Huntington Beach is a great place to spot and observe a variety of birds. From the colorful songbirds of the nearby Bolsa Chica Wetlands to the majestic Bald Eagles that soar over the coastline, there is always something new to discover.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned birder, Huntington Beach has something to offer every avian enthusiast. From the shorebirds that hunt for food in the surf, to the waterfowl that paddle along the harbor, there is plenty to explore.
With its diverse habitat and abundant wildlife, Huntington Beach is an ideal location for birders of all experience levels.
1. American kestrel
The American kestrel, also known as the sparrow hawk, is a small and common falcon in North America. It can vary in size from the size of a blue jay to a mourning dove, meaning that there is a two-to-one size range between subspecies and sexes.
This range in size makes the American kestrel one of the most diverse species of falcons, as it can come in a variety of sizes. The American kestrel is also quite common throughout the continent, making it a familiar sight in numerous parts of North America.
Its adaptability and prevalence have made it an important part of the American ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | F. sparverius |
2. Least Tern
The least tern is a species of tern that is found in North America and in some parts of northern South America. It is in the same family as the little tern, which is found in the Old World.
The least tern is also closely related to two other species from South America, the yellow-billed tern and the Peruvian tern. In the past, the least tern was often classified as the same species as the little tern, but now they are considered to be two separate species.
The least tern is a small bird with a slender bill and long wings. They are usually gray-brown in color and have a white underside with black markings. They typically breed near coastal habitats, such as beaches and riverbanks.
They feed mainly on insects, small fish, and other aquatic invertebrates. The least tern is an important part of the ecology of North and South America and is an important species to conserve.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sternula |
| Species | S. antillarum |
3. Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s hawk is a raptor found throughout North America, stretching from its northernmost reaches of Canada all the way down into Mexico. It is a medium-sized hawk, belonging to the Accipitridae family and is a powerful hunter.
This hawk is an expert at flying through thick vegetation and other obstacles in pursuit of its prey, which consists mainly of small birds, mammals, and insects. It is an agile flyer, able to make quick and tight turns while hunting.
Cooper’s hawk is a popular bird of prey among birdwatchers, as it can often be seen perched atop trees or flying above open fields. It is an impressive sight to behold and has been admired throughout history.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Accipiter |
| Species | A. cooperii |
4. Red-tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a bird of prey that is widely distributed throughout North America. It can be found from Alaska and northern Canada all the way down to Panama and the West Indies.
It is a member of the Buteo genus, which is one of the most common genera of birds in North America and even in the world. Red-tailed hawks are large birds with broad, rounded wings and long tails.
They have dark brown and white feathers on the back and wings with a light brown belly. The most distinctive feature of the red-tailed hawk is its vivid reddish-brown tail.
The red-tailed hawk is a powerful hunter that mainly preys on small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits, but it will also take birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
It hunts by soaring high above the ground and then diving down to capture its prey. Red-tailed hawks build large nests, usually in tall trees, where they lay up to four eggs. The young hatch in about a month and remain in the nest for another six weeks before they learn to fly.
During this time, both parents take turns bringing food to the nest. Red-tailed hawks are known for their long life spans, with some living as long as twenty-five years in the wild. The red-tailed hawk is a remarkable bird that is found throughout North America.
Its intelligence and adaptability make it one of the most successful birds of prey in the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. jamaicensis |
5. Ridgway’s Rail
Ridgway’s rail is an endangered species of bird found in the Pacific Coast of North America from San Francisco to Southern Baja California, as well as in some regions of the Gulf of California. It is a member of the Rallidae family, which includes many other species of birds.
It is a small bird, about the size of a chicken, and rarely takes to the air. The Ridgway’s rail is well adapted to its environment and can be found in many different habitats. It typically lives near water, in wetlands, marshes, and estuaries.
It feeds mainly on small aquatic invertebrates, but will also take plant material. It nests close to the ground and can be found sheltering in dense vegetation. Ridgway’s rail is a species of conservation concern as its population is declining.
It is threatened by habitat loss and destruction due to coastal development, wetland drainage, and human disturbance. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting the bird’s habitats and encouraging people to reduce their activities in areas where Ridgway’s rail is found.
By protecting the species’ habitats, we can ensure that the Ridgway’s rail will remain a part of our natural world for generations to come.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Rallus |
| Species | R. obsoletus |
6. Herring Gull
The European herring gull is a type of large seabird that can reach up to 66 cm in length. It is commonly found in coastal areas of Western Europe and historically has been more abundant than it is today.
This species of gull breeds in many parts of Northern, Western, Central, and Eastern Europe, as well as in Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Its presence in these regions is a testament to its adaptability and resilience in a wide variety of habitats.
The European herring gull is a vital part of the local ecosystem, helping to keep the environment clean and providing food for other species. It is also an important part of the cultural landscape, with its iconic profile often seen in coastal cities and towns.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. argentatus |
7. Bonaparte’s Gull
Bonaparte’s gull is a small bird species belonging to the family Laridae, which is most commonly found in northern North America. It measures between 28 to 38 cm in length, making it one of the smallest species of gull. Its plumage is mostly white with grey upperparts.
During the breeding season, the Bonaparte’s gull gains a distinct slaty-black hood, which makes it easier to identify. Male and female Bonaparte’s gulls are similar in appearance, with only the hood distinguishing them from one another.
The habitats of the Bonaparte’s gull are generally near shorelines, where it can be seen foraging for food. The gull mainly feeds on insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and fish. It is also known to scavenge for food, which it often finds in landfills and garbage dumps.
It is a relatively common species over most of its range, and its conservation status is of the least concern.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. philadelphia |
8. Red-breasted Merganser
The red-breasted merganser is a duck species found in the Northern Hemisphere. It is named for the red feathers on the chest of the male duck during the breeding season.
Male red-breasted mergansers have a green head and back, a white neck and belly, and a black and white striped breast. The female is gray-brown with a white neck and belly. Both sexes have a long, thin bill and a crest of feathers on the back of the head.
The red-breasted merganser is capable of diving underwater to catch fish. It is often seen in large flocks on lakes and rivers. During the breeding season, the male will display its red chest feathers to impress potential mates.
This species is a popular game bird for hunters and can be found in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mergus |
| Species | M. serrator |
9. Elegant Tern
The elegant tern is a species of seabird in the family Laridae, which also includes the more commonly known gulls and skimmers. It is a migratory bird, breeding along the Pacific coasts of the southern United States and Mexico.
During the winter, it travels southward, reaching as far as Peru, Ecuador, and Chile. Its diet consists of small fish, which it catches in its sharp, pointed beak. The elegant tern has a white head with a black cap and a white underbelly with a gray back and wings.
Its long, slender wings enable it to soar gracefully over the ocean, and its bright yellow bill and legs add a splash of color to its already striking appearance.
Its scientific name is Thalasseus elegans, which means ‘beautiful’.The elegant tern is a social bird, often seen in large flocks. It nests on the ground, usually near beaches or in marshes. It builds its nest using sticks, grass, seaweed, and other materials.
During the breeding season, the female usually lays one to three eggs. The elegant tern is an important part of the ecosystem in its range.
Its diet helps to regulate the population of small fish, and its presence attracts other seabirds, creating a dynamic and vibrant environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Thalasseus |
| Species | T. elegans |
10. Glaucous-winged Gull
The glaucous-winged gull is a large seabird that is characterized by its white head. Its scientific name, Larus glaucescens, is derived from Latin and Ancient Greek. The genus name, Larus, is derived from Latin and appears to refer to a large seabird.
The species name, glaucescens, is from Neo-Latin and can be translated to “glaucous,” which is derived from glaukos, an Ancient Greek word that describes the grey color of its wings.
This species of gull is found mainly along the coasts of the Pacific Northwest and is an important part of marine ecosystems in the region. They feed on fish, insects, and other sources of food found in the ocean and are important to the local food web.
They also act as indicator species, providing scientists with information on the health of the local marine environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. glaucescens |
11. Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s hummingbird is a small, colorful bird that is found in the western United States. It is one of seven species in the genus Selasphorus and is typically found in open woodlands, mountain meadows, and deserts.
Its range extends from southeastern Alaska to western Texas and from the Great Basin east to the Rocky Mountains. The male Allen’s hummingbird has a glossy green back, a white chest, and a bright red throat.
The female is slightly smaller and has a white throat and a grayish-green back. Both sexes have straight, short, black bills and white-tipped outer tail feathers. Allen’s hummingbird feeds on nectar from flowers, but also eats insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
It can often be found hovering near flowers and feeders and will fight fiercely with other hummingbirds to defend its food source. In the summer, Allen’s hummingbirds build small cup-shaped nests in trees and shrubs, lining them with lichens and moss.
The female typically lays two white eggs, which hatch after about two weeks. The young birds remain in the nest for another two to three weeks before they can fly.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. sasin |
12. Grey Plover
The grey plover is a large, cosmopolitan bird that breeds in the Arctic region. It is also known as the black-bellied plover in North America.
Not only does it inhabit the Arctic regions, but it is also a long-distance migrant that can be found along coastal areas around the world when not breeding. This adaptability of the grey plover allows it to thrive in a variety of different climates and geographical areas.
Its feathers are a grey-brown hue with a white underside, which helps it to blend in with its environment. The grey plover is omnivorous, feeding on a mix of insects, crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and other small invertebrates.
These birds can be found in a variety of wetlands, mudflats, and estuaries. They can also be found in fields and pastures, though they are more commonly seen near the coast.
The grey plover is an important part of the global ecosystem, helping to maintain a healthy balance of life in various ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. squatarola |
Conclusion
Huntington Beach is a great place for bird-watching. It has a variety of species that can be seen throughout the year, from the endangered snowy plover to the more common species like seagulls and pelicans.
The diverse habitats and reliable food sources make it a great spot for birds, and it’s easy to see why so many bird lovers flock to the area to observe them.
Whether you’re an experienced birder or just starting to learn, Huntington Beach is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of birds.