Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Sayornis ("Thomas Say's bird") phoebe (possibly onoematopaic for call?)

Adult  Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) at Valley View, Illinois, USA - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 16-21g  /  Length: 14-17cm  /  Wingspan: 26-28cm
NO UK STATUS/ IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A fairly widespread species of woodland, particularly near water - they have adjusted well to the Anthropocene due to their ability to utilise human structures to nest and have increased in population since the middle of last century. They are primarily insctivores, taking much of their prey on the wing when stooping from an exposed perch.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Tyrannidae
Genus: Sayornis
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES 
Found in Eastern half of the US, breeding in north east, wintering in south east, resident between.
 - CALIFORNIA 2022 TRIP: Seen in Illinois

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Eastern Wood Pewee (Contopus virens)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Contopus ("shaft foot") virens ("green")

Alex Holt · Eastern Wood Pewee

Eastern Wood Pewee (Contopus virens) heard at Tomah, Wisconsin, USA - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 14g  /  Length: 13-15cm  /  Wingspan: 9-10cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Pewee's get their name from their call, which in the case of the birds we heard while camping in Wisconsin, were a very theatrical "Peeee-ahhh-WEE" However, despite being able to head a number of them around the site I never actually reliably laid eyes upon one, and thus, for now at least, we must make do with a call only entry. There is only a very narrow band of overlap between it and the Western Wood Pewee which as the name suggests, occupies the Western US.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Tyrannidae
Genus: Contopus
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Breeds in North Eastern States of the Lower 48
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Heard in Wisconsin and Illinois

 Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology:  Poecile (unknown small bird) atricapillus ("black cap")

Adult Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) in Anchorage, Alaska, USA - August 2024

Featured Subspecies: Poecile atricapillus turneri
Weight: 9-14g  /  Length: 12-15cm  /  Wingspan: 15-21cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A small and abundant tit that is found throughout much of Northern North America, although in the South-Eastern US it is replaced by the very similar looking Carolina Chickadee. It is an adaptable species found in both coniferous and deciduous forests as well as human modified habitats. They are not migratory, but have several adaptations to deal with cold temperatures including caching behaviour and the ability to lower their body temperature and enter a state of torpor.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Paridae
Genus: Poecile
SUBSPECIES: P. a. turneri, P. a. occidentalis, P. a. fortuitus, P. a. septentrionalis, P. a. bartletti, P. a. garrinus, P. a. nevadensis, P. a. practicus

 - Sighting Locations -

CANADA -Present in Southern and Central Canada
  - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: - Seen in Alberta

UNITED STATES - Present in Northern States of the Lower 48 and Alaska
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Montana, Alaska

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Icterus (a yellow bird) galbula (a yellow bird - presumably Golden Oriole)

 

Adult female Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) at Campton, Illinois, USA - August 2024

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 33g  /  Length: 17-22cm  /  Wingspan: 23-32cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Despite the name implying a geographic connection to the City of the same name, the Baltimore Oriole actually gets it's name from the male's colours resembling the colours of the heraldy of Lord Baltimore, am English Lord who was the first proprietor of Maryland. While largely insectivorous they will also frequent hummingbird feeders.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Icteridae
Genus: Icterus
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Breeds in North East US, Winters in California and Florida
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Illinois

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Quiscalus (unclear origin) quiscula (unclear origin)

 

Juvenile Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) in North Dakota - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: Bronzed Grackle - Quiscalus quiscula versicolor
Weight: 74-142g  /  Length: 28-34cm  /  Wingspan: 35-46cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Near Threatened 

A common and omnivorous bird that has generally adapted well to human habitation and will nest in made made structures, but nonetheless is considered Near Threatened due to being significantly down from it's historic peak. They have a beak with a special saw like plate inside adapted for making them better at crushing hard nuts.  They also are somewhat attuned to Earth's magnetic field, although the precise purpose and utility of this is still unclear.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Icteridae
Genus: Quiscalus
SUBSPECIES: Q. q. quiscula, Q. q. stonei, Q. q. versicolor

 - Sighting Locations -

CANADA -Breeding migrant across South East Canada.
  - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: - Seen in Alberta

UNITED STATES - Resident in South East USA, migrant Breeding range extends further North and West.
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Illinois, North Dakota and Montana

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Tyrannus ("absolute ruler") tyrannus ("absolute ruler")

Adult Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) at Buffalo Creek National Park, Minnesota, US - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 33-55g /  Length: 19-23cm  /  Wingspan: 33-38cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The more common of the two Kingbird species seen on the trip, the Eastern Kingbird was fairly conspicuous a presence as they perch prominantly near their nest sites. Despite being a member of the usually small and timid flycatcher family, eastern kingbirds have a reputation as aggressive defenders of their territories from species like corvids, and as such other small birds will often nest near them for the security benefits. 

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Tyrannidae
Genus: Tyrannus
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

CANADA - Found across most ofthe Southern half of Canada
  - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: - Seen in Alberta.

UNITED STATES - Summer breeding species across all but the South-West of the Lower 48
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana

 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Melanerpes Melanerpes ("black creeper") carolinus (of Carolina)

Adult male Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) at McKee Marsh, Illinois - August 2024

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 57-91gg  /  Length: 23-27cm  /  Wingspan: 38-46cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A near endemic of the Continental US whose name is accurate but perhaps oddly chosen as though they do have a reddish belly, this isn't an easy field mark to actually get a decent view of at most angles. A fairly typical woodpecker behaviourally, they nest in tree hollows and feed primarily on invertibrates, and favours deadwood for searching for them.

Related Species:

Order: Piciformes

Family: Picidae

Genus: Melanerpes

SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Present throughout most of the Eastern states of the Lower 48
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen at McKee Marshes, Illinois

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)

OTHER NAMES: Common Flicker, Yellow-shafted Flicker, Clape, Gaffer Woodpecker, Harry-wicket, Heigh-ho, Wake-up, Walk-up, Wick-up, Yarrup, Gawker Bird
Latin Etymology: Colaptes ("chiseller") auratus ("gilded")

Adult female Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) at Fort Peck, Montana, USA - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: Colaptes auratus luteus
Weight: 86-167g  /  Length: 28-36cm  /  Wingspan: 42-54cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

One of the most common and widespread woodpeckers in North America and are something of an analogue to Green Woodpeckers in the UK in that they are a larger species that significantly feeds on the ground and has a large proportion of their diet consisting of ants. As with most woodpeckers, they are cavity nesters and have adapted well to human encroachment and can be found in parks and gardens.

Related Species:

Order: Piciformes

Family: Picidae

Genus: Colaptes

SUBSPECIES: C. a. auratus, C. a. luteus, C. a. chrysocaulosus, C. a. gundlachi, C. a. cafer, C. a. collaris, C. a. nanus, C. a. mexicanus, C. a. mexicanoides

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Present throughout the entire Lower 48 plus central Alaska
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Illinois, Minnesota and Montana

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Buteo ("buzzard") platypterus ("broad winged")

Juvenile light morph Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) at McKee Marshes, Illinois - August 2024

Featured Subspecies: Buteo platypterus platypterus
Weight: 265-560g  /  Length: 32-44cm  /  Wingspan: 74-100cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A small buteo species that breed mainly in deciduous forest and hunt in adjacent meadows and wetlands. They migrate in large groups which can be over 40 strong in a behaviour known as kettling which makes them a focus of hawkwatching during migration times. They are fairly adaptable predators who will take prey anywhere between the size of insects and grouse.

Related Species:
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Genus: Buteo
SUBSPECIES: B. p. platypterus, B. p. brunnescens, B. p. cubanensis, B. p. insilicola, B. p. revierei, B. p. antillarum

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Breeds in Easterm US with patches of Wintering areas throughout.
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Illinois at several sites.

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Sialia (a kind of bird) sialis (a kind of bird)

Adult female Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) at Campton, Illinois, USA in August 2024

Featured Subspecies: Sialis sialis sialis
Weight: 27-34g  /  Length: 16-21cm  /  Wingspan: 25-32cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Another iconic bird species of North America, the Eastern Bluebird is a bird frequently found perching on exposed points including telephone wires and dead branches as they hunt for invertibrates such as crickets and grasshoppers. They are often associated with the coming of Spring in popular culture.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Turdidae
Genus: Sialia
SUBSPECIES: S. s. sialas, S. s. bermudensis, S. s. nidificans, S. s. fulva, S. s. guatemalae, S. s. meridionalis, S. s. caribaea

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES -  Migratory species of Eastern Lower 48
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen several times in Campton, Illinois 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Passerina ("sparrow") cyanea ("cyan") 

Adult male breeding plumage Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) at St Charles, Illinois, USA - August 2034

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 11-21g  /  Length: 11-15cm  /  Wingspan: 18-23cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Despite the name, not a relative of buntings in the Old World, but instead a member of the Cardinal family which has adapted to a fairly classical bunting like form. When in breeding plumage the male turns a brilliant blue, though as with all birds, this is a structural blue rather than a pigment. The female meanwhile is a much more subdued brown bird.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Cardinalidae
Genus: Passerina
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Summer breeding migrant to East and South of the US
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen several times in St Charles 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

OTHER NAMES: Jaybird
Latin Etymology: Cyanocitta ("cyan jay") cristata ("crested") 

Juvenile Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) at Pratt's Wayne Woods, Illinois, USA - August 2024

Featured Subspecies: Cyanocitta cristata bromia
Weight: 70-100g  /  Length: 22-30cm  /  Wingspan: 34-43cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

An iconic bird of North America whole breeding range covers most of the East of the Lower 48. The blue colouration in its feathers isn't caused by pigment but instead by the internal structure of the feathers affecting how light passes through. While a fairly adaptable omnivore, they are particularly talented at storing acorns for later in the year and remembering where they are located. They have been fairly successful at adapting to non-natural habitat like parkland and gardens.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Corvidae
Genus: Cyanocitta
SUBSPECIES: C. c. bromia, C. c. cristata, C. c. cyanothephra, C. c. semplei

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Found in all but the South West of the Lower 48
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen several times in St Charles and surroundings, heard more often..

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

OTHER NAMES: Common Cardinal, Red Cardinal, Cardinal
Latin Etymology: Cardinalis (cardinal) cardinalis (cardinal)

Adult male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) at St Charles, Illinois, USA - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis
Weight: 44g  /  Length: 21-23cm  /  Wingspan: 25-31cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

One of the most iconic birds of North America, the gloriously vermillion male Northern Cardinal is always going to stand out at the bird table. The female is a little more subdued, with a predominantly brown plumage, but still with flashes of red throughout. Named for their colour, as an allusion to the bright red robes of Catholic cardinals.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Cardinalidae
Genus: Cardinalis
SUBSPECIES: C. c. cardinalis, C. c. affinis, C. c. canicaudus, C. c. carneus, C. c. clintoni, C. c. coccineus, C. c. flammiger, C. c. floridanus, C. c. igneus, C. c. littoralis, C. c. magnirostris, C. c. mariae, C. c. phillipsi, C. c. saturatus, C. c. seftoni, C. c. sinaloensis, C. c. superbus, C. c. townsendi, C. c. yucatanicus

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Found in the East and South of the US
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen several times in St Charles

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Spizella ("finch") pusilla ("very small")

Juvenile Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) at Campton Hills, Illinois- August 2024

Featured Subspecies: Spizella arenacea arenacea
Weight: 12.5g  /  Length: 13-15cm  /  Wingspan: 20cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A near endemic species to the USA, with it's range just barely tipping over the borders into Mexico and Canada, the Field Sparrow is an unusually pale sparrow species wit a distinctive pink bill. The population is East of the Rockies right up to the Atlantic Coast, with more northerly populations being migratory.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Passerellidae
Genus: Spizella
SUBSPECIES: S. p. pusilla, S. p. arenacea

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Found in the Eastern half of the Lower 48.
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen at Gray Willows Farm, Campton Hills, Illinois

 Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Eastern Tailed Blue (Cupido comyntas)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Cupido ("Cupid") comyntas

 

Adult Eastern Tailed Blue (Cupido comyntas) at Illinois, USA - August 2024

Featured Subspecies: Cupido comyntas comyntas
Wingspan: 2.1-2.9cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A species that lays their eggs on members of the pea family - their catepillars are unusual in that they prefer to feed on flowers rather than leaves. As with other tailed butterflies, the tails function as decoys for predator attack, resembling antenna which predators may grasp instead of it's head.

Related Species:
Order: Lepidoptera 
Family: Lycanidae 
Genus: Cupido
SUBSPECIES: C. c. comyntas, C. c. sissona, C. c. texana

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Found throughout th Eastern Half of the US, and the West Coast.
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Illinois

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Papilio ("butterfly") glaucus ("glaucous")

Adult male Eastern Tiger Swallotail (Papilio glaucus) at Minnesota, USA - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: ?
Wingspan: 7.9-14cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Not Yet Evaluated 

A large and impressive member of the Swallowtails that is endemic to the USA, their host plants are usually trees including ash, cottonwood, magnolia and willows and is considered the most diverse feeding of the entire swallowtail family. As catepillars, they begin their life resembling bird droppings to deter avian predators, and also possesses the ability to expel foul smelling chemicals called terpenes.

Related Species:
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Papilionidae
Genus: Papilio
SUBSPECIES: ?

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES 
Resident in the Eastern USA
 - CALIFORNIA 2022 TRIP: Seen in Minnesota and Illinois

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology:  Tamias ("steward") striatus ("striated")

Adult Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) at St Charles, Illinois - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: possibly Tamias striatus ohioensis
Weight: 66-150g  /  Length: 30cm
NO UK STATUS/ IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A small species of squirrel found in the Eastern United States - despite their arboreal nature they are actually more technically a kind of ground squirrel. They have a diverse range of vocalisations which they use to communicate and indicate altert noises to one another.

Related Species:
Order: Rodentia 
Family: Sciuridae 
Genus: Tamias 
SUBSPECIES: T. s. doorsiensis, T. s. striatus, T. s. fisheri, T. s. griseus, T. s. lysteri, T. s. ohioensis, T. s. peninsulae, T. s. pipilans, T. s. quebecensis, T. s. rufescens, T. s. venustus

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Found in Eastern Lower 48
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Illinois

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.

Common Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)

OTHER NAMES: Muskrat
Latin Etymology: Ondatra (Huron name for species) zibethicus ("musky")

One adult and three young Common Muskrat (subspecies ) at Saskatoon Lake, Alberta, Canada - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: Ondatra zibethicus spatulatus
Weight: 0.6-2kg  /  Length: 40-70cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The muskrat is an interesting species in many ways - behaviourally it is something like a miniature beaver, functioning as a habitat architect where they will clear vegetation and burrrow into banks, as well as constructing feeding platforms. Despite this, they are only distant relations, and are in actuality the largest speciess of the Cricetidae, the family containing voles, lemmings and hamsters. They are highly invasive, and while not indiginous to Eurasia, their introduced range  spreads from France through the length of Russia and Japan.

Related Species:
Order: Rodentia 
Family: Cricetidae
Genus: Ondatra 
SUBSPECIES:  O.z.zibethicus, O.z.albus,  O.z.aquilonius, O.z.bernardi, O.z.cinnamominus, O.z.goldmani, O.z.macrodon, O.z.mergens, O.z.obscurus, O.z.occipitalis, O.z.osoyoosensis, O.z.pallidus,O.z.ripensis, O.z.rivalicus, O.z.spatulatus, O.z.zalophus

 - Sighting Locations -

CANADA -Present in most places outside the tundra.
  - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: - Seen in Alberta

UNITED STATES - Found throughout most of the Lower 48 and Alaska except Tundra, Desert and Florida
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Illinois

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

.