Sierra Nevada Birds – Reflections of the Natural World

Killdeer

By Jim Gain

Beautiful Birds of the Sierra Nevada – Blog Post #4

Scientific Name: Charadrius vociferus
Family: Charadriidae
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List species of “Least Concern”
Occurrence, Residency and Breeding Status: Killdeer is a uncommon year-round resident and locally uncommon breeder
Favored Biotic Zone(s): wet meadows, mudflats, and margins of ponds

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) is an uncommon year-round resident that is more frequently found in Lower and Upper Montane biotic zones usually not far from water. It is a species of bird belonging to the plover family, Charadriidae.

The Killdeer is a medium-sized shorebird with a distinctive appearance. It measures around 23-28 centimeters in length and has a wingspan of approximately 46-48 centimeters. Its plumage is primarily brownish-tan with bold black and white patterns on the upperparts and face, including two black bands across its breast. It has a long, thin black bill and pink legs. The species is known for its loud, shrill call, often described as its name, “kill-deer.”

Killdeer are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates such as insects, worms, crustaceans, and mollusks. They forage in open areas, including meadows, fields, agricultural lands, and shorelines. In the Sierra Nevada, they can be found in a range of habitats, including grasslands, wet meadows, lake edges, and even in suburban areas near water bodies.

Killdeers are ground-nesting birds and create their nests in open, gravelly areas with minimal vegetation, such as riverbanks, shores, gravel bars, or even parking lots. Their nests are shallow depressions in the ground, lined with small rocks, twigs, or grass. One interesting behavior of the Killdeer is its “broken-wing” display, where it feigns injury to distract potential predators away from the nest or young. This behavior is a clever tactic to lead predators away from the vulnerable nest or chicks.

The Killdeer has a wide range and a stable population, and it is not currently considered a species of concern. It is listed as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, like many bird species, it can face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and predation. Conserving and protecting its preferred habitats, such as wet meadows and grasslands, is crucial for the continued well-being of the Killdeer and other avian species in the Sierra Nevada and beyond.

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Olive-sided Flycatcher

A PhotoBlog Series by Jim Gain

Beautiful Birds of the Sierra Nevada – Blog Post #3

Scientific Name: Contopus cooperi
Family: Tyrannidae
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List species of “Least Concern”
Occurrence, Residency and Breeding Status: Olive-sided Flycatcher is a fairly common summer resident and regular breeder
Favored Biotic Zone(s): Lower and Upper Montane Zones

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) is a long-distance migrant that breeds in coniferous forests of North America, especially around the edges of open areas such as bogs, ponds, and clearings. In California, it breeds mostly in the Sierra Nevada mountains, where it prefers tall trees in foothill canyons and subalpine forests . It winters in northern South America and along the Andean mountains.

The Olive-sided Flycatcher feeds mainly on flying insects, such as wasps, bees, ants, beetles, and grasshoppers. It forages by perching on a high, exposed branch, often on a dead tree, and flying out to catch insects in the air. It returns to the same perch or another nearby to eat its prey.

The Olive-sided Flycatcher nests in trees, usually on a horizontal branch well out from the trunk. It builds a flat open cup of twigs, grass, and weeds, lined with finer materials. The nest is usually well hidden among dense foliage or needles. The female lays 3 eggs, which she incubates for about 16 days. Both parents feed the young, which leave the nest after about 22 days. The Olive-sided Flycatcher has a distinctive call that sounds like “pip-pip” or “quick-three-beers”. It sings incessantly in spring to defend its territory and attract a mate.

The Olive-sided Flycatcher is considered a species of conservation concern by several agencies and organizations. It has been declining in some regions for many years, particularly in recent decades. The loss of wintering habitat, fire suppression, logging, and climate change are some of the possible threats to this species.

Please visit my Beautiful Birds of the Sierra Nevada Blog Site for more Sierra Nevada Birds blog posts:

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Golden-crowned Kinglet

A PhotoBlog by Jim Gain

Beautiful Birds of the Sierra Nevada – Blog Post #2

Scientific Name: Regulus satrapa
Family: Regulidae
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List species of “Least Concern”
Occurrence, Residency and Breeding Status: Common Year-Round Resident and regular breeder
Favored Biotic Zone(s): Lower and Upper Montane Zones

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) is a small, active bird that is commonly found in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California. This species is migratory, and its range extends from Alaska to the southernmost regions of the United States. The Golden-crowned Kinglet is a primarily insectivorous bird, and it feeds on a wide variety of insects, including spiders, flies, and beetles. This bird is also known to consume small fruits and seeds, particularly during the winter months when insects are scarce.

In terms of habitat preferences, the Golden-crowned Kinglet is typically found in coniferous forests, particularly those dominated by fir and spruce trees. These birds are adapted to living in cold environments and can withstand temperatures well below freezing. They often occupy the upper branches of trees, foraging in small groups and flitting about from branch to branch in search of food.

One interesting behavior of the Golden-crowned Kinglet is its habit of puffing up its feathers to trap warm air and retain heat, which helps the bird to survive in cold environments. This species is also known for its high-pitched, trilling song, which can be heard throughout its range.

In terms of nesting, the Golden-crowned Kinglet builds its nest in coniferous trees, typically in the upper branches. The nest is constructed from moss, lichens, and spider webs, and is lined with soft materials such as feathers and animal hair. This bird typically lays between 5 and 12 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about two weeks.

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White-headed Woodpecker

A PhotoBlog Series by Jim Gain

Beautiful Birds of the Sierra Nevada – Blog Post #1

Scientific Name: Picoides albolarvatus
Family: Picidae
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List species of “Least Concern”
Occurrence, Residency and Breeding Status: Fairly common year-round resident and regular breeder
Favored Biotic Zone(s): Lower and Upper Montane Zones

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The White-headed Woodpecker (Picoides albolarvatus) is a striking bird species that inhabits the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It is a medium-sized woodpecker, measuring between 8 and 10 inches long, with a distinctive black and white plumage. As its name suggests, the White-headed Woodpecker has a white head, which contrasts with its black back, wings, and tail.

Males and females are similar in appearance, although males have a red crescent on the top of their head and a slightly longer bill.

The White-headed Woodpecker is a bird of lower and upper montane coniferous forests, where it feeds on insects, acorns, and pine seeds. It is a specialized forager, using its strong bill to pry off bark and search for food in crevices. The species is also known for its habit of storing acorns and pine seeds in crevices, a behavior known as “caching”.

White-headed Woodpecker is one of the least-studied woodpeckers in North America. In contrast to other parts of its range where populations are dropping, the species is more prevalent in California. The Sierra Nevada is particularly important for White-headed Woodpeckers as it is more often encountered here than anywhere else.

Please visit my Beautiful Birds of the Sierra Nevada Blog Site