Washington is home to a variety of beautiful green birds. Many of these birds are migratory and spend the summer months in Washington before heading south for the winter. These green birds add a splash of color to the often grey and wet Washington landscape.
They can be found in various habitats throughout the state, from coastal areas to wetlands and forests, and even urban parks.
Some of the most common green birds in Washington are the American goldfinch, the northern cardinal, the Evening Grosbeak, the Cedar Waxwing, and the Anna’s Hummingbird.
Each of these species is unique in its own way, and all contribute to the overall beauty of Washington’s bird population.
1. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that is native to North America. It was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, who was a prominent figure in the early 20th century.
The hummingbird is found in the western coastal regions of the continent, breeding mainly in northern Baja California and Southern California. This species of hummingbird is small in size, typically around 4 to 6 inches in length.
Its wingspan is around 3 cm and it has a greenish-brownish back and a greyish-white underside. It has a long, thin bill and an orange-red throat patch that is unique to the species.
It is known for its fast and acrobatic flight patterns, which it uses to feed on nectar from flowers and small insects. It is an important pollinator of many plants, and its population is considered to be stable in many areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
2. Black-chinned hummingbird
The black-chinned hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that can be found in a wide variety of habitats.
It is most commonly seen throughout the western United States and southwestern Canada during the summer months. During the winter, it will migrate southward to Mexico.
When the sun hits it just right, the bird’s black chin appears to be bordered with shimmering iridescent purple feathers. These feathers are known as gorget, and they help to make the black-chinned hummingbird a beautiful and unique bird to see.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. alexandri |
3. Violet-Green Swallow
The Violet-Green Swallow is a species of bird found in North America. It belongs to the family of swallows, which are known for their aerial insectivore habits. This bird can be found along the West Coast of the United States, from Alaska to Mexico.
It can also be found in some parts of the Midwest, such as Montana and Texas. These birds have a unique coloration, with a bright green back and a deep violet-colored head. They are small in size, typically measuring four to six inches in length.
The Violet-Green Swallow feeds mainly on flying insects, such as flies, midges, and beetles. They are often seen flying swiftly over open fields, meadows, and marshes, searching for their prey.
These birds are also known to nest in cavities in trees or buildings, usually near water sources. During the breeding season, male Violet-Green Swallows will often engage in spectacular aerial displays, showing off their graceful flying ability.
They are a unique and beautiful species that is well-known throughout North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. thalassina |
4. Calliope Hummingbird
The Calliope Hummingbird is a tiny bird found in North America. It is the smallest bird native to the United States and Canada. During the breeding season, the hummingbird can be found in the western parts of the continent, ranging from California to British Columbia.
During the winter, the bird migrates to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America where it will spend the colder months. This journey is known as the wintering grounds, as the bird is able to find a more hospitable climate during these months.
The calliope hummingbird is a beautiful bird with a tiny size of under 4 inches long. Its distinctive feature is the bright red gorget or throat, that is found in both males and females. Its wings are a darker shade of green and its tail is black with white tips.
The bird is known for its high-pitched call, which is described as a ‘chirp’ or a ‘peep’. The calliope hummingbird is an important species in the North American ecosystem. It helps to pollinate flowers and helps to spread the seeds of various plants.
It is also an important part of the food chain, providing food for other birds and animals. As such, it is important that the calliope hummingbird’s habitat is protected so that these tiny birds can continue to thrive.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. calliope |
5. Golden-Crowned Kinglet
The golden-crowned kinglet is a tiny passerine species belonging to the family Regulidae. It is found throughout most of North America, from Alaska and Canada to the northern parts of the United States. It is a migratory species, traveling south during the winter months.
Its size is only around 5.5–6 cm in length, making it one of the smallest birds in North America. It has a distinctive yellow crown, grey head and neck, white underparts, and brown upperparts. The male’s crown is more vivid than the female’s.
It feeds mainly on insects and spiders, which it finds by hovering and hovering and gleaning from foliage. Its song is a loud, rapid trill, which is usually repeated a few times. It is a common bird in coniferous forests, particularly in the northern parts of its range.
Its population appears to be stable, and it is not currently considered threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Regulidae |
| Genus | Regulus |
| Species | R. satrapa |
6. Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
The ruby-crowned kinglet is a very small bird belonging to the passerine family. It is found all across North America and is a member of the kinglet family. The bird has an olive-green plumage with white wing bars and a white eye-ring.
The most distinguishing feature of the ruby-crowned kinglet is the red crown patch of the male bird. This patch is usually concealed, making it difficult to spot.
The size of this bird is quite small in comparison to other passerines, with the males reaching an average of four inches in length. The diet of the ruby-crowned kinglet consists mostly of insects and other small invertebrates.
During the winter months, they may also feed on fruit and berries. During the breeding season, the birds form mating pairs and can often be heard singing high-pitched songs.
Although they are quite common across North America, very little is known about their nesting habits and behavior.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Regulidae |
| Genus | Corthylio |
| Species | C. calendula |
7. Green-Winged Teal
The American teal, also known as the green-winged teal, is a species of duck native to North America. It is widespread across the continent and can be found breeding in northern areas, with the exception of the Aleutian Islands.
For a period of time, the American teal was considered to be the same species as the Eurasian teal, but it has since been reclassified as a separate species. The American teal is known for its distinctive green feathers on its wings, which give it its common name.
This species of duck is considered to be common and can be found in a variety of habitats, from wetlands to woodlands. They are also known to be highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of different environments.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. carolinensis |
8. Common Yellowthroat
The common yellowthroat is a species of New World warbler that is native to North America. It is also known by two other names: the yellow bandit and the Maryland yellow-throat.
This bird is widely distributed in the continent, with its range stretching from southern Canada all the way down to central Mexico. It is a very common bird and is known to breed in large numbers in areas it inhabits.
The common yellowthroat is a small bird, typically measuring between 4 to 5 inches in length. It has a distinctive yellow throat and breast, with a gray head and back. The wings and tail are olive-colored with white bars.
This bird is usually found skulking in thick vegetation near streams or wetlands. It is mainly insectivorous and feeds on a variety of insects and other invertebrates. The common yellowthroat is an excellent singer and is known for its distinctive call.
The male’s song is a repetitive “wich-i-ty, wich-i-ty, wich-i-ty.” This species is known to be territorial and will actively defend its nesting territories from other birds. It builds its nest in dense shrubs or low trees, usually close to the ground.
The female usually lays between 3 to 5 eggs and incubates them for about two weeks. The common yellowthroat is an important species in North American ecosystems. It helps to control insect populations and provides food for other animals such as cats, snakes, and birds of prey.
It is also a very popular bird among birdwatchers and is an important species for conservation efforts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Geothlypis |
| Species | G. trichas |
9. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s warbler is a small bird native to the New World, meaning it is found in North, Central, and South America. It is easily identifiable due to its distinctive coloring, which consists of a greenish color on its back and a yellow shade on its stomach.
Its wings are rounded and its tail is long and slim. Male Wilson’s warblers have a black crown patch, while the females may or may not have the patch depending on the subspecies they belong to.
The black crown patch is an important distinction between the sexes, as it is often used to help identify the birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Cardellina |
| Species | C. pusilla |
Conclusion
Green birds in Washington are diverse and abundant. They can be found in a variety of habitats, from open meadows and wetlands to city parks and backyards. They provide an important food source for other animals and serve as indicators of a healthy environment.
With the proper care and protection, green birds in Washington will continue to thrive and provide an invaluable contribution to the local ecosystem.
