Birds of Michigan Field Guide PDF

Birds that are mostly black Birds that are mostly black and white Birds that are mostly blue Birds that are mostly brown Birds that are mostly gray Birds that have prominent green Birds that have prominent orange Birds that have prominent red Birds that are mostly white Birds that have pr...

Birds that are mostly black Birds that are mostly black and white Birds that are mostly blue Birds that are mostly brown Birds that are mostly gray Birds that have prominent green Birds that have prominent orange Birds that have prominent red Birds that are mostly white Birds that have prominent yellow Dedication To my wife, Katherine, and daughter, Abigail, with all my love. Acknowledgments Many thanks to the National Wildlife Refuge System along with state and local agencies, both public and private, for stewarding the lands that are critical to the many bird species we so love. Edited by Sandy Livoti Cover, book design and illustrations by Jonathan Norberg Range maps produced by Anthony Hertzel Cover photo: American Goldfinch by Stan Tekiela All photos by Stan Tekiela except (juvenile) by Rick and Nora Bowers; (female) by Kevin T. Karlson; (female) and by Maslowski Wildlife Productions; (displaying) by Harmut Walter; (juvenile), (both juveniles), (juvenile) and (in-flight juvenile) by Brian K. Wheeler; and (female), (main), (in flight) and (female) by Jim Zipp To the best of the publisher’s knowledge, all photos were of live birds. Some were photographed in a controlled condition. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Birds of Michigan Field Guide First Edition 1999 Second Edition 2004 Third Edition 2019 Copyright © 1999, 2004 and 2019 by Stan Tekiela Published by Adventure Publications An imprint of AdventureKEEN 330 Garfield Street South Cambridge, Minnesota 55008 (800) 678-7006 www.adventurepublications.net All rights reserved Printed in China ISBN 978-1-59193-900-9 (pbk.); ISBN 978-1-59193-901-6 (ebook) TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction What’s New? Why Watch Birds in Michigan? Observation Strategies: Tips to Identify Birds Bird Basics Bird Color Variables Bird Nests Who Builds the Nest? Fledging Why Birds Migrate How Do Birds Migrate? How to Use This Guide Range Maps Sample Pages The Birds Black Black and White Blue Brown Gray Green Orange Red  White Yellow Birding on the Internet Checklist/Index by Species Observation Notes More for the Midwest by Stan Tekiela About the Author WHAT’S NEW? It is hard to believe that it’s been over 20 years since the debut of Birds of Michigan Field Guide. This critically acclaimed guide has helped countless people identify and enjoy the birds that we love. Now, in this expanded third edition, Birds of Michigan Field Guide has many new and exciting changes and a fresh look, while retaining the same easy-to-use, familiar format. To help you identify even more birds in Michigan, I have added six new species and am featuring 135 new color photographs. All of the range maps have been meticulously reviewed, and many updates have been made to reflect the ever-changing movements of the birds. Everyone’s favorite section, Stan’s Notes, has been expanded to include even more natural history information. Compare sections have been updated to help ensure that you correctly identify your bird, and additional feeder information has been added to help with bird feeding. I hope you will enjoy this great new edition as you continue to learn about and appreciate our Michigan birds! WHY WATCH BIRDS IN MICHIGAN? Millions of people in Michigan have discovered bird feeding. Setting out feeders is a simple and enjoyable way to bring birds and their beauty closer to you. Watching birds at your feeders and listening to them often leads to a lifetime pursuit of bird identification. Birds of Michigan Field Guide is for those who want to identify the common birds of Michigan. More than 1,100 species of birds are found in North America. In Michigan, upwards of 400 species of birds were documented throughout the years. These bird sightings were diligently recorded by hundreds of bird watchers and became part of the official state records. From these, I have chosen 118 of the most common birds of Michigan to include in this field guide. Bird watching, also called birding, is one of the most popular activities in America. Its outstanding appeal in Michigan is due to unusually rich and abundant birdlife all around the state. At more than 96,700 square miles (250,500 sq. km), Michigan is the eleventh-largest state in the country. Despite its large size, it has a population of only about 10 million. On average, that is only 174 people per square mile (67 per sq. km). Most are located in the southern portion of the Lower Peninsula. Several distinct habitats in Michigan support different groups of birds. The state is roughly divided into two large peninsulas—a large Lower Peninsula (L.P.) and a smaller Upper Peninsula (U.P.). Over half of the land in Michigan is forested, especially in the U.P. Dotted in and among these vast tracts of forest are more than 6,000 lakes, each over 10 acres (4 ha) in size, as well as hundreds of miles of streams and rivers, and large tracts of high- and low-relief sand dunes. Michigan’s vegetation is highly varied and differs somewhat in the U.P. and L.P. The coniferous forests of the U.P. are mostly a mix of red and white pines. These evergreen woods are havens for birds such as Common Ravens, Evening Grosbeaks and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Deciduous trees in the L.P. woods are a combination of oak, beech, ash and maple. Here you can find Gray Catbirds, House Wrens, Brown Thrashers and more. Michigan is truly a Great Lakes state. It is bordered by four of the five Great Lakes and has more than 3,300 miles (5,300 km) of shoreline. Michigan has the second-longest shoreline in the United States— only Alaska has more coast! No point anywhere in Michigan is more than 85 miles (137 km) from one of the bordering Great Lakes. Michigan has many major rivers, including the Kalamazoo, the Manistee, and the state’s longest river, the Grand. Tall shade trees line the riverbanks and cool water flows through the river valleys, making them outstanding places to see birds. Here, Green Herons stalk the riverbanks in search of fish, aquatic insects and amphibians. Complementing our wide-ranging seasonal weather, we have a wide range of birds to enjoy in each season. From the hawks migrating in the fall to the hummingbirds returning in spring, there is variety and excitement in birding at any time of year! OBSERVATION STRATEGIES: TIPS to IDENTIFY BIRDS Identifying birds isn’t as difficult as you might think. By simply following a few basic strategies, you can increase your chances of successfully identifying most birds that you see! One of the first and easiest things to do when you see a new bird is to note its color. This field guide is organized by color, so simply turn to the right color section to find it. Next, note the size of the bird. A strategy to quickly estimate size is to compare different birds. Pick a small, a medium and a large bird. Select an American Robin as the medium bird. Measured from bill tip to tail tip, a robin is 10 inches (25 cm). Now select two other birds, one smaller and one larger. Good choices are a House Sparrow, at about 6 inches (15 cm), and an American Crow, around 18 inches (45 cm). When you see a species you don’t know, you can now quickly ask yourself, “Is it larger than a sparrow but smaller than a robin?” When you look in your field guide to identify your bird, you would check the species that are roughly 6– 10 inches (15–25 cm). This will help to narrow your choices. Next, note the size, shape and color of the bill. Is it long, short, thick, thin, pointed, blunt, curved or straight? Seed-eating birds, such as Northern Cardinals, have bills that are thick and strong enough to crack even the toughest seeds. Birds that sip nectar, such as Ruby- throated Hummingbirds, need long, thin bills to reach deep into flowers. Hawks and owls tear their prey with very sharp, curving bills. Sometimes, just noting the bill shape can help you decide whether the bird is a woodpecker, sparrow, grosbeak, blackbird or bird of prey. Next, take a look around and note the habitat in which you see the bird. Is it wading in a marsh? Walking along a riverbank? Soaring in the sky? Is it perched high in the trees or hopping along the forest floor? Because of diet and habitat preferences, you’ll often see robins hopping on the ground but not usually eating seeds at a feeder. Or you’ll see a Blue Jay sitting on a tree branch but not climbing headfirst down a tree trunk, like a White-breasted Nuthatch. Noticing what a bird is eating will give you another clue to help you identify the species. Feeding is a big part of any bird’s life. Fully one- third of all bird activity revolves around searching for food, catching prey and eating. While birds don’t always follow all the rules of their diet, you can make some general assumptions. Northern Flickers, for instance, feed on ants and other insects, so you wouldn’t expect to see them visiting a seed feeder. Other birds, such as Barn and Tree Swallows, eat flying insects and spend hours swooping and diving to catch a meal. Sometimes you can identify a bird by the way it perches. Body posture can help you differentiate between an American Crow and a Red-tailed Hawk, for example. Crows lean forward over their feet on a branch, while hawks perch in a vertical position. Consider posture the next time you see an unidentified large bird in a tree. Birds in flight are harder to identify, but noting the wing size and shape will help. Wing size is in direct proportion to body size, weight and type of flight. Wing shape determines if the bird flies fast and with precision, or slowly and less precisely. Barn Swallows, for instance, have short, pointed wings that slice through the air, propelling swift, accurate flight. Turkey Vultures have long, broad wings for soaring on warm updrafts of air. House Finches have short, rounded wings, helping them to flit through thick tangles of branches. Some bird species have a unique pattern of flight that can help in identification. American Goldfinches, Pine Siskins and other finches fly in a distinctive undulating pattern that makes it look like they’re riding a roller coaster. While it’s not easy to make all of these observations in the short time you often have to watch a “mystery” bird, practicing these identification methods will greatly expand your birding skills. To further improve your skills, seek the guidance of a more experienced birder who can answer your questions on the spot. BIRD BASICS It’s easier to identify birds and communicate about them if you know the names of the different parts of a bird. For instance, it’s more effective to use the word “crest” to indicate the set of extra-long feathers on top of a Northern Cardinal’s head than to try to describe it. The following illustration points out the basic parts of a bird. Because it is a composite of many birds, it shouldn’t be confused with any actual bird. Bird Color Variables No other animal has a color palette like a bird’s. Brilliant blues, lemon-yellows, showy reds and iridescent greens are common in the bird world. In general, male birds are more colorful than their female counterparts. This helps males attract a mate, essentially saying, “Hey, look at me!” Color calls attention to a male’s health as well. The better the condition of his feathers, the better his food source, territory and potential for mating. Male and female birds that don’t look like each other are called sexually dimorphic, meaning “two forms.” Dimorphic females often have a nondescript dull color, as seen in Indigo Buntings. Muted tones help females hide during the weeks of motionless incubation and draw less attention to them when they’re out feeding or taking a break from the rigors of raising the young. The males of some species, such as the Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay and Bald Eagle, look nearly identical to the females. In woodpeckers, the sexes are differentiated by only a red mark, or sometimes a yellow mark. Depending on the species, the mark may be on top of the head, on the face or nape of neck, or just behind the bill. During the first year, juvenile birds often look like their mothers. Since brightly colored feathers are used mainly for attracting a mate, young non-breeding males don’t have a need for colorful plumage. It’s not until the first spring molt (or several years later, depending on the species) that young males obtain their breeding colors. Both breeding and winter plumages are the result of molting. Molting is the process of dropping old, worn feathers and replacing them with new ones. All birds molt, typically twice a year, with the spring molt usually occurring in late winter. At this time, most birds produce their brighter breeding plumage, which lasts throughout the summer. Winter plumage is the result of the late summer molt, which serves a couple of important functions. First, it adds feathers for warmth in the coming winter season. Second, in some species it produces feathers that tend to be drab in color, which helps to camouflage the birds and hide them from predators. The winter plumage of the male American Goldfinch, for example, is olive-brown, unlike its canary-yellow breeding color during summer. Luckily for us, some birds, such as the male Northern Cardinal, retain their bright summer colors all year long. Bird Nests Bird nests are a true feat of engineering. Imagine constructing a home that’s strong enough to weather storms, large enough to hold your entire family, insulated enough to shelter them from cold and heat, and waterproof enough to keep out rain. Think about building it without blueprints or directions and using mainly your feet. Birds do this! Before building, birds must select an appropriate site. In some species, such as the House Wren, the male picks out several potential sites and assembles small twigs in each. The “extra” nests, called dummy nests, discourage other birds from using any nearby cavities for their nests. The male takes the female around and shows her the choices. After choosing her favorite, she finishes the construction. In other species, such as the Baltimore Oriole, the female selects the site and builds the nest, while the male offers an occasional suggestion. Each bird species has its own nest-building routine that is strictly followed. As you can see in these illustrations, birds build a wide variety of nest types. ground nest platform nest cup nest pendulous nest cavity nest Nesting material often consists of natural items found in the immediate area. Most nests consist of plant fibers (such as bark from grapevines), sticks, mud, dried grass, feathers, fur, or soft, fuzzy tufts from thistle. Some birds, including Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, use spiderwebs to glue nest materials together. Transportation of nesting material is limited to the amount a bird can hold or carry. Birds must make many trips afield to gather enough material to complete a nest. Most nests take four days or more, and hundreds, if not thousands, of trips to build. A ground nest can be a mound of vegetation on the ground or in the water. It can also be just a simple, shallow depression scraped in earth, stones or sand. Killdeer and Horned Larks scrape out ground nests without adding any nesting material. The platform nest represents a much more complex type of construction. Typically built with twigs or sticks and branches, this nest forms a platform and has a depression in the center to nestle the eggs. Platform nests can be in trees, on cliffs, bridges, balconies, man-made platforms, and even in flowerpots. They often provide space for the adventurous young and function as a landing platform for the parents. Mourning Doves and herons don’t anchor their platform nests to trees, so these can tumble from branches during high winds and storms. Hawks, eagles, ospreys and other birds construct sturdier platform nests with their large sticks and branches. Other platform nests are constructed on the ground with mud, grass and other vegetation from the area. Many waterfowl build platform nests on the ground near water or actually in the water. A floating platform nest moves with the water level, preventing the nest, eggs and birds from being flooded. Three-quarters of all songbirds construct a cup nest, which is a modified platform nest. The supporting platform is built first and attached firmly to a tree, shrub, rock ledge or the ground. Next, the sides are constructed with grass, small twigs, bark or leaves, which are woven together and often glued with mud for added strength. The inner cup can be lined with down feathers, animal fur or hair, or soft plant materials and is contoured last. The pendulous nest is an unusual nest that looks like a sock hanging from a branch. Attached to the end of small branches of trees, this unique nest is inaccessible to most predators and often waves wildly in a breeze. Woven tightly with plant fibers, the pendulous nest is strong, watertight and takes up to a week to build. A small opening at the top or on the side allows parents access to the grass-lined interior. More commonly used by tropical birds, this complex nest has also been mastered by orioles and kinglets. It must be one heck of a ride to be inside one of these nests during a windy spring thunderstorm! The cavity nest is used by many species of birds, most notably woodpeckers and owls. A cavity nest is often excavated in a branch or tree trunk and offers shelter from storms, sun, cold and predators. A small entrance hole in a tree can lead to a nest chamber, for example, up to a safe 10 inches (25 cm) deep. Typically made by woodpeckers, cavity nests are usually used only once by the builder. Nest cavities can be used for many subsequent years by such species as mergansers, bluebirds and on the other hand, can dig a tunnel up to 4 feet (1 m) long in a riverbank. The nest chamber at the end of the tunnel is already well insulated, so it’s usually only sparsely lined. One of the most clever of all nests is the no nest, or daycare nest. Parasitic birds, such as Brown-headed Cowbirds, don’t build their own nests. Instead, the egg-laden female searches out the nest of another bird and sneaks in to lay an egg while the host mother isn’t looking. A mother cowbird wastes no energy building a nest only to have it raided by a predator. Laying her eggs in the nests of other birds transfers the responsibility of raising her young to the host. When she lays her eggs in several nests, the chances increase that at least one of her babies will live to maturity. Who Builds the Nest? Generally, the female bird constructs the nest. She gathers the materials and does the building, with an occasional visit from her mate to check on progress. In some species, both parents contribute equally to nest building. The male bird may forage for sticks, grass or mud, but it is the female that often fashions the nest. Only rarely does a male build a nest by himself. Fledging Fledging is the interval between hatching and flight, or leaving the nest. Some species of birds leave the nest within hours of hatching (precocial), but it may be weeks before they are able to fly. This is common in waterfowl and shorebirds. Baby birds that hatch naked and blind need to stay in the nest for a few weeks (altricial). Baby birds that are still in the nest are nestlings. Until birds start to fly, they are called fledglings. Why Birds Migrate Why do so many species of birds migrate? The short answer is simple—food. Birds migrate to locations with abundant food, as it is easier to breed where there is food than where it is not. Purple Martins, for instance, are complete migrators that fly from the tropics of South America to nest in the forests of North America, where billions of newly hatched insects are available to feed to their young. Other migrators, such as some birds of prey, migrate back to northern regions in spring. In these locations, they hunt mice, voles and other small rodents, which are beginning to breed. Complete migrators have a set time and pattern of migration. Every year at nearly the same time, they head to a specific wintering ground. Complete migrators may travel great distances, sometimes 15,000 miles (24,100 km) or more in one year. Complete migration doesn’t necessarily mean flying from the frozen northland to a tropical destination. Dark-eyed Juncos, for example, are complete migrators that move from the far reaches of Canada to spend the winter here in cold and snowy Michigan. This trip is still considered complete migration. Complete migrators have many interesting aspects. In spring, males often leave a few weeks before the females, arriving early to scope out possibilities for nesting sites and food sources, and to begin to defend territories. The females arrive several weeks later. In many species, the females and their young leave earlier in the fall, often up to four weeks before the adult males. Other species, such as the American Goldfinch, are partial migrators. These birds usually wait until their food supplies dwindle before flying south. Unlike complete migrators, partial migrators move only far enough south, or sometimes east and west, to find abundant food. In some years it might be only a few hundred miles, while in other years it can be as much as a thousand. This kind of migration, dependent on weather and the availability of food, is sometimes called seasonal movement. Unlike the predictable complete migrators or partial migrators, irruptive migrators can move every third to fifth year or, in some cases, in consecutive years. These migrations are triggered when times are really tough and food is scarce. Pine Grosbeaks are irruptive migrators. They leave their normal northern range in search of more food or in response to overpopulation. Many other birds don’t migrate at all. Black-capped Chickadees, for example, are non-migrators that remain in their habitat all year long and just move around as necessary to find food. How Do Birds Migrate? One of the many secrets of migration is fat. While most people are fighting the ongoing battle of the bulge, birds intentionally gorge themselves to gain as much fat as possible without losing the ability to fly. Fat provides the greatest amount of energy per unit of weight. In the same way that your car needs gas, birds are propelled by fat and stalled without it. During long migratory flights, fat deposits are used up quickly, and birds need to stop to “refuel.” This is when backyard bird feeding stations and undeveloped, natural spaces around our towns and cities are especially important. Some birds require up to 2–3 days of constant feeding to build their fat reserves before continuing their seasonal trip. Many birds, such as most eagles, hawks, ospreys, falcons and vultures, migrate during the day. Larger birds can hold more body fat, go longer without eating and take longer to migrate. These birds glide along on rising columns of warm air, called thermals, which hold them aloft while they slowly make their way north or south. They generally rest at night and hunt early in the morning before the sun has a chance to warm the land and create good soaring conditions. Daytime migrators use a combination of landforms, rivers, and the rising and setting sun to guide them in the right direction. The majority of small birds, called passerines, migrate at night. Studies show that some use the stars to navigate. Others use the setting sun, and still others, such as pigeons, use Earth’s magnetic field to guide them north or south. While flying at night may not seem like a good idea, it’s actually safer. First, there are fewer avian predators hunting for birds at night. Second, night travel allows time during the day to find food in unfamiliar surroundings. Third, wind patterns at night tend to be flat, or laminar. Flat winds don’t have the turbulence of daytime winds and can help push the smaller birds along. HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE To help you quickly and easily identify birds, this field guide is organized by color. Refer to the color key on the first page, simply note the color of the bird and turn to that section. For example, the male Rose-breasted Grosbeak is black-and-white with a red patch on his chest. Because the bird is mostly black-and-white, it will be found in the black-and-white section. Each color section is also arranged by size, generally with the smaller birds first. Sections may also incorporate the average size in a range, which, in some cases, reflects size differences between male and female birds. Flip through the pages in the color section to find the bird. If you already know the name of the bird, check the index for the page number. In some species, the male and female are very different in color. In others, the breeding and winter plumage colors differ. These species will have an inset photograph with a page reference and will be found in two color sections. You will find a variety of information in the bird description sections. To learn more, turn to the sample on pp. 20–21. Range Maps Range maps are included for each bird. Colored areas indicate where the bird is frequently found. The colors represent the presence of a species during a specific season, not the density, or amount, of birds in the area. Green is used for summer, blue for winter, red for year-round and yellow for migration. While every effort has been made to depict accurate ranges, these actually change on an ongoing basis due to a variety of factors. Changing weather, habitat, species abundance and vital resources, such as the availability of food and water, can affect local populations, migration and movements, causing birds to be found in areas that are atypical for the species. So please use the maps as intended, as general guides only. male female male female  Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus SUMMER Size: 7–8" (18–20 cm) Mostly black with dirty red-brown sides and a white belly. Long black tail with a white tip. Short, Male: stout, pointed bill and rich red eyes. White wing patches flash in flight. Female: similar to male, but brown instead of black light brown with heavily streaked head, chest and Juvenile: belly, a long dark tail with a white tip Nest: cup; female builds; 2 broods per year Eggs: 3–4; cream-white with brown markings Incubation: 12–13 days; female incubates Fledging: 10–12 days; male and female feed young  complete, to southern states, Mexico, Central and Migration: South America Food: insects, seeds, fruit; visits ground feeders American Robin lacks the white belly. Gray Catbird lacks the black head and rusty sides. The Compare: Common Grackle lacks a white belly and has a long, thin bill. The male Rose-breasted Grosbeak has a rosy patch on its chest. Stan’s Notes: Named for its distinctive “tow-hee” call, given by both sexes. Known mostly for its other characteristic call, which sounds like “drink-your-tea!” Will hop backward with both feet (bilateral scratching), raking up leaf litter to locate insects and seeds. The female does the brooding. Male feeds the young most of the time. In southern coastal states, some individuals have red eyes; others have white eyes. Only the red-eyed variety is seen in Michigan. male female  Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater SUMMER Size: 7½" (19 cm) A glossy black bird with a chocolate-brown head Male: and pointed, sharp gray bill. Dark eyes. Female: dull brown with a pointed gray bill similar to female, but dull gray plumage with a Juvenile: streaked chest Nest: no nest; lays eggs in the nests of other birds Eggs: 5–7; white with brown markings Incubation: 10–13 days; host birds incubate the eggs Fledging: 10–11 days; host birds feed the young Migration: complete, to southern states Food: insects, seeds; will come to seed feeders  Male Red-winged Blackbird is slightly larger and has red-and-yellow patches on its upper wings. Compare: The Common Grackle has a long tail and lacks the brown head. European Starling has a shorter tail. Stan’s Notes: Cowbirds are members of the blackbird family. Known as brood parasites, Brown-headed Cowbirds are the only parasitic birds in Michigan. Brood parasites lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, leaving the host birds to raise their young. Cowbirds are known to have laid their eggs in the nests of over 200 species of birds. While some birds reject cowbird eggs, most incubate them and raise the young, even to the exclusion of their own. Look for warblers and other birds feeding young birds twice their own size. Named “Cowbird” for its habit of following bison and cattle herds to feed on insects flushed up by the animals. breeding winter  European Starling Sturnus vulgaris YEAR-ROUND Size: 7½" (19 cm) Glittering, iridescent purplish-black in spring and summer, duller and speckled with white in fall and Male: winter. Long, pointed yellow bill in spring, gray in fall. Pointed wings. Short tail. Female: same as male similar to adult, with grayish-brown plumage and a Juvenile: streaked chest cavity; male and female line cavity; 2 broods per Nest: year Eggs: 4–6; bluish with brown markings Incubation: 12–14 days; female and male incubate Fledging: 18–20 days; female and male feed the young  non-migrator to partial; some will move to southern Migration: states Food: insects, seeds, fruit; visits seed or suet feeders The Common Grackle has a long tail. Male Brown- headed Cowbird has a brown head. Look for the Compare: shiny dark feathers to help identify the European Starling. Stan’s Notes: One of our most numerous songbirds. Mimics the songs of up to 20 bird species and imitates sounds, including the human voice. Jaws are more powerful when opening rather than closing, enabling the bird to pry open crevices to find insects. Often displaces woodpeckers, chickadees and other cavity-nesting birds. Large families gather with blackbirds in the fall. Not a native bird; 100 starlings were introduced to New York City in 1890–91 from Europe. Bill changes color with the seasons in spring and fall. male female  Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus SUMMER Size: 8½" (21.5 cm) Jet-black with red-and-yellow patches on the Male: upper wings (epaulets). Pointed black bill. heavily streaked brown bird with a pointed brown Female: bill and white eyebrows Juvenile: same as female Nest: cup; female builds; 2–3 broods per year Eggs: 3–4; bluish-green with brown markings Incubation: 10–12 days; female incubates Fledging: 11–14 days; female and male feed the young complete, to southern states, Mexico and Central Migration: America  Food: seeds, insects; visits seed and suet feeders The male Brown-headed Cowbird is smaller, glossier and has a brown head. The bold red-and- Compare: yellow epaulets distinguish the male Red-winged from all other blackbirds. Stan’s Notes: One of the most widespread and numerous birds in Michigan. Found around marshes, wetlands, lakes and rivers. It is a sure sign of spring when these birds return home. Flocks with as many as 10,000 birds have been reported. Males arrive before the females and sing to defend their territory. The male repeats his call from the top of a cattail while showing off his red-and-yellow shoulder patches. The female chooses a mate and often builds her nest over shallow water in a thick stand of cattails. The male can be aggressive when defending the nest. Feeds mostly on seeds in spring and fall, and insects throughout the summer.  Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula SUMMER Size: 11–13" (28–33 cm) Large iridescent blackbird with a bluish-black Male: head, purplish-brown body, long black tail, a long, thin bill and bright golden eyes. Female: similar to male, only smaller and duller Juvenile: similar to female Nest: cup; female builds; 2 broods per year Eggs: 4–5; greenish-white with brown markings Incubation: 13–14 days; female incubates Fledging: 16–20 days; female and male feed the young Migration: complete, to southern states  fruit, seeds, insects; will come to seed and suet Food: feeders European Starling is much smaller with a shorter tail, and it has a yellow bill during the breeding Compare: season. The male Red-winged Blackbird has bright red-and-yellow shoulder patches. Stan’s Notes: Usually nests in small colonies of up to 75 pairs but travels with other blackbird species in large flocks. Known to feed in farm fields. The common name is derived from the Latin word gracula, meaning “to croak,” for its loud, raspy call. The male holds his tail in a deep V shape during flight. The flight pattern is usually level, as opposed to an undulating movement. Unlike most birds, it has larger muscles for opening its mouth (rather than for closing it), enabling it to pry crevices apart to find hidden insects.  American Coot Fulica americana SUMMER MIGRATION Size: 13–16" (33–41 cm) Gray-to-black waterbird. Duck-like white bill with a dark band near the tip and small red patch near Male: the eyes. Small white patch near the base of tail. Green legs and feet. Red eyes. Female: same as male Juvenile: much paler than adult, with a gray bill floating platform; female and male build; 1 brood Nest: per year Eggs: 9–12; pinkish-buff with brown markings Incubation: 21–25 days; female and male incubate Fledging: 49–52 days; female and male feed the young  complete, to southern states, Mexico and Central Migration: America Food: insects, aquatic plants Smaller than most waterfowl. This is the only black Compare: duck-like bird with a white bill. Stan’s Notes: Usually seen in large flocks on open water. Not a duck, as it has large lobed toes instead of webbed feet. An excellent diver and swimmer, bobbing its head as it swims. A favorite food of Bald Eagles. Not often seen in flight, unless it’s trying to escape from an eagle. To take off, it scrambles across the surface of the water, flapping its wings. Gives a unique series of creaks, groans and clicks. Anchors its floating platform nest to vegetation. Huge flocks with as many as 1,000 birds gather for migration. Migrates at night. The common name “Coot” comes from the Middle English word coote, which was used to describe various waterfowl. Also called Mud Hen. in flight  American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos YEAR-ROUND Size: 18" (45 cm) All-black bird with a black bill, legs and feet. Can Male: have a purple sheen in direct sunlight. Female: same as male Juvenile: same as adult Nest: platform; female builds; 1 brood per year Eggs: 4–6; bluish-to-olive with brown markings Incubation: 18 days; female incubates Fledging: 28–35 days; female and male feed the young non-migrator to partial; some will move into cities Migration: during winter fruit, insects, mammals, fish, carrion; comes to Food: seed and suet feeders  The Common Raven has a larger bill, shaggy throat feathers, a deep, raspy call, and a wedged Compare: tail, as seen in flight. Look for the glossy black plumage and squared tail to help identify the American Crow. Stan’s Notes: A familiar bird, found in all habitats. Imitates other birds and human voices. One of the smartest of all birds and very social, often entertaining itself by provoking chases with other birds. Eats roadkill but rarely hit by vehicles. Can live up to 20 years. Often reuses its nest every year if not taken over by a Great Horned Owl. Unmated birds, known as helpers, help to raise the young. Extended families roost together at night, dispersing daily to hunt. Cannot soar on thermals. Flaps constantly and glides downward. Gathers in huge communal flocks of up to 10,000 birds in winter. in flight  Common Raven Corvus corax YEAR-ROUND Size: 22–27" (56–69 cm) Large all-black bird with a shaggy beard of Male: feathers on throat and chin. Large black bill. Large wedge-shaped tail, best seen in flight. Female: same as male Juvenile: same as adult Nest: platform; female and male build; 1 brood per year Eggs: 4–6; pale green with brown markings Incubation: 18–21 days; female incubates Fledging: 38–44 days; female and male feed the young non-migrator to partial; will move around in search Migration: of food Food: insects, fruit, small animals, carrion  The American Crow, is smaller and lacks shaggy throat feathers. The Raven glides on flat, outstretched wings, unlike the slight V-shaped Compare: wing pattern of the Crow. Listen for the Raven’s deep, raspy call to distinguish it from the higher- pitched call of the Crow. Stan’s Notes: Considered by some people to be the smartest of all birds. Known for its aerial acrobatics and long swooping dives. Sometimes scavenges with crows and gulls. A cooperative hunter that often communicates the location of a good source of food to other ravens. Known to follow wolf packs around to feed on their kills. Most start to breed at 3–4 years. Complex courtship includes grabbing bills, preening each other and cooing. Long-term pair bond. Uses the same nest site for many years. soaring juvenile  Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura SUMMER Size: 26–32" (66–81 cm); up to 6-ft. wingspan Large black bird with a naked red head and legs. In flight, wings are two-toned with a black leading Male: edge and a gray trailing edge. Wing tips end in finger-like projections. Tail is long and squared. Ivory bill. Female: same as male, only slightly smaller similar to adults, with a gray-to-blackish head and Juvenile: bill no nest, or minimal nest on a cliff or in a cave, Nest: sometimes in a hollow tree; 1 brood per year Eggs: 1–3; white with brown markings Incubation: 38–41 days; female and male incubate  Fledging: 66–88 days; female and male feed the young complete, to southern states, Mexico, Central and Migration: South America Food: carrion; parents regurgitate to feed the young Bald Eagle is much larger and lacks two-toned Compare: wings. Look for the obvious naked red head to identify the Turkey Vulture. Stan’s Notes: The naked head reduces the risk of feather fouling (picking up diseases) from contact with carcasses. It has a strong bill for tearing apart flesh. Unlike hawks and eagles, it has weak feet more suited for walking than grasping. One of the few birds with a developed sense of smell. Mostly mute, making only grunts and groans. Holds its wings in an upright V shape in flight. Teeters from wing tip to wing tip as it soars and hovers. Seen in trees with wings outstretched, sunning itself and drying after a rain. in flight juvenile crests drying  Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus SUMMER MIGRATION Size: 31–35" (79–89 cm); up to 4⅓-ft. wingspan Large black waterbird with unusual blue eyes and Male: a long, snake-like neck. Large gray bill with yellow at the base and a hooked tip. Female: same as male Juvenile: lighter brown with a grayish chest and neck Nest: platform; male and female build; 1 brood per year Eggs: 3–4; bluish-white without markings Incubation: 25–29 days; female and male incubate Fledging: 37–42 days; male and female feed the young complete, to southern states, Mexico and Central Migration: America  Food: small fish, aquatic insects The Turkey Vulture also spreads out its wings to dry in the sun, but it has a naked red head. The Compare: American Coot has a duck-like white bill. Look for the long, snake-like neck and large, hooked bill to help identify the Cormorant. Stan’s Notes: Flies in a large V formation or a straight line. Usually roosts in large colonies in trees near water. Swims underwater to catch fish, holding its wings at its sides. Lacks the oil gland that keeps feathers from becoming waterlogged. To dry off, it strikes an upright pose with wings outstretched, facing the sun. Gives grunts, pops and groans. Named “Double-crested” for the two crests on its head, which are not often seen. “Cormorant” is a contraction from corvus marinus, meaning “crow” or “raven,” and “of the sea.” male female  Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia SUMMER MIGRATION Size: 5" (13 cm) Small bird with zebra-like striping and a black-and- Male: white striped crown. Black cheek patch and chin. White belly. duller than the male and lacks a black cheek patch Female: and chin Juvenile: similar to female Nest: cup; female builds; 1 brood per year Eggs: 4–5; white with brown markings Incubation: 10–11 days; female incubates Fledging: 9–12 days; female and male feed the young  complete, to Florida, Mexico, Central and South Migration: America Food: insects Climbs down tree trunks headfirst, like the White- breasted Nuthatch and Red-breasted Nuthatch. Compare: Look for a small black-and-white bird climbing down trees to identify the Black-and-white Warbler. Stan’s Notes: This is the only warbler species that moves down tree trunks headfirst. Look for it searching for insect eggs in the bark of large trees. Its song sounds like a slowly turning, squeaky wheel going around and around. Female performs a distraction dance to draw predators away from the nest. Constructs its nest on the ground, concealing it under dead leaves or at the base of a tree. Found in a variety of habitats. Can be one of the more common warbler species during migration in both spring and fall. male female  Downy Woodpecker Dryobates pubescens YEAR-ROUND Size: 6" (15 cm) A small woodpecker with a white belly and black- and-white spotted wings. Red mark on the back of Male: head and a white stripe down the back. Short black bill. Female: same as male, but lacks a red mark on head same as female, some have a red mark near the Juvenile: forehead cavity with a round entrance hole; male and Nest: female excavate; 1 brood per year Eggs: 3–5; white without markings 11–12 days; female incubates during the day, male Incubation: incubates at night  Fledging: 20–25 days; male and female feed the young Migration: non-migrator Food: insects, seeds; visits suet and seed feeders Hairy Woodpecker is larger. Look for the shorter, Compare: thinner bill to identify the Downy. Stan’s Notes: Abundant and widespread where trees are present. This is perhaps the most common woodpecker in the U.S. Stiff tail feathers help to brace it like a tripod as it clings to a tree. Like other woodpeckers, it has a long, barbed tongue to pull insects from tiny places. Mates drum on branches or hollow logs to announce territory, which is rarely larger than 5 acres (2 ha). Repeats a high- pitched “peek-peek” call. Nest cavity is wider at the bottom than at the top and is lined with fallen woodchips. Male performs most of the brooding. During winter, it will roost in a cavity. Undulates in flight. male female  Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus SUMMER Size: 7–8" (18–20 cm) A plump black-and-white bird with a large, Male: triangular rose patch in the center of breast. Wing linings are rose-red. Large ivory bill. heavily streaked bird with obvious white eyebrows Female: and orange-to-yellow wing linings Juvenile: similar to female cup; female and male construct; 1–2 broods per Nest: year Eggs: 3–5; blue-green with brown markings Incubation: 13–14 days; female and male incubate Fledging: 9–12 days; female and male feed the young  complete, to Mexico, Central America and South Migration: America Food: insects, seeds, fruit; comes to seed feeders Male is very distinctive with no look-alikes. Look Compare: for the rose breast patch to identify. Stan’s Notes: Seen in small groups. Prefers a mature deciduous forest for nesting. Both sexes sing, but the male sings much louder and clearer. Sings a rich, robin-like song with a chip note in the tune. “Grosbeak” refers to the thick, strong bill, which is used to crush seeds. The rose patch varies in size and shape in each male. Males have white wing patches that flash during flight. Males arrive at the breeding grounds a few days before the females. Several males will come to seed feeders together in spring. When the females arrive, males become territorial and reduce their feeder visits. After fledging, young grosbeaks visit feeders with the adults. Makes short flights from tree to tree with rapid wingbeats. male female  Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius SUMMER MIGRATION Size: 8–9" (20–23 cm) Checkered back with a red forehead, crown and Male: chin. Yellow-to-tan on chest and belly. White wing patches, seen flashing in flight. Female: similar to male, but has a white chin similar to female, but dull brown and lacks any red Juvenile: markings cavity; female and male excavate, often in a live Nest: tree; 1 brood per year Eggs: 5–6; white without markings 12–13 days; female incubates during the day, Incubation: male incubates at night  Fledging: 25–29 days; female and male feed the young complete, to southern states, Mexico and Central Migration: America Food: insects, tree sap; comes to suet feeders The Red-headed Woodpecker has an all-red head. Look for the red chin and crown to identify the Compare: male Sapsucker, and the white chin and red crown to identify the female. Stan’s Notes: Found in small woods, forests, and suburban and rural areas. Drills holes in horizontal rows in trees to bleed the sap. Oozing sap attracts bugs, which it also eats. Defends its sapping sites from other birds that try to drink from the taps. Does not suck sap; rather, it laps the sticky liquid with its long, bristly tongue. A quiet bird with few vocalizations but will meow like a cat. Drums on hollow tree branches, but unlike other woodpeckers, its rhythm is irregular. Makes short undulating flights with rapid wingbeats. male female  Hairy Woodpecker Dryobates villosus YEAR-ROUND Size: 9" (23 cm) A black-and-white woodpecker with a white belly. Black wings with rows of white spots. White stripe Male: down the back. Long black bill. Red mark on the back of head. Female: same as male, but lacks a red mark on head Juvenile: grayer version of the female cavity with an oval entrance hole; female and male Nest: excavate; 1 brood per year Eggs: 3–6; white without markings 11–15 days; female incubates during the day, male Incubation: incubates at night Fledging: 28–30 days; male and female feed the young  Migration: non-migrator insects, nuts and seeds; will come to suet and Food: seed feeders Much larger than the Downy Woodpecker and has Compare: a much longer bill, nearly equal to the width of its head. Stan’s Notes: A common bird in wooded backyards. Announces its arrival with a sharp chirp before landing on feeders. Responsible for eating many destructive forest insects. Uses its barbed tongue to extract insects from trees. Tiny bristle-like feathers at the base of the bill protect the nostrils from wood dust. Drums on hollow logs, branches or stovepipes in spring to announce territory. Often prefers to excavate nest cavities in live aspen trees. Excavates a larger, more oval-shaped entrance than the round entrance hole of the Downy Woodpecker. Makes short flights from tree to tree. juvenile  Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus YEAR-ROUND SUMMER Size: 9" (23 cm) All-red head with a solid black back. Black wings with large white wing patches, seen flashing in Male: flight. Black tail. White chest, belly and rump. Gray legs and bill. Female: same as male Juvenile: grayish-brown head and white chest cavity; male excavates with some help from the Nest: female; 1 brood per year Eggs: 4–5; white without markings Incubation: 12–13 days; female and male incubate Fledging: 27–30 days; female and male feed the young  partial migrator to complete; will move to areas Migration: with an abundant supply of nuts Food: insects, nuts, fruit; visits suet and seed feeders No other woodpecker in Michigan has an all-red head. Pileated Woodpecker is the only other Compare: woodpecker with a solid black back, but it has a partial red head. Stan’s Notes: This is one of the few non-dimorphic woodpeckers, with males and females that look alike. Bill is strong enough to excavate a nest cavity only in soft, dead trees. Prefers open woodlands or woodland edges with many dead or rotting branches. Nests later than its close relative, the Red-bellied Woodpecker, and will often take its cavity, if vacant. Unlike other woodpeckers, which use nest cavities just once briefly, may use the same cavity for several years in a row. Often perches on top of dead snags. Stores acorns and other nuts. Gives a shrill, hoarse “churr” call. male female  Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus YEAR-ROUND Size: 9–9½" (23–24 cm) Black-and-white “zebra-backed” woodpecker with a white rump. Red crown extends down the nape Male: of neck. Tan chest. Pale red tinge on the belly, often hard to see. same as male, but has a light gray crown and a Female: red nape gray version of adults; lacks a red crown and red Juvenile: nape cavity; female and male excavate; 1 brood per Nest: year Eggs: 4–5; white without markings  12–14 days; female incubates during the day, Incubation: male incubates at night Fledging: 24–27 days; female and male feed the young Migration: non-migrator; moves around to find food Food: insects, nuts, fruit; visits suet and seed feeders Similar to the Northern Flicker and Yellow-bellied Compare: Sapsucker. Look for the zebra-striped back to help identify the Red-bellied Woodpecker. Stan’s Notes: Likes shady woodlands, forest edges and backyards. Digs holes in rotten wood to find spiders, centipedes, beetles and more. Hammers acorns and berries into crevices of trees for winter food. Returns to the same tree to excavate a new nest below that of the previous year. Undulating flight with rapid wingbeats. Gives a loud “querrr” call and a low “chug-chug-chug.” Named for the pale red tinge on its belly. Expanding its range all over the country. male female  Bufflehead Bucephala albeola MIGRATION Size: 13–15" (33–38 cm) A small, striking duck with white sides and a black Male: back. Greenish-purple head, iridescent in bright sun, with a large white head patch. brownish-gray with a dark brown head and white Female: cheek patch behind the eyes Juvenile: similar to female cavity; female lines an old woodpecker hole; 1 Nest: brood per year Eggs: 8–10; ivory-to-olive without markings Incubation: 29–31 days; female incubates Fledging: 50–55 days; female leads the young to food  complete, to southern states, Mexico and Central Migration: America Food: aquatic insects, crustaceans, mollusks Male Hooded Merganser is larger and has rust- brown sides. Look for the large white bonnet-like Compare: patch on a greenish-purple head to help identify the male Bufflehead. Stan’s Notes: A small, common diving duck, almost always seen in small groups or with other duck species on rivers, ponds and lakes. Nests in vacant woodpecker holes. When cavities in trees are scarce, known to use a burrow in an earthen bank or will use a nest box. Lines the cavity with fluffy down feathers. Unlike other ducks, the young stay in the nest for up to two days before they venture out with their mothers. The female is very territorial and remains with the same mate for many years. male female  Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris SUMMER MIGRATION Size: 16–19" (41–48 cm) A striking duck with a black head, chest and back and light gray-to-white sides. Blue bill with a bold Male: white ring and thinner ring at the base. Peaked head with a sloped forehead. brown with a darker brown back and crown, light Female: brown sides, gray face, white eye-ring, white ring around the bill, peaked head Juvenile: similar to female Nest: ground; female builds; 1 brood per year Eggs: 8–10; olive-to-brown without markings Incubation: 26–27 days; female incubates  Fledging: 49–56 days; female teaches the young to feed Migration: complete, to southern states Food: aquatic plants and insects Male Bufflehead is smaller and has a large white Compare: head patch. Look for the blue bill with an obvious white ring to identify the male Ring-necked Duck. Stan’s Notes: Often seen in pairs in larger freshwater lakes. Usually in small flocks. A diving duck, watch for it to dive underwater to forage for food. Springs up off the water to take flight. It has a distinctive tall, peaked head with a sloped forehead. Flattens its crown when diving. Male gives a quick series of grating barks and grunts. Female gives high-pitched peeps. Named “Ring-necked” for its cinnamon collar, which is nearly impossible to see in the field. Also called Ring-billed Duck due to the white ring on its bill. male female  Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus SUMMER Size: 16–19" (41–48 cm) Black-and-white with rust-brown sides. Crest Male: “hood” raises to show a large white patch on each side of the head. Long, thin black bill. brown-and-rust with ragged rust-red hair and a Female: long, thin brown bill Juvenile: similar to female cavity; female lines an old woodpecker cavity or a Nest: nest box near water; 1 brood per year Eggs: 10–12; white without markings Incubation: 32–33 days; female incubates Fledging: 71 days; female feeds the young  Migration: complete, to southern states small fish, aquatic insects and crustaceans Food: (especially crayfish) Male Bufflehead is smaller and has white sides. Male Wood Duck has a green head. The male Compare: Common Merganser is much larger. Look for the large white patch on the sides of the head and rust-brown sides to identify the male Hoodie. Stan’s Notes: A small diving duck, found in shallow ponds, sloughs, lakes and rivers. Usually in small groups. Quick, low flight across the water, with fast wingbeats. Male has a deep, rolling call. Female gives a hoarse quack. Nests in wooded areas. Female will lay some eggs in the nests of other mergansers, goldeneyes or Wood Ducks (egg dumping), resulting in 20–25 eggs in some nests. Rarely, she shares a nest, sitting with a Wood Duck. male female  Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula SUMMER MIGRATION WINTER Size: 18–20" (45–51 cm) A mostly white duck with a black back and a large, Male: puffy green head. Large white spot on the face. Bright golden eyes. Dark bill. large dark brown head, gray body, white collar, Female: bright golden eyes and yellow-tipped dark bill Juvenile: same as female, but has a dark bill cavity; female lines an old woodpecker hole; 1 Nest: brood per year Eggs: 8–10; light green without markings Incubation: 28–32 days; female incubates  Fledging: 56–59 days; female leads the young to food Migration: complete, to southern states and Mexico Food: aquatic plants, insects, fish, mollusks Male Bufflehead is smaller and has a large white patch on the back of its head. Look for the Compare: distinctive white spot on the sides of the face and golden eyes to identify the male Common Goldeneye. Stan’s Notes: Known for the loud whistling sound produced by its wings during flight. During late winter and early spring, the male performs elaborate mating displays that include throwing his head back and calling a raspy note. Female will lay some of her eggs in other goldeneye nests or in the nests of other species (egg dumping), causing some mothers to incubate as many as 30 eggs in a brood. Named for its obvious bright golden eyes. male female  Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus YEAR-ROUND Size: 19" (48 cm) A crow-sized woodpecker with a black back and bold red forehead, crest and mustache. Long gray Male: bill. White leading edge of wings flash brightly during flight. same as male, but has a black forehead; lacks a Female: red mustache Juvenile: similar to adults, only duller and browner cavity; male and female excavate; 1 brood per Nest: year Eggs: 3–5; white without markings 15–18 days; female incubates during the day, Incubation: male incubates at night  Fledging: 26–28 days; female and male feed the young Migration: non-migrator Food: insects; will come to suet and peanut feeders Red-headed Woodpecker is about half the size and has an all-red head. Look for the bright red Compare: crest and exceptionally large size to identify the Pileated Woodpecker. Stan’s Notes: Our largest woodpecker. The common name comes from pileatus, which means “wearing a cap,” referring to its crest. A relatively shy bird that prefers large tracts of woodland. Drums on hollow branches, chimneys and so forth to announce its territory. Excavates oval holes up to several feet long in tree trunks, looking for insects to eat. Large wood chips lie on the ground by excavated trees. Favorite food is carpenter ants. Feeds regurgitated insects to its young. Young emerge from the nest looking just like the adults. soaring  Osprey Pandion haliaetus SUMMER Size: 21–24" (53–61 cm); up to 5½-ft. wingspan Large eagle-like bird with a white chest, belly and Male: head. Dark eye line. Nearly black back. Black “wrist” marks on the wings. Dark bill. same as male, only slightly larger and has a Female: necklace of brown streaks Juvenile: similar to adults, with a light tan breast platform, on a raised wooden platform, man-made Nest: tower or tall dead tree; female and male build; 1 brood per year Eggs: 2–4; white with brown markings Incubation: 32–42 days; female and male incubate  Fledging: 48–58 days; male and female feed the young complete, to southern states, Mexico, Central and Migration: South America Food: fish The juvenile Bald Eagle is brown with white speckles. The adult Bald Eagle has an all-white Compare: head and tail. Look for the white belly and dark eye line to identify the Osprey. Stan’s Notes: The only species in its family, and the only raptor that plunges into water feet first to catch fish. Always near water. Can hover for a few seconds before diving. Carries fish in a head-first position for better aerodynamics. Wings angle back in flight. Often harassed by Bald Eagles for its catch. Gives a high-pitched, whistle- like call, often calling in flight as a warning. Mates have a long-term pair bond. Northern birds may not migrate to the same wintering ground. Was nearly extinct but now doing well. breeding winter  Common Loon Gavia immer SUMMER MIGRATION Size: 28–36" (71–91 cm) Checkerboard back, black head, white necklace. Male: Deep red eyes. Long, pointed black bill. Winter plumage has a gray body and bill. Female: same as male Juvenile: similar to winter plumage, but lacks red eyes ground, usually at the shoreline; female and male Nest: build; 1 brood per year Eggs: 2; olive-brown, occasionally brown markings Incubation: 26–31 days; female and male incubate Fledging: 75–80 days; female and male feed the young  complete, to southern states, the Gulf Coast and Migration: Mexico Food: fish, aquatic insects, crayfish, salamanders The Double-crested Cormorant has a black chest and gray bill with a hooked tip and yellow at the Compare: base. Look for a checkerboard back to identify the Common Loon. Stan’s Notes: Hunts for fish by eyesight and prefers clear, clean lakes. A great swimmer, but its legs are set so far back that it has a hard time walking. “Loon” comes from the Scandinavian term lom, meaning “lame,” for the awkward way it walks on land. To take off, it faces into the wind and runs on the water while flapping. Its wailing call suggests wild laughter, which led to the phrase “crazy as a loon.” Also gives soft hoots. In the water, young ride on the backs of their parents for about 10 days. Adults perform distraction displays to protect the young. Very sensitive to disturbance during nesting and will abandon the nest. soaring juvenile soaring juvenile  Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus SUMMER MIGRATION WINTER Size: 31–37" (79–94 cm); up to 7½-ft. wingspan White head and tail contrast sharply with the dark Male: brown-to-black body and wings. Large, curved yellow bill and yellow feet. Female: same as male, only larger dark brown with white speckles and spots on the Juvenile: body and wings, gray bill massive platform, usually in a tree; female and Nest: male build; 1 brood per year Eggs: 2–3; off-white without markings Incubation: 34–36 days; female and male incubate  Fledging: 75–90 days; female and male feed the young Migration: partial migrator, to southeastern states Food: fish, carrion, birds (mainly ducks) Turkey Vulture is smaller, has two-toned wings and Compare: holds them in a V shape in flight. The Eagle holds its wings straight out. Stan’s Notes: Nearly became extinct due to DDT poisoning and illegal killing. Now making a comeback in North America. Returns to the same nest each year, adding more sticks and enlarging it to huge proportions, at times up to 1,000 pounds (450 kg). In their midair mating ritual, one eagle flips upside down and locks talons with another. Both tumble, then break apart to continue flight. Not uncommon for juveniles to perform this mating ritual even though they have not reached breeding age. Long-term pair bond but will switch mates when not successful at reproducing. Juveniles attain the white head and tail at 4–5 years of age. male female  Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea SUMMER Size: 5½" (14 cm) Vibrant blue finch-like bird. Dark markings Male: scattered on wings and tail. Female: light brown bird with faint markings Juvenile: similar to female Nest: cup; female builds; 2 broods per year Eggs: 3–4; pale blue without markings Incubation: 12–13 days; female incubates Fledging: 10–11 days; female feeds the young complete, to Mexico, Central America and South Migration: America Food: insects, seeds, fruit; will visit seed feeders  Male Eastern Bluebird is larger and has a rust-red Compare: chest. Look for the bright blue plumage to identify the male Indigo Bunting. Stan’s Notes: Seen along woodland edges and in parks and yards, feeding on insects. Comes to seed feeders early in spring, before insects are plentiful. Usually only the males are noticed. Male often sings from treetops to attract a mate. Female is quiet. Actually a gray bird, without blue pigment in its feathers. Like Blue Jays and other blue birds, sunlight is refracted within the structure of the male’s feathers, making them appear blue. Plumage is iridescent in direct sun, duller in shade. Molts in spring to acquire body feathers with gray tips, which quickly wear off, revealing the bright blue plumage. Molts in fall and appears like the female during winter. Migrates at night in flocks of 5–10 birds. Males return before the females and juveniles, often to the nest site of the preceding year. Juveniles move to within a mile of their birth site.  Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor SUMMER Size: 5–6" (13–15 cm) Blue-green in spring, greener in fall. Changes Male: color in direct sunlight. White from chin to belly. Long, pointed wing tips. Notched tail. Female: similar to male, only duller gray-brown with a white belly and a grayish breast Juvenile: band cavity; female and male line a vacant woodpecker Nest: cavity or nest box; 2 broods per year Eggs: 4–6; white without markings Incubation: 13–16 days; female incubates Fledging: 20–24 days; female and male feed the young  Migration: complete, to Mexico and Central America Food: insects The Purple Martin is much larger and darker. The Barn Swallow has a rusty belly and a long, deeply Compare: forked tail. Look for the white chin, chest and belly and the notched tail to help identify the Tree Swallow. Stan’s Notes: Found at ponds, lakes, rivers and farm fields. Often seen flying back and forth across fields, feeding on insects. Can be attracted to your yard with a nest box. Competes with the Eastern Bluebird for tree cavities and nest boxes. Builds a grass nest within and will travel long distances, looking for dropped feathers for the lining. Watch for it playing, chasing after feathers. Flies with rapid wingbeats, then glides. Gives a series of gurgles and chirps. Chatters when upset or threatened. Eats many nuisance bugs, so good to have around. Families gather in large flocks for migration.  Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica SUMMER Size: 7" (18 cm) A sleek swallow. Blue-black back, cinnamon belly Male: and reddish-brown chin. White spots on a long, deeply forked tail. Female: same as male, but has a whitish belly similar to adults, with a tan belly and chin and a Juvenile: shorter tail Nest: cup; female and male build; 2 broods per year Eggs: 4–5; white with brown markings Incubation: 13–17 days; female incubates Fledging: 18–23 days; female and male feed the young Migration: complete, to South America  Food: insects (prefers beetles, wasps, flies) Tree Swallow is white from chin to belly. Purple Martin is larger and has a dark purple belly. Compare: Chimney Swift has a narrow, pointed tail. Look for the deeply forked tail to help identify the Barn Swallow. Stan’s Notes: Seen in wetlands, farms, suburban yards and parks. Michigan has six swallow species, but this is the only one with a deeply forked tail. Unlike other swallows, it rarely glides in flight. Usually flies low over land or water. Drinks as it flies, skimming water, or will sip water droplets on wet leaves. Bathes while flying through rain or sprinklers. Gives a twittering warble, followed by a mechanical sound. Builds a mud nest with up to 1,000 beak-loads of mud. Nests on barns, houses, under bridges and other sheltered places. Often nests in colonies of 4–6 birds; sometimes nests alone. male female  Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis SUMMER Size: 7" (18 cm) Sky-blue head, back and tail. Rust-red breast and Male: white belly. grayer than the male, with a faint rusty breast and Female: faint blue wings and tail similar to female, but spots on the breast and blue Juvenile: wing markings cavity, vacant woodpecker cavity or nest box; Nest: female adds a soft lining; 2 broods per year Eggs: 4–5; pale blue without markings Incubation: 12–14 days; female incubates Fledging: 15–18 days; male and female feed the young  Migration: complete, to southern states insects, fruit; comes to shallow dishes with live or Food: dead mealworms, and to suet feeders The male Indigo Bunting is nearly all blue. The Blue Jay is much larger and has a crest. Look for Compare: the rusty breast to help identify the Eastern Bluebird. Stan’s Notes: Was nearly eliminated from Michigan due to a lack of nest cavities. Thanks to people who installed thousands of nest boxes, bluebirds now thrive. Prefers open habitats, such as farm fields, pastures and roadsides, but also likes forest edges, parks and yards. Easily tamed. Often perches on trees or fence posts and drops to the ground to grab bugs, especially grasshoppers. Makes short flights from tree to tree. Song is a distinctive “churlee chur chur-lee.” The rust-red breast is like that of the American Robin, its cousin. The young of the first brood help raise the second brood. male female  Purple Martin Progne subis SUMMER Size: 8½" (21.5 cm) Iridescent bird with a purple-to-black head, back Male: and belly, black wings and a notched black tail. grayish-purple head and back, darker wings and Female: tail, whitish belly Juvenile: same as female cavity; female and male line the cavity of the Nest: house; 1 brood per year Eggs: 4–5; white without markings Incubation: 15–18 days; female incubates Fledging: 26–30 days; male and female feed the young Migration: complete, to South America  Food: insects Usually only seen in groups. The male Purple Compare: Martin is the only swallow with a very dark purplish belly. Stan’s Notes: The largest swallow species in North America. Once nested in tree cavities. Now nests almost exclusively in man-made apartment-style houses. The most successful colonies often nest in multiunit nest boxes within 100 feet (30 m) of a human dwelling near a lake. The main diet consists of dragonflies, not mosquitoes, as once thought. Gives a continuous stream of chirps, creaks and rattles, along with a shout-like “churrr” and chortle. Often drinks in flight, skimming water, and bathes in flight, flying through rain. Returns to the same nest site each year. Males arrive before females and yearlings. The young leave to form new colonies. Large colonies gather in fall before migrating to South America.  Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata YEAR-ROUND Size: 12" (30 cm) Bright light blue-and-white bird with a black necklace and gray belly. Large crest moves up and Male: down at will. White face, wing bars and tip of tail. Black tail bands. Female: same as male Juvenile: same as adult, only duller cup; female and male construct; 1–2 broods per Nest: year Eggs: 4–5; green-to-blue with brown markings Incubation: 16–18 days; female incubates Fledging: 17–21 days; female and male feed the young  non-migrator to partial; will move around in winter Migration: to find an abundant food source insects, fruit, carrion, seeds, nuts; visits seed Food: feeders, ground feeders with corn or peanuts Belted Kingfisher has a larger, more ragged crest. The Eastern Bluebird is much smaller and has a Compare: rust-red breast. Look for the large crest to help identify the Blue Jay. Stan’s Notes: A highly intelligent bird, solving problems, gathering food and communicating more than other birds. Loud, noisy and mimics other birds. Known as the alarm of the forest, screaming at intruders. Imitates hawk calls around feeders to scare off other birds. One of the few birds to cache food. Can remember where it hid thousands of nuts. Carries seeds and nuts in a pouch under its tongue (sublingual). Eats bird eggs and young birds in other nests. Feathers lack blue pigment; refracted sunlight casts the blue light. male female  Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon SUMMER Size: 12–14" (30–36 cm) Blue with a white belly, blue-gray chest band, black wing tips. Ragged crest moves up and down Male: at will. Large head. Long, thick black bill. White spot by the eyes. Red-brown eyes. same as male, but has rusty flanks and a rusty Female: chest band under a blue-gray band Juvenile: similar to female cavity; female and male excavate in a bank of a Nest: river, lake or cliff; 1 brood per year Eggs: 6–7; white without markings Incubation: 23–24 days; female and male incubate  Fledging: 23–24 days; female and male feed the young complete, to southern states, Mexico, Central and Migration: South America Food: small fish The Blue Jay is lighter blue and has a plain gray Compare: chest and belly. Belted Kingfisher is rarely found away from water. Stan’s Notes: Usually found at the bank of a river, lake or large stream. Perches on a branch near water, dives in headfirst to catch a small fish, then returns to the branch to feed. Parents drop dead fish into the water to teach their young to dive. Can’t pass bones through its digestive tract; regurgitates bone pellets after meals. Gives a loud call that sounds like a machine gun. Mates know each other by their calls. Digs a tunnel up to 4 feet (1 m) long to a nest chamber. Small white patches on dark wing tips flash during flight.  Chestnut-sided Warbler Setophaga pensylvanica SUMMER Size: 5" (13 cm) Colorful combination of a bright yellow cap, black mask and white face, with a white chest and belly. Male: Chestnut flanks. Gray wings with two yellow wing bars. White undertail. Female: similar to male, with duller brown flanks similar to female, with a lime-green head and Juvenile: back, white eye-ring and bright yellow wing bars; lacks chestnut sides Nest: cup; female builds; 1 brood per year Eggs: 3–5; white with brown markings Incubation: 12–13 days; female incubates  Fledging: 10–12 days; female and male feed the young Migration: complete, to Central America Food: insects, berries The Yellow-rumped Warbler has yellow patches on its sides and rump. Yellow Warbler is nearly all Compare: yellow. Look for the yellow cap and chestnut flanks to help identify the Chestnut-sided Warbler. Stan’s Notes: A very attractive warbler, named for the chestnut patches on its sides. Prefers an open, young aspen forest. During migration, often attracted to backyard water gardens that have a small trickling stream. Look for it in spring, hopping high up in trees while it hunts for insects. Usually you will only get a glimpse of this fast-moving bird. Holds tail in an uplifted position, showing the white undertail. Not uncommon for it to approach people near its nest in defense of the site.  Brown Creeper Certhia americana YEAR-ROUND Size: 5" (13 cm) Small, thin, nearly camouflaged brown bird. White Male: from chin to belly. White eyebrows. Dark eyes and a thin, curved bill. Tail is long and stiff. Female: same as male Juvenile: same as adult Nest: cup; female constructs; 1 brood per year Eggs: 5–6; white with tiny brown markings 14–17 days; female incubates, male feeds the Incubation: female during incubation Fledging: 13–16 days; female and male feed the young Migration: partial to non-migrator Food: insects, nuts, seeds  Red-breasted Nuthatch and White-breasted Nuthatch climb down tree trunks, not up. To spot a Compare: Brown Creeper, look for a small brown bird with a white belly creeping up trees. Stan’s Notes: A forest bird, commonly found in wooded habitats. Will fly from the top of one tree trunk to the bottom of another, then work its way to the top, looking for caterpillars, spider eggs and more. Its long tail has tiny spines underneath, which help it cling to trees. Uses its camouflage coloring to hide in plain sight. Spreads out flat on a branch or trunk and won’t move. Often builds its nest behind the loose bark of a dead or dying tree. Young follow their parents around, creeping up trees soon after fledging.  Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica SUMMER Size: 5" (13 cm) Nondescript, cigar-shaped bird, usually only seen in flight. Long, thin brown body. Pointed tail and Male: head. Long, swept-back wings, longer than the body. Female: same as male Juvenile: same as adult half cup; female and male construct; 1 brood per Nest: year Eggs: 4–5; white without markings Incubation: 19–21 days; female and male incubate Fledging: 28–30 days; female and male feed the young  Migration: complete, to South America Food: insects caught in midair Purple Martin is much larger and darker. Barn Swallow has a deeply forked tail. Tree Swallow Compare: has a white belly and blue-green back. Look for the cigar shape to identify the Chimney Swift in flight. Stan’s Notes: One of the fastest fliers in the bird world. Spends all day flying, rarely perching. Flies in groups, feeding on insects flying 100 feet (30 m) or higher up in the air. Often called Flying Cigar due to its body shape, which is pointed at both ends. Drinks and bathes during flight, skimming water. Gives a unique in-flight twittering call, often heard before the bird is seen. Hundreds roost in large chimneys, giving it the common name. Builds its nest with tiny twigs, cementing it with saliva and attaching it to the inside of a chimney or a hollow tree. Usually only one nest per chimney.  Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina SUMMER Size: 5" (13 cm) Small gray-brown sparrow with a clear gray chest, Male: white eyebrows, thin black eye line and rusty crown. Thin gray-black bill. Two faint wing bars. Female: same as male similar to adult, with streaking on the chest; lacks Juvenile: a rusty crown Nest: cup; female builds; 2 broods per year Eggs: 3–5; blue-green with brown markings Incubation: 11–14 days; female incubates Fledging: 10–12 days; female and male feed the young  complete, to southern states, Mexico and Central Migration: America Food: insects, seeds; will come to ground feeders American Tree Sparrow has gray eyebrows and a rusty eye line. The Song Sparrow, Fox Sparrow Compare: and female House Finch have heavily streaked chests. Look for the rusty crown and black eye line to identify the Chipping Sparrow. Stan’s Notes: A common garden or yard bird, often seen feeding on dropped seeds beneath feeders. Gathers in large family groups to feed in preparation for migration. Migrates at night in flocks of 20–30 birds. The common name comes from the male’s fast “chip” call. Often just called Chippy. Builds nest low in dense shrubs and almost always lines it with animal hair. Comfortable with people, allowing you to approach closely before it flies away. male Hoary Redpoll female  Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea WINTER Size: 5" (13 cm) A sparrow-like bird with a bright red crown and Male: raspberry-red on the chest. Black spot on the chin. Heavily streaked back. similar to male, but lacks raspberry-red on the Female: chest browner than adults, with dark streaking on the Juvenile: chest; lacks a red crown cup; female builds; 1 brood (occasionally 2) per Nest: year Eggs: 4–5; pale green with purple markings Incubation: 10–11 days; female incubates  Fledging: 11–12 days; female and male feed the young irruptive; moves into Michigan from the far reaches Migration: of Canada in some winters Food: seeds, insects; will come to seed feeders Pine Siskin has yellow wing bars and a streaked Compare: chest. Look for the bright red crown and black spot under the bill to help identify the Common Redpoll. Stan’s Notes: Moves from location to location, wheeling around in the sky before landing at feeders. Visits feeders in small to large flocks. Flocks of up 100 birds are not uncommon but not seen at all in some winters. Bathes in open water or snow during winter. Like the Black-capped Chickadee, it can be tamed and hand fed. Gives a zipping call in long strings that last 30 seconds or longer. Also gives a nasal, rising whistle. Hoary Redpoll (see inset) is paler with less streaking on the flanks and a pink wash on the chest.  Pine Siskin Spinus pinus YEAR-ROUND WINTER Size: 5" (13 cm) Small brown finch with heavy streaking on the Male: back, breast and belly. Yellow wing bars. Yellow at the base of tail. Thin bill. Female: similar to male, with less yellow similar to adult, with a light yellow tinge over the Juvenile: breast and chin Nest: cup; female builds; 2 broods Eggs: 3–4; greenish-blue with brown markings Incubation: 12–13 days; female incubates Fledging: 14–15 days; female and male feed the young  irruptive; moves around Michigan and the U.S. in Migration: search of food Food: seeds, insects; will come to seed feeders Female Purple Finch has white eyebrows. The female House Finch lacks any yellow. The female Compare: American Goldfinch has white wing bars. Look for the yellow wing bars to identify the Pine Siskin. Stan’s Notes: Usually considered a winter finch. Conspicuous in some winters, rare in others. Seen in flocks of up to 20 birds, often with other finch species. Gathers in flocks and moves around, visiting feeders. Will come to thistle feeders. Gives a series of high- pitched, wheezy calls. Also gives a wheezing twitter. Breeds in small groups. Builds nest toward the end of coniferous branches, where needles are dense, helping to conceal. Nests are often only a few feet apart. Male feeds the female during incubation. Juveniles lose the yellow tint by late summer of their first year. male male  House Finch Haemorhous mexicanus YEAR-ROUND Size: 5" (13 cm) Plain brown bird with heavy streaking on a white Female: chest. red-to-orange face, throat, chest and rump, brown Male: cap, brown marking behind the eyes, streaked belly and wings Juvenile: similar to female cup, occasionally in a cavity, female builds; 2 Nest: broods per year Eggs: 4–5; pale blue, lightly marked Incubation: 12–14 days; female incubates Fledging: 15–19 days; female and male feed the young  non-migrator to partial; will move around to find Migration: food seeds, fruit, leaf buds; visits seed feeders and Food: feeders that offer grape jelly The female Purple Finch has bold white eyebrows. Pine Siskin has yellow wing bars and a smaller Compare: bill. Female American Goldfinch has a clear chest. Look for the heavily streaked chest to help identify the female House Finch. Stan’s Notes: Can be a common bird at your feeders. A very social bird, visiting feeders in small flocks. Likes to nest in hanging flower baskets. Male sings a loud, cheerful warbling song. It was originally introduced to Long Island, New York, from the western U.S. in the 1940s. Now found throughout the country. Suffers from a disease that causes the eyes to crust, resulting in blindness and death.  House Wren Troglodytes aedon SUMMER Size: 5" (13 cm) All-brown bird with lighter brown markings on the Male: wings and tail. Slightly curved brown bill. Often holds tail upward. Female: same as male Juvenile: same as adult cavity; female and male line just about any nest Nest: cavity; 2 broods per year Eggs: 4–6; tan with brown markings Incubation: 10–13 days; female and male incubate Fledging: 12–15 days; female and male feed the young Migration: complete, to southern states and Mexico  Food: insects, spiders, snails The Carolina Wren and all other species of wrens have eyebrows. The slightly curved bill and the Compare: upward position of the tail differentiates the House Wren from sparrows. Stan’s Notes: A prolific songster. During the mating season, sings from dawn to dusk. Seen in brushy yards, parks, woodlands and along forest edges. Easily attracted to a nest box. In spring, the male chooses several prospective nesting cavities and places a few small twigs in each. The female inspects all of them and finishes constructing the nest in the cavity of her choice. She fills the cavity with short twigs, and then lines a small depression at the back with pine needles and grass. She often has trouble fitting longer twigs through the entrance hole and tries many different directions and approaches until she is successful.  Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus YEAR-ROUND Size: 5½" (14 cm) Warm rust-brown head and back with an orange- yellow chest and belly. White throat and a Male: prominent white eye stripe. A short, stubby tail, often cocked up. Female: same as male Juvenile: same as adult cavity; female and male build; 2 broods per year, Nest: sometimes 3 4–6; white, sometimes pink or creamy, with brown Eggs: markings Incubation: 12–14 days; female incubates Fledging: 12–14 days; female and male feed young  Migration: non-migrator; moves around to find food Food: insects, fruit, few seeds; visits suet feeders Similar to the House Wren, but Carolina Wren is Compare: lighter brown and has a prominent white eye stripe. Stan’s Notes: The Carolina Wren has a long-term pair bond. Mated pairs stay together all year long in their permanent territory. Sings year-round. Male is known to sing up to 40 different song types, singing one song repeatedly before switching to another. Female also sings, resulting in duets. The male often takes over feeding the first brood while the female renests. Nests in birdhouses and in unusual places like mailboxes, bumpers or broken taillights of vehicles, or nearly any other cavity. Found in brushy yards or woodlands. Can be attracted to feeders with mealworms. female male  Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea SUMMER Size: 5½" (14 cm) A light brown finch-like bird. Faint streaking on a Female: light tan chest. Wings have a very faint blue cast and indistinct wing bars. vibrant blue with scattered dark markings on wings Male: and tail Juvenile: similar to female Nest: cup; female builds; 2 broods per year Eggs: 3–4; pale blue without markings Incubation: 12–13 days; female incubates Fledging: 10–11 days; female feeds the young  complete, to Mexico, Central America and South Migration: America Food: insects, seeds, fruit; will visit seed feeders Female Purple Finch has white eyebrows and heavy streaking on the chest. Female House Finch has a heavily streaked chest. Female Compare: American Goldfinch has white wing bars. Look for the faint blue cast on the wings to help identify the female Indigo Bunting. Stan’s Notes: Seen along woodland edges and in parks and yards, feeding on insects. Comes to seed feeders early in spring, before insects are plentiful. Secretive, plain and quiet, usually only the males are noticed. Male often sings from treetops to attract a mate. Migrates at night in flocks of 5–10 birds. Males return before the females and juveniles, often to the nest site of the preceding year. Juveniles move to within a mile of their birth site. female male  Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis YEAR-ROUND WINTER Size: 5½" (14 cm) A plump, dark-eyed bird with a tan-to-brown chest, head and back. White belly. Ivory-to-pink bill. Female: White outer tail feathers appear like a white V in flight. Male: round bird with gray plumage similar to female, with streaking on the breast and Juvenile: head Nest: cup; female and male build; 2 broods per year Eggs: 3–5; white with reddish-brown markings Incubation: 12–13 days; female incubates Fledging: 10–13 days; male and female feed the young  Migration: complete, to most of Michigan and across the U.S. Food: seeds, insects; visits ground and seed feeders Rarely confused with any other bird. Look for an ivory-to-pink bill and small flocks feeding beneath Compare: seed feeders to help identify the female Dark-eyed Junco. Stan’s Notes: One of the most common winter birds in the state. Migrates from Canada and northern parts of Michigan to areas farther south. Adheres to a rigid social hierarchy, with dominant birds chasing the less-dominant birds. Look for the white outer tail feathers flashing in flight. Often seen in small flocks on the ground, where it uses its feet to simultaneously “double-scratch” to expose seeds and insects. Eats many weed seeds. Nests in a wide variety of wooded habitats. Several subspecies of Dark-eyed Junco were previously considered to be separate species.  Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia YEAR-ROUND SUMMER Size: 5–6" (13–15 cm) A common brown sparrow with heavy dark Male: streaking on the breast coalescing into a central dark spot. Female: same as male similar to adult, with a finely streaked chest; lacks Juvenile: a central dark spot Nest: cup; female builds; 2 broods per year Eggs: 3–4; blue-to-green with red-brown markings Incubation: 12–14 days; female incubates Fledging: 9–12 days; female and male feed the you