A Detailed Look into the Lives of 48 Distinct Bird Species in Oregon

Oregon is home to a wide variety of birds, from common backyard species to rare, threatened, or endangered species.

With its diverse landscapes, from coastal areas to high deserts and mountain ranges, Oregon provides a habitat for many kinds of birds.

From waterfowl and shorebirds to songbirds and raptors, Oregon’s birds play an important role in the state’s ecosystems.

In this article, we will explore the many birds of Oregon, their habitats and behaviors, and the conservation efforts that are helping protect them.

1. American Robin

The American robin is a migratory bird, belonging to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family.

It was named after its European counterpart due to the similar reddish-orange breast they both possess; however, they are not related closely.

This species can be seen through most of North America during winter months, as well as in parts of Mexico and Central America where it also breeds.

They have plump bodies with gray upperparts and white underparts that vary from yellow on their throats down to orange toward their bellies.

Robins feed on fruits such as berries or insects like worms which makes them an important part of ecosystems by helping disperse seeds naturally throughout these areas.

Scientific classification:

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

2. American Goldfinch

The American goldfinch is a small North American bird in the finch family. Males are vibrant yellow with black wings and tails, while females are duller in coloration.

It migrates from mid-Alberta to North Carolina during the breeding season, south of Canada–United States border to Mexico for its wintering grounds.

The only finch which undergoes complete molt every year displays sexual dichromatism where males have brighter colors than their female counterparts.

They feed mainly on seeds but also eat insects such as aphids and caterpillars when raising young; they often occur near thistles or other plants that produce viable seed heads.

Their call consists of an array of chirps and trills making them quite conspicuous.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Fringillidae
Subfamily	Carduelinae
Genus	Spinus
Species	S. tristis

3. House Finch

The House Finch is a species of finch native to western North America and has been introduced in the eastern half of the continent as well as Hawaii.

It’s an average-sized finch with adults measuring 12.5 – 15 cm (5 – 6 inches) long and having wingspans between 20 – 25 cm (8 – 10 inches).

The upperparts are brown, while its underparts range from pale grayish white to yellow depending on subspecies.

Its face is streaked or spotted with reddish coloration; males typically have brighter plumage than females due to sexual dimorphism.

They’re mostly found near human habitations such as farms and gardens where they feed on grains, fruits, insects, etc., making them very popular among birders who want something colorful for their backyard.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Fringillidae
Subfamily	Carduelinae
Genus	Haemorhous
Species	H. mexicanus

4. Song Sparrow

The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a small, yet abundant bird found in North America.

They have brown upperparts with dark streaks and are white underneath, complete with a distinct dark brown spot on the breast.

Their cap is also brown and long roughed feathers can be seen sprouting from their neck area.

This sparrow species is highly variable and adaptable to many different environments including dry brush land, wetlands, or open fields.

It has been noted that adult song sparrows will sing even during winter months when other birds remain quiet.

These energetic little animals make for great backyard companions as they flit about singing their lovely melodies.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Passerellidae
Genus	Melospiza
Species	M. melodia

5. Black-Capped Chickadee

The black-capped chickadee is a small and cheerful songbird found in deciduous and mixed forests across North America. It has an iconic black cap, white cheeks, gray back, and wings with whitish bars on them.

The underparts are usually light-colored or greyish-brown. This species is well adapted to cold winters as it can reduce its body temperature by up to 8°C while roosting at night; this helps save energy during the colder months of the year.

It feeds mainly on insects but also eats seeds, fruits, and suet from bird feeders when available.

Black-capped chickadees are popular birds among backyard visitors due to their sociable nature – they often establish lifelong partnerships with one another for breeding purposes.

Furthermore, they have been designated as state birds of Massachusetts and Maine in the USA plus New Brunswick in Canada – a testament to how beloved these little avian friends truly are.

Scientific classification:

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

6. Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s hummingbird is a beautiful species of bird belonging to the Trochilidae family. Native to western coastal regions of North America, it was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli.

In the early 20th century, these birds bred only in northern Baja California and southern California but due to ornamental plant transplanting they can now be found across much of the Pacific Coast region.

They are medium-sized with bright emerald green feathers on their back and crowns as well as rose-red patches at the throat for males which makes them quite distinguishable from other birds.

Their diet consists mainly of nectar from flowers although they will occasionally feed on insects or spiders too making them important pollinators that help maintain healthy ecosystems.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Apodiformes
Family	Trochilidae
Genus	Calypte
Species	C. anna

7. Dark-Eyed Junco

The Dark-eyed Junco is a species of small, grayish sparrows that are found across much of temperate North America and in the Arctic during summer.

It was formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1766, who named it after its distinctive dark eyes.

This bird has a very variable appearance due to the many different subspecies it contains, making its systematics difficult to unravel.

The plumage varies from white or light gray on their underparts with slate grey backs and wings; black heads with white outer tail feathers; brown head stripes; yellow bills; pink legs and feet; as well as various shades between all these colours.

They also have considerable sexual dimorphism where males tend to be more colorful than females but share similar characteristics such as short tails and rounded bodies – both sexes being around 16 cm long when fully grown.

Scientific classification:

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

8. California Scrub Jay

The California scrub jay is a species of bird native to western North America. It can be found from southern British Columbia down through California and western Nevada near Reno, up to west beyond the Sierra Nevada range.

This beautiful blue feathered bird was once categorized with Woodhouse’s scrub jay as the “western scrub jay” along with island scrub jays.

The California Scrub Jay has distinctive features such as its greyish-blue feathers on its head, wings, and tail; white cheeks; dark bill; and strong legs for perching in trees which makes it stand out among other birds in its family.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Corvidae
Genus	Aphelocoma
Species	A. californica

9. Western Meadowlark

The western meadowlark is a medium-sized icterid bird native to North America. It has a distinct yellow breast with black and white patches, making it easy to spot in open grasslands.

Its diet consists of mostly bugs but also includes seeds and berries. The western meadowlark’s call is unique – its sound is described as flute-like or watery, differentiating it from the similar eastern meadowlark species.

When the nesting season arrives, they build their nests on the ground near shrubs or low trees in areas like fields and pastures.

This beautiful songbird adds life to our open lands with its melodious tunes.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Icteridae
Genus	Sturnella
Species	S. neglecta

10. Steller’s Jay

Steller’s jay is a beautiful and colorful bird native to western North America and the mountains of Central America.

It has a distinctive long crest that sets it apart from other birds, with its blue feathers streaked with black, white, gray, and brown markings.

This species is closely related to the blue jays found in eastern North America but can be distinguished by their longer crests.

They are known for being highly vocal birds who like to make loud calls throughout forests they inhabit as well as stealing food from unsuspecting mammals or raiding bird feeders when given the chance.

Steller’s Jays have adapted well to human presence in areas they populate making them great backyard visitors if you’re lucky enough.

Scientific classification:

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

11. 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

12. Mourning Dove

The Mourning Dove is a breathtakingly beautiful bird. It has stunning gray and brown feathers with white-tipped wings, giving it an elegant appearance. Its long tail also adds to its graceful look in flight.

A symbol of peace and serenity, they are abundant across North America and can be found in gardens or open fields throughout the year.

As well as being popular game birds for hunters, they feed on grains such as wheat and millet providing important food sources for wildlife species including foxes, coyotes, skunks, and raccoons.

These doves have a distinctive cooing sound that can often be heard echoing through woodlands during summer evenings making them one of nature’s greatest treasures.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Genus	Zenaida
Species	Z. macroura

13. 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

14. 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

15. Chestnut-Backed Chickadee

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee is a small passerine bird in the tit family, Paridae. It lives within the Pacific Northwest region of America and Canada; its range extending from southern Alaska to southwestern California.

This species remains a permanent resident throughout its area rather than migrating seasonally, although feeding flocks may temporarily move short distances for food sources.

They are commonly found in woodlands with dense understory vegetation as well as suburban gardens.

The male and female birds can be distinguished by their distinctive patterned plumage: males have brown backs while females are grayer above but both share white bellies and buffy sides striped with black barring across their wings and tails.

These sociable birds usually feed on insects or seeds which they obtain from trees or shrubs using their sharp beaks.

Scientific classification:

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

16. 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

17. Rufous Hummingbird

The beautiful Rufous Hummingbird is a small bird of 8 cm in length, with a long slender beak. It stands out due to its extraordinary flight skills and incredible migratory transits- they can fly up to 2,000 miles.

This species was formally described by German naturalist Johann Friedric in 1788 and belongs to the genus Selasphorus.

These birds are found all over North America and parts of Mexico during summertime; while wintering in Central America or northern South America.

They feed on nectar from flowers as well as insects for protein intake. With their vibrant feathers, agile flying abilities and fascinating life cycle they make an interesting addition to any backyard wildlife habitat.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Apodiformes
Family	Trochilidae
Genus	Selasphorus
Species	S. rufus

18. 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

19. Lesser Goldfinch

The Lesser Goldfinch is a tiny species of bird found in the Americas. It belongs to the same clade as American goldfinches and Lawrence’s goldfinches, which can be identified by their males having black or rarely green foreheads.

The face appears red or yellow on these birds, unlike other species in its genus Spinus sensu stricto.

They are small songbirds with short bills, brown wings and tails with white edges, grey-brown backs, and olive heads.

These birds inhabit open woodlands and fields where they feed mainly on seeds from weeds such as thistle, pigweed, and ragweed but also consume insects at times during the breeding season for additional nutrition.

In addition to being an important part of North America’s avian ecology, these birds have been popularized through recent artwork depicting them in various poses among flowers.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Fringillidae
Subfamily	Carduelinae
Genus	Spinus
Species	S. psaltria

20. Golden-Crowned Sparrow

The golden-crowned sparrow is a large New World bird found in the western part of North America. It belongs to the genus Zonotrichia, made up of five species and has no subspecies.

This bird is closely related to the white-crowned sparrow as studies show their mitochondrial DNA evolves at a similar rate.

The most recognizable feature of this beautiful creature is its distinctive yellow stripes near its forehead that appear almost like an orange crown when seen from afar.

Its plumage can range from grey browns in winter months, to dull yellows and oranges during breeding season which typically occurs between April and July.

These birds are often seen foraging through leaf litter or along grassy fields looking for seeds, insects, and berries to eat while they sing sweet melodies throughout their habitat.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Passerellidae
Genus	Zonotrichia
Species	Z. atricapilla

21. Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl is an impressive bird native to the Americas. It is well-known for its wide range and adaptability, as it can be found in many different habitats across the continent.

Its diet consists primarily of rabbits, hares, rats, and mice; however, they are also known to consume skunks, geese, and other birds.

With their powerful talons capable of crushing prey with ease, these owls have earned themselves a fearsome reputation due to their incredible strength.

Their iconic horn-like tufts on either side of its head add another layer of intimidation which helps them stand out from other owls in the area.

Scientific classification:

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

22. Red-Breasted Nuthatch

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a beautiful and vocal songbird that can be found in coniferous forests across Canada, Alaska, the northeastern United States, and the western US.

This small bird has blue-grey upperparts with cinnamon underparts, a white throat and face with black eye stripe, a straight grey bill, and a black crown.

Its call sounds like a tin trumpet; it’s high-pitched yet nasal.

During mating season they form monogamous pairs to build their nest near tree trunks or branches at low heights off the ground where they lay 2 – 8 eggs at once.

They are very active little birds who love clinging to trees while searching for insect larvae or seeds within the bark of trees which helps control pest populations.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Sittidae
Genus	Sitta
Species	S. canadensis

23. Western Tanager

The Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) is a medium-sized songbird belonging to the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. It was illustrated and formally described by American ornithologist Alexander Wilson in 1811.

The species has distinctive plumage including yellow feathers on its wings and tail, red shoulders, a black head with a white forehead patch, and grayish underparts.

Its vocalizations are also very similar to other members of the cardinal family – they have a high-pitched ‘tsee’ note followed by several sweeter notes that come together as parts of complex songs.

They primarily feed on fruit but will also take insects when available for extra protein during the breeding season.

These beautiful birds can be found throughout western North America from Alaska down through Mexico making them an iconic part of many landscapes.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Cardinalidae
Genus	Piranga
Species	P. ludoviciana

24. 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

25. Varied Thrush

The Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) is the only species in its genus and belongs to the thrush family, Turdidae.

It was first described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789 as Turdus naevius, based on a specimen owned by John Latham which had been described as “Spotted Thrush” four years earlier.

This bird has an olive-brown back with reddish streaks along white underparts; it also bears spots of yellow or orange coloring across its chest.

Its wings are black with bold white patches while its tail appears long and pointed at times when spread out during flight.

The varied thrush can be found throughout western North America from Alaska southwards into California, Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico where they prefer habitats such as coniferous forests and mountain areas near streams or rivers for their habitat.

They feed mainly on insects but will also eat fruits if available making them omnivorous birds.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Turdidae
Genus	Ixoreus Bonaparte, 1854
Species	I. naevius

26. Bewick’s Wren

The Bewick’s wren (Thryomanes bewickii) is a small, grey-brown bird native to North America. Measuring at around 14 cm long it has distinctive white markings on its face and tail giving it an attractive appearance.

It can often be found in thickets or scrubby areas as well as urban gardens and parks.

Its songs are loud and melodious which makes them popular amongst ornithologists; they are known for their complex vocalizations composed of whistles, clicks, churrs, and trills.

The Bewick’s Wren mainly feeds on insects but will also eat fruits if available during the colder months when food may otherwise be scarce.

This species of wren plays an important role in controlling insect populations making them beneficial inhabitants of our environment.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Troglodytidae
Genus	Thryomanes P.L. Sclater, 1862
Species	T. bewickii

27. White-Breasted Nuthatch

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a medium-sized bird belonging to the nuthatch family Sittidae. It measures around 15.5 cm in length and its color varies throughout its range.

Males have a light blue-grey upperpart, with a black crown and nape whereas females have a dark grey crown instead of a black one.

The underparts are whitish, with reddish tinge on the sides and flanks while the bill is short and stout with a pale base near the eyes which can be yellow or white depending upon geographic location..

This species feeds mainly on insects but will also eat seeds, nuts, and berries when available.

They prefer open woodlands where they often climb trees searching for food along trunks as well as branches underneath bark crevices creating their nest there too.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Sittidae
Genus	Sitta
Species	S. carolinensis

28. Bullock’s Oriole

Bullock’s oriole is a small, sexually dimorphic New World blackbird that was once thought to be the same species as the Baltimore Oriole. It was named after William Bullock, an English amateur naturalist.

Male birds are more brightly colored and slightly larger than females. These birds typically have yellow heads and wings with dark brown or black bodies with white bars on their backs and tails.

They can often be seen perched high up in trees foraging for insects among foliage or singing from branches during mating season.

Their diet consists of mostly fruits such as oranges, apples, and plums; they also eat some seeds like millet along with grasshoppers and other insects when available.

The Bullock’s oriole is found throughout western North America in areas of woodland scrubland which shelter it from predators while providing plenty of food sources to sustain itself year round.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Icteridae
Genus	Icterus
Species	I. bullockii

29. Chukar

Chukar is a Palearctic upland gamebird belonging to the pheasant family. It has distinctive black and white bars on its flanks, as well as brown upperparts and buff underparts.

Its head is grey with an off-white face, throat, and crest which turns chestnut in males during breeding season.

The Chukar typically lives in dry regions like open terrain or semi-arid hillsides where it feeds mainly on seeds and invertebrates.

During winter months they tend to inhabit more wooded areas looking for shelter from harsh winds or snow storms.

They are social birds living in groups of up to 20 individuals but will pair off when mating season arrives.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Galliformes
Family	Phasianidae
Genus	Alectoris
Species	A. chukar

30. Black-Headed Grosbeak

The Black-headed Grosbeak is a medium-sized bird that belongs to the Cardinalidae family. It has a black head and upperparts, while its underparts are bright yellow.

This striking contrast makes it easy to distinguish from other birds. The grosbeak typically measures 19 cm in length and weighs around 47 grams.

During summer months, they migrate northward up into southwestern British Columbia for nesting grounds where they can find plenty of seeds as food sources.

They also hybridize with Rose-breasted Grosbeaks on the Great Plains in America, creating even more colorful plumage variations amongst these species.

All in all, this beautiful songbird will make an excellent addition to any backyard or garden if you’re lucky enough to spot one.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Cardinalidae
Genus	Pheucticus
Species	P. melanocephalus

31. Red-Breasted Sapsucker

The red-breasted sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker native to the forests of the west coast of North America.

It has a striking appearance with its bright red head and upper chest, white lower belly, black back, and wings with bars and a large white wing patch.

These birds nest in tree cavities during mating season while northern specimens migrate south for winter months.

They are often seen tapping on trees to drill holes into them to feed on sap or bark insects that live beneath them.

Additionally, they have been observed feeding from birdfeeders which makes them great additions to backyard bird-watching activities.

Overall, the red-breasted sapsucker is an interesting species worth discovering.

Scientific classification:

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

32. American Crow

The American crow is a large bird of the Corvidae family, native to most parts of North America.

It is similar in size and structure to its European counterpart, the carrion crow, as well as Eurasia’s hooded crow.

The three species occupy the same ecological niche but are distinguishable by their differences in appearance.

American crows have black feathers covering their entire body with wingspan averaging between 17-21 inches wide for males and 16-19 inches for females.

They feed on insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars; they also eat grains from fields or abandoned farms during winter months when food sources become scarcer.

In addition to feeding habits, American crows can be identified by their distinct call which resembles a “caw” sound that travels long distances over open terrain making them popular among birdwatchers.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Corvidae
Genus	Corvus
Species	C. brachyrhynchos

33. Violet-Green Swallow

The Violet-green Swallow is a small, North American passerine bird belonging to the swallow family.

These birds are known for their aerial insectivorous diet and beautiful green coloration with white rump side patches that appear as if they’re separating them from other swallows.

They inhabit areas along the west coast of America, ranging from Alaska down to Mexico and also extending eastwards to Montana and Texas.

This species can be seen swooping through open air in search of food or heard chirping away during its mating season – usually occurring between April and late summer months.

It’s an important part of many ecosystems due to its role in controlling insect populations.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Hirundinidae
Genus	Tachycineta
Species	T. thalassina

34. 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 the 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

35. Pine Siskin

The Pine Siskin is a small bird from the finch family, primarily found in North America. It has an irregular migratory range and was first described by American ornithologist Alexander Wilson in 1810.

The species gets its name pinus, which means “pine-tree” in Latin, due to its frequent presence near coniferous trees.

Pine siskins are known for their yellow wing bars and streaked chests as well as their perky mannerisms when perched on branches or flying around looking for food during colder months.

They feed mostly on seeds of weeds, grasses, and other plants but can also be seen consuming insects at times during the summertime nesting season.

Its loud calls often alert nearby birds of potential danger while they nest high up among pine tree limbs where predators cannot reach them easily.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Fringillidae
Subfamily	Carduelinae
Genus	Spinus
Species	S. pinus

36. Black-Necked Stilt

The Black-necked Stilt is an elegant shorebird that can be found from the coastal areas of California to Florida, then south through Central America and Brazil.

It has black upperparts contrasted by long white wings with a glossy sheen. Its striking red eyes are set against its white facial mask while its legs are bright pinkish in coloration.

The Haematopus mexicanus species inhabits marshy wetlands and brackish lagoons where it feeds on insects, crustaceans, small amphibians, and fish which they catch using their slender bill or chase after them as they run across the surface of water or mudflats.

This bird typically nests near shallow waters but will use any habitat type if food resources are available nearby making it a highly adaptable species well suited for human-altered habitats such as rice fields and sewage ponds.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Charadriiformes
Family	Recurvirostridae
Genus	Himantopus
Species	H. mexicanus

37. 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 coloration 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

38. Greater Sage-Grouse

The Greater sage grouse is the largest grouse found in North America. With its range spread across the western United States, southern Alberta, and Saskatchewan Canada, it lives in ‘sagebrush country’.

It was identified as a separate species from the Gunnison sage grouse back in 2000.

This bird has an impressive mating ritual involving strutting their feathers to attract mates with loud sounds of thumping on the ground while they puff up their chest and fan out tailfeathers into a ‘V’-shaped display pattern which can be seen for miles away.

They are also incredibly adaptive creatures that live off various food sources such as insects, seeds and buds throughout different seasons of the year – making them great survivors during harsh winters too.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Galliformes
Family	Phasianidae
Genus	Centrocercus
Species	C. urophasianus

39. 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, the 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

40. Northern Goshawk

The Northern Goshawk is a medium-large bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. It has been known as one of the true hawks, with “Accipiter” meaning hawk in Latin and “gentilis” referring to its noble characteristics.

They are found worldwide, most commonly in wooded areas such as forests or thickets where they hunt small birds and mammals.

The males have spotted grey upperparts while females tend to be fully brown above with some lighter barring on their underparts.

These raptors rely heavily on speed and agility when hunting from either perches or during aerial dives at high speeds for their prey which makes them formidable predators that can reach up to 40 mph.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Accipitridae
Genus	Accipiter
Species	A. gentilis

41. Downy Woodpecker

The downy woodpecker is a small species of woodpecker found in North America. Growing up to 7 inches long, it can be identified by its white belly and spotted wings.

It inhabits forests throughout the United States and Canada, except deserts in the southwest and northern tundra.

This bird nests in tree cavities and feeds mostly on insects but will supplement its diet with fruit or nuts when available.

The Downy Woodpecker has an unmistakable call that sounds like a loud ‘pik-er’, similar to other members of its family such as the Hairy Woodpecker.

Scientific classification:

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

42. Yellow-Breasted Chat

The Yellow-breasted Chat is a large songbird found in North America and is the only member of its family Icteriidae.

It was once part of the New World Warbler family but has since been moved to its group due to taxonomic uncertainty.

This bird stands out as it was previously thought to be the largest species within Parulida.

Its plumage features shades of yellow, olive green, and brown; males have darker heads while females are slightly paler overall.

The cat’s diet consists mostly of insects such as caterpillars and beetles which they forage from low vegetation or glean off leaves on tree branches during summer months when their populations peak.

They also feed heavily on fruits like elderberry, grapes, and wild cherries during migration periods throughout the spring/fall season providing much-needed energy for long journeys southwards or northwards depending upon geography and location each year.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Superfamily	Emberizoidea
Family	Icteriidae Baird, 1858
Genus	Icteria Vieillot, 1808
Species	I. virens

43. 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

44. Red-Tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk is a majestic bird of prey with a distinctive red tail. It can be found throughout North America, from Alaska in the north to Panama and the West Indies in the south.

This species belongs to the Buteo genus, which makes it one of the most common raptors on Earth.

These hawks mainly hunt small mammals such as rabbits or squirrels but also feed on reptiles and birds during migration season.

Unlike other predator birds, they prefer open areas for hunting like fields or grasslands rather than dense forests.

They build their nests high up on trees where they stay all year long unless disturbed by humans or animals nearby.

Their presence has become an iconic part of American culture due to their frequent sightings around homes and parks alike making them beloved creatures among people everywhere.

Scientific classification:

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

45. 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

46. American Bushtit

The American bushtit is a small, social bird found in the New World. It’s the only species of its genus and family, Psaltriparus minimus.

First described by John Kirk Townsend in 1837, it inhabits forests and coasts from Alaska to Mexico.

With their tiny size (4-5 inches) they are easily identified by their gray or brown backs with white underparts.

Bushtits have long wings allowing them to travel quickly between trees; they form flocks that move together through branches looking for food such as insects, spiders eggs, and fruit while emitting soft chirps or squeaks.

They build beautiful large pendulous nests made of mosses that hang from tree branches high above ground level where they sleep at night.

These charming birds make delightful company during outdoor activities like hiking or camping trips.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Aegithalidae
Genus	Psaltriparus Bonaparte, 1850
Species	P. minimus

47. Purple Martin

The Purple Martin is a beautiful passerine bird in the swallow family and is the largest of its kind in North America.

It has dark blackish-blue feathers that have an iridescent sheen which can make them appear blue or deep purple depending on the light; they may even look green.

These birds are quite social creatures and often build communal roosts with multiple nests, having as many as hundreds of individuals living together at once.

They feed mainly on flying insects such as flies, moths, wasps, and bees.

Their habitats include areas near bodies of water like lakes or rivers where there’s plenty for these birds to eat all year round.

The Purple Martin is truly an amazing species worth protecting.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Hirundinidae
Genus	Progne
Species	P. subis

48. Two-Barred Crossbill

The Two-barred crossbill is a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae.

It gets its scientific name, Loxia leucoptera, from Ancient Greek – with ‘Loxia’ meaning ‘crosswise’ and ‘leucoptera’ translating to “white-winged” about its white wings.

The species has two subspecies: the white-winged crossbill (Loxia leucoptera leucoptera) that can be found in North America and the two-bar crossbill (Loxia leucocephala) which inhabits Europe, Asia as well as parts of northern Africa.

These birds feed mainly on conifer seeds but have also been seen consuming insects such as beetles or caterpillars during breeding season when food resources are scarce for their young ones.

They construct nests made out of twigs near trunks of spruce trees where they lay 2–6 eggs at one time.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Fringillidae
Subfamily	Carduelinae
Genus	Loxia
Species	L. leucoptera

Conclusion

Oregon’s avian diversity is a true testament to the state’s rich ecosystems. From the majestic Bald Eagles soaring in the skies to the elusive Marbled Murrelets nesting in coastal old-growth forests, each species plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

The state’s varied landscapes, from the rugged coastline to the Cascade Mountains, provide ideal habitats for these 48 distinct bird species, showcasing a range of adaptations and behaviors.

The importance of conserving these natural habitats cannot be overstated, as they are not only crucial for bird survival but also the health of the broader environment.