The Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) is a small but charismatic diving duck that stands out thanks to its compact body, stiff tail, and striking breeding colors. You can easily spot the males in summer with their bright sky-blue bills and chestnut bodies, while the females sport a more subtle brown plumage with a dark line…
The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is one of the most iconic birds of North America. With its towering height, slow deliberate wingbeats, and elegant fishing style, this heron captures the imagination of birdwatchers and casual observers alike. Commonly found along shorelines, marshes, and riverbanks, the Great Blue Heron is often seen standing perfectly still,…
The Glossy Ibis is one of the most striking wetland birds you’ll ever see. With its slender frame, curved bill, and shimmering bronze-green plumage, it looks like it belongs in an art gallery rather than a marsh. Found across multiple continents, the Glossy Ibis is a fascinating species that thrives in wetlands, rice fields, and…
The Roseate Spoonbill is one of the most eye-catching birds you’ll ever see. With its bubblegum-pink feathers, red shoulders, and a spoon-shaped bill, it’s often mistaken for a flamingo at first glance. But take a closer look, and you’ll realize it’s a completely different species with its own fascinating story. A common sight in the…
The American White Pelican is one of North America’s most striking waterbirds. With a wingspan stretching up to 9 feet, it rivals eagles and condors in size, yet it’s surprisingly graceful in flight. Unlike its cousin, the Brown Pelican, which plunges dramatically into the sea, the American White Pelican prefers a quieter style of fishing—working…
The Great Cormorant is a bird that masterfully combines strength, skill, and an ability to adapt. Known for its sleek black body, emerald eyes, and extraordinary diving abilities, this waterbird is one of the most widespread cormorant species in the world. You can find it along rocky coasts, in estuaries, and even inland lakes, spanning…
The Eurasian Coot is one of those birds you can’t miss once you know it. Sleek black body, stark white bill, and a bold personality—it’s a waterbird that brings drama and charm to ponds, lakes, and wetlands across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. What makes the Eurasian Coot interesting is not just its looks but…
Few birds combine beauty, elegance, and ecological importance quite like the Pied Avocet. With its striking black-and-white plumage and gracefully upturned bill, this wader is a delight for birdwatchers and conservationists alike. It’s often seen striding through shallow wetlands, sweeping its bill side to side in search of food. The Pied Avocet is not only…
When people think of wetlands, they often picture ducks gliding across the water or herons standing tall in the reeds. Yet hidden among cattails and rushes lives a much smaller and far more secretive bird — the Sora. The Sora (Porzana carolina) is one of North America’s most widespread and abundant marsh birds, yet many…
Among North American birds, the Killdeer is one of the most recognizable. Its piercing call, bold markings, and fascinating behaviors make it a favorite among bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Unlike many shorebirds, the Killdeer is often spotted far from the water — in fields, lawns, golf courses, and even parking lots. What truly…
