Category: 100 Common Valley Birds

Common Valley Phalaropes

By Jim Gain

Learn 100 Common Valley Birds is a photo blog series highlighting the 100 most common Valley bird species.

Post #26 in the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series. (Species 42, & 43/100)

Red-necked Phalarope #42

The Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) is a small migratory bird that can be observed in the Central Valley of California during the spring and fall migration seasons. Like other phalaropes, it is a polyandrous species in which sex roles are reversed; breeding females are distinguishable by brighter plumage than males and by slightly larger body size. This bird measures around 7 inches in length and has a distinctive appearance, with a dark back, white belly, and reddish neck and throat. During the breeding season, the female takes on a brighter plumage than the male, with a more intense red neck and a darker back.

The Red-necked Phalarope is a highly specialized bird that spends most of its life at sea. It is known for its unique feeding behavior, where it spins in circles on the water’s surface to create a whirlpool, which draws in small prey, such as crustaceans and plankton. During migration, these birds can be found in shallow wetlands, flooded fields, and other areas with shallow water, where they forage for food.

In Basic (nonbreeding) plumage of both sexes includes a white head with a conspicuous black line through and behind the eye, a dark patch on the back of the crown or nape, white underparts that occasionally have gray smudges on the sides of the breast and flanks, and gray upperparts with white fringes along the scapular and mantle margins.

Red-necked Phalaropes breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate long distances to their wintering grounds in the Pacific Ocean. The Central Valley of California serves as an important stopover site for these birds during their migration, providing a critical source of food and habitat as they travel between their breeding and wintering grounds.

Wilson’s Phalarope #43

The Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor) is a unique and beautiful shorebird species that can be found in the Central Valley of California during its annual migration. Adults have a distinctive plumage with a grayish-brown back and wings, white underparts, and a reddish neck and breast. However, during breeding season, the females become more colorful, with a bright rusty-red back and wings.

Wilson’s Phalaropes are well-adapted to their wetland habitats, where they feed on small aquatic invertebrates by spinning in circles on the water’s surface, creating a vortex that draws prey towards their bills. They are also notable for their breeding behavior, where females take on a more dominant role, courting and defending multiple males while the males incubate the eggs and care for the chicks.

While the Central Valley of California provides important stopover habitat for Wilson’s Phalaropes during migration, this species faces threats from habitat loss and degradation due to agriculture, drought, and climate change. Conservation efforts such as wetland restoration and protection are crucial to ensuring the survival of this unique and fascinating bird.

Previous posts from the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series:

Pigeons and Doves

By Jim Gain

Learn 100 Common Valley Birds is a photo blog series highlighting the 100 most common Valley bird species.

Post #25 in the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series. (Species 39, 40 & 41/100)

Mourning Dove – Species #39

The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is a medium-sized bird that is widespread throughout the Central Valley of California. It is a slender, tan or grayish-brown bird. It has a long, pointed tail that is often held up in a distinctive “V” shape when the bird is in flight.

Mourning Doves are commonly found in open grasslands, fields, and desert scrub habitats, and are known for their distinctive mournful cooing calls. They are primarily seed-eaters, but also feed on fruits, insects, and snails. They typically build their nests in trees, shrubs, or other vegetation, and may lay up to six eggs per clutch.

Mourning Doves are non-migratory, and can be found throughout the Central Valley of California year-round, although their numbers may increase during the breeding season in the spring and summer. They are a popular game bird and are also enjoyed by birdwatchers for their peaceful and soothing cooing calls.

Rock Pigeon – Species #40

The Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) is a common bird species found in the Central Valley of California. They are medium-sized birds, typically measuring around 12-14 inches in length and weighing around 9-13 ounces. Rock Pigeons have a plump body with a small head, short neck, and broad wings. Their feathers are typically gray with iridescent green and purple tones on their necks and wings, and two black bars on each wing.

Rock Pigeons are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, including urban and rural areas. They are known for their ability to navigate and find their way back to their roosting site even from great distances. They typically breed throughout the year and can lay up to six eggs per clutch. Their diet primarily consists of seeds and grains, but they may also eat insects and small invertebrates. Due to their adaptable nature, Rock Pigeons have been introduced to many parts of the world, becoming one of the most widespread bird species globally.

Eurasian Collared-Dove – Species #41

The Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is a bird species that has rapidly expanded its range across North America in recent decades, including the Central Valley of California. They are easily recognized by their distinct features, such as a buff-colored body, a black crescent-shaped collar on their nape, and a long, square-tipped tail. Adults measure about 12 inches in length and weigh around 6-8 ounces.

These doves are known for their adaptability and resilience, which have allowed them to thrive in urban and suburban environments. They feed on a variety of seeds, fruits, and grains, and can often be found foraging on the ground or perching on rooftops or telephone wires. They also have a unique courtship behavior, where the male performs a series of flights and calls to attract a mate.

The Eurasian Collared-Dove’s natural history in the Central Valley of California is still being studied, but they are believed to breed throughout the year, with peaks during the spring and fall. Their nesting sites are typically located in trees or shrubs, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young. These birds are considered a non-native invasive species in California, and their rapid expansion has raised concerns about their impact on native bird populations and agricultural crops.

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Tree-creeping Birds

By Jim Gain

Learn 100 Common Valley Birds is a photo blog series highlighting the 100 most common Valley bird species.

Post #24 in the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series. (Species 38/100 + 2 BONUS birds)

White-breasted Nuthatch – Species #38

The White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) is a small songbird with a distinctive black, gray and white coloration; a blue-gray back, and a white face and belly. The males and females are similar in appearance and can be difficult to distinguish without close observation. The bird’s bill is relatively long and straight, which helps it probe for insects and other small prey in tree bark.

In the Central Valley of California, the White-breasted Nuthatch can be found year-round in oak woodlands and mixed-conifer forests. It is a non-migratory species, so individuals do not typically leave their range during the winter months. The birds are known for their acrobatic foraging behavior, often creeping upside-down or sideways along tree trunks and branches in search of food.

They primarily feed on insects and seeds, but will also take advantage of suet and other backyard bird feeders when available. The White-breasted Nuthatch is a cavity-nesting species and will excavate its own nest in dead or decaying trees.

BONUS BIRDS – The following two bird species share very similar behavior characteristics as the White-breasted Nuthatch but are Uncommon in occurrence and therefore not official members of the 100 Common Species club.

Red-breasted Nuthatch – Species #38b

The Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) is a small bird with a distinctive appearance and behavior that can be observed in the Central Valley of California. They are approximately four and a half inches long with a blue-gray back, a white face, and a rusty red breast. They have a short, straight beak that is perfect for extracting insects from tree bark, which is one of their primary food sources. These birds also have a habit of clinging upside down on tree trunks, using their sharp claws to support themselves as they search for food.

In terms of natural history, the Red-breasted Nuthatch is a year-round uncommon resident of the Central Valley, although they are more often seen during the winter months. They tend to nest in tree cavities, where they lay their eggs in a bed of bark, moss, and other soft materials. These birds are also known for their vocalizations, which include a distinctive yank-yank call that can be heard echoing through the trees. Overall, the Red-breasted Nuthatch is a charming and interesting bird that adds color and personality to the Central Valley’s natural environment.

Brown Creeper – Species #38C

The Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) is a small, slender bird found in the forests of North America. In the Central Valley of California, Brown Creepers are typically found in mature deciduous and mixed-coniferous forests, as well as in riparian woodlands. These birds are easily identified by their mottled brown plumage, which blends in perfectly with tree bark, allowing them to remain concealed while foraging.

Brown Creepers are insectivores and primarily feed on small insects and spiders found on tree trunks and branches. They use their long, curved bills to probe crevices and under loose bark for prey. Brown Creepers also use their stiff, pointed tail feathers to help them climb trees in a spiral motion, much like a woodpecker.

Previous posts from the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series:

LBBs – Little Brown Birds

By Jim Gain

Learn 100 Common Valley Birds is a photo blog series highlighting the 100 most common Valley bird species.

Post #23 in the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series. (Species 36, & 37/100)

Oak Titmouse – Species #36

The Oak Titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus) is a small, non-migratory bird species native to the oak woodlands of California’s Central Valley. These birds are known for their distinctive gray-brown plumage and prominent black eyes. They also have a small crest on their head which they can raise or lower depending on their mood.

The Oak Titmouse feeds on insects, seeds, and acorns, which it forages for in the trees and shrubs of its habitat. The Oak Titmouse is a cavity nester and typically nests in old woodpecker holes or other natural cavities in trees.

It is known for its loud and distinctive calls, which include a buzzy “peter-peter-peter” and a whistled “see-see-see.” The Oak Titmouse is a non-migratory bird and does not typically travel far from its nesting site. The bird is considered an indicator species of the health of oak woodlands and is of conservation concern due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

Bushtit – Species #37

The Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus) is a small, round bird found in the Central Valley of California. They have a distinctive appearance, with fluffy, grayish-brown plumage that covers their entire body, except for their black eyes and tiny, stubby beak. Their tail is relatively short, and their wings are rounded, allowing them to maneuver easily through dense vegetation.

Bushtits are highly social birds, living in flocks of up to 40 individuals. They are also highly active, constantly flitting and hopping through bushes and trees, in search of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They build intricate, hanging nests made of spider silk, lichen, and other plant materials, often in clusters of up to a dozen, with each nest being occupied by a single breeding pair.

Bushtits are also known for their fascinating cooperative breeding behavior. In some cases, adult offspring from previous breeding seasons remain with their parents to help raise younger siblings. This helps to increase the survival rate of the entire family, and it also allows the older siblings to gain valuable experience for their own future breeding efforts. All in all, the Bushtit is a fascinating and charismatic bird, and it is an important part of the rich biodiversity of the Central Valley of California.

Previous posts from the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series,

Coots and Gallinules

By Jim Gain

Learn 100 Common Valley Birds is a photo blog series highlighting the 100 most common Valley bird species.

Post #22 in the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series. (Species 34 & 35/100)

American Coot – Species #34

The American Coot, (Fulica americana), is a common waterbird found in the Central Valley of California. These birds have a distinctive appearance with a rounded, chicken-like body, black plumage, and a white beak. They also have unique lobed toes, which help them swim and dive in the water.

American Coots are social birds that gather in large flocks on freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes throughout the year. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish.

During breeding season, they build floating nests in dense vegetation near the water’s edge and lay a clutch of 8-12 eggs. The chicks are precocial and able to swim and dive within hours of hatching. Overall, American Coots are an important part of the Central Valley’s ecosystem and a common sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Common Gallinule – Species #35

The Common Gallinule, (Gallinula galeata) formerly known as the Common Moorhen, is a medium-sized waterbird found in the wetlands and marshes of the Central Valley of California. This species has a dark, almost black plumage with a distinctive red frontal shield and yellow-tipped bill. The legs are long and greenish-yellow, with large toes that enable them to walk on floating vegetation. They are a highly adaptable species that can be found in a wide range of aquatic habitats, including lakes, ponds, marshes, and rice fields.

During breeding season, Common Gallinules are highly territorial and will defend their nesting sites aggressively. They build nests from floating vegetation and lay clutches of 6 to 10 eggs. The chicks are born precocial, meaning they are capable of walking and swimming shortly after hatching. The diet of Common Gallinules consists of a variety of plant and animal material, including seeds, insects, snails, and small fish.

Despite being common throughout much of their range, habitat loss and degradation have caused declines in some populations, making conservation efforts important to ensure their survival.

Previous posts from the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series,

Swainson’s Hawk

By Jim Gain

Learn 100 Common Valley Birds is a photo blog series highlighting the 100 most common Valley bird species.

Post #21 in the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series. (Species 33/100)

Swainson’s Hawk #33

Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) is a migratory raptor that breeds in North America and winters in South America. In the Central Valley of California, Swainson’s Hawks typically arrive in mid-March and depart by the end of September. During the breeding season, they prefer to nest in tall trees and hunt for prey in open fields and grasslands.

Swainson’s Hawks have three distinctive plumage variations (called morphs); pale morphs, intermediate morphs and dark. Pale morph birds show a dark breast-band, or “bib,” between a lighter belly and throat.

Intermediate morphs show a pale forehead at close range and an evenly colored backside.

The darkest morph adult Swainson’s Hawks lack a sharp contrast between wing-linings and flight-feathers, and their entire breast and belly can be nearly uniform dark brown.

In the Central Valley of California, Swainson’s Hawks primarily feed on small mammals such as voles, gophers, and ground squirrels. During the non-breeding season, they also consume insects, reptiles, and birds. Swainson’s Hawks are known for their soaring flight, often flying at high altitudes in search of prey or during migration. They also perform aerial acrobatics during courtship displays, where they spiral and dive in a display of agility and strength.

In recent years, Swainson’s Hawk populations have faced threats from habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and electrocution from power lines. However, conservation efforts have been successful in protecting breeding and wintering habitats, reducing pesticide use, and installing “raptor-safe” power poles. As a result, Swainson’s Hawk populations have been stable or increasing in some areas of their range.

Previous posts from the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series,

Two Warblers and a Vireo

By Jim Gain

Learn 100 Common Valley Birds is a photo blog series highlighting the 100 most common Valley bird species.

Post #20 in the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series. (Species 30, 31 & 32/100)

Wilson’s Warbler – Species #30

The Wilson’s Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) is a small, brightly colored songbird that can be found in the Central Valley of California during its migration season. These birds are about 4.5 inches long and have a wingspan of approximately 6 inches. They are bright yellow in color with a black cap on their head.

Wilson’s Warblers are insectivores and are often found flitting through vegetation in search of insects. They are known for their distinctive song, which is a series of high-pitched notes that sound like “tee-tee-tee-tee-tee.”

Despite their small size, Wilson’s Warblers play an important role in the Central Valley’s ecosystem by helping to control insect populations. However, like many bird species, they face threats from habitat loss and climate change, making conservation efforts crucial for their continued survival. Protecting the habitats that these birds rely on, such as riparian areas and wetlands, is essential to ensuring that they can continue to migrate through the Central Valley and beyond.

Yellow Warbler – Species #31

The Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) is a small, brightly colored songbird that inhabits the Central Valley of California during the breeding season. These birds are easily recognized by their bright yellow plumage, which is accented by rusty red streaks on the breast and flanks.

Yellow Warblers are typically found in riparian habitats such as streamside woodlands, hedgerows, and willow thickets. During the breeding season, they construct cup-shaped nests made of grasses and other plant materials, which are often lined with spider webs and feathers. Females typically lay 3-5 eggs, which hatch after a 10-12 day incubation period.

Yellow Warblers are insectivorous and feed primarily on small insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. They are also known to occasionally feed on fruit and nectar. These birds migrate south to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean during the winter months. The conservation status of Yellow Warblers is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but habitat loss and degradation are potential threats to their populations.

Warbling Vireo – Species #32

The Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) is a small, olive-gray bird with a white underbelly and supercilium (eyeline). It measures about 4.75 inches in length and has a wingspan of approximately 8 inches. The species is known for its distinct, high-pitched warbling song, which it uses to communicate with its mate and establish its territory.

In the Central Valley of California, the Warbling Vireo is a fairly-common neotropical migrant, passing through in late April or early May and making its return trip back south in August or September. The bird breeds in higher elevation riparian habitats, including streams, rivers, and creeks, where it builds a cup-shaped nest in the fork of a tree or shrub.

Warbling Vireos are known for their distinctive, warbling song, which is often described as sounding like “three eight, three eight, three eight.” They are a migratory species and spend the winter in Mexico, Central America, and South America before returning to their breeding grounds in the spring. Overall, Warbling Vireos are an important and fascinating part of the avian community in this region, and their presence is a sign of a healthy and diverse ecosystem.

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Burrowing Owl

By Jim Gain

Learn 100 Common Valley Birds is a photo blog series highlighting the 100 most common Valley bird species.

Post #19 in the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series. (Species 27/100)

Burrowing Owl #27

The Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, ground-dwelling owl that is native to North and South America. In the Central Valley of California, Burrowing Owls can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, agricultural fields, and urban areas. They are easily recognized by their long legs, short tails, and small size, typically measuring between 7-10 inches in length and weighing around 6 ounces.

Burrowing Owls get their name from the habit of building their nests in abandoned rodent tunnels, which they frequently adorn with grasses and feathers to make a plush interior. They are mostly active throughout the day, and it’s common to see them perched on fence posts or other high places as they search the area for prey. Their diet consists mainly of insects, small rodents, and other small animals.

Burrowing Owls face a number of threats in the Central Valley, including habitat loss due to development and agriculture, as well as predation by domestic and feral cats. Conservation efforts, such as the creation of artificial burrows and the implementation of predator control programs, have helped to stabilize some populations. Overall, the Burrowing Owl is an important and fascinating species that plays an important role in the ecology of the Central Valley.

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Fanciful Flycatchers

By Jim Gain

Learn 100 Common Valley Birds is a photo blog series highlighting the 100 most common Valley bird species.

Post #18 in the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series. (Species 28 and 29/100)

Ash-throated Flycatcher #28

The Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) is a medium-sized bird species found throughout the Western United States, including in the Central Valley of California. These birds are known for their distinctive plumage, which includes a brownish-gray back, pale underparts, and a rusty brown tail. As their name suggests, Ash-throated Flycatchers also have a light ash-gray throat and breast.

These birds prefer open woodland habitats, such as oak savannas and riparian corridors, where they forage for insects from a perch. They are known for their distinctive vocalizations, including a sharp “wheep” call and a trill-like song. 

During the breeding season, male Ash-throated Flycatchers perform elaborate courtship displays, including aerial chases and singing from a prominent perch. They typically lay 4-5 eggs in a cup-shaped nest made of grass, bark, and other plant materials. Overall, the Ash-throated Flycatcher is an important and charismatic species in the Central Valley of California, and its conservation is crucial to maintaining the region’s biodiversity.

Western Wood-Pewee – Species #29

The Western Wood-Pewee (Contopus sordidulusis) a small migratory bird that can be found in the Central Valley of California during the summer breeding season. These birds are about 6 inches long and have a wingspan of approximately 9 inches. They are grayish-brown in color with a slightly darker head and wings, and a pale breast.

Western Wood-Pewees are insectivores and are often found perched on branches, waiting for insects to fly by. They are known for their distinctive calls, which sound like a sweet, whistled “pee-a-wee.” During the breeding season, these birds build cup-shaped nests out of twigs, grass, and other plant materials.

Despite their small size, Western Wood-Pewees are important members of the Central Valley’s ecosystem. They help control insect populations, and their nests provide homes for other small animals like insects and spiders. However, like many bird species, they face threats from habitat loss and climate change, making conservation efforts crucial for their continued survival.

Previous posts from the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series,

Colorful Valley Spring Migrants

By Jim Gain

Learn 100 Common Valley Birds is a photo blog series highlighting the 100 most common Valley bird species.

Post #17 in the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series. (Species 24, 25 and 26/100.)

Bullock’s Oriole – Species #24

The Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullockii) is a strikingly colored songbird found throughout the Central Valley of California during its breeding season. Adult males have a bright orange head, black eye line, and a black back with white wing patches. Females are a subdued yellowish-brown with a grayish head and have streaked underparts.

These orioles are generally found in riparian woodlands, where they build their distinctive hanging nests. They are often observed flitting about in the trees and shrubs, feeding on insects, nectar, and fruit. In the fall, Bullock’s Orioles migrate to Mexico and Central America, where they spend the winter.

Despite their bright appearance, these orioles can be challenging to spot in the dense foliage of their preferred habitats. However, their beautiful and distinctive song, a series of flute-like whistles, can often be heard echoing through the trees in the early morning hours. With their vibrant colors and delightful songs, Bullock’s Orioles are a welcome sight and sound in the Central Valley’s riparian woodlands.

Black-headed Grosbeak – Species #25

The Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) is a brightly colored bird species that can be found in the Central Valley of California during the breeding season, typically from April to August. Males are easily recognizable by their striking black head and vibrant orange breast, while females have a more muted appearance with brownish-gray plumage.

These birds prefer to nest in open woodland areas with scattered trees and shrubs, often near streams or other sources of water. They build cup-shaped nests made of twigs, bark, and grass, and lay 3-4 pale blue or greenish-blue eggs. The female typically incubates the eggs for about 2 weeks, and both parents take turns feeding the chicks once they hatch.

During the breeding season, Black-headed Grosbeaks primarily feed on insects and other invertebrates, but also consume seeds and fruits. They are known for their powerful beaks, which they use to crack open seeds and nuts. As fall approaches, these birds migrate south to wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America, making them a common sight for birdwatchers in the Central Valley during the summer months.

Western Tanager – Species #26

The Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) is a stunning bird species that can be found in the Central Valley of California during the breeding season. The male has a bright yellow head, contrasting with its black wings, back, and tail. Its underparts are bright red, making it one of the most colorful birds in the area. The female is less colorful, with a yellow-green head, olive back, and grayish underparts.

These birds can be found in coniferous forests and oak woodlands during the summer, where they build their nests in the high branches of trees. They feed on insects, fruit, and seeds, and during migration, they can be seen in parks and gardens, where they are attracted to nectar feeders. They are known for their distinctive call, which is a series of short, sharp “chip” notes.

The Western Tanager is a migratory bird, spending winters in Mexico and Central America. Conservation efforts have been put in place to protect this beautiful bird species, as its populations have been declining due to habitat loss and climate change. It is a wonderful sight to see a male Western Tanager during the breeding season, and efforts to protect them should be continued to ensure that future generations can enjoy their beauty.

Previous posts from the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series,