Key West, Florida is a tropical paradise known for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and an outstanding variety of birds. The island has become a popular destination for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers, who come to observe the unique and diverse bird species found in this region.
From the smallest hummingbird to the majestic osprey, Key West is home to an incredible array of birds, providing a distinctive and unforgettable experience for anyone who visits.
In this article, we will explore some of the most striking and fascinating species of birds that are commonly found in Key West, and discover what makes them so enchanting.
1. Bald Eagle
The majestic Bald Eagle is a bird of prey found in North America and recognized as the national symbol of the United States.
With its distinctive white head, brown body and striking yellow beak, this sea eagle has two known subspecies that form a species pair with the White-tailed Eagle.
It inhabits much of Canada, Alaska all states in the US contiguous area and Northern Mexico near large bodies of water where they feed mainly on fish.
These birds have an impressive wingspan ranging from 1.8 to 2 meters depending on their size making them one of nature’s most magnificent creatures.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Haliaeetus |
| Species | H. leucocephalus |
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2. Red-Winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is a beautiful bird found in most of North America and Central America.
Its distinct features include a glossy black body, with white shoulder patches and bright red wing coverts year round.
It prefers wetland habitats such as marshes, ponds, lakeshores and agricultural fields. During breeding season they inhabit grassy areas near water then move south for the winter months.
For food they mainly eat insects but also consume wild fruit or grains.
They are very social birds often seen in large flocks during migration times when their unmistakable “conk-la-ree” call can be heard echoing across the sky.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
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3. American White Pelican
The American White Pelican is a majestic bird from the Pelecaniformes order, known for its impressive size and ability to soar gracefully in the sky.
It breeds during summer months in North America and migrates southwards towards Central and South America during winter.
The species was first described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin back in 1789 as part of his updated version of Carl Linnaeus’ work.
This large aquatic bird has an all-white plumage with black primary flight feathers on its wings, while its beak features a characteristic yellowish colouration at the base near the face.
Its diet mainly consists of fish which it typically catches after dipping into water using its long bill; yet sometimes they can be seen stealing food items from other birds such as cormorants or gulls.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. erythrorhynchos |
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4. Osprey
The Osprey is a majestic bird of prey with an incredibly wide habitat range. It has distinctive brown upperparts and greyish head and underparts, making it easily identifiable in the skies above many regions across the world.
With a wingspan of up to 180cm (71in) and body length reaching 60cm (24in), this large raptor specializes in hunting for fish, soaring high over rivers as well as coasts searching for its next meal.
Despite living near water sources, they can also be found inhabiting mountainsides or even woodlands, proving their incredible adaptability. An impressive species that truly deserves admiration.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Pandionidae |
| Genus | Pandion |
| Species | P. haliaetus |
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5. Cuckoos
Cuckoos are fascinating birds belonging to the Cuculidae family, which is the only taxon in the order of Cuculiformes.
There are many different species within this family such as common or European cuckoo, roadrunners, koels, malkohas, couas and anis.
Some of these species may even be identified as separate families – Centropodidae and Crotophagidae respectively.
These birds have been known for their unique features such as loud calls heard consistently during certain times of day and night.
They also exhibit behavior like brood parasitism where they lay eggs in other nests so that their chicks can get more food from host parents than its own.
All these traits make them one-of-a-kind creatures worth admiring.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Otidimorphae |
| Order | Cuculiformes Wagler, 1830 |
| Family | Cuculidae Leach, 1820 |
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6. Magnificent Frigatebird
The Magnificent Frigatebird is the largest species of frigatebird, measuring between 89 and 114 cm in length and having a wingspan of 7-8 ft.
It can be found over tropical waters off America from northern Mexico to Peru on the Pacific coast, as well as Florida down south.
Its diet consists mainly of fish they take from other seabirds or snatch directly from the ocean surface while flying low above it.
They also feed on crustaceans and squid when available too.
This impressive bird has an unmistakable silhouette with its long pointed wings, forked tail feathers and male’s red gular pouch which inflates during courtship displays.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Fregatidae |
| Genus | Fregata |
| Species | F. magnificens |
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7. Green Heron
The Green Heron (Butorides virescens) is a small heron found throughout North and Central America.
It’s scientific name comes from Middle English ‘butor’ meaning bittern, combined with the Latin term for its distinctive greenish color – ‘virescens’.
For many years it was considered to be part of the same species as the Striated Heron (Butorides striata), commonly referred to as “green-backed herons”.
The nominate subspecies inhabits wetlands across much of this range, where they can be spotted stalking about in shallow water looking for fish or frogs on which to feed.
They are fascinating wading birds that have even been known to use tools such as sticks or baited lines when fishing.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Butorides |
| Species | B. virescens |
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8. American White Ibis
The American white ibis is a medium-sized bird with an overall white plumage and long legs. It has a bright red-orange downward curved bill, and black wing tips that are usually only visible in flight.
This species of ibis can be found from Virginia south through most of the coastal New World tropics.
They have been known to inhabit marshes, swamps, ponds, lakeshores as well as mangrove forests near water sources where they feed on crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp among other aquatic animals like insects or snails.
The American white ibis plays an important role in its ecosystem by helping to control insect populations which helps maintain balance within these environments.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Eudocimus |
| Species | E. albus |
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9. Reddish Egret
The Reddish Egret is a medium-sized heron that breeds in Central America, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Texas and Mexico.
It prefers mud flats as its habitat of choice due to its unique foraging behaviour which differs from other herons.
In the past it was hunted widely for its feathers used to make fashionable hats but thankfully this practice has now been stopped.
They have white or grey plumage with pink legs and bill giving them their name.
These birds feed mainly on fish which they catch by making quick darting movements in shallow water or running rapidly through shallows stirring up prey so they can snatch them easily with their bills.
Their long wings enable them to fly quickly when hunting and also during migration season when many travel southwards towards warmer climates.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. rufescens |
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10. Little Blue Heron
The Little Blue Heron is a small, darkly-colored heron with two-toned bill. Juveniles are completely white, similar to the Snowy Egret. In breeding season, adults develop unique coloration on their head and legs.
The bird has an expansive habitat range that covers much of the Americas from North America all the way down to South America.
They feed mostly in shallow water areas like tidal flats or marshes and eat small aquatic animals such as fish, frogs and crustaceans.
This species can also be found along coastal regions where they gather at night for roosting purposes during winter months when food sources become more scarce due to migration patterns of its prey animals.
These birds have adapted well over time allowing them to persist in most habitats throughout their wide range even despite environmental changes caused by human activities such as pollution or development projects near wetlands ecosystems which are essential for this species’ survival.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. caerulea |
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11. Cattle Egret
The Cattle Egret is a heron of the family Ardeidae found around the world in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate areas. It has two subspecies: western cattle egret and eastern cattle egret.
They have white plumage with buff plumes on their head, neck and back. The beak is yellowish-orange with black tip while legs are orange or yellow coloured depending on species variation.
This bird usually feeds near large herds of animals such as cows, horses etc., where it finds plenty of insects to eat like grasshoppers, crickets etc..
Its presence benefits these animals by removing ectoparasites from them which leads to healthier livestock population.
It nests colonially in trees or shrubs located close to water bodies during breeding season which generally takes place between March-June every year.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Bubulcus Bonaparte, 1855 |
| Species | B. ibis |
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12. Great Egret
The Great Egret is a large, white bird found in many regions of the world. It has four subspecies that reside across Asia, Africa, Americas and southern Europe.
This species usually lives near bodies of water such as lakes and marshes. They are also now starting to spread into more northern areas of Europe due to climate change.
These birds have long yellow legs with an impressive wingspan for their size which allows them to soar majestically through the sky hunting for fish or amphibians in shallow waters below.
Their feathers have been used historically by Native Americans as part of traditional garments or ceremonies but this practice should be avoided today so these amazing creatures can thrive without harm from humans.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. alba |
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13. Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is a majestic wading bird found in many parts of North America, Central America, the Caribbean and even as far away as the Galapagos Islands.
It has an impressive wingspan which can reach up to six feet wide. Its feathers are mainly bluish-gray with brownish streaks on both its neck and chest while its head displays white plumes.
The adult herons can also be identified by their yellow bill and legs.
They live near bodies of water such as lakes, marshes or rivers where they feed on fish using a spear like motion with their sharp bills.
An all-white population exists only in south Florida and the Florida Keys making it quite unique.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
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14. Frigatebird
Frigatebirds are a beautiful and mysterious family of seabirds, found in all tropical and subtropical oceans. The five extant species have glossy black plumage, long forked tails, and lengthy hooked bills.
During the breeding season males display a bright red gular pouch which they inflate to attract mates. Females have white underbellies year-round giving them an elegant contrast against their darker feathers.
They spend most of their lives soaring with minimal effort over warm ocean waters seeking food such as fish or squid taken from the surface or plucked out of midair by other birds.
Frigatebirds often nest on isolated islands due to lack of predators yet still manage to travel incredibly large distances between feeding grounds every day making them truly remarkable creatures.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Fregatidae Degland & Gerbe, 1867 |
| Genus | Fregata Lacépède, 1799 |
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15. Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Cranes are a large species of crane native to North America and northeastern Siberia. They are known for their distinctive calls, long legs, and long necks.
These birds typically inhabit wetland areas like the Platte River in Nebraska’s Sandhills on the Great Plains.
In Central Florida, they often gather at the edges of bodies of water such as lakes or rivers.
During breeding season, sandhill cranes can be seen performing elaborate courtship dances that involve bowing and jumping in unison with their partner.
Their diet consists mainly of plant material including grains, roots, tubers and aquatic plants which they obtain by pecking or digging into mudflats using their bill or feet respectively.
With an average lifespan between 10-20 years these majestic creatures make great additions to any wetland habitat.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Antigone |
| Species | A. canadensis |
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16. Roseate Spoonbill
The Roseate Spoonbill is a beautiful and majestic bird found in both North and South America.
It belongs to the ibis family, Threskiornithidae, and its vibrant pink colour comes from canthaxanthin pigment derived from their diet of crustaceans like shrimp.
Sadly plume hunting has almost driven this species close to extinction during the 18th and 19th centuries but fortunately it’s making a comeback due to conservation efforts made by dedicated wildlife organisations.
Its large spoon-like bill helps them filter out food sources such as small fish or frogs from shallow water areas while they wade through mudflats with their long legs looking for something tasty.
With its unique appearance, graceful wingspan amd impressive flight capabilities, the Roseate Spoonbill is an incredibly photogenic animal that will captivate any viewers attention who happen to be lucky enough witness it in all its glory.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Platalea |
| Species | P. ajaja |
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17. Wood Stork
The Wood Stork is a large wading bird found in subtropical and tropical habitats throughout the Americas, including the Caribbean. It stands out from other storks due to its distinctive white head and neck feathers.
The wood stork has an impressive wingspan of up to 6 feet wide, making it one of the largest birds in North America.
Although usually seen near water sources such as swamps or wetlands looking for food like fish, crabs, frogs and even small reptiles they can sometimes be spotted far away from their natural habitat during migration season.
This species is also one of few that breeds annually in North America with nests typically built on platforms made by humans or animals near water bodies or ponds.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Mycteria |
| Species | M. americana |
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18. Snowy Egret
The Snowy Egret is a small white heron native to North America. Its scientific name, Egretta thula, comes from Provençal French for the little egret and an incorrect reference to the Black-necked Swan by Chilean naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina in 1782.
This beautiful bird has black legs with yellow feet, and a long plume of feathers on its head that often appears as if it’s wearing a crown.
It feeds primarily on insects and aquatic life like fish or frogs making it well adapted for both wetland habitats such as marshes or swamps plus coastal areas close to shorelines.
With their graceful movements they are truly delightful creatures to observe while out exploring nature.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. thula |
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19. Brown Noddy
The Brown Noddy is a species of seabird in the Laridae family. It’s the largest of its kind, and can be distinguished from others by its dark brown plumage, which stands out compared to other noddies with black feathers.
Found around tropical oceans worldwide, it inhabits areas such as Hawaii and Australia all the way to Tuamotu Archipelago in Polynesia.
During breeding season they form large colonies on remote islands where their nests are constructed using twigs and leaves situated atop trees or shrubs – typically located near water sources like lagoons or estuaries so they have access to food items like small fish and squid that make up their diet.
As highly social birds they often engage in synchronised flying displays over nesting sites before returning back home at nightfall.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Anous |
| Species | A. stolidus |
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20. White-Crowned Pigeon
The White-crowned Pigeon is a species of bird belonging to the Columbidae family, widely found in the Caribbean. In the first half of the 18th century it was described as such.
This pigeon has been immortalized by artist John James Audubon through his watercolor painting featured in Birds of America published during early 19th century.
These birds primarily feed on fruits and seeds and have white crowns that make them easily recognizable even from afar.
The beauty of these birds makes them popular amongst birdwatchers all over the world who flock to observe their behavior while they eat or nest.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. leucocephala |
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21. Brown Pelican
The majestic brown pelican is a dive-feeding bird that belongs to the pelican family. It is one of the three pelican species found in the Americas and is known to dive into water to catch its prey.
From the Atlantic Coast of New Jersey to the mouth of the Amazon River, and along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to northern Chile, including the Galapagos Islands, this bird can be found.
Its scientific name is Pelecanus occidentalis, and it has a colored brown plumage, which is its distinct characteristic.
The brown pelican belongs to the largest bird species that exist today, with a wingspan that can stretch up to seven feet long.
This bird helps maintain a balance in the ecosystem by eating smaller fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. occidentalis |
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22. Anhinga
The Anhinga is a water bird found in the warmer parts of the Americas. It is sometimes called the snakebird, American darter, or water turkey.
The bird’s name comes from the Brazilian Tupi language and means “devil bird” or “snake bird.” When swimming, only the Anhinga’s neck appears above water, giving the appearance of a ready-to-strike snake.
It is a skilled swimmer and hunter, using its sharp beak to catch fish underwater. The Anhinga is easily recognizable by its long neck, sharp beak, and distinctive coloring of black and white feathers.
Its ability to dry its wings quickly after diving is unique among water birds, as it lacks the natural oils that make feathers waterproof.
The Anhinga is an important member of its ecosystem, helping to control fish populations and serving as prey for larger predators.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Anhingidae |
| Genus | Anhinga |
| Species | A. anhinga |
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23. Tricolored Heron
The Tricolored heron, also known as Egretta tricolor, is a species of heron found in coastal areas of the Americas. Unlike other types of herons, the Tricolored heron is more solitary and primarily feeds on small fish.
These birds usually breed in swamps and coastal habitats and tend to build their nests in colonies along with other herons. They typically build their nests on platforms.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. tricolor |
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24. Limpkin
The Limpkin bird can be found in warm parts of the Americas and is related to rails and cranes. It is a wading bird often seen in wetlands. This bird has a unique diet dominated by apple snails from the Pomacea genus, which it feeds on.
Known by other names such as carrao, courlan, and crying bird, it is the only extant species in the Aramidae family.
Its name is derived from its limp-like walk, which gives the impression of a bird with a limp. This bird is a skilled hunter, using its long bill to catch its prey.
Its distinctive call is often heard in wetlands, resembling a moaning sound. The Limpkin plays an essential role in the ecosystem, helping to control the population of apple snails, an invasive species that can have a negative impact on natural habitats.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Aramidae |
| Genus | Aramus |
| Species | A. guarauna |
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