Birds of California

California has over 680 species of birds, per the list published by the California Bird Records Committee. Two of the many birds dwelling here, the island scrub-jay and Yellow-billed magpie, are endemic to California.

You would find pretty birds throughout the state, with birds like the California towhee, Allen’s hummingbird, and California scrub-jay occurring more in northern California. Whereas the house finch, Allen’s hummingbird, and spotted towhee mostly inhabit southern California.

The California quail, or valley quail, has been California’s official state bird since 1931. A popular game bird, it is primarily in season during winter.

Birds of California

Birds of Prey: California Condor, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Harris’ Hawk

Backyard Birds: Anna’s Hummingbird, House Finch, California Scrub-jay, Northern Mockingbird, Mourning Dove

Birds found on the Beaches: Great Blue Heron, Snowy Plover, California Gull

Common Birds Identification by Color

Black Birds

Red-winged Blackbird
European Starling
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Great-tailed Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird

Yellow Birds

American Goldfinch
Lesser Goldfinch
American Yellow Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Evening Grosbeak

White Birds

Glaucous Gill
Snowy Owl
Iceland Gull
Trumpeter Swan
Great Egret

Blue Birds

California Scrub Jay
Western Bluebird
Great Blue Heron
Tree Swallow
Belted Kingfisher

Red Birds

House Finch
Red Crossbill
Summer Tanager (male)
Pine Grosbeak
Hepatic Tanager

References
- https://www.californiabirds.org/checklist.asp

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