Santiago de Querétaro is a city located in the central part of Mexico, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The city boasts a diverse range of habitats, from mountain ranges to fertile valleys, making it an ideal location for some of the most exotic bird species to thrive.
The region is home to numerous species of birds that are unique to this part of the world, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers from all over. From stunning waterfowl to majestic raptors and tiny hummingbirds, the birdlife in Santiago de Querétaro is truly remarkable.
In this article, we will explore some of the most popular birds found in this region and learn about their characteristics and habits.
1. Brown-Headed Cowbird
The Brown-headed Cowbird is a small, obligate brood parasitic icterid native to temperate and subtropical North America. It has a brown head with glossy black plumage on the body, wings and tail feathers.
During summer months it can be found in prairies, grasslands as well as open wooded areas but during winter they migrate southwards towards the United States of Mexico for warmer climate.
They are mainly insectivorous birds which feed on insects like caterpillars or beetles but also consume some grains too.
The female bird lays its eggs in nests of other species who then incubates them until hatching time thus leaving their own chicks uncared for by themselves.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. ater |
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2. Great-Tailed Grackle
The Great-tailed Grackle is a medium sized bird native to North and South America. It belongs to the family Icteridae, making it closely related to two other species of grackles – the Boat-tailed and Slender-billed.
They are highly social birds which often appear in large flocks or colonies.
Their plumage ranges from glossy black with blue or purple iridescence, through brownish grey shades depending on location.
In some areas they have been known as “blackbirds” due their predominately dark colouring.
This adaptable species is also renowned for its distinctive long tail feathers – hence its name.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. mexicanus |
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3. White-Winged Dove
The White-winged Dove is an impressive bird with a large body and wingspan. Its distinctive feature is the white edge on its wings, which makes it easily recognizable when in flight.
It has blue eyerings, red eyes and gray plumage, while juveniles are duller in coloration than adults.
This dove species inhabits areas from Southwestern United States through Mexico to Central America as well as Caribbean islands.
They usually live close to human settlements or cities but can also be found in agricultural fields feeding on grains like corn or wheat seeds left by farmers after harvest season ends.
In their natural habitat they feed primarily on insects, fruits and small plants such as certain cacti species.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. asiatica |
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4. Inca Dove
The Inca Dove is a small, slender bird found in the New World. It has an average length of 16.5–23 cm and weighs about 30-58 gm. Its wingspan measures around 28.5cm but can reach up to 32cm at max.
The body of this dove is grayish brown with feathers that are rounded off tips giving it a soft look overall.
This species was first described by French surgeon and naturalist René Lesson back in 1847 and since then have been living happily all over North America from Mexico through Texas to South Dakota, Kansas as well as parts of Arizona among others regions too.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columbina |
| Species | C. inca |
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5. Rufous-Backed Robin
The Rufous-backed Robin, also known as the Rufous-backed Thrush, is a stocky songbird native to the Pacific slopes of Mexico.
With an average length of 21.5–24 cm (8.5–9.4 in) and weight 74 g (2.6 oz), it has similarities with its widespread relative – the American robin – but is slightly smaller in size, having an average wingspan measuring 39.4 cm (15.5 in).
It possesses striking features such as yellow eyes bordered by black eye rings; white throat surrounded by a grey neck patch; buffish upperparts that are crossed with darker streaks or spots on both sides; and lastly rusty red tail feathers which gives this species its name.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. rufopalliatus |
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6. Loggerhead Shrike
The Loggerhead Shrike is a carnivorous bird found only in North America. It belongs to the family Laniidae and is known as the “butcherbird” because of its habit of catching prey, such as amphibians, insects, lizards and small mammals.
The shrike has a black mask around its eyes and grey wings with white patches on them.
Its back is black with white spots that resemble stars or snowflakes; some individuals may have brown feathers instead of black ones.
This species feeds mainly by perching from elevated locations like bushes or trees where it can spot potential meals below it before diving down for capture.
Interestingly enough, these birds are also known to store their food by impaling it onto thorns which they use later when hungry.
With less than 2 million estimated population left in wild today this species needs our help so we should do whatever we can to protect them better.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Laniidae |
| Genus | Lanius |
| Species | L. ludovicianus |
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7. Canyon Towhee
The Canyon Towhee is a small bird belonging to the Passerellidae family. It has an olive-brown head and back, with a greyish white belly and chest. The wings are darker than the body, while its tail feathers are brown in color.
This species resides near dry canyons, hence their name; however it inhabits other woodlands as well. Its diet consists of seeds, fruits, insects and some grasses too.
They generally forage or search for food on ground level but also occasionally pick up food from tree branches or shrubs as well.
During breeding season they engage in courtship displays by bowing low with spread tails that vibrate rapidly before taking flight into the air singing songs all along.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Melozone |
| Species | M. fusca |
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8. Broad-Billed Hummingbird
The Broad-billed Hummingbird is a small species of hummingbird that can be found in Mexico and the southwestern United States.
It has distinctive sexual dimorphism, with females resembling their juvenile counterparts more than males do.
This bird stands out thanks to its bright colors and broad, red bill. Other common names for this species include Colibri Mexicano (Spanish) or Mexican Hummingbird.
The Broad-billed usually nests on trees or shrubs near streams but may also occupy wooded areas or gardens close by human settlements during wintertime.
They feed mainly on nectar from flowers while supplementing their diet with insects depending on availability of prey items as well as seasonality changes throughout their range area.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Cynanthus |
| Species | C. latirostris |
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9. Blue Grosbeak
The Blue Grosbeak is a medium-sized North American passerine bird from the Cardinalidae family. It has striking plumage, with males showing off an impressive blue coloration and two brown wing bars.
Females are mainly brown with scattered blue feathers on the upperparts, but they also have two brown wing bars like males do.
During summer months these birds can be found in northern Mexico and southern United States where they breed, while during wintertime it migrates to Central America for resting purposes.
This beautiful species of bird is easy to spot due its vibrant colors making it a popular sight amongst wildlife observers.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. caerulea |
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10. Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a small passerine bird native to North America. It has olive green plumage, white wing bars and an eye-ring as well as a distinctive red crown patch on the males.
Juveniles look similar to adults with no distinguishing features other than size.
They are usually found in coniferous forests or woodlands where they spend much of their time searching for insects among foliage and branches while constantly flitting from place to place.
These birds have incredible energy levels that allow them to travel long distances during migration season without getting exhausted too quickly, making them one of nature’s most resilient species.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Regulidae |
| Genus | Corthylio Cabanis, 1853 |
| Species | C. calendula |
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11. Snowy Egret
The Snowy Egret is a small white heron native to North America. Its scientific name, Egretta thula, comes from Provençal French for the little egret and an incorrect reference to the Black-necked Swan by Chilean naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina in 1782.
This beautiful bird has black legs with yellow feet, and a long plume of feathers on its head that often appears as if it’s wearing a crown.
It feeds primarily on insects and aquatic life like fish or frogs making it well adapted for both wetland habitats such as marshes or swamps plus coastal areas close to shorelines.
With their graceful movements they are truly delightful creatures to observe while out exploring nature.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. thula |
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12. Spotted Sandpiper
The Spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius) is a small shorebird that can be found across North America and parts of South America.
It has an appealing spotted plumage, predominately brown in colour with white spots on the wings, tail feathers, head and neck.
The Common Sandpiper (A. hypoleucos) is its sister species which takes over geographically when the other moves away; they have been known to hybridize as well when strays settle down among breeders.
This bird was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1766 in his twelfth edition of Systema Naturae as a migratory summer visitor to Europe but it now also occupies many habitats too like beaches, riversides and even grasslands during migration periods or for breeding season itself.
Its diet consists mainly of insects such as air-borne flies plus molluscs from shallow water areas – this makes them quite unique amongst waders.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Actitis |
| Species | A. macularius |
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13. Common Ground Dove
The Common Ground Dove is a small bird that can be found in the southern United States, Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America.
It’s considered to be one of the smallest dove species in North American with an average length of around 6–7 inches.
This ground-dwelling species spends most of its time on foot but has been known to fly when necessary or threatened.
The plumage is pale grayish brown above while their bellies are white and speckled with black spots along their wings.
Its diet consists mainly of seeds from grasses and other low vegetation which it forages for by walking slowly across open fields or lawns looking for food items like berries, grains, insects, spiders and snails.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columbina |
| Species | C. passerina |
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14. Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher
The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is a beautiful small songbird native to North America. It has a length of 10–13 cm (3.9–5.1 in), wingspan of 6.3 in (16 cm) and weighs only 5–7 g (0.18–0.25 oz).
Males have blue-gray upperparts with white underparts, slender dark bill, and long black tail edged in white; females are less vibrant but still eye catching.
Juveniles are brownish gray overall but may show some hints of the adult colouration around their tails or shoulders as they mature into adulthood.
Their diet consists mainly of insects which they catch while flitting through air like tiny darts.
This stunning species can be found anywhere from woodlands to urban parks so keep your eyes peeled for these delightful creatures on your next outdoor adventure.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Polioptilidae |
| Genus | Polioptila |
| Species | P. caerulea |
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15. Cassin’s Kingbird
Cassin’s kingbird is a large tyrant flycatcher native to western North America. It was named in honor of the American ornithologist John Cassin and first described by English naturalist William John Swainson back in 1826, with its type locality being Temascaltepec, Mexico.
These birds are generally dark gray or brown on top with lighter underparts that have yellowish tints around the throat and belly region.
They also sport long tails which they often spread wide while perched atop branches or wires looking out for prey like insects as well as small reptiles or amphibians.
Their calls can be quite loud but usually consist of two syllables: “whee-er” or sometimes “whit-chew”.
In addition to their diet, Cassin’s Kingbirds defend territories against other species including hawks and crows during breeding season when they raise their young before migrating southward again come wintertime.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Tyrannus |
| Species | T. vociferans |
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16. Black-And-White Warbler
The Black-and-white Warbler is a unique species of bird native to North America. It has striking black and white plumage and breeds in the northern part of the continent, wintering in Central America, Florida, West Indies and Peru.
This warbler is rarely seen as far west as Europe but it’s still being studied for its behavior and ecology.
Its diet consists mainly of insects which it catches by clinging on trees like a woodpecker before quickly darting away again when prey appears.
The population size remains stable although they are vulnerable to habitat loss due to deforestation or other human activities so their conservation status should be monitored closely over time.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Mniotilta Vieillot, 1816 |
| Species | M. varia |
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17. Northern Rough-Winged Swallow
The Northern Rough-winged Swallow is a small migratory bird belonging to the genus Stelgidopteryx.
It is easily identifiable by its “scraper wing” and serrated feathers, giving it the common name of rough-winged swallow.
These birds are found in North America during summer months, migrating south for winter.
They have brown upperparts with a white belly and greyish wings which show darker markings near their tips when seen from below.
Their diet consists mainly of insects such as flies, beetles and wasps captured on the wing while flying low over grassy areas or water bodies like ponds or lakes.
As they migrate long distances each year between their breeding grounds in North America and their wintering sites further southwards, these swallows rely heavily on thermals created by warm air rising up from ground level to help them soar high into the sky with minimal effort.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Stelgidopteryx |
| Species | S. serripennis |
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18. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s warbler is a small, brightly coloured bird found across North America. It has greenish upperparts and yellow underparts, with rounded wings and a long tail.
The male has an easily identifiable black crown patch which may or may not be present in the female depending on the subspecies.
They breed from Canada down to central parts of Mexico and then winter south through much of Central America.
These birds are usually seen flitting around low vegetation as they search for insects to eat – their main food source.
Their cheerful song can often be heard during spring migration when they travel back up north to breed again after spending winter further south.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Cardellina |
| Species | C. pusilla |
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19. Curve-Billed Thrasher
The Curve-billed Thrasher is a medium-sized bird native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It lives mainly in desert areas, where it can be found foraging on the ground for its insect prey.
Its name comes from its curved bill, which aids in rooting out insects and other food sources.
The species has several subspecies that are geographically separated throughout much of their range; allopatric speciation likely played an important role here as well.
Despite being non-migratory, this thrasher will sometimes travel long distances when resources become scarce or during courtship displays with potential mates.
A successful predator of grasshoppers, beetles and other arthropods, the Curve-billed Thrasher plays an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by controlling pest populations.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Toxostoma |
| Species | T. curvirostre |
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20. Black-Throated Gray Warbler
The Black-throated Gray Warbler is a species of New World warbler belonging to the Parulidae family. It measures 13 cm in length, and has gray and white plumage with distinct black markings.
Males have bold black throats, along with black stripes on their heads and streaks on their flanks; females are paler versions of males, but still feature similar coloration patterns.
These birds breed throughout western North America from Alaska to Mexico during summer months before migrating southwards for wintertime.
The Black-throated Gray Warblers typically inhabit coniferous forests near rivers or streams where they forage for insects among foliage by gleaning or hovering briefly over branches.
They have also been known to feed upon berries when available as well as nectar during migration periods.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. nigrescens |
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21. Bronzed Cowbird
The bronzed cowbird is a small icterid species that was formerly known as the red-eyed cowbird. They are found breeding in several states of the US and many Central American countries, including Panama.
You may often spot them in farmland, brush, and feedlots, where they tend to forage. These birds prefer open habitats when not breeding and roost in dense woods.
They exhibit brood parasitism, laying their eggs in other bird species’ nests, and leaving their young ones to be reared by the host birds.
The bronzed cowbird’s diet mainly comprises seeds, grains, and insects. These birds are known for their metallic green and bronze plumage and their characteristic high-pitched whistle, which they use for communication.
They make an interesting addition to the avian diversity of their range.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. aeneus |
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22. Cinnamon-Rumped Seedeater
The cinnamon-rumped seedeater is a type of passerine bird that belongs to the Sporophila genus. This small bird is closely related to other Sporophila species based on genetic studies.
Formerly part of the white-collared seedeater species, the cinnamon-rumped seedeater is one of two resulting species after the split. The other species is now called Morelet’s seedeater.
The cinnamon-rumped seedeater is easily recognizable by its cinnamon-colored rump, which is one of its distinct features. These birds are primarily seed eaters but may also feed on insects.
They are typically found in grasslands and open areas with low vegetation.
Overall, the cinnamon-rumped seedeater is a fascinating bird species that is known for its unique appearance and behavior.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Sporophila |
| Species | S. torqueola |
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23. Blue Mockingbird
The blue mockingbird is a striking bird found only in Mexico, though rare sightings have been reported in the southern United States. Its natural habitats include dry and montane forests, as well as degraded former forest areas.
With its vibrant blue coloring, this bird is easily recognizable by its uniform blue back, tail, wings, head, and underbelly. It belongs to the family Mimidae, and is known for its impressive mimicking abilities.
Despite its beauty, this species is considered Near Threatened due to habitat loss and degradation.
The blue mockingbird serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect our planet’s diverse and unique wildlife.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Melanotis |
| Species | M. caerulescens |
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