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This list of Connecticut birds is a comprehensive listing of all the bird species recorded from the U.S. state of Connecticut. This list is based on a checklist used by the Avian Records Committee of Connecticut, the list used by most birders to objectively evaluate species recorded in the state. This list is based on the committee's revision from 2007. 417 species of birds have been recorded in Connecticut.[1]
The taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families, genera and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) used in the accompanying bird lists adhere to the conventions of the AOU's (1998) Check-list of North American birds, the recognized scientific authority on the taxonomy and nomenclature of North American birds. The AOU's Committee on Classification and Nomenclature, the body responsible for maintaining and updating the Check-list, "strongly and unanimously continues to endorse the biological species concept (BSC), in which species are considered to be genetically cohesive groups of populations that are reproductively isolated from other such groups" (AOU 1998). See Sibley-Ahlquist taxonomy for an alternative phylogenetic arrangement based on DNA-DNA hybridization.
Unless otherwise noted, all species listed below are considered to occur regularly in Connecticut as permanent residents, summer or winter visitors, or migrants. The following codes are used to denote certain categories of species:
- (I) - Introduced: Birds that have been introduced to North America by the actions of man, either directly or indirectly.
- (X) - Extinct
- (E) - Extirpated
- (S) - Sight record only
[edit] Ducks, geese, and swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These are birds that are modified for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, bills which are flattened to a greater or lesser extent, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to special oils. In Connecticut, species have been recorded.
- Pink-footed Goose, Anser brachyrhynchus (R)
- Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Dendrocygna bicolor
- Greater White-fronted Goose, Anser albifrons
- Snow Goose, Chen caerulescens
- Ross's Goose, Chen rossii (R)
- Brant, Branta bernicla
- Barnacle Goose, Branta leucopsis (R)
- Cackling Goose, Branta hutchinsii
- Canada Goose, Branta canadensis
- Mute Swan, Cygnus olor (I)
- Wood Duck, Aix sponsa
- Gadwall, Anas strepera
- Eurasian Wigeon, Anas penelope
- American Wigeon, Anas americana
- American Black Duck, Anas rubripes
- Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos
- Blue-winged Teal, Anas discors
- Cinnamon Teal, Anas cyanoptera (R)
- Northern Shoveler, Anas clypeata
- Northern Pintail, Anas acuta
- Green-winged Teal, Anas crecca
- Canvasback, Aythya valisineria
- Redhead, Aythya americana
- Ring-necked Duck, Aythya collaris
- Tufted Duck, Aythya fuligula (R)
- Greater Scaup, Aythya marila
- Lesser Scaup, Aythya affinis
- King Eider, Somateria spectabilis
- Common Eider, Somateria mollissima
- Harlequin Duck, Histrionicus histrionicus
- Surf Scoter, Melanitta perspicillata
- White-winged Scoter, Melanitta fusca
- Black Scoter, Melanitta nigra
- Long-tailed Duck, Clangula hyemalis
- Bufflehead, Bucephala albeola
- Labrador Duck, Camptorhynchus labradorius (X)
- Barrow's Goldeneye
- Common Goldeneye, Bucephala clangula
- Hooded Merganser, Lophodytes cucullatus
- Common Merganser, Mergus merganser
- Red-breasted Merganser, Mergus serrator
- Ruddy Duck, Oxyura jamaicensis
[edit] Turkeys
Order: Galliformes Family: Meleagrididae
Turkeys have a distinctive fleshy wattle that hangs from the underside of the beak, and a fleshy protuberance that hangs from the top of its beak called a snood. As with many galliform species, the female (the hen) is smaller and much less colorful than the male (the tom). With wingspans of 1.5–1.8 meters (almost 6 feet), the turkeys are the largest birds in the open forests in which they live and are rarely mistaken for any other species. One species has been recorded in Connecticut.
- Wild Turkey, Meleagris gallopavo
[edit] Grouse
Order: Galliformes Family: Tetraonidae
Grouse inhabit temperate and subarctic regions of the northern hemisphere. They are game and are sometimes hunted for food. In all Connecticut species, males are polygamous and have elaborate courtship displays. These heavily built birds have legs feathered to the toes. Most species are year-round residents, and do not migrate. Two species have been recorded in Connecticut.
- Ruffed Grouse, Bonasa umbellus
Greater Prairie-Chicken (EX)(S)
[edit] Pheasants
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae is a family of birds which consists of the pheasants and their allies. These are terrestrial species, variable in size but generally plump, with broad relatively short wings. Many species are gamebirds, or have been domesticated as a food source for humans. In Connecticut, one species has been introduced.
[edit] New World quail
Order: Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae
- Ring-necked Pheasant, Phasianus colchicus (I)
The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits. In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- Northern Bobwhite, Colinus virginianus
[edit] Loons
Order: Gaviiformes Family: Gaviidae
Loons are aquatic birds size of a large duck, to which they are unrelated. Their plumage is largely grey or black, they have spear-shaped bills. Loons swim well, and fly adequately, but, because their legs are placed towards the rear of the body, are almost hopeless on land. In Connecticut, three species have been recorded.
- Red-throated Loon, Gavia stellata
- Pacific Loon, Gavia pacifica (R)
- Common Loon, Gavia immer
[edit] Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large sized freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes, and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. In Connecticut, five species have been recorded.
- Pied-billed Grebe, Podilymbus podiceps
- Horned Grebe, Podiceps auritus
- Red-necked Grebe, Podiceps grisegena
- Eared Grebe, Podiceps nigricollis (R)
- Western Grebe, Aechmorphorus occidentalis (R)
[edit] Fulmars, petrels and shearwaters
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized 'true petrels', characterized by united nostrils with medium septum, and a long outer functional primary. In Connecticut, seven species have been recorded.
- Northern Fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis (R)
- Black-capped Petrel, Pterodroma hasitata (R)
- Cory's Shearwater, Calonectris diomedea (R)
- Greater Shearwater, Puffinus gravis (R)
- Sooty Shearwater, Puffinus griseus (R)
- Manx Shearwater, Puffinus puffinus (R)(S)
- Audubon's Shearwater, Puffinus lherminieri (R)(S)
[edit] Storm-petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
The storm-petrels are the smallest of seabirds, relatives of the petrels, feeding on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. In Connecticut, three species have been recorded.
- Wilson's Storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus
- White-faced Storm-petrel, Pelagodroma marina (R)
- Leach's Storm-petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa (R)
[edit] Boobies and gannets
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium-large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish. In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- Northern Gannet, Morus bassanus
[edit] Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are very large water birds with a distinctive pouch under the beak. Like other birds in the order Pelecaniformes, they have four webbed toes. In Connecticut, two species have been recorded.
- American White Pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
- Brown Pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis (R)
[edit] Cormorants
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Cormorants are medium-to-large aquatic birds, usually with mainly dark plumage and areas of colored skin on the face. The bill is long, thin, and sharply hooked. Their feet are four-toed and webbed, a distinguishing feature among the Pelecaniformes order. In Connecticut, two species have been recorded.
- Double-crested Cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus
- Great Cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
[edit] Darters
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Anhingidae
Darters are cormorant-like water birds with very long necks and long, straight beaks. They often swim with only the neck above water, and are fish-eaters. In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga (S)(R)
[edit] Frigatebirds
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large sea-birds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black or black and white, with long wings and deeply-forked tails. The males have inflatable colored throat pouches. They do not swim or walk, and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan to body weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- Magnificent Frigatebird, Fregata magnificens (R)
[edit] Bitterns, herons, and egrets
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the herons, egrets, and bitterns. Herons and Egrets are medium to large sized wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more secretive. Unlike other long necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted. In Connecticut, 11 species have been recorded.
- American Bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus
- Least Bittern, Ixobrychus exilis
- Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias
- Great Egret, Ardea alba
- Snowy Egret, Egretta thula
- Little Blue Heron, Egretta caerulea
- Tricolored Heron, Egretta tricolor
- Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis
- Green Heron, Butorides virescens
- Black-crowned Night-Heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
- Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Nyctanassa violacea
[edit] Ibises and spoonbills
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Threskiornithidae
The family Threskiornithidae includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings. Their bodies tend to be elongated, the neck more so, with rather long legs. The bill is also long, decurved in the case of the ibises, straight and distinctively flattened in the spoonbills. In Connecticut, three species have occurred.
- American White Ibis, Eudocimus albus (R)
- Glossy Ibis, Plegadis falcinellus
- White-faced Ibis, Plegadis chihi (R)
[edit] Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, heavy, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long stout bills and wide wingspans. They lack the powder down that other wading birds such as herons, spoonbills and ibises use to clean off fish slime. Storks lack a pharynx and are mute. In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- Wood Stork, Mycteria americana (R)
[edit] New World vultures
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Cathartidae
The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of convergent evolution. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers. However, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they locate carcasses. In Connecticut, two species have been recorded.
- Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus
- Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura
[edit] Osprey
Order: Falconiformes Family: Pandionidae
The Osprey is a medium-large fish-eating bird of prey or raptor. It is widely distributed because it tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location which is near a body of water and provides an adequate food supply. It is the only member of its family.
- Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
[edit] Hawks, kites, and eagles
Order: Falconiformes Family: Accipitridae
The family Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. In Connecticut, 13 species have been recorded.
- Swallow-tailed Kite, Elanoides forficatus
- Mississippi Kite, Ictinia mississippiensis
- Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Northern Harrier, Circus cyaneus
- Sharp-shinned Hawk, Accipiter striatus
- Cooper's Hawk, Accipiter cooperii
- Northern Goshawk, Accipiter gentilis
- Red-shouldered Hawk, Buteo lineatus
- Broad-winged Hawk, Buteo platypterus
- Swainson's Hawk, Buteo swainsoni (R)
- Red-tailed Hawk, Buteo jamaicensis
- Rough-legged Hawk, Buteo lagopus
- Golden Eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
[edit] Caracaras and falcons
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey, notably the falcons and caracaras. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their feet. In Connecticut, four species have been recorded.
- American Kestrel, Falco sparverius
- Merlin, Falco columbarius
- Gyrfalcon, Falco rusticolus (R)
- Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus
[edit] Rails, gallinules, and coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. The most typical family members occupy dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs, and have long toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers. In Connecticut, nine species have been recorded.
- Yellow Rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis (R)
- Black Rail, Laterallus jamaicensis (R)
- Corn Crake (R)
- Clapper Rail, Rallus longirostris
- King Rail, Rallus elegans
- Virginia Rail, Rallus limicola
- Sora, Porzana carolina
- Purple Gallinule, Porphyrio martinica (R)
- Common Moorhen, Gallinula chloropus
- American Coot, Fulica americana
[edit] Cranes
Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- Sandhill Crane, Grus canadensis
[edit] Lapwings and plovers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water, although there are some exceptions. In Connecticut, seven species have been recorded.
- Black-bellied Plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- American Golden-Plover, Pluvialis dominica
- Snowy Plover, Charadrius alexandrinus (R)
- Wilson's Plover, Charadrius wilsonia (R)
- Semipalmated Plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
- Piping Plover, Charadrius melodus
- Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus
[edit] Oystercatchers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large, obvious and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prying open molluscs. In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- American Oystercatcher, Haematopus palliatus
[edit] Stilts and avocets
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and the stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. In Connecticut, two species have been recorded.
- Black-necked Stilt, Himantopus mexicanus (R)
- American Avocet, Recurvirostra americana
[edit] Sandpipers, curlews, stints, godwits, snipes, and phalaropes
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
The Scolopacidae are a large diverse family of small to medium sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Different lengths of legs and bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. In Connecticut, 38 species have been recorded.
- Spotted Sandpiper, Actitis macularius
- Solitary Sandpiper, Tringa solitaria
- Spotted Redshank, Tringa erythropus (R)
- Greater Yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
- Lesser Yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes
- Willet, Tringa semipalmata
- Upland Sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda
- Eskimo Curlew, Numenius borealis (X)
- Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
- Long-billed Curlew, Numenius americanus(R)
- Black-tailed Godwit, Limosa limosa (R)
- Hudsonian Godwit, Limosa haemastica
- Bar-tailed Godwit, Limosa lapponica (R)
- Marbled Godwit, Limosa fedoa
- Ruddy Turnstone, Arenaria interpres
- Red Knot, Calidris canutus
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Semipalmated Sandpiper, Calidris pusilla
- Western Sandpiper, Calidris mauri
- Red-necked Stint, Calidris ruficollis (R)
- Least Sandpiper, Calidris minutilla
- White-rumped Sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis
- Baird's Sandpiper, Calidris bairdii
- Pectoral Sandpiper, Calidris melanotos
- Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Calidris acuminata(R)
- Purple Sandpiper, Calidris maritima
- Dunlin, Calidris alpina
- Curlew Sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea(R)
- Stilt Sandpiper, Calidris himantopus
- Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Tryngites subruficollis
- Ruff, Philomachus pugnax (R)
- Short-billed Dowitcher, Limnodromus griseus
- Long-billed Dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus
- Wilson's Snipe, Gallinago delicata
- American Woodcock, Scolopax minor
- Wilson's Phalarope, Phalaropus tricolor
- Red-necked Phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus
- Red Phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius (R)
[edit] Gulls
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Gulls are typically medium to large birds, usually grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills, and webbed feet. The large species take up to four years to attain full adult plumage, but two years is typical for small gulls. In Connecticut, 17 species have been recorded.
- Laughing Gull, Larus atricilla
- Franklin's Gull, Larus pipixcan (R)
- Little Gull, Larus minutus
- Black-headed Gull, Larus ridibundus
- Bonaparte's Gull, Larus philadelphia
- Black-tailed Gull, Larus crassirostris
- Mew Gull, Larus canus (R, S)
- Ring-billed Gull, Larus delawarensis
- Herring Gull, Larus argentatus
- Thayer's Gull, Larus thayeri (R) (S)
- Iceland Gull, Larus glaucoides
- Lesser Black-backed Gull, Larus fuscus
- Glaucous Gull, Larus hyperboreus
- Great Black-backed Gull, Larus marinus
- Sabine's Gull, Xema sabini (R)
- Black-legged Kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla
- Ross's Gull, Rhodostethia rosea (R)
[edit] Terns
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Sternidae
Terns are in general medium to large birds, typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. They have longish bills and webbed feet. They are lighter bodied and more streamlined than gulls, and look elegant in flight with long tails and long narrow wings. In Connecticut, 14 species have been recorded.
- Sooty Tern, Onychoprion fuscata (R)
- Bridled Tern, Onychoprion anaethetus (R)
- Least Tern, Sternula antillarum
- Gull-billed Tern, Gelochelidon nilotica (R)(S)
- Caspian Tern, Hydroprogne caspia
- Black Tern, Chlidonias niger
- White-winged Tern, Sterna leucopterus
- Roseate Tern, Sterna dougallii
- Common Tern, Sterna hirundo
- Arctic Tern, Sterna paradisaea (R)
- Forster's Tern, Sterna forsteri
- Royal Tern, Sterna maxima (R)
- Sandwich Tern, Sterna sandvicensis
- Black Tern, Chlidonias niger
[edit] Skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rhynchopidae
Skimmers are tropical and subtropical species. They have an elongated lower mandible. They feed by flying low over the water surface with the lower mandible skimming the water for small fish. One species has been recorded in Connecticut.
- Black Skimmer, Rynchops niger
[edit] Skuas
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
They are in general medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They have longish bills with a hooked tip, and webbed feet with sharp claws. They look like large dark gulls, but have a fleshy cere above the upper mandible. They are strong, acrobatic fliers. Three species have been recorded in Connecticut.
- Pomarine Jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus (R)(S)
- Parasitic Jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
- Long-tailed Jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus(R)
[edit] Auks, murres, and puffins
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Alcidae
Alcids are superficially similar to penguins due to their black-and-white colors, their upright posture, and some of their habits; however, they are not related to the penguins at all, being able to fly. Auks live on the open sea, only deliberately coming ashore to nest. In Connecticut, five species have been recorded.
- Dovekie, Alle alle (R)
- Thick-billed Murre, Uria lomvia (R)
- Razorbill, Alca torda (S)
- Black Guillemot, Cepphus grylle (R)
- Atlantic Puffin, Fratercula arctica (R)
[edit] Pigeons and doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. In Connecticut, seven species have been recorded.
- Rock Pigeon, Columba livia (R)(I)
- Band-tailed Pigeon, Patagioenas fasciata (R)(S)
- Eurasian Collared-Dove, Streptopelia decaocto (R)
- White-winged Dove, Zenaida asiatica (R)(S)
- Mourning Dove, Zenaida macroura
- Passenger Pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius (E)
- Common Ground-Dove, Columbina passerina
[edit] Lories, parakeets, macaws, and parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak shape. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and the have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two back. In Connecticut, one extinct species has been recorded.
- Monk Parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus (I)
[edit] Cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Unlike the cuckoo species of the Old World, North American cuckoos are not brood parasites. In Connecticut, two species have been recorded.
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus
- Black-billed Cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus
[edit] Barn owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- Barn Owl, Tyto alba
[edit] Typical owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. In Connecticut, 11 species have been recorded.
- Eastern Screech-Owl, Megascops asio
- Great Horned Owl, Bubo virginianus
- Snowy Owl, Bubo scandiacus
- Northern Hawk Owl, Surnia ulula (R)
- Burrowing Owl, Athene cunicularia (R)
- Barred Owl, Strix varia
- Great Grey Owl, Strix nebulosa (R)
- Long-eared Owl, Asio otus
- Short-eared Owl, Asio flammeus
- Boreal Owl, ' (R)
- Northern Saw-whet Owl, Aegolius acadicus
[edit] Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills that usually nest on the ground. Most have small feet which are of little use for walking and long, pointed wings. Their soft plumage is cryptically colored to resemble bark or leaves. In Connecticut, three species have been recorded.
- Common Nighthawk, Chordeiles minor
- Chuck-will's-widow, Caprimulgus carolinensis (R)
- Whip-poor-will, Caprimulgus vociferus
[edit] Swifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
The swifts are small aerial birds, spending the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- Chimney Swift, Chaetura pelagica
[edit] Hummingbirds
Order: Apodiformes Family: Trochilidae
Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards. In Connecticut, three species have been recorded.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Archilochus colubris
- Calliope Hummingbird, Stellula calliope (R)
- Rufous Hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus
[edit] Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Cerylidae
Kingfishers are medium sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- Belted Kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon
[edit] Woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and flickers
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium sized birds with chisel like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward, and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. In Connecticut, eight species have been recorded.
- Red-headed Woodpecker, Melanerpes erythrocephalus
- Red-bellied Woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius
- Downy Woodpecker, Picoides pubescens
- Hairy Woodpecker, Picoides villosus
- Black-backed Woodpecker, Picoides arcticus (R)
- Northern Flicker, Colaptes auratus
- Pileated Woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus
[edit] Tyrant flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tyrannidae
Tyrant flycatchers are passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust with stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, are rather plain. As the name implies, most are insectivorous. In Connecticut, 17 species have been recorded.
- Olive-sided Flycatcher, Contopus cooperi
- Eastern Wood-Pewee, Contopus virens
- Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Empidonax flaviventris
- Acadian Flycatcher, Empidonax virescens
- Alder Flycatcher, Empidonax alnorum
- Willow Flycatcher, Empidonax traillii
- Least Flycatcher, Empidonax minimus
- Eastern Phoebe, Sayornis phoebe
- Say's Phoebe, Sayornis saya (R)
- Ash-throated Flycatcher, Myiarchus cinerascens (R)
- Great Crested Flycatcher, Myiarchus crinitus
- Tropical Kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus (R)
- Western Kingbird, Tyrannus verticalis
- Eastern Kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus
- Gray Kingbird, Tyrannus dominicensis (R)
- Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus (R)
- Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Tyrannus savana (R)
[edit] Shrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae
Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. In Connecticut, two species have been recorded.
- Loggerhead Shrike, Lanius ludovicianus (R)
- Northern Shrike, Lanius excubitor
[edit] Vireos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
The vireos are a group of small to medium sized passerine birds restricted to the New World. They are typically greenish in color and resemble the wood warblers except for their heavier bills. In Connecticut, seven species have been recorded.
- White-eyed Vireo, Vireo griseus
- Bell's Vireo, Vireo bellii (R)
- Yellow-throated Vireo, Vireo flavifrons
- Blue-headed Vireo, Vireo solitarius
- Warbling Vireo, Vireo gilvus
- Philadelphia Vireo, Vireo philadelphicus
- Red-eyed Vireo, Vireo olivaceus
[edit] Jays, crows, magpies, and ravens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The Corvidae family includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size for the bird order Passeriformes. Some of the larger species show levels of learned behavior of a high degree. In Connecticut, four species have been recorded.
- Blue Jay, Cyanocitta cristata
- American Crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos
- Fish Crow, Corvus ossifragus
- Common Raven, Corvus corax
[edit] Larks
Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- Horned Lark, Eremophila alpestris
[edit] Swallows and martins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings, and short bills with wide gape. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking and the front toes are partially joined at the base. In Connecticut, seven species have been recorded.
- Purple Martin, Progne subis
- Tree Swallow, Tachycineta bicolor
- Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis
- Bank Swallow, Riparia riparia
- Cliff Swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
- Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva
- Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica
[edit] Chickadees and titmice
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae
The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. In Connecticut, three species have been recorded.
- Boreal Chickadee, Poecile hudsonicus (R)
- Black-capped Chickadee, Poecile atricapilla
- Tufted Titmouse, Baeolophus bicolor
[edit] Nuthatches
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails and powerful bills and feet. In Connecticut, three species have been recorded.
- Red-breasted Nuthatch, Sitta canadensis
- White-breasted Nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis
- Brown-headed Nuthatch, Sitta pusilla
[edit] Treecreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae
Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees. In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- Brown Creeper, Certhia americana
[edit] Wrens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
Wrens are small and inconspicuous birds, except for their loud songs. They have short wings and a thin down-turned bill. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. In Connecticut, five species have been recorded.
- Carolina Wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus
- House Wren, Troglodytes aedon
- Winter Wren, Troglodytes troglodytes
- Sedge Wren, Cistothorus platensis
- Marsh Wren, Cistothorus palustris
[edit] Kinglets
Order: Passeriformes Family: Regulidae
The kinglets are a family of birds which are very small insectivorous birds in the genus Regulus. The adults have colored crowns, giving rise to their name. In Connecticut, two species have been recorded.
- Golden-crowned Kinglet, Regulus satrapa
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Regulus calendula
[edit] Gnatcatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Polioptilidae
These dainty birds resemble Old World warblers in their structure and habits, moving restlessly through foliage while seeking insects. The gnatcatchers are mainly a soft bluish grey in color and have the long sharp bill typical of an insectivore. Many species have distinctive black head patterns (esp. males) and long, regularly cocked black-and-white tails. In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Polioptila caerulea
[edit] Thrushes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The Thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly but not exclusively in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. In Connecticut, 12 species have been recorded.
- Northern Wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe (R)
- Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis
- Mountain Bluebird, Sialia currucoides (R)
- Townsend's Solitaire, Myadestes townsendi (R)
- Veery, Catharus fuscescens
- Gray-cheeked Thrush, Catharus minimus
- Bicknell's Thrush, Catharus bicknelli (R)
- Swainson's Thrush, Catharus ustulatus
- Hermit Thrush, Catharus guttatus
- Wood Thrush, Hylocichla mustelina
- American Robin, Turdus migratorius
- Varied Thrush, Ixoreus naevius (R)
[edit] Mockingbirds and thrashers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae
The Mimids are a family of passerine birds that includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalization, especially their remarkable ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. The species tend towards dull grays and browns in their appearance. In Connecticut, three species have been recorded.
- Gray Catbird, Dumetella carolinensis
- Northern Mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos
- Brown Thrasher, Toxostoma rufum
[edit] Starlings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized Old World passerine birds with strong feet. Their flight is strong and direct, and most are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country, and they eat insects and fruit. The plumage of several species is dark with a metallic sheen. In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- European Starling, Sturnus vulgaris (I)
[edit] Wagtails and pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
The Motacillidae are a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- American Pipit, Anthus rubescens
[edit] Waxwings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Bombycillidae
The waxwings are a group of passerine birds characterized by soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax, and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter. In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- Cedar Waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum
- Bohemian Waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus (R)
[edit] Wood-warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae
The Wood Warblers are a group of small, often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are more terrestrial, such as the Ovenbird. Most members of this family are insectivores. In Connecticut, 39 species have been recorded.
- Blue-winged Warbler, Vermivora pinus
- Golden-winged Warbler, Vermivora chrysoptera
- Tennessee Warbler, Vermivora peregrina
- Orange-crowned Warbler, Vermivora celata
- Nashville Warbler, Vermivora ruficapilla
- Northern Parula, Parula americana
- Yellow Warbler, Dendroica petechia
- Chestnut-sided Warbler, Dendroica pensylvanica
- Magnolia Warbler, Dendroica magnolia
- Cape May Warbler, Dendroica tigrina
- Black-throated Blue Warbler, Dendroica caerulescens
- Yellow-rumped Warbler, Dendroica coronata
- Black-throated Gray Warbler, Dendroica nigrescens (R)
- Black-throated Green Warbler, Dendroica virens
- Hermit Warbler, Dendroica occidentalis (S)(R)
- Blackburnian Warbler, Dendroica fusca
- Yellow-throated Warbler, Dendroica dominica
- Pine Warbler, Dendroica pinus
- Prairie Warbler, Dendroica discolor
- Palm Warbler, Dendroica palmarum
- Bay-breasted Warbler, Dendroica castanea
- Blackpoll Warbler, Dendroica striata
- Cerulean Warbler, Dendroica cerulea
- Black-and-white Warbler, Mniotilta varia
- American Redstart, Setophaga ruticilla
- Prothonotary Warbler, Protonotaria citrea
- Worm-eating Warbler, Helmitheros vermivorum
- Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla
- Northern Waterthrush, Seiurus noveboracensis
- Louisiana Waterthrush, Seiurus motacilla
- Kentucky Warbler, Oporornis formosus
- Connecticut Warbler, Oporornis agilis
- Mourning Warbler, Oporornis philadelphia
- MacGillivray's Warbler, Oporornis tolmiei (R)
- Common Yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas
- Hooded Warbler, Wilsonia citrina
- Wilson's Warbler, Wilsonia pusilla
- Canada Warbler, Wilsonia canadensis
- Yellow-breasted Chat, Icteria virens
[edit] Tanagers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Thraupidae
The tanagers are a large group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World, mainly in the tropics. Many species are brightly colored. They are seedeaters, but their preference tends towards fruit and nectar. Most have short, rounded wings. In Connecticut, three species have been recorded.
- Summer Tanager, Piranga rubra
- Scarlet Tanager, Piranga olivacea
- Western Tanager, Piranga ludoviciana (R)
[edit] American sparrows, towhees, juncos, and longspurs
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The Emberizidae are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as Sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. In Connecticut, 30 species have been recorded.
- Green-tailed Towhee, Pipilo chlorurus (R)
- Spotted Towhee, Pipilo maculatus (R)
- Eastern Towhee, Pipilo erythrophthalmus
- American Tree Sparrow, Spizella arborea
- Chipping Sparrow, Spizella passerina
- Clay-colored Sparrow, Spizella pallida
- Field Sparrow, Spizella pusilla
- Vesper Sparrow, Pooecetes gramineus
- Lark Sparrow, Chondestes grammacus
- Lark Bunting, Calamospiza melanocorys (R)
- Savannah Sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis
- Grasshopper Sparrow, Ammodramus savannarum
- Henslow's Sparrow, Ammodramus henslowii (R)
- Le Conte's Sparrow, Ammodramus leconteii (R)
- Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Ammodramus nelsoni
- Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Ammodramus caudacutus
- Seaside Sparrow, Ammodramus maritimus
- Fox Sparrow, Passerella iliaca
- Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia
- Lincoln's Sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii
- Swamp Sparrow, Melospiza georgiana
- White-throated Sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis
- Harris's Sparrow, Zonotrichia querula (R)
- White-crowned Sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys
- Golden-crowned Sparrow, Zonotrichia atricapilla (R)
- Dark-eyed Junco, Junco hyemalis
- Lapland Longspur, Calcarius lapponicus
- Smith's Longspur, Calcarius pictus (R)
- Chestnut-collared Longspur, Calcarius ornatus (R)
- Snow Bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis
[edit] Cardinals, saltators, and grosbeaks
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Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae
The Cardinals are a family of passerine birds that are robust, seed-eating birds, with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. In Connecticut, eight species have been recorded.
- Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus
- Black-headed Grosbeak, Pheucticus melanocephalus (R)
- Blue Grosbeak, Passerina caerulea
- Lazuli Bunting, Passerina amoena (R)
- Indigo Bunting, Passerina cyanea
- Painted Bunting, Passerina ciris (R)
- Dickcissel, Spiza americana
[edit] Blackbirds, meadowlarks, cowbirds, grackles, and orioles
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
The Icterids are a group of small to medium, often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. Most species have black as a predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red. In Connecticut, 12 species have been recorded.
- Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus
- Red-winged Blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus
- Eastern Meadowlark, Sturnella magna
- Yellow-headed Blackbird, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
- Rusty Blackbird, Euphagus carolinus
- Brewer's Blackbird, Euphagus cyanocephalus (R)(S)
- Common Grackle, Quiscalus quiscula
- Boat-tailed Grackle, Quiscalus major (S)
- Brown-headed Cowbird, Molothrus ater
- Orchard Oriole, Icterus spurius
- Bullock's Oriole, Icterus bullockii (R)
- Baltimore Oriole, Icterus galbula
[edit] Finches
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have 12 tail feathers and 9 primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. In Connecticut, ten species have been recorded.
- Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla (R)
- Pine Grosbeak, Pinicola enucleator
- Purple Finch, Carpodacus purpureus
- House Finch, Carpodacus mexicanus
- Red Crossbill, Loxia curvirostra
- White-winged Crossbill, Loxia leucoptera
- Common Redpoll, Carduelis flammea
- Pine Siskin, Carduelis pinus
- American Goldfinch, Carduelis tristis
- Evening Grosbeak, Coccothraustes vespertinus
[edit] Old World sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Old World sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small plump brownish or greyish birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed-eaters, and they also consume small insects. In Connecticut, one species has been recorded.
- House Sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)
