Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae Genus: Glaucidium Species: Glaucidium gnoma Introduction and Description Northern Pygmy-Owls are quirky little owls in my personal opinion, though the same can doubtless be said of other pygmy owls. They are cute, tiny, ferocious hunters. Unlike… Continue Reading →
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae Genus: Spatula Species: Spatula clypeata Introduction: The Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) is one of the dabbling ducks that can be found in Washington state. It is appropriately named for it’s large shovel like bill. They are typically… Continue Reading →
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae Genus: Pandion Species: Pandion haliaetus The osprey is, within its range, a common sight around waterways. They are unusual among other raptors in that they are almost strictly piscivorous. (Poole, 1989). Females are larger than the… Continue Reading →
Order: Gannets Family: Phalacrocoracidae Genus: Phalacrocorax Species: Phalacrocorax pelagicus Introduction Pelagic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus) is a large water bird but the smallest of the other species of cormorants. This species has a slender neck and body with a thin bill. … Continue Reading →
Introduction: Peregrine Falcons are a widespread bird of prey. They are a large falcon that experiences sexual dimorphism in size. An average body size is 13-23 in. and a weight of 0.7-3.3 lb. Both females and males have similar plumage… Continue Reading →
Pigeon guillemot Order:Charadriiformes Family:Alcidae Genus:Cepphus Species:Cepphus columba Introduction The pigeon guillemot, Cepphus columba (pronounced, SEP-fus) is a seabird in the Alcidae family which includes auklets, puffins, murres, murrelets, and guillemots and referred to as alcids or auks. Members of the… Continue Reading →
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae Genus: Spinus Species: Spinus pinus Introduction The Pine Siskin is a nomadic songbird whose pattern is brown and streaky, with yellow accents seen on their wings and notched tail. Their slender bill is unique compared to… Continue Reading →
Haemorhous purpureus Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae Genus: Haemorhous Species: Haemorhous purpureus Introduction The Purple Finch is about 5-6 inches long and show sexual dimorphism. The males are cranberry red while the females are varying shades of brown and beige. They are often… Continue Reading →
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae Genus: Sitta Species: Sitta canadensis Introduction Red-Breasted Nuthatch, or Sitta canadensis, is a small song bird that is commonly found in conifer-deciduous forests. They are about 4.5 inches (Sibley 2003). They are commonly known as “backyard birds.”… Continue Reading →
