Birds are fantastic creatures, aren’t they? They flit, they flutter, and sometimes they have names so unique they make you do a double take. The Pacific Northwest is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with its lush forests, coastal cliffs, and wetlands providing a perfect backdrop for some truly intriguingly named avian residents. Let’s dive into the world of these birds and explore what makes them stand out—be it their names, appearances, or behaviors.

I’ll be putting the bird names into fun categories and then diving deeper into them so I hope you enjoy the selection!

Featured Image Created by Tori

Sounds like a Fantasy Novel Title

Actually most of these bird names sound like fantasy novel titles but this one in particular is especially one. So I saved this category for these guys.

• Dowitcher (Limnodromus): With a name that’s as fun to say as it is mysterious, dowitchers are wading birds that frequent the marshes and mudflats of the Pacific Northwest. There are two species: the short-billed and long-billed dowitchers. Their long, straight bills are perfect for probing into mud in search of invertebrates. Their distinctive “sewing machine” feeding motion is a delight to watch. Despite their similar appearance, these species can be differentiated by their calls and preferred habitats. Are they named after a person, a sound, or something else entirely? Some believe that it was derived from ‘Deutscher’ or ‘Duitsch,’ which referred to the ‘German’ or ‘Dutch’ snipe. The origin remains unclear, but their presence is unmistakable.

Nocturnal Birds in a Jar

The Pacific Northwest is home to several nocturnal wonders, Nightjars are one of them. Nightjars is the name of the group of bird they categorically fall into, but only these two are the only ones commonly sighted in the PNW. Fun Fact: The scientific name, Caprimulgidae, literally means “milker of goats” referring to a myth about these birds.

• Nighthawk (Chordeiles): Despite its name, it’s not a hawk but a master of aerial insect hunting at dusk. This bird is a crepuscular insectivore with long, pointed wings and a distinctive white wing bar. Its booming dive display during mating season is both dramatic and impressive.

• Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii): This small nightjar has a hauntingly soft call that echoes its melancholic name. Known for its unique ability to enter a state of torpor, the common poorwill can effectively hibernate during cold months, a rare trait among birds. Fun fact: the common poorwill is one of the only birds known to fully hibernate! They are also the smallest of the family.

Natural Charmers

These birds are so small and so naturally charming! It’s like their look draws you in. These cute birds seems to capture your heart with their round plumage. 

• Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus): Small, and adorably named, bushtits travel in lively flocks that brighten up any thicket. Cute, sociable, and irresistibly fluffy, their tiny, round bodies and long tails make them easy to spot as they forage for insects in shrubs. The males have dark, button-like eyes, while the females have light colored ones, giving them that intense “Angry Bird” look I love so much.

• Brown Creeper (Certhia americana): A bird whose name perfectly describes its behavior of creeping up tree trunks in search of insects. These small, camouflaged birds spiral up tree trunks in search of insects, blending perfectly with the bark. Their high-pitched calls are often the first clue to their presence. Their round little bodies and feathers on their back helps them blend into the trunks a bit better, letting them stealthily hunt on the safety of tree trunks.

• Nuthatch (Sitta): These upside-down tree climbers (possibly named for their habit of “hatching” nuts open) are delightful acrobats. Known for their unique ability to climb down trees headfirst, nuthatches have a knack for extracting insects from bark crevices. Their name likely derives from their habit of wedging nuts into tree bark to “hatch” them open.

The Colorful Showstoppers

The brightest, or most colorfully interesting birds at in this category. Fabulous in attitude and sleek plumage, these birds make sure that your eyes are kept on them.

• American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis): The state bird of Washington, this bright yellow charmer is a symbol of joy, vitality and of summer. They’re often seen in open fields and weedy areas, feeding on seeds from thistles and sunflowers. Its song as well is a lively, twittering melody often described as “per-chick-o-ree” or “potato-chip” due to its rhythmic, bouncy cadence. In winter, Goldfinches adopt a more subdued olive-brown coloration, making them less conspicuous but still charming.

• Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum): These sleek, silky birds with a bandit-like mask and waxy red wing tips are elegance in motion. Sleek and social, these birds are known for their silky plumage, yellow-tipped tails, and bright red wax-like wing markings. Don’t they have the most fabulous nails? They’re often found feasting on berries, making them an integral part of seed dispersal in the ecosystem.

• Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus): This woodpecker with a flashy underside and a name that hints at its rapid movements is a favorite among birders. Its drumming on trees is nature’s percussion. A striking woodpecker with brown plumage, black spots, and a flashy red or yellow underside depending on the subspecies. Known for its distinctive call and rhythmic drumming, the northern flicker often forages on the ground for ants and beetles.

• Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa): These tiny birds wear a golden crown fit for royalty. They’re small but mighty, surviving harsh winters with ease. These tiny birds are bundles of energy, often seen flitting through coniferous forests. The males display a brilliant orange crown when excited, adding a touch of drama to their diminutive size.

• European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris): Glittering like vampire’s under the sun. Their glossy black plumage shimmers with iridescent greens and purples in the sunlight, and during winter, they sport white speckles that add to their sparkling charm. These birds are known for their incredible vocal mimicry, able to imitate the calls of other birds, mechanical noises, and even human speech! Social and highly adaptable, starlings often gather in massive flocks called “murmurations,” swirling in the sky in mesmerizing patterns as they evade predators.

The Iconic and Edible (Well, Maybe Not)

Both these birds are amazing but also resemble a food that already exists. Which is why this category was created. Now there aren’t many but I had to make a separate category just for these two.

• Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana): Dubbed the “Mango Bird” (by me) for its tropical colors, this bird is like a splash of sunshine in the evergreen landscape. With its vibrant red, yellow, and black plumage, this bird looks like it belongs in the tropics. Males display their brightest colors during the breeding season, adding a burst of color to the forest.

• California Quail (Callipepla californica): Recognizable by their comma-shaped head plumes, these plump birds are as iconic as they are endearing. They look like little potatoes. While historically considered game birds, their quirky presence is what truly wins hearts. These plump, ground-dwelling birds are known for their distinctive forward-curving plume and sociable nature. They’re often found in groups, scratching the ground for seeds and insects. While they were historically hunted, their round charm makes them a beloved sight today.

These birds, with their fascinating names and captivating behaviors, remind us of the diversity and wonder of the natural world. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual observer, the Pacific Northwest’s avian community is sure to leave you enchanted.

If you are also an appreciator of birds, there’s a lot of fun sightings down by the Wetlands on Campus, which is right across from the Campus Library! Especially Crows, a lot of crows.

Let me know in the comments as well what bird(s) you love and what sort of fun category you would put them in!

 

References

1. Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (n.d.). All About Birds.

2. Birds of the World. (n.d.). Birds of the World Database.

3. UW Libraries. Bird Research.

4. UW Libraries. Birding & Birdwatching.

5. Campus Library. Crows on Campus.

6. E Bird. UW Bothell Species Sighting.