State Birding

The valley quail has been California’s official state bird since 1931, following legislative approval through Assembly Bill 776, Chapter 777. The golden state is home to several birds, including two more species of quails.  The valley quail is California’s state bird because it is an almost unique native species with a widespread presence and thriving

California has many native birds and accounts for over half of the Pacific Flyway in the US that is used by innumerable migratory species. The state is home to and hosts numerous types of birds, including some with long beaks.  The birds in California that have long beaks include pelicans and cranes. Many other birds

Some of the world’s most enchanting birds with long tails aren’t found in California or anywhere else in the US. A breeding male long-tailed widowbird’s tail is 19 inches to 28 inches long. The species is native to Africa, but there are a few California birds with long tails. Many California birds have long tails,

California has a fascinating diverse mix of migrating and resident birds throughout the state. A birding haven along the Pacific Flyway, California is home to birds with various types of beaks, not just in sizes or shapes but also colors.  The birds with red beaks in California include black oystercatchers, common gallinules, terns, and wood

Observing every quaint feature of many birds in Southern California isn’t a cakewalk. Some bird species don’t reveal their entire bodies due to their perch, and a few features aren’t always lucid, especially colors. But you should be able to spot several yellow-bellied birds in SoCal. The most prominent yellow-bellied birds in Southern California are

The world’s smallest avian species is the bee hummingbird, measuring a tad over 2 inches, but it’s not native to or found in California. However, the Calliope hummingbird breeds in the state, and it is the smallest bird in North America. The smallest birds in California include finches, gnatcatchers, hummingbirds, kinglets, nuthatches, and sparrows. The

Two distinct habits of most birds in California are the dawn chorus and chirping during twilight. But many residents throughout the state are familiar with birds chirping at night, with some literally singing.  Crepuscular and diurnal birds chirp at night in California if there’s artificial light around. Nocturnal birds chirp as they are active at