Vermont is home to a vast array of bird species, including a variety of large birds that grace the skies and forests of the state. These birds are an important part of the region’s natural heritage and provide a critical ecological role.
From majestic raptors to towering waterfowl, Vermont’s large birds come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. With their stunning beauty and impressive physical features, these birds are a wonder to observe and behold.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable large birds that can be found on Vermont’s bird list.
1. 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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2. 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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3. American Crow
The American crow is a large bird of the Corvidae family, native to most parts of North America.
It is similar in size and structure to its European counterpart, the carrion crow, as well as Eurasia’s hooded crow.
The three species occupy the same ecological niche, but are distinguishable by their differences in appearance.
American crows have black feathers covering their entire body with wingspan averaging between 17-21 inches wide for males and 16-19 inches for females.
They feed on insects such as grasshoppers, beetles and caterpillars; they also eat grains from fields or abandoned farms during winter months when food sources become scarcer.
In addition to feeding habits American crows can be identified by their distinct call which resembles a “caw” sound that travels long distances over open terrain making them popular among birdwatchers.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Corvus |
| Species | C. brachyrhynchos |
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4. 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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5. 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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6. American Woodcock
The American woodcock is a small shorebird found mainly in the eastern half of North America. It has brown, black and grey plumage which helps it blend into its brushy, young-forest habitats perfectly.
Often referred to as the timberdoodle or bogsucker due to its quirky behavior, these birds are normally solitary and spend their time foraging on the ground for food like worms and insects.
During mating season males perform an elaborate courtship ritual involving loud calls from atop tall perches followed by graceful dives towards earth while singing songs along the way.
The female then selects her mate based solely upon his performance during this ritual display.
All in all, this bird is truly amazing with both a unique appearance and interesting behaviors that have made them quite popular amongst ornithologists around the world.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Scolopax |
| Species | S. minor |
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7. Barred Owl
The Barred Owl is a large species of owl native to eastern North America. It belongs to the genus Strix, which is part of the true owl family Strigidae.
These beautiful birds are mainly brown with distinct stripes on their bodies and wings. Its face has dark eyes, a white chin patch and two black bars across its yellow-brownish beak, giving it an intimidating appearance.
The barred owls have powerful talons that they use for hunting small mammals like mice and voles as well as other animals such as fish, amphibians or insects.
They also rely heavily on hearing when looking for prey in low light conditions.
With their amazing camouflage abilities these birds can often remain undetected while observing potential threats from predators – making them highly successful hunters.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Strix |
| Species | S. varia |
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8. 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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9. 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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10. 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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11. Common Goldeneye
The Common Goldeneye is a medium-sized sea duck from the genus Bucephala. It has an iconic golden eye and bulbous head, which gave it its scientific name – Boukephalos (bullheaded).
This species can be found in many areas of North America, Europe and Asia. They are usually seen swimming alone or in pairs near large bodies of open water such as lakes and rivers.
In addition to their distinctive eyes, they have white wing patches on either side with black spots along the edges – helping them stand out among other ducks.
The diet of these birds includes aquatic insects, mollusks and crustaceans.
During mating season males often perform elaborate courtship displays including head bobbing while producing loud calls that can travel quite far distances across the landscape.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Bucephala |
| Species | B. clangula |
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12. Loons
Loons are an aquatic birds 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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13. 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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14. 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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15. 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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16. 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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17. 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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18. Sharp-Shinned Hawk
The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small hawk found throughout the United States and Canada. It is one of the smallest hawks in North America, but larger than some Neotropical species such as the tiny hawk.
Taxonomy of this bird remains uncertain; with some authorities suggesting that southern taxa may represent three distinct species: white-breasted hawk (A. chionogaster), plain-breasted hawk (A. ventralis) and rufous morph sharp-shinnedhawk(A. rufiventris).
These birds feed primarily on small birds like finches, sparrows, woodpeckers and warblers while hunting from perches or by flying through dense vegetation to surprise unsuspecting prey items.
They are agile flyers that rely heavily on surprise to capture their food items quickly before they can fly away.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Accipiter |
| Species | A. striatus |
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19. 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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20. 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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21. Ring-Necked Duck
The Ring-necked duck is a popular diving bird found in freshwater ponds and lakes across North America.
They are known for their relatively small to medium size and distinctive ring around their neck, which gives them their name.
Interestingly, their scientific name is derived from a Greek word for an unidentified seabird and the Latin word for “neck.”
These ducks are great swimmers and divers, spending much of their time underwater searching for food, which mostly consists of aquatic vegetation and invertebrates.
They are also known for their striking appearance, with a beautiful coloring of black, gray, and white feathers.
The Ring-necked duck is a fascinating bird, and its unique characteristics make it a subject of interest for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. collaris |
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22. 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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