Roe Island is an important destination for birdwatchers everywhere. Located in the San Francisco Bay-Delta region, this small island is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it one of the best locations for bird enthusiasts to visit.
Over the years, the area has been designated as an important bird habitat and has become a popular location for bird research and conservation efforts.
Whether you are an experienced ornithologist or a casual bird watcher, Roe Island is a must-visit destination and is sure to provide a birding experience that is truly unforgettable.
1. Northern Cardinal
![Northern cardinal](https://theworldsrarestbirds.com/assets/images/bird-keyword-images/northern-cardinal_29123.jpg)
The Northern Cardinal is a beautiful bird, easily identified by its bright red plumage. It can be found in the eastern United States from Maine to Minnesota and south through Mexico and Belize.
Along with its striking coloration, it has a distinctive crest on its head and sharp black facial markings around the eyes.
Despite their small size (measuring 7-9 inches), they are very vocal birds – males sing persistently throughout springtime to attract mates or proclaim their territory.
They typically feed on insects, seeds, and fruits but also enjoy suet at backyard bird feeders.
The female is less brightly colored than her mate but still stands out among other songbirds due to her warm brownish-red feathers.
Cardinals pair for life so you may often see them together in your garden or neighborhood park.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Cardinalidae |
Genus | Cardinalis |
Species | C. cardinalis |
Also Featured In: Most Common United States Birds, Birds for Your Home Garden
2. American Robin
![American robin](https://theworldsrarestbirds.com/assets/images/bird-keyword-images/american-robin_29123.jpg)
The American robin is a migratory bird, belonging to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family.
It was named after its European counterpart due to the similar reddish-orange breast they both possess; however, they are not related closely.
This species can be seen through most of North America during winter months, as well as in parts of Mexico and Central America where it also breeds.
They have plump bodies with gray upperparts and white underparts that vary from yellow on their throats down to orange toward their bellies.
Robins feed on fruits such as berries or insects like worms which makes them an important part of ecosystems by helping disperse seeds naturally throughout these areas.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Turdidae |
Genus | Turdus |
Species | T. migratorius |
Also Featured In: Most Common Winter Birds, Flocks Birds around Us
3. Northern Mockingbird
![Northern mockingbird](https://theworldsrarestbirds.com/assets/images/bird-keyword-images/northern-mockingbird_29123.jpg)
The northern mockingbird is a common fixture in North American skies. It has greyish-brown upperparts and a paler underside with white wing patches, and its distinctive long tail makes it easy to spot.
This adaptable bird can often be seen singing from the tops of trees or fences, though it rarely strays into Europe.
The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 Systema Naturae as Turdus polyglottos – aptly named for their remarkable ability to mimic other birds’ songs.
Northern mockingbirds typically live on insects, fruits, berries, and seeds but they will also happily scavenge food scraps left out by humans.
With its beautiful song and striking plumage, this beloved avian makes an important contribution to our environment.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Mimidae |
Genus | Mimus |
Species | M. polyglottos |
Also Featured In: Birds Live Near San Diego, Birds Live in Arkansas
4. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a small North American bird in the finch family. Males are vibrant yellow with black wings and tails, while females are duller in coloration.
It migrates from mid-Alberta to North Carolina during the breeding season, south of Canada–United States border to Mexico for its wintering grounds.
The only finch that undergoes complete molt every year, displays sexual dichromatism where males have brighter colors than their female counterparts.
They feed mainly on seeds but also eat insects such as aphids and caterpillars when raising young; they often occur near thistles or other plants that produce viable seed heads.
Their call consists of an array of chirps and trills making them quite conspicuous.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Fringillidae |
Subfamily | Carduelinae |
Genus | Spinus |
Species | S. tristis |
Also Featured In: Birds That Live in Colorado, Blue Birds You’ll Found around Us
5. Black-Capped Chickadee
The black-capped chickadee is a small and cheerful songbird found in deciduous and mixed forests across North America. It has an iconic black cap, white cheeks, gray back, and wings with whitish bars on them.
The underparts are usually light-colored or greyish-brown. This species is well adapted to cold winters as it can reduce its body temperature by up to 8°C while roosting at night; this helps save energy during the colder months of the year.
It feeds mainly on insects but also eats seeds, fruits, and suet from bird feeders when available.
Black-capped chickadees are popular birds among backyard visitors due to their sociable nature – they often establish lifelong partnerships with one another for breeding purposes.
Furthermore, they have been designated as state birds of Massachusetts and Maine in the USA plus New Brunswick in Canada – a testament to how beloved these little avian friends truly are.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Paridae |
Genus | Poecile |
Species | P. atricapillus |
Also Featured In: Birds Commonly Found in New York, Common Birds in the Cities
6. Blue Jay
![Blue jay](https://theworldsrarestbirds.com/assets/images/bird-keyword-images/blue-jay_29123.jpg)
The Blue Jay is a beautiful bird that resides in the eastern and central United States, as well as Newfoundland Canada.
They have an unmistakable blue colored plumage with white markings on their heads and wings.
These birds are highly adaptable to different habitats ranging from deciduous forests to urban areas.
As part of the Corvidae family, they are known for being intelligent problem solvers who will often use tools or mimic vocalizations of other species like hawks when defending their territories.
Their diet consists mostly of insects, seeds, and nuts but can also include small vertebrates such as frogs or lizards if food resources become scarce.
Overall these birds provide much-needed color to our environment while playing important roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems through pollination services and seed dispersal activities.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Corvidae |
Genus | Cyanocitta |
Species | C. cristata |
Also Featured In: New Hampshire Birds You Should Know, Summer Birds that Live around Us
7. Downy Woodpecker
The downy woodpecker is a small species of woodpecker found in North America. Growing up to 7 inches long, it can be identified by its white belly and spotted wings.
It inhabits forests throughout the United States and Canada, except deserts in the southwest and northern tundra.
This bird nests in tree cavities and feeds mostly on insects but will supplement its diet with fruit or nuts when available.
The Downy Woodpecker has an unmistakable call that sounds like a loud ‘pik-er’, similar to other members of its family such as the Hairy Woodpecker.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Piciformes |
Family | Picidae |
Genus | Dryobates |
Species | D. pubescens |
Also Featured In: Long Island Birds You Should Know, British Columbian Birds
8. House Sparrow
The house sparrow is a small bird of the Passeridae family. It has an average length of 16 cm and weighs 24-39.5 gm.
Females have dull brown and grey plumage, whereas males are brighter, with black, white, and brown markings on their wings and back feathers.
This species is one among 25 different kinds in its genus Passer. These birds are found all around the world mainly near human dwellings where they feed off food scraps from garbage bins or gardens etc..
They also make nests close to houses which makes them even more visible to people living nearby.
House sparrows can be seen hopping around yards looking for food during daytime hours but usually hide in colonies at night time.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passeridae |
Genus | Passer |
Species | P. domesticus |
Also Featured In: Ukrainian Birds You Should Know, House Birds You’ll Love to Pet
9. Red-Bellied Woodpecker
The Red-bellied woodpecker is a beautiful bird with an orange-red crown and nape. It breeds mainly in the eastern United States, ranging from Florida to Canada.
This medium-sized woodpecker of the family Picidae has black wings, white stripes on its back, and tail feathers that are barred with black.
Its underside is mostly pale yellow or white but it also features some red coloration around its neck area.
Despite this subtle red hue, it should not be mistaken for the entirely red head and neck belonging to the Red-headed woodpecker of the same genus Melanerpes carolinus.
The Red-bellied Woodpeckers’ diet consists primarily of insects such as ants, beetles, and grasshoppers along with nuts fruits berries, and tree sap which they will feed upon at different times throughout their life cycle.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Piciformes |
Family | Picidae |
Genus | Melanerpes |
Species | M. carolinus |
Also Featured In: Common Central Park Birds, Autumn Birds You Should Know
10. House Finch
![House finch](https://theworldsrarestbirds.com/assets/images/bird-keyword-images/house-finch_29123.jpg)
The House Finch is a species of finch native to western North America and has been introduced in the eastern half of the continent as well as Hawaii.
It’s an average-sized finch with adults measuring 12.5 – 15 cm (5 – 6 inches) long and having wingspans between 20 – 25 cm (8 – 10 inches).
The upperparts are brown, while its underparts range from pale grayish white to yellow depending on subspecies.
Its face is streaked or spotted with reddish coloration; males typically have brighter plumage than females due to sexual dimorphism.
They’re mostly found near human habitations such as farms and gardens where they feed on grains, fruits, insects, etc., making them very popular among birders who want something colorful for their backyard.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Fringillidae |
Subfamily | Carduelinae |
Genus | Haemorhous |
Species | H. mexicanus |
Also Featured In: Common Birds That Live in Las Vegas, Birds That Live around Seattle
11. Dark-Eyed Junco
![Dark-eyed junco](https://theworldsrarestbirds.com/assets/images/bird-keyword-images/dark-eyed-junco_29123.jpg)
The Dark-eyed Junco is a species of small, grayish sparrows that are found across much of temperate North America and in the Arctic during summer.
It was formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1766, who named it after its distinctive dark eyes.
This bird has a very variable appearance due to the many different subspecies it contains, making its systematics difficult to unravel.
The plumage varies from white or light gray on their underparts with slate grey backs and wings; black heads with white outer tail feathers; brown head stripes; yellow bills; pink legs and feet; as well as various shades between all these colours.
They also have considerable sexual dimorphism where males tend to be more colorful than females but share similar characteristics such as short tails and rounded bodies – both sexes being around 16 cm long when fully grown.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Junco |
Species | J. hyemalis |
Also Featured In: Birds that Live in San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe Birds
12. Common Starling
![Common starling](https://theworldsrarestbirds.com/assets/images/bird-keyword-images/common-starling_29123.jpg)
The Common Starling is a medium-sized passerine bird that belongs to the Starling family. It has glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen, and at certain times of year, it can be speckled with white.
The bill and legs are typically pink or black depending on the season, while its length measures about 8 inches long.
Its diet consists mainly of insects but also includes small fruits and seeds as well as some human food waste.
They live in large flocks which protects predators, although they can become quite aggressive when defending their nesting sites during breeding seasons.
Overall, this species is highly adaptable and widely distributed across many parts of Europe making them one of the most successful birds in the region today.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Sturnidae |
Genus | Sturnus |
Species | S. vulgaris |
Also Featured In: European Birds, Birds that Migrate through Illinois in the Spring
13. Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove is a breathtakingly beautiful bird. It has stunning gray and brown feathers with white-tipped wings, giving it an elegant appearance. Its long tail also adds to its graceful look in flight.
A symbol of peace and serenity, they are abundant across North America and can be found in gardens or open fields throughout the year.
As well as being popular game birds for hunters, they feed on grains such as wheat and millet providing important food sources for wildlife species including foxes, coyotes, skunks, and raccoons.
These doves have a distinctive cooing sound that can often be heard echoing through woodlands during summer evenings making them one of nature’s greatest treasures.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Columbiformes |
Family | Columbidae |
Genus | Zenaida |
Species | Z. macroura |
Also Featured In: Common Southern Californian Birds, Most Common Nature Birds
14. Tufted Titmouse
![Tufted titmouse](https://theworldsrarestbirds.com/assets/images/bird-keyword-images/tufted-titmouse_29123.jpg)
The Tufted Titmouse is a small, cheerful songbird found in North America. It’s part of the tit and chickadee family (Paridae).
It has distinctive white feathers around its eyes, grey-brown wings, and upper body, with a pale tan underside.
Its most notable feature is the black crest on top of its head which gives it an inquisitive look. The male also sports a pinkish breast which can be seen.
When singing from high perches during the spring months. This bird loves to eat sunflower seeds or suet at backyard feeders as well as insects in summertime.
You may even see them poking into crevices and bark looking for food.
They are quite social birds too, being often spotted in mixed flocks alongside other species such as nuthatches and woodpeckers all year round.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Paridae |
Genus | Baeolophus |
Species | B. bicolor |
Also Featured In: Birds that Calls in the Morning, Birds that Live in Mississippi
15. White-Breasted Nuthatch
The White-breasted Nuthatch is a medium-sized bird belonging to the nuthatch family Sittidae. It measures around 15.5 cm in length and its color varies throughout its range.
Males have a light blue-grey upperpart, with a black crown and nape whereas females have a dark grey crown instead of a black one.
The underparts are whitish, with a reddish tinge on the sides and flanks while the bill is short and stout with a pale base near the eyes which can be yellow or white depending upon geographic location.
This species feeds mainly on insects but will also eat seeds, nuts, and berries when available.
They prefer open woodlands where they often climb trees searching for food along trunks as well as branches underneath bark crevices creating their nest there too.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Sittidae |
Genus | Sitta |
Species | S. carolinensis |
Also Featured In: Birds Commonly Found in Northern California, Common Birds in Alberta
16. Red-Winged Blackbird
![Red-winged blackbird](https://theworldsrarestbirds.com/assets/images/bird-keyword-images/red-winged-blackbird_29123.jpg)
The red-winged blackbird is a beautiful bird found in most of North America and Central America.
Its distinct features include a glossy black body, with white shoulder patches and bright red wing coverts year round.
It prefers wetland habitats such as marshes, ponds, lakeshores, and agricultural fields. During breeding season they inhabit grassy areas near water then move south for the winter months.
For food, they mainly eat insects but also consume wild fruit or grains.
They are very social birds often seen in large flocks during migration times when their unmistakable “conk-la-ree” call can be heard echoing across the sky.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Icteridae |
Genus | Agelaius |
Species | A. phoeniceus |
Also Featured In: Wetlands Birds You Should Know, Common Birds in Saskatchewan
17. Gray Catbird
![Gray catbird](https://theworldsrarestbirds.com/assets/images/bird-keyword-images/gray-catbird_29123.jpg)
The Gray Catbird is a medium-sized bird native to North and Central America. It is the only species in its genus, Dumetella, which makes it unique among other perching birds of the Mimidae family.
Its plumage features shades of gray with some brownish tones on top and lighter grey below.
The underside of its tail has white feathers that contrast against its otherwise monochromatic coloration; this feature gives it its name as they often flick their tails when alarmed or excited as cats do.
They are omnivorous but mainly feed on insects such as caterpillars, grasshoppers, and beetles while also eating fruits like berries or cherries during the summer months.
Despite being commonly seen alone or in pairs these birds will flock together at times for protection from predators like hawks who are drawn to their dark coloration against green foliage making them harder to spot.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Mimidae |
Genus | Dumetella C.T. Wood, 1837 |
Species | D. carolinensis |
Also Featured In: Most Popular Bird Species in North America, Birds in Iowa Spring
18. Common Grackle
The Common Grackle is a large icterid bird commonly found in North America. It has an iridescent head and pale yellow eyes, which are framed by its long dark bill and long tail.
Males typically have more vivid colors on their heads than females do. These birds can be seen across much of the continent, in fields, forests, wetlands – even urban areas.
They form huge flocks to search for food such as grains or insects that they catch with their bills.
The grackles may also scavenge from human sources like garbage dumps or picnic tables if available. With its colorful plumage and distinct call it’s easy to spot this species amongst other birds.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Icteridae |
Genus | Quiscalus |
Species | Q. quiscula |
Also Featured In: Central Texas Birds, Birds that Live around Central Florida
19. Great Egret
![Great egret](https://theworldsrarestbirds.com/assets/images/bird-keyword-images/great-egret_29123.jpg)
The Great Egret is a large, white bird found in many regions of the world. It has four subspecies that reside across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe.
This species usually lives near bodies of water such as lakes and marshes. They are also now starting to spread into more northern areas of Europe due to climate change.
These birds have long yellow legs with an impressive wingspan for their size which allows them to soar majestically through the sky hunting for fish or amphibians in shallow waters below.
Their feathers have been used historically by Native Americans as part of traditional garments or ceremonies but this practice should be avoided today so these amazing creatures can thrive without harm from humans.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Pelecaniformes |
Family | Ardeidae |
Genus | Ardea |
Species | A. alba |
Also Featured In: Most common Birds in France, Water Birds Live around Us
20. White-Throated Sparrow
![White-throated sparrow](https://theworldsrarestbirds.com/assets/images/bird-keyword-images/white-throated-sparrow_29123.jpg)
The White-throated Sparrow is a small passerine bird of the New World sparrow family Passerellidae.
It has distinctive yellow and black stripes on its head, white throat, and chest with grey back and wings, along with light brown legs.
The scientific name “Zonotrichia albicollis” comes from Ancient Greek for ‘band’ (ζώνη) referring to its distinctive striped crown, and Latin for ‘white neck’ (albus collum).
These birds are usually found in wooded areas such as coniferous forests or deciduous habitats in North America where they feed mainly on insects during summer months; transitioning to seeds during winter.
They build their nests near ground level using grasses, twigs, or moss lined with feathers.
White-throated Sparrows may be solitary but also form flocks when migrating southward each fall season which typically occurs over mid-late October through November depending on location within range.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Zonotrichia |
Species | Z. albicollis |
Also Featured In: Common Birds in Canada, Birds of Nova Scotia
21. Song Sparrow
![Song sparrow](https://theworldsrarestbirds.com/assets/images/bird-keyword-images/song-sparrow_29123.jpg)
The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a small, yet abundant bird found in North America.
They have brown upperparts with dark streaks and are white underneath, complete with a distinct dark brown spot on the breast.
Their cap is also brown and long roughed feathers can be seen sprouting from their neck area.
This sparrow species is highly variable and adaptable to many different environments including dry brush land, wetlands, or open fields.
It has been noted that adult song sparrows will sing even during winter months when other birds remain quiet.
These energetic little animals make for great backyard companions as they flit about singing their lovely melodies.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Melospiza |
Species | M. melodia |
Also Featured In: Birds that Live in Vancouver, Birds in Pacific Northwest
22. Common Tern
The Common Tern is a seabird in the Laridae family, found all over Europe, Asia, and North America. It has a migratory nature, spending its winters in coastal tropical and subtropical regions.
Breeding adults have light grey upperparts with white to very light grey underparts featuring an orange-red beak and black cap.
They are known for their graceful flight as they hunt small fish or insects by diving into water from great heights.
During breeding season they build nests together on islands or sandbars using grasses and other materials to create them.
The female will lay two eggs which she incubates while her mate stands guard nearby; both parents take turns feeding the chicks until it’s time for them to fly away.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Laridae |
Genus | Sterna |
Species | S. hirundo |
Also Featured In: Birds of Netherlands, Flight Birds You Should Know
23. American Yellow Warbler
![American yellow warbler](https://theworldsrarestbirds.com/assets/images/bird-keyword-images/american-yellow-warbler_29123.jpg)
The American Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) is a species of New World warbler found across North America, the Caribbean, and into northern South America.
Its genus name Setophaga comes from Ancient Greek words meaning “moth” and “eating”, while its specific name Petechia originates from Italian for small red spots.
This bird has striking yellow plumage with reddish-brown streaks on their chest that can be seen during mating season when they are most colorful.
They live in open woodlands near wetlands or bodies of water where they can find food such as insects like spiders, beetles, and caterpillars which make up much of their diet.
The male will sing to attract a mate during the breeding season before setting up a home in twig nests built by both sexes together high in trees or shrubs.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Parulidae |
Genus | Setophaga |
Species | S. petechia |
Also Featured In: Utah Birds, Most Common Songs Birds that Live around You
24. Willet
![Willet](https://theworldsrarestbirds.com/assets/images/bird-keyword-images/willet_29123.jpg)
The Willet is a large and robust bird of the Scolopacidae family. It belongs to the genus Tringa and it is much larger than its closest relative – lesser yellowlegs, which can be easily distinguished by its fine neck pattern.
The willet has brown upperparts with white patches on the wings along with grey underparts. Its bill is thick, long, and straight in shape having black coloration at the tip while the legs are also long but greenish-grey in colour.
They feed mainly on insects, worms, or crustaceans that they find near coastal waters or wetlands as well as grains or seeds when available during winters.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Scolopacidae |
Genus | Tringa |
Species | T. semipalmata |
Also Featured In: birds of Delaware, Birds that can be Seen in Outer Banks
To Recap
The 24 most common birds of Roe Island offer a glimpse into the rich avian diversity of this coastal paradise.
From the iconic American Bald Eagle soaring majestically to the charming Northern Mockingbird filling the air with its melodic tunes, these birds collectively paint a vivid picture of the island’s natural beauty.
Roe Island’s wetlands, woodlands, and shoreline provide vital habitats for these species, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.
Observing and appreciating these feathered residents not only enriches our connection to the island but also underscores the significance of preserving their ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.