45 Large Birds Of Michigan

Michigan is a perfect place for bird lovers who enjoy watching the majestic and diverse species of large birds that thrive in the state’s diverse ecosystems.

From the bald eagle to the peregrine falcon, red-tailed hawk, and sandhill crane, the range of large avian species found in Michigan is remarkable.

With such a rich avian population, Michigan is an excellent destination for bird enthusiasts, who can spend countless hours exploring the state’s natural areas while observing the splendid large birds that live there.

This article will provide an in-depth overview of some of the most exciting species of large birds that can be found in Michigan.

1. Golden Eagle

The Golden Eagle is an iconic bird of prey found throughout the northern hemisphere. It is a large, powerful raptor with dark brown feathers and lighter golden-brown plumage on its nape.

Immature eagles have white patches around their beaks, tails and wings which they lose as they mature.

Its diet consists mostly of small mammals such as rabbits, hares and marmots but can also include birds or reptiles depending on where it lives.

These majestic creatures are known for their remarkable strength in flight; using thermal updrafts to soar high into the sky searching for food or simply enjoying the view below them.

They are often seen soaring alone over open expanses looking out for potential threats from other predators like wolves or foxes that may encroach upon their territory.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Accipitridae
Genus	Aquila
Species	A. chrysaetos

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2. Thrush

Thrushes are small to medium-sized birds belonging to the Turdidae family, and found all over the world. They live on or near the ground and feed on insects, other invertebrates and fruit.

Their feathers range from greyish browns to deep blues in colour with spotted wings that help them blend into their natural habitats such as forests, woodlands and shrubs.

Thrushes have distinctive songs which they sing during spring mating season; many species also perform complex flight displays for courtship rituals.

These birds may be solitary creatures but can often be seen foraging together in groups or pairs when searching for food sources like worms, snails or berries.

A healthy thrush population is an indication of a balanced environment since they require clean water sources as well as plenty of vegetation cover – making them important indicators of ecosystem health worldwide.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Suborder	Passeri
Family	Turdidae Rafinesque, 1815

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3. American Robin

The American robin is a migratory bird, belonging to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family.

It was named after its European counterpart due to the similar reddish-orange breast they both possess; however, they are not related closely.

This species can be seen through most of North America during winter months, as well as in parts of Mexico and Central America where it also breeds.

They have plump bodies with gray upperparts and white underparts that vary from yellow on their throats down to orange toward their bellies.

Robins feed on fruits such as berries or insects like worms which makes them an important part of ecosystems by helping disperse seeds naturally throughout these areas.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Turdidae
Genus	Turdus
Species	T. migratorius

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4. Common Loon

The Common Loon is a beautiful bird found in North America. It has a large black head and neck, with a greenish to purple sheen that stands out against its dark grey upperparts.

The underparts are pure white except for some black on the undertail coverts and vent.

During non-breeding season adults have brown plumage instead of the bright shades they show during breeding season.

They also exhibit unique behaviors such as diving underwater to catch fish or swimming along lakeshores while calling loudly, which is how they got their name “great northern diver”.

With their stunning colors and interesting behavior, it’s no wonder why these birds make up an iconic part of many landscapes across North America.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Gaviiformes
Family	Gaviidae
Genus	Gavia
Species	G. immer

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5. Bald Eagle

The majestic Bald Eagle is a bird of prey found in North America and recognized as the national symbol of the United States.

With its distinctive white head, brown body and striking yellow beak, this sea eagle has two known subspecies that form a species pair with the White-tailed Eagle.

It inhabits much of Canada, Alaska all states in the US contiguous area and Northern Mexico near large bodies of water where they feed mainly on fish.

These birds have an impressive wingspan ranging from 1.8 to 2 meters depending on their size making them one of nature’s most magnificent creatures.Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Accipitridae
Genus	Haliaeetus
Species	H. leucocephalus

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6. Peregrine Falcon

The Peregrine Falcon is a majestic bird of prey belonging to the family Falconidae. It has a blue-grey back, barred white underparts and black head making it easily recognizable.

This intelligent raptor is known for its incredible speed reaching over 320 km/h (200 mph) during hunting dives – one of the fastest animals in existence.

The peregrine falcon can be found around the world from Arctic tundra to tropical rainforests thriving with humans or in high alpine mountains far away from civilization.

With their beauty, power and adaptability they are an impressive species that have earned respect among many cultures throughout history as symbols of strength and endurance.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Falconiformes
Family	Falconidae
Genus	Falco
Species	F. peregrinus

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7. Common Starling

The Common Starling is a medium-sized passerine bird that belongs to the starling family. It has glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen, and in certain times of year it can be speckled with white.

The bill and legs are typically pink or black depending on the season, while its length measures about 8 inches long.

Its diet consists mainly of insects but also includes small fruits and seeds as well as some human food waste.

They live in large flocks which provides protection against predators, although they can become quite aggressive when defending their nesting sites during breeding seasons.

Overall, this species is highly adaptable and widely distributed across many parts of Europe making them one of the most successful birds in the region today.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Sturnidae
Genus	Sturnus
Species	S. vulgaris

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8. White-Breasted Nuthatch

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a medium-sized bird belonging to the nuthatch family Sittidae. It measures around 15.5 cm in length and its colour varies throughout its range.

Males have a light blue-grey upperpart, with black crown and nape whereas females have a dark grey crown instead of black one.

The underparts are whitish, with reddish tinge on sides and flanks while the bill is short and stout with pale base near eyes which can be yellow or white depending upon geographic location..

This species feeds mainly on insects but will also eat seeds, nuts and berries when available.

They prefer open woodlands where they often climb trees searching for food along trunks as well as branches underneath bark crevices creating their nest there too.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Sittidae
Genus	Sitta
Species	S. carolinensis

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9. American Coot

The American coot is a bird of the Rallidae family, commonly mistaken for ducks. However, they are only distantly related and have broad lobed scales on their lower legs and toes that fold back with each step to help them walk on dry land unlike ducks which have webbed feet.

Coots are omnivores who typically live in freshwater marshes, ponds and lakes but can also be found in brackish water habitats or even open oceans during migration season.

They feed mainly on algae and aquatic plants as well as small fish, snails, insects larvae and worms from time to time.

The males display territorial behaviour by chasing away intruders within their territory while females lay eggs mostly.

In floating nests made of vegetation near shorelines or islands among reeds where chicks hatch after about three weeks incubation period before swimming off into adulthood shortly afterwards at 10-12 weeks old.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Gruiformes
Family	Rallidae
Genus	Fulica
Species	F. americana

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10. American Wigeon

The American Wigeon, also known as the Baldpate, is a species of dabbling duck found throughout North America.

It closely resembles its Eurasian counterpart and was formally described in 1789 by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin.

This medium-sized bird has an overall grey body with white feathers on its face and belly that give it a distinctive bald appearance.

Its wings are brownish black with green speculum markings on them while the tail is dark brown or black at the base and gradually lightens near tips to become chestnut colored.

The male wigeons have purple patches on their heads during breeding season along with yellow eyes which helps differentiate them from females who have duller colors around their faces instead of bright ones like males possess.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Mareca
Species	M. americana

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11. Belted Kingfisher

The belted kingfisher is a large, eye-catching bird native to North America. It belongs to the family Alcedinidae and has been divided into three subfamilies by recent research.

The species was first described in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus in his Systema Naturae.

This water Kingfisher stands out for its size as well as its striking plumage; males are bright blue on top with white below and females have rusty brown backs and wings with a thick black breast band across their chest.

They also possess an impressive call which can be heard from quite far away.

Belted kingfishers feed mainly on small fish but will sometimes also eat crustaceans, insects or even amphibians if they come across them while hunting around rivers or streams.

All in all, this is truly one remarkable bird that deserves our admiration.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Coraciiformes
Family	Alcedinidae
Subfamily	Cerylinae
Genus	Megaceryle
Species	M. alcyon

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12. Canada Goose

The Canada goose is a majestic bird with a black head and neck, white cheeks, chin and brown body. It’s native to North America but occasionally migrates to northern Europe across the Atlantic.

The species has been introduced in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Finland as well. Canada geese are strong flyers that travel in flocks for protection from predators; they also form monogamous pairs for life.

They feed on grasses or grains near ponds or wetlands where they make their nests of down which incubate eggs during summertime before hatching them out into goslings later on.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Branta
Species	B. canadensis

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13. Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl is an impressive bird native to the Americas. It is well-known for its wide range and adaptability, as it can be found in many different habitats across the continent.

Its diet consists primarily of rabbits, hares, rats and mice; however, they are also known to consume skunks, geese and other birds too.

With their powerful talons capable of crushing prey with ease, these owls have earned themselves a fearsome reputation due to their incredible strength.

Their iconic horn-like tufts on either side of its head add another layer of intimidation which helps them stand out from other owls in the area.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Strigiformes
Family	Strigidae
Genus	Bubo
Species	B. virginianus

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14. Osprey

The Osprey is a majestic bird of prey with an incredibly wide habitat range. It has distinctive brown upperparts and greyish head and underparts, making it easily identifiable in the skies above many regions across the world.

With a wingspan of up to 180cm (71in) and body length reaching 60cm (24in), this large raptor specializes in hunting for fish, soaring high over rivers as well as coasts searching for its next meal.

Despite living near water sources, they can also be found inhabiting mountainsides or even woodlands, proving their incredible adaptability. An impressive species that truly deserves admiration.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Pandionidae
Genus	Pandion
Species	P. haliaetus

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15. Crested Caracara

The Crested Caracara is a majestic bird of prey found from the Southern United States through Central and South America, all the way down to Tierra del Fuego.

It has an impressive wingspan ranging from 120-132 cm, with adults averaging 1,348 g in weight. This species is known for its characteristic crest on top of their head that can be raised when they are alarmed or excited.

They have pale yellow legs and feet along with dark brown feathers covering most of their body.

The Crested Caracara feeds mainly on carrion but will also take live food such as small mammals, reptiles and birds as well as garbage if it’s available near them.

These amazing raptors form strong family bonds between siblings which often last until adulthood; making them one of nature’s most remarkable creatures.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Falconiformes
Family	Falconidae
Genus	Caracara
Species	C. plancus

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16. Cuckoos

Cuckoos are fascinating birds belonging to the Cuculidae family, which is the only taxon in the order of Cuculiformes.

There are many different species within this family such as common or European cuckoo, roadrunners, koels, malkohas, couas and anis.

Some of these species may even be identified as separate families – Centropodidae and Crotophagidae respectively.

These birds have been known for their unique features such as loud calls heard consistently during certain times of day and night.

They also exhibit behavior like brood parasitism where they lay eggs in other nests so that their chicks can get more food from host parents than its own.

All these traits make them one-of-a-kind creatures worth admiring.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Clade	Otidimorphae
Order	Cuculiformes Wagler, 1830
Family	Cuculidae Leach, 1820

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17. Turkey Vulture

The turkey vulture is a large bird of prey that can be found in many parts of the world. It has a wingspan of up to 6 feet and its feathers are mostly black with brownish-red patches on the underside which give it an overall dark red appearance.

Its head is bald, which helps protect it from getting overheated when flying long distances looking for food.

The Turkey Vulture usually feeds off carrion but will also feed on fruit and insects.

Its keen eyesight allows them to spot potential meals from miles away while they soar through the sky using their broad wings and thermal air currents to stay aloft without expending much energy.

They are very important scavengers as they keep ecosystems healthy by consuming dead animals before disease can spread amongst living creatures or contaminate local water sources like rivers or lakes

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Cathartidae
Genus	Cathartes
Species	C. aura

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18. American White Ibis

The American white ibis is a medium-sized bird with an overall white plumage and long legs. It has a bright red-orange downward curved bill, and black wing tips that are usually only visible in flight.

This species of ibis can be found from Virginia south through most of the coastal New World tropics.

They have been known to inhabit marshes, swamps, ponds, lakeshores as well as mangrove forests near water sources where they feed on crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp among other aquatic animals like insects or snails.

The American white ibis plays an important role in its ecosystem by helping to control insect populations which helps maintain balance within these environments.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Pelecaniformes
Family	Threskiornithidae
Genus	Eudocimus
Species	E. albus

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19. Cattle Egret

The Cattle Egret is a heron of the family Ardeidae found around the world in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate areas. It has two subspecies: western cattle egret and eastern cattle egret.

They have white plumage with buff plumes on their head, neck and back. The beak is yellowish-orange with black tip while legs are orange or yellow coloured depending on species variation.

This bird usually feeds near large herds of animals such as cows, horses etc., where it finds plenty of insects to eat like grasshoppers, crickets etc..

Its presence benefits these animals by removing ectoparasites from them which leads to healthier livestock population.

It nests colonially in trees or shrubs located close to water bodies during breeding season which generally takes place between March-June every year.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Pelecaniformes
Family	Ardeidae
Genus	Bubulcus Bonaparte, 1855
Species	B. ibis

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20. Northern Goshawk

The Northern Goshawk is a medium-large bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. It has been known as one of the true hawks, with “Accipiter” meaning hawk in Latin and “gentilis” referring to its noble characteristics.

They are found worldwide, most commonly in wooded areas such as forests or thickets where they hunt small birds and mammals.

The males have spotted grey upperparts while females tend to be fully brown above with some lighter barring on their underparts.

These raptors rely heavily on speed and agility when hunting from either perches or during aerial dives at high speeds for their prey which makes them formidable predators that can reach up to 40 mph.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Accipitridae
Genus	Accipiter
Species	A. gentilis

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21. Great Egret

The Great Egret is a large, white bird found in many regions of the world. It has four subspecies that reside across Asia, Africa, Americas and southern Europe.

This species usually lives near bodies of water such as lakes and marshes. They are also now starting to spread into more northern areas of Europe due to climate change.

These birds have long yellow legs with an impressive wingspan for their size which allows them to soar majestically through the sky hunting for fish or amphibians in shallow waters below.

Their feathers have been used historically by Native Americans as part of traditional garments or ceremonies but this practice should be avoided today so these amazing creatures can thrive without harm from humans.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Pelecaniformes
Family	Ardeidae
Genus	Ardea
Species	A. alba

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22. Mute Swan

The Mute Swan is a species of swan belonging to the waterfowl family Anatidae. It can be found in much of Eurosiberia, as well as North America, Australasia and southern Africa where it has been introduced.

The ‘mute’ part of its name comes from its soft call which is more muffled than that of other swans.

They have an almost entirely white plumage with black legs and feet and an orange bill with a distinctive knob at the base.

These striking birds are large in size reaching up to 1 metre tall when fully grown with wingspans reaching 3 metres or more.

In flight they hold their necks arched gracefully above their body while beating powerful wings slowly through the air – creating quite a spectacle.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Cygnus
Species	C. olor

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23. Loons

Loons are an aquatic bird found in both North America and northern Eurasia. They can be identified by their size, which is similar to that of large ducks or small geese.

When swimming, loons resemble these birds in shape as well as movement.

Unlike other waterfowl however, they have pointed bills with serrated edges and feet set far back on their bodies; this makes them excellent swimmers but hinders the ability to walk on land properly.

Loons feed mainly on fish but also eat insects and crustaceans when available.

In addition to being a common sight around lakes during warmer months, many species migrate south for winter where they live near coastal waters until returning again in springtime.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Gaviiformes
Family	Gaviidae Coues, 1903[1]
Genus	Gavia Forster, 1788

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24. Snowy Owl

The Snowy Owl is an impressive bird of prey native to both the North American and Palearctic Arctic regions.

It has a unique white plumage that helps it blend in with its snowy tundra habitat, as well as several adaptations that make it suitable for life in cold climates.

These include thick feathers which insulate their bodies from frigid temperatures, large eyes adapted for hunting during long winter nights, and talons designed for gripping slippery surfaces such as ice or snow.

This majestic owl will soar high above its territory searching for food before gliding back down again to perch atop rocks or trees.

The Snowy Owl truly stands out amongst other birds of prey – an iconic symbol of the beauty and mystery of the north.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Strigiformes
Family	Strigidae
Genus	Bubo
Species	B. scandiacus

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25. Great Blue Heron

The Great Blue Heron is a majestic wading bird found in many parts of North America, Central America, the Caribbean and even as far away as the Galapagos Islands.

It has an impressive wingspan which can reach up to six feet wide. Its feathers are mainly bluish-gray with brownish streaks on both its neck and chest while its head displays white plumes.

The adult herons can also be identified by their yellow bill and legs.

They live near bodies of water such as lakes, marshes or rivers where they feed on fish using a spear like motion with their sharp bills.

An all-white population exists only in south Florida and the Florida Keys making it quite unique.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Pelecaniformes
Family	Ardeidae
Genus	Ardea
Species	A. herodias

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26. Pileated Woodpecker

The pileated woodpecker is a large, majestic bird native to North America.

Its striking black plumage and red crest make it an unmistakeable sight in the forest canopy of deciduous forests across eastern North America, Great Lakes region, Canada’s boreal forests, and parts of the Pacific Coast.

It is one of the largest woodpeckers in North America: larger than any other confirmed species except for perhaps its relative; the ivory-billed woodpecker.

Insectivorous by nature, this stunning creature can be seen pecking away at tree trunks searching for food or making nest cavities – all with remarkable skill.

The pileated woodpecker truly stands out as a symbol of beauty and resilience amongst our avian wildlife.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Piciformes
Family	Picidae
Genus	Dryocopus
Species	D. pileatus

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27. Piping Plover

The Piping Plover is a small shorebird that can be found along sandy or gravel beaches in North America.

It has yellow-orange-red legs and its distinctive features include a black band across the forehead from eye to eye, as well as a thicker chest band for males during breeding season.

They are threatened by human activity on their habitats such as increasing development of coastal areas, destruction of their nesting sites due to recreation activities like beach driving and off-leash dogs.

Conservation efforts aim at protecting these birds through habitat protection measures including fencing off areas where they nest and restricting access during breeding seasons.

The future looks brighter with conservation initiatives by local governments slowly bringing the population up again over time.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Charadriiformes
Family	Charadriidae
Genus	Charadrius
Species	C. melodus

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28. Trumpeter Swan

The majestic Trumpeter Swan is the largest native waterfowl in North America, with a wingspan of up to 8 feet.

Found throughout Canada and parts of the United States, this beautiful bird can live for up to 20 years.

It has black legs and bill that are tipped yellow as well as snow-white feathers that help it stand out in its natural habitat.

The trumpeter swan’s diet consists mainly of aquatic vegetation such as roots, tubers, stems, leaves and seeds which they find by wading into shallow waters or grazing on land.

These birds form strong family bonds; both parents raise their young together until they reach adulthood at four years old.

Through conservation efforts these incredible creatures have been brought back from near extinction giving us all something special to appreciate.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Cygnus
Species	C. buccinator

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29. Black Vulture

The black vulture is a common and widespread species of New World Vultures, found in the northeastern United States all the way to Peru, Central Chile and Uruguay.

It’s distinctive appearance has earned it many nicknames such as zopilote, urubu or gallinazo.

This medium-sized bird has mainly black plumage with some white markings on its wings and head; also featuring a long bill for scavenging carrion from carcasses.

Despite being able to fly up high due to its broad wingspan, it prefers keeping close to ground level when searching for food items like dead fish or small mammals that are available near human settlements.

As an apex predator they play an important role in nature by helping keep their environment clean while providing other animals with sustenance through their leftovers.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Cathartidae
Genus	Coragyps
Species	C. atratus

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30. Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Cranes are a large species of crane native to North America and northeastern Siberia. They are known for their distinctive calls, long legs, and long necks.

These birds typically inhabit wetland areas like the Platte River in Nebraska’s Sandhills on the Great Plains.

In Central Florida, they often gather at the edges of bodies of water such as lakes or rivers.

During breeding season, sandhill cranes can be seen performing elaborate courtship dances that involve bowing and jumping in unison with their partner.

Their diet consists mainly of plant material including grains, roots, tubers and aquatic plants which they obtain by pecking or digging into mudflats using their bill or feet respectively.

With an average lifespan between 10-20 years these majestic creatures make great additions to any wetland habitat.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Gruiformes
Family	Gruidae
Genus	Antigone
Species	A. canadensis

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31. Red-Tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk is a majestic bird of prey with its distinctive red tail. It can be found throughout North America, from Alaska in the north to Panama and the West Indies in the south.

This species belongs to Buteo genus, which makes it one of most common raptors on earth.

These hawks mainly hunt small mammals such as rabbits or squirrels but also feed on reptiles and birds during migration season.

Unlike other predator birds, they prefer open areas for hunting like fields or grasslands rather than dense forests.

They build their nests high up on trees where they stay all year long unless disturbed by humans or animals nearby.

Their presence has become an iconic part of American culture due to their frequent sightings around homes and parks alike making them beloved creatures among people everywhere.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Accipitridae
Genus	Buteo
Species	B. jamaicensis

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32. Glaucous Gull

The Glaucous Gull is a majestic species of bird which can be found in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

It has an impressive wingspan, being one of the largest gulls in existence and second only to The Great Black-Backed Gull.

During winter months they migrate southwards towards coasts along Holarctic shores where their presence is seen as far down as South Africa.

Their genus name ‘Larus’, from Latin origins, likely refers to some kind of seabird while its specific name ‘hyperboreus’ derives from Greek for “northern”, referencing Ancient Greeks who lived near what became known as North Pole.

This stunning avian species makes them an unforgettable sight on any journey northward or through coastal areas throughout much of Europe and Asia.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Charadriiformes
Family	Laridae
Genus	Larus
Species	L. hyperboreus

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33. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a species of hummingbird that has an impressive migration pattern, spending the winter in Central America, Mexico and Florida before flying to Canada and other parts of Eastern North America for breeding season.

It’s by far the most common type seen east of the Mississippi River in North America.

Formally described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758, this tiny bird has bright metallic green upperparts with white underparts, a small black bill and a red throat patch which gives it its name; they measure around 3 inches long on average.

They feed primarily on nectar from flowers but also eat insects such as flies or mosquitoes for extra protein during their migrations or when raising young chicks.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Apodiformes
Family	Trochilidae
Genus	Archilochus
Species	A. colubris

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34. Great Black-Backed Gull

The Great Black-Backed Gull is the largest member of its family and aptly named as “king of the Atlantic waterfront”.

It can be found on both European and North American coasts, islands in the North Atlantic, or farther inland near large lakes.

This seabird is an aggressive hunter with a tendency to scavenge for food that it may not have caught itself.

In addition to their formidable hunting skills they are also adept at stealing from other birds who have successfully managed to catch something themselves.

As such they are known for being very territorial when defending their nests during mating season.

The powerful wingspan of this majestic species make them able to soar through even strong winds but still remain graceful while doing so.

All these characteristics combined show why great black-backed gulls truly live up to their name as kings among seafaring birds.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Charadriiformes
Family	Laridae
Genus	Larus
Species	L. marinus

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35. Gyrfalcon

Gyrfalcon is the largest of all falcon species and a majestic bird of prey. It breeds in Arctic coasts, tundra areas, islands of northern North America and Eurosiberian regions.

Gyrfalcons are mainly resident birds but some may wander away from their breeding grounds during winter season or after mating period ends.

These beautiful raptors can be seen in white, dark gray/black and brown colors depending upon subspecies they belong to.

They have powerful wings that help them fly at high speeds while hunting for food like ptarmigans, ducks etc.,They also possess sharp vision which helps them spot small mammals even when they are miles away.

Though gyrfalkons’ population has decreased due to human interference on their habitats yet these magnificent creatures still remain an important part of our ecosystem providing us with ample opportunities to get close to nature’s beauty.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Falconiformes
Family	Falconidae
Genus	Falco
Subgenus	Hierofalco
Species	F. rusticolus

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36. Great Grey Owl

The Great Grey Owl is the world’s largest species of owl and is found across the Northern Hemisphere. It has many other names such as Phantom of The North, Cinereous Owl, Spectral Owl and Lapland Owl.

This majestic bird stands at an impressive length of about 24 inches with a wingspan that can reach up to five feet.

Its unique plumage allows it to blend in well with its natural environment which makes spotting this elusive creature quite difficult.

Despite being generally silent during most times, they are known for their deep hooting calls when mating or roosting season arrives.

These magnificent birds feed on small mammals like mice, voles and hares but have also been seen hunting larger prey such as ducks and grouse depending upon availability in their area.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Strigiformes
Family	Strigidae
Genus	Strix
Species	S. nebulosa

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37. Sternidae

Sternidae are a subgroup of the family Laridae, consisting of eleven genera. They have slender bodies with long forked tails and narrow wings. Their bills are long and their legs relatively short.

Most species display pale grey or white plumage above, while underneath they show black markings on the head along with varying shades of browns elsewhere on their body.

These seabirds can be found in coastal areas near oceans, rivers and wetlands worldwide but especially in North America where they feed primarily on small fish which they capture by swooping down from the air to snatch them up from below the surface.

They also supplement this diet with crustaceans such as crabs when available.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Charadriiformes
Family	Laridae
Subfamily	Sterninae Bonaparte, 1838

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38. Cerulean Warbler

The Cerulean Warbler is a small songbird in the Parulidae family. It migrates long distances, breeding in eastern North American hardwood forests and spending its non-breeding season on the east slope of the Andes in South America.

This bird displays strong sexual dichromatism with adult males having vivid cerulean blue and white upperparts with black streaks running down their neck to chest area.

Females have an olive green color above with yellowish tones beneath them, along with some dark streaks as well.

These birds feed mainly on insects but also consume fruits during migration or when rearing young ones.

They make nests near tree trunks and lay three to five eggs per clutch which hatch after about 10 days of incubation by both parents.

The Cerulean Warbler is classified as Near Threatened due to human disturbances such as habitat loss caused by deforestation amongst other factors like climate change that threaten this species’ survival.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Parulidae
Genus	Setophaga
Species	S. cerulea

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39. Rough-Legged Buzzard

The Rough-legged Buzzard, also known as the Rough-legged Hawk, is a medium to large bird of prey that inhabits Arctic and Subarctic regions in North America, Europe and Russia.

It migrates south during winter. These majestic birds build their nests on cliffs or other rocky ledges making them difficult to spot from afar.

Their plumage can be either dark brown or light with barred underparts and a white head – depending on seasonality.

They have long wings which helps them cover incredible distances while migrating but they are by no means fast flyers – preferring instead soaring flight patterns where possible.

The primary diet for these raptors consists of small rodents such as voles and lemmings however they will take larger prey if needed (such as grouse).

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Accipitridae
Genus	Buteo
Species	B. lagopus

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40. Horned Lark

The Horned Lark, known as the Shore Lark in Europe and North America, is a species of lark belonging to the family Alaudidae.

It can be found across the northern hemisphere and has been classified under its Latin name Eremophila alpestris which means “of high mountains”, referring to its prevalence in mountainous areas like the Alps.

This bird is distinguished by two black tufts or ‘horns’ on either side of its head. Its size varies from 11-13 cm long with brown upperparts and pale whitish underparts sporting darker streaks throughout them both.

With an adaptation for ground nesting, it builds nests out of grasses lined with feathers near open fields where food sources are abundant such as insects, grains and seeds giving this species great potential for survival even when conditions may become harsh during winter months.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Alaudidae
Genus	Eremophila
Species	E. alpestris

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41. Wood Duck

The wood duck, also known as the Carolina Duck, is a species of perching duck native to North America. It is renowned for its beautiful plumage and vibrant colors.

On average, an adult wood duck stands at 19-21 inches in length with a wingspan ranging from 26 to 29 inches. Its weight typically falls between 454–800 grams depending on gender and seasonality.

This medium-sized bird can be seen swimming or perched atop branches near bodies of water like lakes, ponds and rivers – where it feeds mostly on aquatic plants and insects.

The female builds nests inside cavities in trees close to these waters while the male protects her eggs during incubation period until they hatch into adorable little chicks.

Wood ducks are beloved by many due their stunning looks which make them popular subjects among photographers too.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Aix
Species	A. sponsa

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42. Kirtland’s Warbler

Kirtland’s warbler is a small songbird belonging to the New World warbler family and named after Jared Potter Kirtland. It was nearly extinct 50 years ago, but thanks to conservation efforts, its population has recovered.

This bird requires large areas of habitat with young jack pine stands for nesting, making it vulnerable when this type of habitat becomes scarce or disturbed.

The male birds have distinctive black streaks on their yellow chest and wings during breeding season from April through June in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Outside these months they migrate across Mexico, Caribbean islands and Florida before returning north again in springtime.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Parulidae
Genus	Setophaga
Species	S. kirtlandii

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43. Bufflehead

The Bufflehead bird is a small sea duck belonging to the goldeneyes genus. It was first described in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus, and its scientific name is Bucephala albeola.

The name “Bucephala” comes from the Greek words for “bull-headed,” which refers to its oddly shaped, bulbous head.

These birds are known for their striking black and white plumage, with the males sporting distinctive iridescent green and purple feathers on their heads.

Buffleheads are found primarily in North America, spending their winters on coastal waters and migrating inland to breed in wooded areas.

They are skilled divers and feed primarily on insects and small crustaceans. Despite their small size, Buffleheads are hardy birds and can survive in extreme weather conditions.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Bucephala
Species	B. albeola

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44. Anhinga

The Anhinga is a water bird found in the warmer parts of the Americas. It is sometimes called the snakebird, American darter, or water turkey.

The bird’s name comes from the Brazilian Tupi language and means “devil bird” or “snake bird.” When swimming, only the Anhinga’s neck appears above water, giving the appearance of a ready-to-strike snake.

It is a skilled swimmer and hunter, using its sharp beak to catch fish underwater. The Anhinga is easily recognizable by its long neck, sharp beak, and distinctive coloring of black and white feathers.

Its ability to dry its wings quickly after diving is unique among water birds, as it lacks the natural oils that make feathers waterproof.

The Anhinga is an important member of its ecosystem, helping to control fish populations and serving as prey for larger predators.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Suliformes
Family	Anhingidae
Genus	Anhinga
Species	A. anhinga

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45. Northern Flicker

The Northern flicker is a woodpecker species found in North America, Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands. This medium-sized bird is known for its unique migration behavior.

Over 100 common names are used to refer to the Northern flicker, one of them being “yellowhammer”. It is a beautiful bird with distinctive markings and a colorful plumage.

The Northern flicker is an important species in its ecosystem and plays a key role in maintaining a healthy balance in the environment.

Despite being a woodpecker, the Northern flicker has a diverse diet that includes insects, fruits, and seeds.

It is fascinating to observe this bird as it pecks at trees in search of food, communicates with its unique vocalizations and performs its incredible aerial displays.

The Northern flicker is truly a remarkable bird species that is worthy of our admiration and protection.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Piciformes
Family	Picidae
Genus	Colaptes
Species	C. auratus

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