Green birds are a vibrant and beautiful part of the avian wildlife in Montana. These birds can be found in a variety of habitats all across the state, from the prairies of eastern Montana to the mountains of western Montana.
Several different species of green birds inhabit the state, including the American goldfinch, the evening grosbeak, the pine siskin, and the yellow warbler.
These species all bring a beautiful splash of color to the environment and contribute to the overall bird diversity of the state.
7 Green Birds in Montana
If you are a bird lover and live in or visit Montana, you might be interested in learning about some of the green birds that can be found in this state. Montana is home to a diverse range of habitats, from mountains and forests to grasslands and wetlands, and hosts many different species of birds throughout the year.
Here are 7 of the most common and distinctive green birds in Montana.
1. Violet-Green Swallow
The violet-green swallow is a small passerine bird found in North America. It belongs to the swallow family and is an aerial insectivore, meaning it feeds on insects while in flight.
It inhabits the western coast of North America, from Alaska down to Mexico, and extends its range as far east as Montana and Texas. The swallow is an impressive aviator, able to make long migrations and rapidly change direction in the air.
It can reach up to 30 miles per hour and has a wingspan of up to 5 inches. The violet-green swallow is a beautiful bird with a distinct greenish-blue coloring on its back, wings, and white chest.
It is often seen in large flocks and is a welcome sight in many parts of the continent.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. thalassina |
2. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a unique species of bird known for its small size and brightly colored feathers. Its main distinguishing characteristic is the ruby-red throat patch, visible when the bird is in flight.
This species is found in North and Central America and migrates to Canada and other parts of Eastern North America to breed during summer.
In the winter, the ruby-throated hummingbird will migrate south to Central America, Mexico, and Florida to escape the colder temperatures. During its migration, the hummingbird will fly up to 600 miles daily and reach up to 60 miles per hour.
This hummingbird species is an essential pollinator for many native plants and is often seen hovering near flowers in search of nectar. The ruby-throated hummingbird is a beloved species known for its charming and vibrant appearance.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. colubris |
3. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a species of hummingbird found throughout North America. It is a medium-sized bird with a length of just over three inches and a four to five-inch wingspan.
Its distinctive tail feathers are long and broad, and its beak is curved and pointed. Its back and head are covered with feathers ranging from green to gray, while its throat and breast are bright red.
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is found in highland regions ranging from the western United States and Western Canada to Mexico and Guatemala. It prefers to live in open areas such as meadows, grasslands, and deciduous forests.
It typically forages for food in the early morning and late afternoon and feeds on nectar from flowers, small insects, and sap from trees. The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is an essential pollinator in its range, as it helps to spread the pollen from flowers to other plants.
Its population is considered stable; however, due to the destruction of its habitat and the use of pesticides, its numbers are decreasing in certain areas. Conservation efforts are now in place to help protect the species from further decline.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. platycercus |
4. Calliope Hummingbird
The calliope hummingbird is tiny, making it the smallest bird native to the United States and Canada. This hummingbird species has a wide range, as its breeding grounds are mainly found in the western states from California to British Columbia.
During the colder months, the calliope hummingbird migrates to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America in search of warmer climates.
This is why the calliope hummingbird is a migratory species, as it moves from one region to another depending on the season.
Aside from its size and migratory behavior, the calliope hummingbird is also known for its beautiful reddish-pink throat, which is unique among North American hummingbird species.
This vibrant coloration is a sign of courtship for the male calliope hummingbird, as its throat feathers become brighter and more vibrant during peak breeding periods.
The calliope hummingbird has become an iconic symbol of the North American wilderness and is a beloved species for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. calliope |
5. Black-Throated Green Warbler
The black-throated green warbler is a species of songbird belonging to the New World warbler family. This tiny bird is mainly found in Central and North America and is known for its brilliant coloration.
The male has a black throat and olive-green back and wings, while the female is a duller greenish-olive overall. The black-throated green warbler feeds mainly on insects, such as caterpillars, spiders, and some berries.
It breeds in deciduous and sometimes coniferous forests, usually in the mid- to high-elevation areas. During the winter, the species migrates south, with some individuals traveling as far as Central America.
The black-throated green warbler is an essential species in the ecosystem, as it helps to control insect populations, which helps keep the environment healthy.
This species is also an important food source for other animals, such as birds of prey, which depend on it for sustenance. The black-throated green warbler is a threatened species listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. virens |
6. Green-Winged Teal
The American teal, or green-winged teal, is a duck in many parts of North America. It is a widespread duck, breeding in the northern areas of the continent, except the Aleutian Islands.
The American teal was previously considered the same species as the Eurasian teal, but research has since determined it is distinct. The American teal is a small duck with primarily brown plumage and a patch of green feathers on the wings.
It is a waterfowl that feeds primarily on aquatic plants and insects. The American teal is adaptable to many habitats and can be found in wetlands, lakes, rivers, and urban areas.
It is commonly seen in parks and gardens and is a popular waterfowl for birdwatchers to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. carolinensis |
7. Green Heron
The green heron is a species of heron found in North America and Central America. It is a small bird belonging to the Ardeidae family; its scientific name is Butorides virescens.
Butorides is derived from Middle English butor, which refers to the bittern, and the suffix -oides, which means “resembling” in Ancient Greek. The second part of its scientific name, virescens, is derived from the Latin word for “greenish”.
This name is fitting, as the green heron is usually grey-green. It also has a white neck and a white line along its back. The green heron is a solitary bird that lives in wetlands and marshes, where it can hunt for food.
It mainly feeds on small fish, amphibians, and insects but will also eat crayfish and other aquatic prey. In addition to its diet, the green heron uses its long neck and bill to reach into small crevices to capture its prey.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Butorides |
| Species | B. virescens |
Conclusion
The sighting of seven green birds in Montana suggests a unique ecological event or a rare migration pattern. Further investigation into the species, their behavior, and their habitat preferences could provide valuable insights into the local ecosystem.
Additionally, this observation highlights the importance of citizen science in monitoring and understanding wildlife populations, encouraging continued community engagement in environmental conservation efforts.