A Field Guide to Birds of North America

Birds inhabit every continent and are among the most diverse vertebrate groups on Earth. Birds occur on land, sea, and freshwater, and in virtually every habitat, from the lowest deserts to the highest mountains. Granted there are birds that are flightless but most birds can fly, and fly great distances during migrations to mate or just avoid cold weather. North American Arctic Terns fly about 24,000+ miles each year from Northern continents to Antarctica and in some cases non-stop. Another amazing fact about some migrating birds is they can also fly at extreme altitudes. Commercial pilots have been known to see Geese and Cranes at over 30,000 feet flying.

There are more than 10,000 different bird species around the world and of those, there are over 2,000 different Birds that call North America home.

Most of us will only see a fraction of them in our lifetime. Even fewer of us will recognize the many different species of birds. The best way to keep track of the birds you come across is with a camera. Below are photos of birds we have taken over the years, and have put a name and some details to them to help you out.

Last Updated: 3/10/24

COUNT: 124 - Stay tuned, more birds are to come with each outing.

Fearless Snake Hunter - The Roadrunner uses a bizarre method to hunt venomous snakes. It will fluff its feathers, spread its wings and taunt the snake to strike! The roadrunner tries to keep far enough away so that when the snake strikes, it may only graze the feathers, missing the skin. A Roadrunner will make a snake strike three or four times to wear it down or continue to taunt it until the striking stops. At that point, the Roadrunner uses its large bill as a weapon and strikes the snake's head a couple of times. Afterward, it picks up the snake and whips it around until dead. Bird Trivia ~Stan Tekiela

Head-Turners - No, owls cannot twist their heads all the way around, as some people think. With 14 vertebrae in their necks (people have half as many), owls can turn their heads to an incredible 280 degrees. Bird Trivia ~Stan Tekiela

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Mute Birds - While many birds are known for their wonderful songs, others are silent more often than not. Vultures, such as the Turkey Vultures, are mostly mute, making only occasional grunts and groans. Bird Trivia ~Stan Tekiela

The Rarest and the Longest-Lived - In North America,, there are fewer than 300 California Condors in the wild. This makes the condor our most uncommon bird. Condors live about 60 years in the wild. They live longer in captivity, with some reaching 80 years of age or more! Bird Trivia ~Stan Tekiela

Stay tuned, more birds are to come with each outing.

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