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24 Birds to Watch in Truckee

Welcome to the fascinating world of birds in Truckee! Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Truckee is a great place to observe birds.

With its diverse array of habitats, including coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and wetlands, Truckee is home to a variety of species. From colorful songbirds to soaring raptors, Truckee has something for everyone.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned birder, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to see and learn about birds here. So grab your binoculars and come explore the wonderful world of birds in Truckee.

1. California Gull

California_gull__1

The California Gull is a species of gull that is native to the western coast of North America. It is considered to be a medium-sized gull, with an average size that is smaller than the Herring Gull, but larger than the Ring-billed Gull.

The California Gull can be found not only in California, but also up and down the entire western coast, and even has breeding grounds inland. It is easily recognized by its yellow bill, which has a black ring encircling it.

This species of gull is known for its intelligence and adaptability, which has allowed it to flourish in a wide variety of habitats.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Charadriiformes
Family Laridae
Genus Larus
Species L. californicus

2. Bald Eagle

Bald_eagle__2

The bald eagle is a large bird of prey found in North America. It belongs to the family of sea eagles which consists of two known subspecies. The bald eagle shares a similar niche with the white-tailed eagle, which is its counterpart found in the Palearctic region.

The bald eagle has a distinctive, white-feathered head and a brown body. Its wingspan can reach up to 7.5 feet and it can weigh up to 14 pounds. Its diet consists largely of fish, birds, and rodents.

The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States and is found in most of North America, including the lower 48 states, Alaska, Canada, and Mexico. It is known for its impressive aerial acrobatics as it swoops to catch its prey.

The bald eagle is an important symbol of freedom and strength and is an important part of American culture. The bald eagle population has experienced a dramatic increase in recent years due to conservation efforts.

In the United States, it is protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The species is also recognized by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The population of bald eagles is estimated to be around 70,000, which is a great success for conservationists. The bald eagle is a majestic bird that is an important part of American culture.

It is a symbol of freedom and strength, and its protection is essential for the conservation of the species. With the help of conservation efforts, the population of bald eagles has seen a dramatic increase in recent years.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae
Genus Haliaeetus
Species H. leucocephalus

3. Osprey

Osprey__3

The osprey is a large bird of prey that can be found all over the world. It has many different names, such as sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk. It is a diurnal bird, meaning that it is most active during the day, and it feeds mostly on fish.

It has a large wingspan, measuring up to 180 cm or 5.9 feet, and its body length can be up to 60 cm or 23.6 inches. The Osprey is mostly brown on the upper parts and greyish on the head and underparts. Its wings are long and broad, with white and black markings.

Its hooked beak and sharp talons make it an effective hunter.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Accipitriformes
Family Pandionidae
Genus Pandion
Species P. haliaetus

4. Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed_hawk__4

The red-tailed hawk is widely distributed across North America and is one of the most commonly seen birds of prey. It breeds from the interior of Alaska and northern Canada all the way south to Panama and the West Indies.

The red-tailed hawk is a member of the Buteo genus, which is found across the world. Red-tailed hawks have a wingspan that can range from four to six feet and a body length of approximately two feet. They typically have light brown upperparts with a dark brown band on the tail.

The chest and belly are usually white with some dark brown streaks. The red-tailed hawk is an opportunistic feeder, hunting small mammals, reptiles, and other birds.

They also eat carrion, or dead animals, and sometimes scavenge. Red-tailed hawks are monogamous and often mate for life. The female usually lays two to three eggs in her nest, which is typically built in trees, cliffs, or power poles.

The young hawks will fledge after about five weeks but will remain with their parents for a few more weeks while they learn to hunt. The red-tailed hawk is an iconic symbol of the wild, open skies of North America.

It is a majestic sight to behold and plays an important role in the natural balance of the ecosystem.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae
Genus Buteo
Species B. jamaicensis

5. Great Blue Heron

Great_blue_heron__5

The great blue heron is an impressive bird, native to a large part of North and Central America, as well as some parts of South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands. It belongs to the heron family Ardeidae and is a large wading bird.

It is typically seen near open water and wetlands and is a common sight in many parts of its range. The great blue heron is a majestic bird, with a long neck, a wingspan of up to 6.5 feet, and a crown of long feathers atop its head.

Its body is mostly gray, with a white belly, and its head and neck are streaked with white and black.

The great blue heron is unique in its ability to stand still for long periods of time, often waiting patiently for its prey. The great blue heron is an opportunistic feeder, eating a wide variety of animals, including fish, frogs, mice, and even snakes.

It is also known to eat eggs and has been known to steal them from other birds. The great blue heron typically hunts by standing in shallow water and waiting for prey to come close.

When it spots something to eat, it quickly stabs it with its long, sharp bill. The great blue heron is an important part of the ecosystem in its native range, helping to keep populations of certain animals in check.

It is also an important symbol in many cultures, often symbolizing strength and wisdom. Despite its importance, the great blue heron is threatened by water pollution and habitat loss, and its population is declining in some areas.

It is important to protect its habitat so that this majestic bird can continue to thrive.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Pelecaniformes
Family Ardeidae
Genus Ardea
Species A. herodias

6. Steller’s Jay

Steller's_jay__6

Steller’s jay is a bird species found in western North America and in the mountainous regions of Central America. It is a close relative of the blue jay which can be found in eastern North America.

The Steller’s jay is the only crested jay species that occurs west of the Rocky Mountains. It is a medium-sized bird that is easily identifiable by its distinctive blue-black plumage, white chest, and the crest on its head.

It is usually found in coniferous forests, but can also be seen in suburban parks and gardens. The Steller’s jay is a characteristically noisy bird and has a wide variety of calls and songs. It is an omnivore, and its diet includes insects, berries, nuts, and eggs.

It is also known to store food in the crevices of trees and take part in social activities such as mobbing predators away from their nesting sites.

The Steller’s jay is a beautiful and important species for the ecosystems it inhabits and an essential part of the natural environment.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Corvidae
Genus Cyanocitta
Species C. stelleri

7. Woodpeckers

Woodpecker__7

The bird family Picidae is made up of a variety of species that are found in all parts of the world, except for a few specific locations. This family includes woodpeckers, piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers.

Woodpeckers are the most recognizable member of this family, and they can be found on every continent except for Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, and the extreme polar regions.

Piculets are small birds that are similar in size to woodpeckers, but they lack a strong beak. Wrynecks and sapsuckers are also part of this family and they are found in wooded areas throughout the world, except for the same regions as woodpeckers.

All members of this family share similar characteristics, including a strong beak for digging into the wood and a stiff tail that helps them brace against tree trunks. They also have an elongated tongue that helps them extract insects from crevices in trees.

Overall, the bird family Picidae has a wide variety of species that are found in most parts of the world, except for a few specific regions.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Piciformes
Family Picidae

8. Red-Breasted Sapsucker

Red-breasted_sapsucker__8

The red-breasted sapsucker is a bird that can be found in the forests of western North America. This medium-sized woodpecker is quite unique in its appearance, with a bright red breast and a white-spotted back. It has a long, pointed bill and a large, fan-shaped tail.

Its wings are black and white, with white spots near the tips. It has a white throat and a black crown, with a dark line running down the middle. The red-breasted sapsucker is a fascinating bird that plays an important role in the forests of western North America.

It feeds on tree sap, which it extracts from the trunks of trees using its long bill. It also feeds on insects, berries, and other small animals.

The sapsucker is an important pollinator, helping to spread the pollen of different plants throughout the forest. The red-breasted sapsucker is an important species in the forests of western North America.

It plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the forest by pollinating plants, providing food for other animals, and helping to control insect populations. It is also an important part of the ecosystem, helping to keep the balance of nature in these forests.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Piciformes
Family Picidae
Genus Sphyrapicus
Species S. ruber

9. Golden Eagle

Golden_eagle__9

The golden eagle is one of the most iconic birds of prey living in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a member of the family Accipitridae, which contains all eagle species.

This species is found on every continent in the world except Antarctica, making it the most widely distributed type of eagle. Golden eagles are large birds, with a wingspan measuring up to 7.5 feet. They have a golden-brown coloration with a white head and tail.

Their diet consists mainly of small mammals, such as rabbits and marmots, as well as large birds and reptiles. They are powerful hunters, capable of catching their prey in mid-air. Golden eagles mate for life and build large nests in tall trees or on the sides of cliffs.

They use the same nest each year, making it larger and stronger with each successive breeding season. The female will lay two to four eggs, which will hatch after about 43 days.

The chicks will stay in the nest for the next two to three months before they are ready to fly and hunt on their own. Golden eagles are incredibly intelligent birds and have been known to use tools to hunt and build their nests.

They are a symbol of strength and power, and their presence is often seen as a sign of good luck. They are also important to the ecosystem, as they help to keep populations of small mammals in check.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae
Genus Aquila
Species A. chrysaetos

10. Spotted Sandpiper

Spotted_sandpiper__10

The spotted sandpiper is a small shorebird belonging to the genus Actitis, which also includes the common sandpiper. Although the two species are distinct, they share a wide geographic range, often overlapping in the same habitats.

Therefore, it is not uncommon for a spotted sandpiper to settle down and breed with a common sandpiper, resulting in hybridization. This hybridization is a natural occurrence that occurs when the two species are in close vicinity, as their habitats are very similar.

In some cases, these hybridized birds can even be used to help the conservation of both species. For example, if the population of one species is dwindling, hybridization can be used to bolster their numbers.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Charadriiformes
Family Scolopacidae
Genus Actitis
Species A. macularius

11. Belted Kingfisher

Belted_kingfisher__11

The belted kingfisher is a large bird that is easily identified by its distinctive blue-gray color and white collar. It is native to North America and is found near water bodies such as lakes, streams, and rivers.

It is a member of the Alcedinidae family, which is a group of birds that are commonly referred to as kingfishers. Traditionally, all kingfishers were classified under the Alcedinidae family, but recent research has suggested that the family should be divided into three subfamilies.

These include the river kingfishers, the tree kingfishers, and the water kingfishers, of which the belted kingfisher is a member. Each subfamily has its own unique characteristics that help to distinguish them from one another.

River kingfishers, for example, are known for their bright colors and long bills. Tree kingfishers, on the other hand, are characterized by their very short bills and habitat in wooded areas.

Finally, water kingfishers, such as the belted kingfisher, are known for their large size and ability to dive into the water in search of food. This new classification system helps to better organize the various kingfisher species, making it easier to identify them.

It also helps to study the behavior and ecology of each species, allowing researchers to gain a better understanding of these birds and their habitats.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Coraciiformes
Family Alcedinidae
Genus Megaceryle
Species M. alcyon

12. Northern Flicker

Northern_flicker__12

The Northern Flicker, also known as the Common Flicker, is a species of bird belonging to the woodpecker family. This species is native to most of North America, reaching Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.

It is a medium-sized bird, measuring an average of 28–35 cm in length and weighing around 110–150 g. This species is one of the few woodpecker species that migrate, meaning it moves from one area to another in order to find food or breed.

They often use open woodland, parks, and suburban gardens for nesting sites. Their diet consists of insects, larvae, fruits, berries, and nuts. The Northern Flicker is well-known for its loud, distinctive call which sounds like a “wick-a-doo” or “flick-a-dee-dee”.

This species is often seen on the ground searching for food, which sets them apart from other woodpeckers. They also use their long, pointed beaks to drum on trees and other surfaces to communicate.

With its unique characteristics and wide range, the Northern Flicker is a fascinating species of bird.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Piciformes
Family Picidae
Genus Colaptes
Species C. auratus

13. White-Headed Woodpecker

White-headed woodpecker

Source: ebird.org

The white-headed woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that can be found in the mountains of western North America.

Unlike some species of woodpecker, the white-headed woodpecker is a non-migratory bird, meaning that it does not travel to other areas during certain times of the year.

This species of woodpecker is usually found in pine forests, where it can feed on the insects and larvae that live in the bark of the trees.

The white-headed woodpecker is easily identified by its distinct white head and black body, as well as its loud, harsh call that can be heard echoing through the forest.

This woodpecker is an important part of the ecosystem as it helps to control insect populations, and its presence is a sign of a healthy forest.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Piciformes
Family Picidae
Genus Leuconotopicus
Species L. albolarvatus

14. Mallard

Mallard__14

The mallard, also known as the wild duck, is a species of duck that is widely distributed across the world. It is found in temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa.

In recent years, this species has been introduced to a number of other countries, such as New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa. The mallard is a dabbling duck, which means that it feeds mainly on vegetation, such as aquatic plants, grains, and grass.

In addition, it is also an omnivore, meaning that it will sometimes eat small animals, such as insects, mollusks, and other invertebrates. The mallard is an important species in many parts of the world, both economically and ecologically.

It is an important game bird, and its meat is widely consumed in many countries. It is also an important species in terms of wetland habitats, as it helps to maintain these areas by providing food and shelter for other species.

Additionally, it is also an important part of many local cultures and is featured in artwork and literature.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Anseriformes
Family Anatidae
Genus Anas
Species A. platyrhynchos

15. Mountain Chickadee

Mountain chickadee

Source: nevadaaudubon.org

The mountain chickadee is a small songbird from the tit family Paridae. It typically measures between 12-15 cm in length, with a wingspan of about 20 cm. The mountain chickadee has a distinctive gray head, white throat, and dark gray back.

Its underparts are white with black-and-white striped flanks. The mountain chickadee is found in coniferous forests and woodlands of the western United States and Canada. It is a common sight at bird feeders, where it feeds on seeds, insects, and occasionally berries.

In the summer, it will eat a variety of invertebrates, as well as some fruits and seeds. The mountain chickadee has a variety of vocalizations, including a high-pitched “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call.

It also has a complex repertoire of songs and vocalizations that it uses to communicate with other chickadees in its flock. The mountain chickadee is a social bird, often seen in flocks that can number up to a hundred birds.

It is an important part of the ecological balance of the western United States and Canada, helping to control insect populations and dispersing the seeds of certain plants.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Paridae
Genus Poecile
Species P. gambeli

16. American Kestrel

American_kestrel__16

The American Kestrel, also known as the sparrow hawk, is a small and commonly found falcon in North America. It is the smallest species of falcon found in the region. It has an impressive two-to-one size range between its different subspecies and sexes.

This size range varies from the weight of a blue jay to that of a mourning dove. This makes the American Kestrel one of the most varied species of falcons in North America. It is known for its beautiful colors and impressive flying abilities.

The American Kestrel is a significant species of bird in the region and is an important part of the local ecology.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Falconiformes
Family Falconidae
Genus Falco
Species F. sparverius

17. Williamson’s sapsucker

Williamson's_sapsucker__17

Williamson’s sapsucker is a species of woodpecker belonging to the genus Sphyrapicus. It is a medium-sized bird, with a length of between 19 and 21 centimeters and a wingspan of between 34 and 36 centimeters.

The bill of Williamson’s sapsucker is long, slender, and straight, and the upper mandible is slightly curved. Its plumage is mainly black and white, with a few pale gray and yellowish tones.

The head of the bird is black, with a white forehead and a broad white stripe on the nape. The back, wings, and tail are mainly black, with some white spots on the wings and a few white bars on the tail. The belly and flanks are white, with a few black spots.

Williamson’s sapsucker is mainly found in western North America, from southern Alaska to northern Mexico. It is found in coniferous and mixed forest habitats, often near streams or other water bodies.

Its diet consists mainly of insects and sap from trees, which it obtains by pecking small holes in the bark. It also eats fruit and berries, as well as occasionally small lizards and amphibians. The Williamson’s sapsucker breeds during the spring and early summer months.

The male builds the nest in a tree cavity, which is usually lined with wood chips and moss. The female then lays two to four eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After hatching, both parents feed the young until they are able to fly.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Piciformes
Family Picidae
Genus Sphyrapicus
Species S. thyroideus

18. Dark-Eyed Junco

Dark-eyed_junco__18

The dark-eyed junco is a member of the junco family, which is a group of small, grayish sparrows native to North America. This species of bird is found throughout much of temperate North America, and during the summer, its range extends northward into the Arctic.

It is a very variable species, meaning that its physical characteristics can vary greatly, and it is often confused with the similar-looking fox sparrow. Despite its widespread presence, its systematics, or taxonomy, is still not completely understood.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Passerellidae
Genus Junco
Species J. hyemalis

19. American Robin

American_robin__19

The American robin is a type of migratory bird belonging to the genus Turdidae, which is a part of the wider family of true thrushes. It was named after the European robin due to its reddish-orange breast, even though the two species are not actually related.

The European robin belongs to the Old World flycatcher family, whereas the American robin is part of the true thrush family. The American robin is a migratory bird, meaning it travels to different areas in different seasons.

This species is particularly well known for its reddish-orange breast, which is what inspired its name. It is important to note, however, that even though the American robin is named after the European robin, the two species are not closely related.

The European robin actually belongs to the Old World flycatcher family, whereas the American robin is part of the true thrush family.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Turdidae
Genus Turdus
Species T. migratorius

20. American White Pelican

American_white_pelican__20

The American white pelican is a large aquatic bird that belongs to the order Pelecaniformes. It is found mainly in North America, where it breeds in the summer, but it migrates south and to coastal areas in the winter.

This species can be found as far south as Costa Rica during the colder months. The American white pelican is well adapted for life on the water, with a large wingspan and webbed feet that aid in swimming and diving for food.

Its diet consists mainly of small fish, which it catches by dipping its head and pouched bill into the water. The American white pelican is a spectacular sight in flight, with graceful wing beats that carry it over lakes and rivers.

It is a truly majestic bird that is an important part of the North American landscape.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Pelecaniformes
Family Pelecanidae
Genus Pelecanus
Species P. erythrorhynchos

21. Mountain Bluebird

Mountain_bluebird__21

The mountain bluebird is a beautiful species of small thrush that can be found in mountainous regions of western North America. It is easily recognized by its light underbelly, black eyes, and bright turquoise-blue feathers.

Male mountain bluebirds have thin bills and their coloring is somewhat lighter underneath. They are migratory birds, meaning that they move from one place to another depending on the season.

They typically migrate to areas with more food availability and better weather conditions. These birds are an important part of the ecosystem in their range. They can help to control insect populations, and they provide food for a variety of predators.

They also contribute to the beauty of the landscape, adding a splash of vibrant blue color to the mountains. Mountain bluebirds are relatively easy to see and observe.

They typically prefer open areas, such as meadows and fields, and they can often be spotted perched atop high branches. They are also quite vocal, so if you listen carefully you may be able to spot them by the sound of their chirping.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Turdidae
Genus Sialia
Species S. currucoides

22. Canada Goose

Canada_goose__22

The Canada goose, sometimes referred to as the Canadian goose, is a large waterfowl species native to North America. It has a distinctive black head and neck, white cheeks, white under its chin, and a brown body.

This species is mainly found in the arctic and temperate parts of North America, but occasionally some individuals are seen migrating across the Atlantic Ocean to northern Europe. Canada geese are social birds and are often seen in pairs or in large flocks.

They are also known to be very vocal, with a wide range of noises, such as honks and hisses. The Canada goose is an important part of many North American ecosystems, as it helps to maintain the balance between aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

They also provide a food source for predators such as foxes, coyotes, and birds of prey.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Anseriformes
Family Anatidae
Genus Branta
Species B. canadensis

23. Downy woodpecker

Downy woodpecker

Source: ebird.org

The downy woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that is the smallest of its kind in North America. Its body length ranges from 14 to 18 cm in size.

These woodpeckers primarily inhabit forested areas across the United States and Canada, with the exception of deserts located in the southwestern region of the US and the northern tundra.

Downy woodpeckers are found in a wide variety of habitats including deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests, as well as open woodlands, orchards, and even suburban areas.

They mainly feed on insects, larvae, and other invertebrates found on the surface of trees and other plants. They are known to also feed on berries, nuts, and fruits. The downy woodpecker is a monogamous species that mate for life.

The male and female of the species share the responsibility of building the nest, incubating the eggs, and feeding the young. The female usually lays 4 to 7 eggs which are incubated for 12 to 14 days.

The chicks fledge after about three weeks and remain with their parents until they are able to survive on their own. The downy woodpecker is an important species in its habitat due to its role as a predator of insects and other invertebrates.

It also serves as an important seed disperser, helping to spread the seeds of many species of trees and plants. The species is also an important indicator species, helping to indicate the health of the ecosystem in which it lives.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Piciformes
Family Picidae
Genus Dryobates
Species D. pubescens

24. Great Horned Owl

Great horned owl

Source: thespruce.com

The great horned owl is a magnificent species of bird found throughout the Americas. It is the most widely distributed true owl in the region and is considered to be highly adaptable.

With a range that stretches from the Arctic tundra in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south, this bird can be found in a variety of habitats, from dense forests to open grasslands. The great horned owl is also known by several other names, including the tiger owl and the hoot owl.

It is a large bird, with a wingspan of up to five feet, and its distinctive horned head feathers are the source of its name.

Its plumage is generally brownish-gray in color, and its eyes are a bright yellow. This amazing bird of prey is a powerful hunter and can take down large prey including rabbits, birds, and even skunks.

It is an opportunistic hunter and will feed on whatever prey is most easily available.

It is also an extremely vocal bird, with its hooting calls being a familiar nighttime sound in many parts of the Americas. The great horned owl is an important part of the wildlife in the Americas and is a species that should be appreciated and protected.

It is a beautiful creature, and its presence is an indication of a healthy environment.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Strigiformes
Family Strigidae
Genus Bubo
Species B. virginianus

Conclusion

Birds in Truckee are a diverse and abundant species. They can be seen in a variety of habitats, from the high Sierra Nevada mountains to the expansive lake in town.

Birds provide a beautiful and peaceful accompaniment to any outdoor activity and are a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural resources.

Truckee is fortunate to have such a diverse population of birds and it is important that we continue to protect their habitats and ensure that they are able to thrive in our community.

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