Illinois is a great place for bird watching. There are a variety of green birds that can be spotted in the state. From the bright green American Goldfinches to the deep green Great Blue Heron, Illinois has a wide variety of birds that can be seen in the area.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of green birds that can be found in Illinois, and provide tips on how to identify them.
1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that is known for its beautiful red throat. This species of hummingbird is found throughout large parts of North America.
During the winter months, the ruby-throated hummingbird migrates to Central America, Mexico, and Florida. These areas provide the hummingbird with a reliable food source and a warm climate to survive the winter.
Come summertime, the ruby-throated hummingbird migrates north to Canada and other parts of Eastern North America. This journey is taken to breed and to take advantage of the abundant food sources in these northern climates.
This species of hummingbird has the ability to migrate vast distances and is known for its incredible flight speed and maneuvrability. The ruby-throated hummingbird is a beautiful species of bird that is enjoyed by many people throughout its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. colubris |
2. Green Heron
The green heron is a species of heron that can be found throughout North and Central America.
Its scientific name, Butorides virescens, is derived from Middle English butor, which translates to “bittern,” and Ancient Greek -oides, which means “resembling.” The species’ Latin name, virescens, translates to “greenish.” This reflects the bird’s small size and its brilliant emerald green feathers.
This species of heron is relatively small compared to other species, with an average height of around 20 inches. The bird is highly recognizable by its bright green feathers, which are mostly seen on its wings and back.
The green heron also has a long, yellowish bill and yellow legs. It can be seen in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, ponds, and lakes. The green heron is a solitary bird that is rarely seen in flocks.
It prefers to keep to itself, though it will form small groups during the winter months. It is a carnivorous bird, feeding mostly on small fish, crustaceans, frogs, and insects.
The bird’s diet consists of mostly live prey, but it will also eat carrion if it is available. The green heron is a great example of the beauty of nature. Its bright green feathers and solitary nature make it an interesting bird to observe.
It is also a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our wetlands, as this species relies heavily on them for its survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Butorides |
| Species | B. virescens |
3. Mallard
The mallard, also known as the wild duck, is a common species of duck that can be found throughout the temperate and subtropical regions of the world, including the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa.
This species has also been introduced to other parts of the world, such as New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa. Mallards are dabbling ducks, which means they feed by upending in shallow water and dabbling for food near the surface.
In addition to their natural habitats, they can also be found in parks and urban areas, where they have adapted to living in close proximity to humans. Mallards are easily identified by their colorful plumage, which consists of a purple-blue head, green wings, and a white-brown body.
During the breeding season, the males take on a brighter coloration, with a more distinct purple-blue head and green wings. Females, on the other hand, are usually a dull brown color. The mallard is an important species for many reasons.
Firstly, they are a popular game bird and are hunted for sport in many parts of the world. Secondly, they are an important part of the ecosystem, providing food for other animals and playing an important role in seed dispersal.
Lastly, they are important to humans as they provide us with a source of food, and they are also popular pets.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
4. Pine Warbler
The pine warbler (Setophaga pinus) is a small songbird that belongs to the New World warbler family. This species is found in the eastern part of North America, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains and along the Atlantic Coast.
The pine warbler is a brightly colored bird, with yellow and olive green plumage. It has a white belly, a black face mask, and a distinctive white wingbar.
Its song is a mix of melodious whistles and chirps. In terms of its behavior, the pine warbler is an active forager, often seen hovering over the ground to catch insects or searching for food among the branches and twigs of trees.
It is also a migratory bird, with populations in the northern parts of its range heading south for the winter months. The pine warbler is an important species to the ecosystem, as it plays a key role in controlling insect populations.
It is a versatile species, as it can adapt to a variety of habitats, from mature forests to suburban gardens. As a result, it is found in a wide range of locations across its range. Overall, the pine warbler is a fascinating species of songbird.
Its beautiful plumage and melodic song make it a delight to observe. With its adaptability and ecological importance, it is an important species to conserve.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. pinus |
5. New World Warblers
The New World warblers are a family of birds that are typically small and quite colorful. They are found only in the New World, which is comprised of North and South America, and the islands nearby.
They make up the family Parulidae and are distinct from the Old World warblers and Australian warblers.
The Old World warblers are a family of birds that are found in Europe, Africa, and Asia, while the Australian warblers are a group of birds that are found solely in Australia and the nearby islands.
The New World warblers are a diverse group of birds, with over 120 different species found in the Americas. These species vary in size, shape, and coloration, allowing them to blend in well with their habitats.
They are mostly found in wooded areas and feed on insects, seeds, fruits, and occasionally small animals. The New World warblers are important to the local ecosystems, as they provide important services such as pollination and seed dispersal.
Additionally, their bright colors make them attractive to birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Unfortunately, many species of New World warblers are threatened by habitat destruction, as their natural habitats are being destroyed by human activity.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
6. Eurasian Teal
The Eurasian teal is a small duck that is found in temperate Eurosiberia. It is also known as the common teal or Eurasian green-winged teal and is widely distributed across its range. During the winter months, it migrates south, making use of the warmer temperatures.
As it is the only species of small dabbling duck found in much of its range, it is often referred to simply as the teal. The Eurasian teal is a popular species among birdwatchers, as it is both easy to spot and has a distinctive appearance.
It has a bright green head and grayish-brown body, with a white line of feathers down the side. It also has distinctive white markings around its eyes and beak.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. crecca |
7. Green-Winged Teal
The American teal (Anas crecca) is a species of duck native to North America. It is also known as the green-winged teal, due to the distinctive green patches found on its wings.
It is a common and widespread species, breeding in northern areas of North America except on the Aleutian Islands.
Until recently, the American teal was considered to be the same species as the Eurasian teal, but further research has shown it to be sufficiently distinct to be classified as a separate species.
The American teal is a small duck, usually measuring under 20 inches in length, with a wingspan of around 30 inches. Its plumage is predominantly brown, with a white line running across its cheeks, and the distinctive green patches on its wings.
It typically inhabits shallow wetlands, such as ponds, lakes, and marshes, and feeds on aquatic plants and invertebrates. The American teal is an important species to many native cultures and is hunted for its meat, eggs, and feathers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. carolinensis |
8. Ovenbird
The Ovenbird is a small songbird that is part of the New World Warbler family. It migrates to different parts of the world during different times of the year. During the summer months, it breeds in eastern North America.
Then, when winter arrives, it can be found in Central America, many Caribbean islands, Florida, and northern Venezuela. This species of bird is known for its distinctive “oven-like” nest, which is made of leaves and twigs.
They also have a unique song that contains a mix of buzzes and trills. The Ovenbird is a common sight in many backyards and parks in the eastern United States, and its bright colors and melodic song make it a welcome addition to any outdoor space.
This species is also important to its ecosystem, as it helps with insect control. Overall, the Ovenbird is a unique and fascinating species that is both beautiful and important to its environment.
Its migration pattern is a testament to its adaptability, and its migratory behavior is an example of the amazing abilities of nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Seiurus |
| Species | S. aurocapilla |
9. Kentucky warbler
The Kentucky warbler is a species of New World warbler, native to the United States. It is a small bird with a short tail, weighing no more than 12 g. Its plumage is olive-green with a yellowish wash on the upperparts and yellow underparts.
This species prefers to spend most of its time on or near the ground, rather than in trees and is quite sluggish in its movements. Its song is a loud and distinct series of notes, often heard in the mornings or evenings.
The Kentucky warbler is an insectivore, and forages mainly on the ground for its food. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including open deciduous woodland, scrubland, and old fields. It is also found in parks, gardens, and other urban habitats.
Despite its small size, the Kentucky warbler is an important part of the bird community in the United States and should be appreciated and protected.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Geothlypis |
| Species | G. formosa |
10. Red-Eyed Vireo
The red-eyed vireo is a small American songbird belonging to the Vireonidae family. It is about five to six inches in length and its upperparts are grayish-olive in color, while its underparts are whitish.
Its most identifiable feature is the bold red eyes, which give it its name. It is also characterized by a white line above its eyes and a white line on its wings.
It has a short, stout bill and a long tail. The red-eyed vireo is found widely throughout North America, ranging from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast and south to Mexico and the Caribbean.
It enjoys inhabiting woodlands and forests with dense vegetation, such as swamps, thickets, and even near the edges of open fields.
Although it is somewhat warbler-like, it is not closely related to the New World warblers. The red-eyed vireo is a fairly common species and it is not considered to be threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Its diet consists of insects and spiders it can find in the foliage.
It breeds between May and August and it builds a cup-shaped nest out of grasses and twigs, which is usually suspended from a branch or shrub. The red-eyed vireo is an important species for the ecosystem, as it helps to keep insect populations in check.
It is also an important part of the birdwatching community, as it is easily spotted and admired in its natural habitat. The red-eyed vireo is an important species for conservation and should be protected for future generations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. olivaceus |
11. Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
The ruby-crowned kinglet is a tiny songbird that can be found in North America. It is part of the kinglet family, which includes other small passerine birds. The bird has an olive-green coat with two white stripes on its wings and a white eye-ring.
Male ruby-crowned kinglets are known for the red patch of feathers on their heads, though this is usually not visible unless they are disturbed or excited.
The ruby-crowned kinglet is an important species that helps to maintain the local environment by controlling insect populations. It is a popular bird among birdwatchers for its bright colors and its tendency to flit around from branch to branch.
It is also a vocal bird, producing a high-pitched song that can be heard from a distance. The ruby-crowned kinglet is an important part of the North American ecology and its presence is a great reminder of the beauty that nature has to offer.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Regulidae |
| Genus | Corthylio |
| Species | C. calendula |
12. Common Yellowthroat
The common yellowthroat is a small species of New World warbler native to North America. It is commonly referred to as the yellow bandit or Maryland yellow-throat, due to its bright yellow plumage and distinct black mask.
It is a migratory species, with a range stretching from southern Canada to central Mexico. It is an abundant breeder in North America, with a large number of nests found in each region of its range. The common yellowthroat is a social bird, often seen in pairs or small flocks.
They feed on insects, berries, and other small invertebrates. They are known for their loud, distinctive song, which they use to attract mates and mark their territory.
The common yellowthroat is an important part of the North American avian community, providing an important source of food for many species of predators.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Geothlypis |
| Species | G. trichas |
13. Carolina Parakeet
The Carolina parakeet, also known as the Carolina conure, was a species of small green parrot native to the United States. It had a bright yellow head, a reddish orange face, and a pale beak.
These parakeets were found in the Eastern, Midwest, and Plains states, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Midwest and down the Mississippi River. The Carolina parakeet was a unique species of parrot.
Its bright colors were thought to be a sign of good luck, and it was popular among Native Americans.
Unfortunately, due to overhunting and destruction of its habitat, the Carolina parakeet went extinct in the early 20th century. Today, the Carolina parakeet is remembered as a symbol of the beauty of nature and of the United States.
It is a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural environment and of the consequences of our actions. The extinction of the Carolina parakeet is a reminder of the fragility of our natural world and the importance of conservation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | †Conuropsis |
| Species | †C. carolinensis |
14. Black-Throated Green Warbler
The black-throated green warbler is a species of migratory songbird that belongs to the New World warbler family. This species of warbler is usually found in the eastern parts of North America, during its breeding season.
They are small birds, around 4.5-5.5 inches in length, with a wingspan of 7.5-8.7 inches. The male black-throated green warbler has a distinctive black throat, a bright yellow breast, and a white belly.
The female is similar in appearance, but has a duller yellow breast and a grayish-green throat. The black-throated green warbler is insectivorous, meaning it mainly eats insects, and sometimes small fruits and berries.
During the breeding season, it can be found in deciduous and coniferous forests, often near water. The black-throated green warbler is a relatively common species, though its population has been declining in recent years due to habitat loss.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. virens |
15. Orange-Crowned Warbler
The orange-crowned warbler is a species of small bird in the family of New World warblers. They are migratory birds and can be seen throughout North and Central America.
This species of warbler is most notable for its bright orange crown, which is a patch of feathers that covers its head. It is also characterized by its light grayish-olive upperparts, yellowish-white underparts, and two white wing-bars.
In addition to its distinctive crown, the orange-crowned warbler also has a black stripe on its throat and a white line across its eyes. The orange-crowned warbler is a small bird, only measuring about four inches in length.
It prefers to live in coniferous and deciduous woodlands, as well as deciduous shrublands, and can often be found foraging on the ground for food. Its diet consists mostly of insects, such as grasshoppers, caterpillars, and beetles, as well as berries and seeds.
During the breeding season, the orange-crowned warbler builds its nest in a shrub or tree, often near the ground. This species of warbler is considered a common bird and its population is stable.
However, its population is declining in some areas, particularly in the western United States, due to habitat loss. The orange-crowned warbler is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which prohibits the hunting, capturing, or killing of any migratory bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Leiothlypis |
| Species | L. celata |
16. White-Winged Parakeet
The white-winged parakeet, also known as the canary-winged parakeet, is a brightly colored parrot native to the Amazon River basin. This species of parakeet is found in southeast Colombia, all the way down to the mouth of the Amazon River in Brazil.
These birds have a bright green body with white feathers on their wings, giving them a unique and striking appearance.
They are small in size, measuring up to 10 inches in length with a wingspan of up to 20 inches. White-winged parakeets are primarily found in tropical forests, especially near bodies of water like rivers and lakes.
They are also known to inhabit man-made habitats such as plantations and parks. They usually travel in flocks, making them an easy sight in the sky.
They are omnivorous birds, feeding on a variety of fruits, nuts, and insects. White-winged parakeets are relatively common birds and are not currently threatened by extinction.
Nonetheless, they are still vulnerable to deforestation, hunting, and other human activities that have an effect on their natural habitats. It is important to take measures to protect these birds and their habitats so that they can continue to thrive in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Brotogeris |
| Species | B. versicolurus |
Conclusion
Green birds in Illinois are a diverse and vibrant part of the state’s avian population. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, and urban areas.
Green birds are an important part of the ecosystem, providing food and shelter for other wildlife, while also providing a beautiful and welcome addition to the Illinois landscape.