufous hummingbird is a small but powerful bird. It measures around 8 cm in length and has a long, slender bill. This species of hummingbird is renowned for its remarkable flying abilities, capable of traveling up to 2,000 mi during its migratory transits.
It is one of nine species belonging to the genus Selasphorus, which includes both rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds.
The rufous hummingbird is native to the western parts of North America, from Alaska to Mexico, and can be seen in a variety of habitats, including forests, gardens, meadows, and shrublands.
It is a small, drab-colored bird, with a brownish-orange head and back, white breast and belly, and a greenish-gray tail. The hummingbird’s diet consists mainly of nectar from flowers, but it also eats insects and spiders for additional nutrition.
The rufous hummingbird is an important pollinator and helps to spread the pollen of many flowering plants. In addition, its migratory patterns make it a valuable indicator of the health and well-being of our ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. rufus |
10. California Scrub Jay
The California scrub jay is a species of bird that is native to western North America and is found in a wide range of habitats. It is found from southern British Columbia, all throughout California and western Nevada near Reno, and west of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
They are medium-sized birds that are typically found in woodlands, forest edges, and suburban areas. They are blue-gray in color with a white-streaked breast, a white belly, and a black patch on their forehead.
The California scrub jay is a highly social bird that lives in family groups with complex social structures. They are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter, and are known to cache food, which means they store food in different places for later use.
They are also known to be highly intelligent, with the ability to plan ahead and remember where they have stored food.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Aphelocoma |
| Species | A. californica |
11. Bufflehead
The bufflehead is a small sea duck that belongs to the genus Bucephala, which is the scientific name for the goldeneyes.
This species was first described by Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish naturalist and the father of modern taxonomy, in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae, the first scientific classification of living organisms.
Linnaeus gave the species the scientific name Anas albeola, which is still used to this day. The bufflehead is a distinct species of sea duck, with a unique black-and-white coloration and a uniquely shaped body.
It is a migratory species, flying south for the winter months and returning to its breeding grounds in the summer. Despite its small size, the bufflehead is an excellent swimmer and diver and can be found in both fresh and saltwater habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Bucephala |
| Species | B. albeola |
12. Canvasback
The canvasback is a type of duck that can be found in North America. It is known for its diving capabilities, as it is one of the largest species of duck in the region. This duck is often brown in color, with a lighter reddish-brown on its head.
It has a large, deep bill that is slightly curved. Its legs and feet are also dark in color. The canvasback is a migratory species, traveling from its breeding grounds in the northern United States and Canada to its winter home in the southeastern United States and Mexico.
During the winter, they can be found in large flocks on wetlands and deeper lakes. They feed mainly on aquatic plants, such as wild celery, pondweed, and wild rice. The canvasback is a popular game bird, often hunted for its meat and feathers.
It is also popular with birdwatchers, as its large size and distinctive bill make it easy to identify. The canvasback is also important to the conservation of wetland habitats, as its presence helps to keep the wetlands healthy by removing unwanted aquatic vegetation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. valisineria |
13. Clark’s Grebe
Clark’s grebe is a species of waterbird found throughout North America, that belongs to the grebe family. Until the 1980s, this species was believed to be a paler variant of the western grebe, due to their similar size, range, and behavior.
This similarity between the two species was so striking that intermediates between them were discovered, further blurring the lines between the two species. After further research, it was determined that Clark’s grebe was indeed a distinct species.
This species is typically distinguished by its larger size and darker plumage, in comparison to the western grebe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Aechmophorus |
| Species | A. clarkii |
14. Greater Roadrunner
The greater roadrunner is a bird native to the Aridoamerica region of the Southwestern United States and Mexico. It is a member of the Cuculidae family, which is more commonly known as the cuckoo family.
The scientific name of the greater roadrunner is Geococcyx, which translates to “Californian earth-cuckoo”. This species is one of two species in the genus Geococcyx, the other being the lesser roadrunner.
The greater roadrunner is a long-legged bird with unique adaptations to its environment, including the ability to withstand extreme temperatures and feed on a variety of prey.
It is commonly found in deserts, grasslands, and shrublands, where it is able to find enough food to survive. The greater roadrunner is an important part of the southwestern ecosystem, providing valuable services such as pest control and pollination.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Geococcyx |
| Species | G. californianus |
15. Hooded Merganser
The hooded merganser is a species of duck that can be found in the Anatinae subfamily of waterfowl. It is the only existing species in the Lophodytes genus. The name of this genus is derived from two Greek words, loopholes, and duties.
The first word, lophos, is defined as “crest” and the second, duties, is defined as “diver”. This name provides an accurate description of the hooded merganser, as its head has a distinctive crest of feathers and it is an adept diver.
Its diet consists mainly of fish and it is typically found near bodies of water.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Lophodytes |
| Species | L. cucullatus |
16. Horned Grebe
The Horned Grebe, also known as the Slavonian Grebe, is a type of small waterbird that belongs to the family Podicipedidae. It has two distinct subspecies that are located in different parts of the world. The first subspecies is known as P. a.
Mauritius, and it breeds in the Palearctic region, which is an area that covers much of Europe, Asia, and Africa. This subspecies is characterized by its brown and black feathers, with a white patch on its forehead.
It has a long and slender neck, with a black tuft of feathers at the back. The second subspecies, known as P. a. cornutus, is located in North America and is characterized by its grayish-brown feathers, with a yellowish-white throat.
It is also notable for the two black horns that protrude from the back of its head, which give the grebe its name. The Horned Grebe is a migratory species, flying south in the winter and north in the summer.
It lives in shallow lakes and coastal waters, where it feeds on fish, insects, and crustaceans. It is an important species in many parts of the world, as it provides food for other animals, such as birds of prey.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. auritus |
17. Pied-billed Grebe
The Pied-billed Grebe is a species of water bird that belongs to the Grebe family. It is the only member of its genus Podilymbus that is still alive today, as its close relative the Atitlán grebe is now extinct. This species is mainly found in ponds located in the Americas.
They have a distinct black-and-white coloration, with a yellow bill with a black band across it. They are excellent swimmers and divers, and they feed on fish, snails, aquatic insects, and other small invertebrates.
They typically breed in the spring and summer, and the female will lay up to five eggs in a nest that is made from vegetation and debris. These birds are a common sight in many areas of the Americas, and they often find refuge in city parks and other urban areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podilymbus |
| Species | P. podiceps |
18. Upland Sandpiper
Bartramia is a genus of birds that contains two species. The first species is an extant one, known as the upland sandpiper. It is a species that is still alive today.
The second species is Bartramia Umatilla, an extinct species that was discovered in the Middle Pliocene of Oregon. The Pliocene was a period of time that lasted from 5.333 million to 2.58 million years ago.
The extinction of the Bartramia Umatilla is not well understood, but it has been speculated that it may have been due to a combination of environmental changes and the presence of other species.
This genus of birds is an interesting example of how quickly species can become extinct if the environment around them changes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Bartramia |
19. Roadrunner
Source: Wikipedia
Roadrunners, also known as chaparral birds or chaparral cocks, are two species of cuckoos found primarily in the southwestern and south-central United States and Mexico. These birds are characterized by their long tails and crests, as well as their impressive speed.
Roadrunners are able to fly, but they typically prefer to use their speed to escape from predators. They are well adapted to the desert, where they can usually be found. These birds have a number of adaptations that allow them to survive in the desert.
They have large feet, which help them to run quickly and are able to run up to 15 miles per hour. They also have long, strong legs that can help them cover long distances in short periods of time.
Additionally, they have specialized feathers, which help to keep them cool in the hot desert environment. Roadrunners are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals.
They primarily feed on insects such as grasshoppers and beetles, but they also eat small reptiles, fruits, and seeds. Their diet is supplemented by the occasional roadkill, which they are able to quickly snatch up from the ground.
Although roadrunners are generally solitary birds, they will come together and mate during the spring and summer. The female will lay up to four eggs in a shallow nest, which she will incubate for about three weeks.
The young birds are ready to leave the nest about a month after hatching. Roadrunners are fascinating birds that have adapted to survive in the harsh desert environment.
They are highly specialized for running and have a number of other interesting adaptations that ensure their survival in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Geococcyx |
20. Grace’s Warbler
Source: Wikipedia
Grace’s warbler is a species of bird native to the New World. It is a type of warbler, a small bird that is classified as a passerine. It is easily identifiable by its yellowish-green coloring and white or grey streaking on its upper parts.
The bird also has a white belly and grey wings. It is typically found in pine woods and has adapted to living in this environment. It feeds mostly on insects, which it hunts for in the needles and bark of the trees.
Grace’s warbler is an important part of the ecosystems of pine woods, as it helps to control the population of insects in the area. It is also an important food source for other animals, such as owls and hawks, that hunt for their meals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. graciae |
Conclusion
Birds have become an integral part of the Ridgecrest ecosystem. Their presence provides a variety of benefits, such as providing food and shelter to other wildlife, controlling pests, and providing beauty and enjoyment to people.
By supporting birds in the area through land management practices and habitat preservation, we can ensure they will continue to be a part of Ridgecrest’s natural environment for years to come.