Take a journey through the skies of Death Valley National Park as this article showcases the 10 common birds that grace its vast expanses. With a staggering 340 species recorded within its borders, the park is a haven for avian enthusiasts and curious nature-lovers alike. Delve into the realms of the Common Raven, Great-tailed Grackle, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and many more, as their distinctive characteristics, range maps, and intriguing behaviors are unveiled. From the soaring Red-tailed Hawk to the delicate Anna’s Hummingbird, each bird offers a unique glimpse into the park’s rich avian tapestry. Join this friendly exploration and discover the diverse winged inhabitants that call Death Valley National Park their home.

Common Raven

Identifying Characteristics

The Common Raven (Corvus corax) is a large bird that measures around 24 to 27 inches in length. It has a black plumage with a glossy sheen. The raven has a robust body with a thick neck and a wedge-shaped tail. Its bill is stout and curved, and it has strong legs and feet. One of the most distinguishing features of the Common Raven is its throat feathers, which appear shaggy and elongated, giving it a ruffled appearance.

Range Maps

Interesting Facts

• The Common Raven is highly intelligent and has been known to solve complex problems and use tools to obtain food.
• It is a vocal bird, with a wide range of calls and vocalizations, including deep croaks, rattling sounds, and even imitations of other birds and animals.
• Ravens are opportunistic feeders and have a varied diet, including insects, small mammals, carrion, fruits, and even garbage.

Great-tailed Grackle

Identifying Characteristics

The Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) is a large, black bird with a long, keel-shaped tail. The male has a glossy black plumage, while the female is brown with darker streaks. Both genders have bright yellow eyes and a slender, curved bill. The Great-tailed Grackle has a distinctive call, a loud raspy call that resembles a creaking door.

Range Maps

Interesting Facts

• The Great-tailed Grackle is a highly adaptable bird and has successfully colonized urban areas across North America.
• It is a social bird and is often found in large flocks, especially during the non-breeding season.
• Great-tailed Grackles are omnivorous and feed on a variety of foods, including insects, seeds, fruits, and even small vertebrates.

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Identifying Characteristics

The Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is a medium-sized dove with a plump body and a long, rounded tail. It has a grayish-brown plumage with a distinct black collar on its neck. The dove has a pale pinkish-lilac coloration on its breast and belly. It has a gentle cooing call that is often heard throughout the day.

Range Maps

Interesting Facts

• The Eurasian Collared-Dove is not native to North America but was introduced from Europe in the 1980s.
• It quickly spread across the continent and is now one of the most common birds in many urban and suburban areas.
• Eurasian Collared-Doves primarily feed on seeds, grains, and fruits.

Rock Wren

Identifying Characteristics

The Rock Wren (Salpinctes obsoletus) is a small, brown bird with a distinctive striped plumage. It has a long, curved bill and a short tail. The wren has a mottled brown and gray coloration, which provides excellent camouflage against rocks and desert landscapes. It has a loud, melodious song that echoes in rocky canyons.

Range Maps

Interesting Facts

• Rock Wrens are well adapted to their rocky habitats and often build their nests in crevices and cavities.
• They have a unique foraging behavior, often climbing on rocks and searching for insects and spiders.
• Despite their small size, Rock Wrens are highly territorial and will defend their nesting sites vigorously.

Greater Roadrunner

Identifying Characteristics

The Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive appearance. It has a long, slender body with a long tail. The roadrunner has a mottled brown and white plumage, with a bushy crest on its head. It has strong legs and feet, which are adapted for running. The roadrunner has a unique call, a series of low, cooing sounds followed by a loud “beep-beep.”

Range Maps

Interesting Facts

• Greater Roadrunners are fast runners and can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.
• They are known for their ability to catch and eat fast-moving prey, such as insects, lizards, snakes, and even small birds.
• Roadrunners are also known for their courtship behavior, which involves elaborate displays and vocalizations.

Red-tailed Hawk

Identifying Characteristics

The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a large bird of prey with a wingspan of up to four feet. It has a broad, rounded wingspan and a long, fan-shaped tail with a distinctive red coloration. The hawk has a brown plumage, with pale underparts and dark streaks on its belly. The Red-tailed Hawk has a piercing scream that is often associated with its presence.

Range Maps

Interesting Facts

• Red-tailed Hawks are one of the most widespread and common hawks in North America.
• They are highly skilled hunters and primarily feed on small mammals, such as mice, rabbits, and squirrels.
• Red-tailed Hawks are known for their impressive soaring abilities, often riding air currents for extended periods without flapping their wings.

Anna’s Hummingbird

Identifying Characteristics

Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) is a small bird known for its brilliant iridescent plumage. The male has a shiny green head and back, with a rose-colored throat and crown. The female has a green back and white underparts. Both genders have a slender, curved bill and long wings. Anna’s Hummingbird has a high-pitched “chip” call and a buzzing sound produced by its wings.

Range Maps

Interesting Facts

• Anna’s Hummingbirds are year-round residents in coastal areas of western North America.
• They have a unique courtship display known as “sky dancing,” in which the male soars high into the air and dives steeply while making a distinct sound with its tail feathers.
• Hummingbirds have a high metabolic rate and need to consume nectar frequently to maintain their energy levels.

Black-throated Sparrow

Identifying Characteristics

The Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata) is a small sparrow with a distinctive black throat patch. It has a grayish-brown plumage with white streaks on its back and sides. The sparrow has a short, conical bill and a long, rounded tail. It has a soft, delicate song, often heard during the breeding season.

Range Maps

Interesting Facts

• Black-throated Sparrows are desert specialists and are often found in arid and scrubby habitats.
• They are known for their distinct nesting behavior, as they often build their nests on the ground, hidden under shrubs or cacti.
• The sparrows primarily feed on seeds and occasionally insects and small fruits.

Turkey Vulture

Identifying Characteristics

The Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) is a large bird with a wingspan of up to six feet. It has a dark brown plumage and a featherless, red head. The vulture has long, broad wings and a short tail. It has a distinctive soaring flight pattern, with its wings held in a shallow V shape. The Turkey Vulture produces a hissing sound and is known for its keen sense of smell.

Range Maps

Interesting Facts

• Turkey Vultures are scavengers and primarily feed on carrion, locating food by their highly developed olfactory senses.
• They play an important role in the ecosystem by removing carrion and reducing the spread of disease.
• Turkey Vultures are social birds and often roost and feed in large groups, called “kettles.”

House Sparrow

Identifying Characteristics

The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a small bird with a stout body and a short, conical bill. The male has a grayish-brown plumage with black streaks on its back and a black bib on its chest. The female is more subdued with a lighter coloration. The sparrow has a cheerful chirping song that is commonly heard in urban and suburban areas.

Range Maps

Interesting Facts

• House Sparrows are one of the most widespread and abundant birds on the planet.
• They are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including urban areas.
• House Sparrows primarily feed on seeds, grains, and insects, and can become pests in agricultural settings.

In conclusion, Death Valley National Park is home to a diverse array of bird species. While there have been over 340 species recorded in the park, this article focused on the ten most commonly observed birds in the area. From the intelligent and vocal Common Raven to the agile and fast-running Greater Roadrunner, each bird has its unique characteristics, range maps, and interesting facts. Whether you’re an avid birder or simply a nature enthusiast, encountering these fascinating birds in Death Valley National Park is an experience not to be missed.