Minnesota is home to many beautiful and unique birds, with the most vibrant species being the green birds. These birds come in various shapes and sizes, from the small but mighty American Goldfinch to the majestic Bald Eagle.
Minnesota’s green birds are an exciting and vital part of the state’s wildlife ecosystem, providing food and shelter for other species and helping to keep the environment healthy.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of green birds found in Minnesota and their benefits to the region.
16 Green Birds In Minnesota
Minnesota is home to many beautiful and unique birds, with some of the most vibrant species being the green birds. These birds come in various shapes and sizes, from the small but mighty
Here are some common green-colored birds that can be found in Minnesota:
1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a species found in many parts of North America.
It typically spends winter in Central America, Mexico, and Florida. It migrates northwards to Canada and other parts of the Eastern United States during summer to breed.
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a small bird with a bright red throat patch and green feathers. It is one of North America’s most common species of hummingbird and is well-known for its swift and agile flight.
These birds can be found in gardens, parks, and woodlands during the summer months. They feed primarily on flower nectar, small insects, and spiders.
This hummingbird species is also known for its long-distance migrations, which can travel up to 3,000 miles annually.
They have adapted to the changing temperatures and weather conditions during their migrations and have even been known to journey along the United States’ east coast.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. colubris |
2. Mallard
The mallard, or wild duck, is a species of duck found in various habitats across several continents. It is native to the Americas, Eurasia, and North African temperate and subtropical regions.
It has also been introduced in many other countries, including New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa. The mallard is a dabbling duck, meaning it feeds on plants found in shallow water.
It also feeds on grains, insects, and small fish. The mallard is a very adaptable species, able to survive in many different environments. It can be found in parks, wetlands, rivers, and urban areas. The mallard is a widespread species among birdwatchers.
It is easily identifiable by its bright green head and yellow bill. It is also known for its distinctive call, a loud, quack-like sound.
The Mallard is also a famous game bird, with many hunters targeting it during hunting season. The mallard is a widely recognizable species found in many different parts of the world.
It is an essential species for birdwatchers and hunters, and it is necessary to protect its habitats to ensure survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
3. Green-Winged Teal
The American teal, also known as the green-winged teal, is a duck species in North America. It is considered one of the most widespread ducks in the region.
It typically breeds in the northern parts of the continent, though its range does not include the Aleutian Islands. At one point, the American teal was considered the same species as the Eurasian teal.
However, more recent research has shown that this is not the case, and the two species are now regarded as distinct. This species of teal is known for its unique green-colored wings and relatively small size.
It is an integral part of many birding tours and nature preserves, as it is an essential part of the North American avian population.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. carolinensis |
4. New World Warblers
The New World warblers are a family of birds native to the Americas. They belong to the Parulidae family and are known for their bright and vibrant colors. These birds are often relatively small and commonly referred to as wood warblers.
The New World warblers are unrelated to either the Old World warblers or the Australian warblers, even though all three are passerines. The New World warblers are distinguished from the Old World warblers by their range, which is restricted to the Americas.
Similarly, the Australian warblers are found only in Australia. The New World singers are known for their vibrant colors and beautiful songs, making them popular among birdwatchers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
5. Pine Warbler
The pine warbler is a species of small songbird found in North America. It is a member of the New World warbler family, which consists of more than 50 species of songbirds. The pine warbler is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 5-6 inches long.
It has a yellowish-green back and a yellowish-white underside, with a greyish-white throat and black lores (the area between the bill and the eye). The wings and tail are yellowish-green, with two white wing bars.
The pine warbler’s song is a melodic trill often heard in spring and summer. These birds inhabit various habitats, from coniferous and deciduous forests to swamps and suburban areas.
They are found in the eastern United States, southern Canada, and parts of Mexico. During the breeding season, pine warblers typically feed on insects and spiders. In winter, they migrate south, feeding on fruits, berries, and seeds.
The pine warbler is an important species for conservation, as its numbers have decreased due to habitat destruction and other human-related factors. It is essential to protect this species, as it plays a critical role in our ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. pinus |
6. Black-Throated Green Warbler
The black-throated green Warbler is a member of the New World warbler family. It is a small, migratory bird, usually four and five inches long. It has a greenish-yellow body with a black throat and a white belly.
Its wings are yellowish-green, and its tail is short and notched. The black-throated green Warbler is a common sight in North America in the summertime, when it migrates from the southern parts of the continent to the north.
Its song is a high-pitched trill, similar to a wood thrush. The black-throated green Warbler typically inhabits deciduous woodlands and areas with dense shrubbery. It feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
It nests in trees or shrubs, and its nest is typically cup-shaped and made of grasses and leaves.
Once its eggs hatch, the young are cared for by both parents, who feed them until they can find food independently. The black-throated green warbler is an essential indicator of the health of its habitat.
Its numbers have been declining in recent years due to deforestation, destruction of its habitat, and the introduction of non-native species. As a result, conservation efforts have been put in place to help protect this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. virens |
7. Vireonidae
The Vireonidae family is a diverse group of small to medium-sized birds in the New World and Southeast Asia. Vireo is derived from a Latin word for a green migratory bird, believed to be the female golden oriole or the European greenfinch.
These birds are renowned for their vibrant colors and melodic songs, making them popular among birdwatchers. They are found in various habitats ranging from tropical forests to deserts and have adapted to different climates.
Vireos are usually found in pairs or small groups and feed on insects, fruits, and seeds. They also use their beaks to probe for food in crevices or on the ground. These birds are monogamous and typically build nests in trees or shrubs.
They are known to be long-distance migrants, traveling between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres in search of suitable habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
8. Great Crested Flycatcher
The great crested flycatcher is a striking bird part of the tyrant flycatcher family. It is native to North America, where it is found over the eastern and mid-western portions of the continent. It is North America’s most widespread member of its genus, Myiarchus.
These birds are usually found in the treetops, rarely venturing to the ground. They feed primarily on insects, relying on their sharp beaks to catch their prey. They can be identified by their bright orange breasts, white bellies, and grey heads with a crest of feathers.
They also have a distinctive call that is easily recognizable. The great crested flycatcher is an integral part of the North American ecosystem, helping to keep the insect population in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Myiarchus |
| Species | M. crinitus |
9. Violet-Green Swallow
The violet-green swallow is a type of bird that is part of the more prominent swallow family. These birds are found in North America, specifically along the west coast from Alaska to Mexico, extending further east to Montana and Texas.
They are small and have a unique coloring that includes violet and green hues. These birds are aerial insectivores, meaning they feed on flying insects while in the air. They can often be seen flying quickly and acrobatically in pursuit of their prey.
These birds adapt to their environment, with wings well-suited for high speed and maneuverability. They also have a long forked tail, giving them greater agility in the air. This adaptation helps them catch the insects they hunt.
The violet-green swallow is an integral part of the North American ecosystem and helps to keep the insect population in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. thalassina |
10. Hooded Warbler
The Hooded Warbler is a species of Warbler that is found in North America and is migratory, meaning it will travel long distances from one location to another.
It breeds in the eastern parts of North America, ranging from the United States to the southern parts of Canada. It will migrate to Central America and the West Indies during the winter months.
This species of Warbler is also a scarce vagrant in Western Europe. The Hooded Warbler is a medium-sized bird with an overall grey-green coloration on its head, wings, and tail, and a yellow throat and breast. It has a long, thin black bill and black legs.
The male and female look quite similar and have a distinctive white patch beneath the eye. The Hooded Warbler is an insectivore, mostly eating small insects and spiders. It forages in the low vegetation of woodlands, often flicking its tail as it searches for food.
The male Warbler will sing in the breeding season to attract a mate and defend its territory. Overall, the Hooded Warbler is an interesting species that has adapted to its environment.
Its ability to migrate and its rarity as a vagrant in Western Europe are two things that make it unique.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. citrina |
11. Painted Bunting
The painted bunting is a beautiful bird species that belongs to the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. It is native to North America and is easily recognized by its bright plumage.
The male of the species is incredibly vibrant in color. However, this only occurs in its second year. In its first year, the male and female are difficult to distinguish from one another and can only be identified through close inspection.
During this first year, the male is not as brightly colored as the female. This is because the vibrant color of the male plumage is not fully developed until the second year of life. The painted bunting is a unique species and a welcome sight in many North American habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. ciris |
12. Calliope Hummingbird
The Calliope Hummingbird is a fantastic bird native to the United States and Canada. Its breeding range is mainly located in the western region of North America, stretching from California to British Columbia.
During the colder months, the Calliope Hummingbird migrates to more temperate climates, with its wintering grounds in the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
This tiny bird is the smallest species native to the United States and Canada, with an average length of only 3.5 inches and an average weight of only 2 to 3 grams.
The Calliope Hummingbird has a unique color scheme, with a bright red throat and a green back and head. It also has a distinctive white stripe on either side of its beak.
These birds are well adapted to their environment as they have a unique and efficient way of feeding. They use their long, slender beaks to reach inside flowers and extract nectar.
This behavior is also known as “trap-lining” because birds often feed from different flowers in the same area. In addition to their impressive flying abilities, the Calliope Hummingbird is also quite vocal.
They produce various sounds, including chirps, squeaks, and even a song-like whistle. They typically use these sounds to communicate with other birds or to mark their territory. In addition, they are also known to emit a high-pitched “churr” when they fly.
The Calliope Hummingbird is a remarkable species that is beautiful and fascinating to observe. Its ability to migrate across various climates and unique behaviors make it an intriguing subject for bird lovers everywhere.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. calliope |
13. Mexican Violetear
The Mexican violetear is a distinct hummingbird species generally found in the forests of Mexico and Nicaragua. It is a medium-sized bird with a metallic green plumage.
Until recently, the Mexican violetear and the lesser violetear were considered the same species and collectively referred to as the green violetear.
However, further research determined that the two species were distinct and should be classified separately. The Mexican violetear is more significant than its lesser counterpart, with a more intense metallic green plumage.
It is also commonly found in more forested areas than its lesser counterpart, which is more likely to be found in more open areas.
The Mexican violetear is an integral part of the hummingbird family and is a species that deserves further research to understand its behavior and ecology better.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Colibri |
| Species | C. thalassinus |
14. Rivoli’s Hummingbird
Rivoli’s hummingbird, scientifically known as the Magnificent hummingbird, belongs to the genus Lampornithini, which is part of the Trochilinae subfamily. It is native to El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and the United States.
This hummingbird species is often referred to as a “mountain gem” due to its brightly colored feathers and its affinity for living in mountainous regions. The Magnificent hummingbird is easily recognizable, with its vibrant and iridescent plumage.
Its throat and chest feathers are usually a deep blue or violet hue, while its back feathers are a brilliant metallic green. Its wings and tail feathers are typically a deep black. Its beak is thin and sharp, and its legs and feet are black.
Regarding habitat, the Magnificent hummingbird prefers high altitudes and is most commonly found in mountainous regions, such as the Sierra Madre Oriental in Mexico. It can also be found in tropical and subtropical deciduous forests, as well as in urban parks and gardens.
The Magnificent hummingbird feeds on nectar from flowers and small insects, such as gnats and flies. It typically feeds on the nectar of many different types of flowers but is particularly attracted to species such as bromeliads and lobelias.
It also occasionally feeds on sap from trees and shrubs. The Magnificent hummingbird is an essential pollinator of flowers in its natural habitat, as it helps to spread pollen from flower to flower.
It is also an essential component of the food web, as its presence helps regulate small insect populations in its environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Eugenes |
| Species | E. fulgens |
15. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler is a small, colorful bird that belongs to the New World Warbler family. It has a greenish hue above and a yellowish hue below, with rounded wings and a long, slim tail.
The male has a distinctive black crown patch, which is either absent or reduced depending on the subspecies of the bird. This black crown patch is the main distinguishing feature of the male Wilson’s Warbler and can help identify it quickly in the wild.
The female Wilson’s Warbler does not have a black crown patch, and its appearance differs slightly from the male. As a result, female Wilson’s Warblers tend to be somewhat more challenging to spot in the wild.
Both males and females are petite and have the same coloration, with the black crown patch being the only difference between the two. The Wilson’s Warbler is a beautiful and unique species, and when seen in its natural habitat, it can be a truly remarkable sight.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Cardellina |
| Species | C. pusilla |
16. Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s hummingbird is a species of bird in the family Trochilidae, commonly known as hummingbirds. It is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico and migrates to western Mexico during the winter months.
This species occupies arid habitats, feeding on nectar in flowers and small insects. It is a relatively small bird, measuring only 3.5 inches long, with vibrant iridescent green and purple plumage.
It is most easily identified by its distinctive purplish-red throat patch, which is unique to this species. The Costa’s hummingbird is a fast and agile flyer and can be seen hovering in the air as it feeds on nectar or small insects.
It is an essential pollinator for various plants and an essential species for the health of its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. costae |
Conclusion
Green birds in Minnesota are essential to the state’s avian diversity, providing much-needed habitat for various species. They can be found in multiple habitats, from wetlands and forests to urban areas.
While the population of green birds in Minnesota is currently healthy, conservation efforts are necessary to ensure these birds continue to thrive.