Birds in Sonoma County are a diverse and vibrant part of the local ecology.
From the majestic California Condors soaring above the countryside to the colorful Anna’s Hummingbirds buzzing around backyard feeders, bird watching in Sonoma County is an exciting and rewarding activity.
With over 300 species of birds in the area, the range of birds to observe is vast and varied. This guide provides an overview of the common bird species in Sonoma County, their habitats, behaviors, and tips for the best bird-watching spots.
With a little patience and luck, you can observe some of the most beautiful and interesting birds in the world in Sonoma County.
1. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a species of bird from the Trochilidae family, which is a family of small to medium-sized birds. It is named after Anna Masséna, the Duchess of Rivoli.
The hummingbird is native to coastal regions of North America and was known to breed only in northern Baja California and Southern California in the early 20th century. Anna’s hummingbird is a medium-sized bird with a wingspan of around 7 inches.
The head, throat, and chest of the bird are metallic green, while its back and flanks are gray-green. Its tail is forked and is relatively long compared to other hummingbird species.
Anna’s hummingbird feeds on the nectar of flowers, and also eats insects and spiders to supplement its diet. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, woodlands, chaparrals, and gardens.
It is a very territorial bird and will defend its feeding areas fiercely. Anna’s hummingbird is a popular species of bird and is often seen in gardens and parks in the United States.
It is also kept as a pet in some areas and is known for its friendly nature and entertaining behaviors.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
2. Red-Winged Blackbird
Source: Wikipedia
The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a species of passerine bird belonging to the family Icteridae. This species is found across most of North America and much of Central America.
It is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring between seven and nine inches in length. The male of the species is easily identifiable with its bright red and yellow shoulder patches, while the female is a duller brownish-black.
This species is commonly found in wetlands, grasslands, agricultural fields, and other open areas. During the breeding season, they form large colonies, sometimes numbering in the thousands.
They are omnivorous, eating a variety of food items such as insects, seeds, fruits, grains, and even some small vertebrates. The red-winged blackbird is a very important species for its role in controlling insect populations.
They are also important to the success of many agricultural crops since they help to disperse the seeds of many plants.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
3. Northern Flicker
The northern flicker, also known as the common flicker, is a species of woodpecker. It is a medium-sized bird, usually between 28 and 32 cm in length, with a wingspan of 38 to 46 cm.
It is mainly found throughout North America, including parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.
It is one of the few woodpecker species that can migrate, usually moving south during the winter months and returning to their original breeding grounds in the spring and summer. The northern flicker has a distinctive barred reddish-brown back and yellow underparts.
It has a white rump and a white crescent on its neck. Its beak is a bright yellow, and its wings have a black-and-white barred pattern. The northern flicker typically lives in open woodlands, parks, and suburban yards.
It feeds mainly on ants and other insects, as well as on fruits and berries. They are generally seen alone or in pairs, but they may form small flocks during migration.
The northern flicker is an important species in the woodpecker family, and it plays an important role in the ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
4. Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird is a small species of hummingbird that is about 8 cm in length. It has a long, straight, and slender bill, which it uses to feed on small insects and nectar.
It is known for its remarkable flying abilities, and it can travel up to 2,000 miles during its migratory journeys. It is found in North America and is one of nine species of hummingbird belonging to the genus Selasphorus.
This species is quite adaptable to a variety of habitats, including deserts, mountains, and urban areas. They also have a wide range of behaviors, from hovering over flowers to flying in straight lines.
They are an important pollinator of many plants, and their population is in decline due to habitat loss. It is important for us to protect these birds and their habitats in order to ensure their survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. rufus |
5. Turkey Vulture
The turkey vulture is a type of vulture that is found in the New World. It is the most widespread of all the New World vultures and can be found in many different countries across North and South America.
It is one of three species in the genus Cathartes, which is part of the family Cathartidae. It is found from as far north as southern Canada, all the way down to the southernmost tip of South America. The turkey vulture is a large bird, with a wingspan of up to six feet.
It has a very distinctive look, with a black body, bare red head and neck, and a pale bill. It is an omnivore, and its diet mainly consists of carrion, as well as other small animals, fruits, and eggs. It has a keen sense of smell, which helps it to locate its food.
The turkey vulture has an important role in the environment, as it helps to clean up dead animals and other organic matter. It is a social bird and is often seen in groups searching for food.
It is also capable of soaring high in the sky, taking advantage of the rising air thermals. In general, the turkey vulture is a highly beneficial bird, and plays an important role in maintaining the balance of nature.
Its presence in the New World is crucial and helps to keep the environment healthy and clean.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Cathartidae |
| Genus | Cathartes |
| Species | C. aura |
6. White-Crowned Sparrow
The white-crowned sparrow is a species of bird that is found in North America. It is a medium-sized bird belonging to the New World sparrow family. This species has a distinctively grey face and distinct black and white streaking on the top of its head.
The white-crowned sparrow is a common sight in open fields, woodlands, and gardens across the continent. It is a hardy bird that can withstand colder temperatures during winter.
It is also known to migrate to the northern parts of the United States and Canada during the winter months. During the breeding season, the white-crowned sparrow can be found in the western United States, especially in the Rocky Mountains.
During this time, the birds are most active in the early morning and late evening hours. They feed mainly on insects, seeds, and grains.
This species is an important part of the ecosystem as it helps to control insect populations, disperse seeds, and provide valuable nutrients to the ecosystem. The white-crowned sparrow is an iconic species of North America and a symbol of beauty and resilience in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Zonotrichia |
| Species | Z. leucophrys |
7. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove, belonging to the dove family, Columbidae, is a common bird in North America. It is widely recognized by many names, including the American mourning dove, the rain dove, and colloquially the turtle dove.
The mourning dove has had an interesting history of names, as it was once known as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove. This is likely due to the fact that the bird was first documented in the Carolinas.
The mourning dove is easily recognizable by its soft grey-brown plumage, and its distinctive black-bordered white tips on the outer tail feathers. It is also known for its unique cooing call, which is often heard in the early morning and late afternoon.
In addition, the mourning dove is a migratory bird, with some populations travelling as far south as Central America during the winter.
The mourning dove is an important species to many North American ecosystems, providing food for a variety of predators and acting as an important pollinator for various plants.
The bird has also been an important symbol in various cultures, with references to it found in ancient literature and artwork. All in all, the mourning dove is an iconic species with a rich history and important ecological role.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
8. Bald Eagle
The bald eagle is a large bird of prey that is found in North America. It is a sea eagle, meaning that it eats a variety of fish and other sea creatures. The bald eagle has two known subspecies, which are the North American and the Northern American Bald Eagles.
These two subspecies form a species pair with the white-tailed eagle. The white-tailed eagle is a species that is found in the Palearctic region and occupies the same niche as the bald eagle in North America.
This means that the white-tailed eagle competes with the bald eagle for food and other resources. The bald eagle is a powerful predator and is also adapted to survive in harsh environments. It has a sharp beak, powerful talons, and keen eyesight that helps it to hunt.
The bald eagle is an important predator in North America and helps to keep the ecosystems in balance.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Haliaeetus |
| Species | H. leucocephalus |
9. Red-Shouldered Hawk
The red-shouldered hawk is a species of buteo, which is a type of medium-sized hawk. It is found in a large range across eastern North America, the coast of California, and northern to northeastern-central Mexico.
This hawk is a permanent resident in most of its range, meaning it does not migrate or change its location. However, some of the northern populations of this species of hawk do migrate, mostly to central Mexico.
This is likely due to the northern climate becoming too cold for them to survive during the winter months. The red-shouldered hawk is a species that has adapted to living in a wide range of habitats, including forests, swamps, and even urban and suburban areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. lineatus |
10. Western Bluebird
The western bluebird is a type of small bird that is native to North America. It is a member of the thrush family, which is a family of songbirds. The western bluebird is easily identified by the bright blue color on its back, wings, and tail.
It also has a chestnut-brown hue on its chest and a white belly. The western bluebird typically measures between 6-7 inches in length and weighs between 0.8-1.3 ounces. The western bluebird lives in open woodlands, meadows, and scrubby areas.
It often builds its nests in cavities of trees, or in natural tree holes. It will also use nest boxes made from human hands. The western bluebird is a ground forager, meaning it searches for food on the ground rather than in the air.
It eats a variety of insects, including beetles, spiders, and caterpillars, as well as some fruits and berries. The western bluebird is a social species, and can be seen in small flocks of up to 15 birds.
It is also quite vocal, singing a sweet, flute-like song throughout the day. The western bluebird is an important species to its local environment, as it helps to control the insect population and provides food for other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. mexicana |
11. Least Sandpiper
The least sandpiper is the smallest of the shorebirds, a type of wading bird that spends time near water sources. Its scientific name, Calidris minutilla, is derived from Ancient Greek and Medieval Latin words which indicate its small size.
The genus name, Calidris, is taken from the Ancient Greek term kalidris or skalidris, which was used by Aristotle to refer to grey-colored birds near water. The specific name, minutilla, is Medieval Latin for “very small,” which is apt for this tiny shorebird.
The least sandpiper is a small species that can be found near water sources and is easily identified by its size and its grey color.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. minutilla |
12. Spotted Towhee
The spotted towhee is a large bird in the sparrow family. It is native to the New World region, making it unique from the other towhees.
For many years, the taxonomy of the towhees was up for debate, and as a result, the spotted towhee and the eastern towhee were considered one species, known as the rufous-sided towhee. This was until 1995, when the two species were officially separated.
Before this, the spotted towhee was also known as the Oregon towhee. This name is now outdated as the two species are now recognized as separate.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Pipilo |
| Species | P. maculatus |
13. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird that belongs to the true thrush genus and the Turdidae family. This species of bird is named after the European robin due to its reddish-orange breast, although the two species do not have a close relation.
Specifically, the European robin is of the Old World flycatcher family. As a migratory bird, the American robin has a unique ability to travel long distances each year in order to adapt to the changing climate.
This adaptation has allowed the species to thrive in many different types of habitats across North America, including open woodlands, grasslands, urban areas, and even tundra.
The American robin is a social bird that is often seen in groups, which can consist of more than one hundred individuals. It is also known to be one of the earliest songbirds to sing in the morning, making its presence known with its characteristic “cheerily” call.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
14. Steller’s Jay
Steller’s jay is a species of bird that is native to western North America and the mountain regions of Central America. It is closely related to the blue jay which is native to eastern North America.
It is the only type of jay that is found in the western half of North America, west of the Rocky Mountains. The Steller’s jay has a distinctive crest on its head, which is what sets them apart from other species of jays in the area.
The head is a deep blue color with a black stripe that runs from the bill to the back of the head. The body is typically a grayish-blue color with a white to grayish-white underside. It also has black and white barring on its wings and tail.
These birds are omnivorous and will feed on insects, berries, nuts, seeds, and even small birds and eggs. They are known to be quite bold and can be found in large flocks near bird feeders and other areas where food is plentiful.
They also have a loud call which is used to communicate with other members of their flock. The Steller’s jay is an important species for the ecosystem in western North America and Central America. They help to control insect populations and disperse the seeds of many plants.
They also help to disperse nutrients around the ecosystem, aiding in the overall health of the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. stelleri |
15. Red-Breasted Merganser
The red-breasted merganser is a species of duck that is found in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. This species of duck is easily identified by the distinctive red breast of the male ducks when they are in their breeding plumage.
The bright red breast is the source of its common name. The red-breasted merganser is a medium-sized duck that has a long slender bill which helps it to capture its food from both underwater and on the surface.
These ducks are mainly found in freshwater lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. They mainly feed on fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The red-breasted merganser is a beautiful bird that is highly sought after by birdwatchers and photographers.
These ducks breed in the late spring and summer months, and the males are especially showy when they are in their breeding plumage.
The red-breasted merganser is an important species to many northern ecosystems, and it is important to conserve and protect these ducks for future generations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mergus |
| Species | M. serrator |
16. California Gull
The California gull is a species of gull that is found in North America along the Western coast, stretching from California to Canada. It is smaller on average than the herring gull, but larger than the ring-billed gull.
The California gull has adapted to a wide variety of habitats and can be found in inland areas such as lakes and wetlands as well as coastal areas. This species of gull is easily recognizable by its yellow bill with a black ring.
The California gull is an important species in the Western United States and can be seen scavenging for food in areas of human activity. It has also been noted for its role in controlling insect and rodent populations in agricultural areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. californicus |
17. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic bird that is part of the heron family, Ardeidae. It is particularly prevalent in North and Central America, extending to northwestern South America, the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands.
The great blue heron is a large wading bird, which means it prefers to wade in shallow water rather than fly. They are typically seen near the shores of open water, as well as in wetlands. These wetlands can range from marshes, swamps, mangroves, estuaries, and lagoons.
The great blue heron can also be spotted near rivers, lakes, and ponds. The great blue heron is a majestic bird with a long neck and long legs. It has a predominantly grey body, with white and black accents.
Its head is marked with a plume of feathers which range from white to a dark slate grey. The great blue heron also has a large wingspan, which allows it to soar through the sky with ease. The great blue heron is a versatile bird that is able to feed in a variety of ways.
It can feed off small fish, frogs, insects, and small mammals. The great blue heron is also an opportunistic feeder, meaning it will take advantage of any food source that is available.
The great blue heron is an impressive species that is highly appreciated by bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. It is also a protected species in many parts of its range, as its numbers are in decline due to human activity.
As such, it is important to protect and preserve its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
18. California Scrub Jay
The California scrub jay is a species of bird that is native to western North America, ranging from southern British Columbia all the way down to California and western Nevada near Reno. This bird even extends west of the Sierra Nevada.
It is a species of scrub jay and is known for its bright blue and gray feathers, its white throat, and its black eyebrows. This species is quite common in the areas it inhabits, and can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, chaparral, and even urban parks.
It is an omnivorous bird, eating a variety of foods such as insects, nuts, seeds, berries, and small animals. The California scrub jay is a social bird, often seen in small family groups or larger flocks.
They are also known for their intelligence, as they have been studied for their ability to cache and remember where food has been stored.
This species of bird is an important part of the ecology of western North America and provides food for other species, as well as playing an important role in the dispersal of seeds and other plant material.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Aphelocoma |
| Species | A. californica |
19. Red-Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a bird of prey that is found across a large expanse of North America, from the northern reaches of Alaska and Canada to the southern parts of Panama and the tropical West Indies.
It is a highly common species within the genus Buteo, which is a widely distributed group of birds that includes hawks, eagles, and buzzards. They are known for their sharp eyesight and powerful talons, which they use to catch small animals and other prey.
The red-tailed hawk has a wingspan of about three to four feet and is distinguished by its reddish-brown tail feathers and white throat.
Its diet primarily consists of small rodents, reptiles, and insects, although they may also consume some fruits and berries in the winter months. They live in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and open fields.
The red-tailed hawk is a popular bird in North America and is often seen soaring in the sky or perched atop treetops and telephone poles. It is a majestic creature that is admired by many, for its strength, endurance, and beauty.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. jamaicensis |
20. Dark-Eyed Junco
The dark-eyed junco is a species of junco, a group of small, grayish sparrows native to the New World. It is widely spread across much of temperate North America, and in summer its range extends far into the Arctic.
It is a highly variable species, much like the fox sparrow, and its specific characteristics and traits are still not fully understood. The dark-eyed junco is grey in color, with a darker grey head, light belly, and dark eyes.
Its wings are darker at the tip and tail, and the tail is usually shorter than its body. It is usually seen in flocks, and its diet consists mainly of insects, seeds, and berries.
The dark-eyed junco is an adaptable species, able to live in a variety of habitats from woodlands and forests to grasslands and city parks. It is an active bird, often seen hopping around, and is especially active in the early morning and late afternoon.
During the breeding season, it builds a cup-shaped nest on the ground or in shrubs and trees, and will have two to four broods per year. The dark-eyed junco is an important species for both wildlife and humans.
It helps to control insect populations and serves as a food source for other animals. It is also a popular bird for birdwatchers, and its songs provide an important source of entertainment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Junco |
| Species | J. hyemalis |
21. Black-Headed Grosbeak
The black-headed grosbeak is a species of bird that belongs to the family Cardinalidae. It is a medium-sized bird that typically feeds on seeds.
The species is sometimes considered to be the same species as the rose-breasted grosbeak, with which it is known to hybridize in certain areas. This hybridization is most commonly seen on the American Great Plains, where the two species’ ranges overlap.
The black-headed grosbeak is easily distinguished from the rose-breasted grosbeak by its black head and neck, while the rose-breasted grosbeak has a rose-colored chest.
Hybridization between the two species has been studied by scientists, and it has been found that the species can hybridize in areas where their ranges overlap.
This hybridization may have an effect on the populations of both species, although the effects are not yet well understood.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Pheucticus |
| Species | P. melanocephalus |
22. Belted Kingfisher
The belted kingfisher is a large, eye-catching water bird found in North America. It is one of the many species of kingfishers, which were previously all grouped together in one family, Alcedinidae.
However, recent research has indicated that this family should be divided into three distinct subfamilies. The belted kingfisher belongs to the subfamily Cerylinae, which includes a variety of kingfishers native to the Americas, Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.
The other two subfamilies are Halcyoninae, which includes kingfishers from the Old World, and Megaceryle, which has species found in both the Old and New Worlds.
These three subfamilies represent a diverse array of kingfisher species, each with unique characteristics and behaviors. The belted kingfisher, for example, is recognizable by its large size and the white stripes on its chest that resemble a belt.
It is a solitary bird that feeds mainly on fish and can be seen perched on branches near bodies of water.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. alcyon |
23. Acorn Woodpecker
The acorn woodpecker is a fascinating bird that lives in the western parts of North America. It is a medium-sized woodpecker, measuring around 21 cm in length and weighing an average of 85 g.
This species of woodpecker has a black body with white stripes on the back and red feathers on the head and neck. The acorn woodpecker is an omnivore, meaning it eats both plant and animal matter. Its diet consists mainly of acorns, nuts, insects, and fruit.
It uses its long, sharp beak to peck at tree bark and crevices to find food. It also uses its beak to chisel out holes in trees to store food, such as acorns. It will line the holes with resin from conifers to protect the food from weather and predators.
The acorn woodpecker is a social species that lives in flocks and communicates with each other through a variety of calls and vocalizations.
It is a remarkable bird that plays an important role in the environment, helping to disperse acorns and other seeds, which helps to promote the growth of new trees.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. formicivorus |
24. Great Egret
The great egret, also known as the common egret, large egret, great white egret, and great white heron, is a large bird native to many areas of the world. It has four distinct subspecies that can be found in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe.
This species is found in a variety of habitats, from wetlands to grasslands, and has been spreading to more northern areas of Europe in recent years.
Its long legs, long neck, and white feathers have made it a popular symbol of grace and beauty. The great egret is a carnivore, preying on fish, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and small mammals.
Its diet varies depending on the region and seasons, but it is generally known to feed on a wide variety of aquatic prey. It uses its long beak to spear and catch its food, and its long neck to reach into the water.
The great egret is a solitary hunter, but can sometimes be found in small groups. The great egret is an important part of the ecosystem, helping to keep the balance of aquatic life in check.
It also helps to maintain wetlands by consuming aquatic pests and providing valuable nutrients to the environment. As its range expands to more northern areas of Europe, the great egret may play an even more important role in maintaining the natural balance of the region.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. alba |
Conclusion
Birds in Sonoma are a diverse and important part of the local ecology. They provide food, shelter, and a source of beauty and enjoyment for locals and visitors alike.
With its varied habitats, Sonoma is a great place for birders to observe a wide variety of species, from the common to the rare. The work of local conservation groups helps to ensure that these birds continue to thrive in Sonoma for years to come.