Alabama is rich in bird diversity, featuring species like the Northern Cardinal, known for its vibrant red plumage and melodious song. The Brown Pelican, with its impressive 6.5 to 7.5-foot wingspan, thrives along Alabama's coastlines, mastering the art of plunge-diving for fish. The Eastern Bluebird brightens the state with its striking blue plumage, nesting in old woodpecker holes. Yellow Warblers captivate with their vivid yellow feathers and enchanting songs, commonly found in wooded and waterside areas. Finally, the American Goldfinch, notable for the male's radiant yellow plumage, frequents various Alabama regions. Discover more about these fascinating creatures for a deeper appreciation of Alabama's avian life.
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal, designated as Alabama's state bird, is renowned for its striking red plumage and melodious song.
This species thrives across various habitats in Alabama, including woodlands and urban gardens.
Recognizable by their vivid colors, males are mostly red, while females display brown shades with red highlights.
They enjoy a diet of seeds, fruits, and insects, often spotted at local bird feeders.
Brown Pelican
Brown Pelicans, distinguished by their impressive wingspans and unique hunting strategies, are a notable sight along Alabama's coastlines.
These birds feature a wingspan of 6.5 to 7.5 feet and a distinctive long bill with a stretchy throat pouch. They excel in plunge-diving for fish from heights up to 60 feet.
Once endangered, their thriving presence along the Gulf Coast highlights successful conservation efforts.
Eastern Bluebird
Shifting our focus from the coastal species, we now explore the Eastern Bluebird, a vibrant presence in Alabama's more terrestrial habitats.
Known scientifically as Sialia sialis, these birds are not just admired for their striking blue plumage but also for their role in ecosystems, feeding on insects, fruits, and berries.
They nest in old woodpecker holes, adapting well to open fields and meadows.
Yellow Warbler
Renowned for their striking coloration, Yellow Warblers are a common sight in Alabama's diverse avian landscape.
These small birds, celebrated by the Alabama Ornithological Society, captivate with their vibrant yellow plumage and red streaks.
They enchant with their melodious songs in wooded areas and by water, thriving on insects and crafting soft, cup-shaped nests during the breeding season.
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch, known scientifically as Spinus tristis, is a prevalent species across various regions of Alabama, particularly noted for its striking seasonal plumage.
Common in the Tennessee Valley and Mountain areas, and frequent in the Inland Coastal Plain and Gulf Coast during winter and spring, these birds are distinguished by the vibrant yellow feathers of males during the breeding season.
Bald Eagle
Alabama's skies are frequently graced by the majestic Bald Eagle, a species known for its considerable size and striking white head and tail. Found mainly in the Tennessee Valley during winter, spring, and fall, it is less common elsewhere in Alabama.
With a low conservation concern status, the Bald Eagle exemplifies successful conservation efforts, symbolizing strength and freedom across the state.
Barred Owl
While the Bald Eagle soars by day, the nocturnal Barred Owl takes over the night skies of Alabama, known for its distinctive call and presence in wooded areas.
Belonging to the Order Strigiformes, the Barred Owl, or Strix varia, is recognized by its 'Who cooks for you' hoot, rounded head, dark eyes, and barred chest pattern. It thrives in Alabama's diverse forest habitats.
Blue Jay
Blue Jays, with their vivid blue, white, and black plumage, are a common sight in Alabama's varied landscapes.
These omnivorous birds thrive on a diet comprising nuts, seeds, insects, and eggs.
Distinctly intelligent, Blue Jays are recognized for their complex social behaviors and loud vocalizations.
They adeptly build nests in trees or buildings, showcasing their adaptability and skill in various environments.
Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker, recognized by its striking black and white plumage and the distinctive red patch on the males' heads, is the smallest and most prevalent woodpecker species in North America.
They expertly forage for insects by drumming on trees and probing wood for larvae.
These cavity-nesting woodpeckers benefit ecosystems by controlling insect populations and providing nesting sites for other birds.
Eastern Towhee
Shifting focus from the Downy Woodpecker, we now explore the Eastern Towhee, a large sparrow distinguished by its vivid black and rufous plumage. Known for their unique 'Drink your tea' call, these large sparrows primarily engage in ground foraging, using a scratching motion to uncover food.
Preferring dense thickets, they remain in Alabama year-round, nesting and thriving in shrubby habitats.
Mourning Dove
Mourning doves, prevalent throughout Alabama, are easily recognized by their soft, melancholic cooing. These birds feature a distinctive long, pointed tail edged in white, visible during flight.
They primarily subsist on seeds, grains, and small insects, foraging mostly on open ground. Monogamous by nature, mourning doves are often observed in pairs or small flocks, contributing to ecosystem balance by controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds.
Northern Mockingbird
Alabama's state bird is the Northern Mockingbird. It is renowned for its vocal versatility and ability to mimic a wide array of sounds. This member of a diverse group of birds found across North America exhibits medium-sized gray plumage, distinct white wing patches, and a long tail.
They are territorial, defending their nesting sites vigorously. Primarily, Northern Mockingbirds dine on insects, fruits, and berries in open and suburban areas.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, distinguished by its iridescent green body and striking ruby-red throat, is a common sight in Alabama during the breeding season.
These birds use their long, specialized beaks, well-suited for accessing nectar rather than for tearing, to feed primarily on flower nectar.
Their presence highlights the importance of local conservation efforts to maintain crucial pollinator populations and ecosystem health.
Tufted Titmouse
Tufted titmice, with their distinctive crested heads and melodious calls, thrive across various habitats in Alabama. These small birds are cavity nesters, often occupying old woodpecker holes or nest boxes. Their diet includes insects, seeds, nuts, and berries.
Importantly, they communicate with each other using a loud 'peter-peter-peter' song, which echoes through forests, woodlands, and suburban areas where they are commonly found.
Are the Birds Found in Alabama Similar to the Birds Found in Africa?
Yes, the types of birds in Africa are quite different from the birds found in Alabama. Africa is home to a wide variety of unique and colorful bird species, such as African Grey Parrots, Lilac-breasted Rollers, and Ostriches, that are not typically found in Alabama.
Wild Turkey
Wild turkeys, recognized as Alabama's state game bird, are notable for their robust size and striking plumage. These ground-dwelling birds thrive by foraging for acorns, seeds, insects, and small reptiles.
Males, or gobblers, feature colorful plumage and prominent wattles, while females, or hens, display more muted colors for camouflage. Conservation efforts have successfully bolstered their populations, enhancing hunting and wildlife watching opportunities.
