Birds in Connecticut

The Constitution State is uniquely placed on the Eastern Seaboard and an important estuary. It attracts a host of sea, shore, water and forest birds including some cool migratory species. In this post we will look at some of the common birds found in Connecticut and a couple of the more rare ones.

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The State of Connecticut

Connecticut has 3 distinct geographical areas. Firstly, the Eastern Upland has a number of forests along with rivers and hills. In the center are volcanic ridges and valleys and the state river, the Connecticut. Finally, the Western area is more mountainous and where you can find Mount Frissell, the state’s highest peak.

The environment of Connecticut is varied and interesting. It ranks a proud 25 out of the states for number of reported species to eBird. This is especially so when you consider that it is only 48th in size. For a tiny state, it boasts 449 species of birds and that doesn’t include feral or escapee species like the Black Swan and African Collared Dove.

Common Water Bird Species

Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum)

Identification

This is a large cormorant with dark plumage, bare orange facial skin and a bright and beautiful turquoise eye. Crests are only visible during breeding periods.

Size

Length: 27.6-35.4 in (70-90 cm)
Weight: 42.3-88.2 oz (1200-2500 g)
Wingspan: 44.9-48.4 in (114-123 cm)

Range

The Double-crested Cormorant is a common bird in Connecticut and is found in any body of water fishing. One of the most interesting characteristics of this and other cormorants is when they hold their wings out to dry them.

What you might not know

This cormorant can be difficult to identify in non-breeding plumage. It is only when breeding that it has tufts on either side of the head. Birds from Alaska have white plumes otherwise they are black.

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

Identification

The male Mallard, photographed below, has a buff and gray body with a dark brown breast. The head is an iridescent green and the bill is bright yellow. The female is a duller brown all over.

Size

Length: 19.7-25.6 in (50-65 cm)
Weight: 35.3-45.9 oz (1000-1300 g)
Wingspan: 32.3-37.4 in (82-95 cm)

Range

The Mallard is a common sight in local parks and ponds. It is confiding and used to being fed by humans. It may be looked down upon by us birders but if you look at it with fresh eyes, it is really a rather attractive duck. Possibly the most common waterfowl across the state and U.S.

What you might not know

Mallards are a really important piece of avian history and genetics. Just about all domestic ducks are descended from and related to Mallards and have been cross bred for the variations we see now. They are also so widespread, they can be found all over the world.

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

Identification

The Great Blue Heron is unmistakable in size and coloring and easy to identify. A combination of blues, grays and whites are its markings. The plumes off the back of the head

Size

Length: 38.2-53.9 in (97-137 cm)
Weight: 74.1-88.2 oz (2100-2500 g)
Wingspan: 65.8-79.1 in (167-201 cm)

Range

The Great Blue Heron is a common resident of waterways across the state where it fishes and catches prey.

What you might not know

People often worry about herons feeding on the fish in their ornamental ponds. It is illegal to harm or kill wild native birds so instead, put a length of drainpipe in the bottom of the pond so that fish can hide from hungry herons.

Brent Goose (Branta bernicla)

Identification

The Brent or Brant Goose looks quite distinct from other species with short legs and a very dark neck. The white patch on the side of the neck is diagnostic. It is a fabulous, exotic Connecticut bird.

Size

Length: 21-26 in (55-66 cm)
Weight: 30-64 oz (850-1810 g)
Wingspan: 43-47 inches (110-120 cm)

Range

Typically this goose is seen in the company of others. Can be found across Connecticut in ponds and lakes more frequently in winter months. Look out for it to tick off on your winter checklists.

What you might not know

The Brent Goose breeds in the Arctic Circle and only appears in coastal areas of the U.S. during non-breeding seasons, so Connecticut is lucky to see these birds as they are actually quite rare in the U.S.

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides)

Identification

The Iceland Gull may look similar to other gull species and quite indistinct but that is what makes it identifiable. The very pale coloring and very small bill is the differentiator.

Size

Length: 19.7-23.6 in (50-60 cm)
Weight: 28.9-38.8 oz (820-1100 g)
Wingspan: 45.3-53.9 in (115-137 cm)

Range

The Iceland Gull is an uncommon winter visitor to Connecticut but it may be that it is misidentified frequently as it is usually found in large flocks of gulls. It can be found on the coast or inland lakes.

What you might not know

The Iceland Gull is an opportunistic feeder and will look for a wide range of foods including:

fish
carrion
bird eggs
plants
algae
fruits

Common Birds of the Forest

Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)

Identification

The Eastern Phoebe is a rather plain looking flycatcher with brown plumage above and paler below, sometimes showing a pale yellow wash on the belly. A good identifier is that it wags its tail frequently.

Size

Length: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)
Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz (16-21 g)
Wingspan: 10.2-11.0 in (26-28 cm)

Range

Seen less so in the winter, the Eastern Phoebe is a common sight in forests, open woodland and parks. The darker the shade in the range map below, represents a higher concentration.

What you might not know

Eastern Phoebes like their own company. When you see one, chances are it will be alone. They don’t associate with other Phoebe species and are not that tolerant even of their mate.

Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)

Identification

The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest species and looks very similar to the Hairy Woodpecker (check the bill though, the Downy’s is very short compared to the Hairy). The plumage is pale underneath and black with white spots on the back. A red patch on the back of the head may or may not be visible.

Size

Length: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)
Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz (21-28 g)
Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in (25-30 cm)

Range

This is a very common woodpecker, found in pretty much any wooded area where it searches for bugs in the bark.

What you might not know

The drumming noise made by the pecking at wood by this gorgeous little bird isn’t really much to do with looking for food. To do that they dig and poke in the bark for grubs. The drumming noise is either a territorial warning or communicating with their mate.

Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)

Identification

This is a tiny, shy owl with dark brown and buff coloring. Large yellow/orange eyes are prominent and the head has distinctive streaks on it. The size makes it easy to identify.

Size

Length: 7.1-8.3 in (18-21 cm)
Weight: 2.3-5.3 oz (65-151 g)
Wingspan: 16.5-18.9 in (42-48 cm)

Range

As is shown in the Range Map below, the Northern Saw-whet Owl is consistently seen across the state in conifer forests. However, the numbers reported are very low for the obvious reason in that it is nocturnal. It is also very shy and very small which makes it difficult to find.

What you might not know

This owl is so named because its call sounds like a saw on a whetstone. You can listen to it below, it is a curious sound to hear.

Audio by Ron Overholtz

Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus)

Identification

This warbler has a couple of unique identifiers with a robust bill and relatively long tail. Plumage ranges from olive brown to bright yellow on the throat. It always has 2 white wing bars, which help when identifying it.

Size

Length: 5.1-5.5 in (13-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (9-15 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 in (19-23 cm)

Range

The Pine Warbler is a spring and summer visitor to Connecticut where it breeds, although it can be found here across the year. It resides almost exclusively in pine forests. Your summer checklists will not be complete without this lovely little bird.

What you might not know

Unlike just about every other warbler species, the Pine Warbler migrates, breeds and overwinters entirely in the U.S. and south eastern Canada.

Open Country and Rural Birds

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

Identification

The female Red-winged Blackbird (photo on the right) can be tricky to identify with its brown and buff streaks and no other discerning features. The male, however, is a glossy black with bright red wings bars lined with yellow.

Size

Length: 6.7-9.1 in (17-23 cm)
Weight: 1.1-2.7 oz (32-77 g)
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in (31-40 cm)

Range

Again, seen more frequently in the spring months, this lovely bird is common across the state found in open rural areas.

What you might not know

Breeding is a complicated affair for the Red-winged Blackbird. Males may have over 10 female mates and they spend a great deal of time defending their territory. Must be exhausting.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)

Identification

This tiny swallow is quite plain with brown and buff coloration but is nonetheless very cute when you see them.

Size

Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.6 oz (10-18 g)
Wingspan: 10.6-11.8 in (27-30 cm)

Range

Seen more frequently in the spring, the Northern Rough-winged Swallow is often found near water sources across the state. A less reported species than the others on our list so far.

What you might not know

These cute little birds are so named because the edge of their wings has a series of raised hooks on them. If you touch them they feel rough!

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)

Identification

This tiny raptor is incredible in many ways, beginning with its unique and beautiful plumage. The wings and head are slate gray while the back and front are a rich brown. Black spots can be found on the body. The cheeks are black and white stripes.

Size

Length: 8.7-12.2 in (22-31 cm)
Weight: 2.8-5.8 oz (80-165 g)
Wingspan: 20.1-24.0 in (51-61 cm)

Range

The American Kestrel hunts over road sides and open country. It can be seen across the state but fairly irregularly.

What you might not know

Unlike most nesting birds, the American Kestrel does not removed feces. It just squirts in on the inside of the nest taking care to keep the chicks clean. Makes quite a smally enivronment.

Common Connecticut Backyard and Garden Birds

Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)

Identification

The Common Grackle is the most compact of the Grackle species. It is a glossy blackbird whose iridescent colors change in the sunlight. The staring yellow eye is indicative. It is a common backyard bird.

Size

Length: 11.0-13.4 in (28-34 cm)
Weight: 2.6-5.0 oz (74-142 g)
Wingspan: 14.2-18.1 in (36-46 cm)

Range

The Common Grackle is indeed that and can be seen in varying environments including gardens and they are common backyard birds.

What you might not know

Common Grackles are great foragers and scavengers. They will decimate corn crops, attack turtles raid nests for eggs and they even have special serrations in their bill to saw acorns in half.

Common Raven (Corvus corax)

Identification

Like other ravens and crows, this is a large glossy black bird with a large bill and even larger voice.

Size

Length: 22.1-27.2 in (56-69 cm)
Weight: 24.3-57.3 oz (689-1625 g)
Wingspan: 45.7-46.5 in (116-118 cm)

Range

The Common Raven can be seen extensively across the United States and Connecticut. It inhabits all sorts of environments making it a very commonly seen bird just about everywhere and one of the louder backyard birds.

What you might not know

The Common Raven is a hugely entertaining bird that plays and shows off all the time. Underlying that is an incredible ability for aerial acrobatics. It can fly upside down, swirl and circle with an agility unlike most other birds.

And a very Rare Bird

Harris’s Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula)

Identification

This is a large and rare sparrow that has very distinct plumage. The black face and pink bill are diagnostic and the rest of the body is more sparrow like.

Size

Length: 6.7-7.9 in (17-20 cm)
Weight: 0.9-1.7 oz (26-49 g)
Wingspan: 10.6 in (27 cm)

Range

The Harris’s Sparrow is rarely seen in Connecticut. It inhabits boreal forests and has only been reported to eBird in the winter months less than 400 times.

What you might not know

Although it is shy and rare, it will visit backyard feeders so if you live near a forest, it is worth looking out for them.