The Heart of Dixie is unique with a very short coastline and varied environments. In this post we look at some of the interesting birds that can be found in this fantastic state.
The State of Alabama
The very southernmost part of Alabama is Mobile Bay, an inlet from the Gulf of Mexico covering over a thousand square kilometers. In the northwest and northeast of the state are the Highland Rim and Cumberland Plateau. These areas offer a series of plateau and valleys. To the east is the Appalachian Ridge and Valley and Piedmont Upland, a hilly region with fertile valleys. In between these areas is the East Gulf Coastal Plain with hills, plains and the state river, the Alabama.
Birds in Alabama
Alabama rates 24th of the states in terms of bird species reported to eBird, with a total of 450. It is in good company with a host of other states at the mid 400s. The state bird of Alabama is the Yellowhammer. Not the brightly colored European species, but the Yellow-shafted Flicker which is now known as the Northern Flicker.
Common Birds
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)
Identification
The male Brown-headed Cowbird is a glossy black bird with contrasting dull brown head. The female is an all over brown plumage.
Size
- Male
- Length: 7.5-8.7 in (19-22 cm)
- Weight: 1.5-1.8 oz (42-50 g)
- Wingspan: 14.2 in (36 cm)
- Female
- Length: 6.3-7.9 in (16-20 cm)
- Weight: 1.3-1.6 oz (38-45 g)
- Wingspan: 12.6-15.0 in (32-38 cm)
Range
The Brown-headed Cowbird is a common resident of Alabama as seen in the Range Map below. It can be found in forest, parks and open areas.
What you might not know
The bonds between these cowbirds are not as strong as with other birds. This could be because the female lays the eggs in other birds’ nests for them to raise.
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
Identification
The Eastern Bluebird male is a vibrant royal blue on the back and a chestnut color underneath. The female is dialed down but still has the chestnut flanks.
Size
- Length: 6.3-8.3 in (16-21 cm)
- Weight: 1.0-1.1 oz (28-32 g)
- Wingspan: 9.8-12.6 in (25-32 cm)
Range
The Eastern Bluebird is one of Alabama’s common backyard birds where it may pose nicely on platform feeders. It can be seen across the state all year round.
What you might not know
The male Eastern Bluebird chooses a nest site and then gives a display to attract the female. Once she has accepted, it is up to her to build the nest alone.
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
Identification
This is a rather stout raptor with a short body and tail, making the wings look longer and thicker. It is brick red above and has thick bands on the tail.
Size
- Length: 13.4-17.3 in (34-44 cm)
- Weight: 9.3-19.8 oz (265-560 g)
- Wingspan: 31.9-39.4 in (81-100 cm)
Range
The Broad-winged Hawk is a common visitor to Alabama in the summer period, where its preference is forests for hunting and breeding.
What you might not know
If you want to see this unusual raptor, find out if your location sits on a migration route as they are seen in big numbers during their flight.
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)
Identification
The Chimney Swift has a tubular like body with sickle shaped wings. It is a dark gray but has a slightly paler throat.
Size
- Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
- Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz (17-30 g)
- Wingspan: 10.6-11.8 in (27-30 cm)
Range
The Chimney Swift is another summer Alabama bird and the only swift in eastern parts of the United States.
What you might not know
Chimney Swifts are so called because they nest in brick chimneys. If you don’t have a chimney but want to encourage them to nest on your roof, you can get a chimney nesting tower.
Possible Feeder Visitors
Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla)
Identification
The Brown-headed Nuthatch is more like a chickadee than its own species. It is small and round with a short tail. White and gray plumage are completed with a brown cap.
Size
- Length: 3.9-4.3 in (10-11 cm)
- Weight: 0.3 oz (10 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.1 in (16-18 cm)
Range
This nuthatch is found all year round in Alabama but is not easy to see in the tops of fir forests. May visit backyard feeders.
What you might not know
While you usually see nuthatches alone, the Brown-headed is very sociable and will sit in a group and preening others.
White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus)
Identification
The White-eyed Vireo is one of the more distinct and attractive vireo. It has olive green plumage with some grays and white wingbars. Bright yellow surrounds a pale eye.
Size
- Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (10-14 g)
- Wingspan: 6.7 in (17 cm)
Range
The White-eyed Vireo is more visible in the summer months. However, it inhabits dense undergrowth so is never really easy to see.
What you might not know
While the White-eyed Vireo is a vigorous songster, that might not help you find them as they skulk about in thick vegetation.
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
Identification
The Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker as pictured above is a striking tan woodpecker with yellow under the tail. Bold, dark spots punctuate the breast and the head is plain.
Size
- Length: 11.0-12.2 in (28-31 cm)
- Weight: 3.9-5.6 oz (110-160 g)
- Wingspan: 16.5-20.1 in (42-51 cm)
Range
The Northern Flicker is reported more regularly in the winter months in Alabama. It can be found in forested areas across the state.
What you might not know
The state bird of Alabama and the Red-shafted Flicker used to be separate species but are now both classed as the Northern Flicker. Extensive hybridization occurs in some places of the United States.
Possible Backyard Birds
Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea)
Identification
The Prothonotary Warbler is a brightly yellow colored songbird with dark wings and tail, making identifying it easy. You can hear its warbling song at the xeno-canto org website.
Size
- Length: 5.1 in (13 cm)
- Weight: 0.44 oz (12.5 g)
Range
The Prothonotary Warbler is probably your best record on your summer checklists. It visits Alabama to breed in wet forests. Consequently, its range in the state is sporadic.
What you might not know
There is some impetus for the male Prothonotary Warbler to be as bright as possible. Scientists have shown that the more colorful the male is, the better the nesting site they obtain.
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus)
Identification
The Hermit Thrush looks every inch a thrush with a mid brown back and cream, somewhat spotted front. It has some red in the tail.
Size
- Length: 5.5-7.1 in (14-18 cm)
- Weight: 0.8-1.3 oz (23-37 g)
- Wingspan: 9.8-11.4 in (25-29 cm)
Range
Not seen in the summer months, the Hermit Thrush is a great tick for your winter checklists. It is found across the state in wooded areas.
What you might not know
West of the Rockies, the Hermit Thrush usually nests in trees. However, in the east you are more likely to see them nest on the ground.
Water Birds
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Identification
The
Size
- Length: 39.4-53.9 in (100-137 cm)
- Weight: 70.5-176.4 oz (2000-5000 g)
- Wingspan: 78.7 in (200 cm)
Range
The Brown Pelican is a waterbird and can be found along the coast of Alabama as well as being an irregular visitor to inland waterways.
What you might not know
While Emperor Penguins incubate their eggs on top of their feet to keep them warm, the Brown Pelican protects its eggs by standing on top of them!
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)
Identification
The male duck is a rich red brown color with a black cap, white face and brilliant blue bill.
Size
- Length: 13.8-16.9 in (35-43 cm)
- Weight: 10.6-30.0 oz (300-850 g)
- Wingspan: 22.1-24.4 in (56-62 cm)
Range
The Ruddy Duck is an irregular visitor to Alabama and may be seen on various waterways. More likely to be seen in winter months.
What you might not know
The Ruddy Duck gets bullied by other ducks and even grebes but it is feisty and dishes it out to other species as well.
Green Heron (Butorides virescens)
Identification
The Green Heron is a cryptic, small heron with a brown streaky front and patterned dull gray/green back.
Size
- Length: 16.1-18.1 in (41-46 cm)
- Weight: 8.5 oz (240 g)
- Wingspan: 25.2-26.8 in (64-68 cm)
Range
The Green Heron is another of Alabama’s summer birds and is reasonably common in waterways with vegetation although it can be difficult to spot.
What you might not know
The Green Heron is a smart cookie. It will drop bait in the form of breadcrumbs or insects into the water to attract fish to come to the surface.
Great White Egret (Ardea alba)
Identification
The Eastern Great Egret is a large pure white egret with a distinct kink in the neck when resting or flying. Its bill is a bright orange.
Size
- Length: 37.0-40.9 in (94-104 cm)
- Weight: 35.3 oz (1000 g)
- Wingspan: 51.6-57.1 in (131-145 cm)
Range
These gorgeous egret is a common resident of Alabama and might be seen at any waterway or lake.
What you might not know
This spectacular waterbird is even more brilliant colored in breeding with a bright green facial patch and long white plumes.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula)
Identification
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a tiny songbird with rather plain plumage but the partial eye ring is diagnostic. The ruby crown is only visible at times.
Size
- Length: 3.5-4.3 in (9-11 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.3 oz (5-10 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.1 in (16-18 cm)
Range
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a winter visitor to forests and fields of Alabama.
What you might not know
This tiny bird has a huge nest, with up to 12 eggs in a clutch.
A Rare Bird or Two
Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus)
Identification
The Long-billed Curlew is exactly that – a shorebird with a plump body and patterned brown plumage and extremely long bill.
Size
- Length: 19.7-25.6 in (50-65 cm)
- Weight: 17.3-33.5 oz (490-950 g)
- Wingspan: 24.4-35.0 in (62-89 cm)
Range
The Long-billed Curlew is one of the rare birds in Alabama. It is seen very infrequently in the Mobile Bay.
What you might not know
The Long-billed Curlew is named Numenius because of the shape of its bill. Numenius means of the new moon.
Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)
Identification
This stunning hummingbird is largely brown with a green sheen on the back, a darker throat and pale patch on the breast.
Size
- Length: 3.5 in (9 cm)
- Weight: 0.1-0.1 oz (2-4 g)
- Wingspan: 4.3 in (11 cm)
Range
The Allen’s Hummingbird is a rare winter visitor to Alabama.
What you might not know
The Allen’s Hummingbird uses its feet in a unique temperature regulating manner. When it is cold, it tucks the feet into the belly and when it is hot it lets them dangle around underneath it.
Conclusion
Alabama birds are varied and interesting. It undoubtedly gets a boost from the small shoreline that has. I found the Brown-headed Nuthatch and Chimney Swift particularly interesting. Alabama certainly has a lot of variety to offer. We hope you enjoyed our post on its fantastic birds.
Related Questions
What is the fastest bird in Alabama?
The Peregrine Falcon can be found in Alabama. It is the fastest known bird when descending in flight. When flying normally, it can reach speeds of around 3 miles per hour but when diving it can top 200 miles per hour.
What bird is rust colored in Alabama?
The Orchard Oriole is present in Alabama. The male has a rusty brown plumage whereas the female is yellow.
What is the most common bird in Alabama?
That would likely be the Northern Cardinal. It is very common in many states and easy to spot with its crimson plumage.