The bluebirds of Rhode Island are a sight to behold. They are small, cheerful songbirds that can be seen throughout the state. They are known for their beautiful blue feathers and cheerful songs.
The bluebird is a symbol of happiness and joy and is a favorite among birders and nature lovers alike. The bluebirds of Rhode Island are also an important part of the ecosystem, providing important insect control and helping to disperse seeds from wild plants.
With their bright colors and melodious songs, the blue birds of Rhode Island are an important part of the state’s natural history and beauty.
1. Blue Jay
The blue jay is a type of bird that belongs to the Corvidae family, which is native to eastern North America. This species of bird is found throughout most of the eastern and central United States, although some eastern populations may migrate to different areas seasonally.
Additionally, blue jays are permanent residents in Newfoundland, Canada, and they can also be found in southern Canada during the breeding season. Blue jays typically inhabit woodlands, although they can be found in other habitats, such as urban areas and gardens.
They are very vocal birds and they are often seen in backyards, parks, and forests, where they can be observed foraging for food. Furthermore, blue jays are important seed dispersers, helping to spread many species of plants across landscapes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. cristata |
2. American Robin
Source: Wikipedia
The American robin is a migratory bird that belongs to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family. This bird is known for its reddish-orange breast, which is why it was named after the European robin, which has a similar coloration.
Even though the two species share a similar appearance, they are not closely related, as the European robin belongs to the Old World flycatcher family. The American robin is found throughout North America, while the European robin is found in Europe and Asia.
The American robin is a medium-sized bird that is typically gray-brown with a lighter underside. Its head is dark gray and its breast is bright orange. The American robin is a vocal bird, with a variety of calls including chirps, trills, and whistles.
It feeds on a variety of insects, fruits, and berries. In the winter, the American robin migrates south to warmer climates, where it can find food more easily.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
3. Purple Martin
The purple martin is a type of bird that belongs to the Hirundinidae family, commonly known as swallows. It is the largest of all the swallows in North America, with a wingspan of around 12 to 16 inches.
Despite its name, the purple martin does not have any shades of purple on its feathers. Instead, it has a glossy black upper body and a light grayish-white underside.
Its throat and forehead have a slightly purple hue, however, this is not enough to give it the name “purple” Martin.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Progne |
| Species | P. subis |
4. House Finch
Source: Wikipedia
The house finch is a species of bird belonging to the finch family, known scientifically as Fringillidae. It is native to the western regions of North America, with recent introductions to the eastern half of the continent and to Hawaii.
This species, along with the other two types of American rosefinches, are all placed in the genus Haemorhous. These birds are generally small in size, averaging between 4 and 6 inches in length, with a wingspan of up to 8 inches.
They have a stout bill, usually with a black tip, and are typically grayish brown in color, with a reddish forehead and chest. The house finch has a wide variety of habitats, from woodlands and open fields to urban and suburban areas.
They are social birds, often forming flocks with other birds. They feed on a wide range of items, including insects, seeds, berries, and nectar. They are known to nest in cavities, either natural or man-made, and breed from spring through early fall.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
5. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a cheerful small bird native to North America. It is part of the finch family and is known for its bright yellow coloring and distinctive call.
During the breeding season, the goldfinch can be found ranging from mid-Alberta in Canada all the way down to North Carolina in the United States.
During the winter, the goldfinch migrates much further south and can be seen from just south of the Canada-United States border down to Mexico.
The goldfinch is an important species to many different ecosystems, and its migratory habits ensure that it is able to survive in a variety of different climates.
The American goldfinch is a resilient and adaptable species, and its beauty and cheerful song make it a welcome sight in many parts of North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
6. White-Breasted Nuthatch
The white-breasted nuthatch is a unique species of bird belonging to the family Sittidae. It is one of the most common nuthatches in North America, ranging from southeastern Canada to northern Mexico.
This medium-sized bird measures about 15.5 cm in length, with a wingspan of 20.3 to 22.9 cm. It has a black cap, white cheeks, a black eye line, and a white belly. Its tail is black with white sides and its wings are black with white spots.
Its call is a loud, nasal yank or yank-yank. It is a year-round resident, and will often be heard calling from the tops of trees in woodlands and parks. It is an active forager, climbing up and down trees and searching for insects, spiders, and other invertebrates.
It will also feed on seeds and nuts, and will sometimes use its bill to hammer open nuts and seeds. It typically nests in cavities, excavating its own nest cavity in rotting wood.
The female will lay between four and seven eggs, which will hatch after an incubation period of about two weeks. The young birds will fledge after another two weeks of development.
The white-breasted nuthatch is an important species in its habitat, helping to control insect populations and providing food for other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. carolinensis |
7. Common Starling
The common starling is a species of bird found across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. It is a medium-sized passerine bird, which means it belongs to a group of birds that typically hop or walk on the ground as opposed to flying.
It is a member of the Sturnidae family, commonly known as starlings.
In Europe, it is simply referred to as the starling, while in North America it is referred to as the European starling. The common starling is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring between 7 to 8 inches in length, with a wingspan between 12 to 14 inches.
Its body is black in color, with iridescent green, purple and blue feathers on its wings and tail. Its beak is short and sharp, and it has short legs and toes that help it to walk and hop.
These birds typically feed on insects, as well as small fruits and seeds. Common starlings are social birds, and can often be seen in large flocks. They are also very vocal, with their calls being described as a harsh, twittering sound, similar to a chirping.
They are also known for their acrobatic flying, performing tight turns and steep banks when in flight. The common starling is an adaptable species and has been able to successfully colonize many areas outside of its natural range.
It has also benefited from the presence of humans, as they have provided food and shelter for it in many areas. As a result, the species has become an invasive species in many places, where it is causing damage to native bird populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
8. Red-winged Blackbird
Source: vtecostudies.org
The red-winged blackbird is a type of songbird belonging to the family Icteridae, which consists of oscine passerines, or perching birds, found throughout North America and much of Central America.
This species is known for its distinct black feathers with a red-brown patch near the wings and a yellow eye ring. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 9-11 inches in length, with a wingspan of 14-17 inches.
Red-winged blackbirds are social birds found in a variety of habitats, including marshes, meadows, and wetlands. They feed on a variety of insects, spiders, and even some fruits and grains, which they find while foraging on the ground or in shallow water.
This species is renowned for its vocalization, as males are known to sing loudly while perched atop vegetation, often in large groups. The red-winged blackbird is a symbol of the North American landscape and plays an important role in its ecosystem.
It helps control insect populations, as well as disperse the seeds of native plants, allowing for the regeneration of its habitats. It is also an important species for birdwatchers, as its distinctive plumage and loud song make it a recognizable and memorable bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
9. Rhode Island Red
Source: Wikipedia
The Rhode Island Red is a breed of domestic chicken that has been bred in the United States for over a century.
This breed of chicken was initially developed in the late 19th century in Rhode Island and Massachusetts by crossing birds of Oriental origin, such as the Malay, with brown Leghorn birds from Italy.
This breed of chicken is so beloved in Rhode Island that it is the state bird of the state. The Rhode Island Red is a hardy bird that is known for its resilience and cold-weather hardiness. It is an excellent egg layer, producing up to 300 eggs per year for its owners.
The Rhode Island Red is also known for its reddish-brown coloration, which is the result of the cross-breeding of Oriental and Italian birds. The breed is also praised for its excellent flavor and texture, making it a popular choice for many food enthusiasts.
The Rhode Island Red is a beloved breed of chicken that has been part of the culture of Rhode Island for over a century.
This bird is a great source of pride for the state, and its popularity continues to grow as more and more people come to appreciate the many qualities of this hardy bird.
10. Common Grackle
The common grackle is a large species of icterid bird, recognizable by its long, dark bill and pale yellow eyes. It is found in large numbers throughout North America and was first documented in 1758 by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus.
The species is divided into three subspecies, which vary slightly in size and coloration. Common grackles have long tails and are usually a glossy black, but can be seen in shades of brown in some areas.
They are often found in open fields or near lakes and streams, and are omnivorous, feeding on insects, berries, grains, and other small animals. They nest in trees, shrubs, and buildings, and can be heard chattering and cackling in large flocks.
They are active during the day and are generally wary of humans, but can be easily approached if given the opportunity.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. quiscula |
11. Blue-Winged Warbler
The blue-winged warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera) is a species of songbird found in North America. It is a fairly common species, measuring 11.5 cm in length and weighing a mere 8.5 g.
It breeds in the eastern parts of North America, ranging from southern Ontario to various states in the United States.
In recent years, its range has been expanding northwards, replacing the golden-winged warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) in the process. The blue-winged warbler is a colorful species, having a bright blue head, wings, and tail, with yellow underparts.
They typically inhabit open habitats such as meadows, pastures, and fields. Their diet consists mainly of insects, but they will also eat berries and other fruit.
During the breeding season, they can be found in dense thickets, where they construct cup-shaped nests. The blue-winged warbler is under threat from habitat loss, climate change, and competition from other species. As a result, its population has been declining in recent years.
Conservation efforts are underway to help protect and preserve this species. Such efforts include increasing the amount of protected habitat, as well as monitoring their populations, and taking steps to reduce threats from other species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Vermivora |
| Species | V. cyanoptera |
12. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
The blue-gray gnatcatcher is a tiny songbird that can be found in North America. It has a glossy, blue-gray plumage which can sometimes appear to be blue or gray depending on the angle and lighting.
Its wingspan is typically around 12-14 centimeters and its body is around 9-10 centimeters. The blue-gray gnatcatcher has a white or grayish underside, a white eye stripe, and a black cap. It has a short, pointed bill which it uses to catch insects and other small invertebrates.
The blue-gray gnatcatcher is a social bird, and can often be seen in small groups of up to 8 individuals. Its call is a repetitive, high-pitched, musical trill that is often heard during the breeding season.
It nests in small cups of grass and moss and lays 3-5 eggs which are usually white or pale blue. This species is an important part of the North American ecosystem, helping to keep insect populations in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Polioptilidae |
| Genus | Polioptila |
| Species | P. caerulea |
13. Rusty Blackbird
The Rusty Blackbird is a species of medium-sized blackbird that belongs to the New World family of birds. This species is closely related to the Grackle and is known to inhabit wet forested areas.
Breeding mainly in the boreal forests and muskeg of northern Canada, it migrates to the southeastern United States during winter.
In particular, it is most commonly sighted in the eastern parts of the United States.The Rusty Blackbird is a relatively small bird, measuring between 10 to 12 inches in length with a wingspan of up to 19 inches.
Its plumage is black with a rusty reddish-brown hue on its wings and tail. Other features include a short, stout bill, and three white bars on its wing. The Rusty Blackbird is found in a wide range of habitats including open woods, marshes, and wetlands.
It feeds mainly on insects, seeds, and berries. It is an important seed disperser and pollinator.
It is also known to forage on the ground and is often found in mixed flocks with other blackbirds and starlings. The Rusty Blackbird is a long-distance migrant, traveling from its breeding grounds in the far north to its wintering grounds in the United States.
During spring migration, it is commonly seen along the Atlantic Coast from New Jersey to Florida, and further west along the Mississippi River Valley.
During fall migration, it travels southward along the Appalachian Mountains from New England to the Gulf Coast of Texas. The Rusty Blackbird is listed as a species of Special Concern and its population has been declining.
The main threats it faces include habitat loss and degradation due to human activities such as logging, wetland drainage, and changes in water levels. It is also affected by the use of pesticides and other pollutants.
Conservation actions are being taken to protect this species and its habitats, including the protection of existing wetlands, and the restoration of degraded areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Euphagus |
| Species | E. carolinus |
14. Red-Breasted Nuthatch
The red-breasted nuthatch is a small, colorful songbird native to North America and parts of Eurasia.
It has an unmistakable appearance, with blue-grey upperparts, a cinnamon underbelly, a white throat and face with a black stripe through the eyes, and a black crown atop its head.
Its small bill is straight and grey, and its call is quite unique – it has been likened to the sound of a tin trumpet, high-pitched and nasal in tone. This bird is a common sight in woodlands and parks, where its distinctive call can often be heard.
In addition, it is a very active bird, often seen clinging to tree trunks and branches as it moves up and down, searching for insects and other food sources.
Despite its small size, the red-breasted nuthatch is an attractive and memorable bird and a welcome sight to backyard birdwatchers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. canadensis |
15. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic wading bird that inhabits much of North and Central America, as well as parts of South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands.
It belongs to the heron family Ardeidae, and can often be seen in and around bodies of open water and wetlands. This large bird stands about four feet tall, with a wingspan of up to six feet, making it one of the largest wading birds in the world.
Its long neck and long legs enable it to wade through shallow waters in search of fish, frogs, and other aquatic creatures. Its feathers are a distinctive blue-gray color, but can also appear gray or white in certain lighting.
The great blue heron is an important species of wildlife and is often admired for its graceful beauty.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
16. Brown-Headed Cowbird
The Brown-headed Cowbird is a small bird species belonging to the icterid family, which is native to temperate and subtropical regions of North America. This species is an obligate brood parasite, meaning that it is dependent on other birds to raise its young.
The Brown-headed Cowbird is a permanent resident in the southern parts of its range, while northern birds migrate to the southern United States and Mexico for the winter months. These northern birds will then return to their summer habitat around March or April.
This species has a unique adaptation for migrating, as they are able to fly long distances quickly, making it easy for them to reach their winter and summer habitats.
The Brown-headed Cowbird can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas.
This species is an important part of the North American ecosystem, as it helps to disperse the seeds of many plants, which helps to maintain the health of the local environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. ater |
17. Double-Crested Cormorant
Source: twitter.com
The double-crested cormorant is a species of water bird that belongs to the cormorant family. It is widely distributed across North America, from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska all the way down to Florida and Mexico.
The bird is usually found near rivers, lakes, and other coastal areas. It is often seen perched atop rocks, diving for fish, or in large groups gathered around fishing docks. The double-crested cormorant is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 40 inches.
It has glossy black feathers, a large hooked bill, and bright yellow eyes. Its most distinctive feature is its two long, pointed crests, which are more prominent in males than in females.
As a water bird, the double-crested cormorant feeds mainly on fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic life. It often dives deep into the water to catch its prey, using its powerful wings to propel itself underwater.
The double-crested cormorant is an important part of the North American ecosystem, helping to keep fish populations in check and providing an important source of food for other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Nannopterum |
| Species | N. auritum |
18. Snowy Egret
Source: ebirds.org
The snowy egret is a small, white heron belonging to the genus Aigrette. The name of the genus is derived from Provençal French and means ‘little egret’. The species name, thula, is actually an error due to Chilean naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina.
He mistook the snowy egret for the black-necked swan, which is known as ‘thula’ in the Araucano language. This mistake has been retained as the scientific name for the species.
In the wild, snowy egrets can be found in coastal wetlands and other wetland habitats, where they feed on fish, insects, and other small aquatic creatures. They are a protected species in the United States and other countries.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. thula |
Conclusion
Bluebirds are a beautiful and important species in Rhode Island. They play an important role in our environment, helping to keep insect populations in check and providing a source of food for other birds and animals.
While their numbers may be declining due to habitat loss and other factors, there is still hope that their populations can be stabilized and even increased in the future.
Conservation efforts such as habitat protection, nest box installation, and other measures can help ensure the continued presence of bluebirds in Rhode Island for generations to come.