Birds

The Arboretum is located on an important flyway for migrating birds and serves as prime breeding habitat for several species.

The following is an online guide to 174 species that have been observed at the college, 2004-present.

1. Family
2. Status/distribution and habitat in southern Minnesota
3. Most commonly heard volcalizations
4. Size
5. Status at Gustavus (how often it is seen on or from campus)
6. Additional information

Species listed alphabetically. For taxonomic list, click here.

American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)

Photo taken near Thief River Falls, Pennington County

• Migrant, passes through late April to mid-May and then mid-August to mid-September
• Status: Very rare, one bird observed foraging in Jones Northern Forest Ponds in late April 2006
• Habitat: cattail marsh
• Call is a distinctive, loud, pumping “plum-puddin’”
• Length just over 2 feet

American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Common in Arb and across campus, sometimes perch on chapel
• Habitat: open country
• Most common vocalization is a loud, conspicuous “kaw” repeated one or more times
• Length 18 inches, wingspan 3 feet

American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) L.

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Uncommon, most often observed in Arb near Interpretive Center, absent some winters
• Habitat: open country, suburban areas
• Song is a musical warble of high notes, call (often given in flight) is a two-note high-pitched “tweet-tweet”
• Length 5 inches

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) L.

• Present early March to late November, some may overwinter
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently in Arb and around campus
• Habitat: open country, farmland, often seen sitting on power lines along roads
• Call is a high-pitched, harsh “ki-ki-ki-ki”
• Length 10 inches, wingspan just under 2 feet, females larger than males

American Pipit (Anthus rubescens)

Photo taken near Gaylord, Sibley County

• Migrant, passes through mid-April to mid-May and then late September to early November
• Status: Rare, seen/heard flying over campus only a couple times each spring/fall
• Habitat: open country, grasslands, lakeshores
• Call note, given in flight, is high-pitched two-note “pip-ip”
• Length 7 inches

American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) L.

• Present early May to late September, some migrate through spring/fall
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently in Arb during migration
• Habitat: forested areas, dense woods
• Song is highly variable, but generally consists of 3 or 4 high notes given rapidly
• Length 5 inches

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) L.

• Present early March to late November, many migrate through spring/fall, some may overwinter
• Status: Abundant, especially in March and April when hundreds can be seen foraging for worms in lawns around campus
• Habitat: open country, suburban and wooded areas
• Song is a series of variable squeaks, chirps, and whistles given frequently and conspicuously by birds on territory
• Length 10 inches

American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea)

• Present early November through early April, usually arrives and departs with juncos
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently in Arb near shrubby areas and prairie
• Habitat: open country, grasslands, suburban areas near feeders
• Call is a thin, soft, high-pitched “seet”; in late March, birds begin to sing a fast warbling song with trills and chirps
• Length 6 inches

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)

Photo taken at Cobb River WPA, Blue Earth County

• Migrant, passes through late March to mid-May and then late August to early October
• Status: Uncommon, kettles (sometimes numbering in the hundreds) can be seen flying over campus infrequently during migration
• Habitat: open country, shallow wetlands
• Generally silent
• Length 6 feet, wingspan 9 feet

American Woodcock (Scolopax minor)

• Present late March through early October
• Status: Very rare, one bird heard displaying at night in Arb in late March 2007
• Habitat: shrubby openings, grasslands near woods or shrubs
• Calls, given during courtship display, include a loud, nasal “PEENT!” as well as twittering and chirping during flight
• Length 11 inches

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) L.

• Present year-round, some migrate through spring/fall
• Status: Uncommon, can be seen flying over campus at any time of year
• Habitat: lakes and rivers, sometimes found in farmlands during winter
• Voice is not the majestic shriek often heard in films and television; rather, calls include loud chirping and clucking notes given in a series
• Length 3 feet, wingspan 7 feet, females larger than males

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) L.

• Present mid-May through late September, some migrate through spring/fall
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently, mostly during migration in May
• Habitat: semi-open areas, woodlands, suburban areas with tree stands
• Song is a series of sweet warbling notes
• Length 9 inches

Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) L.

• Present late April through early October, most migrate through spring/fall
• Status: Rare, seen occasionally with other swallows during migration
• Habitat: cliffs, slopes along rivers, gravel pits
• Song is a series of fast scratchy notes
• Smaller than other swallows; length 5 inches

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) L.

• Present mid-April through early October, some migrate through spring/fall
• Status: Common, easily seen flying around campus, often nests under roof edges of buildings
• Habitat: open country, suburban areas
• Song is a series of alternating squeaky notes
• Length 7 inches

Barred Owl (Strix varia)

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Very rare, only observations from mid-October and early November
• Habitat: dense woodlands often near streams and rivers
• Voice is a loud, cackling “who-cooks-for-you,” sometimes immediately followed by “who-cooks-for-you-all”
• Length just under 2 feet, wingspan 3-4 feet, females larger than males

Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) L.

• Present late March through late November, some may overwinter
• Status: Rare, seen only a few times each year near Arb ponds
• Habitat: lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands near trees
• Voice is a fast series of identical dry, chattering notes
• Length 12 inches

Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) L.

• Present early May through late September
• Status: Rare, seen once or twice each year, most often in May
• Habitat: cattail marshes, lakes and ponds with cattail edges
• Call is a harsh, scolding “keek”
• Length 10 inches

Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) L.

• Migrant, passes through early to late May and then late August to late September
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently in Arb during migration
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a series of high-pitched squeaky notes; sounds similar to squeaky bike wheels
• Length 5 inches
• Forages for insects by creeping along branches like nuthatches and creepers

Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus)

• Present mid-May through mid-September
• Status: Very rare, one bird observed in Arb in early May 2007
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, forest edges
• Calls include a loud, guttural “coo-coo-coo-coo” repeated several times as well as dry, clacking vocalizations given in a series
• Length 12 inches

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapilla) L.

Photo taken near Shakopee, Scott County

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Common, seen and heard easily near trees and shrubs in Arb
• Habitat: woodlands, semi-open areas with trees, suburban areas near feeders
• Spring song is a sweet, two-note whistled “spring’s here”; call is a harsh “chick-a-dee-dee-dee”
• Length 5 inches

Black-throated Green Warbler (Dendroica virens)

Photo taken along Gunflint Trail, Cook County

• Migrant, passes through early to late May and then late August to mid-September
• Status: Very rare, one bird observed in Arb in early May 2009
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a buzzy “zee zee zo zo zeet!” or sometimes a faster “zee-zee-zee-zee-zo-zeet!”
• Length 5 inches

Blackburnian Warbler (Dendroica fusca)

• Migrant, passes through mid- to late May and then late August to late September
• Status: Very rare, one bird observed in Arb in mid-May 2010
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a series of high, sweet “tee-dle” notes ending with a rising “seeEE”
• Length 5 inches

Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata)

• Migrant, passes through mid- to late May and then late August to mid-September
• Status: Rare, seen once or twice each year during migration, most often in May
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a series or trill of identical very high-pitched notes
• Length 5 inches

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) L.

• Permanent year-round resident, large numbers sometimes seen migrating along MN River spring/fall
• Status: Common, frequently encountered in Arb
• Habitat: semi-open country, suburban areas
• Vocalizations vary from high-pitched whistles to lower guttural noises; call note is often a loud, harsh “jay”
• Length 11 inches

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) L.

Photo taken near Ottawa Township, Le Sueur County

• Present late April through mid-September, some migrate through spring/fall
• Status: Rare, seen most often during migration in May and September
• Habitat: deciduous woodlands, forested areas
• Voice is most often one or two identical wheezy notes
• Length 4 inches

Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius)

• Migrant, passes through early to late May and then late August to late September
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently in Arb during migration
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Voice is a series of faintly blurry three-note phrases, not as sweet or as fast as Red-eyed Vireo but not as blurry or as slow as Yellow-throated Vireo
• Length 5 inches

Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) L.

Photo taken at Cobb River WPA, Blue Earth County

• Present mid-March through mid-October, many migrate through spring/fall
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently in Arb ponds
• Habitat: lakes, ponds, marshes
• Voice is soft and squeaky
• Length 15 inches

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) L.

• Present mid-May through early September
• Status: Rare, seldom seen during migration in May and September
• Habitat: prairies, open grasslands, weedy fields
• Voice is distinctly metallic and bubbly, likened to R2D2 from Star Wars
• Length 7 inches

Bonaparte’s Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia)

Photo taken at Scotch Lake, Le Sueur County

• Migrant, passes through late March to mid-May and then mid-September to early November
• Status: Very rare, one flock seen flying over campus in late September 2004
• Habitat: large lakes, open wetlands
• Voice is a harsh, ternlike “kerrr”
• Length 14 inches

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)

• Migrant, passes through late April to late May and then early September to early October, some may nest
• Status: Rare, occasionally seen flying over campus during migration, usually in kettles
• Habitat: dense woodlands
• Voice is a very high-pitched whistle, reminiscent of steam escaping from a tea kettle
• Length 15 inches, wingspan 3 feet, females larger than males

Brown Creeper (Certhia americana)

• Migrant, passes through late March to early May and then late September to mid-November, some may overwinter
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently in Arb and in trees around campus during migration
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Call is a high-pitched, one-syllable “seeeeet”
• Length 5 inches
• Can be difficult to spot as it creeps up trees (nuthatches creep down)

Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) L.

• Present late April through mid-October, many migrate through in spring
• Status: Common migrant through Arb in late April and early May, some may nest
• Habitat: open country, areas with scattered trees, shrubby thickets
• Song is a repertoire of two-note phrases, often “cover-it-up, cover-it-up,” phrases can mimic other sounds
• Length 12 inches

Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)

• Present early April through late October, some may overwinter
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently in open areas around campus
• Habitat: open country, open woodlands, areas with scattered trees, pastures
• Song is a short sequence of high-pitched whistles and bubbly noises
• Length 8 inches
• Brood parasite; lays its eggs in other birds’ nests, chicks are raised by “foster parents”

Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii)

Photo taken at Spring Lake Park in North Mankato, Nicollet County

• Migrant, passes through mid-March to early May and then late September to late November, some may overwinter with flocks of Canada Geese
• Status: Rare, seen occasionally in flocks flying over campus during migration
• Habitat: lakes, wetlands
• Voice is higher-pitched than the familiar “honk” of Canada Goose
• Length just over two feet; basically looks like a small Canada Goose with a shorter neck and stubbier bill
• Split from Canada Goose in 2004

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) L.

Photo taken at Spring Lake Park in North Mankato, Nicollet County

• Present mid-March through late November, most migrate through spring/fall, some may overwinter
• Status: Common, seen often in flocks flying over campus, frequently nests in Arb ponds
• Habitat: lakes, wetlands, ponds
• Voice is a loud, distinctive “honk”
• Length 4 feet, some subspecies are smaller (may be split like Cackling Goose)

Cape May Warbler (Dendroica tigrina)

• Migrant, passes through mid- to late May and then late August to late September
• Status: Very rare, two birds observed in Arb in mid-May 2009
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a short series of very high, slightly slurred notes
• Length 5 inches

Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia)

• Migrant, passes through early to late May and then late August to early October
• Status: Very rare, one flock seen flying over Arb in mid-May 2005
• Habitat: lakes, wetlands, ponds
• Voice is a deep, scratchy “aayyyy”
• Length 20 inches

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Common, flocks can be seen daily around campus, highest numbers seen in October feeding on berries
• Habitat: open areas with scattered trees, residential areas
• Voice is a high-pitched “seeeeee”
• Length 7 inches
• Birds feeding on fermented berries in winter/early spring become visibly tipsy

Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica) L.

• Migrant, passes through mid- to late May and then late August to mid-September
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently in Arb during migration
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a sweet, whistled “please-to-please-to-MEET-ya” with accent usually on second-to-last syllable
• Length 5 inches

Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) L.

• Present late April through late September
• Status: Common, can be seen daily flying high around campus, especially near chapel
• Habitat: open areas, most often in cities or towns near buildings (colonies nest in chimneys)
• Voice is a series of high-pitched “chip” notes given in flight
• Length 5 inches

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)

• Present early April through late October
• Status: Common, seen in open areas around campus, most frequently encountered “little brown bird” at Gustavus
• Habitat: open country, suburban areas, lawns
• Song is a dry, fast, high-pitched trill of “chip” notes
• Length 5 inches

Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida)

• Present mid-April through late October
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently around campus, most often during migration in early May
• Habitat: open country, grasslands, areas with scattered trees and shrubs
• Song is a series of short, dry, identical “buzz” notes
• Length 5 inches

Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)

• Present late April through early October
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen flying around campus with other swallows
• Habitat: open country, colonies build nests under bridges
• Voice consists of short squeaky and buzzy phrases
• Length 6 inches

Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) L.

• Present late March through late November, some flocks may overwinter
• Status: Common, can be seen daily around campus, flocks (often mixed with other blackbirds) numbering in the thousands sometimes migrate over campus
• Habitat: open country, suburban areas, farmland
• Song is a scratchy, squeaky, upslurred “skleeek”
• Length 12 inches

Common Loon (Gavia immer)

Photo taken near Luverne, Rock County

• Migrant, passes through late March to late May and then early October to mid-November
• Status: Very rare, one bird seen flying over campus in late May 2009
• Habitat: large, deep lakes
• Voice is a loud, piercing yodel
• Length 3 feet
• State Bird of Minnesota

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) L.

• Present early October through mid-April, winters near open water
• Status: Very rare, small flock of five birds observed flying over campus in early March 2010
• Habitat: lakes, rivers, large wetlands
• Voice is a harsh croaking
• Length 2 feet

Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)

• Present mid-May through late September
• Status: Common, frequently seen flying high around campus around dusk, often near chapel; large numbers migrate over campus in fall
• Habitat: open areas, cities and towns near buildings (birds nest on buildings with flat roofs)
• Call is a buzzy, nasal “meep” given in flight
• Length 10 inches

Common Redpoll (Carduelis flammea) L.

Photo taken near Meadowlands, St. Louis County

• Present early November through late March
• Status: Rare, seen occasionally in small flocks around campus, absent entirely some years
• Habitat: conifer stands, suburban areas near feeders
• Call is a series of short, dry chirping notes
• Length 5 inches

Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) L.

• Present mid-May through early October
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently in Arb near ponds
• Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, moist woodlands
• Song is a loud, distinctive “witchity-witchity-witchity”
• Length 5 inches

Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently around campus but may be encountered daily, nests in Arb
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Voice is a loud, harsh “kak” often repeated in a series
• Length 17 inches, wingspan 3 feet, females larger than males

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) L.

• Present late September through late April
• Status: Common, seen daily, especially at Interpretive Center feeders
• Habitat: open areas, suburban areas near feeders
• Call is a series of rapid chip notes, spring song is like Chipping Sparrow but slightly faster
• Length 6 inches

Dickcissel (Spiza americana)

• Present late May through late August, abundant some years but rare others
• Status: Uncommon, but only observations are from summer 2011 in Coneflower Prairie
• Habitat: grasslands, agricultural fields, open areas
• Song is a distinct “dick-dick, cissel-cissel” or any combination of “dick” and “cissel” notes
• Length 6 inchs

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)

• Present mid-March through early November, most migrate through spring/fall
• Status: Rare, seen once or twice each season flying over campus
• Habitat: ponds, lakes, rivers, large wetlands
• Generally silent
• Length 3 feet, wingspan 4 feet
• Flocks in flight often form straight lines instead of Vs

Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) L.

Photo taken near Ottawa Township, Le Sueur County

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Uncommon, usually seen daily but easily overlooked, often found near Interpretive Center
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, suburban areas near feeders
• Call note is a harsh “chik,” longer call is a fast series of high notes that slurs downward at end
• Length 7 inches

Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) L.

• Present early March through mid-November, some may overwinter
• Status: Uncommon, but in 2009 one pair nested in bluebird houses in Arb, sometimes small flocks seen during fall migration in October
• Habitat: open areas with scattered trees, suburban areas near bluebird houses
• Song is a series of three or four sweet “cheer” notes, call (often given in flight) is a two-note “cheer-up”
• Length 7 inches

Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) L.

• Present early May through late September
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently during migration, more often encountered during summer
• Habitat: open areas with scattered trees, grasslands, often perches on telephone wires along roads
• Song is a series of high, sharp “kisk” notes, calls similar but shorter
• Length 9 inches

Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) L.

Photo taken near Sandstone, Pine County

• Present mid-March through late October
• Status: Very rare, one bird sang on territory in Uhler Prairie for several weeks mid-April to mid-May 2006
• Habitat: grasslands, open country with scattered cedars
• Song is an emphatic, high-pitched, whistled “spring-of-the-year!”
• Length 10 inches

Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)

Photo taken near Ottawa Township, Le Sueur County

• Present late March through mid-October
• Status: Common, encountered frequently in Arb
• Habitat: Semi-open woodlands, open areas with scattered trees, often near water
• Full song consists of two phrases: the first a loud, downward “FEE-bee,” the second a loud, upward “fee-BEE”; often only one phrase is given
• Length 7 inches
• Characteristic behavior of frequently “pumping” its tail up and down when perched

Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) L.

• Present mid-April through late October
• Status: Very rare, one bird seen in Arb in early May 2006 and another near Interpretive Center in early May 2009
• Habitat: Woodlands adjacent to open areas, open country with dense thickets
• Song is a loud, three note “drink-your-teeee!” or two note “your-teeee!” with the final “teeee” approaching a trill, call note is often a sharp “tow-hee”
• Length 8 inches
• Foraging behavior is often characterized by intense “digging” into underbrush

Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens) L.

Photo taken near Ottawa Township, Le Sueur County

• Present early May through late September
• Status: Rare, seen once or twice each season, most often during migration
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, dense tree stands
• Full song consists of two phrases: the first a whistled, rising “pee-WEEEE,” the second a whistled, falling “PEE-oooo”; often only one phrase is given. Note pattern of pewee’s song is UP THEN DOWN whereas pattern of Eastern Phoebe’s song is DOWN THEN UP.
• Length 6 inches

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) L.

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Common, seen daily, often near buildings, sometimes nests in wood duck house in north Arb ponds
• Habitat: found in almost any habitat, urbanized and agricultural areas
• A true mimic, can imitate sounds of other birds and animals, often chooses to mimic meadowlarks and pewees. Also often repeats high-pitched whistles.
• Length 9 inches
• Introduced in North America

Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla)

Photo taken near Ottawa Township, Le Sueur County

• Present mid-April through early October
• Status: Common, often heard singing in open areas of Arb
• Habitat: Open areas with scattered trees, brushy areas
• Song is a high trill that starts slow, speeds up, and ends fast, similar to the pattern of a bouncing ball
• Length 5 inches

Forster’s Tern (Sterna forsteri)

• Present mid-April through late September
• Status: Rare, seen once or twice each season, most often during spring migration, but nests in colonies at Swan Lake only ten miles away
• Habitat: shallow lakes and wetlands, marshes with thick cattail cover
• Voice is a harsh “kee-er,” often given when scolding
• Length 13 inches

Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

• Migrant, passes through late March to early May and then late September to mid-November
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen in Arb, sometimes found underneath feeders
• Habitat: brushy edges of open areas, forests with dense undergrowth, thickets
• Song is a rather melodious series of high and low whistles
• Length 7 inches
• When foraging, displays a distinctive “digging” behavior similar to towhees

Franklin’s Gull (Larus pipixican)

Photo taken near Gaylord, Sibley County

• Migrant, passes through late March to late May and then mid-August to late October
• Status: Uncommon, most often seen in large flocks flying high over campus, usually in fall
• Habitat: shallow lakes, large wetlands, farm fields (during migration)
• Voice is a raspy “keel”
• Length 14 inches

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) L.

• Migrant, passes through in small numbers mid-April to early May and then early October to early November, some may overwinter
• Status: Very rare, one bird seen flying over Arb in mid-October 2004
• Habitat: Open country, river bluffs
• Voice consists of soft chirps
• Length 3 feet, wingspan just under 7 feet, females larger than males
• Bald Eagle has larger wingspan, but Golden Eagle has heavier body

Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)

• Migrant, passes through late March to early May and then late September to mid-November, some may overwinter
• Status: Common, can be seen daily in Arb and in trees around campus
• Habitat: Woodlands, most areas with trees
• Call is a high-pitched “see-see-see” similar to Brown Creeper but with two or more distinct syllables
• Length 4 inches

Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum)

• Present late April through early September
• Status: Rare, heard more often than seen in Coneflower Prairie
• Habitat: dry grasslands
• Song is a high-pitched buzz reminiscent of the sound made by an insect, preceded by a few high-pitched introductory notes; also frequently gives a more varied series of high-pitched buzzes
• Length 5 inches

Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) L.

• Present early May through mid-October
• Status: Uncommon, seen and heard infrequently throughout Arb
• Habitat: shrubby areas, dense thickets, semi-open woodlands
• Song is a repertoire of one-note phrases (Brown Thrasher has two-note phrases), common call is a “meeee” reminiscent of a cat’s meow
• Length 9 inches

Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus)

• Migrant, passes through mid- to late May and then mid-August to early October
• Status: Rare, seen once or twice each year, most often in spring
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a rapid series of flutelike notes that rises then falls
• Length 7 inches

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) L.

• Present mid-March to early November
• Status: Uncommon, sometimes stops to forage in Arb ponds, most often seen flying over campus
• Habitat: wetlands, lakes, rivers
• Voice is a harsh grunting or squawking; rather vocal for a heron
• Length 4 feet, wingspan 6 feet

Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) L.

• Present mid-May through mid-September
• Status: Rare, seen a few times each year in Arb, most often during migration in May
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Voice is a loud, sharp “WHEEP!” or “WHEEP-EEP!”
• Length 9 inches

Great Egret (Ardea alba) L.

• Present mid-March to early November
• Status: Uncommon, sometimes stops to forage in Arb ponds, most often seen flying over campus
• Habitat: wetlands, lakes, rivers
• Voice is a harsh squawking
• Length just under 4 feet, wingspan just under 5 feet
• Closely related to Great Blue Heron

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen sitting in trees or on top of Borgeson Cabin around dusk at any time of year, often heard from Arb at night
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Adult voice is a loud, hooting “whooo’s awake? meee too.” Males make lower-pitched hoots than females. Juveniles make raspy, screeching vocalizations.
• Length 2 feet, wingspan 4 feet, females larger than males
• Largest North American owl by weight, has been known to kill hawks larger than itself

Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)

Photo taken near Jackson, Jackson County

• Migrant, passes through mid-March to late April and then late October to mid-November
• Status: Rare, seen once or twice each season, sometimes mixed in with flocks of other geese
• Habitat: lakes, wetlands
• Voice is a high-pitched two-note honk
• Length just over 2 feet
• Often called “Specklebellies” by hunters

Green Heron (Butorides virescens) L.

• Present early May through early October
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen foraging around Arb ponds
• Habitat: marshes, ponds, small lakes
• Voice is a sharp, loud “keer”
• Length 18 inches

Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) L.

Photo taken south of St. Peter, Nicollet County

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen in Arb
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Call note is a sharp “chik” higher pitched than Downy, longer call is a fast series of high notes that stays on same level (Downy drops at end)
• Length 9 inches

Harris’s Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula)

• Migrant, passes through mid-April to mid-May and then late September to early November
• Status: Rare, seen only a few times each year
• Habitat: open country, semi-open woodlands, brushy areas
• Song is two or three lazy high notes on same pitch; sometimes gives buzzy notes instead of high notes
• Length 7 inches

Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus)

• Migrant, passes through early April to early May and then late September to mid-November
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen in Arb and elsewhere around campus
• Habitat: woodlands, semi-open areas, suburban areas with trees
• Song is a series of musical, flutelike notes that begins with a single, distinct whistle followed by fast, rising notes
• Length 7 inches

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)

• Migrant, passes through mid-March to late April and then mid-October to late November, some may overwinter
• Status: Very rare, one bird seen flying over Arb in mid-October 2008
• Habitat: shallow lakes and wetlands, sandy beaches, urban areas (when foraging)
• Voice is a loud, high, piercing “kaaw”
• Length 2 feet

Hoary Redpoll (Carduelis hornemanni)

• Present early November through late March
• Status: Very rare, one bird observed at Interpretive Center’s feeders in late March 2009
• Habitat: conifer stands, suburban areas near feeders
• Voice identical to that of Common Redpoll
• Length 5 inches
• Look for paler redpoll with white rump, no streaks on undertail coverts, and stubbier bill

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) L.

• Present mid-March through mid-November
• Status: Very rare, pair seen flying over campus in late March 2009, but nests nearby during summer
• Habitat: wooded ponds and lakes, forest wetlands
• Voice is a low, guttural croaking
• Length 18 inches

Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) L.

Photo taken near Henderson, Sibley County

• Present mid-February through late November, some may overwinter
• Status: Uncommon, most often seen in Coneflower Prairie area or flying over campus
• Habitat: open country, agricultural fields
• Song is a rapid series of rising tinkling notes, call is a high-pitched two-note “tee-dee”
• Length 7 inches

House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Common, seen daily around campus, especially near Interpretive Center
• Habitat: developed areas, farmlands
• Song is a whistled series of sweet high notes, call is a high, sweet “chirp”
• Length 6 inches

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) L.

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Common, seen daily around campus, often near buildings and parking lots
• Habitat: developed areas, urban areas
• Call is a sharp “chirp” lower than House Finch
• Length 6 inches
• Introduced in North America; an Old World sparrow unrelated to North American sparrows

House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)

• Present late April through late October
• Status: Common, seen daily in Arb
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, suburban areas with trees
• Song is a loud series of fast high notes that slightly tapers off at end
• Length 5 inches

Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) L.

• Present mid-May through late September
• Status: Rare, seen once or twice each year in Arb, most often during migration in May
• Habitat: woodlands, semi-open areas, brushy areas with trees
• Song is a series of several warbling two-note phrases: “fire! fire! where? where? here! here!”
• Length 5 inches

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) L.

Photo taken near Fort Ridgely State Park, Nicollet County

• Present mid-March through early November
• Status: Common, often seen near ballfields and large expanses of grass on campus
• Habitat: open country, agricultural fields, suburban lawns, abandoned lots
• Voice is an emphatic two-note “kill-deer!”, also a series of high, fast “ki” notes
• Length 10 inches

Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) L.

• Migrant, passes through late February to late April and then late September to late November, some may overwinter
• Status: Rare, seen a few times each season, most often as flyovers in early spring and late fall
• Habitat: open country, grasslands, farmfields, roadsides in winter
• Flight calls most often heard; single, sweet “dew” as well as a dry rattle
• Length 6 inches

Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus)

• Present late April through mid-September
• Status: Rare, seen a couple times each year, most often during migration in May
• Habitat: open country with scattered trees, prairie bluffs along rivers, gravel pits
• Song is a sweet series of warbling and chirping notes seemingly without a pattern, call a distinctive metallic “tink”
• Length 6 inches

Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus)

• Present early May through late September
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen in wooded areas of Arb, most often during migration
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a quick, two-note “che-bek” that rises somewhat on the second syllable
• Length 5 inches

Le Conte’s Sparrow (Ammodramus leconteii)

• Migrant, passes through late April to mid-May and then late September to mid-October
• Status: Very rare, only observations from mid-October 2010 in Coneflower Prairie, but probably present there each fall in moderate numbers
• Habitat: prairies, grasslands, wet meadows
• Song begins with one sharp note followed by a high-pitched, electric-sounding buzz
• Length 5 inches

Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii)

• Migrant, passes through mid-April to mid-May and then late September to late October
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen in wooded or shrubby areas of Arb
• Habitat: forested areas, semi-open woodlands, shrubby areas
• Song is a rising, accelerating warble that drops at the end with a few chirping notes
• Length 5 inches

Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) L.

• Present late October through mid-April
• Status: Very rare, only observation from early November 2010 in coniferous forest in northern part of Arb
• Habitat: dense conifer stands (especially cedars) near open areas
• Voice is a single, monotonous “hoo” repeated once every three or four seconds
• Length 15 inches, wingspan 3 feet, females larger than males

Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica magnolia)

• Migrant, passes through early to late May and then mid-August to late September
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen in Arb during migration
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a whistled “please-to-be-WITH-you” that starts slow and ends fast, with the accent on the second-to-last syllable
• Length 5 inches

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) L.

Photo taken at Spring Lake Park in North Mankato, Nicollet County

• Present early March through late November, some may overwinter
• Status: Common, seen often in flocks flying over campus, frequently nests in Arb ponds
• Habitat: lakes, wetlands, ponds
• Voice is the familiar “quack”
• Length just under 2 feet

Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris)

• Present late April through early November
• Status: Rare, seen a few times each season near north Arb ponds
• Habitat: wetlands, cattail marshes, lakes with cattail edges
• Song is a squeaking rattle reminiscent of a sewing machine
• Length 5 inches

Merlin (Falco columbarius) L.

• Present early October through late April
• Status: Rare, seen a few times each season anywhere on campus
• Habitat: Woodlands and forested areas near openings, open areas with scattered trees
• Call is a high-pitched, harsh “ki ki ki ki” like American Kestrel but often rises and falls
• Length 11 inches, wingspan 2 feet, females larger than males

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) L.

• Present mid-March through early November, some may overwinter
• Status: Common, seen daily around campus
• Habitat: open and semi-open country, open areas near trees, developed areas
• Voice is a sad, slow “hoooo-OOOO hoo hoo”
• Length 12 inches

Mourning Warbler (Oporornis philadelphia)

• Migrant, passes through mid-May to early June and then late August to late September
• Status: Very rare, one bird seen near Jones Northern Forest Ponds in early September 2008
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas with dense or shrubby undergrowth
• Song is a series of sweet, loud whistles that drops off at the end: “TO-RY TO-RY TO-RY tor tor”
• Length 5 inches

Nashville Warbler (Vermivora ruficapilla)

• Migrant, passes through early to late May and then mid August to late September
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently in Arb, more common in fall
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a series of several high notes on the same pitch followed by a series of slightly lower, faster notes approaching a trill
• Length 5 inches

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) L.

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Common, frequently present in Arb and elsewhere around campus
• Habitat: semi-open woodlands, open areas near shrubby cover, residential areas
• Song begins with two or three upslurred sweet notes followed by three or four lower sweet notes: “cheer-y? cheer-y? cheer-y? cheer cheer cheer”
• Length 8 inches

Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) L.

Photo taken south of St. Peter, Nicollet County

• Present mid-March through mid-November, some may overwinter
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen in Arb, good numbers can be seen during migration
• Habitat: semi-open woodlands, open areas with scattered trees
• Voice consists of a series of loud, dry, chattering notes that stays on same pitch, also frequently gives one-note “keer!” call
• Length 12 inches
• Birds in our range are “Yellow-shafted” form

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) L.

• Present early November through early April
• Status: Very rare, one bird seen flying over Arb in January 2005
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, open areas near tree stands
• Voice is a series of high-pitched, harsh “kee” notes
• Length 20 inches, wingspan just over 3 feet, females larger than males

Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) L.

• Present mid-March through late November, some may overwinter
• Status: Rare, seen only a few times each year, most often flying over Arb during migration
• Habitat: grasslands and prairies, grassy marshes and wetlands
• Voice consists of soft, raspy barking sounds as well as higher-pitched whistles
• Length just under 2 feet, wingspan just under 4 feet, females larger than males

Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) L.

• Migrant, passes through most often in May, but possible any time of year
• Status: Very rare, one bird seen near Borgeson Cabin in mid-May 2005 and another bird in almost the exact same location in late May 2009
• Habitat: open areas with scattered trees, shrubby areas, gardens, residential areas with adjacent cover
• Song is a repertoire of phrases consisting of three or more notes, can mimic other sounds (including car alarms)
• Length 10 inches

Northern Parula (Parula americana) L.

• Migrant, passes through early to late May and then mid-August to mid-September
• Status: Very rare, one bird observed in Arb in mid-May 2005
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a rising buzz that sounds like it tips over at the end, sometimes the rising buzz is separated into several short buzzes instead of one long one
• Length 4 inches

Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)

• Present late April through late September
• Status: Rare, seen only a few times each year, most often during migration
• Habitat: rivers and river bluffs, steep banks
• Song consists of several dry, blurry notes likened to “raspberries”
• Length 6 inches

Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor) L.

• Present mid-October through early April
• Status: Very rare, one bird seen on campus in mid-November 2007
• Habitat: open areas, grasslands with scattered trees and shrubs, often seen perched on telephone wires along roadsides
• Song is a complex warble similar to that of a finch
• Length 10 inches
• Song is used to mimic small birds and thereby lure prey

Northern Waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis)

• Migrant, passes through early to late May and then mid-August to late September
• Status: Very rare, one bird observed near Jones Northern Forest Ponds in mid-May 2010
• Habitat: wooded streams and wetlands
• Song begins with a few high whistles followed by rapid, descending chirping notes
• Length 6 inches

Orange-crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata)

• Migrant, passes through late April to mid-May and then late September to early November
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently encountered in Arb, most often in fall
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a high-pitched trill followed by short, sweet notes
• Length 5 inches

Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) L.

• Present mid-May through mid-September
• Status: Rare, seen once or twice each season, most often during migration in May
• Habitat: open areas with scattered trees, semi-open woodlands, shrubby areas
• Song is a series of sweet notes interspersed with scratchy, drier notes
• Length 7 inches

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) L.

• Present mid-March through early November
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen flying over campus, most often in spring
• Habitat: lakes and other large bodies of water, rivers
• Voice consists of sweet whistles
• Length 2 feet, wingspan 5 feet

Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus) L.

• Present early May through late September
• Status: Rare, seen once or twice each season, most often during migration, but nests at Seven-Mile Creek south of St. Peter
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a loud, distinctive, rising “teacher-teacher-TEACHER”
• Length 6 inches

Palm Warbler (Dendroica palmarum)

• Migrant, passes through early to late May and then mid-August to late October
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen in Arb during migration
• Habitat: semi-open woodlands, forest edges, open areas with scattered trees
• Song is a sweet, soft trill
• Length 5 inches
• Frequently pumps tail like Eastern Phoebe

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

• Present mid-March through early November, most often seen during migration
• Status: Rare, seen once or twice each year during migration in May or September, but nests in downtown Mankato
• Habitat: cliff edges, river bluffs, urban areas; wetlands during migration
• Voice is a series of high, harsh, rising “reee!” notes
• Length 16 inches, wingspan just over 3 feet, females larger than males

Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus)

• Migrant, passes through mid- to late May and then mid-August to late September
• Status: Rare, seen once or twice each year in Arb
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is very similar to Red-eyed Vireo: a sweet, whistled “Where are you? Here I am! Over here.” but slightly slower and lower in pitch
• Length 5 inches

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) L.

• Present early April through early November
• Status: Rare, seen once or twice each season in Arb ponds, most often during migration
• Habitat: lakes, ponds, marshes with open water
• Voice is a loud, fast, downslurred series of high-pitched, pumping notes
• Length 12 inches

Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) L.

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Very rare, one bird present in Arb for a few days in mid-November 2009
• Habitat: dense woodlands
• Voice consists of a loud, piercing series of “kee” notes as well as single clucking calls; drumming is very loud but trails off at end
• Length 17 inches, wingspan just under 3 feet

Pine Siskin (Carduelis pinus)

• Present mid-September through early May, may nest some years
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen in small flocks in Arb, often near Interpretive Center; very common some winters
• Habitat: open areas with scattered conifers, suburban areas near feeders
• Song is a fast, rizing buzz: “zzzzzziiIIP!”, call note (often given in flight) is a buzzy “zeet”
• Length 5 inches

Pine Warbler (Dendroica pinus)

• Migrant, passes through mid- to late April and then late September to mid-October
• Status: Very rare, one bird present in deciduous forest north of Borgeson Cabin with a flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers in mid-April 2011
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a high trill similar to that of Chipping Sparrow but generally sweeter in quality
• Length 5 inches

Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus)

• Present early October through mid-April
• Status: Rare, seen once or twice each season, most often heard flying over campus
• Habitat: semi-open woodlands, suburban areas near feeders
• Song is a sweet, rolling warble, flight call a distinctive, short “kip”
• Length 6 inches

Purple Martin (Progne subis) L.

• Present mid-April through late September
• Status: Rare, seen once or twice each year, most often during migration
• Habitat: open areas near large bodies of water and colonial man-made nesting houses
• Call (often given in flight) is a distinctive, downslurred “kewr”
• Length 8 inches

Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) L.

Photo taken near Custer, South Dakota

• Migrant, fall only, passes through late October to early December
• Status: Very rare, one bird observed flying over campus in early November 2004 and a small flock present on campus for a few days (feeding on pine/spruce cones) in late October 2006
• Habitat: large stands of pine and spruce trees
• Call note (often given in flight) is a sharp “jip”
• Length 6 inches

Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) L

Photo taken near Shakopee, Scott County

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Rare, seen only a few times each season, most often near Interpretive Center, seemingly absent in winter
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, suburban areas near large trees
• Frequent call is a harsh “chew” repeated several times, infrequently gives a long chattering call
• Length 9 inches

Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) L.

• Present late August through late April
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen in Arb, most often near conifers
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, suburban areas near feeders
• Voice is a wheezy “nee-nee-nee” higher in pitch and more nasal than White-breasted Nuthatch
• Length 5 inches

Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) L.

• Present mid-May through late September
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen in Arb, more common during migration
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a sweet, whistled series of three-note phrases: “Where are you? Here I am! Over here.” repeated several times, call note is a harsh, raspy “jeee”
• Length 6 inches

Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) L.

• Present early May through late October
• Status: Very rare, one bird seen flying over Arb in mid-May 2005
• Habitat: open areas with scattered large, dead trees, often near pastures
• Voice consists of harsh, relatively soft “terrr” calls
• Length 9 inches

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Very rare, one bird seen flying over campus in mid-May 2005, but possible any time of year
• Habitat: dense deciduous woodlands, river valleys
• Song is a raspy, harsh “keer keer keer” repeated several times
• Length 17 inches, wingspan just over 3 feet, females larger than males

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Common, seen frequently during summer and migration, but generally absent from campus in winter
• Habitat: open areas, often seen perched on telephone poles along roadsides
• Voice is a loud, piercing “kiieeerrr” that is often mistakenly played as Bald Eagle’s vocalization on television and in films
• Length 20 inches, wingspan just over 4 feet, females larger than males

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) L.

Photo taken near Swan Lake, Nicollet County

• Present mid-March through mid-November, some may overwinter
• Status: Common, seen daily in Arb, flocks during migration can number well into the thousands
• Habitat: wetlands, marshes, grassy lakes and ponds
• Song is a jubilant, loud “konk-a-ree!”, call note is a dry “chek”
• Length 9 inches

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)

Photo taken at McCarrons Lake in Roseville, Ramsey County

• Present mid-March through late November
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently flying over campus, most often in flocks during migration
• Habitat: shallow lakes and wetlands, sandy beaches, urban areas (when foraging)
• Voice is a piercing “eeaaw”
• Length 18 inches

Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) L.

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen in Arb, most often near prairie or woodland edges
• Habitat: grasslands, woodland edges, agricultural fields
• Voice is a loud, harsh, two-note “aw-aw”
• Length 2 feet, males larger than females
• Introduced in North America

Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Common, present almost daily, possible anywhere on campus
• Habitat: urban and developed areas
• Voice is a soft, gentle cooing
• Length 13 inches
• Introduced in North America

Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) L.

Photo taken near Ottawa Township, Le Sueur County

• Present early May through late September
• Status: Rare, seen a few times each year in Arb, most often during migration
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, residential areas near feeders
• Song is a very sweet warble, likened to a “robin with singing lessons”
• Length 8 inches

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) L.

• Migrant, passes through early April to mid-May and then mid-September to late October
• Status: Common, encountered daily in Arb during migration
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, shrubby areas near trees
• Most frequently heard vocalization is a chattering “che-che” call
• Length 4 inches
• Red spot on crown is often concealed but becomes visible when bird is scolding, especially in spring

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) L.

• Present early May through late September
• Status: Uncommon, most frequently encountered in gardens near Interpretive Center and chapel, also often seen at hummingbird feeder at Interpretive Center
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, gardens, open areas near shrubs and trees, residential areas near feeders
• Voice is a high-pitched squeaking repeated several times
• Length 3 inches

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus)

• Migrant, passes through mid-March to mid-April and then late September to mid-November, some may overwinter
• Status: Rare, a few flocks seen flying over campus spring/fall
• Habitat: wetlands, grassy marshes, wet meadows, farm fields during migration
• Song begins with a gurgling sound that rises into a high-pitched whistle (reminiscent of a rusty hinge on a door); flight calls a sharp, dry “chek” very similar to Red-winged Blackbird
• Length 9 inches

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)

• Present early April through early November
• Status: Rare, seen or heard a few times each year, most often near prairie in Arb
• Habitat: open country, grasslands, farm fields
• Song is a high, slightly buzzy “I’m a saVANN-ah” with the accent on the second-to last syllable and the last two syllables drawn out
• Length 5 inches

Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)

• Present mid-May through late September
• Status: Very rare, one bird seen in Arb in mid-September 2009
• Habitat: woodlands, densely forested areas
• Song is a burry, somewhat hoarse warble, likened to a “robin with a sore throat,” also frequently gives two-note “chick-burr” call
• Length 7 inches

Sedge Wren (Cistothorus platensis)

• Present early May through late October
• Status: Very rare, two birds heard vocalizing near Jones Northern Forest Ponds in late September 2009
• Habitat: prairies and grasslands, wet meadows
• Song begins with two or three dry chip notes followed by a faster series: “che, che, che-che-che”
• Length 4 inches

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)

• Present mid-October through late April
• Status: Rare, seen a few times each year, often chasing small birds
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, residential areas near feeders
• Call consists of high, sharp “kik” notes
• Length 12 inches, wingspan 2 feet, females larger than males

Smith’s Longspur (Calcarius pictus)

• Migrant, passes through early to late April and then early to late October, rare anywhere in Minnesota
• Status: Very rare, one bird observed near hill in Coneflower Prairie in mid-April 2011
• Habitat: large prairies consisting of relatively short-length grasses
• Flight call most often heard; rattle similar to that of Lapland Longspur but somewhat slower and sweeter, does not give “dew” calls
• Length 6 inches

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) L.

• Present late October through late March
• Status: Very rare, one bird seen on campus near Arb in mid-March 2005, but flocks can be found on farm roads just west of St. Peter most winters
• Habitat: open country, grasslands, farm fields, beaches
• Calls include chattering and buzzy notes as well as a sweet, high-pitched “dew”
• Length 7 inches

Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens) L.

Photo taken near Luverne, Rock County

• Migrant, passes through mid-March to late April and then late October to mid-November
• Status: Very rare, one flock observed flying over campus in late March 2007
• Habitat: lakes, wetlands
• Voice is a harsh “keek”
• Length just over 2 feet

Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria)

Photo taken near Swan Lake, Nicollet County

• Migrant, passes through mid-April to late May and then mid-July to late October
• Status: Rare, seen or heard flying over campus a few times each year during migration, mostly in spring
• Habitat: wetlands, mudflats, flooded fields, wooded marshes
• Voice is a high, loud, two-note “weet-weet!” or sometimes three-note “weet-weet-weet!”
• Length 8 inches

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

• Present late March through mid-November
• Status: Common, encountered daily near Arb ponds
• Habitat: wetlands, marshes, ponds and lakes with shrubby or grassy edges, wooded areas near water
• Song is a high, sweet “hip-hip-hooray!” followed by a few lower notes
• Length 6 inches

Sora (Porzana carolina) L.

• Present mid-April through early October
• Status: Rare, seen or heard once or twice each year in Arb ponds, most often during migration in May
• Habitat: cattail marshes, grassy wetlands
• Calls include a high, clear “so-ra?” and a loud, descending whinny
• Length 9 inches

Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)

• Present mid-April through early October
• Status: Very rare, one bird seen flying over Arb in late September 2009
• Habitat: grasslands, open areas, agricultural fields with scattered trees
• Voice is a loud, screeching “kiieeerr” like Red-tailed Hawk but higher and softer
• Length 20 inches, wingspan just over 4 feet, females larger than males

Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)

• Migrant, passes through late April to late May and then mid-August to late September
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently encountered in Arb and grassy, sheltered areas around campus during migration
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, open areas near shrubby cover
• Song is a series of musical, flute-like notes that rises from beginning to end
• Length 7 inches

Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)

• Present early April through early November
• Status: Rare, seen a few times each year near Arb ponds
• Habitat: wetlands, marshes, ponds and lakes with shrubby or grassy edges
• Song is a trill of “chip” notes, distinctly slower and sweeter than Chipping Sparrow
• Length 6 inches

Tennessee Warbler (Vermivora peregrina)

• Migrant, passes through mid- to late May and then mid-August to early October
• Status: Uncommon, seen infrequently in Arb, more common in fall
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a series of high-pitched notes that starts slow and then accelerates
• Length 5 inches

Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)

• Present early April through mid-October
• Status: Common, seen daily flying around campus, sometimes nests in bluebird houses
• Habitat: open country, grasslands, parks, residential areas
• Voice consists of short bubbly notes sometimes strung together in a longer sequence
• Length 6 inches

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)

Photo taken at Lake Vadnais, Ramsey County

• Permanent year-round resident (winters near open water)
• Status: Very rare, two birds observed flying together over Interpretive Center in February 2010
• Habitat: lakes, large wetlands
• Voice is a low, distinct bugling
• Length 5 feet, wingspan just under 7 feet

Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus)

• Migrant, passes through mid-March to late April and then late October to early November
• Status: Rare, a few flocks seen flying over campus each year, mostly in spring
• Habitat: lakes, ponds, marshes, wetlands
• Voice is a distinctive, musical whistling (often given in flight)
• Length just over 4 feet

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) L.

Photo taken near Kasota, Le Sueur County

• Present mid-March through mid-October
• Status: Common, seen daily flying above campus in small kettles
• Habitat: open country, river valleys, urban areas near tall buildings or towers (for roosting)
• Generally silent, sometimes a low, dry squawk is given
• Length just over two feet, wingspan just under 6 feet
• Soaring birds hold their wings held up above body in a distinctive “V” profile called a dihedral (soaring Bald Eagle holds wings level with body)

Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus)

• Present late March through early November
• Status: Rare, seen/heard a few times each year, often near prairie
• Habitat: open country, grasslands, farm fields
• Song is similar to that of Song Sparrow but somewhat drier and ends on a series of rising notes
• Length 6 inches

Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)

• Present mid-May through late September
• Status: Very rare, one bird seen near Jones Northern Forest Ponds in mid-May 2011
• Habitat: semi-open areas, especially near water
• Song is a rising jumble of high notes: “if-I-could-see-you-I-would-squeeze-you-and-I-would-squeeze-you-till-you-squirt!”
• Length 5 inches

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)

Photo taken near Shakopee, Scott County

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen in Arb, often near Interpretive Center, seemingly absent in winter
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, open areas near trees, residential areas near feeders
• Voice is a nasal “nay-nay-nay”
• Length 6 inches

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)

• Migrant, passes through mid-April to mid-May and then late September to early November
• Status: Uncommon, encountered infrequently in Arb during migration, often near Interpretive Center feeders
• Habitat: shrubby areas, open areas with scattered trees and shrubs, residential areas near feeders
• Song begins with several high-pitched whistles followed by quick, buzzy chirps and trills
• Length 7 inches

White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus)

• Rare vagrant to Minnesota, possible anytime mid-May through mid-November
• Status: Very rare, one bird seen near Interpretive Center in mid-November 2008
• Habitat: semi-open woodlands, woodland edges, dense shrubby areas
• Song begins with a single, emphatic “chik!” note followed by a quick, scratchy series of up and down notes
• Length 5 inches

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

• Migrant, passes through mid-April to mid-May and then mid-September to early November
• Status: Common, seen daily in Arb during migration, often near Interpretive Center feeders
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, shrubby areas, open areas near woods, residential areas near feeders
• Song is a sweet, whistled “Old Sam Peabody Peabody Peabody” or “Oh sweet Canada Canada Canada”
• Length 7 inches

White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)

• Present late November through late March
• Status: Very rare, only observations from late January to late March 2009 during which up to 45 birds were seen at once near Interpretive Center
• Habitat: spruce stands, particularly of White Spruce (Picea glauca)
• Calls include a dry but distinctive two-note “chi-chi”, often repeated in longer sequences
• Length 6 inches

Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) L.

Photo taken south of St. Peter, Nicollet County

• Permanent year-round resident
• Status: Rare, seen only a few times each year, most often in summer, but increasing
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, brushlands
• Calls include various clucking sounds in addition to the distinct “gobble” repeated in a short series
• Length 4 feet, wingspan 5 feet

Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata)

• Present late March through mid-November, some may overwinter
• Status: Rare, seen or heard only a couple times each year near Arb ponds
• Habitat: wooded wetlands, marshes, streams
• Voice is a distinctive winnowing that begins softer and ends louder
• Length 11 inches

Wilson’s Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla)

Photo taken at Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Colorado

• Migrant, passes through mid- to late May and then mid-August to late September
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen in Arb during migration
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a series of high notes on same pitch ending in a couple lower or fainter notes
• Length 5 inches

Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) L.

• Migrant, passes through mid-April to early May and then late September to late October
• Status: Rare, seen only a couple times each year, most often in fall
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, areas with dense shrubs
• Voice is a very long series of high-pitched, rolling, up and down whistles
• Length 4 inches

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) L.

Photo taken at Cobb River WPA, Blue Earth County

• Present mid-March through early November
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen near Arb ponds or flying over campus, has never nested in Wood Duck house in north Arb pond
• Habitat: wooded areas near water
• Voice is a nervous, squealing, high-pitched “eeeeeee”
• Length 19 inches

Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) L.

• Present early May through mid-September
• Status: Uncommon, infrequently seen near ponds in Arb, elsewhere during migration
• Habitat: open woodlands, forest edges, shrubby areas near water
• Song is a high, whistled “sweet! sweet! I’m so sweet”
• Length 5 inches

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris)

• Migrant, passes through mid- to late May and then mid-August to early September
• Status: Very rare, one bird seen in Arb in late August 2008
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, often near water
• Song is a two-note “che-bunk,” with the second syllable lower and somewhat nasal
• Length 5 inches

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) L.

• Present mid-April through early November, some may overwinter
• Status: Uncommon, encountered infrequently in Arb, most often during spring migration
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Voice consists of high squeals as well as quick chattering notes
• Length 8 inches

Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) L.

• Present mid-April through early October
• Status: Rare, seen only once or twice each year, but nests at Swan Lake only ten miles away
• Habitat: grassy marshes, prairie wetlands, lakes and ponds with cattail edges
• Voice begins with bubbly notes followed by a metallic, rusty “zheeeeeee”
• Length 10 inches

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata) L.

• Migrant, passes through early April to mid-May and then mid-September to early November
• Status: Common, seen daily in Arb during migration, abundant some days in fall
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas, open areas near trees
• Voice is a series of sweet notes that begins on one pitch and ends on another
• Length 5 inches
• Often seen fly-catching from exposed perch like flycatchers

Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons)

• Present mid-May through late September
• Status: Rare, seen only a few times each year, most often during migration in May
• Habitat: woodlands, forested areas
• Song is a slow, blurry series of two- and three-note phrases: “Threeee-eight! Are you there? Right here!”
• Length 5 inches

* All photos taken at Gustavus by Bob Dunlap, Arboretum Naturalist unless otherwise noted.