Vermont is a popular destination for bluebirds due to its variety of habitats and diverse landscapes. Bluebirds are a beloved species in the state, as they are one of the few species of birds that are able to survive the cold winter months.
The bright blue wings and cheerful songs of bluebirds bring a sense of joy to the people of Vermont, and they are a welcome sight during the spring and summer months.
The Vermont Bluebird Society works tirelessly to protect and promote bluebird populations in the state, and they have done a great job in preserving bluebird habitats.
With their efforts, the bluebird population of Vermont is thriving, and the species can be seen in many areas of the state.
1. Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is a small migratory bird that is native to North America. It is a member of the thrush family and can be easily identified by its bright blue feathers.
The Eastern Bluebird can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards. During the breeding season, the males of the species can often be seen perched atop wires or other open perches, making them a favorite of birdwatchers.
The males of the species have bright blue plumage which is a stark contrast to the duller blue of the females. The Eastern Bluebird is an omnivorous species and feeds on a variety of insects and fruits.
They often hunt for insects in the air, making them beneficial species for controlling insect infestations. This species is also known for its beautiful song, which is often heard in the springtime.
The Eastern Bluebird is an important species to the environment, as it is an important part of the food chain. These birds have been declining in numbers due to habitat destruction and competition from other species, making them a species of concern in some areas.
Conservation efforts have been put in place to help ensure the survival of this species, including the protection of its habitat and the control of predators.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. sialis |
2. American Robin
The American robin is a species of migratory bird that belongs to the true thrush genus and the wider thrush family, Turdidae.
Despite its name, the American robin is not related to the European robin, which is part of the Old World flycatcher family.
The two species are named similarly because of the striking similarity of their reddish-orange breast. The American robin is a medium-sized bird that is commonly found in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada.
It has a gray-brown back, black head, and red-orange breast, as well as dark brown eyes and a black beak.
Its diet consists mainly of worms, insects, fruits, and berries, which it forages for on the ground. The American robin is a migratory species, meaning that it travels to different parts of its range in different seasons.
During the summer, the American robin may be found in the northern parts of the United States and Canada, while in the winter it may be found in the southern parts of the United States and Mexico.
Aside from migrating, the American robin also engages in some courtship and mating behaviors, such as singing and aerial displays. The American robin is a species of migratory bird belonging to the true thrush genus and thrush family, Turdidae.
It is named after the European robin due to their similar reddish-orange breast, despite the two species not being closely related.
The American robin is commonly found throughout North America, where it forages for food and engages in migratory and courtship behaviors
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
3. Blue Jay
The blue jay is a type of bird in the Corvidae family that is native to eastern North America. It is found in the majority of the eastern and central United States, but some populations migrate seasonally.
There are permanent populations of blue jays in Newfoundland, Canada, and there are also breeding populations across southern Canada.
The blue jay has a wide range of habitats, but it can mostly be found in woodlands, agricultural areas, and residential areas.
It is a very vocal bird that communicates by making a variety of sounds, including chattering, screeching, and whistling. The blue jay is known for its beautiful colors, which can range from light blue to dark blue, with white and black accents.
It is an omnivorous bird, which means it eats both plant and animal matter.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. cristata |
4. White-breasted Nuthatch
The white-breasted nuthatch is a small bird native to North America. It belongs to the nuthatch family Sittidae, which is composed of small birds that feed mainly on insects and seeds. This particular species is medium-sized, measuring about 15.5 cm in length.
It has a white chest, a blue-gray head, and a black bill. Its wings are also black with white patches, and its tail is black with white edges. It is an agile climber, and can often be seen clinging to the sides of trees in search of food.
It is also known for its loud, ringing “yank-yank” call. The white-breasted nuthatch can be found in deciduous and coniferous forests, woodlands, and parks. It typically feeds on insects, larvae, and spiders that are found in crevices and cracks in the bark.
It also eats nuts, berries, and seeds. It is known to store food in crevices and cracks, and can often be seen carrying a nut in its bill. During the winter months, it will also form flocks and join other species of birds in search of food.
The white-breasted nuthatch is an important species of bird, as it helps to keep insect populations in check. It is also an important seed disperser, which helps to encourage the growth of new trees.
It is a common sight in North America and can be seen year-round in many areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. carolinensis |
5. Red-breasted Nuthatch
The red-breasted nuthatch is an attractive small songbird that can be easily identified by its plumage. Its upperparts are a distinctive blue-grey, while its underparts are a warm cinnamon color.
Its throat and face are white, and it has a black stripe extending from its bill to just past its eyes. Its bill is straight and grey.
The top of its head is black, giving the bird a striking appearance. The red-breasted nuthatch is also known for its unique call, which has been likened to the sound of a tin trumpet. The call is high-pitched and nasal in tone.
It is a distinctive call that can easily be heard in a variety of habitats, allowing birders to easily identify the species. The red-breasted nuthatch is a common species found throughout North America.
They can be found in a variety of habitats, from mature coniferous and deciduous forests to suburban yards and parks. They feed mainly on insects, spiders, nuts, and seeds.
They are most often seen in pairs, and in the winter they may join mixed-species flocks with other species of nuthatches and chickadees.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. canadensis |
6. Common Grackle
The common grackle is a species of large icterid bird found in large numbers throughout much of North America. It was first described in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus, one of the most renowned scientists of all time.
The common grackle has three subspecies, which are distinguished by their physical features. Adult common grackles have a long, black bill, pale yellow eyes, and a long, pointed tail.
The plumage of the common grackle is usually glossy black but can vary from dark green to deep purple. Common grackles are omnivorous and can be found near open fields, marshes, and wooded areas.
They feed on both plants and animals, including insects, berries, grains, and small invertebrates. Common grackles are known for their distinctive, loud calls, which are used to communicate with other members of their species.
They also have a unique mating ritual, in which the males perform a courtship display to attract a female. Overall, the common grackle is a fascinating species, and its presence is a reminder of the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. quiscula |
7. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
The blue-gray gnatcatcher is a beautiful, delicate songbird native to North America. It has a distinctive blue-gray plumage which is quite striking and makes it easy to identify. This small songbird is usually found in open woodlands, as well as scrub and brush.
It is a migratory bird, traveling between its breeding grounds in the southern United States and its wintering grounds in Central and South America. The blue-gray gnatcatcher is an insectivore and feeds primarily on flying insects, which it catches with its long, slender bill.
It is a social bird, often found in small flocks, and is known for its distinct chirping call. The blue-gray gnatcatcher is a vital part of the North American ecosystem, playing an important role in controlling insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Polioptilidae |
| Genus | Polioptila |
| Species | P. caerulea |
8. Black-throated Blue Warbler
The black-throated blue warbler is a small passerine bird that belongs to the New World warbler family. It is native to eastern North America and is found in deciduous and mixed coniferous forests.
During the cooler months, the warbler migrates to islands in the Caribbean and Central America. Its migration routes are likely determined by the availability of food, shelter, and suitable breeding grounds.
The warbler has adapted to life in these different ecosystems and can survive in a variety of habitats.
The black-throated blue warbler is an important part of the ecosystem it inhabits, providing food for other species and helping to maintain a healthy balance of plants and animals. The warbler is also a popular bird for birdwatchers because of its bright colors and unique call.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. caerulescens |
9. Purple Martin
The purple martin is a type of bird belonging to the Hirundinidae family, commonly referred to as the swallow. It is the largest swallow species in North America and is easily recognizable due to its large size.
Despite its name, however, the purple martin is not purple. Rather, its plumage is a combination of glossy black and purplish blue, with lighter tones of blue, white, and gray. Its wings are black, while its tail is a combination of purplish blue and black.
The purple martin’s bill is black and its legs are dark brown. It is also known to have a distinct chirp, which can be heard from long distances.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Progne |
| Species | P. subis |
10. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a small bird belonging to the finch family. It is native to North America and can be found in the mid-Alberta region to North Carolina during the breeding season.
During the winter, it migrates south to just south of the Canada–United States border, to as far as Mexico. This species of bird is highly migratory, as it needs to move to warmer climates to survive the cold winter months.
It is an important species of bird in North America since it helps to regulate insect populations and aids in the pollination of plants.
The American goldfinch is also popular among birdwatchers, as it is relatively easy to identify due to its yellow-brown coloration and distinctive flight pattern.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
11. Northern Parula
The northern parula is a species of small migratory bird belonging to the New World Warbler family. It is found in a wide range of habitats but is primarily found breeding in the eastern part of North America, ranging from southern Canada to Florida.
The parula migrates south to Mexico and Central America during the winter months. It can be identified by its bright blue and yellow plumage and white wing bars. The male has a distinctive chestnut-colored throat and the female has an olive-colored throat.
The parula also has a distinct song, which is a series of whistles. The bird feeds on small insects and spiders, which it catches by gleaning from leaves and branches. It also eats fruits, seeds, and nectar.
The northern parula is a common sight in wooded backyards and parks throughout its range. It is an important part of the local ecosystem, as it helps to control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. americana |
12. Cerulean Warbler
The cerulean warbler is a species of songbird that is part of the Parulidae family. This small bird is a long-distance migrant, meaning that it does not stay in one place all year.
During the breeding season, which is during the spring and summer months, it can be found in hardwood forests located on the east side of North America. During the winter months, it migrates to South America, specifically to the eastern slope of the Andes.
It prefers subtropical forests there for its winter home. This species of bird is an important part of the balance of nature as it helps to spread seeds and insects, and can help keep populations of both in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. cerulea |
13. House Finch
The house finch is a species of bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae. It is native to western North America but has since been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii.
This species is part of the genus Haemorhous, which also includes two other American rosefinches. The house finch can be identified by its bright red face and chest, grey-brown back and wings, and black tail. It is a small bird, measuring between 12 and 16 centimeters in length.
The house finch is an opportunistic feeder, meaning it will take advantage of a wide variety of food sources, including seed, fruit, nectar, and insects. This species is also known to visit backyard bird feeders, making it a popular sight in many areas.
House finches are social birds and will often be seen in flocks of up to 15 individuals. They are also monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds with a single mate.
The house finch is an important seed disperser, helping to spread native plants and trees across the landscape.
As a result, this species plays an important role in the ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
14. Tufted Titmouse
The Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is a small songbird native to North America, in the tit and chickadee family. The Tufted Titmouse is found in the eastern and central United States and is a common backyard bird. It is greyish-brown with a white belly and a black cap.
The black-crested Titmouse (Baeolophus atricristatus) is a close relative of the Tufted Titmouse and is found in central and southern Texas. It is similar in appearance to the Tufted Titmouse but with a black crest and a more pronounced white belly.
Previously, the black-crested Titmouse was considered a subspecies of the Tufted Titmouse but is now recognized as a separate species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. bicolor |
15. Gray Catbird
The Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) is a species of perching bird found across North America and Central America. It belongs to the mimid family and is the only bird in the genus Dumetella.
The Gray Catbird is a medium-sized bird that is approximately 7.5 inches in length, with a wingspan of 10 to 12 inches. Its plumage is predominately gray, with a black cap and tail, and white underparts with dark barring.
It is also known for its distinctive cat-like call, hence its name. The Gray Catbird is usually found in open woodlands, thickets, and hedgerows, and it is a common sight in suburban neighborhoods. It feeds mainly on insects, but also eats fruits and berries.
During the breeding season, the male establishes a territory and performs a courtship display to attract a mate. Both parents help to incubate and raise the young. The Gray Catbird is a popular species among bird watchers, and its numbers are considered stable.
It is classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Dumetella |
| Species | D. carolinensis |
16. Common Starling
The common starling is a passerine bird belonging to the Sturnidae family. It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and South Africa.
It is also found in North America, where it is known as the European starling, and in Great Britain and Ireland, where it is simply referred to as the starling. It is a medium-sized bird, usually measuring between 7 and 8 inches in length, and has a wingspan of up to 15 inches.
Its coloration is mostly black, with white speckles on its wings and head. It is a highly adaptable species and can be found in both urban and rural areas. It is an omnivore, feeding on insects, fruit, and grains. Its diet also includes nectar, carrion, and even human foods.
The common starling is highly gregarious, forming large flocks and gathering in communal roosts at night. Its song is a loud, varied mixture of trills, whistles, and squeaks.
It is often seen performing aerial displays, such as swooping and gliding, as part of its courtship ritual. It is an important species in the ecosystem, serving as a pollinator and a predator of insect pests.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
17. Red-winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a species of passerine bird belonging to the family Icteridae. These birds are native to most of North America and much of Central America.
The red-winged blackbird has a distinctive black body with a triangular red patch on each wing, which is visible in flight. They have a long, pointed bill, yellow eyes, and gray legs.
The female has a duller plumage than the male, with a brown body and a light yellow to white wing patch. Red-winged blackbirds inhabit a variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural fields. They feed on insects, seeds, grains, and fruits.
During the breeding season, these birds form large colonies, often with other species of blackbirds. They are also known to be highly aggressive birds, defending their nests and territories from other birds or animals.
Red-winged blackbirds are an important part of the food web, providing food to predators such as hawks, owls, and foxes. They are also key species in the ecosystem, playing a role in seed dispersal, insect control, and nutrient cycling.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
18. Tree Swallow
The tree swallow is a migratory bird belonging to the family Hirundinidae. It is found in the Americas and was first described by French ornithologist Louis Vieillot in 1807.
This species has since been assigned to the genus Tachycineta, though its precise evolutionary placement within this genus is a matter of debate. The tree swallow has a distinctive appearance, with its bright, metallic blue-green back and white underbelly.
Its wings and tail are black, and it has a wide, dark eye stripe. Tree swallows live in open woodlands and farmlands, typically nesting in cavities or on horizontal branches.
They feed mainly on flying insects, which they catch in mid-air. Tree swallows are highly migratory birds that typically fly south in the winter and return in the spring.
Some populations migrate as far south as Mexico and the Caribbean, while others may only travel short distances.
During migration, tree swallows form large flocks that can number in the thousands. Though the tree swallow is not considered threatened or endangered, its population has declined in recent decades due to habitat loss, climate change, and increased predation.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect these birds and their habitats. These efforts include habitat restoration, research on migration patterns, and monitoring of breeding populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. bicolor |
19. Brown-headed Cowbird
The brown-headed cowbird is an icterid, a type of bird native to North America. It is a small bird, measuring about 7.5 inches in length and weighing just over an ounce.
This species is an obligate brood parasite, meaning it lays its eggs in the nests of other species to be raised by their parents.
The brown-headed cowbird is found in temperate and subtropical areas of North America and is a permanent resident in the southern parts of its range.
Those in the northern parts of its range migrate to the southern United States and Mexico in the winter, typically returning to their summer habitats between March and April.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. ater |
20. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic bird species that belongs to the heron family Ardeidae.
It is a large wading bird that is commonly found near the shores of open water, such as lakes, rivers, and seas, as well as in wetlands over most parts of North and Central America, including far northwestern South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands.
This species usually stands at a height of around 3.2 feet and has a wingspan of between 4.6 and 6.6 feet. Its plumage is a distinct shade of blue-gray, and it often has a white head with a long, sharp beak.
Great blue herons feed primarily on small fish, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and crustaceans. They wade in shallow water and use their long beaks to spear their prey.
This species is an important part of the ecosystem, playing an essential role in controlling the populations of their prey species. They are also an important food source for other species such as eagles, hawks, and owls.
Although they are numerous in many parts of the world, great blue herons are threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, and human disturbance.
To ensure their continued survival, conservation efforts such as protecting their habitats and nesting sites are essential.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
21. Snowy Egret
The snowy egret is a small white heron with a unique name. Its genus name, aigrette, is derived from the Provençal French word for the little egret, Saigon.
It was mistakenly given the species name Thula by Chilean naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina in 1782, which is the Araucano term for the black-necked swan. This misnomer has stuck, however, and is now an accepted name for this species of heron.
The snowy egret has white plumage and a long, slender yellow bill. Its legs are black and its feet are a bright yellow. When the egret is in flight, its wings span roughly 2.5 feet.
It is found mostly in North and Central America, although some populations can be found in northern South America as well. The snowy egret is often seen wading in shallow waters, where it feeds on fish, crustaceans, and insects.
The snowy egret is a protected species in many parts of the world. Its population has seen a steady decline due to hunting and habitat loss, making conservation efforts all the more important.
To protect these birds, many countries have implemented hunting restrictions and protected areas for the snowy egret. Many programs focus on educating the public about the importance of these birds and their habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. thula |
22. Blue-headed Vireo
The blue-headed vireo is a species of songbird that is native to North and Central America. This species of bird is a Neotropical migrant, meaning that it migrates from the tropical regions of Central and South America to the temperate regions of North America.
There are currently two recognized subspecies of the blue-headed vireo, and both are found across a wide range of regions. The vireo can be found in Canada, along the eastern coast of the United States, in Mexico, and in some portions of Central America.
The blue-headed vireo is an important species to the ecosystem, as it is a keystone predator that helps control insect populations. Additionally, they are an important food source for other animals, such as hawks and owls.
The blue-headed vireo is a gorgeous bird that is easily identified by its bright blue head and white and gray body. The species is very vocal and is known for its melodious songs that can be heard throughout the summer months.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. solitarius |
23. Double-crested Cormorant
The double-crested cormorant is a member of the cormorant family of water birds, which can be found in a variety of habitats. They are commonly seen near rivers and lakes, as well as coastal areas.
This species is one of the most widely distributed birds in North America, ranging from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to Florida and Mexico. They prefer to stay close to bodies of water and are often seen perched on rocks or piers near shorelines.
They are also known to dive for food, spending long periods underwater searching for fish. They can hold their breath for up to five minutes and can dive up to 30 feet deep in search of food.
These birds are easily recognizable due to their dark feathers and distinctive yellowish facial skin. They are also known for their loud vocalizations, which they use to communicate with other members of their flock.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Nannopterum |
| Species | N. auritum |
Conclusion
Bluebirds in Vermont are an important part of the natural landscape and a beloved species of bird in the state.
They provide a unique and beautiful sight for birdwatchers, and their presence is a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting the environment in Vermont.
Bluebirds are a symbol of hope and renewal, and their presence in Vermont is a reminder of the beauty of nature and the importance of conservation..