28
Big Cypress · · and Brighton .Reservations Birding Field Guide
Big Cypress · ~ · and Brighton
. Reservations Birding Field
Guide
Big Cypress Reservation Birding Field Guide Created by
Water Resource Management Department
Contacts: Pauline Haas (863) 902-3200 x13411 Mandy D' AndFea (863) 902-3200 x13409
- ·This .field Guide was created specifically for use at Big Cypress and Brighton Reservations.
-The guide includes bird species that may be found at either Big Cypress or Brighton Reservations year round, during the
summer months, or during migration. -- Species fotmd during the winter months at either location are not included due to the fact that they are not likely to be
seen during any of the Community Birding Days.
Illustrations and species descriptions have been taken from The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America
By David Allen Sibley Copyright © 2003- by Chanticleer Press, Inc.
NOTE: If you are interested in purchasing your own personal birding guide, the following list highlights popular selections.
Peterson First Guide to Birds of North America Roger Tory Peterson
A Field Guide to Feeder Birds: Eastern and Central North America Roger Tory Peterson
National Geographic Society Field Guide to the Birds of North America Sibley FG Birds of Eastem NA Uavid Sibley
Peterson Guide to Birds of Eastern and Central NA Roger Tory Peterson
Sibley's Birding Basics David Sibley
The Birder's Handbook Paul R. Ehrlich, David S. Dobkin, and Darryl Wheye
Birds Of Florida Field Guide Stan Tekiela
NOTES
NOTES
4
7
Bird Topography Parts of a Pas serine Head Feathers Body Feathers Wing Feathers Waterbirds
CONTENTS
4 4 5 6
Anhinga,_Cormorant, Grebe 8 Waterfowl
Dabbling and Diving Ducks 9 Wading Birds
Egrets, Herons, Ibises, Stork, Bittern 14 Shorebirds
Plovers, Stilt, Sandpipers, Killdeer, Phalarope, Willet 17 Gruiformes
Crane, .Limpkin, Coot, Gallinule, Moorhen 19 Upland Game Birds
Turkey, Quail 20 Birds of Prey
Vultures, Hawks, Kites, Falcons, Osprey, Owls 25 Passerines and other Perching Birds
Doves 25 Woodpeckers 26 Cuckoo, Kingfisher 27 Tyrant Flycatchers 28 Shrike, Vireos 29 Vireos, Jay 30 Jay, Crows 31 Swallows 32 Nuthatch, Wren, Gnatcatcher 33 Thrushes (Bluebird) 34 Mimids (Mockingbird) 35 Starling, Warblers 36 Tanager, Dickcissel 42 Cardinal, Grosbeaks 43 Towhee, Sparrow, Oriole 44 Icterids (Grackles, etc.) 45
47 Birding Checklist 50 Notes Pages
BIRD TOPOGRAPHY
Parts of a Passerine This fo:iure shows the basic parts of a passerine, or songbird.
JJL&'-L..< • '-J~ ............ '"'.... • .. .. "T
,·· crown / "eyebrow"
/ / feathers
/ ,,- (superciliurn) / / . /~ orbital
/ //,, ,,,-- supraloral lores
median coverts
nape ----, '
scapulars ---<'--, i mantle ~ - "- ·,;
'"- "-greater coverts ---primary coverts -----~
tertials ----------~ secondaries ------ - ~
primaries - -----
' flanks
tail
undertail~/ coverts
femoral /,
belly
----- - -- tibial feathers
-- tarsus toes tract _ ,/ 1">j
/
vent------~
Head Feathers Detailed topography of head fe;Hhrr groups, showing complexity qf head frothl.'ring on J. typicaJ pc1sseri1w. Top: A sd1ematic diagram of thl' group~. Crntrr: The actual m;.1rkin~s on \Vhitl•-throatecl Sparrow.
crown
---- "eyebrow" (supercilium)
,,.,,,-----~ supraloral lores ,,, ----...... '
~- ~----------- • '-'>--... \ · nasal tuft or nasal bristles -< , . ~ . ...-.:!.::~ -~ .!'~. . upper mandible
'.... •· ,-....... i!:J· . ;. .!!.~- orbital feathers ...__;:;;.; 'A " --- .. • - ::. <·' · ·· ,--... ' -- · lower mandible
... · \ ·. · •, • • ... - --- throat - '" .. '/-... __ - ~ -t - malar
----- - cheek (auricular) nape
·- lateral crown-stripe -- --· median crown-stripe
-"eyebrow"
eye-arcs or broken eye-ring
"mustache''
lateral throat-stripe
eye-line or eye-stripe
NOTES
NOTES Body Feathers lop: Ba,iic pa5si:rinc hody feather~. trum tronl. Center: Basic pa,serinc body feath ers, from beh ind , with feather~ fl uffed.
nape
scapulars
median coverts
secondaries
primaries
tail -
breast
sides
vent
Pa,scrine in alert sleeked posture. In tllh pose, w it!J till' w i ngs hc-!d out trom the body, tlw usuall y con cealed lc \.scr coverts a 11,i
margina l cnve rts a re easiJY , C'l' ll .
--j \
_ i _ '\,..,_ , ,4}
'"'-- ,/ I - j I
malar
throat
breast
sides
flanks
belly
v-ent
undertail coverts
nape -
scapulars -
lesser coverts
median coverts
nape
mantle
scapulars
rump
remoral tract uppertail coverts
- marginal coverts
Wing Feathers Top: Ri ght wi ng nf a passcrinl', clost'd but held looselv. No te how the feat hers stack up , with the i.nne rmosl Lcrtial o n top and the outermost primary P f\ the bottom. With tile wing fo lded aga inst thl' bndv. onl y t fl e ou ter edges (If til l' rcmi g'f:s (primai:k~. '>l'C0 11 daries and tertiab logetlwr , a re \·isih le. Second,tri cs and primarie~ arc nu mbered from cen -ter' o f wing !same orde r in w h lcl.1 most species m oll !. ·
)~
1\\,} primaries
primaries _.,\ I
\ ,!'
- median secondary coverts
- g.reater secondary coverts
tertials
secondaries
primaries
secondary coverts:
lesser - median
greater
alula·
~ ", ,,, f1
~ ;) ; de~in9 '°"'" -,.. -- I ....,_.;--- Ulil
t::-::. / \ _ axillaries secondaries "-- /
~ "1 ~ '-<
NOTES
Wood Warblers
Connecticut Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Blue-winged Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Swainson's Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Tennessee Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Cape May Warbler
Louisianna Waterthrush
Prairie Warbler
Shrikes (Laniidae) Yireos {Vireonidae)
§ Black-whiskered Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Loggerhead Shrike
D White-eyed Vireo
D Yellow-throated Vireo
Sparrows {Emberizidae) {Passeridae)
D Eastern Towhee □ House Sparrow
Starlings (Sturnidae)
□ European Starling
NOTES Use the provided notes pages to sketch drawings of birds, record any
interesting observations, bird behaviors, etc.
Juvenile (ht year}
Adult nonbreeding (Sep-Mar)
brownish overall
_..,.,, e 1h~~ply bill t point~
., o range throat and lores
Adult breeding (Feb-Sep)
Waterbirds
Anhinga
Description: Long, fan-shaped tail, long pointed wings, long neck tapering to pointed bill. Swim~ completely submerged with only head exposed and spears fish with pointed bill. Webbed toes. After feeding rest spread-winged to dry feathers. Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon in wooded swamps and on ponds and canals. Commonly seen on Big Cypress and Brighton. Food: Fish.
Double-crested Cormorant
Description: Similar to Anhinga, but has a hooked tip at end of bill. Also has a shorter tail and lacks white feathers on back. Also rests with wings spread. Found here year round. Habitat: Common on clear open waters from ponds and rivers to open ocean. Food: Fish.
ring on pale bill
Pied-billed Grebe
Description: Stout bill, and overall brownish color with no contrasting pattern. Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon but widespread. Found on ponds, bays, and other open water, usually close to aquatic vegetation . Food: Dives for aquatic insects, crayfish, and small fish.
~
dult ;;- ~ da,k I'-- .. wings ·- . ~ ·
--~-... ~· ite - ,
wh n • band · stretches neck a. long I
s down whe, . legs ,::ding
Adult
--
Waterfowl
Fulvous Whistling-Duck
Description: Buffy color, white stripes on flanks and white band on uppertail coverts. Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon on sheltered ponds and marshes. Nests on the ground and in dense marshy vegetation. Food: Seeds taken while swimming or diving.
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
Description: Long neck and long legs. Red bill, black belly, and bright white upperwing-stripe. Found here year round. Habitat: Common locally on shallow ponds. Nests in tree cavities or boxes, in or near water. Food: Feeds on seeds taken mainly while grazing.
,-$mall bill Wood Duck
Adult '?
Adult d breeding (Sep-Jun)
white ~::1111- around
eye
Description: Mostly dark, with white belly. Breeding male is very distinctive. Female drab in color. Both sexes have a drooping crest and long tail. Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon on sheltered ponds, rivers, swamps, or wherever there is standing water among trees. Nests in tree cavities or boxes. Food: Acorns and other seeds.
T~llt..l.i.,,.1.'--1.VUi.,, f ,ry ~~U.•~ .ULJ.'-&.JU
Mottled Duck Pale adult 2 c.rown -. orange bill
pale e drab olive to
;, <~"::~ Description: Males have bright yellow bill,
IL.--r
b~ffy chevrom
w·arm brown markings
clambers through reeds
--;-~ vingbeats \ ! deep and ' · snappy
1st summer (Mar- Aug)
~
~~~~~0' female bill is more olive in color. Overall body color for both sexes is dark brown with lighter brown markings with paler head. Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon locally. Primarily salt marshes and·on marshy ponds. Nests on the ground in concealing vegetation, usually near water. Food: Seeds taken from the water.
Wading Birds
Least Bittern
Description: Small size, buffy color. Always Adult I' solitary. Most often seen clinging to reeds at
edge of small ponds. Found here year round . Habitat: Uncommon in marshes, where it hides among reeds. Food: Fish and other aquatic animals.
slight cre$t
Green Heron
streaked~ • '-._ neck
. _ ... ,. _
Description: Nests and roosts singly in trees. Solitary and somewhat secretive. Small and very dark with reddish neck, and short wings and legs. Found here year round.
foraging h rds crouch
Habitat: Uncommon along edges of marshy or oark wooded streams and ponds. r· 1!ou1 neck Food: Fish. Crouches in the shadows waiting
for the fish to swim by.
Juvenile (1st year)
blac~ ~ ., •. :~ 1 ~umes-11( · ·
~ \ ) I
Great Blue Heron
Description: Largest heron. Gray color unmistakable. Nests in colonies in dead trees. Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon but widespread. Commonly seen on Big Cypress and Brighton. Forages in many types of open habitat from stream and pond edges to wet meadows or even upland .LL,f i
Adult forag;ng birds fields. :::~~~=~mcsily Food: Fish, small mammals, amphibians, and oth
er prey.
"':, thin yellow Juvenile
( 1st yearJ
adult nonbreeding (Aug-Jan) nearly id1mticat t
. ~~~~~'~,d 0
blackish es ~ legsand -fect
Adult breeding (feh-Jull
long o lumes
/
yellow lores
very long neck
foraging birds stand tall and walk slowly
-~ foraging birds may be stationary and crouching or active and erect
Juvenile (Jul-Apr) F:~~;~;i:1f; adult it ~ shows some nonbreeding black o. n (Aug-Jan) foreleg~ ~,milar yellow
teet ,_ ' ·,.'~:...~ 1"
lacy plumes - ··
Adult breeding (feb-Jul)
yellow lores
:k_
Great Egret
Description: AU-white plumage, large with long neck. Long yellow bill and black legs. Nests and roosts in mixed colonies in trees. Found here year round. Habitat: Common. Forages in shallow water or in grassy marshes. Food: Fish and other prey.
Snowy Egret
Description: Smaller than Great Egret. Black bill and yellow feet. Usually solitary but gathers in large groups where prey is abundant. Found here year round. Habitat: Common. Nests and roosts in mixed colonies in low trees. Food: Forages for small fish in shallow water, actively crouching and running.
--------------~·------------ -- -- ·-··--·--·---·-·--------------~--·----------···-----
::.L.~ Common Grackle
Description: Heavy bill, pale iris, blackish overall with iridescence. Found here year round. Habitat: Common and widespread. Nests in trees, especially dense evergreens such as junipers. Food: Forages for seeds and invertebrates on the ground in open areas near trees or within open woods, often in very large flocks or mixed with blackbirds.
Boat-tailed Grackle
Description: Usually green-blue iridescence. Similar to Common Grackle; note fan-shaped tail. Found here year round. Habitat: Common within limited range. Nests and roosts in bushes and marshes. Food: Forages for seeds and invertebrates on the ground close to water, usually in small flocks.
Brown-headed Cowbird
/ ' s._ Description: Smaller and shorter-tailed than blackbirds, with stout bill and pointed wings. Dark brown head and glossy black body with green iridescence. Found here year round. Habitat: Common in open or patchy woodlands in breeding season. Food: Forages for seeds and invertebrates on open ground.
Juvenile (lul-Ocl)
...__ foraging birds walk slowty with exaggerated head-bobbing
k:ortdark
' Adult breeding (Mar-Jul)
Adult nonbrecding (Aug- Feb)
Juvenile Oun-Apr)
\_
~-~ short yellow bill
'· stocky neck
-•
thick .,. tapered
1· "( bill
pale grayish, green, or pink bill and lores
Cattle Egret
Description: Native to Africa. Smallest wh;te heron. Relatively stocky with short legs and short bill. Found here year round. Habitat: Common locally. Forages almost exclu· sively in open fields away from water; often follows livestock or tractors to capture insects stirred up by their movement. Food: Insects.
Little Blue Heron
Description: Immature birds always white. Foraging behavior less active than snowy egret, with stiff-necked posture, the neck
paledull -green legs ' r......._ extended forward and bill pointed down.
'l
I
1st spring (Apr-Jun)
Juvenile Qul-Febl
Adult i'
foraging birds generally slow-moving; hold neck forward and bill angled down stiffly
~ extremely
foraging birds active, dashing
•'\ ~ ..
-,.....1ongbill
', - dark breast and contrasting light
belly unique in all plumages
Adult breeding (Feb-Jul) ~-,...-,t~aY,:'i-
Usually solitary, but nests and roosts in mixed colonies. Found here year round. Habitat: Common to uncommon along edges of shallow marshy ponds. Food: Small fish and other small animals.
Tricolored Heron
Description: Usually solitary; nests and roosts in mixed colonies. Found here year round. Habitat: Fairly common, but never in large numbers. Open shallow water or marshy pools. Food: Foraging behavior very active; often runs after fish.
Juvenile unique pale (1st year) , chalky color
, / dark bill 1~;;.:..-.,<- .,.~ and lor -,, Reddish Egret
dark II gray legs ~
•··- .... _.,,,,· '----
reddish color; paler overall than Little Blue Heron
Description: Relatively large, with long neck and legs. Dark and white morphs. Overall gray Nests and roosts in mixed colonies. Migrates here. Habitat: Uncommon and local. Nests and roosts in mixed colonies. Forages in shallow salt water on large mudflats. Food: Fish.
- heavy but sharply pointed, yellowish bill Black-crowned Night-Heron
/·· --,'I, "-. ·,;__ ' broad blurry streaks Description: Stocky, large head, rarely ex
tends neck. Found here year round. Habitat: Common, but nests and roosts in
Adult
# • foraging birds crouch
Juvenile Uul-Feb)
"
long legs --;)}
Adult
foraging birds usually walk slowly
large white spots on wing coverts
~ colonies hidden in trees, foraging mainly at "' "' _ · . . night. -- ; . ...:~~~--'--',;,,- Food: Fish and other prey.
' " ,i,J;, ,.._
dark thick bill
~
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
Description: Distinguished from Black crowned Night-Heron by longer neck and legs, and stouter bill. Found here year round. Habitat: Common, but nests and roosts in colonies hidden in trees, foraging mainly at night. Food: Foraging birds walk slowly along mudflats searching for crabs, or in wooded swamps searching for crayfish.
Adult
mart ta~ ,_ ~ )
Adult nonbrecding (Sep-Jan i
Adult hreeding (Fl'll--t\ugl
butty· flanks
white sides; slightly more extensive than Western
black breast-band
rufou· brov..-1, ov1:r ;i]t
Adult nonhrel•<.lin).:: p,,,nt,·d ,\dul:;;;g '
- :gs lm•c<~
sl":Oft poin tf'<i --4/C t,111
Adult nonhn-eding 1Aug-M ;1 rJ
i)uttv l)\l('/,,11
~hort· tail
Adult breeding l!\,lar- ,\ug}
p~ IO t(•S
large. ptnkbh bdl
Red-winged Blackbird
Description: Most widespread blackbird. Male distinctive. Female can be mistaken for sparrows; note larger size, thin bill, dense streaks below, and habits. Found here year round. Habitat: Common. Nests and roosts in wet, marshy or brushy habitats; almost any small weedy ditch or wet hayfield harbors a breeding pair. Food: Forages for seeds and invertebrates in open fields, often in very large flocks.
Eastern Meadowlark
Description: Bright yellow underparts, black breast-band, short tail with whitesides, and long legs. Found here year round. Habitat: Common locally but declining in open grassy habitat. Food: Seeds, insects, and worms.
Bobolink
Description: Black underside and white on upperside of breeding male unique. Female and nonbreeding male distinguished from sparrows by plain nape, pale lores, pointed wings, and habits. Migrates here. Habitat: Common locally in open fallow fields, tallgrass prairies, and reed beds. Food: Seeds and insects.
Adu II 'i' w n1Tl' cnrn{'r_s
lkd-,•vcd "· . '""
10
~
~ ;_. ., - whi tC'l>t'lly ruh'!ll)\icfc~ ~
,\<lull ..,·
Whitl'-1.!YC~(•
lound in bl,1ck he,ul Sovlhe,HC ,mdl).1ck
p111morao crownandlacr
unp.iuerncd ___ __..~ cheek ~ ---.
Adult <t
1hon tail
Adult rS nonbreeding (St>p- Mar,
~~ !louty,Howish-~ graybill
drab graybtnwnovcrall
Eastern Towhee
Description: Larger and stockier than sparrows, with long tail. Note rufous flanks and black and white tail. Found here year round. Habitat: Common in brushy habitat, sunny clearings, and shrublands or brushy undergrowth within open forests. Food: Forages on the ground by scratching vigorously in leaf litter for seeds and insects.
House Sparrow
Description: Introduced from Europe in the mid-180Os. Almost always in small flocks. Stocky, short-tailed, and large-headed, with blunt-tipped bill. Male black throat and lores, mostly rufous upperparts, and one broad white wing-bar. Female drab gray-brown overall, with plain face. Habitat: Common and widespread. The ubiquitous sparrow of cities, towns, parking lots, and farms. Nests in
t:~' any sheltered cavity form birdhouses to streetlights to
Adult d br~t·ding fMar- St•p)
crevices in buildings. Food: Seeds and insects.
Ad1 -c-.-1(
Orchard Oriole
Description: Male a dark chestnut with black head and back, Female greenish overall, with greenish tail, and white wing-bars. Migrates here.
Adult ' t
,~ort po1ntfii hill
<Jr~nish boov
bl ~umm~r -. 11-"ch- ,\u,i.:i ., -y'>" .-\d I _,,..,,.;;/ lf • blac, HHoo< u I ,,
~ . ''""''""
?
Habitat: Uncommon in scrubby woods and hedgerows with isolated tall trees. Food: Insects, larvae, fruit, and nectar.
Adult breeding IMar-Augl
Juvenile! white underwing andbe!ly ·-..: -
Adult ..
-
Glossy Ibis
Description: Overall blackish color with glassy blue-green wings. Found here year round. Habitat: Common. Nests and roosts in colonies with herons in low trees. Muddy pools and marshes. Food: Forages for aquatic prey moving with head
~:,r"'" down and probing with long curved bill.
White Ibis
-._,,
_.,
~
. /
white with tinyb\ilck
· - wingtips
Description: Usually in flocks. Larger and heavier than Glossy Ibis. White plumage, black wingtips, and red-orange bill and legs. Bill curves downward. found here year round.
whi ,om
Juvcnilt' Uul-Dec)
white teathe~ appear on back beginning Dtc
gradua1moh to white adult plumage
2nd year
A
,...
Adult
foraging birds walk ~lowly white sweeping bill from side to side in shallow wa ter
• orange
· ~
Habitat: Common in muddy pools and marshes and on mudflats.
~ Food: Aquatic prey.
'\ \
orange bill
JI Juvenile \ l (1st yearJ
distinctive spoon• shaped bill; often ~ t:.
not obvious -~
Adult
Roseate Spoonbill
\ Description: Larger than ibises. Nests and roosts in low trees. Pale pink color with spoon -shaped bill. May be found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon in muddy ponds within
" marshes, among mangroves, and on open mudflats. Food: Fish and invertebrates.
./ :~~:~~r~g . ~ blacktligh~
Ad tail ·
l ' ~~ ,oa,swelf' • '"'"""-~ long hea")' bnl and often
/
~oraglng birds stanv a_nd sometimes ,,._..,
with open bill in w ,1' -r
Juven H~
,( \---- "" '"" Adult
.. -.:c:'f " · ' ~
Adult non breeding (Sep-Mar)
Adult o breeding (Mar- Sep)
g slightly drabber
Adult with rufous coverts (common in South)
•
Woodstork
Description: Soars, sometimes with vultures. Large in size, white body, black flight feathers, and heavy bill. Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon and local in shallow muddy ponds, especially where declining water levels concentrate fish . Nests and roosts in colonies in trees. Food: Holds bill open in water and catches fish.
Shorebirds
Semipalmated Plover
Description: The most numerous small plover. Dark brown upperside, dark cheek, and orange legs. Migrates here. Roosts and flies in flocks; often with other small shorebirds; foraging birds usually solitary. Habitat: Common on open mudflats and beaches. The most numerous small plover. Food: Aquatic prey.
Killdeer
Description: Tall and slender with long tail. Dark double breast band. Rufous upperparts on adults. Found here year round . Habitat: Common and widespread on any open ground, often not near water. Nests on bare gravel along roads, open trails, etc. Food: Forages on shortgrass fields, bare dirt, and similar open areas.
"~ Northern Cardinal --c Description: Male all-red, with black face and red bill; longer tailed than tanager. Female has reddish wings and tail, blackish face, and red-orange bill. Found here year round. Habitat: Common in brushy habitat within or at edges of woods, often in suburban settings. Food: Seeds, fruit, and insect larvae.
Adult 9 Adu:l Blue Grosbeak
~ Description: Relatively large head, with heavy bill, long rounded tail, and rufous wing-bars. Migrates here. Habitat: Uncommon in open weedy fields with brushy patches and hedgerows; sings from tall weeds or bushes.
1st summer 0 (Mar-Sep)
.,dull ·11 Adult •~ ' ""'~ -f ;,:::::::w""I . ::::::
s: ·,~- ,~
~
. -~ ... ,·, h i,,,,
~ '
"""'''' ,u,.,p n.:d u, .. 11,il••
, noh!<:,I\I
.\dull · '
hn•cdlng / ' ! \b r \\;:.!, ,..,
· Food: Forages for seeds and insects low in weeds.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Description: Black, white, and red adult male unmistakable. Female has boldly striped head pattern, very large bill, and white wing markings. Migrates here. Habitat: Common in mature deciduous forests. Mostly in upper levels of trees. Food: Insects, fruit, and seeds.
hlv.1inkr <:::'
....... ~ - p,:, >t,ipo, .,,
Blackburnian Warbler
Ofl b.tek
(Aui;::-."-'f .ir) , dark(heek
Description: Relatively long, streamlined warbler. Male unmistakable, with flaming-orange throat. On drab individuals note dark cheek surrounded by broad yellow partial eye-ring, and pale stripes on back. Migrates here.
"-..J' - surrounde '1 ft, by yeHow
Ad~
•-~
Adult 6 breeding !Mar-AugJ
lduH ',r . -...-
m•<l<'"~JI•
'" :.,~ .1:,l)'l-t' .,,,.,,,,w·
•\dnll ·1
111111\m,.,•dini. • \\1 1.!·• ~1.111
'""",:,.Aif '"""~
~
•~1J1 -\u ;.: 1
1st "' wintc, Y t.· ' -=::'' ~ ~·:...-..,··
'J stwlnter 9 11\u~- Mar)
· ..
Habitat: Common in tall trees in mature coniferous or mixed woodlands; tends to stay in treetops. Migrants also prefer mature woodlands. Food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves and twigs, as well as some berries and nectar.
Scarlet Tanager
Description: Breeding male unmistakable with brilliant red body and black wings and tail. On other plumages note uniform greenish upperside, yellowish underside, and relatively plain dark wings. Migrates here. Habitat: Common in mature deciduous forests, in upper levels of trees. Food: Insects and larvae gleaned from leaves.
Dickcissel
Description: Similar to House Sparrow. Breeding males black and yellow breast and rufous shoulder. Drab individuals pale bill, pale cheek, and finely streaked breast with a hint of yellow. Migrates here. Habitat: Common in grassy fallow fields and tallgrass prairies. Forms large flocks in brushy or weedy habitats when not breeding. Food: Insects and seeds.
Adult nonbreeding (Aug-Apr,
white undertail
Adult O coverts breeding {Apr-Sep/
'? d rc3bber
Juvenile (jul- .\Jo,·)
.~ -,:;.>-___ ..... ~ '---
Adult d
Black-bellied Plover
Description: Largest plover. Stout bill. Breeding males only have a black belly. Migrates here. Habitat: Uncommon to rare inland . Found on open mudflats and beaches and in fields. Food: Aquatic prey.
Black-necked Stilt
striking black ~nd w h ite pattern needle
like hilt
Description: Walks delicately, tilting forward to pick up food with needle-like bill. Tall and slender, black and white plumage, with long red legs. May be found here year round.
(l ~-"'"• t dleg,
short w hile Hcycbrow"
' thick .gray bill
4~.-~ · 1mooth drab gray overall
Adult nonlm:ed itiJ;: lSCp- ~ lar)
:\dull' hrn•ding r ·\ pr-Aug \
gray leg5
( d co ,cly spotted
l~ ~"'""
Habitat: Common but somewhat local on shallow still ponds with muddy bottoms and grassy edges. Food: Aquatic prey.
Willet
Description: Always has drab plumage. Heavy bill and thick grayish legs. Breeding adults have a dense pattern of spots and barring. Migrates here. Habitat: Less common on mudflats and in marshes inland. More common on beaches and in salt marshes along coast. Food: Probes ground for prey.
----~-..... Upland Sandpiper Juvenile Uul-Nov)
~~~~~~-:::~;·:·;~• Description: Thin neck, small head, and long ~ tail. Yellow legs, short yellowish bill, and large ,,..,_ "i' eyes. Migrates here.
long taii ~~~;:.,1,h Habitat: Uncommon and local on grassy fields bill where grass is about 4-8 inches high with
patches of open ground. i
Adult
Adult nonhreeding (N ov-Marl
Adult breeding (Apr-Oct)
ycllowi~hlegs
sharp bard(." between streaked bm • and white b• ,,:
)
long wings , ••. .· ..._, . " Adult white nonbn:eding { rump ;
· ' brightly patterned
Juvenile above 1:\ug-Ncw1 _ _
~.:.~
Adult
~ long wings .,~~ extend beyond tail tip
;J
Adult breeding (Apr-Sep I l::~L:""-( fine streak,
ex tend to flank~
Food: Probes for insects.
Pectoral Sandpiper
Description: Resembles very large Least Sandpiper. Yellowish legs, overall brownish color, and streaking on breast that ends abruptly at white belly with a straight-line border. Migrates here. Habitat: Common to uncommon in small groups on weedy or grassy mudflats and in flooded fields. Food: Aquatic prey.
White-rumped Sandpiper
Description: White-rump (above tail) unique among small sandpipers. Migrates here. Habitat: Common to uncommon on mudflats. Usually mixed with other peeps, such as Semipalmated Sandpiper, but feeds in slightly deeper water. Food: Aquatic prey.
ht year Q
'"""~4 Ad ult
~ Adull ~·""" •1 ·'"'
..., br('\,H ,n,•,l• ,., lwny ·y w i'>u•· :1rnh:·1.•' • u~nk\
\ ~ ~:,
-1'
Hooded Warbler Description: Overall olive and yellow plumage with clean yellow face and mostly white tail distinctive. Migrates here. Habitat: Common in shady undergrowth within mature deciduous forests. Usually seen flitting through low vegetation with tail raised and fanned. Food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves and twigs, as well as some berries and nectar.
Louisianna Waterthrush
Description: Broad white "eyebrow", and sparse brownish streaking on white underparts. Buffy flanks. Migrates here . Habitat: Uncommon along forested streams or in wooded swamps. Prefers more open areas with flowing water. Food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves and twigs, as well as some berries and nectar.
Swainson's Warbler
Description: Plain brown color with rusty crown, dark eye-line, and very large pale bill. Migrates here. Habitat: Uncommon and local in patches of brush within mature deciduous forests in lowland areas; not always near water. Food: Forages on the ground within dense undergrowth, turning leaves will bill in search of invertebrates.
Jst yl'ar 9
c- Prothontonary Warbler
~;':.\,, ~:,;~.:,;:;:~ Description: Male has brilliant orange-yellow head -.._ · _11~ ___, , and blue-gray wings. Even the drabbest birds are
whil f' undf'rtail covf' rts
Isl year 'r
Adult .-{
l~twintt:r ~'
rounded ti!i l
hi winter d {lul- \1ar)
Adull r<
ht winte r
i::--
Adult ?
very bright yellow on head, and all have large bill and mostly white undertail. Summers here. Habitat: Common in wooded swamps or lowland
~;;',~::'~~~~"9
' · deciduous forests with ponds or other standing
complete while eye-r ing
pale yellow below
water; stays mainly in low understory. ~::'' Food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves
and twigs, as well as some berries and nectar.
b!Jck m,'isk
Common Yellowthroat
Description: Small and stocky, with short-necked, crouching posture and tail often raised. Plain olive upperside, rounded tail, and low flight. Black mask of male distinctive. Found here year round. Habitat: Common in a wide variety of weedy, brushy, and marshy habitats; nearly always in low wet areas. Food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves and twigs, as well as some berries and nectar.
Connecticut Warbler
Description: Thrush-like with short tail and long wings. Complete white eye-ring and pale yellow underparts. Brownish to gray colored hood. Migrates here. · Habitat: Uncommon; secretive and difficult to spot . Open woodlands with patches of dense understory. Walks on the ground. Food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves and twigs, as well as some berries and nectar.
-~-;:;:: ri;r _~E,~:;:-- plain gray-':\;~ .... .... I, J"(' ~ ;.~~ '"'Ir brown ~ ~- 1,?;,.":'f9' ,, ~ ~:.~ -:., ~~
"' ·_1~ "1
Adult ~ •, ·' gray-brown non breeding overall
(Oct-Mar)
Semipalmated Sandp;per
Description: Short, blunt-tipped bill and plain gray-brown plumage. Can be variable in color. Migrates here.
Adult breeding (Mar- Sep I [_
• Habitat: Common on mudflats. Food: Aquatic prey.
~ slend~,
~~ ~ bill
~~~~, ,,,.. ......___ Wilson's Phalarope ~!:'~ t!: ....
Ju,·enilc ·\)ul - Augl
pale g r.,y
~
,l<lult nonbrceding t.-\ug- \[;,rJ
....
pale yellow leg~
Description : Very active piper with quick jerky actions. Slender pointed bill, white face, and pale yellow legs. Migrates here.
- --._ Habitat: Common on shallow ponds within grass)
clean white
~~~,, marshes. Food: Picks up minute prey from water's surface while walking around muddy pond edges or swimming in shallow water.
~
da,k
Adult 9 ~~ breeding -<:.. ..,.
<Apr- Ju li
all-white undertailcoverts
Juvenile Ou I-winter)
Adult
compare Purple Swamphen
Gruiformes
molts gradually to adult plumage
pale blue frontal shiel<
Purple Gallinule
Description: Walks around pond edges or o vegetation; swims infrequently. Adults Unmistakable and juveniles also unique. Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon on ponds with brushy or weedy emergent vegetation. Food: Aquatic prey.
Adult breeding (Feb-Sep)
coverts
! ~
A.
lobed toes
·• ,•1.: .. : .. ;._-. -J __ ._
Adult nonbreedin;, (Sep-Feb)
~ ed .) ill
dull grayish
black red
Common Moorhen
Description: Duck-like, but note long legs and red bill. White stripes on sides stand out. Found here year round. Habitat: Common on shallow ponds with brushy or weedy emergent vegetation and enough water for swimming. Food: Picks snails and seeds from water and plants, or walking along muddy edges.
American Coot
Description: Duck-like, but with stubby white bill and round head and body. Adult has red frontal shield. Found here year round.
Adult dark gray head frontal
~
I / shield
Habitat: Common on ponds and in marshes. Food: Grazes on grass and or dives for aquatic vegetation, which it brings to the surface to eat, bobbing back buoyantly like a cork. small
white" #
marks
dark brown with white
Limpkin
Description: Large size, brown color, and long bill are distinctive. Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon, local, and inconspicuous in wooded and brushy swamps. Food: Searches shallow water for apple snails and other mollusks.
l ,; t year 'r
;:_..c""
l .,.. ,,_
p.ilc ~irli~ nl llt'ck
Pine Warbler
weak
Adult ?
ht winter 9
Description: Large, long-tailed warbler. On very drab birds note weak wing-bars and pale sides of neck. found here year round. Habitat: Common and almost always closely associated with pine trees. Nests in pine forests. food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves and twigs, as well as some berries and nectar.
£ . w,,m,w ~ ~~:~t: neck ~~line
Blackpoll Warbler
ISi winll'I" 1) -=--- ,.,,.. Description: Large, streamlined, short-tailed
1" " " - "''.::.;::-·;:;:• -:,;:r warbler; often dips tail gently. Whitish undertail
;~:•::t A '.:;:~t,,, coverts, faintly streaked breast, and narrow dark
y('IIO\s/ M le1..j\,1nd1 <'t->t ~
Adult d hrt'cding 1,\pr-.\u~)
I s l \'1,' jtlfl'r ~I
:::r:
1-.1winlt•r ) i ,\u~-:\pr l
l)ullv undert,111 ,..,_ ((J\"l'I I ~
::':.,~~ eye-line in fall plumages. Migrates here. Habitat: Common. Migrants found in any wooded or edge habitat.
while hlMk U p
'"'' '. Food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves
blud lalN~I thro.tl \[flf}li
and twigs, as well as some berries and nectar.
Bay-breasted Warbler
Description: Buffy undertail coverts, chestnut flanks, and black mask in breeding males. Drab individuals have unstreaked breast, vague "spectacles", and buffy flanks. Migrates here. Habitat: Uncommon. Migrants found in any woodland habitat. Food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves and twigs, as well as some berries and nectar.
htwinkr 'i'
-~ -· . ::-- ·· wh,te band
1.~t winter ·~' narrow while R~id •Aui-~~
bl~(.k tlp "'-.:
white -,,, ~ ;J bright unde1tail ~- - •f yellow cove1l~ ~ J brl'a~t
"---~ Adul:r:edinl.! .... ~ ·~. non breed mg ~
1;\ug-Marl --....;:.,.,. gray (rnwn
Adult <; breeding fMar- Au,.-:1
1st winter~
~
-c:
.I. 1"'"-UU,L..,A\..IJ. 'l.&.,U U,. \J.1,.1..l.L.,A"- A LJA, ...... .a..a..i..1,..._, .&...0.1.A'U..I'-"
Magnolia Warbler
Description: Small and relatively long-tailed; tail often raised anq fanned, showing off unique pattern. Drab individuals can be hard to identify; note narrow wing-bars, white undertail coverts, and bright yellow breast. Migrates here. Habitat: Common. Migrants found in any wooded or brushy area. Food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves and twigs, as well as some berries and nectar.
Cape May Warbler
,,.,,,,,h :'.~~?a1'::::" :i~:L"" Description: Pointed, slightly decurved bill. On drab _::m.:.,j S r;t:--- individuals note blurry gray streaks on breast and
·~:::.~~~"" pale-edged greater coverts. Migrates here. 1
1
,~~;,~:,;: ~ . . _:··1,~::r.•"' Habitat: Uncommon and irregular in mature '1~ coniferous forests; most numerous where spruce
Adult (I bre~dint,:: 1M.ir-,\ug)
long thin !ilil conH,,ntJy pumped up ,md down
Adult d
- ···""- ··· budworms are abundant. ~/ , Food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves ~ Adult I d . II b . d
11 __ ~ ~~:~~~~~ " an twigs, as we as some ernes an nectar.
.~ ril grayhh crown
Prairie Warbler
Description: Small, rather long-tailed warbler; constantly pumps or flicks tail. Always bright yellow below, with dark semicircle below eye and dark spot on sides of neck. May be found here year round. Habitat: Common in open, sunny, second-growth habitats, such as in old fields or among dune vegetation. Food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves and twigs, as well as some berries and nectar. Adult o
Allull ·, E.a~tcrn
Adult _.
"
,ed crown
Sandhill Crane
Description: Entirely gray plumage. Adult have a red crown. May be found here yea round. Habitat: Common locally. Marshes or on farmland. Spends the night in groups in shallow water. Food: Forage for roots, grain, and other food.
Upland Game Birds
,m.:ill
"'"' Wild Turkey
Description: Large, with heavy body, long legs, and small head. Blackish overall, with pale gray flight feathers. Eastern birds have dark rufous feather tips. Found here year round. Habitat: Common and increasing in open wood-
- lands. Most often seen walking along forest roads or foraging in open fields. Roosts in trees at night. Food: Seeds and grain.
~ obvious pale "eyebrow" and throat
Northern Bobwhite
strikint head patten
Description: Small, short-tailed, and shortlegged; intricate pattern of rufous, black, and white. Adult males have a white throat and females have a pale throat. Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon in brushy habitat such as hedgerows in agricultural land. Food: Seeds and grain.
Adult
short tail
Adult
svt.n. Turkey Vu!' .1 L'
All vultures otter spread thdr '"' lll t when roostin~.
long wings
'""'".I bare head
! ' . ~mwrn
perched vultures have hunched posture; pale legs visible
L sn"ery flight IHthcrs
red h t!<l
Birds of Prey
Black Vulture
Description: Large dark bird with light wingtips and facial skin. Soars high in search of food. Usually found in pairs or small groups. Found here year round. Habitat: Common. Roosts in trees or on tall poles. Food: Carrion.
Turkey Vulture
Description: Similar to Black Vulture, but with red facial skin and lighter body. Found here year round. Habitat: Common. Roosts in trees or on structures. Food: Carrion.
Osprey
Description: Long wings and white underparts. All-dark upperside, including rump and tail. Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon around any open water that harbors fish. Commonly seen on Brighton and Big Cypress. Perches on conspicuous poles or trees near water. Platform nest is a bulky mass of sticks in dead trees or other supports near water. Food: Fish.
q y!'llow fold ~pou urnquo!
wh,to~h ~-dg~s Qllll-rthlh.
l\mwni,;h hl year i.~
"~ -
Adult 9
Adulr .-·
Isl winter 9 c:::.
"'
bnght
. ::»
briojl l yrl!ow ovt'f•H
bf~Jh! Jl'ilow i ......
~,-green abovl'
htwh~ '-. t,\ug-~:~~~
9 ~ ·~·-,
white
ta~ olt~ ,~1sed ... ~
eye-ring
pal~gray b<!ow
"" ;..•-
Adult 6 ~ ~. _....... nonbrl'eding i • -~
(,\ug- M;1 r1 cheunut
Adult 0 brcedins: (Mar-Au,ll.l
!lank~ "- • . yellow ~ crown
~"'' " .
wh1h!
~~ helow
?,
1st year :(
..,,-" · i,,.._ Adul~
p!•:nw;ngs w(.
Yellow Warbler
Description: Only overall bright yellow bird and the only species with yellow spots on tail. Has a stout bill, plain face, and reddish streaks on breast. Migrates here. Habitat: Common and widespread in any wet brushy habitat, such as willow thickets. Food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves and twigs, as well as some berries and nectar.
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Description: Rather stout bill, nearly always holds tail raised at an angle. Distinctive adult breeding plumage, non-breeding also distinctive, but not as bold. Migrates here. Habitat: Common locally in second-growth brushlands, in orchards, and along roadsides; often in drier settings than Yellow Warbler. Food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves and twigs, as well as some berries and nectar.
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Description: Male unmistakable . Female plain drab olive color with whitish undertail coverts and dark cheek with narrow pale "eyebrow" and lower eye arc. Most females have small white patch at base of primaries. Migrates here. Habitat: Common. Nearly always in shady understory within woodlands. Food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves and twigs, as well as some berries and nectar.
lstwintl'r 9
---·· 1st winter ¥ :;;.7::'"' ~hin p,ll, ~
;_ , . \ 4-whitish ,. · ., ,
Al.lull lli;t"9 "' ... ,,
~ i
European Starling
Description: Uniform blackish color and white dots on nonbreeding. Breeding adults irridescent green and purple plumage. Introduced from Europe to New York in the late 1800s; now found throughout North America. Found here year round. Habitat: Common and widespread. One of the most common birds wherever human settlement occurs. Food: Forages on the ground for grubs, insects, worms, seeds, and the like, or in trees for fruit . Force their straight tapered bill into the soil or vegetation and open with powerful muscles, creating a hole and exposing prey.
Tennessee Warbler !Aug-~lar) ~ - . :~ .• _ ... ~ ~yeb10,v
""d"'"' · · Description: Small, sharp-billed, short-tailed warbler ( OVl?rt., yehow breast
ht winter 9
c::::
ht winter 9 (Au,-:- Mar)
Adult d'
white undertail coverts
sharp bill
gray crown
, li✓ while 'j; underparts
white
'i
with plain plumage. Thin pale "eyebrow", unstreaked underparts, and mostly white undertail coverts. Migrates here. Habitat: Common. Migrants found in a variety of habitats, including brush, and often concentrated around flowering trees. Food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves and twigs, as well as some berries and nectar.
Blue-winged Warbler
Description: Small and bright yellow, with thin, dark eye-line, two white wing-bars on grayish wings, and white undertail coverts. Migrates here. Habitat: Uncommon in open, second-growth woodlands or in clearings with dense but varied undergrowth of weeds and shrubs. Food: Small insects, gleaned (picked) from leaves and twigs, as well as some berries and nectar.
evenly ri· streaked £
. \'
FLORIDA SUBSPECIES
t?\ l .
~
-~~>-
\ ~ .. ., _· ... -~.:'\. ·· , ·. ·- ,.~ Adult
Adult
~~\ v.-. :!'-'(' p.1lc breast;
\l. ~ head
,<· a'~•·\.. \_..J, :~
redlail ~~~
~
Light :,; . hgl>t ly " juv1:nilc , , niMkccl
~ •· ~tre,1kecl urnlorrn ,,-
pa le ' ' i.,d e ~ broY. '!_ ' ie<ondarie\ ..\..., 'v ·
·, \_ • \,_ ··\. po<0 led ~ wings
p ,1le w1th
11ght ~ da,k bmd" adult
' .";'L- ;~ ~• ' 011~ wh,tc I f~~ _,_ ... band "'-= ~
v,irie:. below fro m ligh tly Sl tCJ ked (,n ~h mvn) to hem•ilv \IIC,lkNi .
Red-shouldered Hawk
~~~•ri• Description: Most distinguishing feature in the air is pale crescent across outer primaries. Southern Florida population has much paler and grayer adult plumage than northern birds. Found here year round. Habitat: Commonly seen on Big Cypress and Brighton; uncommon and less numerous in northern part of range. Mature lowland forests with clearings and water. Nests in tall trees. Food: Hunts mainly from a perch. Feeds on reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and birds.
Red-tailed Hawk
Description: Stocky and broad, with rounded wings and short tail. Red tail of adult is distinctive. Streaked belly band, Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon but widespread. Commonl~ seen perched on trees, poles, or fenceposts along roads or fields. Food: Hunts mainly from perch, choosing same
streakN' --~~d perch day after day. Sometimes hunts from the
air. Feeds mainly on small mammals.
Broad-winged Hawk
Description: Relatively pointed, straight-edged wings. Adult has single broad white band across tail and very pale underwing with broad dark border. Juvenile may be hard to distinguish from Red-shouldered; lack of crescent on wingtips, more pointed wings, and broader tail-bands. Usually solitary, but migrates in large flocks and large numbers concentrate at certain locations. Migrates here. Habitat: Uncommon and usually inconspicuous. Nests in tall trees. Hunts in and along edges of woods. Food: Small mammals and birds to reptiles an<1 insects.
U,-:tu juvt.•nik
d,1 rk '>r<t)I\J,uie,
tight juvenile rl$t yearl
pnm;u;e,long, 'l"' wmg~ /es~ po1n1t-d ihcoi Broad-winged
,, -.. ~ll-wh11c
• ' ~ I
.,.___ while ~ --.,._ OVJ1
Short-tailed Hawk
Description: Relatively long wings; long primaries curve more in flight than on Broad-winged Hawk and reach tail tip when perched. May be found here year round. Habitat: Rare and local. Rarely perches in view; most often seen kiting high in the air with wingtips upswept, watching for prey below. Nests in trees. Food: Mainly on birds captured in treetops after nearly vertical dive.
•••«,,~,ng,
~ ~ ;
Adult & , short squarP. t<1i lwith . a whitebase -,
Snail Kite
Description: White around base of tail could cause confusion with Northern Harrier (not included in field guide), but broad arched wings, short tail, and floppy flight distinctive. May be found here year round.
Juvenile flight graceful
' with wings rcti)ed in dihedrt1I
' .. - dark u~der
primaries
Juvt:nile (1st year) ~.
-:,- butfywash fades within weeks
' ,.ii -~
white lail
Adult ....
pale gray with black shoulders
Habitat: Rare and local. May be seen on Brighton. Found only in extensive marshes with open water and scattered scrubby patches. Nests in low bushes. Food: Feeds exclusively on apple snails.
White-tailed Kite
Description: Slender and long-tailed. Very white overall, with contrasting black shoulders. Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon in open fields and marshes, where scattered bushes and posts provide perches. Nests in trees. Food: Hunts mainly from the air, hovering and then dropping straight down with wings raised. Feeds mainly on small rodents.
Adult
bri~ghtrufous abCIVE.' -.. ·
~ "#>-~~;~ ~··
:\dull II
Adult
Wood thrush
Description: ·Habits similar to Swainson's Thrush. Distinguished from other spotted thrushes by relatively large size and heavy body, reddish-brown upperside (brightest on nape), bold white eye-ring, and bold black spots on white upperparts. Migrates here. Habitat: Common in open but shaded understory of mature deciduous forests. Food: Forages for insects and berries on the ground or in trees.
Brown Thrasher
Description: Bright rufous upperparts, streaked underparts, and long tail are distinctive. Found here year round. Habitat: Common but inconspicuous; usually hidden in dense brush in second-growth or brushland habitats. Food: Insects and other invertebrates.
''"""rt ::·~'..~"::;, . -
~
'"'°'' i>itC WIN N lth~ ---~ - ~
Northern Mockingbird
~:::;:::·~::" ~•·"'- Description: Very long tail, pale gray upperside and :;;:·~";;-:;;~ whitish underside. White sides of tail and white wing-
Juwnilc 1Jun \<.'j)I
.1\dult
':.... patches are obvious. Highly territorial and nearly al-- ways seen singly, unless in family groups. Found here
~
year round. Habitat: Common and conspicuous in suburban habitats and brushy fields.
~i:::- Food: Insects and fruit; often defends food supply ....._. from other birds.
Drab adult 'i'
Adult o
Adult
some females brighter overall
Eastern Bluebird
-~ orange breast • · and sides of nee ~ Description: A small and stocky thrush. No other
eastern bird has bright blue wings and tail with orange breast. May be found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon in mixture of open fields and trees, such as orchards, golf courses, and parks. Nests in boxes or tree cavities.
j~ whitebelly
orange flanks
Food: Insects and fruit gleaned (picked) from the ground or vegetation.
Swainson's Thrush
Description: Heavily spotted on breast and drab grayish-brown above. Boldest face pattern of all the thrushes, with prominent buffy "spectacles". Migrates here. · Habitat: Common in mature mixed woods. Food: Forages for insects and berries on the ground or in trees.
AduJI
· ~ .r
Veery
1st year
Adult
weak spots
Description: Reddish above with faint spotting on breast. Pale face without distinct pattern around eye, and gray flanks. Habits similar to Swainson's Thrush. Migrates here. Habitat: Common in mature deciduous or mixed woods. Food: Forages for insects and berries on the ground or in trees.
~
g:~~:r while body bove and underwin
,':ove,t> ~ De~criptio~: Extremely graceful, _with long 1 - pomted wmgs and long forked ta1 l. Black and
Swallow-tailed Kite
r,. ...__ . white plumage. Summers here. .......... ~ "'\ white
11,ad ..._ Habitat: Uncommon and local. Most often seen
long !orked tc1il
soaring low over swampy woods and along edges of woods. Nests in tall trees that rise above forest canopy . Food: Plucks dragonflies from the air and lizards and insects from the treetops or ground.
Bald Eagle
Description: Very large and dark with plank-like wings and relatively large heac and bill. Adult distinctive with white head and tail. Juvenile dark with white underwing coverts, whitish streaks on tail, and pale belly. Takes 4-5 years to acquire adult plumage. Habitat: Uncommon. May be commonly seen on Brighton. Found along lakes, rivers, and coats where prey is abundant and prominent trees afford nest sites and an unobstructed view of surroundings. Food: Hunts from perch or from the air. Feeds mainly on fish, waterfowl, and mammals captured or scavenged.
J uvenile ( 1st year\
Adult . .,.. '7.
Adult'¥
juvenile o and ~resemble respective adult
Adult o
habitually bobs tail when perched
I
lt ~~~~ •. •. long . . , \ . white heac Ac u - head tail, and
wing tips straight _;.-:.,..
wing, . .. '· C ,._ \'I Ji~ ' ~
Juvenile ~ I 1st year) f ~·
,., ~~
,.,._ black c.:i1
Adult
,.. : , ....
American Kestrel
Description: Smallest falcon. Rufous and gray pattern. May be found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon in many open areas. Commonly seen on Big Cypress and Brighton. Often seen on roadside wires or fenceposts bobbing its tail. Food: Insects and small mammals.
Crested Caracara
Description: Flies relatively low in search of prey, often patrolling along roads. Long legs and neck. Dark plumage with white head, tail, and wingtips. Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon in semi-open lowland areas from mesquite brushlands to prairie and farmland. Commonly seen on Big Cypress and Brighton. Nests in low bushes or palms. Food: Carrion, and some lizards and mammals.
Barred Owl
Description: Stocky, medium-size owl. Dark eyes, overall brown above with pale spots and pale below with bold streaks. Found here year round. Habitat: Common to uncommon in woods, particularly hardwood swamps. Food: Hunts at night mainly for small mammals.
brownish crown with dark eye.line
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Description: Relatively large head and bill. Brownish crown extending to eye, pale buffy an, ray underparts. Often mixes with other woodland flocking birds. Found here year round. Habitat: Common in pine forests.
l'resh adult (Sep-M.tr)
I
/ pale . buffy and / ._ ---.,A grayish below ~
Worn aUult (Apr-Aug)
Adult , Northern
Adult
/ bright bully Oeluw
Adult d
Adult o breeding (Mar-:Jul)
",.
/
- i relatively large head and bill
/4
~ ~-:;.-
Food: Insects and seeds.
Carolina Wren
D·escription: A rather large and stocky wren, but still a small bird. Reddish-brown overall, with long bold white "eyebrow". Found here year round.
" molt<,'<! Habitat: Common in dense brushy tangles within ;t-~::. aad woods.
eye-ring
Food: Insects and fruit.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Description: Very small, with long conspicuous black and white tail, pale blue-gray back, and white eye-ring. Found here year round. Habitat: Common in wet deciduous woods or thickets. Moves briskly and erratically through middle- to upper-level twigs in search of food. Food: Small insects.
-7
plain drab . -- underwing ;.
square tai l
.c ,,,
... £l.UU'-' ... ~! ,~u ~ ....., ...... .&..1-, ... ..,. ... ....., ... .._ ..., ............ •"'-> ...., ...... ........., ...,
Purple Martin
Description: Largest swallow; relatively long-winged and long-headed. Adult male bluish-black; can be confused with European Starling. All plumages blackish above with dark head and breast, very dark underwing coverts, and streaked or speckled belly. Summers here. Habitat: Common . Nests almost exclusively in manmade martin houses placed in open areas near water. Food: Forages over any open habitat for insects.
Adult ~
Barn Swallow
Description: Graceful, with long forked tail and long pointed wings . Blue-black upperside, whitish to orange underside, and dark rufous throat. Nest a partial bowl of mud. Migrates here. Habitat: Common. Nests almost exclusively on man-made structures such as house eaves or under bridges; also on ledges . . Food: Forages over fields and ponds for
insects.
Cliff Swallow
Description: Stocky with a short square tail, pale buffy rump ahd dark throat. Nest a gourd shaped mud cone with a small entrance hole; built in tightly packed clusters in large colonies . Migrates here. Habitat: Common. Open areas. Nesting areas similar to Barn Swallow. Food: Forages over fields and ponds for insects.
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Worn adult d !Mar-Jul)
llight smooth and low, swooping up to low perch
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Burrowing Owl
Description: Long legs and habit of perching in the open. Barred underparts, spotted upperside white throat, and arched white "eyebrow". Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon and local in open grassland or on agricultural land. Nests and roosts in underground burrows or crevices. Food: Hunts small rodents at night.
Passerines and other Perching Birds
Juveni le (,1 11}' monlh. mainlv l'eb-t-:'ov)
Adult
long pointPd tail
-~ .
tiny and stoc ky
Adult d Western/ 2 EastC'rn
paler western bird s occur cast to central Texas
Adult d Eastern
Mourning Dove
Description: Frequently seen on overhead wires or on the ground on lawns and at bird feeders.
slendc,rnd Slender dove with long pointed tail and narrow, gcay-b,own ov, ,,; II pointed wings. Brown and gray coloring with black
spots on wings. Found here year round. Habitat: Common and widespread in many suburban and agricultural habitats with mix of open ground and brushy cover. Food: Forages mainly on the ground for seeds.
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rufous
coverts
pinkish or orange bill base
Common Ground Dove
Description: Very small, with flicking wingbeats and low direct flight. Short tail and unpatterned plumage with dark spots on wings. Found here year round . Habitat: Uncommon among brushy and weedy vegetation in dry sandy soil. Commonly seen on Big Cypress and Brighton. Roosts in low branches. Food: Forages on the ground for seeds.
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mmtly while rump,
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plain pale brown below
red r;
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consp1cuou\ lUtt of na\al bristles
clean white below
-~~ .X, extensive white spots on w;ngs
Pileated Woodpecker
Description: Creates distinctive oval or rectangular holes. Crow-size, with long neck, red crest, and white wing-patch. Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon but widespread; sparsely distributed in mature hardwood forests. Food: Favorite foods include carpenter ants, so often forages low on dead trees or even on fallen logs.
white wingpatch
small bill
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Description: Barred back, brown underparts, and bright red nape. Faint wash of red on belly rarely visible. Found here year round. Habitat: Common in mature deciduous woods. May also be seen in tree clusters adjacent to woods. Food: Insects.
Downy Woodpecker
Description: Smallest woodpecker with very short bill. White patch on back and mostly
'I, unmarked whitish flanks. Found here year round. Habitat: Common in any wooded habitat, especially deciduous woods with patches of
• smaller trees or brush.
Adult 'i' Adult o Food: Forages along twigs and weed stems for insects.
adult
relatively \horr tail and large head
Adult
Adult
rel,1tivcly long tail and small head
Adult
Blue Jay
"- pale gray
~ underparts with white belly
'
Description: Unmistakable bird. Bright blue wings and tail, flashing white patches, blue crest, and dark "necklace". Found here year round. Habitat: Common and widespread in woods. Food: Variety of insects as well as acorns and other seeds.
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American Crow
Description: All-black; distinguished from other crows by structure and voice. Found here year round. Habitat: Common and widespread. Found in all types of open habitats from beaches and farmlands to suburbs and open woods. Forms large communal roosts at night where thousands gather in trees. Food: Variety of animal and vegetable food.
1 Fish Crow
Description: May mix with American Crow. Appearance very similar to American, but averages smaller head and longer wings and
smal ler bill • • , • , , than American ta1l. Reliably d1stmgu1shed only by voice.
Found here year round. Habitat: Common along coast and less common inland. Found in a variety of open habitats usually near water. Food: Diet similar to American Crow.
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dii.tlllCl long p.-,1c-evcbrow"
~ whitish l i below
Hrighl adul~
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Adult
-==-1st fa ll t] ul -Mari
red r ' ff
vhir•·
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rump
g,ay , .
._ yellow . ·
"spcctatle)H
· bright yellow
gray Worn ;:uJult fl,mks ~ (r-.far-,\u~) ~
Ju\'cni lc 1Mar-Au1-:1 .
,~a ~ '
.-,U-blue
·~ wing~ and t11i!
whitish forehead
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Red-eyed Vireo
Description: Large with long body with long bill. Long pale "eyebrow" and dark eye-line. Red eye is rarely visible. Migrates here. Habitat: Common and widespread. Migrants found in any wooded habitat. Usually at middle to upper level of trees within foliage. Food: Insects, larvae, and berries.
Yellow-throated Vireo
Description: Bright yellow wash over head and breast. Gray flanks. Migrates here. Habitat: Uncommon in mature deciduous forests, usually at middle to upper levels of trees. Food: Insects and larvae gleaned (picked) from leaves.
Florida Scrub-Jay
Description: Usually in small groups; seen perched on tops of low trees or in low flight between trees. Whitish forehead and pale gray-brown underparts. • All-blue wings and tail. May be found here yearround. Habitat: Uncommon and local in dry palmetto and oak scrub. Food: Variety of seeds, fruit, and Insects, but mainly acorns.
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..~dull -
f .~
Adult 9
Adult :i
hr rn.,, ~nd t!'
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Northern Flicker
Description: Large, with long, slightly downcurved bill. Brownish with black bars on back, spotted belly, and black breast-band. White rump and yellow underwing are noticeable in flight. Found here year round.
,ed cre~cent on nape ~- Habitat: Common and widespread in wooded areas
with openings. Food: Unlike other woodpeckers, this species forage largely on the ground, feeding on ants. ~
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Juvenile Uun-Scpl
~ wh;te edge
{ ' la rg.-..... white !>.pots
mostly yellow
bill
Adult t d :~,\'.' be10
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White collar
/;
dark bar,a
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Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Description: Mostly yellow bill, clean white underparts, and rufous primaries. Large, long tail with contrasting white spots. Found here year round. Habitat: Uncommon in woods, often in wet areas. Food: Feeds on caterpillars and other prey gleaned (picked) from branches and leaves.
Belted Kingfisher
Description: Often sits on lookout perch such as a wire or pole, and hovers over water to locate small fish before diving headfirst. Dark blue-gray above and mostly white below. Has a shaggy crest, large bill, and a white collar around neck. Mostly winters here, but common. Habitat: Uncommon but widespread around any sheltered open water with small fish. Commonly seen on Big Cypress and Brighton. Food: Fish.
>-r~lativcly short, l'larrowwings
Adult
.\dun P' mostly pale • \ undPrwi ng ', .·.
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Adult
--
dark head wi th weak eye-ring
Adult
" dusky I: "iJ,. "vest" l i1
dusky ~fJ/ smudge, ,
Eastern Kingbird
Description: Perches on any prominent open perch from which to watch for passing insects.
. ~;'J',:~~• Dark gray back and head, and dark, white-d"'' tipped tail. cap
gmy
Yery l.irge bili
crown dark
n
mask
wh ile breast
Summers here. Habitat: Common in semi-open habitats with mix of grassy fields and trees, such as orchards; often near water. Food: Insects.
Gray Kingbird
Description: Larger than Eastern Kingbird. Paler gray crown, whitish underwing coverts and lacks white tip on tail. Summers here. Habitat: Common locally among mangroves and other dense vegetation near coast. Food: Insects.
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Description: Dark head, faint white eye-ring, dusky breast, and white wing bars. · Migrates here. Habitat: Common in mature deciduous forests and forest edges. Food: Forages for small flying insects from conspicuous perch in middle to upper branches of trees.
1st winter Uun-Feb)
long broad bill
pa le below, o tt ,:.n yellow-tinged
narrow complete eye-ring
Acadian Flycatcher
Description: Large, long-billed, and long-winged . Pale and green coloring. Migrates here.
Adult ~
{ y~ Adult
Habitat: Common in mature lowland forests; generally in larger trees, and stays within forest canopy rather than edges or brushy vegetation. Food: Flying insects.
Adult
·,._,
gray nap~ (Ofll(dUS
withoh.,.e back
--.,
lstwinkr {lul -Fd1J ~.
broad dark mask
Loggerhead Shrike
Description: Dark broad mask over eyes and white wing patches; Dark gray above and below. Habitat: Uncommon and declining in open pastures and prairies with scattered bushes, hedgerows, and trees. -
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whil C' throcll
yt'l !ow-gre~ 11,,nh
\Yhitc iii~
bright yellow "ipt>ct,1de1
i~'.~, :; Food: Grasshoppers, and other insects, small ~~"' '' birds, and rodents.
White-eyed Vireo
Description: Adults have white iris. Grayish head, yellow-green flanks, and bright yellow around eyes. Found here year round. Habitat: Common in dense brush within or along edges of woods.; stays low within vegetation. Food: Insects and larvae.
