Birds are an amazing and fascinating species that inhabit the world. During the winter season, these animals face significant challenges in maintaining their survival and staying alive.
Winter Island is a place where these birds gather and spend their winter season. The island is surrounded by water, and its temperature drops to below-freezing levels.
Despite the harsh conditions, the birds make it through the winter season, exhibiting remarkable survival, migration, and adaptation tactics.
In this article, we will explore the lives of birds in Winter Island, their migration patterns, and how they cope with extreme weather conditions.
1. Wrens
Wrens are a family of small brown passerine birds found mainly in the Americas. They are considered one of the most abundant bird species, with 88 known varieties divided into 19 genera.
The Eurasian wren is the only type that inhabits Europe and other parts of the Old World, where it’s commonly referred to simply as “wren.”
This species has been given its name due to similar-looking unrelated birds living elsewhere such as New Zealand wrasses.
Wrens have tiny bodies with thin bills and long tails which they often hold upright for hours at a time while singing their loud cheery songs from treetops or low shrubs.
Their diet consists mostly of insects but can also include fruits and seeds depending on availability in their habitat range.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Certhioidea |
| Family | Troglodytidae Swainson, 1832 |
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2. Common Starling
The Common Starling is a medium-sized passerine bird that belongs to the Starling family. It has glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen, and at certain times of the year, it can be speckled with white.
The bill and legs are typically pink or black depending on the season, while its length measures about 8 inches long.
Its diet consists mainly of insects but also includes small fruits and seeds as well as some human food waste.
They live in large flocks which protects predators, although they can become quite aggressive when defending their nesting sites during breeding seasons.
Overall, this species is highly adaptable and widely distributed across many parts of Europe making them one of the most successful birds in the region today.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
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3. American Wigeon
The American Wigeon, also known as the Baldpate, is a species of dabbling duck found throughout North America.
It closely resembles its Eurasian counterpart and was formally described in 1789 by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin.
This medium-sized bird has an overall grey body with white feathers on its face and belly that give it a distinctive bald appearance.
Its wings are brownish black with green speculum markings on them while the tail is dark brown or black at the base and gradually lightens near the tips to become chestnut-colored.
The male wigeons have purple patches on their heads during breeding season along with yellow eyes which helps differentiate them from females who have duller colors around their faces instead of bright ones like males possess.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. americana |
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4. Yellow-Rumped Warbler
The Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) is a migratory bird species that can be found throughout North America.
It has an extensive range, from the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the US to Canada and Central America, with a concentration in northern areas during the breeding season.
These birds migrate southwards for wintering grounds where they find plentiful food sources such as insects and berries.
They are easily identified by their yellow patches on either side of their tails, along with white underparts, gray back feathers, and two distinct crown stripes.
One black or greyish-brown above the eyes extending towards its neck banded in yellow or light brown coloration.
Furthermore, these warblers have strong legs which allow them to cling onto branches while hunting for prey making them adept at maneuvering through tree cover quickly.
Altogether this makes the Yellow-rumped Warbler an attractive backyard visitor year-round.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. coronata |
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5. Dunlin
The Dunlin is a small wader, formerly known as part of the stint family. It has dull brown feathers and its name is derived from the dialect word “dunling”.
This bird breeds in Arctic or subarctic regions during summer months but migrates to warmer climates during winter.
The Dunlin feeds on insects and invertebrates which it finds in mudflats and shallow waters.
During breeding season they form large flocks that can contain thousands of birds. They are also well-known for their impressive synchronized flight patterns that look like a wave moving through the sky.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. alpina |
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6. Ducks
Ducks are water birds belonging to the family of Anatidae. They have a worldwide distribution except Antarctica and are highly adapted for swimming, floating on water surface or in shallow depths.
Ducks come in various sizes ranging from small teals to large swans with around 174 species found across 43 genera.
Their feathers make them waterproof enabling ducks to stay afloat even in stormy waters while their webbed feet allow them to swim gracefully underwater.
Ducks usually feed by filtering food items such as insects, mollusks, and crustaceans through their bills but some also graze on land vegetation like grasses & grains depending upon the availability of resources at different locations they inhabit.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Suborder | Anseres |
| Superfamily | Anatoidea |
| Family | Anatidae Leach, 1820 |
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7. Sanderling
The Sanderling is a small wading bird that can be found in the Arctic region. Its name comes from Old English, meaning “sand-ploughman”. It has grey feathers and light legs which give it its distinct white coloration.
During summer breeding months, they are known to travel great distances – some wintering as far south as South America or Southern Africa. They typically feed on crustaceans such as shrimp and mollusks along coastal shores.
The Sanderling is an important species to watch out for because of its long migratory patterns and sensitivity to environmental change; if there’s trouble with this species then other birds may also be affected.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. alba |
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8. Crow Family
The Crow family is a cosmopolitan group of birds that contains crows, ravens, rooks, jackdaws, jays, magpies and more.
Altogether there are 133 members in this bird family which all share similar characteristics such as large beaks and feet.
The genus Corvus alone makes up over a third of the entire crow family population with species like the common crow or blackbird being some of its most recognizable members.
All these birds have strong social bonds so they often travel in groups to find food sources or build nests together for protection against predators.
With their intelligence and adaptation skills, they can survive almost anywhere on Earth from mountains to cities making them one of the world’s most successful families of avian creatures.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Corvoidea |
| Family | Corvidae Leach, 1820 |
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9. Gull-Billed Tern
The Gull-billed Tern is a species of seabird from the Laridae family. It has an extensive range, breeding in parts of Europe, Asia, Northwest Africa and North America.
It was formally described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789 as Sterna nilotica before being reclassified to Gelochelidon nilotica.
The Australian subspecies was previously considered separate but now included with this species.
They are quite small birds measuring around 24 cm long with greyish brown upperparts throughout their body and white underneaths along with black legs and feet.
Their head also features a distinctive yellow bill which they use to hunt for fish on rivers or coasts near shallow waters where they tend to nest during summer months on ground level instead of trees like other terns do usually.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Gelochelidon |
| Species | G. nilotica |
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10. Common Goldeneye
The Common Goldeneye is a medium-sized sea duck from the genus Bucephala. It has an iconic golden eye and bulbous head, which gave it its scientific name – Boukephalos (bullheaded).
This species can be found in many areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are usually seen swimming alone or in pairs near large bodies of open water such as lakes and rivers.
In addition to their distinctive eyes, they have white wing patches on either side with black spots along the edges – helping them stand out among other ducks.
The diet of these birds includes aquatic insects, mollusks, and crustaceans.
During mating season males often perform elaborate courtship displays including head bobbing while producing loud calls that can travel quite far distances across the landscape.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Bucephala |
| Species | B. clangula |
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11. Cardinal
Cardinalidae is a family of passerine birds endemic to the New World that includes cardinals, grosbeaks, and buntings.
This large group has great diversity in its members which range from tanager-like Piranga to warbler-like Granatellus.
They are usually distinguished by their bright plumage with reds, oranges, and yellows being common among them.
Their strong bills enable them to feed on seeds, fruits, and insects as well as other small prey items like lizards or frogs depending upon species.
Cardinals also have loud calls often used for territorial defense and courtship purposes while some can even imitate sounds made by other animals.
These adaptable birds inhabit a variety of habitats across North America making them an important part of many ecosystems there.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Emberizoidea |
| Family | Cardinalidae Ridgway, 1901 |
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12. Common Eider
The Common Eider is a large sea duck that inhabits the coasts of Europe, North America, and eastern Siberia.
It breeds in arctic regions as well as some northern temperate climates but travels further south during the winter months to form flocks with other ducks in temperate zones.
These birds are easily recognized by their characteristic black and white markings on their wings which can be seen when they take flight.
They have light brown bodies topped off with bright yellowish coloured heads making them quite striking creatures.
The eiders feed mainly on mollusks such as clams, mussels, snails, and worms found at the bottom of shallow coastal waters or tidal flats.
Their diet helps improve water quality through natural filtering processes carried out by foraging for food underwater which benefits local marine ecosystems immensely.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Somateria |
| Species | S. mollissima |
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13. Trumpeter Swan
The majestic Trumpeter Swan is the largest native waterfowl in North America, with a wingspan of up to 8 feet.
Found throughout Canada and parts of the United States, this beautiful bird can live for up to 20 years.
It has black legs and a bill that is tipped yellow as well as snow-white feathers that help it stand out in its natural habitat.
The trumpeter swan’s diet consists mainly of aquatic vegetation such as roots, tubers, stems, leaves and seeds which they find by wading into shallow waters or grazing on land.
These birds form strong family bonds; both parents raise their young together until they reach adulthood at four years old.
Through conservation efforts, these incredible creatures have been brought back from near extinction giving us all something special to appreciate.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. buccinator |
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14. Purple Sandpiper
The Purple Sandpiper is a small shorebird of the Scolopacidae family, found in arctic and subarctic regions of Eurasia and North America. In winter it migrates south to the Atlantic coast for warmer temperatures.
It was formally described by Danish zoologist Morten Thrane Brünnich back in 1764 as Tringa maratina.
Generally grayish-brown with purple highlights on its head, neck and wings when seen from afar, this bird has white underparts that contrast beautifully against its darker feathers while standing out prominently against snow or ice covered landscapes during winters.
Its diet consists mainly of insects but also includes seeds, worms, and other invertebrates which they search for along rocky shores or mudflats near ocean coasts throughout their range.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. maritima |
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15. Red Knot
The Red Knot is a medium-sized shorebird that inhabits tundra and Arctic Cordillera in the far north of Canada, Europe and Russia.
It belongs to the Calidris sandpipers family, being one of its largest members second only to the Great Knot.
This species has six subspecies recognized worldwide. During breeding season their diet consists mainly of arthropods and larvae; however, they may also feed on other items such as mollusks or crustaceans according to availability during migration periods.
They are known for their long migratory journeys which can last up to 20,000 kilometers per year – from wintering grounds in South America through North American coasts until reaching summer nesting sites across Northern Eurasia.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. canutus |
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16. Ruddy Turnstone
The Ruddy Turnstone is a small wading bird, belonging to the sandpiper family Scolopacidae. It has an attractive reddish-brown coloration and black patches on its back and wings.
This species breeds in northern parts of Eurasia and North America during the summertime before migrating southwards in the winter season to coastlines all over the world.
The Ruddy Turnstone feeds mainly on insects, mollusks, crustaceans, worms, and some plant material such as seeds or berries which it finds by probing into mudflats with its bill.
It also uses stones for turning them when searching for food under rocks or pebbles along shorelines where they can often be seen darting around looking very busy.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Arenaria |
| Species | A. interpres |
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17. Grey Plover
The Grey Plover is a large plover bird that breeds in the Arctic region. It then migrates over long distances and can be found on coastlines around the world when not breeding.
The species was first described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758 under its binomial name “Tringa squatarola”.
In addition to being known as grey plovers or black-bellied plovers, they are also sometimes referred to as “black-breasted lapwings” due to their distinctive plumage that features white underneath with dark greys above.
These birds inhabit beaches, mudflats, and saltmarshes where they feed mainly on small invertebrates such as worms and insects.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. squatarola |
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18. Oystercatchers
Oystercatchers are a family of waders forming the Haematopodidae, with one genus; Haematopus.
They live in coastal regions around the world excluding both polar and some tropical areas of Africa & South East Asia.
Eurasian, South Island & Magellanic oystercatcher species also breed far inland – breeding grounds being found much deeper than other members of the family.
They have long beaks used to feed on molluscs such as mussels, clams, and oysters which they crack open using their strong bills.
Oystercatchers are usually quite vocal birds making various loud calls when disturbed or alarmed.
The males tend to display more brightly colored plumage compared to females who share similar brown/black hues for camouflage purposes during nesting season.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Charadrii |
| Family | Haematopodidae Bonaparte, 1838 |
| Genus | Haematopus Linnaeus, 1758 |
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19. Brant
The Brent Goose, also known as the Brant or Bernicla goose, is a small species of waterfowl belonging to the genus Branta. It has three subspecies that live along temperate coastlines and breed on high-Arctic tundras.
This species can be identified by its short stubby bill, which measures between 22-26 inches long and 42-48 across their wingspan when fully grown.
They typically weigh between 0.88 – 2 lbs depending on location and seasonally changing diets they may consume while in flight or at rest stops during migration routes they take annually from one region to another.
The Brent Oilfield was named after this bird due to its abundance in certain areas near bodies of water where it would gather for safety during migrations over land formations such as mountain ranges or other geographical features that could otherwise become difficult obstacles if not avoided altogether.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Branta |
| Species | B. bernicla |
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20. Long-Tailed Duck
The Long-tailed duck, also known as the Oldsquaw, is a medium-sized sea duck found in the tundra and taiga regions of the Arctic during the breeding season.
It winters along the northern coastlines of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
This bird was formally described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758. The body length of this species varies from 44 to 57 cm with wingspan extending up to 80 cm long having unique tail feathers that are nearly twice their body length.
They have an elongated head which can be easily spotted when they swim on a water surface or fly high above it.
Their diet consists mainly of fishes, mollusks, and aquatic insects which they hunt while swimming beneath the water’s surface using their strong feet for propulsion into deeper waters, unlike other ducks who feed on land surfaces near lakes or ponds.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Clangula Leach, 1819 |
| Species | C. hyemalis |
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21. Red-Breasted Merganser
The Red-breasted merganser is a diving duck, part of the sawbills family. It was first described in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus with its Latin name “Mergus Serrator” meaning sawyer or cutter.
With their red breast feathers and blackheads, these birds are easy to spot when they’re near water bodies such as lakes and rivers hunting for fish.
They also feed on crustaceans and mollusks that they catch underwater.
During breeding season, the males develop white patches around their eyes making them even more distinct from other species of ducks.
The Red-breasted Mergansers’ population numbers have been declining over recent years due to habitat loss caused by human activities like construction projects close to wetlands where these birds live but conservation efforts can help protect this majestic bird’s future generations.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mergus |
| Species | M. serrator |
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22. Purple Finch
The Purple Finch is a species of finch from North America, belonging to the Fringillidae family.
It’s also known as an “American Rosefinch” due to its resemblance in color and size to some European rosefinches.
Their plumage ranges from pinkish-purple on their heads and wings, with a light brown underside.
They are small birds that measure about 5-6 inches long with short thin beaks for eating seeds and insects.
In addition, they have thick round bodies which help them stay warm during cold winters in the northern parts of their range.
The Purple Finch has adapted well over time making it easier for them to survive even though there are increasing threats posed by humans such as deforestation or habitat destruction caused by development projects near their habitats.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. purpureus |
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23. Royal Tern
The Royal Tern is a beautiful seabird, endemic to the Americas. It has been spotted as far away as Europe on rare occasions though.
The species was first described by Georges-Louis Leclerc in 1781 from a specimen found in French Guiana and later illustrated with hand-colored plates.
These birds have elaborate courtship displays that involve loud vocalizations and energetic aerial acrobatics.
They typically mate for life, nesting together near marshes or beaches each season close to their food source of fish and other small aquatic creatures. Their white plumage brightens up coastlines across America – they are truly majestic.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Thalasseus |
| Species | T. maximus |
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24. Harlequin Duck
The Harlequin Duck is a small sea duck found in North America, with its name coming from the French Arlequin and Italian Arlecchino of Commedia dell’arte.
It’s also known as Lords and Ladies, Painted Duck, Totem Pole Duck, Rock Duck or Glacier Duck among others.
Its body color can be brownish-gray to black on its upper parts while head and neck are white with chestnut sides.
Wings have large speculum patches that consist of greenish-black metallic feathers being bordered by white ones.
The bill has a yellow tip which contrasts nicely against their dark eyes. They often swim close to shorelines where they feed on crustaceans such as mussels or crabs but will occasionally eat insects too.
These ducks are quite sociable birds so you might even spot them in flocks during migration season between October – April each yearScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Histrionicus Lesson, 1828 |
| Species | H. histrionicus |
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25. Snow Bunting
The snow bunting is a small and colorful passerine bird found in the Arctic regions of the northern hemisphere.
With its bright white feathers, and black markings on its wings and tail, it stands out amongst other birds that inhabit these cold climates.
This species has adapted well to surviving in this harsh environment; they nest under boulders or rocks so their eggs are shielded from predators and blizzards alike.
They feed mainly on insects during summer months but switch to seeds when winter arrives as they seek food sources that will not freeze over with ice.
The snow bunting is an important part of the local ecosystem due to providing sustenance for larger animals such as foxes and owls who rely upon them for survival throughout wintertime.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Calcariidae |
| Genus | Plectrophenax |
| Species | P. nivalis |
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26. Red Crossbill
The Red Crossbill is a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family. It has distinctively crossed mandibles, which it uses to extract seeds from conifer cones and other fruits.
This species can be identified by its vivid colouring; males are red or orange in hue whilst females tend to have more green or yellow feathers.
Furthermore, there is considerable variation between individuals of this species when it comes to their beak’s size and shape as well as their calls—which range from short trills through chirps and harsh cackles up to loud rattling sounds at times.
They’re an interesting sight in many parts of Europe, particularly during winter months where they often feed on pine cone seeds that drop down onto lower branches of trees.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Loxia |
| Species | L. curvirostra |
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27. Black-And-White Warbler
The Black-and-white Warbler is a unique species of bird native to North America. It has striking black and white plumage and breeds in the northern part of the continent, wintering in Central America, Florida, the West Indies, and Peru.
This warbler is rarely seen as far west as Europe but it’s still being studied for its behavior and ecology.
Its diet consists mainly of insects which it catches by clinging on trees like a woodpecker before quickly darting away again when prey appears.
The population size remains stable although they are vulnerable to habitat loss due to deforestation or other human activities so their conservation status should be monitored closely over time.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Mniotilta Vieillot, 1816 |
| Species | M. varia |
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28. White-Crowned Sparrow
The White-crowned Sparrow is a species of passerine bird native to North America. It has a grey face and black and white streaking on its upper head, making it easy to identify.
This sparrow usually breeds in brushy areas located in the taiga, tundra, Rocky Mountains or Pacific coast regions of North America.
During winter months these birds migrate southward as far as Mexico and California where they can be found living amongst chaparral shrubbery or low bushes near open fields with plenty of seeds nearby.
The diet of this bird consists mainly of insects during summer while they switch over to eating grains like wheat & oats during colder months when bugs are scarce.
They are known for their characteristic chirp which sounds like “Oh sweet Canada Canada” drawing admirers from around the world.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Zonotrichia |
| Species | Z. leucophrys |
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29. Golden-Crowned Kinglet
The Golden-crowned Kinglet is a small songbird native to North America. It has an olive-gray top and white underparts, with thin bills and short tails.
The most distinguishing feature of this bird is its yellow crown, surrounded by a black patch that extends through the eyes.
Males have an additional orange patch in the middle of their yellow crowns. They are active birds, often seen flitting from branch to branch as they search for insects or other food sources in trees or shrubs.
During winter months when there’s less insect prey available, Golden-crowned Kinglets will join mixed-species flocks searching for berries on bushes and trees throughout forests across North America.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Regulidae |
| Genus | Regulus |
| Species | R. satrapa |
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30. Sternidae
Sternidae are a subgroup of the family Laridae, consisting of eleven genera. They have slender bodies with long forked tails and narrow wings. Their bills are long and their legs are relatively short.
Most species display pale grey or white plumage above, while underneath they show black markings on the head along with varying shades of browns elsewhere on their body.
These seabirds can be found in coastal areas near oceans, rivers and wetlands worldwide but especially in North America where they feed primarily on small fish which they capture by swooping down from the air to snatch them up from below the surface.
They also supplement this diet with crustaceans such as crabs when available.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Subfamily | Sterninae Bonaparte, 1838 |
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31. Horned Lark
The Horned Lark, known as the Shore Lark in Europe and North America, is a species of lark belonging to the family Alaudidae.
It can be found across the northern hemisphere and has been classified under its Latin name Eremophila alpestris which means “of high mountains”, referring to its prevalence in mountainous areas like the Alps.
This bird is distinguished by two black tufts or ‘horns’ on either side of its head. Its size varies from 11-13 cm long with brown upperparts and pale whitish underparts sporting darker streaks throughout them both.
With an adaptation for ground nesting, it builds nests out of grasses lined with feathers near open fields where food sources are abundant such as insects, grains, and seeds giving this species great potential for survival even when conditions may become harsh during winter months.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Alaudidae |
| Genus | Eremophila |
| Species | E. alpestris |
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32. Hooded Merganser
The Hooded Merganser is a beautiful and unique bird, belonging to the family of mergansers. It is easily recognizable due to its distinct crest which can be raised or lowered at will.
During the breeding season, males have impressive plumage with various colors and patterns that make them stand out even more.
They live near streams, ponds, or marshes where they feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish by diving in from above the water surface with their wings open before submerging completely under it.
Their nesting habits involve using hollows created by other animals such as beavers for laying eggs inside tree cavities too close to water bodies so that they are well-protected from predators while still providing them easy access to food sources.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Lophodytes Reichenbach, 1853 |
| Species | L. cucullatus |
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33. Wood Duck
The wood duck, also known as the Carolina Duck, is a species of perching duck native to North America. It is renowned for its beautiful plumage and vibrant colors.
On average, an adult wood duck stands at 19-21 inches in length with a wingspan ranging from 26 to 29 inches. Its weight typically falls between 454–800 grams depending on gender and seasonality.
This medium-sized bird can be seen swimming or perched atop branches near bodies of water like lakes, ponds, and rivers – where it feeds mostly on aquatic plants and insects.
The female builds nests inside cavities in trees close to these waters while the male protects her eggs during incubation period until they hatch into adorable little chicks.
Wood ducks are beloved by many due their stunning looks which make them popular subjects among photographers too.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aix |
| Species | A. sponsa |
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34. Juncos
Juncos are small North American birds belonging to the Passerellidae family. Although their name appears to have Spanish origins, they rarely inhabit areas with rush plants.
They vary in size and color depending on species but generally have dark heads and greyish-brown bodies.
In winter months, Juncos flock together to form huge roosting groups or migrate southwards for warmer climates.
These hardy little creatures can often be seen hopping around gardens scavenging for food during snowstorms.
Their diet consists of a variety of items including seeds, berries, and insects – making them popular garden visitors year-round.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Junco Wagler, 1831 |
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35. Green-Winged Teal
The green-winged teal is a widespread duck that can be found across most of North America, except for the Aleutian Islands.
It was once thought to belong to the same species as Eurasian teals but has since been classified differently by many authorities.
These small ducks have colorful wings that display shades of green and blue along with buffy brown coloration on their undersides.
The male birds are particularly striking during mating season when they acquire beautiful chestnut markings on their heads and upper breasts.
They feed mainly in shallow water bodies such as ponds, lakes, marshes or estuaries, eating aquatic invertebrates like snails or insects.
When disturbed they can fly away rapidly with a loud whistling sound produced by their wings during flight.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. carolinensis |
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36. Bufflehead
The Bufflehead bird is a small sea duck belonging to the Goldeneyes genus. It was first described in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus, and its scientific name is Bucephala albeola.
The name “Bucephala” comes from the Greek word for “bull-headed,” which refers to its oddly shaped, bulbous head.
These birds are known for their striking black and white plumage, with the males sporting distinctive iridescent green and purple feathers on their heads.
Buffleheads are found primarily in North America, spending their winters on coastal waters and migrating inland to breed in wooded areas.
They are skilled divers and feed primarily on insects and small crustaceans. Despite their small size, Buffleheads are hardy birds and can survive in extreme weather conditions.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Bucephala |
| Species | B. albeola |
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37. Plover
Plovers are a diverse group of wading birds, encompassing approximately 66 different species. They belong to the subfamily Charadriinae and are found in various regions of the world (excluding the Sahara).
Plovers are often referred to as “dotterel” and are closely related to lapwings, which consist of around 20 species.
These birds are known for their distinctive behavior patterns, including running instead of flying when threatened, and their unique breeding habits, such as nesting on beaches and exposed grasslands.
Plovers are considered a symbol of love and devotion in some cultures and have been featured in various mythological stories throughout history.
With their striking appearance and intriguing characteristics, plovers are a fascinating group of birds that continue to captivate researchers and enthusiasts alike.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Subfamily | Charadriinae Leach, 1820 |
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38. Greater Scaup
The greater scaup, commonly known as the bluebill in North America, is a medium-sized diving duck that breeds in the northernmost areas of the world including Alaska, northern Canada, and Siberia.
With its larger size, the greater scaup is distinguishable from its closely related cousin, the lesser scaup. During the winter months, it migrates to the coastal areas of North America, Japan, and Europe.
These ducks have a captivating blue-grey plumage with striking yellow eyes. They are excellent divers, often feeding on mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic plants found in deep waters.
Unfortunately, their populations have declined mainly due to habitat loss from agricultural activities and pollution.
Conservation efforts such as habitat protection and hunting regulations are being implemented to save these remarkable birds.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. marila |
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39. Western Sandpiper
The Western sandpiper is a small shorebird found in North America. Its genus name, Kalidris, comes from the Ancient Greek term used by Aristotle for some grey-colored waterside birds.
The species name, mauri, is named after Italian botanist Ernesto Mauri. This species is one of the most abundant shorebirds in North America, with a population in the millions. Western sandpipers have dark legs and a short, straight bill.
They are often seen running quickly along the shorelines, probing the sand for insects and small crustaceans.
During the breeding season, they nest in the Arctic tundra, and during migration, they can be found on mudflats and beaches along the Pacific Coast as well as inland shallow freshwater wetlands.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. mauri |
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To Recap
Winter Island’s 39 native birds provide a remarkable and diverse avian landscape for bird lovers to explore and admire. From the robust northern hawk owl to the elegant common loon, this checklist showcases the island’s vibrant birdlife.
As bird enthusiasts venture into Winter Island’s serene winter habitats, they have the chance to witness the beauty of these feathered creatures in their natural surroundings.
This checklist not only serves as a valuable resource for birdwatchers but also highlights the island’s commitment to preserving its unique biodiversity.
Winter Island’s native birds are a testament to the importance of conservation efforts and the wonder of the natural world.