Green birds are some of the Arizona landscape’s most beautiful and vibrant birds. These birds are a sight to behold, from the vibrant Green-tailed Towhee to the unique Verdin.
They provide a splash of color in the desert and are a vital part of the Arizona ecosystem, providing food for other wildlife and pollinating plants.
In this article, we will explore the different types of green birds in Arizona and their habitats, diets, and conservation status.
13 Green Birds in Arizona
Are you looking for some interesting facts about green birds in Arizona? If so, you are in luck! Arizona has many beautiful and diverse birds, some with green feathers or iridescence.
Here are 13 green birds that you can find in Arizona.
1. Rosy-Faced Lovebird
The rosy-faced lovebird is a charming species of lovebird native to the arid regions in southwestern Africa, such as the Namib Desert. These birds are known for their vibrant plumage and loud chirps, which can be heard from some distance.
They are highly social animals, often gathering in small groups in the wild. They can be found in scrublands, savannas, and woodland areas and are known to form strong bonds with their partners. The rosy-faced lovebird is also known as the rosy-collared or peach-faced lovebird.
They are small, measuring only about six inches in length. They have a bright pinkish-red face and sparkling yellow and green feathers. They also have a prominent black stripe that runs down their back. These birds are pretty energetic and are known to be very playful.
They are also quite curious and enjoy exploring new areas. They are known to be quite agile, and their acrobatic skills make them quite the spectacle to watch. They are herbivores whose diet consists mainly of fruits, nuts, and seeds.
They are also known to eat insects and small invertebrates. In captivity, the rosy-faced lovebird is relatively easy to care for. They require a spacious cage, as they often like to move around. They also need plenty of toys to entertain them, as they are pretty active.
They need a balanced diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and pellets. Overall, the rosy-faced lovebird is a beautiful and entertaining species of lovebird. They are pretty social and need plenty of interaction and stimulation to thrive.
With proper care and attention, they can make excellent pets.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Agapornis |
| Species | A. roseicollis |
2. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a species of hummingbird found in North America. It was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, a 19th-century French noblewoman.
This hummingbird species is native to the western coast of North America, mainly in northern Baja California and Southern California. In the early 20th century, Anna’s hummingbirds were primarily found in those two regions, although they have since expanded their range.
Anna’s hummingbirds are tiny, typically measuring 3 and 5 inches long. They have a metallic green back and a white chest, with a stripe of orange on their throats.
In addition to a distinctive coloration, they are also known for their fast and erratic flight patterns. As their name suggests, Anna’s hummingbirds are renowned for their loud and melodic song. Anna’s hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar and small insects.
They are also known to feed on the sap of trees and the juice of unripe fruits. They are also important pollinators of various plants, as they feed on the nectar and spread the pollen from flower to flower.
Anna’s hummingbirds are an essential species of North American bird and are valued for their beauty and song. They are also important pollinators in the regions where they are found, making them an essential part of the ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
3. Green Heron
The green heron is a small heron native to North and Central America. It is a member of the genus Butorides, derived from the Middle English butor “bittern” and Ancient Greek -rides, meaning “resembling.”
Its species name, virescens, is Latin for “greenish” and hints at its coloration. The green heron is a solitary bird, typically found in wetlands or near bodies of water. It is a shy and secretive bird and is rarely seen by humans.
This heron is primarily a fish-eater but will also eat insects, tadpoles, crustaceans, reptiles, amphibians, and even small mammals. Its diet is varied and can provide nutrition year-round.
The green heron is a unique bird species and an exciting member of the heron family.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Butorides |
| Species | B. virescens |
4. Violet-Green Swallow
The violet-green swallow is a small bird found in North America. It belongs to the swallow family, which comprises aerial insectivores.
This bird is found along the west coast of North America, from Alaska in the north to Mexico in the south, and extends to the east as far as Montana and Texas. It feeds on insects, which it catches in mid-air.
It is a migratory bird, usually flying south in the winter to warmer climates. The swallow is a beautiful bird with its distinctive violet-green plumage. Its wings are long and pointed, which helps it to maneuver quickly in flight.
It is an integral part of the local ecosystem since it helps to keep insect populations in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. thalassina |
5. Eurasian Teal
The Eurasian teal is a species of duck native to temperate Eurosiberia. It is a widespread species often referred to as the teal due to its prevalence in the area. During summer, the Eurasian teal remains in temperate Eurosiberia to breed.
However, it migrates south in the winter months in search of more temperate conditions. Its common name, Eurasian green-winged teal, derives from the distinctive green feathers on its wings.
The Eurasian teal is a small dabbling duck, meaning it feeds on the water’s surface rather than diving for food. This makes it easily distinguishable from other duck species in its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. crecca |
6. Mallard
The mallard or wild duck is a species of duck that is widely distributed across the globe. It is a dabbling duck, meaning it feeds by tipping its head underwater and upending its body to scoop up food.
The mallard is native to temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. This species has also been introduced to New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa.
Through human intervention, mallards have expanded their range beyond their natural boundaries. The mallard is a common sight in many countries and a familiar wetland icon.
It is a highly adaptable species that can thrive in various habitats, from freshwater marshes to urban parks. It is also a famous game bird, with its meat providing an essential food source for humans.
The mallard also plays a vital role in the local ecosystem, providing valuable resources for other species. The mallard is widespread with birdwatchers, hunters, and conservationists.
Its significant presence across the globe has allowed us to gain a better understanding of its ecology and behavior. As a result, we have developed effective conservation measures to ensure that the mallard can continue to thrive in various habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
7. Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s hummingbird (Selasphorus costae) is a hummingbird species from the Trochilidae family. It is native to arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
During the summer months, these birds can be seen nesting in the area, and during the winter, they migrate south to western Mexico. Costa’s hummingbirds are tiny and brightly colored, with a distinct orange-red throat patch.
They feed on nectar from the flowers of various plants and shrubs and small insects and spiders.
They also take advantage of hummingbird feeders, often found in gardens. The male Costa’s hummingbird is very territorial and will usually chase away other hummingbirds from its chosen feeding area.
On the other hand, the female is less aggressive and may even form relationships with other hummingbirds.
During the breeding season, the male can be seen performing spectacular aerial displays to impress potential mates. Costa’s hummingbirds are famous in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Their bright colors, energetic behavior, and friendly nature bring the region life and joy. They are a wonderful reminder of the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. costae |
8. Green-Winged Teal
The American teal, also known as the green-winged teal, is a widely distributed duck species in North America. Although it is absent from the Aleutian Islands, it can be found in most other northern regions of the continent.
The American teal was considered part of the Eurasian teal species, but further scientific research has identified it as a separate species. This duck species is quite common in many areas, making it a frequent sighting for birdwatchers and other nature enthusiasts.
It has a greenish-brown coloration on its back and wings, with a white underside and a black tail. The American teal is an essential species in the ecosystem, and its population is generally well-maintained across its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. carolinensis |
9. Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
The ruby-crowned kinglet is a tiny songbird found throughout North America. It is a member of the kinglet family, which also includes the gold-crowned kinglet. This bird has olive-green plumage, two white wing bars, and a prominent white eye ring.
The male ruby-crowned kinglet is easily identified by its bright red crown patch, which is usually concealed but can be seen when the bird is in flight or singing.
This kinglet’s diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates, which it forages for in low-growing vegetation and trees. The ruby-crowned kinglet is also known to feed on tree sap in winter.
They are often found in coniferous forests but can also be seen in deciduous woodlands, gardens, and other habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Regulidae |
| Genus | Corthylio |
| Species | C. calendula |
10. Green Kingfisher
The green kingfisher is a species of bird belonging to the water kingfisher subfamily, Cerylinae, which is part of the Alcedinidae family.
Its range stretches from the southern United States, specifically Texas, to Central America and all the mainland countries in South America, except Chile and Trinidad and Tobago.
This species has adapted to various habitats, from wetlands and lagoons to swamps and mangrove forests. The green kingfisher is known for its vibrant green and blue feathers, often iridescent in the sunlight.
It typically feeds on small fish, insects, and crustaceans, which it catches in mid-air dives. The green kingfisher is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, but its numbers may decrease due to habitat loss and pollution.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Chloroceryle |
| Species | C. americana |
11. Lesser Goldfinch
The lesser goldfinch is a tiny songbird that resides in the Americas. It belongs to a larger group known as the New World Goldfinch clade, including the American and Lawrence Goldfinch.
This clade is found within the genus Spinus. Male lesser goldfinches have a distinguishing feature, which is a black forehead. This feature is absent in female lesser goldfinches.
This is also the case for males from the other two species in the New World goldfinch clade – American goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. psaltria |
12. Thick-Billed Parrot
The Thick-billed Parrot is a parrot species native to Mexico and used to inhabit the southwestern United States. This parrot species is unique in its phylogeny, and its exact position within the parrot family is still being debated.
Due to its distinct characteristics, it is often referred to as the Thick-billed Macaw or the Thick-billed Conure. The Thick-billed Parrot is a medium-sized bird and is considered to be the largest of all the conures.
It has a large, thick bill, which is usually pale yellow. Its wings are short and rounded, and its tail is relatively long and pointed. The plumage on its body is primarily green, with a few patches of yellow and blue. The head and neck are usually blue.
The thick-billed parrot is a very social bird, usually found in groups of up to 12 individuals. They are generally quite friendly towards humans and can be pretty vocal. They feed primarily on nuts, fruits, and seeds and are known to feed on cacti if given the chance.
Due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting, the Thick-billed Parrot is an endangered species. It is classified as threatened by the IUCN and is protected by the Mexican government.
However, the population of this species is still declining, and the future of the species is uncertain.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Rhynchopsitta |
| Species | R. pachyrhyncha |
13. Broad-Billed Hummingbird
The broad-billed hummingbird is a small species in Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is a brightly colored bird with a broad and bright red bill.
This species is also characterized by sexual dimorphism, which means that the female and male adults look different. The juvenile birds look more like the female adult than the male adult in color and size.
This species is usually found in open woodlands, desert scrublands, and grasslands. They typically feed on flower nectar and insects, and they’re particularly attracted to red or yellow flowers. They can also be seen hovering over water sources to drink.
They are considered an important pollinator species, as they visit many flowers and help spread pollen from one flower to another.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Cynanthus |
| Species | C. latirostris |
Conclusion
The green birds of Arizona are a unique and fascinating part of the state’s diverse wildlife. These birds provide an excellent opportunity to observe and appreciate Arizona’s natural beauty.
With patience and knowledge, anyone can observe and appreciate these birds in their natural habitat. Green birds are a delightful part of Arizona’s birdlife with their vibrant colors and unique behaviors.