In this article, we’ll explore the 10 most common birds that you can find in beautiful Savannah, GA in 2023. From the striking Red-winged Blackbird with its vibrant shoulder patch, to the graceful Snowy Egret with its white plumes and yellow feet, these birds are a sight to behold. Keep an eye out for the Great Blue Heron along rivers and lakes, and the patient Little Blue Heron in shallow wetlands. The American Coot, with its striking black plumage and red eyes, is a relative of the Sandhill Cranes and an excellent swimmer. Don’t miss the Boat-tailed Grackle in coastal marshes and the elegant Great Egret with its stunning courtship displays. Listen for the melodious songs of the Song Sparrow and the constant singing of the bold Northern Mockingbird. And don’t forget to keep an eye on the plump Savannah Sparrow as it forages for insects in grassy areas. With their beauty and diversity, these birds add a touch of charm to the savannah landscape.
Red-winged Blackbird
The Red-winged Blackbird is a common bird found in Savannah, GA. Males of this species are easily recognizable with their black feathers and bright red and yellow patches on their shoulders. On the other hand, females have a more subdued appearance with brown feathers and streaks.
During the breeding season, Red-winged Blackbirds are frequently found in marshes. These birds are highly territorial and can often be seen perched on cattails or other emergent vegetation, defending their territory from intruders. Their distinctive calls can be heard echoing throughout the marshes, serving as a warning to other birds to stay out of their territory.
Snowy Egret
The Snowy Egret is a beautiful bird that can be found in wetlands throughout Savannah, GA. This species is completely white, with a slender body and long black legs. Their most striking feature is their black bill and bright yellow feet, which they use to stir up water and flush out prey.
Snowy Egrets are opportunistic feeders, preying on a variety of invertebrates and small fish. They are often seen wading in shallow water, using their feet to disturb the mud and uncover hidden prey. Interestingly, Snowy Egrets are known to breed with other heron species, creating hybrid offspring known as “Egret Herrons.”
Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is a majestic bird that can be seen along rivers, lakes, and wetlands in Savannah, GA. These herons have a tall stature, with long legs and necks. They are predominantly blue-gray in color, with long plumes on their head, neck, and back.
Great Blue Herons are patient and skilled hunters, primarily feeding on fish, frogs, and other small animals. When hunting, they stand perfectly still in the water, waiting for their prey to come within striking distance. Once an opportunity arises, they swiftly jab their sharp bills into the water to catch their meal.
These herons are also known for their impressive nests, which they build high up in trees. These nests can be several feet in diameter and are constructed using sticks and other plant material. Great Blue Herons are faithful to their nesting sites and will often return to the same spot year after year.
Little Blue Heron
The Little Blue Heron is a unique and beautiful bird that can be found in Savannah, GA. This species has a slate-gray body and a striking purple-maroon head and neck, making it easily distinguishable from other heron species.
Little Blue Herons are patient hunters, often found in shallow wetlands where they patiently wait for their prey to pass by. They primarily feed on small fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.
During the breeding season, the plumage of juvenile Little Blue Herons changes from white to a mottled blue-gray, resembling the adults. This transition, known as a “catastrophic molt,” can take up to three years to complete.
American Coot
The American Coot, a water bird related to the Sandhill Crane, is a common sight in the wetlands and lakes of Savannah, GA. This species is entirely black in color, with a distinctive white sloping bill and red eyes.
American Coots are highly adapted for both land and water, with large lobed feet that enable them to walk well on land and swim gracefully in the water. They have a unique feeding method, where they dive underwater and use their feet to propel themselves forward, searching for aquatic plants and invertebrates to eat.
These birds are also known for their communal nesting behavior. They build floating nests made of vegetation in shallow water, often forming large colonies. The coots take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the young, creating a cooperative and social atmosphere within the colony.
Boat-tailed Grackle
The Boat-tailed Grackle is a charismatic bird that can be found in coastal salt marshes and other wetland habitats in Savannah, GA. These birds have lanky bodies, long legs, and a distinctive V-shaped tail. Males have glossy black feathers, while females are smaller with a pale brown breast.
Boat-tailed Grackles are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on a variety of food sources. They are known to readily take advantage of humans for food and protection, often found scavenging near open-air restaurants or roosting on man-made structures.
During the breeding season, males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females. These displays often involve puffing up their feathers, singing loudly, and displaying their tail in a fan-like manner.
Great Egret
The Great Egret is a stunning bird that can be found in wetlands and coastal areas throughout Savannah, GA. These birds have large white bodies, long black legs, and a yellow bill. They are known for their graceful hunting techniques and courtship displays.
Great Egrets have a varied diet, feeding on a variety of prey such as fish, frogs, small mammals, and invertebrates. When hunting, they use their sharp bills to swiftly grab their prey, often swallowing it whole.
During the breeding season, Great Egrets undergo dramatic changes in appearance. They develop long plumes on their back, neck, and head, which they display during courtship. These plumes, known as aigrettes, were highly prized for their ornamental value in the past and unfortunately led to a decline in Great Egret populations due to excessive hunting.
Song Sparrow
The Song Sparrow is a charming and melodic bird that can be found in grassy areas and wetlands in Savannah, GA. These sparrows have brown feathers, with streaks converging on a central breast spot. They also have a brown crown and gray stripes on their head.
Song Sparrows are primarily ground dwellers, nesting in weeds and grasses. They have a beautiful song that is characterized by a variety of musical trills, whistles, and buzzes. The male song sparrows use their melodic vocalizations to establish territories and attract mates, often singing from prominent perches.
In addition to their melodious songs, Song Sparrows are also known for their aggressive behavior towards other birds. They are territorial and will vigorously defend their chosen nesting sites from intruders.
Northern Mockingbird
The Northern Mockingbird is a medium-sized gray songbird that can be found throughout Savannah, GA. They have long, slender tails and a sleek appearance. This species is known for its constant singing and confident personalities.
Northern Mockingbirds are highly territorial and will actively defend their territory from other birds, often chasing them away. They have a diverse repertoire of songs, which they use to attract mates and establish their dominance in the area.
Despite their assertive nature, Northern Mockingbirds tend to be quite adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including suburban areas and parks. Interestingly, these birds rarely eat from bird feeders, preferring to forage for their preferred diet of insects, berries, and fruits.
Savannah Sparrow
The Savannah Sparrow is a widespread bird that can be found in grassy areas of Savannah, GA. These sparrows have plump bodies, covered in brown feathers with streaks, and a short tail.
Savannah Sparrows are predominantly ground-dwelling birds, foraging for insects and seeds in grassy habitats. They are often seen hopping along the ground, searching for food. While they do not visit bird feeders, they play an essential role in controlling insect populations in these habitats.
These birds are known for their well-camouflaged nests, which they build on the ground. The nests are constructed using grasses and other plant material, providing a safe and secure environment for their eggs and young.
Overall, these ten birds are just a small sample of the diverse avian species that can be found in Savannah, GA. Whether you’re exploring wetlands, coastal areas, or grassy habitats, be sure to keep an eye out for these fascinating creatures and enjoy the beauty they bring to the natural world.