Birds of the RTP Estuary Center

Waterfowl • Pigeons & Doves • Nightjars • Swifts • Hummingbirds • Shorebirds • Gulls & Terns • Loons • Cormorants • Herons & Ergets • Raptors • Kingfishers • Woodpeckers • Flycatchers • Vireos • Crows, Jays, & Ravens • Chickadees & Titmice • Swallows • Kinglets & Gnatcatchers • Nuthatches & Treecreepers • Wrens • Starlings • Mockingbirds & Thrahers • Thrushes • Waxwings • Old World Sparrows • Finches • New World Sparrows • Blackbirds • Wood-Warblers • Cardinals, Grosbeaks, & Allies

Waterfowl

Canada Goose – Branta canadensis
Description: One of the most well-known birds in North America, this large goose has a black neck and head, with a white chin strap. The body is all brown, with a pale chest and white undertail.
Habitat: Found along the river and marsh, as well as feeding on nearby lawns.
Diet: Feed on grasses, seeds, berries, skunk cabbage leaves, aquatic vegetation.

Mute Swan – Cygnus olor
Description: A large waterfowl that was introduced into North America for ornamental purposes now has become established and is displacing native waterfowl. It is large, all white and has a long neck. Adults have bright red bills and black lores above the bill.
Habitat: Found along the river and marsh, often found in pairs
Diet: Feeds on aquatic vegetation, frogs, tadpoles, snails, insects, mollusks

Photo by Paul J. Fusco.

Wood Duck – Aix sponsa
Description: A small, beautiful duck that is named for its ability to nest in tree cavities. Males have green heads and have blue and brown markings on the body with black and white lines all over the neck and wings. Females are all brown, have white spectacles around the eyes, and have blue with white markings on the wings.
Habitat: Found along the river and marsh
Diet: Feeds on seeds, berries, and small insects

Mallard – Anas platyrhynchos
Description: The most widely and well-known duck in the world. Males are characterized by their green heads and the bright blue patch on the wings. Females are mottled brown, but also have the blue patch on their wings. Wing patches are bordered with white.
Habitat: Found along the river and marsh
Diet: Feeds on aquatic vegetation, insects, earthworms

Photo by Dick Daniels/carolinabirds.org.

American Black Duck – Anas rubripes
Description: Often mixed with Mallards in shallow wetland habitats. Similar in size and shape to Mallards, but darker overall, with olive-yellow bills. Purple wing patches are bordered with black.
Habitat: Found along the river and marsh
Diet: Feed on aquatic vegetation, aquatic insects, occasionally mollusks, crustaceans, and fish

Hooded Merganser – Lophodytes cucullatus
Description: A small diving duck with a thin bill, the males have large black and white crests with chestnut sides and white chests. Females are brownish-gray overall with a reddish-brown crest. Both males and females can raise and lower their crests.
Habitat: Found along the river and marsh
Diet: Feed on small fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic vegetation

Photo by Kristen Perillo

Common Merganser – Mergus merganser
Description: Large, streamlined diving ducks with long, orange-red bills. Males are mostly white, with a dark back and green head. Females are gray with reddish-brown heads, white chin patch and small, shaggy crests. Females have stark contrast between head and neck colors.
Habitat: Found along the river and marsh
Diet: Feed on fish, aquatic invertebrates, frogs, small birds and mammals, plants

Photograph by Patrick Comins

Red-breasted Merganser – Mergus serrator
Description: A medium sized diving duck with the nickname “Sawbill”, owing to their long, orange-red bills. Males have dark green heads, a white neck band, and cinnamon chests. Females are brownish gray overall, with dingy chest and brown heads. Both males and females have thin, shaggy crests.
Habitat: Found along the river and marsh
Diet: Feed on small fish, crustaceans, insects, tadpoles

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Pigeons & Doves

Rock Pigeon – Columba livia
Description: One of the most ubiquitous birds world-wide, Rock Pigeons (often known simply as Pigeons) are in introduced species in North America. While they come dazzling array of colors, the most common coloration is mostly gray with two dark wing bars, blue-gray head, and iridescent neck.
Habitat: Found flying near and over the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on berries, seeds, human provided food, occasionally invertebrates

Photo by Richard Stone

Mourning Dove – Zenaida macroura
Description: The lamenting, mournful calls and the wing-whistles in flight of these doves are common sounds in North America. They are grayish-brown above, peach-colored below, with black spots on the back and light blue eye rings. In flight note the long, fan-shaped tail.
Habitat: Can be found almost anywhere on the sanctuary, often near the feeders
Diet: Feed primarily on seeds

Nightjars

Common Nighthawk – Chordeiles minor
Description: Common Nighthawks are expert flyers, picking insects out of midair with incredible maneuverability. They are slender birds with long wings, prominent white patches under and on top of the wings, and notched tails.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on flying insects

Swifts

Chimney Swift – Chaetura pelagica
Description: These small insectivores cut a distinct silhouette, with their gray-brown, tube-shaped body, and thin, swept back wings. Fly with stiff, quick wingbeats, and can often be heard chattering overhead. Named for their behavior of communally nesting in chimneys.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on flying insects

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Hummingbirds

Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Archilochus colubris
Description: Eastern North America’s only breeding hummingbird, the tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s is a welcome sight in any backyard. Males and females are iridescent green above and gray below. Males have black masks, and red throats that can appear black depending on the light.
Habitat: Found in the gardens, at the feeders, and along the edges of the inland wetland, especially feeding from Jewelweed
Diet: Feed primarily on nectar, but also gnats, mosquitoes, fruit flies, spiders

Shorebirds

Photograph by Phil Brown.

American Woodcock – Scolopax minor
Description: This stocky shorebird is usually found away from the shore. Its mottled brown back blends in perfectly to leaf litter, where it uses its long straight bill to probe for insects. It’s buffy-brown below with a grayish collar.
Habitat: Found in the inland wetland
Diet: Feed on earthworms and other invertebrates, a small amount of plant matter

Willet – Tringa semipalmata
Description: These large shorebirds are among the most common in the Northeast, and among the noisiest. They are all gray with barring on the chest and back, with white undertail. In flight, note bold black and white pattern on the wings.
Habitat: Found along the marsh, especially at low tide feeding on the edges
Diet: Feed on aquatic beetles, fish, spiders, crabs

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Gulls & Terns

Ring-billed Gull – Larus delawarensis
Description: These small gulls are comfortable around humans, often seen in parking lots and landfills, sometimes far from water. They have light gray backs with black wingtips, yellow legs, and shorter bills with a dark band near the end. Non-breeding adults have slight streaking on the top of their head.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary or on the river
Diet: Feed on fish, insects, grains, rodents. Will also scavenge

Herring Gull – Larus argentatus
Description: One of the most well-known gulls in North America along the coast. A large gull with pale gray back, clean white below, and black wingtips. They have pale pink legs and a red spot on the lower part of their bill near the end. Non-breeding adults have streaking on the head and neck.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary or on the river
Diet: Feed on marine invertebrates, fish, insects, small birds, eggs, clams, mussels. Will also scavenge

Great Black-backed Gull – Larus marinus
Description: The largest gull in the world, and one of the top predators along the east coast of North America. Large white head, heavy bill with red spot towards end on lower mandible. Dark slate-gray above, with dark wingtips and pale pink legs.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary or on the river
Diet: Feed on mussels, crabs, marine invertebrates, fish, birds. Will also scavenge

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Loons

Photograph by Patrick Comins.

Red-throated Loon – Gavia stellata
Description: The smallest loon in the world, the Red-throated Loon is also the most widely distributed. Here in CT, we only see them in non-breeding plumage. Look for a small, slightly upturned bill (thinner than Common Loon), and more white on the throat and face.
Habitat: Found in the river
Diet: Feed on fish, leeches, crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic insects

Cormorants

Double-crested Cormorant – Nannopterum auritum
Description: A large, longed necked aquatic bird that dives under the water to pursue and spear fish with their bills. They are jet black with yellow bills and have bright blue eyes. Named from the tufts of feathers on their heads during the breeding season.
Habitat: Found in the river
Diet: Feed on fish and crustaceans

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Herons & Egrets

Photo by Karen Christman

Great Blue Heron – Ardea herodias
Description: One of North America’s most commonly seen wetland bird, the Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird. They are named for their greyish blue feathers and have white faces with black tufts on their heads and a large yellow-orange bill. In the breeding season they develop plumes on their back and neck.
Habitat: Found along the riverside and in the marsh
Diet: Feed on almost any small animal, fish, crustaceans, amphibians

Photo by Patrick J. Lynch

Great Egret – Adrea alba
Description: A large bright white wading bird, slightly smaller than a Great Blue Heron. They have a heavy yellow-orange bill, and dark legs and feet. In the breeding season they develop showy plumes that are used in courtship dipslays.
Habitat: Found along the riverside and in the marsh
Diet: Feed on small fish, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, small birds and mammals

Snowy Egret – Egretta thula
Description: A small, slender egret that uses its bright yellow feet to stir up aquatic animals. Smaller in size than Great Egrets, with black bills and legs, and yellow lores. In the breeding season they develop long plumes on their head, neck, and back.
Habitat: Found along the riverside and in the marsh
Diet: Feed on fish, frogs, worms, crustaceans, insects. Very active hunters

Little Blue Heron – Egretta caerulea
Description: A small, secretive heron of wetlands. Adults are slate-blue overall, with purplish heads. Juveniles are all white, similar to Snowy Egret, but note bill and leg colors. All ages have greenish yellow legs and bicolored bills (darker at tip).
Habitat: Found along the riverside and in the marsh
Diet: Feed on small fish, amphibians, crustaceans, insects. Less active hunters than Snowy Egrets

Green Heron – Butorides virescens
Description: A striking, stocky heron that hunts from the shore and has been known to use bait to catch fish. They are dark green on the back and top of the head, with chestnut neck and chest. Thick necks are often drawn into their bodies.
Habitat: Found along the riverside and in the marsh
Diet: Feed on small fish, insects, spiders, crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, rodents

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Raptors

Black Vulture – Coragypes atratus
Description: Black Vultures have expanded their range north and are now common year-round residents in CT. Usually seen in flight, look for a black head and body, silvery wingtips, and a short tail. Usually flies with wings flatter than Turkey Vulture, and with snappier wingbeats.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary, marsh, and river
Diet: Scavenge for carrion. Often seen in groups at larger carcasses

Turkey Vulture – Cathartes aura
Description: A large soaring bird that often holds its wings in a pronounced “V” shape in flight. Look for a black body contrasting with silvery under wings and tail, and bright red head. Juveniles have gray heads.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary, marsh, and river
Diet: Scavenge for carrion, which they find by sight and smell. Often seen in groups at larger carcasses

Osprey – Pandion haliaetus
Description: A common sight along the CT shore in summer, diving talons first into the water to catch fish. Brown back and wings, with white underparts. Head is mostly white, with brown eye line and strongly hooked beak. Often hold their wings in an “M” shape in flight.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary, marsh, and river, and nesting on the platform over the marsh
Diet: Feeds almost exclusively on fish

Sharp-shinned Hawk – Accipiter striatus
Description: The smallest hawk in the United States. Long tail with squared off end and black and white bands. Small head often gives a “bug-eyed” appearance. Red-orange bars on chest, gray above. In flight, small head appears pushed behind front of wings.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary or perched in trees around the edge. Check trees near feeders
Diet: Feed mostly on songbirds, occasionally small rodents, moths, grasshoppers

Cooper’s Hawk – Accipiter cooperii
Description: Often seen terrorizing backyard feeders, Cooper’s Hawks make for a tough ID when compared to the smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk. Look for a rounded tail edge in flight and at rest. Larger, square head with a capped look. In flight, head often protrudes beyond wing edges.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary or perched in trees around the edge. Check trees near feeders
Diet: Feed primarily on small birds, occasionally mammals

Bald Eagle – Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Description: The national emblem of the United States, the Bald Eagle is one of the largest birds in North America. Adults have all brown bodies with white heads and tails, and large yellow bills. Younger birds are all brown with varying amounts of white underneath.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary or perched in trees near the river
Diet: Feed primarily on fish, but will eat birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and will scavenge

Red-shouldered Hawk – Buteo lineatus
Description: A medium-sized forest hawk, often found near water. Reddish-brown on the throat and chest, black and white above. In flight, look for black and white barring under the wings and on the tail.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary or perched in trees
Diet: Feed on small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, occasionally small birds

Photo by Vincent P. Lucas

Broad-winged Hawk – Buteo platypterus
Description: A small forest hawk, most often seen soaring overhead during migration. Barred underparts with brown head and back. In flight, look for dark outline on trailing edge of wings, black and white barring on tail (bars are wider than those of Red-shouldered Hawk).
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on small mammals, amphibians, insects

Photo by Stefan Martin

Red-tailed Hawk – Buteo jamaicensis
Description: The most common hawk in North America. Mostly pale below, with a dark belly band and white throat. The wing tips and trailing edges of wings are dark. Adults have characteristic red tail, while juveniles have lightly barred tails.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary or perched in trees
Diet: Feed primarily on mammals, also birds, snakes, carrion

Photo by Dick Daniels

American Kestrel – Falco sparverius
Description: The smallest falcon in North America, about the size of a Mourning Dove. Males have slate-blue cap and wings and are rusty above. Females are rusty overall, with black barring on wings and back. Both have two black slashes on the face. Often bobs tail when perched.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary or perched in trees around the edges
Diet: Feed on insects, invertebrates, small rodents and birds

Merlin – Falco columbarius
Description: These small, speedy falcons take their prey by surprise with their speed. Stocky falcons, with blocky heads that have a pale eyebrow. Males are dark gray overall, with heavy dark streaking underneath. Females are browner overall.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary or perched in trees around the edges
Diet: Feed primarily on birds, also large insects, bats, small mammals

Photo by Scott Kruitbosch

Peregrine Falcon – Falco peregrinus
Description: The fastest animal in the world, reaching speeds of up to 242 mph. A larger falcon, dark gray above with a dark gray helmet (often look like “sideburns”), white throat with barring on belly and flanks. In flight, look for long, pointed wings with black and white checkered pattern.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary
Diet: Feed primarily on birds. Also eat bats, and will steal food from other raptors.

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Kingfishers

Belted Kingfisher – Megaceryle alcyon
Description: Often heard before it’s seen, the rattling call of the Belted Kingfisher is a common sound around waterbodies in CT. Blue-gray above and white below, with white collar, shaggy crest, and large bill. Females have chestnut colored belly band and flanks, both males and females have blue-gray band across chest.
Habitat: Found flying over the marsh and river, or perched on nearby trees
Diet: Feed primarily on fish, also crustaceans, mollusks, insects, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, young birds, berries

Woodpeckers

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – Sphyrapicus varius
Description: An even row of small holes encircling a tree is a sure sign of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Black and white above, with underparts that range from white to pale yellow. Large white wing patch on side of wings. Males have red crown and throat, females just red crowns.
Habitat: Found on trees throughout the sanctuary
Diet: Feed primarily on sap, and the insects that are trapped in their sap wells. Also feed on flying insects

Red-bellied Woodpecker – Melanerpes carolinus
Description: A seemingly misnamed woodpecker, the Red-bellied does in fact have a red underneath, though it’s often difficult to see. Black and white barring above, pale below. Males and females have red napes, males also have red crowns.
Habitat: Found on trees throughout the sanctuary. Occasionally seen on the feeders
Diet: Feeds on insects, spiders, nuts, seeds, berries. Occasionally lizards, nestling birds, small fish

Photo by Brian Bennett.

Downy Woodpecker – Dryobates pubescens
Description: The smallest woodpecker in North America. Black and white striped head with small bill. Black and white above,, white below, with white spots on wings. Small black spots on the outer tail feathers. Males have red napes
Habitat: Found on trees throughout the sanctuary. Occasionally seen on the feeders
Diet: Feed on insects, berries, seeds, nuts

Hairy Woodpecker – Dryobates villosus
Description: Very similar to Downy Woodpecker, but larger overall with larger bill, Plumage identical to Downy Woodpeckers, but lacking black spots on outer tail feathers. Usually forages on larger branches and trunks of trees.
Habitat: Found on trees throughout the sanctuary. Occasionally seen on the feeders
Diet: Feed on insects, fruit, seeds

Photo by P. Vertefeuille

Pileated Woodpecker – Dryocopus pileatus
Description: The largest woodpecker in North America, almost crow sized, with a huge bill. Mostly black, with white stripes that go down the face and neck. In flight look for white underwings and white stripes on top of wings. Both males and females have red crests, males also have red stripe on the cheek.
Habitat: Found on trees throughout the sanctuary
Diet: Feeds primarily on ants, also beetle larvae, termites, flies, caterpillars, fruits, nuts

Northern Flicker – Colaptes auratus
Description: A large woodpecker, often seen foraging on the ground. Mostly brown, with black bib, spotted belly, and yellow under the wings and tail. Males and females have red napes, males also have black “whiskers” behind the bill.
Habitat: Found on trees throughout the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on ants, beetles, fruits, seeds

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Flycatchers

Eastern Wood-Pewee – Contopus virens
Description: A medium-sized flycatcher named for its characteristic “Pewee” call. Grayish overall, with peaked crown and two white wing bars, and a long tail and wings. From the front looks like it’s wearing a dusky “vest”
Habitat: Found along the edges of the sanctuary in trees, often hawking insects
Diet: Feed on flies, butterflies, moths, bees, beetles, crickets, small amounts of berries & seeds

Photo by Stefan Martin

Willow Flycatcher – Empidonax traillii
Description: A small flycatcher best identified by its raspy “fitz-bew” call. Brownish olive overall, with a slight yellow wash below. Two white wing bars and a white throat. Very narrow eyering that is sometimes nonexistent.
Habitat: Found along the edges of the inland wetland and river, often hawking insects
Diet: Feed on bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths, flies, occasionally berries

Photo by Kelly Siranko

Eastern Phoebe – Sayornis phoebe
Description: One of the most familiar flycatchers, known for its “Phoebe” call. Grayish brown above with darker head, whitish below with yellow wash, no wing bars. Large head with dark bill. Often pumps tail when perched.
Habitat: Found perched in trees and shrubs around the sanctuary, especially near water, often hawking insects
Diet: Feed on wasps, beetles, dragonflies, moths, flies, spiders, ticks, occasionally fruit & seeds

Great Crested Flycatcher – Myiarchus crinitus
Description: A large, brightly colored flycatcher, and the only eastern flycatcher that nests in cavities. Rusty primary and tail feathers, bright yellow belly that contrasts with gray head, throat, and back. Large head with peaked crown.
Habitat: Found perched throughout the sanctuary, especially in more wooded portions, often high up in trees
Diet: Feed on butterflies and moths, beetles, wasps, flies, spiders, berries

Eastern Kingbird – Tyrannus tyrannus
Description: A large, assertive flycatcher, often seen harassing larger birds such as crows and hawks. Dark gray above with blackish head, clean white below with white tips to tail feathers
Habitat: Found perched throughout the sanctuary, especially near water
Diet: Feed on bees, wasps, ants, beetles, crickets, flies, berries

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Vireos

White-eyed Vireo – Vireo griseus
Description: Small songbird that is often difficult to locate in thick brush. Often heard more than seen. Gray head with thick, slightly hooked bill, white eye outlined by yellow “spectacles”. Olive green back, yellow flanks, with white throat.
Habitat: Found in brushy areas of the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on caterpillars, moths and butterflies, beetles, wasps, ants, spiders, berries

Blue-headed Vireo – Vireo solitarius
Description: A beautiful Vireo with distinct, bold white “spectacles”. Blue-gray head, olive-green back with yellow flanks and clean white below. Two whitish wing bars on darker wings.
Habitat: Found perched in trees around the sanctuary, especially conifers, and in brushy areas
Diet: Feed on moths and butterflies, beetles, bees, ants, dragonflies, crickets, fruit

Photo by Brian Bennet

Warbling Vireo – Vireo gilvus
Description: A small, drab songbird with a beautiful rolling song. Grayish brown above, white below with a yellow wash, brightest on the flanks. Gray cap with weak eyeline, weaker than in other similar vireos, highlighting dark eye.
Habitat: Seen in trees and brush in the inland wetland and near the river
Diet: Feed on beetles, bugs, bees, ants, wasps, spiders, berries, fruit

Photo by Frank Mantlik.

Red-eyed Vireo – Vireo olivaceus
Description: One of the most common songbirds in Eastern forests, often heard more than seen, where it sings incessantly from tree tops. Olive-green above, white below. Dark cap with a strong dark eye line and pale eyebrow. Red eye often difficult to see depending on lighting.
Habitat: Found in trees throughout the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on caterpillars, moths, beetles, flies, bees, ants, spiders, berries, seeds, leaf buds

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Crows, Jays, & Ravens

Photo by Richard Stone

Blue Jay – Cyanocitta cristata
Description: One of the most well-known songbirds in North America, and one of the most striking. Bright blue above and white below with grayish belly, prominent crest and black necklace. Wings and tail have black barring.
Habitat: Found throughout the sanctuary, often at the feeders
Diet: Feed on nuts, seeds, grains, small vertebrates, occasionally eggs and nestlings

American Crow – Corvus brachyrhynchos
Description: A familiar bird throughout North America. Large, all black bird with slight gloss to feathers, with a large thick bill. Highly intelligent, will often mob and chase off birds of prey.
Habitat: Found throughout the sanctuary, often feeding on the ground in small groups
Diet: Feed on grains, seeds, fruits, small animals, insects, nests & nestlings, carrion. Will scavenge

Fish Crow – Corvus ossifragus
Description: Often found near bodies of water, and tough to differentiate with American Crows. Best distinguished from American Crows by voice. Fish crows have higher, more nasally calls the American. Slightly smaller in size, though tough to use in the field.
Habitat: Found throughout the sanctuary, less frequently than American Crows
Diet: Feed on fruit, seeds, grain, carrion, eggs & nestlings, crabs, marine invertebrates, turtle eggs. Will scavenge

Photo by Gilles Carter.

Common Raven – Corvus corax
Description: The largest songbird in the world. Much larger than crows, with thicker bill and neck, shaggy neck feathers. Often soar during flight, look for wedge-shaped tail. Deeper voice than crows, though makes a variety of sounds.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary, occasionally roosting in trees along the edge
Diet: Feed on carrion, small mammals, birds, eggs, insects, fish, grains, berries. Will scavenge

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Chickadees & Titmice

Black-capped Chickadee – Poecile atricapillus
Description: A small bird iconic for its call “Chicka-dee-dee-dee”. They have a namesake black caps, and black throats. They have a streak of white that goes from their beaks to the back of their heads and have a white breast with beige flanks.
Habitat: Found everywhere throughout the sanctuary, often visits the feeders.
Diet: Eats seeds, berries, and insects. Readily takes food from bird feeders.

Photo by Karen Gallo

Tufted Titmouse – Baeolophus bicolor
Description: A small charismatic songbird that is abundant throughout the east coast. Slightly bigger than a chickadee, is entirely gray except for an orange patch on the flanks and a black patch above the beak. Often seen with its gray crest raised.
Habitat: Found everywhere throughout the sanctuary, often visits the feeders.
Diet: Eats seeds, berries, and insects. Readily takes food from bird feeders.

Swallows

Northern Rough-winged Swallow – Stelgidopteryx seripennis
Description: A drab swallow named for the hooks on the outer edges of their wings, which are not seen in the field. Entirely brown above, pale below, with dingy wash on throat and flanks. Square tail. Juveniles also have brownish wingbars.
Habitat: Found flying over the river
Diet: Feed on small flying insects in midair, or from the water’s surface

Photo by Melissa Groo

Tree Swallow – Tachycineta bicolor
Description: A beautiful swallow named for its behavior of nesting in tree cavities. Adults are iridescent blue-green above and white below, with black primary feathers. Juveniles are mostly brown with small white rump crescents. Squared or slightly notched tail.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary and over the river. Occasionally on trees in the wetland
Diet: Feed on flying insects, spiders, mollusks, berries

Photo by Patrick Comins.

Barn Swallow – Hirundo rustica
Description: The most abundant and widespread swallow in the world. Dark blue above, with 9dark rusty forehead and throat, and light rusty wash below. In flight look for long forked tail with white band across the end.
Habitat: Found flying over the sanctuary and over the river. Occasionally on trees in the wetland
Diet: Feed on flies, beetles, bees, wasps, ants, butterflies, moths

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Kinglets & Gnatcatchers

Photo by Gilles Carter.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet – Corthylio calendula
Description: A tiny, highly energetic songbird that is constantly on the move. Olive-green overall, with white and white wingbar, and prominent white eyering. Ruby crowned is not often seen, usually only raised when the bird is excited, though sometimes seen as red spot on the top of the head.
Habitat: Found in the brushy areas of the sanctuary, especially the wetlands
Diet: Feed on spiders, aphids, bees, wasps, ants, bark beetles, seeds, fruit

Golden-crowned Kinglet – Regulus satrapa
Description: One of the smallest songbirds in North America, not much larger than a hummingbird. Grayish overall, with black and white wingbars and yellow on the wingtips. Face is black and white striped, with bright orange-yellow crown bordered by black.
Habitat: Found in the brushy areas of the sanctuary, especially the wetlands, and around the sunken garden in the conifers
Diet: Feed on springtails, crickets, lice, beetles, bees, wasps, spiders, mites, butterflies, seeds

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher – Polioptila caerulea
Description: A small, long-tailed songbird whose soft calls are often heard before the bird is seen. Blue-gray above and white below, with prominent white eye ring and outer tail feathers. Males have a black “V” on the foreheads giving them an angry look.
Habitat: Found in trees throughout the sanctuary, but especially near the wetlands
Diet: Feed on small insects, spiders, caterpillars, grasshoppers

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Nuthatches & Treecreepers

Photo by Scott Kruitbosch

Red-breasted Nuthatch – Sitta canadensis
Description: A small songbird seen foraging upside-down on tree trunks and branches. Black crown and eye line, with a white eyebrow and throat. Blue-gray above, rusty red below. Females are paler overall. Calls are more nasally than White-breasted Nuthatch.
Habitat: Found in trees around the sanctuary, especially conifer trees
Diet: Feed on caterpillars, spiders, ants, seeds

Photo by Sharon Cuartero

White-breasted Nuthatch – Sitta carolinensis
Description: A common backyard bird that probes crevices in bark for insects. White cheeks, throat and belly, with a black cap and forehead. Blue-gray above, with rusty spots near the tail. Females similar, but cap and forehead are grayer.
Habitat: Found on trees throughout the sanctuary. Will visit feeders
Diet: Feed on beetles, ants, caterpillars, stinkbugs, spiders, seeds, nuts

Brown Creeper – Certhia americana
Description: A tiny, delicate songbird that moves woodpecker-like up trees. Long tail, with long slightly decurved bill. Mottled brown above and white below. Usually only moves up a tree, not down like a nuthatch.
Habitat: Found on trees throughout the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on insects, insect larvae and eggs, small amounts of seeds and plant matter

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Wrens

House Wren – Troglodytes aedon
Description: A plain brown songbird with a bubbly song, usually seen moving around in the underbrush. Brown overall, with paler throat and black barring on wings and tail. Often holds tail erect.
Habitat: Found in brushy areas around the sanctuary, especially the wetland and near sunken garden
Diet: Feed on beetles, caterpillars, flies, leafhoppers, snails

Winter Wren – Troglodytes hiemalis
Description: A tiny, energetic songbird with a surprisingly long-winded song. Brown overall, with barring on the wings, tail, and belly. More barring on the flanks and shorter tail than House Wren, with not as much contrast in paler throat.
Habitat: Found in brushy areas of the sanctuary, especially near the wetland
Diet: Feed on beetles, ants, flies, caterpillars, spiders, berries

Marsh Wren – Cistothorus palustris
Description: A noisy wetland bird, usually seen perched between two stalks of vegetation. Rusty brown above, paler below. Black and white streaks on back, pale eyebrow. Black and white barring at the end of a short tail
Habitat: Found along the edges of the marsh, often heard more than seen
Diet: Feed on insects and spiders

Carolina Wren – Thryothorus ludovicianus
Description: One of the most well-known backyard bird, known for its loud vocalizations. Brown above, paler reddish brown below, with white throat and strong white eyebrow. Black barring on wings and tail.
Habitat: Found in brushy habitats throughout the sanctuary, will visit feeders
Diet: Feed on spiders, caterpillars, moths, beetles, grasshoppers, seeds, fruit, rarely small frogs and reptiles

Starlings

Photo by Twan Leenders

European Starling – Sturnus vulgaris
Description: Introduced to North America in the late 1800’s, European Starlings are now one of the most numerous birds on the continent. Breeding birds are black overall, with an iridescent sheen and yellow bills. Non-breeding birds have darker bills and spots below
Habitat: Found throughout the sanctuary, perched in trees or feeding on grounds, usually in large numbers. Will visit feeders
Diet: Feed on insects, berries & fruit, grains, seeds, nectar

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Mockingbirds & Thrashers

Gray Catbird – Dumetella carolinensis
Description: A secretive songbird named for its soft, cat-like mew calls. Gray overall with a darker cap and red undertail. Occasionally mimics calls and songs of other birds
Habitat: Found mostly in the brush along the wetland
Diet: Feed on ants, beetles, caterpillars, moths, berries

Photo by Karen Gallo

Northern Mockingbird – Mimus polyglottos
Description: Known for its endless singing, usually stringing together songs of numerous different birds. Gray above, pale below, with a dark line in front of the eye, two white wing bars, and a long tail. In flight, look for bright white wings patches.
Habitat: Found mostly in the brush along the wetland, sometimes perched in the open
Diet: Feed on beetles, earthworms, moths, ants, bees, grasshoppers, berries, sap

Thrushes

Eastern Bluebird – Sialia sialis
Description: An iconic songbird often seen perching out in the open before hunting for insects. Males are bright blue above, rusty below, with white under the tail. Females are grayer overall, with lighter red underneath. Juveniles have spotting on their chest and back.
Habitat: Found throughout the sanctuary, but especially along the edges perched in trees
Diet: Feed on caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, spiders, berries, rarely small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians

Veery – Catharus fuscescens
Description: Named for the “veer” notes that make up its ethereal song. Cinnamon brown above, white below, with indistinct spotting on the throat on a light brown throat. Least distinct spots of the “spotted” thrushes.
Habitat: Found in brushy areas of the sanctuary, especially near the wetland
Diet: Feed on beetles, ants, wasps, caterpillars, flies, fruit, occasionally small amphibians

Photo by Gilles Carter.

Swainson’s Thrush – Catharus ustulatus
Description: A secretive thrush, whose “peep” calls could be mistaken for a frog’s in the fall. Olive-brown above, white below, with distinct buffy eye ring that gives it a spectacle look. Brown spots on a buffy chest.
Habitat: Found in brushy areas of the sanctuary, especially near the wetland
Diet: Feed on beetles, caterpillars, flies, grasshoppers, ants, berries

Photo by Karen Gallo

Hermit Thrush – Catharus guttatus
Description: The only spotted thrush seen in CT in the winter. Brown above with distinct red tail that it sometimes bobs slightly. Pale underneath, with spots on the throat and breast. Thin white eye ring.
Habitat: Found in brushy areas of the sanctuary, especially near the wetland
Diet: Feed on beetles, caterpillars, bees, flies, berries, occasionally small reptiles and amphibians

American Robin – Turdus migratorius
Description: One of the most common birds in North America, and the state bird of CT. Slate gray back with darker head, dark rusty belly, and white undertail. Females are often paler overall than males
Habitat: Found throughout the habitat, often in trees or feeding in open spaces
Diet: Feed on earthworms, insects, snails, fruits, occasionally small mammals and reptiles

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Waxwings

Courtesy of Patrick J. Lynch.

Cedar Waxwing – Bombycilla cedrorum
Description: A beautifully colored bird named its colored wingtips that look wax dipped. Black face mask with a shaggy crest. Tan head and breast, with yellow below. Wings have red tips and the tail has a yellow tip, but can vary depending on diet, sometimes appearing more orange.
Habitat: Found in trees throughout the sanctuary, especially in the wetland
Diet: Feed primarily on fruit, supplemented with insects for protein

Old World Sparrows

Photo by Dick Daniels

House Sparrow – Passer domesticus
Description: Introduced to North America in the mid 1800’s, now one of the most common wild birds on the continent. Males are brown above with a chestnut head and gray crown, and a black bib. Females are brown overall, dingy gray below, with striped backs.
Habitat: Found in brushy areas of the sanctuary, especially near the feeders and along edges
Diet: Feed on seeds, grains, insects

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Finches

Photo by Alan D. Wilson

Evening Grosbeak – Coccothraustes vespertinus
Description: An irruptive species, whose distribution changes year to year. Males are mostly yellow, with black and white wings, dark gray heads, and a yellow eyebrow. Females are mostly gray, with black and white wings and yellow tinge to neck and flanks. Thick, yellow-green conical bills.
Habitat: Found perched in the tops of trees around the sanctuary or flying overhead
Diet: Feed on spruce budworm, caterpillars, aphids, seeds, fruits

Photo by Karen Gallo

House Finch – Haemorhous mexicanus
Description: Introduced into the eastern United States from the western United States. Males are red on the face and upper chest, with streaks on the backs and flanks. Females are brown overall with streaking on the chest and sides.
Habitat: Found throughout the sanctuary, especially near the feeders
Diet: Feed on seeds, buds, fruit

Photo by Patrick Comins

Purple Finch – Haemorhous purpureus
Description: Roger Tory Peterson described these birds as “a sparrow dipped in raspberry juice.” Males have red head, breast and back, usually redder than House Finches, with no streaking underneath. Females have coarser streaks than female House Finches, with a whitish eyebrow and dark cheek line.
Habitat: Found in the brushy areas of the sanctuary, especially near the wetland
Diet: Feed on seeds, buds, nectar, fruit, insects

Pine Siskin – Spinus pinus
Description: Irruptive finches whose distribution depends largely on their northern food resources. Strongly pointed bill and short, notched tail. Brown overall, with strong streaking, and a slight yellow wash to the wing edges and tail.
Habitat: Found in brushy areas of the sanctuary and perched in trees, possibly at feeders
Diet: Feed on seeds, buds, leaves, insects, spiders

Photo by Karen Gallo

American Goldfinch – Spinus tristis
Description: A common backyard bird, listen for its “potato chip” call in flight. Breeding males are bright yellow, with black wings and forehead. Non-breeding males are browner, with lighter yellow head. Females are drabber overall, with more of an olive-yellow coloration.
Habitat: Found throughout the sanctuary, visits feeders
Diet: Feed almost exclusively on seeds

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New World Sparrows

Chipping Sparrow – Spizella passerina
Description: A small, crisp looking sparrow with an insect like trilling song. Adults have bright rusty crowns, a dark eye line that goes through the eye, and an unstreaked gray belly. Non-breeding adults and juvenile birds are paler overall, with more of a brown cap.
Habitat: Found throughout the sanctuary, often feeding on the ground in small groups
Diet: Feed on seeds, insects, small fruits

Field Sparrow – Spizella pusilla
Description: A warmly colored sparrow with a “bouncy-ball” trilling song. Pink bill, gray face with a strong white eye ring. Rusty crown, unstreaked buffy gray below. Juveniles lack rusty crown and have streaking below.
Habitat: Found along the brushy edges of the sanctuary, especially near the river
Diet: Feed on seeds, butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers, spiders, snails

American Tree Sparrow – Spizelloides arborea
Description: A winter sparrow, replacing the similar looking Chipping Sparrows that are here in summer. Gray underneath, with rusty cap and eye line. Chipping sparrows have dark eye line. Sometimes shows a dark smudge in the center of unstreaked breast. Note bicolored bill.
Habitat: Found throughout the sanctuary, especially brushy areas
Diet: Feed on seeds, berries, insects

Fox Sparrow – Passerella iliaca
Description: A large sparrow named for its beautiful red plumage. Reddish brown overall, with coarse streaks underneath. Gray face with a red cheek, and a yellow bill that often shows a grayish tinge above.
Habitat: Found in the brush of the wetland
Diet: Feed on beetles, caterpillars, ants, bees, spiders, seeds, fruits, buds

Photo by Brian Bennett

Dark-eyed Junco – Junco hyemalis
Description: This “snowbird” comes in many different subspecies. Here in the Eastern US the most common is the Slate-colored. Males are dark gray above, white below, with white outer tail feathers and pink bill. Females are variable, but tend to be browner overall.
Habitat: Found throughout the sanctuary, often visits feeders
Diet: Feed primarily on seeds, also beetles, moths, caterpillars, ants, flies

White-throated Sparrow – Zonotrichia albicollis
Description: One of the few birds singing in winter, listen for its “Oh-sweet-Canada” song. Black crown with white stripe, yellow spot over eye, and bright white throat. Eyebrow ranges from white to tan. Gray below with faint streaks
Habitat: Found throughout the sanctuary, especially brushy areas. Visits feeders
Diet: Feed on seeds, fruits, dragonflies, beetles, flies, caterpillars, spiders, snails

Savannah Sparrow – Passerculus sandwichensis
Description: A sharp looking sparrow of open habitats. Crisp steaks on breast, finer than a Song Sparrows, that don’t usually converge on a center spot on the chest. Yellow spot over the eye.
Habitat: Found mostly in open areas of the sanctuary, occasionally brushy areas
Diet: Feed on beetles, grasshoppers, spiders, millipedes, seeds

Photo by Patrick Comins.

Song Sparrow – Melospiza melodia
Description: One of the most familiar sparrows in North America. Coarse streaks on breast usually converge into a dark central spot. Reddish crown stripe and eye line. Broad buffy mustache. Note relatively long tail.
Habitat: Found throughout the habitat, especially in brushy areas. Visits feeders
Diet: Feed on beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, spiders, earthworms, seeds, fruit, grains

Swamp Sparrow – Melospiza georgiana
Description: A medium-sized, dark sparrow of wetland habitats. Gray face with dark rusty cap and eye line. Reddish brown above, gray below, with paler throat and buffy flanks. Throat doesn’t appear as white as a White-throated Sparrow.
Habitat: Found in the brushy areas of the sanctuary near the wetland
Diet:- Feed on ants, bees, beetles, caterpillars, aphids, crickets, berries, seeds

Photo by Lea Kessler Shaw

Eastern Towhee – Pipilo erythrophthalmus
Description: A large sparrow named for its distinct “Towhee” call. Males are black above with black head and throat, reddish sides, and white belly and outer tail feathers. Females are brown where the males are black.
Habitat: Found in the brushy areas of the sanctuary near the wetland
Diet: Feed on insects, spiders, snails, seeds, fruits

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Blackbirds

Eastern Meadowlark – Sturnella magna
Description: A bright songbird of grasslands known for its sweet song. Bright yellow below, with black “V” on the chest and streaking on sides. Non-breeding birds are paler yellow. Long, sharp bill, short tail.
Habitat: Found in the open areas of the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars, grubs, seeds, fruits

Photo by Aaron Bourque

Baltimore Oriole – Icterus galbula
Description: A beautiful songbird known for its hanging nests, often seen over water. Males are bright orange below, with black back and head. Wings are black with white wing bars. Females are more brownish yellow, with gray back and wings.
Habitat: Found perched in trees around the sanctuary, especially near the wetland
Diet: Feed on beetles, grasshoppers, moths, flies, spiders, snails, fruit, nectar

Red-winged blackbird by comins Red-winged Blackbird – Agelaius phoenicues
Description: One of the most abundant and well-known birds in North America. Males are all black with red and yellow shoulder patch. Females are brown overall, with heavy streaking and yellow wash around the face.
Habitat: Found throughout the sanctuary, often perched in trees near the wetland. Visits feeders
Diet: Feed on insects and seeds

Brown-headed Cowbird – Molothrus ater
Description: A brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds. Males have iridescent black bodies and brown heads. Females are all brown, with a lighter head and belly and darker wings and back.
Habitat: Found throughout the sanctuary, often feeding on the ground. Visits feeders
Diet: Feed on seeds, grasshoppers, beetles, snails

Common Grackle – Quiscalus quiscula
Description: A medium-sized bird with a scratchy and unmusical song. They have navy blue-black heads with bronze bodies and purple on the wings. Males are more iridescent than the females
Habitat: Found throughout the sanctuary, often calling from trees, and feeding on the ground.
Diet: Feed on seeds, fruits, beetles, caterpillars, spiders, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, mice

Rusty Blackbird – Euphagus carolinus
Description: A uncommon and rapidly declining blackbird. Glossy black overall with greenish tinge. Smaller overall, with smaller bill and tail than Common Grackle. Females are rustier brown overall with dark feathers around the eyes.
Habitat: Found along the edges of the sanctuary in the trees. Often mixed in with grackles.
Diet: Feeds on insects, seeds, fruit

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Wood-Warblers

Photo by Frank Mantlik

Louisiana Waterthrush – Parkesia motacilla
Description: One of the first warblers to return to CT in the spring, often found near moving water. Thrush-like in appearance, with long legs and body. Brown above, streaked below. White eyebrow stripe is wider at the back. Constantly bobs tail as it moves.
Habitat: Found in the wetland on the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on aquatic invertebrates, beetles, butterflies, spiders, crayfish, minnows, amphibians

Photo by Cephas/Carolinabirds.org

Northern Waterthrush – Parkesia noveboracensis
Description: Very similar to Louisiana Waterthursh, but often found near still water. Pale or buffy eyebrow is narrower than Louisiana, often has more yellow wash below and more streaking on the throat. Also constantly bobs tail when walking.
Habitat: Found in the wetland on the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on stoneflies, mayflies, ants, snails, clams, fish, salamanders

Blue-winged Warbler – Vermivora cyanoptera
Description: A bright warbler known for its “bee-buzz” call. Bright yellow overall, with two wingbars on blue-gray wings, white undertail, and black eyeline. Females similar, but often paler overall with grayer eyeline.
Habitat: Found in brushy areas of the sanctuary, especially near the wetland
Diet: Feed on caterpillars, crickets, spiders, flies, ants, beetles

Black-and-white Warbler – Mniotilta varia
Description: A crisp looking warbler that moves nuthatch-like through the trees. Black and white striped overall. Males have black ear patch and throat. Females are paler over, with gray ear patch and white throat.
Habitat: Found on trees throughout the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on caterpillars, ants, flies, spiders, beetles

Tennessee Warbler – Leiothlypis peregrina
Description: A drabber warbler of boreal forests. Males are yellow green above, with gray head and pale eyebrow, and whitish underneath. Females are similar, but more yellow overall.
Habitat: Found along the wooded edges of the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on caterpillars, beetles, spiders, bees, flies

Common Yellowthroat – Geothypis trichas
Description: A distinct warbler of the underbrush, known for its “witchety-witchety” song. Males are yellow below, brown above, with black eye mask and pale gray eyebrow. Females lack the black eye mask and pale eyebrow, and have a brown head.
Habitat: Found in the brushy areas of the wetland
Diet: Feed on flies, beetles, ants, bees, grasshoppers, moths, caterpillars

American Redstart – Setophaga ruticilla
Description: An active warbler that often moves flycatcher-like to catch insects. Males are mostly black, with orange patches on the wings, sides, and outer tail feathers. Females are similarly patterned, but with gray instead of black, and yellow instead of orange.
Habitat: Found in the brushy area of the wetland
Diet: Feed on leafhoppers, flies, moths, wasps, beetles, berries

Northern Parula – Setophaga americana
Description: A small warbler that tends to occupy the very tops of tree canopies. Males are blue gray above with a yellow patch in the center of the back, yellow throat, black and chestnut breast band, and white eye arcs and wing bars. Females similar, though often paler overall.
Habitat: Found in trees throughout the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on caterpillars, beetles, moths, ants, bees, flies

Magnolia Warbler – Setophaga magnolia
Description: A striking warbler that feeds from the tips of branches. Males have thick black streaks and necklace on yellow chest, with black, white, and gray face and bold white wing patch. Females are yellow below with fainter streaks and necklace, grayer above, white eye ring, and two thin white wing bars. All birds have white undertail with black tipped tail.
Habitat: Found in the brushy area of the wetlands, or in wooded edges
Diet: Feed on caterpillars, insects, spiders

Photo courtesy of William Canosa

Yellow Warbler – Setophaga petechia
Description: A bright yellow warbler of wetland thickets and marshes. Males are all yellow, with yellow-green back and rusty stripes running down chest. Females are similar but lack chest stripes. Note beady black eye in all birds.
Habitat: Found in the wetland on the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on midges, caterpillars, beetles, wasps, leafhoppers

Photo by Scott Kruitbosch.

Black-throated Blue Warbler – Setophaga caerulescens
Description: A distinctly colored warbler of eastern forests. Males are dark blue above, white below, with black face and throat. Females are grayish green overall, with pale eyebrow and white arc under the eyes. Both males and females have small white patches on the wings.
Habitat: Found in the woody edges of the habitat
Diet: Feed on spiders, flies, caterpillars

Photo by Patrick J. Lynch.

Pine Warbler – Setophaga pinus
Description: An appropriately named warbler, usually associating with pine trees. Males are mostly yellow, with white on lower belly and broken yellow eye ring. Gray wings with two white wing bars. Females are paler yellow.
Habitat: Found along the wooded edges of the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on caterpillars, beetles, ants, bees, flies, spiders, fruits, seeds

Photo by Stefan Martin

Yellow-rumped Warbler – Setophaga coronata
Description: One of the few warblers found in winter in CT, named for the conspicuous yellow patch at the base of its tail. Males have black masks, white throats, and yellow patches on the sides and rump. Females are not as boldly patterned, and grayer overall.
Habitat: Found in trees throughout the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on caterpillars, beetles, ants, aphids, spiders, gnats, berries

Prairie Warbler – Setophaga discolor
Description: Brightly dressed warblers of scrubby habitats. Males are bright yellow below, with black streaks on the sides, black eyeline and semicircle under the eye, and red patch on the back. Females are paler yellow, with less defined streaks and grayer head.
Habitat: Found in the brushy areas of the sanctuary, especially near the wetland
Diet: Feed on small insects, spiders, snails, occasionally fruit

Black-throated Green Warbler – Setophaga virens
Description: A beautifully patterned warbler whose song is often transcribed as “trees trees I love the trees.” Males have bright yellow heads, black throats and streaking on the sides, and green backs. Females similar but have white throats instead of black,
Habitat: Found along the wooded edges of the sanctuary
Diet: Feed on insects, berries, buds

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Cardinals, Grosbeaks, & Allies

Photo courtesy of Erica Seitz

Scarlet Tanager – Piranga olivacea
Description: One of the most striking birds of eastern forests, yet often one of the most difficult to spot. Males are bright red overall, with black wings and tail. Females are more olive-yellow overall, with darker wings and tail.
Habitat: Found in trees throughout the sanctuary, especially along the edges
Diet: Feed on ants, moths, beetles, flies, treehoppers, spiders, snails, some fruit and buds

Northern Cardinal – Cardinalis cardinalis
Description: One of the most familiar and well-known birds in eastern North America. Males are bright red overall, with thick red bills, black face and black throat. Females are brown overall, with reddish tinges on the crest, wings, and tail, and a red bill.
Habitat: Found throughout the sanctuary, especially in brushy areas and at feeders
Diet: Feed on seeds, fruits, crickets, flies, spiders, butterflies, moths

Rose-breasted Grosbeak – Pheucticus ludovicianus
Description: Beautifully colored songbirds whose song sounds like a slightly sweeter American Robin. Males are black above, white below, with white wing patches and rump, and red breast. Females are brown overall and heavily streaked, with prominent white eyebrow.
Habitat: Found in brushy areas of the habitat, especially the wetland
Diet: Feed on beetles, ants, butterflies, berries, seeds

Indigo Bunting – Passerina cyanea
Description: A brilliantly colored songbird of open woodlands. Males are bright blue overall, darker on the head, with black on the wings and tail. Females are brown overall, with slight streaking on the chest and a pale throat. Sometimes show hints of blue in the feathers.
Habitat: Found along open areas of sanctuary, especially brushy areas near the river
Diet: Feed on seeds, berries, buds, spiders, caterpillars, beetles, aphids

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Bird list and information compiled by Joe Attwater, CAS-RTPEC Conservation and Education Coordinator and Evan Sleeper, CAS-RTPEC intern.