Birds of Washington State
Located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Washington is known for its diverse geography, vibrant cities, and thriving economy. Washington State is home to approximately 500 species of birds. This diversity is due to the state's diverse ecosystems, including coastal areas, mountains, forests, wetlands and urban environments, which provide year-round habitat for a variety of bird species. Birdwatchers in Washington can enjoy everything from majestic raptors soaring over the Cascade Mountains to colorful songbirds flitting across the Puget Sound region.
Featured Bird Species
1. Small Birds
Red-breasted Nuthatch
The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a small songbird that belongs to the genus Nuthatch in the family Nuthatchidae. The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a small bird about 4.3 to 4.7 inches (11 to 12 cm) in length. They have a compact body, short tail, and narrow bill. As the name implies, they have a reddish-orange breast that contrasts with their blue-gray back, wings, and tail, a distinctive black stripe over the eyes, and white eyebrows.
Red-breasted Nuthatches are found throughout North America, with a range that extends from Alaska and Canada to the mountains of the western United States and parts of Mexico. They are year-round residents in many parts of their range, but also migrate short distances depending on food availability. These Red-breasted Nuthatches inhabit coniferous forests, especially those dominated by pine, spruce, fir, and hemlock. They usually inhabit mature forests with large numbers of dead trees (boughs) and fallen logs, which they use for foraging and nesting. During the winter, they also visit suitable habitats in suburban areas.
Red-breasted Nuthatches are agile climbers, using their strong feet and sharp claws to climb headfirst down tree trunks and branches. Feeding primarily on insects and spiders, but also eating seeds and nuts, which they break open by wedging them into bark crevices. They are known for their nasal "yanking" call, which can often be heard when moving through the forest. Breeding season usually begins in late spring, and Red-breasted Nuthatch nest in tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. Females lay clutches of five to eight eggs, which are incubated for about 12 to 14 days. Both parents participate in feeding the chicks, which fledge from the nest after about 18 to 26 days.
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
The Chestnut-backed Chickadee genus (Poecile rufescens) is a small songbird that belongs to the tits family. Chestnut-backed chickadees are small birds about 4.5 inches (11 cm) in length. They have a distinctive appearance with a black cap and bib on their head, white cheeks, and a gray back. The chestnut color of their belly and flanks is what gives them their name. They have short, stout bills and relatively long tails. These chicks are native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, primarily along the west coast from southern Alaska to northern California.
They inhabit dense coniferous forests, including coastal, mixed, and montane forests. Chestnut-backed cockatoos prefer mature coniferous forests with dense canopies and rich understory vegetation. They typically inhabit old-growth forests with a variety of tree species, including Douglas-fir, western red cedar, and Sitka spruce. They also inhabit suitable habitats in parks, gardens, and suburban areas.The Chestnut-backed Rookery is a very active, good songbird. They forage for insects, seeds and berries from branches and leaves. They are also frequent visitors to bird feeders, eating sunflower seeds, suet and other foods. Their calls include the distinctive "chick-a-dee-dee-dee". Breeding season is usually in late spring, and chestnut-backed chickadees nest in tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. Females lay clutches of five to eight eggs, which are incubated for about 12 to 14 days.
They inhabit dense coniferous forests, including coastal, mixed, and montane forests. Chestnut-backed cockatoos prefer mature coniferous forests with dense canopies and rich understory vegetation. They typically inhabit old-growth forests with a variety of tree species, including Douglas-fir, western red cedar, and Sitka spruce. They also inhabit suitable habitats in parks, gardens, and suburban areas.The Chestnut-backed Rookery is a very active, good songbird. They forage for insects, seeds and berries from branches and leaves. They are also frequent visitors to bird feeders, eating sunflower seeds, suet and other foods. Their calls include the distinctive "chick-a-dee-dee-dee". Breeding season is usually in late spring, and chestnut-backed chickadees nest in tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. Females lay clutches of five to eight eggs, which are incubated for about 12 to 14 days.
White-crowned Sparrow
The White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) is a unique and widely distributed bird in North America. White-crowned sparrows range from 6 to 7.5 inches (15 to 19 cm) in length. They have a striking striped pattern on their crown with alternating black and white stripes. Adults have a gray face, white throat, and gray breast with brown stripes. Their wings are brown with white stripes and their underparts are gray or aqua green. White-crowned sparrows breed in northern North America, including Alaska and northern Canada. During the winter, they migrate south and spend time in a variety of habitats from southern Canada to Mexico and parts of Central America.
They inhabit a variety of open habitats, including grasslands, shrublands, forests, and urban areas. During the breeding season, white-crowned sparrows prefer open habitats with shrubs and grasses, such as tundra, chaparral, and alpine meadows. In winter, they can be found in a variety of habitats, such as fields, gardens, parks and forest edges. They are highly adaptable birds that can thrive in both natural and human-altered landscapes. White-crowned Sparrows are primarily ground feeders, foraging for seeds, insects and small invertebrates on the ground or in low vegetation. Their diet may also include fruits and berries, especially in winter.
Bewick's Wren
The bewick's wren (Thryomanes bewickii) is a small, charismatic songbird native to North America. Wrens are about 4.5 to 5.1 inches (11 to 13 centimeters) long, and they have a distinctive appearance, with a mottled brown back, a pale belly, and a long, slightly curved bill. Their tails are usually erect and may have black and white stripes and white stripes above the eyes and on the cheeks. Bewick's wrens are found throughout much of western North America, from southern British Columbia, Canada to central Mexico.
They inhabit a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, shrublands, riparian areas, and urban parks. They are more common in the western part of their range, but can be found in parts of the central and southern United States. Bewick's wrens prefer densely vegetated habitats such as brush, scrub, and scrubby woodlands. They are often found in a mixture of clearings and densely vegetated habitats where they forage for insects and nest. They are also common visitors to backyard gardens and suburban areas. Bewick's Wrens are active and agile birds that can often be seen hopping and flitting from branch to branch in search of food. Their diet is varied and includes insects, spiders, small invertebrates, and occasionally seeds and berries. They use their long beaks to probe into crevices and leaves to catch prey.
During the breeding season, Bewick's wrens form monogamous pairs. They build dome-shaped nests of twigs, grasses, and other plant material, usually hidden in shrubs or low vegetation. Females lay a clutch of four to eight eggs, which are incubated for about 12 to 16 days. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young, which fledge from the nest after about 12 to 18 days.
Yellow-rumped Warbler
The yellow-rumped warbler (Setophaga coronata) is a small songbird native to North America that is small and colorful. The yellow-rumped warbler is sexually dimorphic, with males and females having different plumage. Breeding males have striking yellow patches on the throat, sides and rump, grayish-blue upperparts, white underparts, and striped flanks. Females and non-breeding males have a similar pattern, but are darker and have less distinctive markings. Both males and females have distinctive yellow patches on their rumps and sides, hence the name "butter butt". They also have white patches on their wings and yellow spots between their eyes and beak.
Yellow-rumped warblers breed throughout much of North America, from Alaska and Canada to the northeastern United States and parts of the western United States. In winter, they migrate to southern areas including the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean. They are one of the most widely distributed warblers in North America. During the breeding season, yellow-rumped warblers inhabit a variety of forest habitats, including coniferous forests, mixed forests, and forest edges. They prefer to nest and forage in leafy areas. During migration and winter, they can be found in a wider range of habitats, including deciduous forests, shrublands, parks, and coastal areas.
Yellow-rumped warblers are active foragers and are often seen hopping from branch to branch and leaf to leaf in search of insects, berries and other food. Their diet is varied and includes insects, spiders, berries and fruit. During the breeding season, they may also feed on nectar and sap.
Golden-crowned Kinglet
The Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) is a small, vibrant songbird native to North America.The Golden-crowned Kinglet is one of the smallest songbirds in North America, measuring only about 3.25 to 4 inches (8 to 10 centimeters) in length. They have an olive green upperparts with two striking white wing bars and a distinctive black stripe over the eye. The male's crown is bright yellow with a black stripe around the edge, and the female's pattern is similar to the male's but with a dull yellow crown. The underparts of both sexes are white, with pale yellow flanks and short, thin bills.
Golden-crowned Kinglets breed in northern North America, including Canada, Alaska, and parts of the northern United States. In winter, they migrate to southern areas, including the United States, Mexico and Central America. They primarily inhabit coniferous forests and mixed woodlands, but may inhabit other habitats during migration and overwintering.Golden-crowned Kinglets prefer dense coniferous forests, especially those dominated by spruce, fir, pine, and hemlock trees. They are often found in mature forests with dense foliage, foraging among branches and needles for insects and spiders. They may also inhabit deciduous forests, shrublands, and parks with suitable vegetation during migration and winter.
The Golden-crowned Kinglet is a very active and acrobatic bird, often flying from branch to branch in search of prey. They have a unique habit of flapping their wings while foraging, which helps flush out hidden insects. They feed primarily on small insects, spiders and other invertebrates, often picking up from the underside of branches and leaves.
2. Medium-sized Birds
Spotted Towhee
The Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) is a medium-sized songbird native to North America.Spotted Towhees are stocky, with rounded bodies and long tails, and they measure about 6.5 to 8.5 inches (16.5 to 21.5 cm) in length. Adult males are known as "Spotted" Towhee because of the black hood and upperparts of their heads and white spots on their wings and backs.They also have reddish-brown sides and white bellies. The female is similar in appearance, but has a more brownish overall plumage and less black on the head. Both sexes have bright red eyes and a thick, tapered bill.
Spotted Towhee are found throughout much of western North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including dense brush, scrubland, woodland edges, and thickets near water sources. They are especially common in scrubby, shrubby hillsides and riparian corridors.Spotted Towhee prefer dense vegetation and ample cover such as bushes, scrub and shrublands. They often forage on the ground, scratching through fallen leaves and debris for insects, seeds, and plant matter. They may also perch on bushes or low branches to sing and defend their territory.
Spotted Towhee forage primarily on the ground, scratching and digging for food with their strong legs and feet. They feed on a variety of insects, spiders, seeds, fruits and berries. Their recipes vary depending on the season and food resources. During the breeding season, they may also eat small vertebrates such as lizards and chicks.Spotted Towhee are monogamous breeders, breeding in pairs during the breeding season. Males establish and defend territories through song and aggressive displays. Females construct a cup-shaped nest out of twigs, leaves, and grass, usually placed on the ground or low in a bush. The female lays a clutch of two to six eggs, which are incubated for about 12 to 14 days.
Eurpean Starling
The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a medium-sized songbird native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The European starling is about 7 to 9 inches (18 to 23 cm) long. Breeding starlings have glossy black plumage with colorful purple and green highlights, while non-breeding adults have dull brown plumage with white spots. They have short, triangular wings and a short tail. In flight, their wings appear pointed and their flight is direct and rapid.
Native to Europe, the European starling has been introduced to many parts of the world, including North America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It is estimated that over 200 million European starlings inhabit North America alone, making it one of the most widely distributed and abundant birds on the continent. The European starling is a highly adaptable bird with a wide range of habitats, including urban areas, farmland, grasslands, pastures, woodlands, and shrublands. They usually roost near human settlements and nest in buildings, bridges and other man-made structures.
European starlings are social birds and often form large flocks, especially outside of the breeding season. They are opportunistic and will eat a wide variety of foods, including insects, fruits, seeds, and crumbs. They are known for their vocalizations, including a variety of whistles, trills, and piercing calls. They are also skilled mimics, and can imitate the calls of other birds, even those made by humans. European starlings usually breed in loose colonies, with multiple pairs nesting together. They build their nests in tree cavities, nest boxes, and in voids such as the eaves of buildings. The female lays a clutch of four to six pale blue eggs that incubate for about 12 to 14 days. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young, which fledge from the nest after about 21 to 23 days.
Common Raven
The Common Raven (Corvus corax) is a highly intelligent bird that belongs to the Raven family. Common ravens are about 22 to 27 inches (56 to 69 cm) long and have a wingspan of about 46 to 56 inches (117 to 142 cm). They have glossy black feathers, a stout bill, and a wedge-shaped tail. Ravens are often mistaken for crows, but they are much larger, with longer, more pointed bills and wedge-shaped tails.
Common ravens are found throughout most of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, mountains, tundra, deserts, coastal areas, and urban areas. The common raven is a highly adaptable bird that can thrive in a variety of environments. They usually live in forests and nest in tall trees, but they can also be found in urban areas, farmland, and coastal areas. Ravens are highly intelligent birds, known for their problem-solving skills and complex social behavior. They hunt opportunistically and eat a wide variety of foods, including carrion, small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, seeds, and human food scraps. Ravens are also known for playful behaviors such as aerial acrobatics and sliding down snowdrifts.
Common ravens are monogamous and usually form long-term pair bonds. They usually build large, sturdy nests of sticks, branches and other materials in tall trees or on cliff faces. Females lay clutches of three to seven pale blue-green eggs that incubate for about 18 to 21 days. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young, which fledge from the nest in about 5 to 6 weeks.
3. Large Birds
Northern Flicker
The Northern Woodpecker (Colaptes auratus) is native to North America.Northern Flickers have a distinctive appearance, with a brownish-gray body with black stripes and spots, a spotted breast, and a distinctive black crescent on the chest.Northern Flickers have a pale back with black spots, and distinctive white patches on the wings. clearly visible in flight. They also have a distinctive black bib and a white rump patch on the upper breast. Males have black or red whisker stripes and females have brown whisker stripes.The Northern Flicker is usually about 11 to 14 inches (28 to 36 centimeters) in length and has a wingspan of about 17 to 21 inches (43 to 53 centimeters).
Northern Flickers are widely distributed throughout North America, from Alaska and Canada to the southern United States and Mexico. They roost year-round in many parts of their range, but may migrate short distances or at altitude depending on seasonal changes in food availability.Northern Flickers inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, open fields, parks, and suburban areas. They usually inhabit sparsely wooded open woodlands where they can find suitable nesting sites and forage for insectsNorthern Flicker are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and their larvae, including ants, beetles, caterpillars, and termites. They use their long, slightly curved beak to probe insects in bark, dead wood and the ground. In addition to insects, northern swiftlets eat fruits, seeds, and nuts, especially during the winter months when insects are scarce. Northern Flickers are diurnal birds that often feed on the ground or perch on tree trunks and branches. They are agile climbers and can use their strong legs and tails to cling to vertical surfaces for support while pecking at insects.
Steller's Jay
The Steller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) is a strikingly intelligent bird native to western North America. Steller's jays have bright blue feathers on their body, head and tail, they have a black crest on their head that can be raised or lowered depending on their mood, and distinctive white and black markings on their wing and tail feathers. Juveniles have a lighter blue color and have no visible feathers until they mature. Steller's jays are usually about 11-12 inches (28-30 cm) long from bill to tail. Their wingspan is about 16-18 inches (40-46 cm).
Steller's jays are found in western North America, from Alaska and western Canada to northern Mexico. They inhabit coniferous and mixed forests and prefer mountainous areas, but can also be found in urban and suburban areas where suitable habitat is available. Steller's jays primarily inhabit coniferous forests, including pine, spruce, fir, and cedar forests. They are very adaptable and can be found in deciduous woodlands, parks and residential areas with mature trees.
Steller's jays are omnivorous birds with a wide variety of foods. They feed on a wide variety of foods including nuts, seeds, berries, insects, small rodents, eggs and chicks. They have a habit of hiding food, often burying it in the ground or hiding it in tree crevices for later consumption. Steller's jays are good songbirds with a variety of calls and vocalizations. They are intelligent and curious, often investigating their surroundings and mimicking the calls of other birds. They are also bold and opportunistic, sometimes attacking bird feeders or picking up food from campgrounds and picnic areas.
In short, Washington's rich biodiversity, diverse ecosystems and vibrant birdlife make it a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Some 500 species of birds call Washington home, and from the majestic Northern Flicker and Steller's Jay to the tiny Golden-crowned Kinglet and Bewick's Wren, there's always a fascinating bird to be found here.
