What Does a Violet-Crowned Hummingbird Look Like?

violet crowned hummingbird
Violet crowned hummingbird perched on a branch

Both male and female violet-crowned hummingbirds measure about 4 inches with snowy white underparts. No other U.S. hummingbird shares the starkly white unmarked belly, throat, and flanks. The bronze-greenish back can appear grayish under some light conditions.

The crown, nape, and face are purplish, sometimes appearing violet-blue or even more blue than purple, and varying in intensity among individuals. A bright red bill with a black tip adds a splash of color to these striking birds.

Adult males and females are essentially indistinguishable. Females may have a slighter duller-colored crown than males. But there is so much overlap in shading of the crown that plumage alone is not a reliable indicator of sex.

Juveniles are paler, often appearing plain gray above and white below.

Typically about 11 cm in length, the violet-crowned hummingbird is one of the largest hummers found in the U.S. It is noticeably larger than other species that are common in southernmost Arizona and New Mexico, such as the broad-billed and black-chinned hummingbird. However, it is smaller than the Rivoli’s hummingbird and blue-throated mountain-gem.

How to Attract Violet-Crowned Hummingbirds

Violet-crowns feed on nectar from many different plants, especially those with bright-colored tubular flowers.

If you live within their range, consider planting species that are native to the region, including various species of red salvia, firecracker bush (Bouvardia ternifolia), scarlet betony (Stachys coccinea) and bat-faced cuphea. These hummingbirds also feed on agave flowers and various flowering trees. When landscaping, always try to leave native plants and native plant communities intact.

These birds also readily come to feeders.

Violet-Crowned Hummingbird Range

Violet-crowned Hummingbird
A violet-crowned Hummingbird perched on a branch in southeast Arizona

Primarily a Mexican species, the violet-crowned hummingbird reaches the northern limit of its range in extreme southeast Arizona and adjacent southwest New Mexico. Its presence in the U.S. is relatively recent, with the first recorded nesting north of Mexico confirmed in 1959.

Increasingly the violet-crowned hummingbird is both nesting in and overwintering within its narrow range in Arizona and New Mexico, perhaps due the prevalence of hummingbird feeders.

The birds do not occur in Texas or California except as very rare vagrants, with just a few records for those two states.

Learn how to identify a Costa’s hummingbird.

Migration

Violet Crowned Hummingbird.

In the northern part of their range, violet-crowned hummers are considered at least partially migratory.

Little is known of their migratory habits, but the breeding season runs from April into August. Northward migration occurs primarily in late winter and early spring and southward migration occurs from mid-summer through mid-autumn.

Migrating birds reach their U.S. range by the first half of June and depart in August and September. However, some individuals arrive earlier and stay later or even all year.

Some seem to partake in migration-like “wandering” outside of the breeding season. Individuals can show up nearly any time within or close to the expected range.

Do hummingbird sightings have special meaning?

Hummingbird Hotspot

The easiest, most reliable location to observe a violet-crowned hummingbird is at the Tucson Audubon’s Paton Center for Hummingbirds in Patagonia, Arizona.

According to the Paton Center, more people have first laid eyes on this species at this location than anywhere else on the planet. In recent years, a small number birds have been observed overwintering there.

For information, visit www.tucsonaudubon.org/paton-center/.

Check out jaw-dropping facts about hummingbirds.

Violet-Crowned Hummingbird Nest

This species is generally riparian. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, almost all nests in Arizona and New Mexico are found some 20 to 40 feet above ground in sycamore trees.

Most observed nests are constructed of whitish cotton-like down plant material bound with spiderwebs and camouflaged with lichen and other plant debris. The cup shape and its construction is similar to other hummingbird nests.

There is virtually no data on violet-crowned hummingbird nesting behavior. For most hummingbird species, eggs hatch in 14 to 19 days. Young fledge in about 3 to 3 1/2 weeks.

Find out why hummingbirds are the ultimate bird supermoms.

Violet-Crowned Hummingbird Song

Listen for their song of soft but piercing high-pitched notes, cheer-cheeer-cheeer-cheeer-cheeer. Calls, especially at dawn, include a kissing chip-chip-chip.

Little is known about its courtship behavior. No displays have been recorded other than persistent singing, presumably by males on conspicuous perches.

Learn more about the many sounds of hummingbirds.

Bird songs courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Behavior

Violet-crowned hummingbirds will actively chase away other species, especially in the absence of multiple nectar sources. They can dominate smaller species. They often select a favorite perch to use routinely.

Why Trust Us

For nearly 30 years, Birds & Blooms, a Trusted Media Brandhas been inspiring readers to have a lifelong love of birding, gardening and nature. We are the #1 bird and garden magazine in North America and a trusted online resource for over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts annually. Our library of thousands of informative articles and how-tos has been written by trusted journalists and fact-checked by bird and garden experts for accuracy. In addition to our staff of experienced gardeners and bird-watchers, we hire individuals who have years of education and hands-on experience with birding, bird feeding, gardening, butterflies, bugs and more. Learn more about Birds & Blooms, our field editor program, and our submission guidelines.

Sources

Mourning Dove Nesting Habits

mourning dove nest
Mourning dove pairs build nests quickly.

Most birds spend several days, to as long as two weeks getting their home just right. But a pair of mourning doves can quickly throw together a loose platform of sticks in just a few hours. The construction may be finished in a single morning or spread over a couple of days. The male is prone to interrupting the work to pursue the female. A flimsy nest mourning dove nest is made of pine needles, twigs and grass.

Check out more fascinating facts about mourning doves.

Where Do Mourning Doves Nest?

Mourning dove with young in nest
Mourning dove with young in nest

“I feed doves, finches and sparrows. How do I get these birds to nest in my yard?” asks Birds & Blooms reader Peggy Shreve of Oceanside, California.

Birding experts Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman say, “The only way to attract nesting birds is to provide the right nest sites, as different birds choose different situations for placing their nests. Doves often build on top of a horizontal fork in a tree.”

These birds also often choose protected spots on the ledges of houses for their twiggy nests. Mourning doves do not use nest boxes.

Find out if mourning dove sightings have meaning.

How Long Until Mourning Dove Eggs Hatch?

“A mourning dove built a nest near my front door. How long until the eggs hatch?” asks reader Aspasia Simeone of Long Beach, New York.

Kenn and Kimberly say, “After the pair finishes building the nest—which takes two to four days—the female usually lays the first egg within a couple of days, and a second egg a day or two later. Both parents will take turns incubating the two eggs. The eggs hatch after 14 days. Both parents feed the youngsters, and they will be ready to fly in about two weeks.”

Do mourning dove feathers and wings make noise?

Why Do Mourning Doves Build Nests so Early in Spring?

mourning dove nest
Mourning doves begin nesting early in spring, continuing through fall.

A Birds & Blooms reader from Manahawkin, New Jersey, wrote in to ask why these birds get such an early start on nest building.

Kenn and Kimberly say, “That’s a good observation—they do start nesting early in the season. Even in the north they may start their first nest as early as March. In southern states, doves may begin in February or even January. And a pair of mourning doves makes repeated nesting attempts during the year, sometimes raising as many as five broods between March and October. Normally they just lay two eggs per brood.”

Psst—don’t miss these breathtaking photos of mourning doves.

Why the hurry? Kenn and Kimberly explain, “Mourning dove nest construction is so flimsy that the eggs or baby birds sometimes fall out. So the mourning doves may have an instinct to try over and over to make sure they raise enough young to keep the species going.”

Did you know: Mourning doves and other birds that nest in the open usually (but not always!) build a new nest for each brood.

Learn what a mourning dove call sounds like.

Why Trust Us

For nearly 30 years, Birds & Blooms, a Trusted Media Brandhas been inspiring readers to have a lifelong love of birding, gardening and nature. We are the #1 bird and garden magazine in North America and a trusted online resource for over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts annually. Our library of thousands of informative articles and how-tos has been written by trusted journalists and fact-checked by bird and garden experts for accuracy. In addition to our staff of experienced gardeners and bird-watchers, we hire individuals who have years of education and hands-on experience with birding, bird feeding, gardening, butterflies, bugs and more. Learn more about Birds & Blooms, our field editor program, and our submission guidelines.

Tiger Swallowtail lands on blue Delphinium
Tiger swallowtail lands on blue delphinium flowers

My favorite flowers in the garden are often the blue ones. There’s something about seeing this cool hue mixed among the brighter yellows, reds, and oranges that always makes me fall in love. One of the truest blues you can find in a flower garden comes from delphinium, especially some of the newer cultivars on the market. If you love blue too, you’ll want to give growing delphiniums (also known as larkspur) a try. They can be a little tricky, so here are a few tips.

Delphinium Care and Growing Tips

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Diamonds Blue delphiniums
  • Scientific name: Delphinium spp.
  • Common name: Larkspur
  • Zones: 3 to 7
  • Light needs: Full sun
  • Well-draining soil
  • Attracts: Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees

Although it’s a bit picky, larkspur is well worth the effort when spires of blue flowers reach for the sky. Delphiniums require full sun and organic, moist, well-draining soil. Don’t allow the soil to dry out. Mix in compost before planting and fertilize regularly.

Larkspur plants grow 2 to 6 feet tall. This towering treasure makes a statement at the back of a mixed border, as a vertical accent or in a container. Stake taller varieties to stand up to wind and rain.

Cut delphiniums back hard after their first blooming to encourage a second late summer or fall bloom. Remove spent flower stems completely. This is often considered the trick to growing delphiniums successfully.

Delphiniums are happiest with cool moist weather. Hot dry summers are often their downfall. Because of this, many gardeners prefer growing delphiniums in the spring and early summer as annuals, replacing them each year. They can be grown as perennials in zones 3 to 7. In cooler zones, grow delphiniums in full sun. In warmer climates, afternoon shade will help them endure hotter weather.

Meaning of Delphinium

white-lined sphinx moth on larkspur
White-lined sphinx moth 

The word delphinium means “dolphin-like,” and refers to the graceful shape of the nectary at the base of each bloom. Delphiniums are also known as larkspur in many places. This also refers to the shape of the bloom, which is thought to resemble the claw on a lark’s foot.

Pollinator Benefits

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Broad tailed hummingbird at larkspur blossoms

With dozens of blooms on each stem, it gives hummingbirds plenty of nectar sources to share with butterflies and other bugs, too.

However, be careful when furry friends and children are around. This plant, particularly the sprouts, is toxic to pets, livestock (and people).

Delphinium Varieties

Magic Fountains delphinium
Magic Fountains delphinium

Delphiniums are a large family of over 300 species. They can be found throughout the northern hemisphere, and on high mountains in Africa. They come in a range of colors, including pink and white, but most people think of the blue varieties when they think of this flower. Many types are quite tall and become droopy with rain or wind, but newer dwarf varieties stand up to those challenges pretty well.

Some varieties, like the Summer Blues, are a lot bluer than others. For heat tolerance, try the Blue Mirror cultivar. Dasante Blue is a great choice for a cutting garden. Grab your shears and snip a few stems to bring a little beauty to your house.

Native Larkspur

native delphinium

“I spotted this delicate flower (above) that is kind of transparent and a very pretty blue-purple color. What could it be?” asks Birds & Blooms reader Kit Warner of Mule Creek, New Mexico.

Horticultural expert Melinda Myers says, “You’ve found native larkspur, most likely Delphinium nuttallianum. This particular larkspur is more common in open areas and dry conditions. There are several other very similar delphiniums that are distinguished by their location and more subtle features. As the blue petals pass their peak, they start to fade and develop the transparency you’ve captured in this photo.”

Backyard Tip: Delphinium exaltatum, or tall larkspur, is native in the East and sturdy enough to grow in Zones 4 to 8.

Sources

  • Melinda Myers
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • Ball Horticultural Company
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • North Carolina State Extension

What Does a Tennessee Warbler Look Like?

Tennessee warbler

“This bird flew into my window one afternoon and was dazed. It sat for a bit before flying away. What species is it?” asks Joyce Sorensen of Clear Lake, Iowa.

Birding experts Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman say, “We are happy to clear up the mystery. Your surprised visitor is a male Tennessee warbler. The keys to recognizing it are the small size, thin bill, white eyebrow on a gray head and bright yellow-green back.”

Females and juveniles are more yellow but appear duller.

Mystery Warbler Identification

14 Judithclayton Bbxmar20

“This photo is from 1974, but the bird is still a mystery. What is it?” asks reader Judith Clayton of Alexandria, Minnesota.

Kenn and Kimberly say, “We are happy to clear up the mystery. This is a male Tennessee warbler. The very thin, pointed bill places it in the warbler family, and the male Tennessee has the same pattern as yours: blue-gray cap, white eyebrow, dark line through the eye, white throat and an olive green back that contrasts with the gray head.

Despite its name, this warbler migrates through Tennessee only in spring and fall. It spends the summer mostly in Canada and winters in Central America. The one that visited you in Minnesota was probably passing through on migration.”

Range and Habitat

Don’t be fooled by this bird’s name. According to Kenn and Kimberly, like the Nashville warbler, this warbler doesn’t have any special connection to the state of Tennessee. It’s a migratory bird, spending summers mostly in Canada and flying to the tropics of Central America for the winter. It passes through Tennessee (and Iowa) only during its travels in spring and fall.

Diet

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Tennessee warbler dining on sawfly larvae 

Tennessee warblers are especially fond of caterpillars. In winter, they also feed on fruit, berries and flower nectar.

Many migrants, like warblers or kinglets, bypass feeders on their journeys north. To find these insect-eating spring specialties, head to a wooded area or body of water where birds are likely to stop and rest before continuing on to their breeding grounds.

Learn more birding tips for warbler migration and the top warbler hotspots to visit in spring.

Sound

Bird songs courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Woodpecker Tongue

woodpecker tongue
A pileated woodpecker extends its tongue to eat after drilling

“I watched a red-bellied woodpecker stick its tongue out over and over. What was it doing?” asks Kimberly Miskiewicz of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Birding experts Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman say, “Red-bellied woodpeckers use their incredibly long tongues to forage for insects. They stick their tongues into tree cavities and crevices to probe for insects and grubs. Sometimes they even use them to drink syrupy sugar water from hummingbird feeders. Considering all the places they use their amazing tongues for feeding, they can get messy in a hurry. The bird you watched, sticking its tongue out repeatedly, was probably just cleaning its tongue after foraging.”

Did You Know: A red-bellied woodpecker’s tongue extends nearly 2 inches beyond the tip of its beak.

Check out the 4 best foods for attracting woodpeckers.

northern flicker on suet feeder
Northern flickers’ tongues are long enough to get the seeds from a caged feeder.

A woodpecker tongue is perfectly designed for scooping insects out of trees. It can be covered in a sticky fluid that helps capture bugs. The end of their tongue is also barbed to allow them to latch on to food. This makes retrieving insects a breeze for woodpeckers.

woodpecker tongue
Woodpecker drinking from a hummingbird feeder

Sapsuckers have an extra advantage: Hairlike structures on their short tongues help these birds suck sticky, insect-laden sap from trees.

Check out more mind-blowing woodpecker facts you should know.

Woodpecker Beak, Skull and Brain

red bellied woodpecker
Red-bellied woodpeckers need their chisel-like beak to drill into tree trunks.

You’d think repeatedly slamming their heads into hard surfaces would cause brain damage or a concussion. Turns out woodpeckers have a special skull structure that protects their brains from the impact of hammering and pecking. Woodpeckers have a unique bone in their skulls that wraps around their brain. It works like a seat belt, protecting their tiny brains.

Additionally, a woodpecker’s strong beak is covered in layers of keratin. This is a protein that helps the beak stand up to compressing forces. A sharp chisel-like tip helps the birds hammer into trees.

Learn why woodpeckers peck and how to stop it.

Malformed Woodpecker Beak

Patricia Arkwright2

“This downy woodpecker (above) visits my suet feeder. What’s going on with its beak?” asks reader Patricia Arkwright of Poland, Ohio.

Kenn and Kimberly say, “On rare occasions, any kind of bird may develop a malformed beak, with one or both mandibles growing extremely long, curving in an odd way or crossing at the tips. If the bird can still manage to eat, it may survive for a long time. This downy woodpecker is an adult male, so it must have been living with this deformity for a while—in fact, your feeder may be playing an important role in its survival, since it would have trouble pecking on trees in the normal way.”

Next, find out if woodpeckers kill or damage trees.

Dianthus Care and Growing Tips

Fragrant Flowers Firewitch Dianthus 2
‘Bath’s Pink’ 

Looking for a plant that offers fragrant flowers and beautiful foliage, too? Dianthus might be just what your flower garden needs. The tight mound of gray foliage is just as appealing as the deliciously spicy flowers.

  • Dianthus
  • Dianthus hybrids
  • Zones 3 to 9
  • Full sun
  • Well-draining soil

The spicy clove scent of the flowers many refer to as “pinks” is legendary, but some pinks actually have no scent at all. Sniff before you buy, and you won’t be disappointed. Note: the “pink” nickname refers to the fringed edges of the blooms that look like they were cut with pinking shears, not the color.

They are closely related to carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) and share their scent. The flowers rise on delicate stems about 6 inches above the plant, and are perfect for cutting for small nosegays or bud vases.

As an added bonus, fragrant dianthus attracts native bees and butterflies to your garden.

Dianthus Varieties

Firewitch dianthus gratianopolitanus or carnation pink flowers
Firewitch 

Bath’s Pink is an old reliable with pastel pink flowers. This dianthus variety forms a mat of silvery-green, with fragrant flowers floating on delicate stems above each spring. Also look for two-tone Pink Kisses, or Firewitch, also known as Cheddar Pinks, with fragrant flowers that are reminiscent of cloves.

Pwdianthus Blackcherryfrost
Fruit Punch ‘Black Cherry Frost’

Not into the pink flower color? Try Mrs. Sinkins, a favorite since Victorian days, which has fluffy white flowers, or Black Cherry Frost for semi-double red flowers.

Where to Plant Dianthus

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‘Pink Kisses’

The low, mat-forming growth habit of this plant makes it an interesting choice for a ground cover or rock wall. Be sure to plant it in well-drained soil where it will not become overly wet during the winter months, or crown rot can occur.

Choose full sun spots for best growth and flowering. Cut back the spent blooms to encourage new flowers throughout spring and a possible re-bloom in the fall.

Looking for more fragrant flowers for your garden? Try our top 10 list!

No fliers are as well-equipped to extract nectar as hummingbirds. With long, thin bills and tongues that lick up to 13 times a second, their mouths alone make them impressive. Commercial hummingbird nectar is convenient, but you can easily DIY! Here’s how to make your own homemade hummingbird nectar recipe.

Hummingbird Nectar Recipe

hummingbird nectar recipe
Use this simple hummingbird nectar recipe to fill your feeders.
  • Combine a ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part table sugar
  • Bring the water to a boil to break down the sugar completely
  • Once the mixture is cool, fill feeders
  • Refrigerate what you don’t use between fillings

Pure white table sugar is the safest option for for DIY hummingbird nectar. Avoid brown sugar, honey or artificial sweeteners. Many also consider organic sugar, which doesn’t tend to be fully refined to pure sucrose, unsafe for feeding hummingbirds. And skip the red food dye in your hummingbird mixture! The birds don’t need it, and it’s easier to monitor the freshness of colorless sugar water.

How Often Should You Change Hummingbird Nectar?

Humming Bird Eating
Make sure to clean feeders regularly and refill them with fresh nectar.

You can avoid moldy hummingbird nectar by filling feeders only halfway and cleaning them before each refill. Birding experts Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman say, “According to lab studies, the amount of sugar water consumed by a hummingbird will vary depending on the richness of the sugar concentration. With the typical 4:1 ratio of water to sugar, a ruby-throated hummingbird probably won’t drink more than about 2 fluid ounces per day.”

Placing your feeders in the shade will help to keep your homemade nectar from spoiling too quickly. Change out the mixture every three to five days—and more frequently on hot days. If feeders are empty, the birds will look for food elsewhere.

“Hummingbirds’ needs regarding nectar are so specific and quite regular, so they’ll always take advantage of those kinds of resources,” explains John Rowden, senior director for bird-friendly communities at the National Audubon Society.

Foil territorial nectar hogs by putting up several hummingbird feeders out of sight from one another.

When should you put out hummingbird feeders in spring?

Plant Nectar Flowers for Hummingbirds

hummingbird gets nectar from flowers
Hummingbirds feed on flower nectar in addition to homemade sugar water from feeders.

Another hummingbird nectar source comes from your garden! John notes that feeders should ideally be used in addition to native plants to help fulfill a hummingbird’s nutritional needs.

Hummingbirds feed on flower nectar as well as homemade nectar. To attract hummingbirds regardless of your location, plant nectar-rich, tube-shaped flowers and fill your feeders.

Some top plant choices include bee balm, salvia and hummingbird mint. Also try growing these red flowers that hummingbirds love.

“I plant peas on trellises between my nectar feeders. This seems to deter hummingbirds from claiming the feeders as their own and bullying others, because it helps prevent visual contact among the birds—and the pea blossoms provide an additional nectar source,” says Birds & Blooms reader Jim Low.

Note: Make sure you skip the pesticides on your hummingbird nectar flowers. These tiny birds also eat plenty of insects for protein and feed them to their young.

Next, learn how to create an ideal hummingbird habitat.

Sources:

  • National Audubon Society
  • Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman

northern shoveler duck
Female northern shoveler 

The past few winters, some new visitors have begun showing up on our backyard lake. A casual observer might have seen the green head and just dismissed it as another mallard, but at second glance, it was easy to see this was no ordinary duck. The large heavy bill made it extremely easy to identify our new winter residents—they’re northern shovelers (Anas clypeata).

Northern Shoveler Range

Duck Species Northern Shovelers
A widespread species, northern shovelers are dabbling ducks with distinctive bills.

Northern shovelers are actually pretty common birds, and can be found across much of the United States and Canada at some point during the year. They winter down south, then migrate to the northwest for breeding season. They’re not restricted to North America, though; this species is also found in Europe, Africa and Asia.

Look for them in their preferred habitat of muddy creeks and marshes.

Learn how to identify a wood duck.

Northern Shoveler Identification

Northern Shoveler
No other duck has a bill like a northern shoveler

The specialized long, shovel-shaped bill sets the northern shoveler apart from other ducks. The bill is twice as wide at the tip as at its base.

Males have a green head, white chest and a brown side patch. Females are mottled brown and overall drabber in color than the males—though they still have that distinctive bill.

Find out what a black-bellied whistling duck looks like.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Duck Species Northern Shoveler
Shovelers are filter-feeders, using their bills to find food just under the surface.

Shovelers are dabbling ducks, which means they don’t completely submerge underwater for feeding. Because their bills are so long and heavy, they don’t even need to tip their body down into the water.

As their name implies, the bird lowers its bill and uses it like a shovel to collect mud and water from which it strains out food. Its diet includes snails, water insects, seeds, and such small aquatic plants as duckweed. They have more than 100 small projections, called lamellae, along the edge of the bill to help with this process.

What foods can you feed to ducks?

Nesting Habits

Duck Species Northern Shoveler
Northern shoveler pairs are monogamous 

These ducks are monogamous. Shovelers usually nest close to water, in a plant-lined depression. The female lays from 8 to 12 eggs at the rate of an egg a day. As the laying goes on, she plucks down from her body and adds it to the nest. She does not start incubating until the last egg is laid.

What is that black duck with the white beak?

Northern Shoveler Sound

Bird songs courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Species Name Change

Common Gallinules
Common gallinules were formerly known as common moorhens.

Chances are good that if you’ve seen and identified this bird before, you knew it as the common moorhen (Gallinula cholorpus). In July 2011, though, the American Ornithologists’ Union voted to split the American population of the bird into its own separate species, the common gallinule (Gallinula galeata).

You might be wondering, who gets to decide what to call a bird, and how do they make that decision? Well, according to its website, the American Ornithologists’ Union is “one of the oldest organizations in the world dedicated to the scientific study of birds.” As such, it commands a great deal of respect from ornithologists worldwide. The research it sponsors and produces greatly increases our understanding of the bird world.

Male Common Gallinule by J Staake
Male common gallinule

In a nutshell, if these folks say the American gallinules are a different species than those found in other parts of the world, then there’s an awfully good chance they are. Online guides like Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s AllAboutBirds.org and printed field guides have changed their ID pages accordingly.

More than 70 bird names are changing — here’s why.

Common Gallinule Identification

common gallinule
Female common gallinule

The red face patch and bill tipped with yellow make adults easily identifiable.

Juveniles are a drab brown until their first mating season in the spring when they take on the adult coloration.

Common Gallinule Feet by J Staake
Closeup of the large feet and long toes

It’s a small bird, compared to companion ducks and other water birds. It has very large feet, with extremely long toes. Despite the lack of webbing, it’s an excellent swimmer.

Note: Make sure you don’t confuse the common gallinule with its arguably more gorgeous relative, the purple gallinule (Porphyrio martinica). 

Diet

Common Gallinule / Gallinula galeata
Common gallinules resting at the water’s edge

The common gallinule eats mostly vegetation, but supplements its diet with small snails it finds among the floating leaves.

Range

The common gallinule and its relative, the common moorhen, are the most commonly seen members of the rail family (Rallidae) around much of the world. Here in the U.S., it’s prevalent year-round in the coastal southern states, including Florida. It spreads throughout the eastern half of the country in the summer breeding season.

Common Gallinule Sound

Bird songs courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.