Birds of white are a beautiful and unique species of birds which have a stunningly beautiful white plumage. They are found in many regions of the world, including Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
These birds have many interesting characteristics that make them a favorite among bird watchers and nature lovers. From their majestic appearance to their social nature, they are an enjoyable species to observe.
1. 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 |
2. Herons
Herons are graceful and elegant birds belonging to the family Ardeidae, with 72 distinct species.
They have long legs and necks that are well-adapted for wading in shallow water like streams or ponds.
Herons can be found near freshwaters as well as along coastal areas worldwide.
Some of these species may also be referred to as egrets, bitterns or zigzag heron/bittern because they belong to certain genera such as Botaurus and Ixobrychus respectively.
These birds stand tall when searching for food by standing still in a shallow body of water while waiting patiently until prey appears before quickly capturing it with their sharp bills.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Suborder | Ardei |
| Family | Ardeidae Leach, 1820 |
3. Snow Goose
The snow goose is a species of goose native to North America, recognizable by its white or dark plumage. It belongs to the genus Anser, also known as the “gray goose”.
Snow geese breed north of the timberline in Greenland, Canada and Alaska – places with harsh climates that would seem inhospitable for such birds.
Yet they thrive here due to their migration pattern; when winter arrives they fly southwards along two major routes towards warmer climates like California and Mexico where food sources are more plentiful.
Although these graceful waterfowls have adapted well to human activity near some parts of their range, hunting still takes its toll on them so it’s important we do our part in protecting this species from extinction.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anser |
| Species | A. caerulescens |
4. 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 |
5. 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 |
6. 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 |
7. Snow Bunting
The snow bunting is a small and colourful passerine bird found in the Arctic regions of the northern hemisphere.
With its bright white feathers, 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 which 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 |
8. Ring-Billed Gull
The Ring-billed Gull is a medium sized seabird that can be seen throughout North America. Its head, neck and underparts are white while its back and wings are silver gray in color.
It has a relatively short yellow bill with a dark ring around it, as well as yellow legs.
The genus name for this species of gull comes from the Latin word ‘Larus’ which referred to large sea birds or gulls; while the specific delawarensis refers to the Delaware River where these birds were first discovered.
These beautiful creatures thrive near coasts, lakeshores and other bodies of water but also have been known to inhabit urban areas such as parks close by those watersides due to their adaptability towards human habitats.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. delawarensis |
9. Rock Dove
Rock dove, also known as Rock Pigeon or Common Pigeon, is a member of the bird family Columbidae.
It is considered to be an important creature worldwide due to its domestication by humans centuries ago; resulting in the modern-day Domestic pigeon which descends from this species.
Its population has increased over time because some domestic pigeons have escaped captivity and joined wild populations.
The rock dove can most easily be identified by its prominent blue-grey feathers with darker bars on wings and tail along with two black bands on each wing.
They are typically found in large flocks near cliffs or buildings but may also inhabit rural habitats such as open fields and meadows if there’s enough food available for them nearby.
Although they don’t migrate far distances like other birds, their numbers increase significantly during winter months.
When more food sources become available closeby so that they won’t need to travel too far away from home base for nourishment.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
10. 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 bill that are 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 |
11. Pelican
Pelicans are a large water bird and form part of the family Pelecanidae. They have long beaks, allowing them to scoop up prey from both land and sea with ease.
Their most distinctive feature is their huge throat pouch which they use to drain water before swallowing their food.
Most pelican species have predominantly pale plumage however exceptions such as the brown and Peruvian pelicans exhibit darker colouring.
The bill, face skin and pouch of all pelican species become brightly coloured during breeding season in order to attract mates.
Pelicans can often live up to 25 years due to the fact that they eat mostly fish which provides them with enough nutrients for longevity.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus Linnaeus, 1758 |
12. 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 |
13. Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl is an impressive bird of prey native to both the North American and Palearctic Arctic regions.
It has a unique white plumage that helps it blend in with its snowy tundra habitat, as well as several adaptations that make it suitable for life in cold climates.
These include thick feathers which insulate their bodies from frigid temperatures, large eyes adapted for hunting during long winter nights, and talons designed for gripping slippery surfaces such as ice or snow.
This majestic owl will soar high above its territory searching for food before gliding back down again to perch atop rocks or trees.
The Snowy Owl truly stands out amongst other birds of prey – an iconic symbol of the beauty and mystery of the north.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Bubo |
| Species | B. scandiacus |
14. Ross’s Goose
Ross’s Goose is a small white goose native to North America. It has black wingtips and a relatively short neck, distinguishing it from the other two “white geese” that breed in the area – Snow Geese.
Ross’es are smaller than their snowy counterparts, with bills proportionally smaller in size and lacking any “black lips”.
The dark phase of this species is extremely rare; usually only one or two individuals out of every thousand will have plumage darker than usual.
Despite its small stature, they can be quite vocal when nesting or migrating.
They’re known for honking noisily as they fly overhead during migration seasons – so keep an ear out if you go birdwatching.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anser |
| Species | A. rossii |
15. Typical Pigeons
Pigeons, belonging to the large bird genus Columba, are medium-sized birds ranging from small doves to larger wood pigeons.
The most common of these is the rock dove or domesticated pigeon; it has given rise to various breeds such as homing and exotic fancy varieties.
Pigeon feathers range in color from light blues and browns with white speckles on their wings, while others can be mottled grey or pure black.
They have red eyes surrounded by a patch of facial skin called a cere which can vary greatly in color depending on species.
Pigeons feed mainly on seeds but supplement their diet with berries, fruit, insects and other invertebrates when available.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Subfamily | Columbinae |
| Genus | Columba Linnaeus, 1758 |
16. Tundra Swan
The Tundra swan is a small species of swan found in the Holarctic region. It can be divided into two separate taxa, Bewick’s Swan and Whistling Swan.
The former inhabits the Palearctic area while the latter resides near North America.
These birds are typically white with black bills and eyes but their legs vary from yellow to greyish-black depending on which subspecies they belong to.
They feed mainly on aquatic plants such as algae, roots, tubers and various types of seeds.
During migration these birds fly together in large flocks that may contain hundreds or even thousands of individuals at one time.
This majestic bird is an important part of many wetland ecosystems around the world where it plays a vital role in controlling vegetation growth as well as dispersing nutrients across its habitat range.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. columbianus |
17. Swans
Swans are graceful and elegant birds belonging to the family Anatidae. They have a long neck, black beak and large wings that give them their majestic look.
Their closest relatives include geese and ducks who belong to the same subfamily Anserinae as swans do.
There are six living species of swan found in different parts of the world – Mute Swan, Black-necked Swan, Tundra Swan, Whooper Swan, Trumpeter Swan and Coscoroba Swam.
These beautiful creatures usually live on lakes or rivers but can also inhabit wetlands such as marshes or estuaries for nesting purposes.
Despite being very social animals with strong pair bonds they remain solitary during migration periods when they travel long distances looking for better feeding grounds.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Subfamily | Anserinae |
| Genus | Cygnus Garsault, 1764 |
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18. Ibis
Ibis is a type of long-legged wading bird belonging to the family Threskiornithidae. They inhabit wetlands, forests and plains across many parts of the world.
The name ibis comes from Latin and Ancient Greek words for this group of birds which also can be found in scientific names like Bubulcus ibis – mistakenly identified as bovine animal in 1757.
Ibises have characteristically curved bills used to capture food items such as fishes, reptiles or frogs while they are searching through mud or shallow water with their feet.
Furthermore, these birds usually live in large flocks which helps them protect themselves against predators by keeping an eye out on each other’s safety during hunting times.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Subfamily | Threskiornithinae Poche, 1904 |
19. Mute Swan
The Mute Swan is a species of swan belonging to the waterfowl family Anatidae. It can be found in much of Eurosiberia, as well as North America, Australasia and southern Africa where it has been introduced.
The ‘mute’ part of its name comes from its soft call which is more muffled than that of other swans.
They have an almost entirely white plumage with black legs and feet and an orange bill with a distinctive knob at the base.
These striking birds are large in size reaching up to 1 metre tall when fully grown with wingspans reaching 3 metres or more.
In flight they hold their necks arched gracefully above their body while beating powerful wings slowly through the air – creating quite a spectacle.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. olor |
20. Columbidae
Columbidae is a bird family that includes both doves and pigeons. These birds are characterized by their stout bodies, short necks, and small slender bills with fleshy ceres in some species.
They feed mainly on seeds, fruits, and plants found all around the world but have the greatest variety in Indomalayan and Australasian regions.
Columbidae have an unmistakable soft cooing sound which makes them one of the most beloved avian families worldwide – especially among city dwellers.
Whether it be feeding time or just hearing their soothing call throughout nature walks; these birds will remain a favourite for many more years to come.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Columbimorphae |
| Order | Columbiformes Latham, 1790 |
| Family | Columbidae Leach, 1820 |
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21. Passerine
Passerines are a vast order of birds, comprising more than half the species in existence. Many familiar garden and woodland species fall into this category such as sparrows, blackbirds, finches and warblers.
They can be recognised by their arrangement of toes; three pointing forward with one back which helps them perch on branches or wires.
Passerines range from tiny wrens to large crows and have adapted to inhabit many environments around the world including forests, mountainsides and deserts.
They feed mainly on insects but some also consume fruit and seeds depending on their diet preferences.
Their diversity is truly remarkable from vibrant coloured tropical parrots to drab winter thrushes – making passerine birds an integral part of our natural heritage.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Psittacopasserae |
| Order | Passeriformes Linnaeus, 1758 |
22. 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 |
23. 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, 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 |
24. Gyrfalcon
Gyrfalcon is the largest of all falcon species and a majestic bird of prey. It breeds in Arctic coasts, tundra areas, islands of northern North America and Eurosiberian regions.
Gyrfalcons are mainly resident birds but some may wander away from their breeding grounds during winter season or after mating period ends.
These beautiful raptors can be seen in white, dark gray/black and brown colors depending upon subspecies they belong to.
They have powerful wings that help them fly at high speeds while hunting for food like ptarmigans, ducks etc.,They also possess sharp vision which helps them spot small mammals even when they are miles away.
Though gyrfalkons’ population has decreased due to human interference on their habitats yet these magnificent creatures still remain an important part of our ecosystem providing us with ample opportunities to get close to nature’s beauty.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Subgenus | Hierofalco |
| Species | F. rusticolus |
25. 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 colour varies throughout its range.
Males have a light blue-grey upperpart, with black crown and nape whereas females have a dark grey crown instead of black one.
The underparts are whitish, with reddish tinge on sides and flanks while the bill is short and stout with pale base near 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 |
26. White-Tailed Kite
The White-tailed Kite is a small raptor found in western North America and parts of South America. It was first described by French ornithologist Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot in 1818, with the type locality being Paraguay.
This species belongs to the same family as Old World black-winged kites, but is more widespread than its relative.
They are recognized easily due to their distinct white heads and tails, grey wings and backs, yellow eyes and legs.
Theses birds primarily hunt for rodents such as mice during daylight hours using their exceptional hunting skills like hovering midair before diving down on prey or swooping low over grasslands looking for food items on the ground.
In addition they also feed upon insects including grasshoppers and locusts which provides them additional nutrition throughout summer months.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Elanus |
| Species | E. leucurus |
27. 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 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 |
28. 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 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 |
29. Old World Sparrows
Old World sparrows are small passerine birds belonging to the family Passeridae. They are characteristically much smaller than their New World counterparts, ranging in size from 6 centimeters up to 20 centimeters depending on species.
The most common characteristics of these birds include a black or grey head and upper body with white underparts and white stripes above their eyes.
Notable features such as barring and streaking can be found across different species within this group.
Old world sparrows typically inhabit open grassland areas but have been known to nest around human dwellings near urban settings as well, making them easily recognizable by many people all over the globe.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Suborder | Passeri |
| Infraorder | Passerida |
| Superfamily | Passeroidea |
| Family | Passeridae Rafinesque, 1815 |
30. Rock Ptarmigan
The Rock Ptarmigan is a medium-sized game bird in the grouse family, known simply as the ptarmigan in the UK.
It has been chosen as an official bird for two Canadian territories and provinces; Nunavut (aqiggiq) and Newfoundland & Labrador.
In Japan, it is referred to as raichō which means “thunderbird”. With its white plumage that changes to grey during winter months, it is easily camouflaged against snowdrifts or rocky terrain where they make their nests.
They mainly feed on plants like willow buds and roots but also take insects when available.
The females of this species are brownish with black markings while males have red combs above their eyes making them easy to identify.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Lagopus |
| Species | L. muta |
31. Whooping Crane
The majestic whooping crane is the tallest bird in North America, standing at over five feet tall.
Its name comes from its iconic call of “whoop-whoop-a-doodle”, making it one of only two species native to North America with a distinct vocalization.
Sadly, this beautiful animal was pushed to near extinction during the 1900s due to unregulated hunting and habitat loss.
Fortunately, conservation efforts have helped boost their population again and they are now classified as endangered instead of critically endangered.
Whooping cranes live for an estimated 22 – 24 years in the wild and inhabit wetlands all across Canada and parts of United States.
They feed on small fish, frogs, insects, mice and other small animals; while breeding pairs travel together in flocks with their young ones during migration season between summering grounds (in Northern U.S.)and wintering grounds( Texas).
With continuous protection measures taken towards them by organisations like Operation Migration we may be able to witness these graceful birds soaring through our skies once more.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Grus |
| Species | G. americana |
32. Ptarmigans
Ptarmigans are small grouse-like birds found in tundra and cold upland areas. The genus, Lagopus, has three species with many subspecies and was first introduced by French zoologist Mathurin Jacobs Brisson in 1760.
These ground-dwelling birds have feathered feet to keep them warm during the winter months.
They feed on plants such as grasses and sedges along with insects like caterpillars or beetles which they find among rocks or under snow cover when conditions are too harsh for other animals.
Ptarmigans also use their camouflage plumage to blend into their surroundings making it difficult for predators to spot them.
Although these unique creatures may not be easy to see, they provide an important part of high altitude ecosystems across the world’s northern regions.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Tribe | Tetraonini |
| Genus | Lagopus Brisson, 1760 |
33. White-Tailed Ptarmigan
The white-tailed ptarmigan is a small, hardy bird found in high altitudes of Alaska, Canada and the western US. It belongs to the grouse family and has cryptic plumage that changes with each season.
In summer it sports grey, brown and white speckles while during winter its feathers become entirely white for camouflage against snow.
This adaption allows it to survive even at temperatures below freezing point.
Its diet consists mostly of plants such as willow buds or twigs but also includes insects like ants which provide additional nutrients when food sources are scarce during winter months.
An interesting behaviour trait is their tendency to walk away from predators instead of flying – they can fly but prefer not too.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Lagopus |
| Species | L. leucura |
34. 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 |
35. Northern Mockingbird
The northern mockingbird is a common fixture in North American skies. It has greyish-brown upperparts and a paler underside with white wing patches, and its distinctive long tail makes it easy to spot.
This adaptable bird can often be seen singing from the tops of trees or fences, though it rarely strays into Europe.
The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 Systema Naturae as Turdus polyglottos – aptly named for their remarkable ability to mimic other birds’ songs.
Northern mockingbirds typically live on insects, fruits, berries and seeds but they will also happily scavenge food scraps left out by humans.
With its beautiful song and striking plumage this beloved avian makes an important contribution to our environment.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Mimus |
| Species | M. polyglottos |
36. Crowned Sparrows
Crowned sparrows, part of the genus Zonotrichia, are a species of American birds from the Passerellidae family. These small-medium sized birds have distinctive black and white striped head feathers which give them their name.
They can be found in North America but also as far south as Mexico to Tierra del Fuego, and on Hispaniola island.
Crowned Sparrows mainly eat seeds and insects such as grasshoppers or beetles; they will often feed along roadsides where there is plenty of vegetation for cover while feeding.
Their habitat consists mostly of open fields with patches of shrubbery and trees near water sources like streams or rivers–this is ideal for their nesting habits too.
With its unique feather patterns, this lovely bird can add sparkle to any outdoor setting.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Zonotrichia Swainson, 1832 |
37. Grey Geese
Grey geese are a species of waterfowl belonging to the genus Anser. They have a Holarctic distribution, which means they can be found in subarctic and cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere during summer months.
Grey geese typically migrate further south for winter, reaching warm temperate climates at times.
These birds tend to inhabit open wet habitats like marshes or wetlands where their diet mostly consists of aquatic plants and insects.
They also form strong bonds with other members of their flock as part of their social behavior- even establishing lifelong pairings with one another.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Tribe | Anserini Vigors 1825 |
| Genus | Anser Brisson, 1760 |
38. Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon is a majestic bird of prey belonging to the family Falconidae. It has a blue-grey back, barred white underparts and black head making it easily recognizable.
This intelligent raptor is known for its incredible speed reaching over 320 km/h (200 mph) during hunting dives – one of the fastest animals in existence.
The peregrine falcon can be found around the world from Arctic tundra to tropical rainforests thriving with humans or in high alpine mountains far away from civilization.
With their beauty, power and adaptability they are an impressive species that have earned respect among many cultures throughout history as symbols of strength and endurance.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | F. peregrinus |
39. New World Sparrow
New World sparrows are passerine birds belonging to the family Passerellidae. They have conical bills, brown or grey plumage and many species have distinctive head patterns.
Though they share their name with Old World sparrows, they belong to a different family and are more closely related to buntings from the Old World.
These birds mainly feed on seeds but some of them also eat insects and fruits for nutrition.
New world sparrows inhabit open woodlands in North America as well as Central America, South America and even parts of Asia like Siberia.
They build cup-shaped nests using grasses, twigs and other materials found near by their habitats.
A few popular species include Dark eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis), White throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)and Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina).Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Emberizoidea |
| Family | Passerellidae Cabanis, 1851 |
40. Black-Billed Magpie
The black-billed magpie is an iconic bird of the western half of North America and one of only four songbirds with a tail that makes up over half its body length.
With its glossy black feathers offset by white patches, they can be seen in open woodlands or near agricultural areas.
Their diet consists mainly of insects, carrion and grains but they often scavenge human food as well.
They are highly social birds who live in large groups and communicate through loud calls, snaps and rattles when defending their territory from other airborne predators like hawks or eagles.
Magpies have proven to be hardy survivors despite habitat loss due to urbanization so there’s hope these remarkable birds will remain part our landscape for many years to come.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Pica |
| Species | P. hudsonia |
41. White-Throated Sparrow
The White-throated Sparrow is a small passerine bird of the New World sparrow family Passerellidae.
It has distinctive yellow and black stripes on its head, white throat and chest with grey back and wings, along with light brown legs.
The scientific name “Zonotrichia albicollis” comes from Ancient Greek for ‘band’ (ζώνη) referring to its distinctive striped crown, and Latin for ‘white neck’ (albus collum).
These birds are usually found in wooded areas such as coniferous forests or deciduous habitats in North America where they feed mainly on insects during summer months; transitioning to seeds during winter.
They build their nests near ground level using grasses, twigs or moss lined with feathers.
White-throated Sparrows may be solitary but also form flocks when migrating southward each fall season which typically occurs over mid-late October through November depending on location within range.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Zonotrichia |
| Species | Z. albicollis |
42. Eudocimus
Eudocimus is a genus of ibises, belonging to the family Threskiornithidae. These birds are found in warmer climates of the New World, from southern United States down through Central America and South America including West Indies.
They have a distinct anatomy compared with its closest relative Plegadis which makes them more primitive than it.
Eudocimuses generally feed on insects, aquatic invertebrates as well as amphibians that live close by water bodies like lakes or rivers; they also eat some plant material such as rice grains or other seeds during dry season when food sources become scarce.
Their long curved beak along with their powerful legs enable them to probe deep into mud for prey items making them efficient hunters and scavengers near wetlands areas where they often nest in colonies consisting of several pairs at once.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Subfamily | Threskiornithinae |
| Genus | Eudocimus Wagler, 1832 |
43. Willow Ptarmigan
The Willow Ptarmigan is a bird belonging to the grouse family, Phasianidae. It can be found in northern Europe, particularly birch and other forests or moorlands regions of Scandinavia and Ireland.
The subspecies L. l. scotica was once considered its own species known as Red Grouse.
They are characterized by their red-brown plumage that changes with the seasons; during winter they grow white feathers for camouflage against snow cover while in springtime these change back to brownish tones for better blending into vegetation.
In general, this type of ptarmigan tends to live in flocks on open grounds where it feeds on buds and leaves from shrubs like willows, heathers and birches among others as well as insects when available .Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Lagopus |
| Species | L. lagopus |
44. 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 |
45. Blackpoll Warbler
The Blackpoll Warbler is an impressive and beautiful bird. It has a black cap, white cheeks and white wing bars.
During the breeding season it can be found in forests of northern North America from Alaska through Canada to the mountains of New York and New England.
In fall they migrate south, sometimes travelling over 3,000 miles non-stop – one record was set for 75 hours.
They are very adaptable birds but their numbers have been declining due to habitat destruction so conservation efforts must remain ongoing if we want these amazing creatures around forevermore.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. striata |
46. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a large, brightly coloured bird belonging to the Cardinal family. Males have black heads and wings, with white breasts boasting a bright rose patch.
Females are more muted in colouring being mostly buffy brown or greyish overall but still featuring the distinctive rose breast patch.The two sexes also exhibit marked sexual dimorphism.
These birds inhabit open woodlands across North America where they feed on seeds gleaned from foliage as well as fruits such as cherries and blueberries during their breeding season which runs from April through August each year.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Pheucticus |
| Species | P. ludovicianus |
47. 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 colourful 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 |
48. Gulls
Gulls are a type of seabird in the family Laridae found worldwide. They are highly adaptable, often seen soaring above shorelines or near bodies of water.
Gulls have strong wings and long bills and vary greatly in size, colouration and behaviour from one species to another.
Some gull species feed on fish while others scavenge for food such as insects, small mammals or discarded human refuse.
Despite their different dietary habits they all share common traits including webbed feet which enable them to swim gracefully through the water after prey items like crabs or molluscs.
Gulls generally nest close to the shoreline where there is an abundance of available food sources making them excellent hunters that can live comfortably both on land and at sea.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Lari |
| Family | Laridae Rafinesque, 1815 |
49. Forster’s Tern
Forster’s tern is a bird of the family Laridae, named after naturalist Johann Reinhold Forster. It mainly breeds in North America and winters south to Central America, though it can also be found rarely but annually in western Europe.
This species has even been documented wintering as far north as Ireland and Great Britain.
The genus name Sterna comes from Old English “stearn”, meaning “tern”.
These birds generally have grey upperparts with white underparts and black heads with a small crest at its forehead that gives it an elegant look when flying around looking for food by diving into the water.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sterna |
| Species | S. forsteri |