Table of Contents

Introduction

Common North American Bird Families

Blackbirds

Sparrows

Hawks

Cranes

Goldfinch

Ducks

Blue Jays

Chickadees

Egrets

Vultures

Falcons

Gulls

Finches

Owls

Doves

Sandpipers

Eagles

Kingfisher

Woodpeckers

Road Runner

Geese

Flycatchers

Warblers

Introduction

Did you know that some of the birds which people believed would never ever be extinct because they were so numerous have disappeared in the 20th and the 21st century? The last passenger pigeon, which once covered the skies of North America, died in captivity in 1904.

Common North American Bird Families

North America is home to a number of bird species and families. Below, are some of these species.

Anatidae is one common North American bird family. This group includes geese, swans, and ducks. There are a number of types of Anatidae and some are more commonly found in more areas than others. For instance, the Canadian goose is typically found in Canada and the northern states in the US.

Strigidae is another common type of North American bird. The owl is the kind of bird that belongs to this family. In the US, the Snowy Owl is the heaviest owl, followed by the Great Horned Owl.

Another popular North American bird family is the Columbidae. Many people are not too fond of one member of this family, the pigeon. This family does, however, include doves. Many of the birds that belong to this family are found in urban areas throughout the continent.

The penguin belongs to the Spheniscidae family, another common North American bird. Unlike many other birds, this family prefers colder climates. Therefore, they are typically found in Northern Canada and Alaska.

Apodidae is a North American bird family that spends most of its life flying. Their short legs do not allow them to settle on the ground very long. Swift birds make up this family.

Pelecanidae is a popular bird family in North America, but differs from many other birds in that they spend most of their time in the water. Also, these birds have four webbed toes. This group includes egrets, herons, and bitterns.

The Phoenicopteridae family also calls North America home. The bird most people are most familiar with in this family are flamingos. What makes this bird unique from other birds is its height; they can stand up to five feet tall! They love warmer climates, such as the Caribbean Islands and Florida.