Welcome to Sausalito, a picturesque town located on the San Francisco Bay! Rich with history and its own unique culture, Sausalito is home to a variety of diverse wildlife, including birds.
With its mild climate, abundant food sources, and unique habitats, Sausalito is a premier destination for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike. From the majestic American White Pelican to the secretive Black Phoebe, the bird population of Sausalito is diverse and abundant.
With careful observation, one can spot many species of birds in the area. In this article, we will explore the various species of birds that call Sausalito home and discuss the best places in the area to spot them.
1. Brown Pelican
The brown pelican is a species of the Pelecanidae family, commonly known as the pelican family. It is one of the three species found in the Americas and one of two that have adapted to feed by diving into the water.
These birds have a large, flat body and a long, distinctive beak that is designed to scoop up fish from the water. The wingspan of the brown pelican can reach up to 7 feet and its plumage is mostly brown with white feathers on the head and neck.
The pelicans feed on a variety of small fish, but also sometimes eat mollusks and crustaceans. Their diving technique involves folding their wings back and plunging their head and neck forward into the water while using their feet to propel them below the surface.
Once they have captured their prey, they will then rise to the surface and shake the excess water off before swallowing their meal.
The brown pelican is an effective and efficient hunter, and its ability to dive and capture fish has allowed it to become a successful species in the Americas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. occidentalis |
2. White-Crowned Sparrow
The white-crowned sparrow is a species of passerine bird found in North America. It is a medium-sized bird, belonging to the New World sparrow family. It is identified from its grey face and the black and white streaking on its upper head.
This species is also characterized by its long, thin bill and small, round body. The white-crowned sparrow is found in a wide variety of habitats from grasslands to woodlands, and is most commonly seen in open areas.
It is an omnivorous species, feeding on a variety of insects and seeds. They are also known to feed on fruits and berries.
During the breeding season, the male white-crowned sparrow can be identified by its bright white crown and black throat. The white-crowned sparrow is a relatively long-lived species, with an average lifespan of up to 9 years.
They are generally monogamous and will form long-term pair bonds. During the breeding season, they will construct a cup-shaped nest from twigs and grasses. The female white-crowned sparrow will lay a clutch of 4-5 eggs, which are incubated for 12-14 days.
The young fledge after two weeks and are cared for by both parents. Overall, the white-crowned sparrow is a common and widespread species throughout most of its range. It is able to adapt to a variety of habitats and is an important part of the North American avian community.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Zonotrichia |
| Species | Z. leucophrys |
3. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that belongs to the family Trochilidae. It is known for its vibrant colors, small size, and its distinctive call. It is native to the western coast of North America, and was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli.
In the early 20th century, Anna’s hummingbirds were mainly found in northern Baja California and Southern California. The Anna’s hummingbird is a small bird, with a length of three to four inches, and a wingspan of four to five inches.
It has a vibrant green back and crown, a pinkish throat, and a small patch of white feathers on its throat. It also has a distinctive call, which is a soft trill.
The Anna’s hummingbird feeds mostly on nectar and small insects, and can often be seen hovering in front of flowers while they feed. Anna’s hummingbird is an important species in the western coastal regions of North America.
Its presence is a sign of a healthy and diverse ecosystem, as it is an important pollinator. In addition, its vibrant colors and distinctive calls make it an important part of the environment’s biodiversity.
As such, conservation efforts are being made to ensure the survival of the species and its continued presence in the region.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
4. Brewer’s Blackbird
The Brewer’s blackbird is an interesting species of bird, native to the New World region. It is named after the late ornithologist Thomas Mayo Brewer, who was an avid birdwatcher and researcher. The blackbird is a medium-sized bird, with a glossy black plumage.
It has a distinctive patch of white feathers at the base of its neck, giving it a unique appearance. The bird is found in open areas such as grasslands, agricultural fields, and wetlands. It feeds on insects, seeds, and grains, and often visits bird feeders.
It can also be seen in flocks of up to several hundred birds. Brewer’s blackbirds are social birds and often form large gatherings during the breeding season. They also migrate in large groups, often traveling long distances.
With its striking appearance and its interesting behavior, Brewer’s blackbird is a fascinating species to watch.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Euphagus |
| Species | E. cyanocephalus |
5. Steller’s Jay
Steller’s jay is a species of bird which is native to western North America and the mountain regions of Central America. It is related to the blue jay, which is found in eastern North America.
Steller’s jay is the only member of the Jay family that is found west of the Rocky Mountains. This bird is distinctive for its bright blue plumage, black head crest, and white markings on their wings.
They mainly feed on insects, nuts, and seeds, and they often raid the nests of other birds for food. They are known to be quite noisy and can be heard calling out with their loud, harsh calls.
Steller’s jays are highly intelligent and can be trained to mimic human speech, with some even learning to recognize colors and shapes. They are also very social, often forming small flocks and communicating with each other using a variety of vocalizations.
These birds are also keystone species, helping to maintain healthy ecosystems by spreading seeds and dispersing plants throughout their range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. stelleri |
6. Sandpiper
Sandpipers are a large family of birds belonging to the Scolopacidae family of waders. They are found in a variety of habitats all over the world and have adapted to suit their environment.
Sandpipers come in many different species, such as the common sandpiper, curlew and snipe.
Though the sizes and colorations of these species can vary greatly, they all share one trait in common; they feed on small invertebrates, such as worms, larvae, and other small creatures, picked out of the mud or soil.
This behavior of ‘pecking’ at the ground is known as ‘sandpiping’. Sandpipers are able to detect their prey by sight and sound, and they use their long beaks to search for food. This behavior helps them to survive in a variety of environments, including both wet and dry areas.
Sandpipers are an important part of the ecosystem, providing food for other animals, such as birds of prey, and helping to keep the environment healthy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
7. Northern Flicker
The northern flicker, or common flicker, is a species of woodpecker found throughout North America, Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.
It is a medium-sized bird, with a body length of approximately 11-12 inches, and is characterized by its grayish-brown back, spotted white underparts, and black bib. It has a red bar on its wings and a white rump.
The northern flicker is also known for its loud, rolling call, which it uses to communicate. The northern flicker is one of the few species of woodpecker that migrates. It is thought to migrate in response to changes in the availability of food.
During migration, northern flickers may travel as far as Mexico or the Great Plains. They are also known to migrate in flocks of up to a thousand birds. The northern flicker is an omnivore, meaning it feeds on both plants and animals.
Its diet consists of a variety of insects, fruits, nuts, and seeds. It is also known to feed on tree sap, making it one of the few woodpecker species to do so. The northern flicker is an important species, as it serves as both a predator and a pollinator.
It helps to control insect populations, as well as disperse seeds, helping to ensure the survival of native plant species. As such, it is important to protect and conserve this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
8. Black-Crowned Night Heron
The black-crowned night heron, also known as a black-capped night heron, is a widely distributed species of heron found in many parts of the world. It is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring between 22 to 26 inches in length and weighing up to 5 pounds.
The night heron has a black crown, a white face, and a long, pointed yellow bill.
Its back and wings are dark grey and its underside is white. In its native range, the black-crowned night heron is a migratory species, typically traveling to warmer regions during the winter months. It can be found in parts of Europe, Asia, and both North and South America.
Its preferred habitats include wetlands, lakes, rivers, and marshes, although it can also be found in drier areas such as open fields and pastures. The black-crowned night heron feeds mainly on aquatic prey such as insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
It hunts either alone or in small groups, usually at night. When it detects prey, it quickly darts forward and grabs it with its bill. The black-crowned night heron is a solitary bird, usually nesting and roosting in trees or shrubs.
It builds a bulky nest of sticks, which it lines with softer materials such as grasses. The female lays three to five eggs and both parents share the task of incubating them.
The chicks are able to fly after about five weeks, although they remain dependent on their parents for a few more weeks. The black-crowned night heron is an important part of many wetland ecosystems, as it helps to keep insect populations in check.
It is also a popular bird for bird watchers, as its striking plumage and nocturnal habits make it a rewarding species to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Nycticorax |
| Species | N. nycticorax |
9. Turkey Vulture
The turkey vulture is an impressive bird that is native to the Americas. It is one of the most widespread of the species of New World vultures and can be found from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America.
It is one of three species in the genus Cathartes and is part of the family Cathartidae. Turkey vultures have large wingspans and are adept flyers, often soaring in thermals to search for food.
They can often be seen soaring over fields and woodlands in search of carrion, which they locate through their keen sense of smell. Turkey vultures are an important part of the ecosystem as they help to keep the environment clean by eating carrion and other dead animals.
They are an amazing species that has adapted to a wide range of habitats and are fascinating birds to observe in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Cathartidae |
| Genus | Cathartes |
| Species | C. aura |
10. Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove is a species of dove found in the family Columbidae. It is found across much of North America and is a fairly common sight in many parts of the continent.
It is also known by a variety of other names, such as the American Mourning Dove, the Rain Dove, the Turtle Dove, the Carolina Pigeon, and the Carolina Turtledove.
The Mourning Dove is an easily identifiable bird, with its soft gray coloring, white patches on its wings, and a long, pointed tail. Its distinctive call is a loud, drawn-out “hoo-hoo-hoo” sound, which can be heard in many areas.
The Mourning Dove is a ground-dwelling bird and generally prefers open grasslands, agricultural fields, and lightly wooded areas. It feeds mainly on seeds, and can often be seen in flocks at bird feeders.
Its nest is a flimsy flat platform of sticks and grass placed in a tree or on a building ledge. Mourning Doves are monogamous, and their courtship rituals involve a male and female flying high in the sky, and then tumbling and spinning down in a “dive” display.
They are known to be very loyal to their mates, and often stay with the same partner year after year.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
11. American Robin
The American robin is a species of migratory bird that belongs to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family. It is called the American robin due to its reddish-orange breast, which looks similar to the European robin.
However, the two species are not closely related; the European robin is part of the Old World flycatcher family. The American robin is a medium-sized bird, with a length of around 25 to 28 cm. It has a grayish-brown back and tail, a white underbelly, and a dark head and throat.
It also features a bright red-orange breast, which is the key feature used to distinguish it from its European counterpart. The American robin is a migratory bird, meaning it travels long distances in order to find food and suitable breeding grounds.
It moves in flocks and can be found throughout most of the United States and parts of Canada, Mexico, and Central America. During the winter months, American robins migrate south in order to escape the cold weather.
The American robin is a popular bird due to its familiarity and beauty. It is often spotted in yards and gardens, and its distinctive song is often heard in the early morning hours.
This species is known for its strong survival skills and ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
12. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic bird that is a part of the heron family Ardeidae. It is a large wading bird that is found in many places around the world. In North and Central America, the great blue heron is a common sight near the shores of open water and in wetlands.
It is also found in far northwestern South America, the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands. The great blue heron stands tall with its long neck and legs. It is typically grey or blue-grey in colour with a white head and neck.
It has a long pointed beak that is used to catch its prey. The heron eats mainly small fish, crustaceans, and amphibians that it finds in the water. It also eats small mammals, reptiles, and insects. The great blue heron is a solitary bird and is rarely seen in flocks.
During the breeding season, the heron will build a nest in trees near water sources. The heron is a protected species and is found in many national parks and wildlife refuges. Overall, the great blue heron is a fascinating bird that is found in many places around the world.
It is a majestic species that is worth protecting and admiring.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
13. House Sparrow
The house sparrow is a small bird that belongs to the family Passeridae and can be found in many parts of the world. It is characterized by having a length of 16 cm and a mass of 24-39.5 g.
The males of this species have brightly coloured black, white and brown markings, while the females and young birds are pale brown and grey. House sparrows are usually seen in urban areas, and are known for their adaptability to human habitats.
They are commonly found around food sources, and can often be seen in gardens, fields and roadsides, where seeds and insects are abundant.
In addition to this, the house sparrow also feeds on fruits and grains. House sparrows are social birds and often form flocks when foraging for food. They are also quite vocal and can be heard chirping and singing throughout the day.
They are also known to be territorial, and will aggressively defend their nests. The house sparrow is an important species in many parts of the world, due to its ability to help with pest control, as it feeds on insects and other pests.
It is also an important symbol of urbanization and the bond between humans and nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passeridae |
| Genus | Passer |
| Species | P. domesticus |
14. Scrub Jay
The California scrub jay is a species of bird native to western North America. It is found from the southern region of British Columbia, extending southward throughout California and western Nevada near Reno, and then further west of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
This bird is a member of the Corvidae family, which includes crows, ravens, and magpies. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 30 cm in length, with a wingspan of 47 cm. It has a grey-blue head, wings, and tail, while its underparts are light grey with a white belly.
Its distinctive call includes a variety of loud, harsh, and sometimes musical notes. The California scrub jay is a social bird, living in small family groups. These groups typically consist of a mated pair and their offspring from the previous year.
Each group occupies a territory which they defend aggressively against intruders. These birds feed mainly on acorns and other nuts, insects, and fruits. They also store food in caches, burying them for later consumption.
They often utilize tools, such as sticks, to obtain food from hard-to-reach places. The California scrub jay is an important part of the Western North American ecosystem, serving as both a predator and a prey species.
It acts as a seed disperser, helping to spread native plant species throughout its range. It is also an important prey species for larger animals, such as hawks and foxes.
In recent years, the California scrub jay has experienced a decline in population due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts are underway to help protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Aphelocoma |
| Species | A. californica |
15. Red-Winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is a type of bird that belongs to the family Icteridae. It is found in a wide range of habitats across much of North America and Central America.
This species is a passerine bird, which means it has three toes pointing forward and one toe pointing backward. It is a medium-sized bird with a wingspan of approximately 25–30 cm.
The red-winged blackbird is easily identifiable by its red shoulder patches and glossy black feathers. It is a popular sight in wetlands, fields, and meadows, where it feeds on insects, larvae, and grains.
The red-winged blackbird is a social species that typically nests in small colonies. Its song is a loud, distinctive trill that is often heard in the spring. This species plays an important role in pest control and helps to maintain the balance of its native ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
16. Willet
The willet is a large shorebird belonging to the family Scolopacidae. It has a robust body shape and is the largest of the sandpiper species known as “shanks” that are part of the Tringa genus.
Willets are generally found along coastal regions and are considered to be relatively large birds. They have long legs and a long, pointed beak, which can help them to forage in the sand and mud for food.
They typically feed on small invertebrates like crustaceans, mollusks, and insects. Willets are migratory birds and can be seen in large flocks in spring and fall as they make their way to and from breeding grounds.
They also have a unique call which can be heard during the breeding season. Willets are an important species for coastal ecosystems and they help to keep these habitats healthy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Tringa |
| Species | T. semipalmata |
17. Song Sparrow
The Song Sparrow is a common bird found in North America. It is a medium-sized sparrow, with a length between five and seven inches and a wingspan of eight to nine inches.
It is one of the most widespread and abundant native sparrows in North America, being found in most areas of the continent. The Song Sparrow is also very variable, with different populations having different colors and patterns.
This variability is likely due to the species’ great adaptability, allowing it to live in a range of different habitats. It can be found in open fields, wetlands, woodlands, and even urban areas. Its diet consists of a variety of seeds, insects, and other invertebrates.
The Song Sparrow is a very successful species, as it is able to adapt to and thrive in a variety of habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Melospiza |
| Species | M. melodia |
18. Western Bluebird
The western bluebird is a small species of songbird native to North America. It is a member of the thrush family and is commonly found in a variety of habitats, ranging from open fields to foothills and woodlands.
The western bluebird is a beautiful species, with a bright blue head, wings and tail, and rusty red breast. It has a short, conical bill, which it uses to feed on insects and berries.
The western bluebird typically breeds in early spring and typically nests in tree cavities, although it will also use nest boxes or other artificial nest sites. The female usually lays three to five eggs, which are incubated for 12 to 14 days before hatching.
The male and female both help to feed and raise the young. The western bluebird is an important species, as it helps to control insect populations, disperse seeds, and provide food for other species.
It is also a popular species for bird watchers, as it is relatively easy to spot and can be found in many different habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. mexicana |
19. Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s hummingbird is a small bird found in the western United States. It is a species in the genus Selasphorus, of which there are seven in total. The Allen’s hummingbird is known for its distinctive ruby-red throat patch and its long, curved bill.
It is a migratory species and breeds in the western U.S. from California to Texas. The species is found in chaparral, oak woodlands, and desert scrub habitats. It feeds mainly on nectar from flowers and small insects and builds its nest in trees, cacti, or shrubs.
It is a popular species among birdwatchers due to its unique appearance and behavior.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. sasin |
20. Chestnut-Backed Chickadee
The chestnut-backed chickadee is a species of bird that is part of the tit family, Paridae. It has a wide range of distribution, stretching across the Pacific Northwest of the United States and western Canada.
This species is commonly found in southern Alaska, reaching down to southwestern California. It was formerly known as Parus rufescens, though it is now referred to by its current name.
The chestnut-backed chickadee is a small passerine bird, with a body size of only 11–13 cm in length and weighing around 7–14 g. It has a black crown and throat, light grey cheeks, and a chestnut back.
Its wings are black with white bars and its tail is black with white outer feathers. The chestnut-backed chickadee is mainly insectivorous but is known to also eat some seeds. The chestnut-backed chickadee is a social species, forming small flocks when foraging for food.
It is also known to join mixed-species foraging flocks, consisting of other small birds such as house wrens and kinglets. This species is also known for its vocal repertoire, which consists of a variety of chirps and whistles.
They are also known to use a variety of different calls to communicate between individuals. In addition to its wide distribution, the chestnut-backed chickadee is also extremely adaptable to different habitats.
It can be found in both coniferous and deciduous forests, as well as in riparian woodlands, suburban parks, and gardens. It is an important species in the Pacific Northwest, as it helps to maintain the balance of the local ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. rufescens |
21. House Finch
The house finch is a species of finch that belongs to the family Fringillidae, which also includes other finch species such as the American goldfinch and the purple finch.
It is native to western North America, including the United States and Canada, and has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent, including the United States and parts of Canada, as well as Hawaii.
This species is a part of the genus Haemorhous, which also includes two other species of American rosefinches, the purple finch and the Cassin’s finch. The house finch is a small bird, usually reaching lengths of around 4 to 5 inches, with a wingspan of around 6 to 8 inches.
It has a brownish-red head, back, and wings, with brownish-gray sides and a grayish-white underside. The house finch is primarily a seed-eater, although it will also consume some insects.
It is known for its pleasant song, which is composed of short trills, warbles, and whistles.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
22. Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
The ruby-crowned kinglet is a very small passerine bird found throughout North America. It is a member of the kinglet family, which includes other small birds such as the golden-crowned kinglet and the common redpoll.
This bird has an olive-green colored plumage with two white wing bars and a white eye ring. The male ruby-crowned kinglet has a distinctive red crown patch, which is usually concealed and not visible to the human eye.
The ruby-crowned kinglet is a very active bird, often flitting through the trees in search of insects and spiders. It is also known to feed on the ground, searching for small invertebrates.
The diet of the ruby-crowned kinglet consists mainly of small insects and spiders, but they will also feed on other small invertebrates such as snails and worms.
The ruby-crowned kinglet breeds across North America, from Alaska to Mexico, and from the east coast to the west coast. During the breeding season, they can be found in coniferous forests, as well as in deciduous and mixed forests.
During the winter, they migrate south to the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. The ruby-crowned kinglet is an important part of the North American avian community.
They are a key species in the food web, providing food for many other birds, mammals, and reptiles. They are also important ecologically, helping to disperse seeds and pollinate plants.
They are a species of conservation concern, due to their declining population and the destruction of their habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Regulidae |
| Genus | Corthylio |
| Species | C. calendula |
Conclusion
Sausalito’s unique environment is a haven for many species of birds. From the seabirds of the bay to the woodpeckers of the hills, birders of all levels can enjoy a variety of avian life that is both abundant and diverse.
With a few simple steps such as creating bird-friendly habitats and minimizing disturbance, birders can help ensure that Sausalito remains an ideal place for birds to thrive.