Oregon is renowned for its diverse and abundant birdlife and is home to various green birds. From the unique and varied thrushes of the Oregon Coast to the majestic Great Blue Heron of the forests, green birds can be found in nearly every corner of the state.
Many of Oregon’s green birds are migratory, filling the skies with their vibrant colors during the summer months. Others are permanent residents of the state, providing a constant source of beauty and delight throughout the year.
Whether you are a birdwatcher, a photographer, or just an admirer of nature, you will find plenty of green birds to enjoy in Oregon.
6 Green Birds in Oregon
If you are a bird lover, you might be interested in learning about some of the green birds found in Oregon. Oregon is home to a diverse range of habitats, from coastal forests to high deserts, and hosts many species of birds, some of which have green plumage or markings.
Here are six green birds that you can look for in Oregon.
1. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a species native to North America, specifically the western coastal regions. It was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, and was first identified near the turn of the 20th century.
At that time, Anna’s hummingbirds were only found breeding in the northern regions of Baja California and Southern California. These tiny birds are well-known for their vibrant green feathers and distinctive red head and throat.
They are also highly territorial, fiercely protecting their nests and territories. Anna’s hummingbirds typically feed on nectar from flowers, small insects, and spiders. They migrate south in the winter, returning to their original breeding sites in the spring.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
2. Violet-Green Swallow
The violet-green swallow is a species of small bird native to North America. It is a swallow family member consisting of aerial insectivores – birds that feed on flying insects.
These birds can be found along the continent’s west coast, from Alaska to Mexico, and are also present in the states of Montana and Texas. They are small, typically measuring between 4 to 6 inches in length.
They are friendly birds, often seen in large flocks, and their distinctive purple-green plumage can identify them. They are primarily found near bodies of water and in open woodlands and grassy areas.
In the summer, they migrate further north and east, staying in more temperate climates. They feed on various flying insects, such as gnats and flies, which they catch in mid-air.
During the winter, they migrate south to warmer climates, where they can find more food.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. thalassina |
3. Calliope Hummingbird
The calliope hummingbird is a tiny bird found in North America. It is native to the United States and Canada and has a breeding range located mainly in western parts of these countries, from California to British Columbia.
During the winter, the calliope hummingbird migrates further south to Mexico, the Southwestern United States, and Central America, where it stays until the weather warms up and it is time to return to its breeding range.
This bird species can survive in a wide variety of climates, as its range spans many different types of landscapes. The calliope hummingbird is a remarkable species, and it is a pleasure to watch it flit from flower to flower in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. calliope |
4. Eurasian Teal
The Eurasian teal is a duck species found in temperate Eurosiberia, a region that spans from Europe to Siberia. It is also known as the common teal or Eurasian green-winged teal.
The Eurasian teal is a widespread duck and is often referred to simply as “the teal” due to its prevalence and lack of competition from other similar species in much of its range.
During the summer, the Eurasian teal breeds in Eurosiberia, then migrate south in the winter to warmer climates. It is a small dabbling duck, meaning it feeds by dipping its head underwater and upending its body to reach food at the bottom.
The Eurasian teal is an essential species of duck, both ecologically and culturally.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. crecca |
5. Green Heron
The green heron is a species of heron found in North and Central America. It is a small bird and is given the scientific name Butorides virescens. The word Butorides comes from Middle English and is derived from ‘butor’, meaning bittern, and ‘oides’, meaning ‘resembling’.
The other part of the scientific name, ‘virescens’, is Latin for ‘greenish’. This helps to describe the greenish coloring of the green heron’s plumage and distinguish it from other heron species.
The green heron is known for its ability to stand motionless for long periods, making it an excellent bird for birdwatchers to observe. It also has a unique behavior of dropping bait on the water’s surface to attract fish. This makes the green heron an efficient hunter.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Butorides |
| Species | B. virescens |
6. Lesser Goldfinch
The lesser goldfinch is a small songbird found in the Americas. It is one of three birds that belong to the New World goldfinch clade in the genus Spinus, along with the American goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch.
The lesser goldfinch males have a characteristic black forehead absent in females. This is the case for all three New World goldfinches and is a critical feature that distinguishes them from other species.
The males use the black forehead to attract potential mates, a trait unique to the New World goldfinches.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. psaltria |
Conclusion
It can be seen that green birds are found throughout Oregon, with a variety of species being present in different habitats. These birds can be seen in many different parts of the state, from the coast to the mountains.
While their exact population numbers are unknown, it is clear that these green birds have a presence in Oregon and have adapted to the various climates and habitats.