Welcome to Tehachapi, a vibrant and diverse city full of life and activity, including the birds that call it home! Tehachapi is home to a wide variety of bird species, ranging from tiny hummingbirds to large raptors.
With its abundance of open grasslands, forests, and mountains, Tehachapi is the perfect place for birds to thrive. From the tiny Calliope hummingbird, the largest of the hummingbird species, to the majestic Bald Eagle, Tehachapi offers a wealth of birdwatching opportunities.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, Tehachapi has something for everyone. Let’s take a look at the many birds that call Tehachapi home.
1. White-Winged Dove
The white-winged dove is an impressive bird. It is native to a large range, stretching from the Southwestern United States to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. They are larger than most other doves, giving them a more striking appearance.
The key distinguishing feature of the white-winged dove is the white edge on their wings, which sets them apart from other similar doves. Additionally, they have blue eyering and vibrant red eyes, adding to their beauty.
The white-winged dove is a stunning bird, and it is easy to see why they are a popular birdwatching species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. asiatica |
2. Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher
The scissor-tailed flycatcher is a species of bird found in North and Central America. It is a member of the genus Tyrannus, which is commonly referred to as kingbirds. The scissor-tailed flycatcher is also known as the Texas bird-of-paradise and swallow-tailed flycatcher.
It is an insectivorous bird with a long tail which helps it to quickly snatch its prey from the air. The scissor-tailed flycatcher has a rather striking appearance. Its tail feathers are long and pointed, resembling a pair of scissors.
The feathers also have a glossy sheen to them, giving the bird a shimmering look. The body of the bird is mainly grey in color, with a white underside and a black head. Its eyes are a bright yellow, and the beak is black. The scissor-tailed flycatcher is an agile hunter.
It uses its long tail to help it quickly change direction when hunting for insects, and its yellow eyes give it excellent vision. It is also a very vocal bird, and its distinctive call is often heard in its native habitat.
The habitat of the scissor-tailed flycatcher is typically found in open grasslands and fields and along roadsides and rivers. It is a migratory bird, and will often travel long distances each year in search of food.
It is an important part of the food chain since it helps to keep insect populations in check. The scissor-tailed flycatcher is a beautiful and fascinating species of bird. It has an impressive appearance, and its hunting behavior is a marvel to behold.
It is an important part of the environment, and its presence is a reminder of the importance of preserving natural habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Tyrannus |
| Species | T. forficatus |
3. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove is a member of the dove family, Columbidae, and it is a species of bird that is native to North America. It is also known as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, or colloquially as the turtle dove.
This species of dove was once known as the Carolina pigeon and the Carolina turtledove, but these titles are no longer in use. The mourning dove is known for its soft, mournful cooing sound, which has been used to symbolize love and peace in many different cultures.
It is a medium-sized, slender bird with a long tail and pointed wings. It has a gray-brown back, white belly, and rounded head with a small black patch at the back of the neck. This species of bird is generally found near open woodlands, fields, and residential areas.
Mourning doves feed mainly on seeds, but they will also eat small fruits, insects, and even small snakes. They are known to be social birds and will often flock together in large groups.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
4. Eurasian Collared Dove
The Eurasian collared dove is a species of dove that is native to regions in Europe and Asia. It was introduced to Japan, North America, and various islands located in the Caribbean.
This species is considered to have a large global range, as well as a steadily increasing population trend.
Due to this, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Eurasian collared dove as a species of “Least Concern” since 2014. The Eurasian collared dove is a small-bodied bird with grayish-brown plumage.
It has a distinctive white collar that runs around its neck. This species can usually be found near open fields, farmland, and parks, and it feeds on seeds, grains, and other plant-based food sources.
The Eurasian collared dove is a species that is highly adaptable to human-dominated habitats, which may explain why its population is increasing. The Eurasian collared dove is a species that is widely distributed across a wide range of habitats.
Its range spans from Europe to Asia, and it has been introduced to many different regions including North America, Japan, and various Caribbean islands.
The IUCN lists the Eurasian collared dove as a species of “Least Concern” due to its vast global range and increasing population trend. The Eurasian collared dove is a species of dove that has a promising future due to its large range and increasing population trend.
This species is an important part of the global ecosystem and is an important part of the food web in many regions. As such, it is important to ensure that its population is well-maintained and that its habitats are protected so that it can continue to thrive for years to come.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. decaocto |
5. Barred Owl
The barred owl is a large species of owl that is found in North America. It is also known as the northern barred owl, striped owl, hoot owl and eight-hooter owl. This species belongs to the true owl family, Strigidae, and the genus Strix.
The family’s name is derived from the Latin word “Strix”, which is the origin of the name given to this family under Linnaean taxonomy. The barred owl has a unique appearance with its mottled gray-brown and white coloration, and its two black “bar” stripes on its chest.
It is a nocturnal bird and is usually seen hunting at night. The barred owl is a vocal species, and its call is a loud “hoot” that can be heard up to a mile away.
They mainly feed on small mammals, birds, and insects, and they can often be seen perched in trees, waiting to swoop down and catch their prey.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Strix |
| Species | S. varia |
6. Turkey Vulture
The turkey vulture is a species of vulture that is found in the New World, or the Americas. It is the most widespread of the three species in its genus, Cathartes, and its family, Cathartidae.
This large bird of prey is found throughout most of the continent, from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. It has a distinctive red-hued head and neck, and its plumage is mainly black or dark brown.
It is an opportunistic feeder and mainly feeds on carrion, or the carcasses of dead animals. It can often be seen soaring on updrafts of wind, using its keen eyesight and sense of smell to find its food.
This species is also important for its role in helping to keep ecosystems clean, as it helps to break down the remains of dead animals. The turkey vulture is an important species in the Americas, and its range is a testament to its adaptability.
Its ability to thrive in a variety of habitats and its important role in ecosystems makes it an integral part of the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Cathartidae |
| Genus | Cathartes |
| Species | C. aura |
7. California Quail
The California quail, also known as the California Valley quail or Valley quail, is a small ground-dwelling bird in the New World quail family. These birds are easily identifiable due to their unique physical characteristics.
The most distinguishing feature of the California quail is the curved crest or plume made up of six feathers that droop forward on the top of their head. The male’s crest is black while the female’s crest is brown. The flanks of these birds are brown and have white streaks.
The California quail is a social bird and lives in small groups or coveys. They prefer open habitats such as grasslands and are commonly seen in urban areas. Their diet consists of seeds, fruits, and insects.
The California quail is a popular game bird, but its population has been declining due to habitat loss and degradation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Odontophoridae |
| Genus | Callipepla |
| Species | C. californica |
8. Red-Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a majestic bird of prey that is found throughout much of the Americas. It is a member of the genus Buteo, which is one of the most common genera of birds in North America and around the world.
The hawk can be found in Alaska and northern Canada, all the way to Panama and the West Indies. Its range is quite expansive, and this species is often seen soaring in the sky in much of the continent. In terms of appearance, the red-tailed hawk is unmistakable.
It has a unique reddish-brown tail, which is why it was given its name. It also has a striking white chest and belly, and its wings are broad and powerful. The hawk is an impressive predator, and it can often be seen hunting for small mammals and birds.
The red-tailed hawk is a highly adaptable species, and it can be found in many different habitats. It can usually be seen in open grasslands, but it can also be found in woodlands, deserts, and wetlands.
It is a fairly common sight in many of these habitats, and it is often seen perched atop trees or telephone poles. The red-tailed hawk is an important part of the North American ecosystem, and it is an iconic species.
It is a wonderful symbol of the wild, and it can be seen frequently throughout much of the continent.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. jamaicensis |
9. Rock Pigeon
The rock dove, rock pigeon, or common pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is the ancestor of the domestic pigeon, and when domestic pigeons escape into the wild they can form large populations of feral pigeons.
These feral pigeons can be found in many parts of the world, and their numbers have been increased by escaped domestic pigeons. These birds are often simply referred to as “pigeons”.
They are usually grey in color, with white markings on their wings, and have a distinctive cooing call. They are found in both urban and rural areas and are often seen in parks and gardens.
Pigeons are social animals and can form large flocks, and they have a complex social structure. Pigeons are known to mate for life, and both parents take part in raising the young.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
10. Red-Breasted Sapsucker
The red-breasted sapsucker is a type of bird that is commonly found in the coniferous forests of the western half of North America. This woodpecker is about the size of a robin, with a bright red breast and a black and white spotted back.
The sapsucker’s diet consists mainly of sap, and it uses its bill and tongue to drill holes in the bark of trees, which allows it to suck up the sap. They also eat insects, berries, and nuts.
They can be found living in both deciduous and coniferous forests, where they build their nests in dead trees or logs. They have a distinctive call that is a repetitive tapping sound. Red-breasted sapsuckers are migratory birds, and their population is stable.
They are an important part of the ecosystem, helping to spread seeds, control insect populations, and keep tree populations healthy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Sphyrapicus |
| Species | S. ruber |
11. Columbidae
The Columbidae family of birds consists of doves and pigeons and is the only family in the order Columbiformes. These birds have stout bodies with short necks and beaks that, in some species, feature fleshy ceres.
Doves and pigeons are mainly seed, fruit, and plant eaters, and forage for food on the ground. They are quite common in both urban and rural areas, making them some of the most familiar birds in the world. Columbidae birds vary in size, color, and pattern.
They range from small to large and can be found in shades of grey, brown, white, blue, and even pink.
Some species have a distinctive pattern of spots, stripes, or patches that can help to identify them. Doves and pigeons can be found in most parts of the world, except for the extreme coldest and hottest regions.
Some species are migratory, while others are year-round residents of their habitats. These birds are adept at flying, and some can even fly at speeds of up to 70 mph. Doves and pigeons form strong pair bonds and usually mate for life.
The female typically incubates the eggs, and both parents feed and care for the young. These birds are also known for their signature cooing and clucking calls, which are used to communicate with each other.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Columbimorphae |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
12. Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker, also known as the Common Flicker, is an interesting and unique songbird that belongs to the woodpecker family. It is native to most of North America, parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.
It is a medium-sized bird with a length of 28-30 cm and a wingspan of 44-53 cm. The Northern Flicker has intricately patterned plumage with a white rump, black bars on the wings, and a white-spotted black tail.
It has the distinctive feature of having a red crescent on its chest and a white patch on the back of its neck. The Northern Flicker is an omnivore and its diet consists of insects, fruits, seeds, and nuts. The Northern Flicker is one of the few woodpecker species that migrate.
It usually migrates during the winter months and travels long distances between its breeding and non-breeding grounds. The Northern Flicker is also known for its loud, distinctive call which is often heard in open woodlands, parks, and gardens.
It is a popular species among birdwatchers and its presence can be a sign of a healthy habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
13. California Condor
The California condor is a species of large vulture found in North America. It is the largest land bird in North America, with a wingspan of up to 3 meters. They were once found in many parts of the region, but their numbers began to decline due to hunting and habitat loss.
By 1987, the California condor had become extinct in the wild, with all remaining individuals captured in an effort to save the species. Since then, conservation efforts have been successful in bringing the species back from the brink of extinction.
Captive breeding programs have been established, and in 1991, the first captive-bred condors were released into the wild. Since then, the population has slowly been increasing, with more than 400 individuals now in the wild.
The population is still considered critically endangered, however, and conservation efforts are ongoing.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Cathartidae |
| Genus | Gymnogyps |
| Species | G. californianus |
14. Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are birds that are native to the Americas and make up the family Trochilidae. They are one of the most diverse bird families with over 366 species and 113 genera. Hummingbirds can be found all over North and South America, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.
Most of the species of hummingbirds, however, are concentrated in Central and South America. Hummingbirds are well known for their small size and unique ability to hover in mid-air. They have a long, thin bill that helps them to feed on flower nectar and small insects.
Their wings are adapted to beat at very high frequencies, allowing them to hover and even fly backward. This has made them an especially fascinating species for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
15. Oak Titmouse
The oak titmouse is a species of bird belonging to the Paridae family, commonly referred to as the tit family.
This species was first identified in 1996 by the American Ornithologists’ Union, which noticed distinct differences in its song, preferred habitat, and genetic makeup when compared to the plain titmouse.
This prompted the Union to split the plain titmouse into the oak titmouse and the juniper titmouse. The oak titmouse resides in oak and pine forests, preferring habitats with large, mature trees.
Its song is very distinct, with a rapid pattern of high-pitched notes that are often repeated. The genetics of the oak titmouse is also unique, containing a certain combination of DNA that is not found in any other species.
Due to its distinct features, the oak titmouse has become an important species to study for ornithologists. Its unique song and genetics can provide insight into the evolution of different species, while its preferred habitat reveals the importance of preserving mature forests.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. inornatus |
16. Acorn Woodpecker
The Acorn Woodpecker is a species of bird found in the woodlands of the western United States and Mexico. It has a distinctive black and white striped pattern on its head, back, and wings, with a bright red patch on its nape.
It measures 21 cm in length and has an average weight of 85 g. Its beak is long, pointed, and chisel-shaped, perfect for drilling into trees to reach its food sources. The Acorn Woodpecker is a very social bird, living in groups of up to twenty individuals.
In the spring, they form pairs and spend several weeks building nests in the cavities of dead trees or drilling holes into wood siding and telephone poles. They store hundreds of acorns in these holes as a food source during the winter.
The Acorn Woodpecker is an important species for the ecosystem, as they help to spread the seeds of many trees, including oaks and pines. Their presence in an area also helps to attract other species of birds, creating a diverse, healthy habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. formicivorus |
17. California Scrub Jay
The California scrub jay is a species of bird that is native to the western region of North America. It can be found from southern British Columbia all the way down to western Nevada, near Reno, and west of the Sierra Nevada.
This bird is a member of the scrub jay family of birds, which are found in the scrub and chaparral areas of the western United States. The California scrub jay is a medium-sized bird, with a large head, a short bill, and a long tail.
Its body is mostly grayish-blue in color, with a white patch on the top of its head, and a white stripe on its wings. It is a very active bird, and can often be seen flying around in search of food or nesting materials.
It feeds mainly on insects, berries, nuts, and other small animals. The California scrub jay is an important part of the local ecosystem, providing food for other animals and helping to disperse seeds and other plant material.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Aphelocoma |
| Species | A. californica |
18. Band-Tailed Pigeon
The band-tailed pigeon is a bird native to the Americas, which is medium in size. It is one of three bird species in the Patagioenas clade, which includes the Chilean pigeon and the ring-tailed pigeon.
These birds are closely related, and share similar characteristics such as a tail band and iridescent plumage on their necks. Band-tailed pigeons are usually grey or brown in color, with a black tail band and a white patch on their wings.
They have a long and broad tails, a short necks, and a strong beaks. They typically inhabit woodlands and forests, where they feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. They also nest in trees, and their nests are typically large and bulky.
Band-tailed pigeons are considered to be an important part of the ecosystem, as they help to disperse seeds and provide food for other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. fasciata |
19. Lark Sparrow
The lark sparrow is a species of sparrow that is native to the New World, which generally refers to North and South America. It is a fairly large bird, with a length of around five inches and a wingspan of up to eight inches.
The lark sparrow is the only species that belongs to the genus Chondestes, which is a unique distinction among the sparrow family. It has a distinct white belly with a reddish-brown back and wings, and its head and neck have a streaked pattern.
Its bill is black and its legs are pale pink or yellowish. The lark sparrow has a wide range and can be found in many parts of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and northern Central America.
Its preferred habitat is open woodlands, grasslands, and prairies, and it is often found foraging on the ground. The lark sparrow is usually seen alone or in small groups, but it may form flocks when migrating or during the non-breeding season.
Its diet consists of a variety of seeds, insects, and fruits.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Chondestes |
| Species | C. grammacus |
20. Mountain Chickadee
The mountain chickadee is a small and lively songbird that is found in the mountain regions of North America. It belongs to the Paridae family, which is a group of small passerine birds found in the Northern Hemisphere and parts of Africa.
The mountain chickadee has a unique song that is distinct from other birds in the Paridae family. It is usually grayish-brown in color with cream-colored stripes across its wings and tail. It has a black cap and bib, and its beak is black and stout.
These birds are quite active and sociable, often found in flocks of up to 20 individuals. They forage for food in trees and on the ground, often searching through leaf litter for insects and other small invertebrates. They will also eat seeds, nuts, and berries.
Mountain chickadees are generally quite vocal and can be heard throughout the day, singing sweet songs that are a delight to listen to.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. gambeli |
21. Lawrence’s Goldfinch
Lawrence’s goldfinch is a species of songbird that is found in a variety of habitats. It is native to California and Baja California, but it also winters in parts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
It is quite small in size and has an erratic distribution, which means that it can be found in a variety of places.
During the breeding season, it is usually found in California and Baja California, while during the winter months, it migrates to other parts of the southwest US and to northern Mexico. It is a highly adaptable species and is able to survive in a variety of climates.
It is also an important part of the local ecology, as it helps to control insect populations and serves as a food source for other bird species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. lawrencei |
22. Wild Turkey
The wild turkey is a unique bird native to North America and is one of the two species of turkey that are still in existence. It is the largest member of the Galliformes, an order of birds which includes other game birds such as pheasants and grouse.
Wild turkeys are the ancestor of the domestic turkey, which was initially derived from a southern Mexican subspecies of wild turkey. This domestication of the wild turkey has made the bird an important part of the Thanksgiving tradition in North America.
Wild turkeys have an unmistakable appearance, with a long, fan-shaped tail and a characteristic red neck and head. They are also quite vocal, with a variety of calls that can be heard in the wild.
The wild turkey is an important part of the North American ecosystem, providing sustenance for many predators and helping to control the population of insects and other small animals.
In addition to their ecological role, wild turkeys are also important to hunters, providing challenging yet rewarding game.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Meleagris |
| Species | M. gallopavo |
23. Western Bluebird
The western bluebird is a small, colorful bird that is native to North America. It belongs to the thrush family, which is known for having an attractive song.
The western bluebird is around 6.5 inches in length, and it has an all-blue back, wings, and tail, with a white chest and belly. The head is blue-grey in color with a red-brown throat, and the bill is black.
The western bluebird can be found across much of the western United States, from California to the Dakotas. It prefers open woodlands, grasslands, and meadows, and it is often seen perched on fence posts and wires or hunting for insects on the ground.
It is a social bird that is often seen in small flocks of up to 20 individuals. The western bluebird has a delightful song that is made up of trills and warbles, which it uses to attract a mate and defend its territory.
Its diet consists primarily of insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars, as well as some fruits and berries. In recent years, the western bluebird population has been declining due to habitat loss and competition from other species.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its habitat and to help ensure its continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. mexicana |
24. Pyrrhuloxia
The pyrrhuloxia, also known as the desert cardinal, is a species of medium-sized North American songbird that is found primarily in the American southwest and northern Mexico.
This species is easily identifiable due to its distinct features, such as its short, stout bill and red crest and wings. The pyrrhuloxia is closely related to the northern cardinal and the vermilion cardinal, both of which are in the same genus.
The pyrrhuloxia is a colorful bird that has a gray-brown back and a grayish-white breast. Its wings are red, with a black stripe across the top, and its tail feathers are also black.
The male pyrrhuloxia has a bright red crest on its head, while the female has a more subdued crest. The bill of pyrrhuloxia is short and stout, and it has a black tip. Pyrrhuloxia has a wide variety of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, woodlands, and riverbanks.
They are usually found in small flocks, often near water sources. The pyrrhuloxia feeds on a variety of insects, seeds, and berries. They also enjoy a variety of fruits, such as figs, dates, and olives.
Pyrrhuloxia is a resilient and adaptable species that has managed to survive despite the changes in its environment. It is listed as a Least Concern species on the IUCN Red List, which means that it is not currently threatened with extinction.
Pyrrhuloxia is a species that is well worth admiring for its beauty and resilience.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Cardinalis |
| Species | C. sinuatus |
Conclusion
Birds in Tehachapi are an important part of the local ecology and provide many benefits to the environment. They are a source of food for other animals, help control pests, and provide an important aesthetic to the area.
They are also an important part of the local economy, providing jobs for birdwatchers, researchers, and photographers. The diverse landscape of Tehachapi provides an ideal habitat for a variety of species and helps ensure that these birds will continue to thrive in the area.