Common Birds of the Salish Sea
American Wigeon, Anas americana
This cute little dabbling duck is a common winter visitor to our area. Arriving in late October, flocks have spent the whole winter in the cove at Boston Harbor. The male’s colorful head sports a white crown, dark green ear stripe and light gray cheeks. The female is drab two-tone with gray head and brown body.
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A close cousin, the Eurasian Wigeon, normally winters in the Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea. However both males and females will occasionally stray south to Puget Sound. The Eurasian Wigeon male has a dark rufus head with a muted white crown. Hybridization between the species regularly occurs.
While feeding along the shoreline they communicate with other flock members using a high whistling call. The call is very unusual and fun to listen to. The other interesting aspect of their behavior is that they feed heavily on marine vegetation, mainly Sea Lettuce, during their winter layover. In addition they also come up on lawns to eat the grass.
The American Wigeon ranges throughout North America with winter sojourns to the southern U.S. and Mexico including the Caribbean Islands. They breed throughout the northern U.S. including as far north as northern Alaska and both the western and eastern parts of Canada.
They leave in early spring for their inland, freshwater breeding sites. Like other dabbling ducks they tend to nest earlier in the season, risking impacts from late winter storms. They often nest far from water, where they build a concealed nest of dry grass and plant stems. Down is added as incubation progresses. Hatching occurs after 23-25 days with the young immediately leaving the nest.
Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias
One of several top predators in Puget Sound, the Great Blue Heron feeds on small animals such as sculpins, sticklebacks, small perch, shore crabs and other invertebrates that it can easily swallow. The Great Blue Heron relies on stealth to capture its prey. Watch one on a log boom or along the shore and you will see it stand still or move slowly along watching closely for movement in the shallow water with it’s neck in the S shaped ready position.
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When prey is spotted, the neck unfurls hurling the head forward with lightening speed grabbing the unlucky meal. To avoid getting spines or fins stuck in its throat, the heron shifts the unlucky dinner to a head-first position and then swallows. When fishing in freshwater, herons eat frogs, fish and crayfish. They even eat mice and other small mammals while patrolling open fields. The Great Blue Heron feeds mainly during the day, but occasionally will hunt at night.
Great Blue Herons nest in large groups in tall trees near the water. Several large colonies are located in south Puget Sound. One colony can be observed in the Spring along McAllister Creek in the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge. The young eat mainly small fish delivered by the harried parents. After fledging the young disperse around the area leading to crowding in prime hunting grounds. Territorial fights become common. Adults over-winter along the shoreline and can be seen hunting in almost any kind of weather.
The Great Blue Heron is the largest North American Heron and is wide spread and common throughout the United States and Canada in both fresh and salt water areas.
Black Brant, Branta bernicla nigricans
This handsome, dark-colored sea goose is often seen along the sandy beaches of southern Puget Sound as well as the open coast and coastal bays during it’s annual spring migration from wintering grounds in Baja Mexico to breeding grounds in the high coastal Arctic in Alaska and Canada. Another subspecies of Brant, called the American Brant, occurs along the Atlantic coast.
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While both subspecies sport a multi-banded white neck patch, the American Brant has a lighter colored breast. Some bird specialists have suggested that there is a third subspecies of Brant that winters in northern Puget Sound and is intermediate in the degree of blackness between the Black and American. At 25 inches, the Black Brant is several inches larger than a Mallard duck and can be distinguished from it’s larger relative, the Canada Goose, by it’s small size, short neck, dark color and lack of a white patch on the cheek. The brant also flies faster, lower to the water and in a more ragged formation than do Canada geese.
Like other brant, the Black Brant feed on marine vegetation in the shallow subtidal and intertidal zones. It eats mainly eelgrass as well as sea lettuce and the occasional crustacean, mollusk and marine worm.
Black Brant nest in depressions in the coastal arctic tundra that are lined with vegetation, down or moss and lichens where they usually lay five eggs. They will also use offshore islands in the arctic when foxes are common on the mainland. Young fledge in 40 to 45 days and then gather with other broods in offshore flocks.
Bufflehead, Bucephala albeola
The Bufflehead is one of the smallest ducks in North America weighing just over a pound and around 13.5 inches long. It is frequently seen in small groups in the bays around Puget Sound. Along with other sea ducks, Buffleheads are members of the diving duck group that swim below the water to catch prey or feed on plants. The brilliant black and white plumage of the sides and head of the male allows identification of this species from a great distance. The females and first-winter males are darker colored with a white cheek patch. The name apparently comes from shape of the male’s head which reminded early biologists of a buffalo’s head.
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While in marine waters the birds feed mainly on the bottom catching small crustaceans such as shrimp, crab and amphipods as well as small snails and other mollusks.
Buffleheads spend the winter in marine bays and estuaries as well as freshwater lakes from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast. There small groups of males and females spend active days feeding and courting. The males defend females by rushing at other males on the surface or after diving under them. The courtship display consists of a series of rapid head-bobs and then a short flight.
Breeding occurs in freshwater lakes mainly in northern Canada. A clutch of between 7 to 11 eggs are usually laid in old woodpecker nests dug in trees. Incubation lasts 30 days with the young being led to the water by the female within 24 hours of hatching. Young are eaten by a variety of predators while the adults are taken by weasels, mink and various hawks, falcons and owls including the Bald Eagle.
Common Goldeneye Duck, Bucephala clangula
Commonly seen in the shallow bays and inlets of Puget Sound during the winter is the diving duck called a Common Goldeneye. It is a medium sized bird with males having prominent while sides and a round white mark on the cheek. It’s close cousin, the Barrow’s Goldeneye, is very similar except that it’s white cheek mark is comma shaped and the white on it’s flank is broken up. They are often seen together during the winter season. They hybridize regularly. The females are more darkly colored with reddish-brown heads lacking white cheek markings.
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The common goldeneye ranges throughout north America, but mainly breeds in the northern states and Canada. It seeks freshwater lakes and small ponds to spend the summer. Nests are placed in tree cavities near water. When good nesting sites are few, females without a nest may lay their eggs in with those of a nest owner. This can result in up to 30 some eggs in a nest. Young leave the nest after 24 to 42 hours and head for the closest water.
In Summer, when in freshwater habitats the birds feed on crustaceans and mollusks they grab while diving to the bottom. During the summer they feed on aquatic insects, crayfish, small fish and some aquatic vegetation.
Like other marine birds, these species are vulnerable to oil spills from marine accidents or stormwater discharges which can coat their feathers resulting in a loss of insulation and waterproofing leading to death. For more information on oil spills go to the Washington Department of Ecology at https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/spills.
Green Heron, Butorides virescens
Rarely seen in the open, this colorful heron can be spotted in salt marshes as well as freshwater areas and occasionally on docks and floats. It is the smallest member of the heron family in our area only growing up to 18 inches in height. The top of the head and back are a dark green. The brown neck is commonly folded against the back but is thrust out when grabbing prey.
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A patient hunter, the Green Heron commonly waits motionless for small fish to swim close. However it is quite unique in using feathers, twigs, earthworms or insects dropped on the water surface to attract fish, making it one of the few tool-using birds. It also eats other small animals such as insects and frogs.
Wintering in the southern United States and as far south as Central America, it does breed in our area. The nest is a basket of sticks in a small tree or bush with immediate access to water. Eggs are incubated for 21 to 24 days with both adults feeding the young until they leave the nest in about a month.
When flying it resembles a crow, however the wing beats are slower and the curled neck provides a different body outline.
Least Sandpiper, Calidris minutilla
The smallest of the sandpipers or “peeps”, the least sandpiper is just 6 inches from beak to tail tip. This little guy is similar to several other sandpipers and stints, however it’s short, slightly curved bill and light colored legs set it apart from the others. It can be seen during migration in the spring and late summer singly or in small groups hunting for small worms, snails and crustaceans above the water’s edge. They pick up prey from the surface as well as probe just under the surface of the sand.
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The least sandpiper breeds on the marsh and bogs of the arctic tundra. The male’s mating song is highlighted by an aerial display. The male and female plumage of peeps are very similar and cryptically colored. The least sandpiper male will take over brooding duties late in the 19- 23 day incubation period. After hatching the young leave the nest with the male and begin feeding on their own. They have been recorded to live up to 16 years in the wild.
They winter from Puget Sound south along the west coast into South America. They also occur on the east coast wintering along the marine shores of the southern United States.
Pigeon Guillemot, Cepphus columba
This pigeon-sized seabird (13.5 inches long) stands at the entrance to it’s breeding nest dug in the side of a cliff near Boston Harbor. They breed in small groups in caves or burrows in cliffs or in enclosed areas under large docks. One to two eggs are laid which are then incubated by both parents and hatch in a month. The young are fed small fish by both parents for another month before fledging. The young fledge at night and can swim and dive immediately, but need another several weeks to become strong flyers.
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The pigeon guillemot is a member of the Auk family of seabirds who are characterized by dark plumage, compact bodies with short wings, and legs placed well back on the body. Pigeon guillemots differ from other auks in having a long thin bill, white wing bar (broken with a black wedge) and gaudy red feet. They range from Alaska to southern California feeding and resting on the water close to shore.
The pigeon guillemot is a common member of the south Puget Sound water bird community and often seen nearshore during the spring and summer months diving for their food. They use partially folded wings to “fly” underwater chasing prey such as fish, crabs and shrimp. They run across the water to gain speed for takeoff, then continue to fly fast close to the water surface. Pigeon guillemots are preyed upon by hawks, bald eagles, killer whales, octopuses and possibly large fish. Because of their use of the nearshore area they are also vulnerable to oil spills.
Belted Kingfisher, Ceryle alcyon
Keeping a sharp lookout for signs of it’s fish prey, this male Belted Kingfisher is ready to attack. The female is similar in size but has a rusty belt along with the blue belt.
The Belted Kingfisher is commonly seen along the marine shoreline of south Puget Sound as well as along streams and lakes in the area. During the winter many individuals will move south to more hospitable areas with open water. However, individuals have occasionally been present locally throughout mild winters. This species ranges throughout North America with some flying as far south as Central America for the winter.
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This small avian predator waits on limbs or piling looking for small fish to swim near the surface. Swooping down, it dives into the water grabbing the unsuspecting victim. They will also hover above the water like a helicopter for several seconds looking for prey.
Prey are not eaten immediately but are taken to a perch where they are repeatedly slapped on the hard surface. The stunned prey can then be easily swallowed.
Usually solitary, couples will get together in spring to court and raise young. Both parents care for the young which are housed in tunnels dug into clay banks along the Puget Sound shoreline. The young learn to fish with their parents assistance. The adults will drop dead fish into the water for the young to retrieve. As the young grow older they will stick together for several weeks flying about the local area in mock chases.
Northwestern Crow, Corvus caurinus
One of several major upland predators that invade the intertidal zone at low tide is the Northwestern Crow. About an inch smaller than the American Crow, the Northwestern, at 16 inches long, is the common crow along the shoreline from southern Puget Sound to SE Alaska. The American Crow is found throughout the rest of America and has a higher pitched and less course call than the Northwestern Crow. However some experts feel that they are not different enough to be considered separate species. Another larger crow-like bird that might be seen along the shoreline further north along Puget Sound is the Raven. It is much bigger (24 inches) and has a wedge-shaped tail.
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During daylight low tides groups of crows search the beach including under every rock or blade of kelp for small crabs, worms, clams and other tasty treats. They are quite comical as they hop and waddle around looking with a cocked eye for movement or a clam squirt. They are also very clever. They open the hard shell of a clam by using the same method as seagulls – dropping it on something hard. However they sometimes go a step further, washing off any sand on the clam meat in the nearest handy water source such as a bird bath. They also feed on the uplands where they rob nests, take baby birds and feed on a wide variety of other foods.
During fall and winter large numbers gather in a single nightly roost which are often miles from daily foraging sites. But in the spring the birds break into smaller groups and begin the serious business of producing the next generation. During this period the crows are more secretive and are not as noisy. They often nest in trees, building large nests of sticks. Laying several eggs, parents that are helped by non-breeding second year birds can raise more than one chick. After the baby leaves the nest they follow the parent constantly begging for food with loud “please feed me” calls.
Common Loon, Gavia immer
Sporting it’s spring finery of bold black and white patterns, the Common Loon, a large diving bird with a body length of around 32 inches, prepares for the breeding season. Wintering individuals occur from Puget Sound to as far south as central Mexico and are dressed in duller plumage. They also occur in northern Europe where they are called the Great Northern Diver.
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The Common Loon is a major predator of various species of fish. They hunt from the water surface submerging their eyes to scout for prey, then slipping beneath the surface in pursuit. Large, webbed feet set well back on the body make them fast swimmers. However this arrangement gives them poor walking ability on land.
They breed in undisturbed, northern fresh water lakes of the United States and Canada which are large enough to allow for the long run over the water surface necessary to gain sufficient speed for flight. They build nests of mounded wet vegetation next to the shoreline on small islands or open areas. Two eggs are common with hatching in around 30 days. The young ride on the parent’s back for the first week and are fed small aquatic invertebrates and fish.
Loons are an ancient bird group having fossils dating back 70 million years. Some scientists who study the origin of birds feel there is sufficient evidence to say birds not only evolved from certain dinosaur lines, but they could be considered living dinosaurs.
Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Peacefully enjoying a lunch of delicious pile perch, this adult Bald Eagle is about to get a surprise. A Northwestern Crow can be seen diving on the diner from the upper left corner of the picture. Commonly large avian predators such as eagles, owls and various hawks are harassed or mobbed by smaller birds. Seagulls even have a special cry that an eagle has been spotted alerting the rest to be wary.
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The Bald eagle is an increasingly common site along the shoreline of Puget Sound where it feeds on fish and water birds. Carrion is eaten during the winter. Small mammals may also eaten.
Nests are constructed of sticks in large trees near the water. Nests can be up to eight feet across and weigh a ton. One to three eggs are produced but it is rare for three chicks to fledge. Incubation is about 35 days with fledging in 8 to 14 weeks. They become sexually mature with white heads in 4 or 5 years.
Bald Eagles range for Alaska to Mexico and all across North America where they can usually be found near water. The lower 48 population is recovering from a variety of environmental impacts over the past sixty years. Impacts such as pesticide effects on breeding, consuming ducks wounded by lead shot, direct hunting, and loss of nest sites reduced the population so much that a federal law, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, was enacted in 1940. Further protection is offered under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Bald Eagle is currently being delisted under the Endangered Species Act but the other acts still apply.
Caspian Tern, Hydroprogne caspia
This large, stocky, gull-like bird (body length of 21 inches) is the largest of our local terns and has a thick red bill with a touch of black on the tip. Terns can be distinguished from gulls by their sleeker appearance, black cap and feeding behavior of constant over-water flight and plunge-diving for fish. Caspian terns are usually seen in small hunting groups around Puget Sound during the summer months. They communicate with each other using a heron-like squawk.
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The species can be found world wide and in fact is named for specimens obtained from the Caspian Sea of southern Russia. This picture was taken at the Salton Sea in southern California at the northern part of their wintering grounds. There they feed on a small introduced fish called Tilapia which is the only surviving fish in the Salton Sea due to the high salt content.
They breed in North America near water on freshwater and estuarine islands where there are wide open spaces. There they lay one to three pale blue green eggs among gravel and sand. Incubation lasts for 26-28 days.
Caspian terns were initially found in eastern Washington in the 1930’s. They began breeding in the 1950’s on Sand Island in Grays Harbor moving south to the Columbia River estuary in the 1980’s where thousands use dredge spoil islands forming the world’s largest Caspian tern breeding colony. The large number of terns has had an impact on juvenile salmonids migrating through the lower Columbia. Studies are underway to develop means of dealing with the predation.
Ring-billed Gull, Larus delawarensis
Meet a very common gull that is probably seen by more people than any other gull. It occurs throughout North America in both fresh water and marine habitats. In Puget Sound it is more commonly seen during spring and fall migrations. Away from the coastal areas it is the common gull seen around fast food restaurants and other places where human food can be easily obtained.
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The ring-billed gull is named for the obvious black ring around the tip of it’s bill. It is a rather small gull with an over all length of 17 and a half inches and yellow eyes as an adult. There is a similar but slightly smaller gull called the Mew Gull, but its eyes are dark in the adult and the bill is all yellow.
Like other gulls it eats a wide range of food items, ranging from human scraps, earthworms in plowed fields, eggs of nesting seabirds, small fish, intertidal animals and various insects.
They breed in colonies located in isolated areas such as rocky islets, remote coastal areas or islands in lakes. The nest is a simple structure of matted grass including some fine grass and feathers. Incubation lasts 21 days. After hatching the chicks remain in or around the nest for two to three weeks. Like other gulls, the ring-bill gull takes more than one year to mature with each stage marked by changes in plumage, bill, and eye color. While a ring-billed gull may take three years to mature, smaller gulls may take two years and larger ones four years.
Glaucous-winged Gull, Larus glaucescens
Named for it’s gray wings (the greek word “glaukos” means blue-gray) this species is the most common large (average body length of 26 inches) gull around Puget Sound.
However identifying gulls is not an easy task as this species can be confused with a similar-sized gull with a darker back called a Western Gull. In addition these two species interbreed resulting in a hybrid gull which is not easily distinguished from the lighter glaucous-winged gull. They also take four years to mature with each year showing a different range of feather colors. Even the bill color varies with age.
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The glaucous-winged gull ranges from Baja California north to Alaska. While they are mainly a coastal species they have expanded their range to inland areas of the Pacific Northwest in the last 50 years.
This species, like other gulls, nest in colonial groups. Nesting locations range from isolated cliffs to small islands including the tops of large warehouses or apartment buildings near the water. The adults usually return to the same nesting location and partner each year. The nests are made of seaweed and grass. The eggs are laid in spring taking around 29 days to hatch. The young stick close to the nest while being fed by the parent for another 35 to 50 days. The young trigger the regurgitation of food by pecking at the red spot on the parent’s bill.
They feed on a variety of food items ranging from sea stars, moon snails, crabs, clams, mussels, small fish and human garbage. They also spend a lot of time stealing food items from diving ducks and other sea gulls. They breach the shelled defense of clams and snails by dropping them from a height of 15 to 30 feet onto rocks or gravel beaches breaking open the shells. Looking like they may choke, they will also swallow small sea stars whole.
Surf Scoter, Melanitta perspicillata
This pair of Surf Scoters is patiently waiting out the winter months in south Puget Sound. The male sports a very distinctive black and white head contrasting with the orange bill tip. Females are dull with only a small white cheek patch and a dark bill.
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Groups of Surf Scoters can be found in the nearshore area of local inlets during the day feeding on a variety of invertebrates such as small clams, mussels, and small crustaceans. Small groups often dive in a synchronous fashion. They propel themselves underwater with both their feet and their slightly extended wings. At night they gather in large resting flocks in the middle of local bays, but most commonly at the east end of Dana Pass.
During the spring they feed on herring spawn, building fat for their spring migration to breeding grounds in northern Canada. They migrate from Pacific coast wintering grounds, ranging from Baja to Alaska, to staging areas in southeast Alaska before flying inland to large lakes. There they build nests on the ground under brush or clumps of grass.
Research by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has found that Surf Scoter population numbers have fallen over the years in south Puget Sound, while in other Puget Sound areas the numbers have remained steady. However their numbers have declined in other parts of the Pacific coast. The reasons for this decline are not known, but speculation centers on declines in the herring population and possibly heavy metal contamination. Like other marine birds they are also at risk from oil spills.
Common Merganser, Mergus merganser
These large fish-eating birds winter in large flocks throughout Puget Sound. Flocks containing 20 to 40 individuals move along the shoreline searching for small fish such as sculpins. They frequently peer below the surface to spot prey. When a potential victim is found, one or more birds will quickly dive and a chase ensues. Using their webbed feet they are fast swimmers and often win the race.
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Like many fish-eating birds their bills are uniquely adapted to grab and hold onto slippery prey. The tip of the long, thin bill is hooked to snag fish, while the margins of the bill are serrated to hold the fish preventing it from wiggling away. The fish is always swallowed head-first to prevent the fish spines from sticking in the throat.
Late summer and fall plumage for males and females is very similar, but in the winter the male develops a beautiful green head and white neck and sides. The lone male in the photograph standing on the beach (it has a white patch on it’s side) has yet to change into its winter plumage.
The Common Merganser ranges throughout North America. While they may occur in saltwater in the winter, they breed in freshwater areas. Flying up rivers and streams, the females nest in a variety of situations ranging from trees to earthen banks, under boulders, under shrubs and even in abandoned nests. Eggs hatch in 28 to 35 days, but the young only stay in the nest for two days. They leave the nest to follow the mother hunting for food in streams, lakes and rivers.
Double-crested Cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus
The Double-crested Cormorant is a common resident of Puget Sound. This large fish-eating bird is often seen resting on buoys or drifting logs were it dries off from its underwater hunts. This drying process often includes spreading its wings which is unique to Cormorants and their close relatives.
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The Double-crested Cormorant is the largest cormorant in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to its size, the bright orange color of the skin at the base of the bill sets it apart from other local species. This juvenile Double-crested Cormorant sports a light colored breast which turns black in the adult.
The Double-crested Cormorant feeds exclusively on fish using the hook on the tip of its beak to grab prey. The prey species range from herring and other schooling fish to bottom dwelling sculpins in shallow water. They are commonly seen associated with seagulls attacking fish schools. While the gulls attack from the surface, the Double-crested Cormorant pursue individual fish at the bottom of the herring ball. They swim rapidly underwater using their large webbed feet.
Double-crested Cormorant also occur in freshwater rivers and lakes all across the United States as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. After its population recovered from DDT exposure in the 1950’s, it has become so common as to be considered a pest species in the Great Lakes area. There its large numbers are seen as a threat to local fish species normally taken by commercial and recreational fishers. Hunting of this species is allowed in those areas, but not in Washington.
Horned Grebe, Podiceps auritus
Just as the green of summer foliage changes into the yellows and rusts in fall, so to do some of our aquatic avian friends change their wardrobes. One notable species is the horned grebe. The photograph shows the winter colors of drab grey, white and black. However in the spring this avian dandy sprouts feathers of great color and beauty. During mating season the neck, breast and belly sport a bright russet while vivid yellow eye brows seem to sprout from the red eyes surrounded by a black head and back.
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The horned grebe is a common winter resident of Puget Sound where it roams the shallow waters diving for small fish, crustaceans and mollusks. They are well equipped to spend their lives in water with rear mounted legs and toes that are lobed for maximum underwater propulsion. As such they are not good on land like ducks and geese. The horned grebe averages 13 inches long and ranges from Alaska to southern California and the Gulf coast depending on the season.
Usually hunting alone or with a few other individuals in winter they will begin to socialize in spring as the breeding season approaches. Like other grebes, the mating dance is a sight to see. The courting pair will swim together and then rush forward in parallel on their tiptoes, running for tens of feet before plunging back into the water. Other grebe species perform the same type of behavior. They nest in freshwater areas where they build a floating platform of vegetation anchored in reeds. The young are able to swim and dive right after birth, but are often carried by the parents protected by the folded wings.
The grebes are an ancient group of birds having probably evolved in South America. There are seven species in North America ranging in size from the nine inch least grebe to the large winter visitor, the western grebe at 25 inches.
Greater Yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
This large shorebird is a member of the sandpiper group. With an overall length of 14 inches, it is distinguished from other similar sized shorebirds by its yellow legs and slightly up-curved beak. A close relative, the lessor yellowlegs, has a shorter, straight beak and is several inches smaller. This individual is dressed for winter, but will add to it’s side, breast and neck stripes for the spring mating season. Sexes are similar in size and coloration.
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The greater yellowlegs is mainly a spring and fall migrant through south Puget Sound, but some may stay the winter. Most individuals will travel south along the west and east coasts of the United States and on to South America. Interestingly the greater yellowlegs molts (annual feather renewal process) in an unusual pattern – beginning the molt on the breeding grounds, suspending it during migration and finishing on the wintering grounds.
It breeds in the far north at the edge of the coniferous forest in muskeg and tundra areas from Alaska east through Canada. In May it builds a simple nest on the ground where it lays three to four eggs which hatch in 23 days. The young leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching and move away from the immediate area soon thereafter.
It feeds in both freshwater and estuarine areas on a variety of small animals such as crustaceans, marine worms and insects as well as fish. Foraging is done alone or in small flocks where the birds skim prey from the water surface or swing their bills back and forth seeking fish.