Birds of the World: Field Guide
The Observatory Almanac — Section 16
A comprehensive reference to 100 of the most commonly encountered birds across North America, Europe, and tropical regions. Entries include identification features, habitat, vocalizations, diet, and conservation status.
How to Use This Guide
Size categories: Small (sparrow-sized, under 20 cm), Medium (robin to crow, 20–50 cm), Large (over 50 cm)
Conservation status follows IUCN Red List: LC = Least Concern, NT = Near Threatened, VU = Vulnerable, EN = Endangered
RAPTORS
1. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Size: Large, 45–65 cm wingspan 114–133 cm
Field Marks: Classic broad-winged buteo; rich rufous-red tail on adults (visible from above); pale underparts with dark belly band; dark "patagial marks" on leading underwing edge. Juveniles have banded brown tail.
Habitat: Open country, forest edges, roadsides, farmland; highly adaptable
Call: Piercing descending scream "keeeeeer" — the archetypal raptor cry used in films
Diet: Small mammals (voles, mice, rabbits), birds, reptiles
Migration: Mostly resident; northern birds move south in winter
Status: LC — one of North America's most common raptors
2. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Size: Large, 55–58 cm wingspan 145–170 cm
Field Marks: Distinctive white underparts contrasting with brown upperparts; dark "wrist patches" on underwing; dark eye-stripe across white head; reversible outer toe for gripping fish
Habitat: Lakes, rivers, coasts; nests on tall structures
Call: Series of sharp whistled "yewk yewk yewk" notes
Diet: Exclusively fish — hovers then plunges feet-first
Migration: Long-distance migrant; winters in tropics
Status: LC — remarkable recovery following DDT bans
3. American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Size: Small falcon, 22–31 cm wingspan 51–61 cm
Field Marks: North America's smallest falcon; rufous back and tail in both sexes; males have blue-gray wings; double black facial stripe pattern; often seen hovering over fields
Habitat: Open fields, grasslands, urban edges, roadsides
Call: Rapid, sharp "killy-killy-killy"
Diet: Insects, small mammals, lizards, occasionally birds
Migration: Northern populations migratory; some year-round
Status: LC but declining in parts of range
4. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Size: Very large, 70–102 cm wingspan 180–230 cm
Field Marks: Adults unmistakable with snow-white head and tail, dark brown body, yellow bill; immatures mottled brown for 4–5 years before attaining adult plumage
Habitat: Large lakes, rivers, coasts; always near water
Call: Surprisingly weak, chattering series of high-pitched yelps
Diet: Fish (primary), carrion, waterfowl
Migration: Mostly resident; some seasonal movement
Status: LC — classic conservation success story
5. Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
Size: Medium-large, 51–57 cm wingspan 110–130 cm
Field Marks: Extremely variable brown plumage; typically brown above, pale below with brown chest band; broad rounded wings; short tail; soars in circles on flat wings
Habitat: Woodland edges, farmland, moorland across Europe
Call: Long mewing "peeuu" — often mistaken for a cat
Diet: Small mammals, earthworms, carrion
Migration: Most European birds resident; some Scandinavian birds winter south
Status: LC — Europe's most common large raptor
6. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Size: Medium, 36–58 cm wingspan 74–120 cm
Field Marks: Steel-blue/black upperparts; pale barred underparts; distinctive black "hood" and malar stripe; compact powerful build; pointed wings in flight
Habitat: Cliffs, tall buildings, open country
Call: Loud repeated "kek-kek-kek" when alarmed
Diet: Birds exclusively — world's fastest animal in stoop dive (320 km/h)
Migration: Resident to migratory depending on population
Status: LC — recovered after DDT collapse; now nests on urban skyscrapers
7. Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
Size: Small, 28–38 cm wingspan 55–77 cm
Field Marks: Short rounded wings; long tail; males have orange-barred underparts and blue-gray back; females larger, brown above with brown barring below; yellow eye
Habitat: Woodland, gardens, hedgerows across Europe
Call: Rapid chattering "kew-kew-kew"
Diet: Small birds caught in swift low-level surprise attacks
Migration: Northern birds move south; many resident
Status: LC
8. Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)
Size: Large, 46–59 cm wingspan 103–120 cm
Field Marks: Dark brown with chestnut shoulders and thighs; white rump and white-tipped tail; yellow facial skin; unique — hunts cooperatively in family groups
Habitat: Desert scrub, mesquite, saguaro
Call: Harsh raspy screams
Diet: Rabbits, rodents, lizards
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
OWLS
9. Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Size: Large, 46–63 cm wingspan 101–145 cm
Field Marks: Prominent ear tufts; yellow eyes; rusty facial disc with white bib; heavy barring on underparts; one of North America's largest owls
Habitat: Forests, deserts, suburbs — most adaptable North American owl
Call: Deep resonant "hoo-hoo-hooooo-hoo" often heard at dusk
Diet: Diverse — rabbits, skunks, geese, other raptors, cats
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
10. Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
Size: Medium, 33–39 cm wingspan 80–95 cm
Field Marks: Heart-shaped white facial disc; pale golden-buff upperparts with gray speckling; white or pale buff underparts; no ear tufts; long legs
Habitat: Open farmland, grassland, barns, old buildings worldwide
Call: Long drawn-out hissing screech — the "ghost bird" of folklore
Diet: Voles, mice, shrews — catches by hearing alone in complete darkness
Migration: Mostly resident but young disperse widely
Status: LC globally, but declining in many areas due to barn conversions
11. Little Owl (Athene noctua)
Size: Small, 21–23 cm wingspan 54–58 cm
Field Marks: Rounded head without ear tufts; yellow eyes; bold white spotting on brown upperparts; fierce "frowning" expression; low undulating flight
Habitat: Farmland, orchards, hedgerows across Europe
Call: Plaintive upward-inflected "ku-wee" or short yelping barks
Diet: Insects, earthworms, small mammals and birds
Migration: Resident
Status: LC but declining
SONGBIRDS — THRUSHES & RELATED
12. American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
Size: Medium, 23–28 cm
Field Marks: Orange-red breast; dark gray to black back and head; white eye crescents; yellow bill; one of North America's most familiar birds
Habitat: Lawns, parks, gardens, forests
Call: Rich melodious caroling "cheerily, cheer-up, cheerio" — heralds spring
Diet: Earthworms (by sight and hearing), berries, fruits
Migration: Partially migratory; winters in south
Status: LC
13. European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
Size: Small, 12.5–14 cm
Field Marks: Distinctive orange-red face and breast; brown upperparts; white belly; large dark eyes; plump roundish shape; very confiding
Habitat: Woodland, gardens, hedgerows across Europe
Call: Liquid warbling song year-round; thin "tsee" call; males aggressive and territorial
Diet: Insects, worms, berries
Migration: Mostly resident; Scandinavian birds migrate to Mediterranean
Status: LC — Britain's "national bird" by popular vote
14. Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
Size: Small-medium, 16–21 cm
Field Marks: Male brilliant blue above with rusty-orange breast and white belly; female duller with bluish wings and orange-brown breast; stubby bill; often perches on fence posts
Habitat: Open woodland, farmland, suburban areas with nest boxes
Call: Soft musical "chur-wi" or "truly-truly"
Diet: Insects, berries
Migration: Partially migratory
Status: LC — populations recovered with nest box programs
15. Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)
Size: Medium, 20–22 cm
Field Marks: Warm brown above; cream-buff breast with distinctive bold round dark spots; orange-buff underwing in flight; characteristic habit of smashing snails against stones
Habitat: Woodland, gardens, hedgerows across Europe
Call: Loud clear song with each phrase repeated 2–4 times; distinctive "zit" alarm call
Diet: Snails, earthworms, insects, berries
Migration: Partly migratory; British birds often resident
Status: LC but significant declines in farmland
SONGBIRDS — SPARROWS, FINCHES & BUNTINGS
16. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Size: Small, 14–16 cm
Field Marks: Males have gray crown, chestnut nape, black bib; females streaky brown; chunky build; flock-oriented
Habitat: Urban and suburban areas worldwide — closely associated with human settlement
Call: Chirping "cheep" notes — the quintessential urban bird sound
Diet: Seeds, grains, insects (especially for nestlings)
Migration: Resident
Status: LC but alarming urban declines in Europe
17. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
Size: Small, 11–13 cm
Field Marks: Males in summer brilliant yellow with black wings and cap; females and winter birds olive-yellow; white wing bars; notched tail; undulating flight
Habitat: Open weedy fields, woodland edges, suburban gardens
Call: "Po-ta-to-chip" flight call; canary-like song
Diet: Almost exclusively seeds — especially thistle and sunflower
Migration: Short-distance migrant
Status: LC
18. Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
Size: Small, 13–17 cm
Field Marks: Dark slate-gray above; white belly; pink bill; white outer tail feathers flash in flight; several distinct regional forms; "snowbird" of North America
Habitat: Forests, forest edges; winters in open woodland and gardens
Call: Sharp "tick" call; musical trill in breeding season
Diet: Seeds, insects
Migration: Migratory; winters throughout temperate North America
Status: LC
19. Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)
Size: Small, 14–16 cm
Field Marks: Male has pinkish-red breast, blue-gray head, chestnut back; female dull brown; both show distinctive white wing bars and white outer tail feathers; bold white shoulder patch
Habitat: Woodland, farmland, gardens across Europe
Call: Loud "pink-pink" call; males sing bold descending finch song with flourishing finish
Diet: Seeds, insects, buds
Migration: Many resident; northern birds migrate to south
Status: LC — one of Europe's most abundant birds
20. White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
Size: Medium sparrow, 15–16 cm
Field Marks: Bold black-and-white striped crown; gray face and underparts; pinkish or orange bill; clean appearance
Habitat: Scrubby areas, weedy fields, parks during migration
Call: Whistled song — a "pure sad" whistle followed by buzzy trills; dialects vary by region
Diet: Seeds, insects
Migration: Migratory
Status: LC
SONGBIRDS — WARBLERS & FLYCATCHERS
21. Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)
Size: Small, 12–13 cm
Field Marks: Brilliant all-yellow bird; males have rusty-red streaks on breast; yellow tail spots; round-headed; one of North America's most widespread warblers
Habitat: Willows, alders, wetland shrubs, gardens
Call: Sweet "sweet-sweet-sweet-I'm-so-sweet"; sharp "chip" call
Diet: Insects, especially caterpillars
Migration: Long-distance migrant; winters in Central/South America
Status: LC
22. Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)
Size: Small, 11–13 cm
Field Marks: Males have bold black mask bordered by white; bright yellow throat; olive upperparts; females olive-brown with yellow throat; skulks in vegetation
Habitat: Marshes, wet thickets, streamside vegetation
Call: Distinctive "wichety-wichety-wichety"
Diet: Insects
Migration: Migratory
Status: LC
23. Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)
Size: Small, 13–15 cm
Field Marks: Males have distinctive jet-black cap; females have rufous-brown cap; gray-brown body; one of Europe's finest songsters
Habitat: Deciduous woodland with undergrowth, scrub, gardens
Call: Rich melodious warbling — often considered Europe's most beautiful warbler song; sharp "tac-tac" alarm
Diet: Insects, berries (especially in autumn)
Migration: Migratory; British wintering population from Germany/Austria is unusual
Status: LC — expanding range northward
24. Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)
Size: Small-medium, 14–17 cm
Field Marks: Dark grayish head and back; pale underparts with gray wash on sides; pumps tail constantly; no eye ring or wing bars (useful distinguishing mark)
Habitat: Near water, bridges, rock ledges, buildings
Call: Raspy "fee-BEE" — one of the most distinctive North American bird calls
Diet: Flying insects caught by aerial sallies
Migration: Short- to medium-distance migrant
Status: LC
25. Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii)
Size: Small, 13–17 cm
Field Marks: Olive-brown above; whitish eye ring (faint); two white wing bars; very similar to other Empidonax flycatchers — best identified by voice
Habitat: Wet willow thickets, shrubby fields near water
Call: Explosive "fitz-BEW" — distinctive among similar species
Diet: Flying insects
Migration: Long-distance migrant
Status: LC (western "Willow" subspecies endangered)
SONGBIRDS — MISCELLANEOUS
26. Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)
Size: Medium, 17–22 cm
Field Marks: Male flame-orange and black; female yellowish-orange and olive; black head in males; bold white wing bar; woven hanging nest
Habitat: Open deciduous woodland, parks, orchards
Call: Rich fluted whistles; distinctive chattering calls
Diet: Insects, nectar, fruit
Migration: Long-distance migrant to Central America
Status: LC
27. Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
Size: Medium, 20–28 cm
Field Marks: Gray above, whitish below; white wing patches flash in flight; long tail; upright posture; males sing at night
Habitat: Open habitats, suburbs, gardens, scrub
Call: Sings continuously day and night; mimics dozens of other birds with each phrase repeated multiple times
Diet: Insects, berries
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
28. Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)
Size: Medium, 18–20 cm
Field Marks: Silky brown with red "wax" tips on secondary wing feathers; yellow-tipped tail; crested; black mask; pale yellow belly
Habitat: Woodland edges, orchards, wherever berries are available
Call: High thin "seee" whistle in flocks
Diet: Almost entirely berries and fruit; occasionally insects
Migration: Nomadic, follows berry crops; partial migrant
Status: LC
29. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
Size: Medium, 22–30 cm
Field Marks: Bold blue upperparts; white underparts; black necklace; blue crest; white spots in wings and tail; very noisy and conspicuous
Habitat: Forests, suburbs, parks — prefers oak
Call: Loud "jay-jay"; mimics Red-shouldered Hawk convincingly; musical "queedle" bell-like calls
Diet: Acorns (caches them), insects, eggs, carrion
Migration: Partially migratory; complex unpredictable movements
Status: LC
30. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Size: Small, 17–21 cm
Field Marks: Deep blue-black above; rusty-orange throat and forehead; cream underparts; deeply forked tail (males longer); low graceful flight
Habitat: Open country, farmland, near water; nests in barns and bridges
Call: Continuous musical twittering and chattering
Diet: Flying insects caught on the wing
Migration: Long-distance migrant; one of the world's most traveled birds
Status: LC but declining in Europe
31. Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)
Size: Small, 12–14 cm
Field Marks: Rich rusty-brown above; buffy underparts; bold white supercilium (eyebrow stripe); frequently cocks tail; loud for its size
Habitat: Dense woodland undergrowth, thickets, suburban gardens
Call: Loud ringing "teakettle-teakettle-teakettle"; many song variations
Diet: Insects, spiders, seeds
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
32. House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
Size: Small, 12–15 cm
Field Marks: Males with red head, breast, and rump; brown-streaked back and wings; females entirely brown-streaked with plain face
Habitat: Urban areas, suburbs, deserts, scrub
Call: Lively warbling song; nasal "weet" call
Diet: Seeds, buds, fruit
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
33. Purple Martin (Progne subis)
Size: Medium, 19–22 cm
Field Marks: Largest North American swallow; males iridescent blue-purple all over; females and juveniles dusky gray-brown below; forked tail; graceful aerial flight
Habitat: Open areas near water; nests colonially in martin houses
Call: Rich gurgling and "chortling" calls
Diet: Insects caught on the wing
Migration: Long-distance migrant to South America
Status: LC — east of Rockies entirely dependent on human-provided nest boxes
WATERBIRDS — DUCKS & GEESE
34. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Size: Large duck, 50–65 cm
Field Marks: Males have iridescent green head, yellow bill, white neck ring, chestnut breast; females mottled brown with orange-sided bill; both have blue speculum (wing patch)
Habitat: Almost any wetland; parks, rivers, coasts
Call: Female gives classic "quack"; male has quieter raspy "raeb"
Diet: Aquatic plants, seeds, invertebrates; dabbles
Migration: Short-distance migrant; many populations resident
Status: LC — world's most familiar duck
35. Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Size: Very large, 76–110 cm
Field Marks: Black head and neck with distinctive white "chinstrap" patch; brown body; white undertail
Habitat: Grasslands near water, parks, golf courses, agricultural land
Call: Loud resonant two-syllable "ah-honk"
Diet: Grasses, grains, aquatic vegetation
Migration: Many populations now sedentary; traditional migrants still occur
Status: LC
36. Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)
Size: Medium duck, 47–54 cm
Field Marks: Male considered one of North America's most beautiful birds — iridescent green/purple head with white markings, red eye, chestnut breast; female gray-brown with white eye ring and teardrop
Habitat: Wooded swamps, rivers, ponds
Call: Female gives rising "oo-eek" squeal
Diet: Acorns, seeds, aquatic invertebrates
Migration: Short-distance migrant
Status: LC — recovered from near-extinction via nest boxes
37. Common Teal (Anas crecca)
Size: Small duck, 34–43 cm
Field Marks: Small size distinctive; males have chestnut head with green eye-stripe patch (bordered yellow); gray body; females mottled brown
Habitat: Marshes, shallow lakes, ponds across Eurasia
Call: Males give ringing "crick-crick"; females quack
Diet: Seeds, invertebrates
Migration: Migratory
Status: LC
38. Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Size: Large, 66–91 cm
Field Marks: Breeding adults: black-and-white checkered back; black head with red eyes; white collar; winter: plain gray above, white below
Habitat: Northern lakes; coasts in winter
Call: Haunting yodeling calls, wailing hoots — the sound of wilderness
Diet: Fish, crustaceans
Migration: Migratory; winters coastally
Status: LC
WATERBIRDS — HERONS & WADING BIRDS
39. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
Size: Very large, 97–137 cm wingspan 167–201 cm
Field Marks: Blue-gray plumage; white face with black stripe; long yellow bill; reddish-brown thighs; long legs; flies with neck folded in S-curve; iconic "pterodactyl" silhouette
Habitat: Wetlands, streams, coasts, ponds, even roadsides
Call: Deep harsh "frahnk" alarm call; also guttural croaking
Diet: Fish, frogs, mice, birds — strikes with lightning spear thrust
Migration: Mostly resident; northern birds move south
Status: LC
40. Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Size: Very large, 90–100 cm
Field Marks: Pale gray overall; white head with black crown stripe and plumes; yellow bill; black flight feathers contrast in flight; same folded-neck silhouette as Great Blue
Habitat: Wetlands, riverbanks, estuaries, gardens across Europe
Call: Loud harsh "fraenk" in flight; croaking at heronry
Diet: Fish, frogs, small mammals
Migration: Mostly resident in Britain; more migratory on continent
Status: LC
41. Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Size: Large, 80–104 cm
Field Marks: All-white plumage; yellow-orange bill; black legs; elegant breeding plumes; slowest wingbeat of egrets
Habitat: Shallow wetlands, marshes, shores worldwide
Call: Deep throaty "cuk" calls at colony
Diet: Fish, frogs, snakes, small mammals
Migration: Partially migratory
Status: LC — nearly hunted to extinction for plumes; symbol of conservation movement
SHOREBIRDS
42. Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
Size: Medium, 23–27 cm
Field Marks: Brown above; white underparts with two black breast bands (distinctive); rusty-orange rump visible in flight; red orbital ring
Habitat: Open ground — fields, parking lots, rooftops, shores
Call: Piercing "kill-dee kill-dee" — one of North America's most familiar bird calls
Diet: Insects, worms, seeds
Migration: Partially migratory
Status: LC — famous for broken-wing distraction display at nest
43. American Woodcock (Scolopax minor)
Size: Medium, 25–31 cm
Field Marks: Dumpy; cryptic dead-leaf brown patterning; enormous eyes set high on head; extremely long bill; stubby tail
Habitat: Moist woodland, wet thickets
Call: Males perform spectacular sky-dance display; buzzy "peent" on ground; twittering wing sounds in aerial display
Diet: Earthworms — bill tip sensitive for detecting underground prey
Migration: Short-distance migrant
Status: LC
44. Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
Size: Small, 16–22 cm
Field Marks: Breeding: rusty-brown back, black belly patch; winter: gray-brown above, white below; drooped bill tip; common winter shorebird on coasts
Habitat: Breeding on tundra and moorland; winters on mudflats and coasts
Call: Harsh "kreeep" flight call; whistled peeping
Diet: Small invertebrates from mud
Migration: Long-distance migrant; forms huge winter flocks
Status: LC
45. Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
Size: Large shorebird, 40–46 cm
Field Marks: Unmistakable: black and white plumage; long bright orange-red bill; pink legs; red eye-ring
Habitat: Rocky and sandy coasts, estuaries across Europe
Call: Very loud piping "keep-keep-keep" — carries far
Diet: Bivalves, limpets, worms — hammers or prises open shellfish
Migration: Partially migratory
Status: LC
GAMEBIRDS
46. Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
Size: Very large, males 100–125 cm
Field Marks: Males: iridescent bronze-green plumage; red and blue bare head with wattles; fan-shaped tail display; beard; females smaller and duller
Habitat: Deciduous forests with open areas
Call: Males' resonating "gobble-gobble"; hen's "cluck"
Diet: Acorns, seeds, berries, insects
Migration: Resident
Status: LC — major hunting and conservation success
47. Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
Size: Large, males 53–89 cm (including tail)
Field Marks: Males spectacular: iridescent copper-green-red body; long barred tail; green head with red facial wattles; white neck ring; females cryptic brown
Habitat: Farmland, hedgerows, woodland edges
Call: Males give explosive "korrk-kok"
Diet: Seeds, insects, berries
Migration: Resident (introduced widely)
Status: LC (widely introduced outside native range)
48. Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
Size: Medium, 40–50 cm
Field Marks: Mottled gray-brown; tail with black subterminal band; males have ruff (neck feathers) and crest; cryptic bark-colored camouflage
Habitat: Mixed deciduous-coniferous forest
Call: Males produce low "drumming" — rapid wingbeats that sound like a distant motor
Diet: Buds, berries, leaves, insects
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
WOODPECKERS
49. Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)
Size: Small, 14–18 cm
Field Marks: Black-and-white checkered pattern; white back stripe; males have red nape patch; small short bill (stubby compared to Hairy); North America's smallest woodpecker
Habitat: Forests, orchards, suburbs, feeders
Call: Sharp "pik" call; rapid whinny descending "whinny" call
Diet: Insects (from bark), seeds, berries at feeders
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
50. Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
Size: Large crow-sized, 40–49 cm
Field Marks: Crow-sized; black body; flaming red crest; white facial stripes; males have red mustache; spectacular rectangular excavations in dead trees
Habitat: Mature deciduous and mixed forest
Call: Loud "wuk-wuk-wuk" laughing call reminiscent of Woody Woodpecker (inspiration for character)
Diet: Carpenter ants (primary), beetle larvae, berries
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
51. Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
Size: Medium, 22–23 cm
Field Marks: Bold black-and-white patterning; large white shoulder patches; red vent; males have red nape; juveniles have red crown; crisp clean appearance
Habitat: Woodland, parks, gardens with large trees across Europe
Call: Sharp explosive "kik" call; mechanical drumming on resonant dead branches
Diet: Insects, seeds, nuts; robs other birds' nests
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
52. Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
Size: Medium, 22–26 cm
Field Marks: Black-and-white barred back ("zebra-backed"); red cap (males full cap, females only nape); pale face and underparts; red belly rarely visible
Habitat: Open woodland, suburbs, often at feeders
Call: Loud rolling "churr" — a distinctive sound of eastern North American forests
Diet: Insects, nuts, fruit; caches food
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
CORVIDS
53. American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Size: Large, 40–53 cm
Field Marks: All black; fan-shaped tail (versus Fish Crow's rounder tail); heavy straight bill; direct flight with flapping (versus raven's soaring)
Habitat: Almost everywhere — forests to cities
Call: Loud "caw-caw-caw"; complex social calls; capable of some mimicry
Diet: Omnivorous — insects, carrion, garbage, eggs, grain
Migration: Partially migratory
Status: LC
54. Common Raven (Corvus corax)
Size: Very large, 54–67 cm
Field Marks: All black; wedge-shaped tail in flight; heavy bill with "beard"; deep voice; soars and performs acrobatics
Habitat: Wilderness areas, mountains, coasts, arctic tundra
Call: Deep resonant "cronk" and variety of croaks, clanks, and even bell-like sounds; remarkable vocal range
Diet: Omnivorous; large carrion, eggs, invertebrates; highly intelligent forager
Migration: Mostly resident
Status: LC — one of world's most intelligent birds
55. Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius)
Size: Medium, 32–35 cm
Field Marks: Pinkish-brown body; black moustache; blue wing panel with black barring; white rump; black tail; noisy acorn hoarder
Habitat: Deciduous woodland, parks across Europe
Call: Loud screaming "skaak" alarm; also perfect mimicry of other birds including Buzzard
Diet: Acorns (primary), insects, eggs, small animals
Migration: Mostly resident; irruptions in poor acorn years
Status: LC
56. Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)
Size: Large, 45–60 cm
Field Marks: Long graduated tail; iridescent blue-green-purple wings and tail; black-and-white body; white shoulder patches
Habitat: Open woodland, farmland, suburbs, scrub
Call: Loud rattling chatter
Diet: Omnivorous — carrion, invertebrates, eggs, grain
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
PIGEONS & DOVES
57. Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
Size: Medium, 29–37 cm
Field Marks: Wild type: gray with iridescent neck; two black wing bars; white rump; urban birds hugely variable
Habitat: Urban areas, cliffs, farmland worldwide
Call: Soft cooing "coo-roo-c'too-coo"
Diet: Seeds, grain, discarded food
Migration: Resident
Status: LC — ancestor of all domestic/fancy pigeons
58. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Size: Medium, 23–34 cm
Field Marks: Slim; long pointed tail; pinkish-brown; iridescent neck spots; black wing spots; pale blue eye ring
Habitat: Open woodland, farmland, suburbs, deserts
Call: Mournful descending "ooh-woo-woo-woo" — quintessential sound of summer
Diet: Seeds
Migration: Partially migratory
Status: LC — one of North America's most abundant birds
59. Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus)
Size: Large, 38–44 cm
Field Marks: Europe's largest pigeon; bluish-gray; distinctive white neck patch; white wing bar visible in flight; pink breast
Habitat: Woodland, farmland, parks, gardens
Call: Sleepy five-syllable coo "coo-COO-coo, coo-coo"
Diet: Grain, seeds, leaves — major agricultural pest
Migration: Mostly resident; northern birds migrate
Status: LC
HUMMINGBIRDS
60. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
Size: Tiny, 7–9 cm
Field Marks: Iridescent green above; males have brilliant red throat (gorget); females have white throat; extremely rapid wingbeats (53/second); hover-feeding
Habitat: Eastern North American woodland edges, gardens with flowers
Call: Soft mouselike squeaks and chittering
Diet: Nectar, small insects
Migration: Long-distance migrant to Central America
Status: LC
61. Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)
Size: Tiny, 9–11 cm
Field Marks: Males with rose-red crown AND throat; females with greenish crown, spotted throat; robust build; year-round resident
Habitat: Gardens, chaparral, parks on Pacific Coast
Call: Buzzy series of sharp squeaks; males make mechanical sound with tail feathers in dive display
Diet: Nectar, insects
Migration: Resident (mostly)
Status: LC
TROPICAL BIRDS
62. Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
Size: Large, 81–96 cm
Field Marks: Brilliant scarlet red overall; blue and yellow on wings; bare white facial patch; massive hooked bill; long tail
Habitat: Humid lowland forest, forest edges in Central and South America
Call: Loud raucous screaming and squawking
Diet: Fruits, seeds, nuts — can eat toxic seeds
Migration: Resident; some local movements
Status: LC (declining in parts of range)
63. Toucan (Ramphastos toco — Toco Toucan)
Size: Large, 55–65 cm
Field Marks: Enormous yellow-orange bill with black patch; black body; white throat and upper breast; red vent
Habitat: Forest edge, open woodland, palm groves in South America
Call: Deep frog-like croaking "RRRonk"
Diet: Fruits, eggs, small animals
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
64. Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno)
Size: Medium-large, 36–40 cm (males have 65 cm tail plumes)
Field Marks: Males: emerald-green with brilliant metallic sheen; crimson belly; extraordinarily long twin tail plumes; females duller without plumes
Habitat: Cloud forests of Central America at elevation
Call: Deep mellow "kyow" and "wac-wac" calls
Diet: Fruits, especially wild avocados; insects, frogs
Migration: Altitudinal migrant
Status: NT — sacred bird of Maya and Aztec cultures; national bird of Guatemala
65. Superb Fairywren (Malurus cyaneus)
Size: Small, 13–14 cm
Field Marks: Breeding males: brilliant electric-blue with black mask and back; females and non-breeding males brown with blue tail; long cocked tail
Habitat: Dense low shrubs, grassland, gardens in southeastern Australia
Call: High mechanical reeling song; sharp "tsit" alarm
Diet: Insects
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
66. Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
Size: Small, 16–17 cm
Field Marks: Brilliant jewel-like: vivid blue-green above; orange-red below and on cheeks; long dagger bill; stubby tail; jewel in European wetlands
Habitat: Clear streams, rivers, lakes across Europe and Asia
Call: Penetrating whistled "kee" often heard before seen
Diet: Small fish, invertebrates — dives from perch or hover
Migration: Mostly resident; river ice forces some to coast
Status: LC
67. Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus)
Size: Very large; males 195–225 cm including train
Field Marks: Males: iridescent blue neck; elaborate bronze-green fan-shaped "train" (upper tail coverts) with eye-spots; females (peahens) brown
Habitat: Forest, open scrub, near water; widely domesticated
Call: Loud "may-AWE" screaming calls
Diet: Seeds, insects, small reptiles, berries
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
68. African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
Size: Medium, 33 cm
Field Marks: All gray with bright red tail; pale face; black bill
Habitat: Dense forest, woodland in equatorial Africa
Call: Wide repertoire of whistles, squawks; exceptional vocal mimicry
Diet: Seeds, nuts, fruits, berries
Migration: Local movements; not truly migratory
Status: EN — severely impacted by trapping for pet trade
69. Bee-eater (Merops apiaster — European Bee-eater)
Size: Medium, 27–29 cm
Field Marks: Spectacularly colorful: chestnut crown and back; golden-yellow throat; blue-green underparts; pointed central tail extensions; curved bill
Habitat: Open country with bare earth banks for nesting; breeds across southern Europe
Call: Rolling liquid "pruik-pruik" often heard from flocks overhead
Diet: Bees, wasps, hornets — catches and de-venoms them against perch
Migration: Long-distance migrant to sub-Saharan Africa
Status: LC
70. Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus)
Size: Medium, 25–30 cm
Field Marks: Head deep blue-violet; yellow-green collar; orange-red breast; red bill; highly variable and brilliant pattern
Habitat: Rainforest, woodland, parks in eastern Australia
Call: Loud screeching and rolling calls; constant chattering in flocks
Diet: Nectar, pollen, soft fruits — specialized brush-tipped tongue
Migration: Nomadic, follows flowering trees
Status: LC
MORE SONGBIRDS (NORTH AMERICA)
71. Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Size: Medium, 21–23 cm
Field Marks: Males brilliant all-red with crest and black mask; females warm brown with reddish tinges and crest; heavy orange-red bill in both sexes
Habitat: Woodland edges, gardens, shrubby areas
Call: Loud clear "cheer-cheer-cheer" and "what-cheer"; sharp metallic "tink"
Diet: Seeds, insects, fruit
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
72. Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)
Size: Small, 11.5–13 cm
Field Marks: Males in summer entirely electric blue (no wing bars, no white); females plain brown; small finch bill
Habitat: Shrubby areas, forest edges, roadsides
Call: Sweet paired-phrase song "fire-fire where-where here-here see-it see-it"; sharp "spit" call
Diet: Seeds, insects, berries
Migration: Long-distance migrant to Central America
Status: LC
73. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
Size: Medium, 18–22 cm
Field Marks: Males: black and white with bold rose-red triangular chest patch; enormous pale bill; females brown streaked
Habitat: Deciduous forest, forest edges
Call: Rich melodious song similar to robin but smoother; sharp "eek" call
Diet: Seeds, insects, berries
Migration: Long-distance migrant
Status: LC
74. Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna)
Size: Medium, 19–28 cm
Field Marks: Brown streaked above; brilliant yellow underparts with bold black V on chest; white outer tail feathers flash in flight; often perches on fence posts
Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, farmland
Call: Clear plaintive fluted whistles "spring-of-the-year"
Diet: Insects, seeds
Migration: Short-distance migrant
Status: LC but significant grassland declines
75. Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
Size: Small, 12–15 cm
Field Marks: Iridescent blue-green above; snow-white below; notched tail; swooping graceful flight over water
Habitat: Open areas near water, nest boxes
Call: Liquid gurgling "tleet" and twittering
Diet: Flying insects; unique in swallows for eating berries in cold weather
Migration: Short- to medium-distance migrant
Status: LC
MORE EUROPEAN BIRDS
76. Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Size: Medium, 19–22 cm
Field Marks: Short tail; pointed yellow bill in spring; dark plumage with iridescent green-purple gloss; spangled with white spots in winter; triangular wing shape in flight; murmuration flocks
Habitat: Almost everywhere from city centers to farmland
Call: Long rambling song of clicks, whistles, and excellent mimicry; colonizes neighborhood sounds
Diet: Invertebrates, berries, scraps
Migration: Partially migratory; continental birds flood into Britain in winter
Status: LC (Europe) but population decline in UK
77. Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)
Size: Small, 10.5–12 cm
Field Marks: Bright blue cap, wings, and tail; yellow underparts; white face with dark eyestripe; the quintessential garden bird of Britain
Habitat: Deciduous woodland, gardens, hedgerows
Call: High thin "tsee-tsee-tsee" followed by churring trill
Diet: Insects (especially caterpillars for chicks), seeds, nuts at feeders
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
78. Great Tit (Parus major)
Size: Medium-small, 13.5–15 cm
Field Marks: Yellow underparts with bold black central stripe; black head with white cheeks; olive-green back; blue-gray wings
Habitat: Woodland, gardens, parks across Europe
Call: Enormous repertoire — "teacher-teacher" is most familiar; pink "pink" alarm
Diet: Insects, seeds, nuts
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
79. Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)
Size: Very small, 13–15 cm (half is tail)
Field Marks: Tiny round body; enormously long tail; pink, black, and white plumage; white crown (British birds) or white with black stripe (continental); moves in loose family flocks
Habitat: Woodland edges, hedgerows, gardens
Call: High "tsee-tsee-tsee" and "sirrup" contact calls in family parties
Diet: Insects, spiders
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
80. Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba)
Size: Small, 16.5–19 cm
Field Marks: Black-and-white pattern; long tail wagged up and down constantly; British birds (M. a. yarrellii) black-backed; continental birds ("White Wagtail") gray-backed
Habitat: Near water, open ground, car parks, rooftops
Call: Sharp "chizzik" and "chis-ick" flight call
Diet: Insects
Migration: Partly migratory; British birds often resident
Status: LC
ADDITIONAL NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS
81. Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
Size: Small, 12–15 cm
Field Marks: Black cap and bib; white cheeks; gray back; buffy sides; acrobatic; visits feeders
Habitat: Mixed and deciduous forest, suburbs
Call: "Chick-a-dee-dee-dee" (more "dee" notes = more danger); clear whistled "fee-bee"
Diet: Insects, seeds, nuts
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
82. White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
Size: Small, 13–14 cm
Field Marks: Blue-gray above; white face and underparts; black cap; walks headfirst DOWN tree trunks (unique behavior)
Habitat: Mature deciduous forests, suburbs
Call: Nasal "yank-yank-yank"
Diet: Insects (bark), seeds and nuts (caches)
Migration: Resident
Status: LC
83. Brown Creeper (Certhia americana)
Size: Small, 12–14 cm
Field Marks: Thin downcurved bill; streaky brown camouflaged like bark; creeps UP tree trunks spiraling from base to top then flying down to base of next tree
Habitat: Mature forest
Call: Very high thin "seee"; weak song
Diet: Insects from bark crevices
Migration: Partially migratory
Status: LC
84. Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)
Size: Medium, 22–25 cm
Field Marks: Cryptic mottled brown; long wings with bold white bar; notched tail; large mouth; erratic bat-like flight often at dusk
Habitat: Open areas, cities (nests on flat rooftops)
Call: Nasal "peent" call; males' wings produce booming sound in display dive
Diet: Flying insects caught with wide gape
Migration: Long-distance migrant to South America
Status: LC but significant declines
85. Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus)
Size: Medium, 22–26 cm
Field Marks: Cryptically patterned brown; large head; very short bill but enormous gape; nocturnal; rarely seen
Habitat: Dry open woodland
Call: Endlessly repeated "whip-poor-WILL" — one of North America's most evocative night sounds
Diet: Nocturnal flying insects
Migration: Migratory
Status: NT — significant declines linked to insect decline
ADDITIONAL TROPICAL/WORLDWIDE BIRDS
86. Common Swift (Apus apus)
Size: Medium, 16–17 cm
Field Marks: All-dark brown except pale throat; scythe-shaped wings; forked tail; screams in urban swarms; eats and sleeps in the air
Habitat: Breeds in old buildings across Europe; aerial everywhere
Call: High-pitched screaming "skreee" in screaming parties around rooftops
Diet: Airborne insects and spiders
Migration: Long-distance migrant; spends winter in sub-Saharan Africa
Status: LC (declining in UK)
87. White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
Size: Very large, 100–115 cm
Field Marks: White with black flight feathers; long red bill; red legs; soars on thermals
Habitat: Open farmland, meadows, wetlands; nests on buildings and pylons across Europe
Call: Mostly silent; bill-clattering at nest
Diet: Frogs, snakes, large insects, small mammals
Migration: Long-distance migrant to sub-Saharan Africa
Status: LC — classic migratory symbol of European summer
88. Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus — Greater Flamingo)
Size: Very large, 120–145 cm
Field Marks: Pale pink to white plumage; bright pink wings; distinctive bent bill; extraordinarily long neck and legs; flocks stand in shallow water
Habitat: Highly alkaline/saline lakes and lagoons
Call: Goose-like honking and gabbling in flocks
Diet: Filter-feeds algae and invertebrates from mud
Migration: Local movements following water conditions
Status: LC
89. Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
Size: Medium, 25–29 cm
Field Marks: Unmistakable: sandy-orange with bold black-and-white barred wings; fan-shaped crest that raises dramatically; long downcurved bill; pied pattern in flight
Habitat: Open woodland, farmland, Mediterranean scrub
Call: Soft far-carrying "poo-poo-poo"
Diet: Insects and larvae from soil — probes with bill
Migration: Migratory in northern Europe; African populations resident
Status: LC
90. Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
Size: Very large, 52–71 cm
Field Marks: White with variable dark barring; males may be nearly pure white; yellow eyes; rounded head (no ear tufts); diurnal hunter
Habitat: Arctic tundra; irrupts south in low lemming years
Call: Deep resonant booming hoots; barking alarm calls
Diet: Lemmings (primary); other rodents, birds
Migration: Irruptive — periodic movements to temperate regions
Status: VU — ice-free Arctic threatens breeding habitat
ADDITIONAL COMMON SPECIES (91–100)
91. European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)
Size: Small, 12–13 cm
Field Marks: Red face; black-and-white head; brown back; brilliant yellow wing bar; white rump
Habitat: Woodland edges, gardens, weedy areas
Call: Liquid tinkling "tswit-witt" — flock sounds like bells
Diet: Seeds especially thistles and teasels
Migration: Partly migratory Status: LC
92. Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
Size: Medium duck, 40–47 cm
Field Marks: Male: black with white flanks; yellow eye; drooping black tuft; female: brown with small tuft
Habitat: Freshwater lakes and reservoirs across Europe
Call: Soft "karr" and whistling
Diet: Dives for mollusks, invertebrates
Migration: Migratory; winters on lowland waters Status: LC
93. Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Size: Large, 43–55 cm
Field Marks: Male: gray wing patches, brown body, gray tail; female: cream crown and throat; low quartering flight over reeds
Habitat: Reedbeds, wetland margins
Call: Mewing calls
Diet: Birds, small mammals, frogs
Migration: Migratory Status: LC
94. Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros)
Size: Small, 14–15 cm
Field Marks: Males: dark gray-black; orange-red tail; white wing patch; females gray-brown with orange tail
Habitat: Rocky hillsides, urban areas, industrial sites in Europe
Call: Thin "tsss" call; short warbling song with peculiar grinding sound
Diet: Insects, small fruits
Migration: Partially migratory Status: LC
95. Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus)
Size: Large wren, 18–23 cm
Field Marks: Brown with white eyebrow; heavily spotted underparts; barred wings and tail; largest US wren
Habitat: Desert scrub with cholla and other cacti
Call: Loud harsh "char-char-char" machine-gun rattle
Diet: Insects, seeds, small lizards
Migration: Resident Status: LC
96. Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris)
Size: Small, 12–14 cm
Field Marks: Males: blue head; red underparts; green back — considered North America's most colorful bird; females unmarked green
Habitat: Thickets, woodland edges, brushy areas
Call: Sweet musical warbling
Diet: Seeds, insects
Migration: Migratory Status: NT
97. Sanderling (Calidris alba)
Size: Small shorebird, 18–22 cm
Field Marks: Pale gray above, white below in winter; black shoulder mark; runs back and forth with waves on sandy beaches
Habitat: Sandy ocean beaches in non-breeding season
Call: Sharp "kip-kip"
Diet: Small invertebrates in wet sand
Migration: Long-distance migrant; breeds on high Arctic tundra Status: LC
98. Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
Size: Medium, 28–35 cm
Field Marks: Blue-gray above; white below; blue belt across chest; shaggy crest; large head and bill; females have extra rufous band
Habitat: Any clear water with perches and banks for burrow-nesting
Call: Loud rattling "chatter" — hallmark of clear streams
Diet: Fish, caught by plunge-diving
Migration: Partially migratory Status: LC
99. Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)
Size: Large, 55–65 cm wingspan 120 cm
Field Marks: Unmistakable: pure white head and underparts; black back, wings, and deeply forked tail; buoyant graceful flight
Habitat: Open woodland, swamps, rivers in southeastern US and South America
Call: High piping "pee-pee-pee"
Diet: Flying insects, lizards, frogs caught in air
Migration: Long-distance migrant Status: LC
100. Rifleman (Acanthisitta chloris)
Size: Tiny, 7–9 cm
Field Marks: Males: brilliant green with white underparts; females: brown streaked; New Zealand's smallest bird; tail stub
Habitat: Forest in New Zealand
Call: High thin "zipt" calls
Diet: Insects from bark
Migration: Resident Status: LC — represents ancient lineage
Quick Reference: Conservation Notes
Many bird species face population pressures from habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and windows/cats (major human-linked mortality sources). Birds to watch: Whip-poor-will (NT), Resplendent Quetzal (NT), African Grey Parrot (EN), Snowy Owl (VU). Painted Bunting (NT).
Supporting birds: Maintain native plants, reduce pesticide use, use window decals, keep cats indoors, provide nest boxes, and leave dead trees (snags) standing.
The Observatory Almanac — Section 16: Field Guides