Birds are an essential part of the West’s natural environment. From tiny warblers to majestic raptors, the skies of the West are filled with a variety of species.
Birdwatching is popular in the area, as West is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and unique birds. From the endangered California condor to the more common crows and sparrows, the skies of the West provide a stunning display of avian life.
In addition to providing wildlife enthusiasts with plenty of opportunities for observation, birds also play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem’s health. As pollinators, predators, and scavengers, birds are critical for balancing the local environment.
Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or just looking to appreciate nature, West is the perfect place to experience the beauty of birds.
24 Birds to Watch in West
The world of birdwatching in the Western region! Spanning diverse landscapes from rugged coastlines to towering mountain ranges, the West offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe a fascinating array of avian species in their natural habitats.
Whether you’re an avid birder or a newcomer to the hobby, this region’s rich biodiversity and stunning scenery promise an unforgettable experience.
Here’s a list of 24 birds that are often sought after in the western regions of various countries:
1. American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a species of finch native to North America. During the breeding season, it migrates from the mid-Alberta region in Canada to North Carolina in the United States.
During widths, it migrates from its northernmost range near the Canada-United States border to as far south as Mexico. It is a small bird, typically four to five inches long.
Its feathers are mostly black and yellow, with black wings and tail and a bright yellow body. It feeds mainly on seeds and small insects and is often seen in fields and gardens during the warmer months.
The American Goldfinch is an essential bird species, and its migratory patterns are a vital part of its life cycle and ecological niche.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
2. Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that is the smallest of its kind in North America. It usually measures between 14 and 18 centimeters and is mainly found in forested areas throughout the United States and Canada.
There are, however, some exceptions to this rule; deserts in the southwest and the northern tundra are two areas where the Downy Woodpecker does not typically reside. Downy Woodpeckers usually inhabit deciduous and coniferous forests, orchards, and parks.
They feed on insects, fruits, and nuts and can be seen using their beaks to drill holes into trees. Bartolo locates food. They are also known to visit bird feeders. Downy Woodpeckers are usually found in pairs and can be seen drumming on the street to attract a mate.
They make shallow holes in dead trees and branches to create nests and have been known to use these same nesting sites year after year. The Downy Woodpecker is an integral part of North American ecosystems.
It helps to control insect populations, and its presence indicates a healthy forest and a thriving bird population. Its small size and ability to adapt to various habitats make it an important species to protect and conserve.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. pubescens |
3. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory birs part of the valid thrush genus and the more prominent thrush family, Turdidae. It gets its name from the European robin, which it resembles due to its reddish-orange breast.
However, they are noy related; the European robin iy part of the Old World Flycatcher family. The American robin is a migratory bird, meaning it usually travels long distances to find food and suitable habitats.
It can be seen in North America, from Alaska to Mexico, and is common in backyards and gardens. The American robin is a social creature, often gathering in large flocks during migration.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, fruit, and earthworms, making it a valuable bird for controlling insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
4. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove is a bird species belonging to the Columbidae family. It is native to the Americas and is one of the most widely distributed birds in the world. It is also known as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, and colloquially as the turtle dove.
In the past, it was known as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove. The mourning dove symbolizes peace and tranquility and is known for its soft, low-pitched call. The mourning dove is a medium-sized bird with a total length of approximately 13-15 inches.
It has a pointed tail, a gray-brown body, and a white-spotted black collar on its neck. Its wings are long and pointed, and its legs are short and pinkish. The mourning dove is a ground-feeding bid, which primarily eats seeds, grains, fruits, and insects.
The mourning dove is typically seen in open grasslands or fields and can often be perched on telephone wires—twigs and grass are used to build a cup-shaped hole on the ground or in trees.
The mourning dove is monogamous, and males and females take turns incubating the eggs. The female typically lays two white eggs, which hatch after about two weeks. The mourning dove is an important species in many cultures and is the state bird of seven U.S. states.
It is also a famous game bird, with an estimated yearly hunting season of 20 million birds in the United States. Despite its popularity, the mourning dove is declining in population due to habitat destruction and other human activities.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
5. Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal is a beautiful bird in many parts of North America. It is colloquially known by many names, such as the redbird, common cardinal, red cardinal, or simply cardinal.
It belongs to the genus Cardinaliss, a species of passerinbirdds found in North and South America. The northern cardinal is easily recognizable due to its distinctive red plumage and black face mask. Its diet includes a variety of seeds, fruits, and insects.
Male cardinals also feed female cardinals during courtship. They are monogamous and form strong bonds, often staying together for life. The northern cardinal is common in many gardens and yards, as it frequently visits backyard bird feeders.
They are also known to use bird baths for bathing and drinking. They are considered a symbol of love and loyalty due to their monogamous nature and are often featured in art and literature.
The northern cardinal is a beloved bird among many, with its bright red marking a cheerful presence in any garden or yard. Its lovely song is a pleasure to listen to and will surely bring a smile to any birdwatcher’s face.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Cardinalis |
| Species | C. cardinalis |
6. Red-Winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is a species of bird belonging to the family Icteridae. This species is found throughout most of North America and much of Central America.
It is a passerine bird, meaning it belongs to Passeriform, the largest and most diverse order of birds. This species is a medium-sized blackbird with a bright red shoulder patch and yellow wing bars.
The male is black with a glossy sheen, while the female is brown with streaked features. The red-winged blackbird is a vocal bird, and the male’s song is a loud, high-pitched “konk-la-ree” sound.
This species is often seen in large flocks in open fields, wetlands, and other habitats. They feed on various insects, seeds, fruits, and grains. During the breeding season, males are highly territorial and aggressively defend their nesting area from intruders.
Red-winged blackbirds are widespread and have adapted well to human-modified habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
7. House Finch
The house finch is a species of bird that belongs to the finch family Fringillidae. It is native to the western portion of North America but has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii.
This species is placed in the genus Haemorho and the other two American rosefinches. This type of finch is a small, seed-eating passerinbirdsrd typically found in open woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands.
They have short, stout bills for cracking seeds and short, rounded wings for maneuvering through the air. The house finch is a small bird with a brownish-red boy streaked with brown or black.
Its plumage is highly variable, with males usually being more brightly colored than females. House finches can be found in various habitats, including parks, gardens, and urban and suburban areas. They are friendly birds that feed on multiple seeds, fruits, and insects.
They nest in various places, including trees, shrubs, and windowsills.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
8. Blue Jay
The blue jay is a Corvidae family member, including birds such as crows, ravens, and magpies. It is native to eastern North America and is found in most eastern and central United States. However, some eastern populations may migrate seasonally.
It can also be found in Newfoundland, Canada, in permanent resident populations.
Breeding populations of blue jays can be found across southern Canada. Blue jays have distinctive blue feathers and win and black and white markings on their heads, necks, and wings.
They are medium-sized birds, about 11 inch length, with a wingspan of about 15 inches. They have a strong, sharp beak and a loud, harsh call. Blue jays are omnivorous and feed on various foods, including insects, nuts, seeds, and berries.
They are also known for their intelligence and vocal imitation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. cristata |
9. House Sparrow
The house sparrow is a common bird species belonging to the sparrow family Passeridae. It is found in most parts of the world and is known for its small size, with a typical length of 16 cm and a mass of 24-39.5 g.
The males of this species have brighter black, white, and brown markings than the females, and young birds are typically colored pale brown and grey.
The house sparrow is known for its wide habitat range in many environments, from cities to rural settings.
It is a social species, often seen in flocks, and can be found in par, gardens, file, ds, and farmlands. The house sparrow is omnivorous and eats various seeds, fruits, and insects. It is an important agricultural pest, as it feeds on grains and other crops.
Despite this, it is a valuable species, as it helps to control insect populations and is a famous garden bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passeridae |
| Genus | Passer |
| Species | P. domesticus |
10. Dark-Eyed Junco
The dark-eyed junco is a species of small, grayish sparrows native to the New World. It is found in many parts of temperate North America, and in the summer, it can be seen in the Arctic regions.
This species of junco is very variable, meaning it has many different physical characteristics. It is also similar to the fox sparrow, another species of sparrow.
However, it isn’t easy to differentiate between the two species, as their systematics have not been completely understood. This meant it was not easy to identify the differences between the two species with certainty.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Junco |
| Species | J. hyemalis |
11. American Crow
The American crow is a prominent type of bird in the Corvidae family, commonly found across much of North America. It is closely related to the carrion crow and hooded crow of Europe, which share similar ecological needs.
All three of these species occupy the same environment and compete with each other for resources. The American crow is an omnivore which eats plant and animal matter.
It will scavenge for food, such as carrion, eggs, small mammals, and forage for nuts, seeds, and fruits. American crows are also known to steal food from other animals, such as nesting birds.
They are brilliant and are known to use tools and even construct essential tools to help them get food. American crows are very social birds and live in large flocks. They are also known to mate for life and often stay in the same area year-round.
These birds are important scavengers, helping to clean up dead animals and other organic matter. Overall, the American crow is an integral part of North American ecology.
It is a common bird found in many areas and closely related to Eurasia’s carrion crow and hooded cria. All three species share the same ecological niche and compete for resources, helping to balance the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Corvus |
| Species | C. brachyrhynchos |
12. European Starling
The common starling is a medium-sized bird of the starling family Sturnidae. It is native to Europe and is known as the European starling in North America. It is referred to as the star in Great Britain and Ireland.
It is a passerine bi with a distinctive perching posture with its feet facing forward. It has short, rounded wings and a long tail. The plumage is mainly glossy black with iridescent green, blue, and purple patches, and the beak is yellow.
The common starling is a highly social species, often found in large flocks. It is an omnivorous bird, feeding various foods such as insects, fruits, and seeds.
It is a familiar and popular garden bird in many countries, and its presence is often welcomed due to its insect-eating habits.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
13. Song Sparrow
The song sparrow is a common bird found in North America. It is a medium-sized sparrow, measuring around 13 to 18 centimeters in length. It belongs to the New World sparrows, a family of small passerine birds in the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa.
Among the native sparrows of North America, the song sparrow is one of the most abundant. This is due to its wide range and ability to adjust to various habitats.
It is found in many environments, including wetlands, grasslands, farms, and urban areas. Its adaptability to various habitats and its ability to thrive in multiple conditions make it one of the most variable sparrow species.
Furthermore, its abundance has also made it one of the most studied species of New World sparrows.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Melospiza |
| Species | M. melodia |
14. White-Breasted Nuthatch
The white-breasted nuthatch is a bird species in the nuthatch family Sittidae and is one of the more common thatch species. It is easily identified by its distinctive white breast and gray upperparts.
The white-breasted nuthatch is a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 15.5 cloth. It has a stout bill and a long, slightly down-curved tail. The white-breasted nuthatch is known for its loud, harsh call, comprising short, sharp notes.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and seeds. It is most commonly found in deciduous and mixed woodlands, where it can be seen foraging on tree trunks and brancheforof food.
The white-breasted nuthatch is a year-round resident of its range, though some populations may migrate short distances in winter. It is a famous bird among birdwatchers because it is bold and curious.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. carolinensis |
15. Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is a species of small migratory thrush in North America. It inhabits open woodlands, farms, and orchards. Its bright blue breeding plumage is easily spotted, especially when it perches on a wire or an open perch.
This makes the Eastern Bluebird a favorite among birders, who enjoy watching the bird and its colorful appearance. The male Eastern Bluebird is particularly impressive, with its bright blue feathers and distinctive markings.
Its underparts are a lighter shade of blue, while its wings are a dark slate blue. The bill is black,ck, and the eyes are brown. Its tail is also blue, and its legs are bluish-gray. The female Eastern Bluebird is more muted in color, with a slate gray breast and a light gray back.
Her wings are a darker slate gray, and her tail is a rusty brown. The bill is black,ck, and the eyes are brown. The Eastern Bluebird is a social bird that lives in small groups, often with other thrushes. It feeds on insects, berries, and fruits.
During the breeding season, it builds a cup-shaped nest in tree cavities or nest boxes during breeding seasons.
It usually lays three to five speckled eggs in one brood. The Eastern Bluebird is an important species, helping to control insect populations in its habitat and providing critical ecological services.
It is also popular among birders and is often featured in educational programs and birdwatching trips. With its striking plumage and essential role in nature, the Eastern Bluebird is a unique species that should be appreciated and protected.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. sialis |
16. Tufted Titmouse
The tufted titmouse is a small songbird belonging to the tit and chickadee family. It is found in North America, commonly in landscapes with plenty of trees, forests, woodlands, and backyards. It has a gray body, black eyes, and a distinctive tuft of feathers on its head.
The black-crested titmouse once considered a subspecies of the tufted titmouse, is now recognized as its species, Baeolophus atricristatus.
This species is distinct from the tufted titmouse and is found in central and southern Texas and the south of the United States. It has a black crest, black eyes, and a grayish-brown body.
Both species of titmouse are essential members of North American ecosystems, providing food for predators and helping to control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. bicolor |
17. Rock Pigeon
The rock dove, rock pigeon, or common pigeon is a member of the bird family Columbidae and is commonly called the “pigeon.” This species is the ancestor of the domestic pigeons, a domesticated version of the wild rock dove.
As a result of this, when domestic pigeons escape from captivity, they often join wild rock pigeon populations, increasing their numbers. This has led to high numbers of feral pigeons in many parts of the world.
These feral pigeons result from escaped domestic pigeons joining wild rock dove populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
18. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that is found throughout much of Eastern North America.
It is known for its spectacular migratory patterns, wintering in Central America, Mexico, and Florida and traveling north during summer to breed in Canada and other parts of Eastern North America.
The hummingbird species is awe-inspiring due to the long distance it covers during its migration. The ruby-throated hummingbird’s journey can span over 2000 miles, making it one of the longest migrations of any bird species.
This species is also known for its distinctive ruby-throated coloring, which helps it stand out among other hummingbirds. This species is a stunning example of the beauty of nature and the complexity of the bird’s migratory patterns.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. colubris |
19. Mallard
The mallard or wild duck is a species of duck that is widely distributed across the world. It can be found in temperate and subtropical areas of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa.
The mallard has been introduced to areas outside its native range, such as New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa.
This introduction has been intentional and unintentional, with some of the introductions being made to provide additional hunting opportunities.
The mallard is a dabbling duck, meaning it feeds by tipping its head underwater and grabbing food from the surface.
This feeding behavior allows the mallard to find food in shallow waters, such as ponds, lakes, and streams.
The mallard is an omnivore, eating a variety of plant material, insects, and small aquatic animals. The mallard often nests near water, preferring to build its nest in shallow water or on land nearby. The female mallard typically lays 8 to 13 eggs in a single brood.
She will then incubate the eggs for about 28 days before they hatch. The young Mallard canto flies after about eight weeks. The mallard is an important species to many ecosystems. It is an important food source for many predators, including raptors, foxes, and raccoons.
Additionally, it helps to keep aquatic ecosystems healthy by feeding on marine plants and animals and aerating the water with its feet.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
20. Northern Flicker
The northern flicker, also known as the familiar flicker, is a medium-sized bird of the woodpecker family. It is a bird native to most of North America, including parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.
The northern flicker stands out among woodpecker species, as it is one of the few species to migrate. The northern flicker is a unique bird in appearance and behavior. It has a speckled chest, gray plumage, a white rump, and a black tail.
The northern flicker can be seen flicking its tail and wings in its characteristic courtship display.
It can be identified by its loud, ringing calls often heard during the breeding season. In terms of its habitat, the northern flicker prefers open woodlands and forests, but it can also be found in urban and suburban areas.
It is a ground-feeding bird, often seen hopping across the ground for food.
Its diet consists of various insects, fruits, and nuts, and it occasionally eats ants. The northern flicker is one of the most widely distributed woodpecker species, and its population is widespread throughout its range.
It is not considered endangered, and its populations are generally stable. The northern flicker is an integral part of North American ecosystems, as it helps to keep insect populations in balance and provides food for other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
21. Osprey
The osprey is a large bird of prey that lives worldwide. It is also known as a sea hawk, river hawk, or fish hawk. These birds are active during the day and primarily eat fish. An osprey’s length can reach 60 cm, and its wingspan can reach 180 cm.
The osprey has a brownish color on its upper parts and a greyish color on its head and underparts. The osprey is an excellent hunter and can be seen hovering over rivers and lakes, searching for its prey. It dives into the water and captures its prey with its sharp talons.
The osprey eats its prey on the spot or carries it to a nearby perch to enjoy its meal. Ospreys have a long history of human interaction; even today, they are admired by people worldwide.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Pandionidae |
| Genus | Pandion |
| Species | P. haliaetus |
22. Barn Owl
The barn owl is one of the most widespread species of birds on the planet, found in a variety of habitats across the globe.
The species has a vast distribution in almost all parts of the world except for the polar and desert regions, most of Asia north of the Himalayas, most of Indonesia, and some Pacific Islands.
This bird species is highly adaptable and can thrive in different climates and habitats, such as grasslands, woodlands, and even urban areas. The barn owl is a medium-sized species with a distinct heart-shaped facial disc.
It has a mottled brown plumage with white spots, and its wingspan can range from 35 to 41 inches. The species is mainly nocturnal, using its excellent vision to hunt for small mammals such as mice, rats, and voles.
They also feed on small birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians. Due to its wide distribution, the barn owl is considered the least concerning on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
However, this species is still vulnerable to habitat loss due to human activities such as urbanization and deforestation. Additionally, humans often persecute it due to its ability to prey on small livestock.
Conservation efforts are ongoing to ensure the barn owl’s continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Tytonidae |
| Genus | Tyto |
| Species | T. alba |
23. American Kestrel
The American kestrel is a type of falcon found throughout North America. It is the most minor and most common species of falcon in the region and has a variety of subspecies and sexes.
It is known by other names, such as sparrow hawk, and its size varies greatly depending on the subspecies and sex of the bird. On average, the American kestrel is approximately twice as giant as a blue jay and about the same size as a mourning dove.
This wide range in size makes the American kestrel exciting to observe and study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | F. sparverius |
24. Belted Kingfisher
The belted kingfisher is a large, distinctive bird found in North America. It belongs to the family Alcedinidae, which includes all kingfishers. However, scientists have recently suggested that the Alcedinidae family should be divided into three subfamilies.
This is because the kingfishers have different characteristics and behaviors, and it is thought that the family should be divided to reflect this better. The belted kingfisher is unique as it is North America’s giant water kingfisher.
It has a bright blue back, white underparts, and a black and white striped head. Its long bill and eyes are orange-red, and it has a chestnut brown band across its chest.
The belted kingfisher is a great angler, diving into the water to catch its prey. The division of the Alcedinidae family into three subfamilies would further classify kingfishers based on their physical characteristics and behaviors.
This would help scientists better understand the different species of kingfishers and their evolutionary history. It would also provide more accurate information on the conservation and management of the species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. alcyon |
Conclusion
Birds in the West have a wide variety of species and habitats available to them, and these birds play an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. They can be seen in many habitats, from the mountains to the coast.
Protecting these species and their habitats is essential for the success of the bird population in the West. With a little effort and knowledge, we can do our part to help preserve and protect these species for future generations.