Usually seen low in shrubs and undergrowth vegetation of open forest and forest edge, this vireo places its deep, cup-like nest in the fork of a small branch in a tall shrub or low tree. The nest is made of grass, insect and spider webbing and lichens. Food is almost solely insects during the spring and summer, but berries and small fruits are added to the diet in the fall and winter.
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Found only in higher elevation pine-oak woodlands and coniferous forest, this junco occurs on the ground and low branches of vegetation. It eats seeds and fruits and a few insects during the summer. The nest is usually placed on the ground under a clump of grass.
This sparrow winters in open woodlands, brushy grasslands and shrubby areas. It feeds mainly on the ground and eats seeds in the winter and insects, buds and seeds in the summer. This common species nests in shady, protected areas on or near the ground in coniferous and broad leaf tree forests. The nest is made of grass, moss, and feathers.
Usually noticed around brushy areas near streams, this vireo is easier to hear than see. The deep, cup-like nest is placed low in a dense bush and suspended by its rim in the fork of a branch. It is constructed of twigs, bark, leaves and spider silk. During the Spring and Summer its food is entirely insects and spiders, but it includes a large number of small fruits and berries in the Fall and Winter.
During the winter, this handsome and large sparrow commonly moves through open scrub lands, weedy agricultural fields and suburban areas in large flocks, often together with four or five other species of sparrows. Here they eat grass seeds and occasionally fruits. During the summer, pairs of these sparrows can be found in open habitats ranging from coastal shrubs to alpine and tundra meadows. Here they feed on insects grass shoots and moss capsules.
This meadowlark occurs in dry fields, upland pastures and grasslands with few or no trees. It delivers its beautiful song from a fence post or high point in its territory during the summer. At this time it eats mostly insects and spiders. The cup-like nest is on the ground and covered with a roughly woven dome of long grasses. It is regularly parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbird eggs. During the winter, the Western Meadowlark feeds on seeds, forms small flocks and roosts at night on the ground.
An open country species, this kingbird is most commonly seen sitting on telephone or fence wires in agriculture areas and savannas. It aggressively chases hawks and ravens from its territory, and the nest is placed in an isolated tree or tall shrub. The Western Kingbird catches insects in the air but in late summer will eat some fruits.
Winters in large flocks on large reservoirs, lakes and bay along the seashore. It nests in colonies in marshy inland areas where a floating nest is made of aquatic vegetation and anchored in shallow water. They feed by diving deep in the water and pursuing fish and invertebrates. Elaborate courtship dances consist of pairs posturing and skittering across the water\s surface side by side.'
Pairs or small flocks of this bluebird species are common throughout open habitats with scattered trees, forest edge, agricultural fields and riparian areas. The cavity nest is in a tree or nest box, and the cavity floor is lined with grass, pine needles, twigs, hair and feathers. Insects make up a large part of the diet, especially when feeding young, and the insects are often captured in the air low over the ground. Berries are a major food in the winter.\r\n
This attractive swallow nests in small colonies in cavities of dead trees or cliff edges often high in the mountains. This species will use artificial nest boxes at times. It feeds on insects taken in the air and occasionally from the ground. Frequently seen lined up sitting on telephone wires.