Seattle, known for its rich biodiversity, is home to a variety of bird species. The American Robin, with its red breast and sweet song, is common in local parks and gardens. The Black-capped Chickadee, recognizable by its black head markings, remains in the area year-round, adapting well to both natural and urban environments. Another resident, Anna's Hummingbird, displays an iridescent pink-red throat and is known for its spectacular mating display. The majestic Bald Eagle, with a wingspan up to 7 feet, can often be seen hunting fish near bodies of water. Additionally, the Barred Owl, identifiable by its distinctive call, thrives in wooded areas near water. Each bird not only enhances the local ecology but also offers keen observers a glimpse into the complexity of avian life.
American Robin
The American Robin, a prevalent species in Seattle, is easily recognized by its vibrant red breast and melodious song.
These birds are not strictly migratory in the region but are highly visible during the summer, when they actively forage for insects, fruits, and berries.
Their adaptability makes them a common sight in urban parks, gardens, and lawns across the city.
Black-capped Chickadee
Flitting through Seattle's landscapes, the Black-capped Chickadee, recognized by its distinctive black cap and bib, remains a year-round resident.
This small, non-migratory bird thrives in the Seattle area, skillfully foraging for insects, seeds, and berries.
Adaptable and sociable, they often nest in old woodpecker holes or birdhouses, delighting locals with their presence at backyard feeders and their playful 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' calls.
Anna's Hummingbird
Anna's Hummingbird, a strikingly vibrant resident of Seattle, is distinguished by its iridescent pink-red throat patch known as a gorget. Unlike many migratory birds, they remain in the region year-round, skillfully building nests with materials like spider silk and moss.
Their presence is notable in urban settings, where they perform dazzling aerial courtship displays, adding a flash of natural spectacle to the cityscape.
Bald Eagle
Renowned as a symbol of strength and freedom, Bald Eagles are impressive with a wingspan of up to 7 feet. These majestic birds, emblematic of the United States, thrive near Seattle's water bodies, building enormous nests.
They mate for life, showcasing deep fidelity, and primarily hunt fish with their sharp talons. Bald Eagles can live up to 30 years in the wild.
Barred Owl
Despite its eastern origins, the Barred Owl has successfully expanded its territory to the Pacific Northwest, including Seattle.
These large, round-headed owls are notable for their distinctive call and adapt well to urban settings.
They are often spotted near freshwater lakes during the summer months, thriving in environments where small mammals, which make up the bulk of their diet, are plentiful.
Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker, a distinctive woodpecker, is a common sight in Seattle's diverse habitats, from dense forests to urban parks.
This woodpecker's unique appearance includes a brown body, a spotted belly, and a striking red crescent on the nape.
They primarily feed on ants and beetles, using their slightly curved bill to probe the ground, and are recognized by their characteristic 'flicker' call.
Steller's Jay
Steller's Jay, a vibrant blue and black bird with a distinctive crest, thrives in the diverse environments of Seattle and the broader Pacific Northwest.
Common in North American forests, these jays are known for their bold nature and varied diet, including seeds and insects.
Their loud calls and ability to mimic other birds make them a notable presence and key seed dispersers in local ecosystems.
Song Sparrow
Renowned for its melodic and distinctive song, the Song Sparrow is a familiar sight across Seattle's varied landscapes.
These medium-sized birds thrive particularly well during the breeding season in urban environments, utilizing gardens and parks for nesting.
Their adaptable diet includes seeds, insects, and berries, supporting their prevalence in both natural and suburban settings, where they often nest in dense vegetation.
Great Blue Heron
Shifting focus from the Song Sparrow, we explore another avian inhabitant of Seattle, the Great Blue Heron, known for its impressive size and hunting prowess.
Nesting in trees near freshwater lakes, this heron is the largest in North America, feeding primarily on small fish and invertebrates. Their stealthy day and occasional night hunting make them top predators in their ecosystems.
Red-winged Blackbird
The Red-winged Blackbird is easily recognized by its glossy black feathers and striking red shoulder patches.
It is a prevalent bird species in Seattle.
Males, larger than females, display vibrant red and yellow patches on their shoulders for territorial claims.
Commonly found around marshes, these birds are essential omnivorous contributors to the local ecosystem.
They feed on insects, seeds, and grains while nesting in hidden vegetation.
Cedar Waxwing
While the Red-winged Blackbird thrives in marshy environments, another notable avian resident of Seattle is the Cedar Waxwing. These sleek, crested birds prefer the abundant fruit trees of the region's orchards and suburban areas. They are common winter visitors, often seen in large flocks utilizing fruit-bearing trees. Their distinctive high-pitched calls and aerial agility make them a fascinating sight in local woodlands and gardens.
The Red-winged Blackbird, on the other hand, is well-suited to marshy environments. With its striking red and yellow shoulder patches, this bird is a familiar sight in wetlands across Seattle. Males are known for their loud, distinctive songs that echo through the marshes, while females are more subtly colored. Their adaptability to wetland habitats and bold mating displays make them a beloved symbol of the region's diverse birdlife.
Common Yellowthroat
Often overlooked due to their elusive nature, Common Yellowthroats are a vibrant presence in Seattle's marshes and wetlands.
Sporting a distinctive black mask and bright yellow throat, these small warblers are active insectivores, darting through dense vegetation to catch beetles, caterpillars, and spiders.
Their 'wichety-wichety-wichety' song is a familiar sound during the breeding season, enhancing the local avian chorus.
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Among the smallest avian residents of Seattle, the Golden-crowned Kinglet boasts a striking yellow crown stripe and a body length of merely 3.5 inches. As a migratory bird, it frequents the coniferous forests, singing high-pitched, rapid songs.
Their diet includes insects, spiders, and occasionally tree sap. During breeding, they construct delicate cup-shaped nests from moss, lichens, and spider silk, blending seamlessly into their woodland habitats.
Belted Kingfisher
The Belted Kingfisher, a medium-sized bird recognized by its large head and distinctive blue-gray plumage, is a common sight along Seattle's waterways. Often spotted near fresh water lakes, these birds are known for their aerial dives to catch fish.
They nest in trees by excavating tunnels in riverbanks, where their loud, rattling calls frequently echo, adding a unique soundtrack to the region's natural ambiance.
What Types of Birds Can I Expect to See in Both Seattle and Key West?
Seattle and Key West both offer a diverse range of bird species. In Seattle, you can spot bald eagles, great blue herons, and northern flickers. Meanwhile, in Key West, you can expect to see a variety of seabirds such as pelicans, herons, and gulls. These are just some of the types of birds in Key West that you may encounter during your visit.
Western Tanager
Brightening Seattle's coniferous forests and open woodlands, the Western Tanager captivates with its vivid red head, yellow body, and black wings.
A summer favorite, this bird feeds on insects, fruits, and berries. During migration, it sometimes visits backyard feeders.
Its melodious song and striking plumage make it a highlight for local birdwatchers, adding vibrant color and lively music to the region's natural chorus.
