LEARN ABOUT CREATURES

(IN OUR OWN NEIGHBORHOODS)

this project is called LOCAL BIOLOGY (until we think of something better)

Winter Birds of North Berkeley

Field Guide
Time Period / Issue Number: 

2009, Issue 01

Page 1: Field Guide Introduction: 

Birds who live here all year long are called "Residents." Those who are just passing through are "Migrants." This field guide introduces you to a few of each.

Something to notice: 

Cedar Waxwing
Migrant
How to find: Listen for high-pitched "whee, whee" sounds. When you hear them, scan the tops of nearby trees, looking for a group of slender birds with little crests.
Why they're cool: Older birds have red waxy spots on their wings, hence the name.

Hermit Thrush
Migrant
How to find: Look for a bird the size and shape of an American Robin, but with a speckled breast and a surprised expression. They often cock their tail and flick their wings.
Why they're cool: They have the most beautiful song in the world. And they're only here for the winter!
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus)

Yellow-rumped Warbler
Migrant
How to find: Listen for its metallic "Check" sound up in the trees, and then watch for a small bird with a yellow butt darting around the treetops.
Why they're cool: They winter here, so there are tons of them around! And they eat bugs. Thanks, warbler!
Yellow-rumped Warbler - Audubon's

Anna's Hummingbird
Resident
How to find: Look for small green birds hovering at flowers or feeders. Males have bright red throats; females have white throats.
Why they're cool: Males make sounds with their tail feathers when they're dive-bombing a rival.

Golden-crowned Sparrow
Migrant
How to find: Listen for "Oh, dear me," then look for a smallish, tubby brown bird in a shrub or tree branch. Males have a bright yellow stripe on their head.
Why they're cool: They fly as many as 2,000 miles to their northern breeding grounds.
Golden-crowned sparrow

Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Resident
How to find: Listen for a bird saying "Chick-a-dee-dee-dee" while it flits from place to place in trees or shrubs. They've rarely alone.
Why they're cool: Any bird that can say its own name is cool.
Chestnut backed chickadee

About Local Biology: 

This is part of Local Biology, a project for learning about nature in your neighborhood. http://localbiology.org to find out more (or to make your own field guide!)