Welcome to Concord, home to some of the most beautiful and unique bird species in the world. With over 200 species of birds found in and around Concord, there is sure to be a bird for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you are looking to spot a rare species or just appreciate the everyday birds, Concord has something for everyone. From the iconic American robin to the majestic bald eagle, there is an abundance of birds in Concord to explore and observe.
With its rich environment, Concord is a great place to bird-watch and appreciate the wonders of nature.
1. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove is a species of bird belonging to the Columbidae family, also known as the dove family. It is native to the Americas and is commonly referred to as the American mourning dove, rain dove, or turtle dove.
This bird was once known as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove. The mourning dove has a brownish-gray body with a distinctive black and white spotted pattern on its wings.
Its tail is long and pointed with white edges and black spots that create a pattern of parallel lines. It has a long, slender neck and a small head with a small, pointed bill.
Its song is a low, soft, cooing sound that can be heard in the early morning or late evening. The mourning dove is a ground-feeding bird, and its diet consists mainly of seeds and grains. It is also attracted to bird feeders. It typically nests in trees, shrubs, or on the ground.
It is a migratory species, traveling south in the winter and returning north in the spring. The mourning dove is a common sight in North America and is often seen flying in small groups or alone.
It is a symbol of peace and hope, and it has been featured in many works of art and literature. Its beauty and graceful flight have made it an iconic species for many people.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
2. Northern Flicker
The northern flicker, also known as the common flicker, is a member of the woodpecker family and is of medium size. It is native to a large part of North America, as well as parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.
This species is unique in that it is one of the few woodpecker species that migrate. The northern flicker is easily distinguishable by its striking plumage. Both male and female flickers have a white rump, a reddish-brown back, and a black bib.
The male has a black forehead and crown, while the female has a tan forehead and crown.
The northern flicker is also known for its loud, ringing call which is often heard during the spring and summer months. The northern flicker prefers open woodlands, wood edges, and open areas with plenty of trees. They eat a variety of food, including insects, seeds, and fruits.
They are also known to feed on sap from trees, using their long barbed tongues to access the sugary liquid. The northern flicker is an important species for its role in the ecosystem. It helps to maintain the balance between insects and the vegetation they feed on.
Additionally, the northern flicker is an important food source for other animals, such as hawks, owls, and foxes. Overall, the northern flicker is a fascinating species that plays an important role in the environment.
Its striking plumage and loud call make it a beloved bird in many parts of North America. Its migratory habits also make it a unique species among woodpecker species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
3. Downy Woodpecker
Source: ebird.org
The Downy Woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that is the smallest in North America, measuring between 14 and 18 cm in length.
These birds are found primarily in forested areas throughout the United States and Canada, with the exception of deserts in the southwestern states and the northern tundra.
Downy Woodpeckers are known for their strong, chisel-like bills which they use to peck at tree bark and other surfaces in search of food. They primarily eat ants, beetles, and other insects, but also will eat fruits, nuts, and sap.
Downy Woodpeckers live in a variety of habitats, including deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as wooded areas in urban and suburban areas, parks, and orchards.
They can often be seen clinging to tree trunks with their sharp claws and long, stiff tails, and will sometimes hop along branches. The Downy Woodpecker is a beautiful species of bird and a delight to watch.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. pubescens |
4. Woodpeckers
The Picidae family includes some of the most recognizable and unique birds in the world – woodpeckers, piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers.
These birds are found all over the world, except for Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, and the extreme polar regions. Woodpeckers, for example, are known for their distinct hammering on trees in search of food.
They have a special tongue-like muscle that helps them grip onto tree bark, and a hard beak to help them drill into bark and wood. Piculets are smaller than woodpeckers and have a more fine-tuned ability to search for food, such as insects, in narrow crevices.
Wrynecks are often found near woodpeckers, but they feed more on the ground, searching for ants and termites.
Lastly, sapsuckers are characterized by their unique ability to drill shallow wells in tree bark and then sip the sap that oozes out. Regardless of what species of Picidae it is, these birds are an important part of the world’s biodiversity.
They are found in a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts, and many provide an important ecological service to the environment by eating insects that can damage crops and other vegetation. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss, many species of Picidae are now endangered.
Fortunately, conservation efforts are underway to ensure the safety of these birds and their habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
5. Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal is a vibrant, beautiful bird that is popular among bird-watchers and backyard birders alike. It is a member of the genus Cardinalis and is commonly known as the redbird, common cardinal, red cardinal, or simply cardinal.
The northern cardinal is famous for its bright red plumage, black face, and crest. It is easily identified by its loud, high-pitched chirp, which is unique to the species.
The northern cardinal is a popular backyard bird that can be found in many parts of the United States and Canada. It has a varied diet of seeds, fruits, and insects, making it a valuable member of the natural ecosystem.
The northern cardinal is a beautiful bird that adds color and life to any backyard or garden.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Cardinalis |
| Species | C. cardinalis |
6. Acorn Woodpecker
The acorn woodpecker is a bird that is easily identifiable due to its size and its striking black and white plumage. This species measures an average of 21 cm in length and weighs around 85 g, placing it in the mid-size range of woodpeckers.
Its unique coloring and characteristic head pattern, which consists of a black cap, white forehead, and black stripes on the face, make it stand out from other species.
The acorn woodpecker also has a large, pointed bill and is known for its loud, raspy call. The acorn woodpecker is native to the western and southwestern regions of the United States, and parts of Mexico.
It can be found in oak woodlands, open pine forests, and other wooded habitats. This species feeds mainly on insects, but also consumes acorns, nuts, and other fruits.
It is known for its habit of drilling small holes into trees, which it then fills with acorns to store for later consumption. In addition to its diet, the acorn woodpecker is also known for its social behavior.
This species is highly social, often forming large colonies with multiple birds.
They are also known to engage in communal roosting, which involves sleeping in a group of multiple individuals. The acorn woodpecker is an interesting bird that stands out due to its size, striking plumage, and unique behaviors.
It is an important part of the ecology of its native region and is a species worth watching and learning about.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. formicivorus |
7. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic and beautiful bird. It belongs to the heron family Ardeidae and is found in many diverse places throughout North and Central America, as well as far northwestern South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands.
These birds are large, standing at around 4 feet tall, and are easily identifiable by their long legs and necks. They spend their time wading near the shores of open water and in wetlands, using their long beaks to hunt for fish and other aquatic creatures.
The great blue heron is an incredible sight to behold, with its long, slender body and wingspan of up to 6 feet. It is a majestic symbol of the beauty of nature and its importance to our environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
8. Red-tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is an impressive bird of prey that can be found throughout much of North America.
Its range spans from the interior of Alaska and northern Canada all the way to as far south as Panama and the West Indies, making it one of the most widely distributed birds in the genus Buteo.
The red-tailed hawk is a common sight in its range, as it is the most common member of the Buteo genus in North America and even worldwide. Red-tailed hawks are large birds of prey with wingspans of up to four feet and a body length of up to 24 inches.
These birds have sharp talons, powerful beaks, and keen eyesight that allows them to spot prey from far away. Their feathers are usually a mix of brown and white, with a distinct red tail that gives them their name.
Red-tailed hawks primarily feed on small mammals such as mice, voles, and squirrels, but they will also eat birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and carrion. These birds live in a variety of habitats, from open fields and grasslands to wooded areas, but they prefer to nest in tall trees where they can easily spot potential prey.
Red-tailed hawks are monogamous birds, meaning they mate for life and often return to the same nesting area year after year.
They perform amazing aerial displays during mating season, including steep dives and soaring circles. The red-tailed hawk is a beautiful and majestic bird that can be found in many parts of North America.
It is one of the most common and widespread species in its genus, which is a testament to its adaptability and resilience in the face of environmental changes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. jamaicensis |
9. Red-breasted Sapsucker
The red-breasted sapsucker is a woodpecker native to the forests of the west coast of North America. It is a medium-sized bird, typically between seven and nine inches in length.
Its distinguishing feature is its bright red chest and throat, which contrast nicely with its black and white back and wings. The red-breasted sapsucker feeds primarily on sap from trees, hence its name. It is often seen drilling small holes in trees in order to extract the sap.
It will also eat insects, berries, and other fruits. The red-breasted sapsucker is an important bird in the forest ecosystem, as its presence helps to spread tree seeds and control insect populations.
It is also an important indicator species, as its presence reflects the health of its environment. The red-breasted sapsucker is a unique and important part of the forests of the west coast of North America and is an important species to protect and conserve.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Sphyrapicus |
| Species | S. ruber |
10. Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is a type of thrush that can be found in North America. It is a migratory bird, preferring open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards as its habitat.
Male Eastern Bluebirds have bright blue plumage, which makes them stand out and easily recognizable when perched on a wire or other open perch. This makes them a popular bird to observe amongst birders.
The bright blue plumage of the male Eastern Bluebird is a stunning sight, making it a favorite of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The Eastern Bluebird is also a beneficial species, as it helps to control insect populations.
They mainly feed on insects, which they catch while in flight with their short, rounded wings. In addition to insects, Eastern Bluebirds will also eat berries and other fruits.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. sialis |
11. Rock Pigeon
The rock dove, also known as the rock pigeon or common pigeon, is a species of bird from the Columbidae family. It is the ancestor of the domestic pigeon, which is commonly referred to as simply a “pigeon”.
The domestic pigeon has been kept as a pet or used for food and messaging since ancient times. Over time, some of these domestic pigeons have escaped and established feral populations in cities and towns all over the world.
Feral pigeons can be found in many places, and they are descendants of the original rock dove.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
12. Belted Kingfisher
The belted kingfisher is a large and easily recognizable species of water kingfisher native to North America. It belongs to the family Alcedinidae, which includes all species of kingfishers.
However, recent research has indicated that this family should be divided into three subfamilies. These are the Halcyoninae, the Cerylinae, and the Megaceryle.
Each of these subfamilies contains different species of kingfishers, which have varying physical characteristics and behaviors.
The belted kingfisher, for example, is a member of the Cerylinae subfamily, which includes species such as the belted kingfisher, the ringed kingfisher, and the green kingfisher.
Members of this subfamily tend to have large, colorful bills and are known for their loud, rattling calls.
By dividing the kingfisher family into three distinct subfamilies, researchers have been able to gain a better understanding of the evolutionary relationships between different species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. alcyon |
13. Pileated Woodpecker
The pileated woodpecker is a large, mostly black bird that is native to North America. It can be found inhabiting deciduous forests located in the eastern part of the continent, as well as in the Great Lakes, the boreal forests of Canada, and parts of the Pacific Coast.
It is an insectivore, meaning that it feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. The pileated woodpecker is the largest woodpecker species in North America, with an average length of 15-19 inches and a wingspan of up to 26 inches.
It is mostly black, with a red crest on its head, and white stripes on its face. Its long bill is adapted for drilling into wood in order to find food. The pileated woodpecker is a strong flier and is often seen foraging in the canopy of deciduous forests.
It mainly feeds on wood-boring insects, such as carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles, as well as fruits and nuts. It is also known to visit bird feeders in the winter months.
The pileated woodpecker is an important species in many forests, as it helps to control insect populations and plays a key role in the maintenance of healthy woodlands.
It also serves as an important indicator species, helping scientists to monitor the health of a forest ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryocopus |
| Species | D. pileatus |
14. Red Crossbill
The red crossbill is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. This species of bird is known for its distinctive mandibles, which are crossed at the tips. This physical feature allows the red crossbill to extract seeds from conifer cones and other fruits.
This adaptation makes the red crossbill well-suited for its diet, which mainly consists of these seeds. The bird is also known for its unique behavior, as it uses its mandibles to hold onto branches while it forages.
This species has an extensive range, being found in Europe, Asia, and North America. The red crossbill can also be found in a variety of habitats, including coniferous forests, deciduous forests, and alpine meadows.
This species is an important part of the ecosystem, as it helps disperse the seeds of coniferous trees, allowing for the growth of new trees. The red crossbill is an interesting and important species of bird, and its unique features make it a fascinating species to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Loxia |
| Species | L. curvirostra |
15. Wild Turkey
The wild turkey is an upland game bird native to North America and is one of two species of turkey still in existence. It is the heaviest member of the order Galliformes, which is a group of heavy, ground-dwelling birds that includes grouse, pheasants, and partridges.
The wild turkey is the ancestor of the domestic turkey, which was bred from a southern Mexican subspecies of the wild turkey. Domestic turkeys are now raised all around the world for their meat, feathers, and eggs.
Wild turkeys are hunted for sport in many parts of North America and are also an important part of the culture and cuisine of Thanksgiving celebrations. Wild turkeys can be found in many different habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
They feed on a variety of plant and animal materials, including seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, and small animals. The male wild turkey is known for its impressive plumage and its iconic call.
Wild turkeys are incredibly adaptable and are capable of thriving in a variety of environments.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Meleagris |
| Species | M. gallopavo |
16. Great Horned Owl
The great horned owl is a species of owl native to the Americas and is the most widely distributed true owl in the region. It is also known as the tiger owl or hoot owl and is an impressive bird with a wingspan that can reach up to five feet.
The great horned owl is highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from the dense forests of Canada to the deserts of Arizona and even in the Arctic tundra.
Its diet is also varied, consisting of small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and even other birds. The great horned owl is an efficient hunter thanks to its sharp eyesight and hearing, which it uses to locate its prey even in the dark.
It is also a powerful flier and can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour when in pursuit.
It is also capable of gliding silently on its broad wings, allowing it to sneak up on its prey without detection. The great horned owl is one of the most iconic birds of prey and is a symbol of wisdom and power.
Its loud, distinctive call has long been used in folklore and literature, often as a portent of doom or bad luck.
The great horned owl is also an important part of the food chain, as it helps to keep populations of small mammals in check. Overall, the great horned owl is an impressive bird with a wide range and impressive hunting prowess.
Its adaptability and wide range make it one of the most widely distributed true owls in the Americas, and its importance in the food chain makes it a valuable asset to the ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Bubo |
| Species | B. virginianus |
17. Lewis’s Woodpecker
The Lewis’s woodpecker is a species of bird found in North America. It is known for its large size and unique coloring which makes it stand out from other species in the area.
The species was named after Meriwether Lewis, one of the explorers of the Louisiana Purchase, by Alexander Wilson, an ornithologist. Wilson was the first to describe this species of woodpecker in detail.
The Louisiana Purchase was a land deal made by the United States of America in 1803, in which they bought a large area of land from France.
Meriwether Lewis was part of the survey team that investigated the newly bought lands, so he was able to observe and document the species of bird in detail. The Lewis’s woodpecker can be found in open woodlands, from the interior of Mexico to the western United States.
It is an important species in the area, as it helps to keep the insect population in check, and plays an important role in the ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. lewis |
Conclusion
Birds have been an important part of Concord’s environment for centuries. They are a reminder of the beauty and diversity of nature, and they play a vital role in the local ecosystem.
As Concord continues to develop, it is important to protect and preserve bird habitats to ensure that birds remain a part of Concord’s future.