Vertebrate: Birds

  • Image of a caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia, in flight with its wings extended.

    May 8, 2025
    Physical: Caspian terns have a similar appearance to gull species but can be differentiated by the thin shape of their wings…
  • Image of a Northern Shoveler, Spatula clypeata, floating on the water.

    May 8, 2025
    Physical: Northern shovelers are named for their uniquely-shaped bill that is wider at the end, forming a "shovel" like shape. They…
  • Image of two male and one female greater scaup, Aythya marila, floating in the water together.

    May 8, 2025
    Physical: This duck species is medium-sized, 15-22 inches (39-56 cm) long with a 28-31 inch (72-79 cm) wingspan. Both sexes have…
  • Image of a lesser scaup, Aythya affinis, floating on the water.

    May 8, 2025
    Physical: The lesser scaup is similar in appearance to the greater scaup, but can be distinguished by the more pointed and…
  • Image of a purple sandpiper, Calidris maritima, stood on a rock.

    May 8, 2025
    Physical: Purple sandpipers have rounded bodies, long legs, and long, thin beaks. Their legs and beak are yellow-orange with black on…
  • Image of a song sparrow, Melospiza melodia, perched in a branch.

    May 8, 2025
    Physical: Song sparrows are medium-sized sparrows with brown and grey coloration. The head and breast are grey with brown streaks, while…
  • Picture of a group of northern pintails, one male and five females standing on marsh vegetation. A sixth female swims in the background.

    May 8, 2025
    Physical: The northern pintail gets its name from the male duck's long pointed tail. Males have brown heads, a white…
  • Picture of a pied-billed grebe

    May 8, 2025
    Physical: Pied-billed grebes are small, compact birds named for the black vertical stripe on their pale-blue bills. They have grey…
  • Image of a wood duck stood near the water.

    May 8, 2025
    Physical: Wood ducks can be recognized by their ornate and colorful plumage. Both males and females have strikingly colored wings,…
  • Picture of a male ruddy duck

    May 8, 2025
    Physical: Ruddy ducks are named for the male's rusty red plumage. They have a black head and neck with white…