North America is home to 22 woodpecker species, found from the forests of Alaska and Canada to the deserts of the Southwest. All belong to the family Picidae – a remarkable group of climbing, drumming, and bark-probing birds, each with its own...
Loons, or divers, are large aquatic birds of the genus Gavia (family Gaviidae), renowned for their haunting calls, striking plumage, and mastery of underwater pursuit. All five of the world’s species occur in North America, from the widespread...
Towhees are large, long-tailed sparrows belonging to the family Passerellidae, the diverse group of New World sparrows and buntings. They are placed in the genera Pipilo and Melozone, and are well known for their heavy bills, ground-dwelling habits...
Swans are the largest members of the waterfowl family Anatidae, a small but distinctive group of just six living species in the genus Cygnus. Found across Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Australia, they inhabit lakes, rivers, marshes, and...
Gulls are among the most widespread and recognizable seabirds of North America. Belonging to the subfamily Larinae of the family Laridae, they range from small, delicate species like Bonaparte’s gull to massive, heavy-bodied birds such as the...
Skimmers are three distinctive species of waterbirds in the genus Rynchops, belonging to the gull and tern family (Laridae). Instantly recognized by their laterally compressed bills with elongated lower mandibles, they feed in a unique way –...
Puffins are three closely related seabird species in the genus Fratercula of the auk family (Alcidae), instantly recognizable by their colorful bills and contrasting plumage. All three occur in North America, breeding from the rocky islands of Maine...
Ducks are among the most familiar and diverse waterfowl of North America. Belonging to the order Anseriformes, alongside geese and swans, they range from tiny teal to heavy-bodied sea ducks and stifftails. These birds inhabit nearly every type of...
Waterfowl are birds of the order Anseriformes, a group that includes the familiar ducks, geese, and swans (family Anatidae), along with the lesser-known screamers of South America (Anhimidae) and the unique magpie goose of northern Australia and...
The cardinals are passerine birds of the Americas. They inhabit woodlands and forests. Birds of this family are medium-sized and robust with strong, conical bills. Sizes range between 4.5 – 9.4 inches (11.5 – 24 cm). They are primarily...