Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Haliaeetus ("Sea Eagle") leucocephalus ("white headed")

Adult Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at Portage, Alaska, USA - August 2025

Featured Subspecies: Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus
Weight: 3-6.6kg  /  Length: 70-102cm  /  Wingspan: 1.8-2.3m
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

One of the most recognisable bird species on the planet, in large part due to it being the national bird of the USA and featured prominantly on a lot of it's iconography.  The bird itself however is perhaps less of an apex predator than it's hype would have you believe - a rather opportunistic feeder that will often feed on carrion or even landfill. A conservation success story - by the mid 20th century there were only 412 nesting pair in the Lower 48 as a result of shooting, pesticides such as DDT and other human caused deaths. With conservation measures, there are now believe to be over 71000 nesting pairs in the same area..

Related Species:
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Genus: Haliaeetus
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

CANADA -Present everywhere but the High Tundra
  - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: - Seen in Alberta, British Columbia and Yukon

UNITED STATES - Found throughout most of the Lower 48 and Alaska
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and Alaska

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

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Greater Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido)

OTHER NAMES: Pinnated Grouse, Boomer
Latin Etymology: Tympanuchus ("kettle drum sound") cupido ("desire")

Adult female Greater Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) at Buffalo River Grassland Reserve, Minnesota, USA - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus
Weight: 700-1200g  /  Length: 43cm  /  Wingspan: 70-72cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

A large distinctive grouse perhaps most famous for it's booming display where it inflated large bright yellow pouches on the side of it's throat to enable it to make dramatic booming noises to attract mates. It's population has crashed significantly since colonisation and is now only found in a fraction of it's former range with the heath hen subspecies of the East coast entirely extinct and the Attwater's Prairie Chicken population functionally only supported by a robust reintroduction program.

Related Species:
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae
Genus: Tympanuchus
SUBSPECIES: T. c. attwateri, T. c. pinnatus, (formerly T. c. cupido - now extinct)

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Endemic to the US - found in several North-Central States
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Minnesota

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

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Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

OTHER NAMES: Tiger Owl, Hoot Owl
Latin Etymology: Bubo ("owl") virginianus ("of Virginia")

Adult Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) at  Writing-on-Stone National Park, Alberta, Canada - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: presumably Bubo virginianus lagophonus
Weight: 1.6-2.5kg  /  Length: 43-64cm  /  Wingspan: 91-153cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A large powerful species of owl with the widest distribution of any "true" owl in the Americas which will take any prey it can overpower. A relation of the Eagle Owls of Africa and Eurasia, it is believe to be descended from birds that crossed the Bering Land bridge. Most prey is killed by crushing with the feet and they are are more than capable of killing decent sized mesopredators including decent sized mustelids, and on rare occassion, cats or small dogs.

Related Species:
Order: Strigiformes
Family: Strigidae
Genus: Bubo
SUBSPECIES: B. v. algistus, B. v. lagophonus, B. v. saturatus, B. v. pacificus, B. v. subarcticus, B. v. pallescens, B. v. pinorum, B. v. heterocnemis, B. v. virginianus, B. v. elachistus, B. v. mayensis, B. v. mesembrinus, B. v. nigrescens, B. v. nacurutu, B. v. deserti

 - Sighting Locations -

CANADA -Present everywhere but the High Tundra
  - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: - Seen in Alberta

UNITED STATES - Present everywhere in the Lower 48 and all but the High Tundra of Alaska
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Heard in Minnesota

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

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Sedge Wren (Cistothorus stellaris)

OTHER NAMES: Short-billed Marsh Wren
Latin Etymology: Cistothorus ("shrub leaping") stellaris ("starry")

Alex Holt · Sedge Wren

Singing Sedge Wren (Cistothorus stellaris) at Buffalo River State Park, Minnesota - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 7-10g/kg  /  Length: 10-12cm  /  Wingspan: 12-14cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern 

Hearing a sedge wren in the grasslands of Northern Minnesota didn't prove too much of a challenge as they were one of the more vocal birds as I walked down the mown track. Seeing one on the other hand proved an entirely separate challenge as even when moving in the grass they never seemed to actually emerge from it which is a shame as they have a lovely subtle patternation.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Troglodytidae
Genus: Cistothorus
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Breeds in Midwest, Winters on Gulf Coast
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Heard in Minnesota

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

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Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)

OTHER NAMES: Cut-throat
Latin Etymology: Pheucticus ("shy/to flee") ludovicianus ("Louisiana")

 

Near-mature Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) at Buffalo River State Park, Minnesota, 2024  - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 43-45g  /  Length: 18-22cm  /  Wingspan: 29-33cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A solid finch-like bird of the cardinal family, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak is found in open deciduous woodland where it feeds on insects, seeds and berries. The colloquial name "cut-throat" comes from the distinctive pinkish-red plumage on the males which looks like it is bleeding from a straight line beneath the black hoodd.

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

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Breeds in North Eastern States of the Lower 48
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Minnesota

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

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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

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Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Tachycineta ("moving quickly") bicolor ("two coloured")

 

Juvenile Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) at Buffalo Creek State Park, Minnesota - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 17-25g  /  Length: 12-14cm  /  Wingspan: 30-35cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A hirundine which will nest in tree cavities, usually near water. The adult males have irridescent turquoise plumage on their head and backs. They range is expanding in some places due to general conservation efforts which have benefitted them such as changed land use and nest boxes.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Hirundinidae
Genus: Tachycineta
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Summer breeding migrant to Northern Lower 48 and Alaska, some Winter on Gulf Coast
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Minnesota

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

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American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Setophaga ("moth eating") ruticilla ("Red")

Immature male American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) at Buffalo Creek State Park, Minnesota - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 7-9g  /  Length: 11-14cm  /  Wingspan: 16-23cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Despite the name, no relation to the Old World redstarts of muscicapidae, nor for that matter as a New World warbler, any relation to the Old World Warblers. The male is a striking black orange and white bird, while the females have bright yellow panels on chest and tail. 

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Parulidae
Genus: Setophaga
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Patchy range across the North Eastern half of the Lower 48 as habitat allows
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Minnesota

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

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Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus)

OTHER NAMES: Chebec, Chebecker
Latin Etymology: Empidonax ("mosquito lord") minimus ("smallest")

Adult Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) at Buffalo Creek State Park, Minnesota, USA - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: N/A 
Weight: 10g  /  Length: 12-14cm  /  Wingspan: 19-22cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The smallest member of the infamous Empidonax flycatcher complex in Eastern North America. They migrate to Central America for Winter.  While they can be differentiated in the field visually by experienced birders, I must admit I relied on audio recognition software to confirm the ID based on it's more distinctive song.

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

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Breeds primarily in Northern Border States of the Lower 48
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Several in Minnesota

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

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Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)

OTHER NAMES: Grey Catbird
Latin Etymology: Dumetella ("thorny thicket") carolinensis ("of Carolina")

Adult Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) in Minnesota, USA - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 25-56g  /  Length: 20-24cm  /  Wingspan: 22-30cm
NO UK STATUS/ IUCN Red List: Least Concern

When I first saw the name I was wondering what made it a Catbird, but then listening to it's call which genuinely does sound like a slightly grumpy cat. A bird that is both common but shy, it seems to move into thicket quite quickly to avoid being seen but it's meowing call can still be heard.  Aside from the namesake Cat-like calls they are skilled mimics and will copy the songs of birds, treefrogs and even manmade sounds of machinery.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Mimidae
Genus: Dumatella
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Present East of the Rockies
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Minnesota

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

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Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Vireo (a Latin word for a unknown bird species) olivaceus (olive coloured)

Adult Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) at Buffalo Creek NP, Minnesota, USA - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 12-26g  /  Length: 4.7-5.1cm  /  Wingspan: 9-10cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Despite appearances, the Red-eyed Vireo isn't actually a relation of Phylloscopus warblers, but rather a neat bit of parrallel plumage evolution. This species holds the records for most songs in a given day by a single bird at over 20,000, and spread across many different song types, with the average being 31 different songs, and one bird with 73 songs.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Vireonidae
Genus: Vireo
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

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

UNITED STATES - Present in North and South East of Lower 48
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Minnesota

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

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Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)

OTHER NAMES: Myrtle Warbler
Latin Etymology: Setophaga ("moth eating") coronata ("crowned")

Adult female Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) at Teslin Lake, Yukon, Canada  - August 2024

Featured Subspecies: Myrtle Warbler - Setophaga coronata
Weight: 12g  /  Length: 14-15cm  /  Wingspan: 19-24cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A species of somewhat complex and potentially unresolved taxonomic status - the Yellow-rumped warbler is currently comprised of four subspecies which are by some authorities treated as separate species - Myrtle Warbler, Audobons Warbler, Black-fronted Warbler and Goldman's Warbler. The most numerous warbler in North America, it primarily breeds in Canada and Winters in the South-East US and the West Coast.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Parulidae
Genus: Setophaga
SUBSPECIES: S. c. coronata, S. c. audoboni, S. c. nigrifons, S. c. goldmani

 - Sighting Locations -

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

UNITED STATES - Breeds in North East Lower 48 and Alaska and Winters in Southern States 
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Minnesota and Alaska

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

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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

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Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)

OTHER NAMES: American Yellow Warbler
Latin Etymology: Setophaga ("moth eating") petecchia ("small red spot")

 

Adult female Species (Setophaga petechia) at Buffalo Creek State Park, Minnesota, USA - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: Setophaga petechia aestiva
Weight: 7-25g  /  Length: 10-18cm  /  Wingspan: 16-22cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A small but extremely adaptable species of warbler whose range goes into the Arctic Circle at it's most Northerly, while also having resident populations in the Caribbean and South America, with gaps in it's range being largely only desert. The 32 subspecies are sometimes split into five groups - the American Yellow Warbler, the Mangrove Warbler, the Galapagos Yellow Warbler and the Golden Yellow Warbler. 

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Parulidae
Genus: Setophaga
SUBSPECIES: S. p. rubiginosa, S. p. amnicola, S. p. aestiva, S. p. morcomi, S. p. sonorana, S. p. dugesi, S. p. oraria, S. p. bryanti, S. p. erithachorides, S. p. chrsyendeta, S. p. paraguanae, S. p. cienagae, S. p. castaneiceps, S. p. hizophorae, S. p. xanthotera, S. p. aequatorialis, S. p. peruviana, S. p. aureola, S. p. ruficertex, S. p. armouri, S. p. flavida, S. p. eoa, S. p. gunlachi, S. p. gundlachi, S. p. albicollis, S. p. cruciana, S. p. bartholemica, S. p. melanoptera, S. p. ruficapilla, S. p. babad, S. p. petechia, S. p. alsiosa, S. p. rufopileata, S. p. obscura, S. p. aurifrons

 - Sighting Locations -

CANADA -Breeds throughout most of Canda
  - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: - Seen at Writing-on-Stone NP

UNITED STATES - Breeding migrant in the upper 2/3 of the Lower 48 and through much of Alaska,
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Fairly common throughout in appropriate habitat

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

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Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology:  Spizella ("finch") pallida ("pale")

Adult Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) at Buffalo River State Park, Minnesota - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: n/a
Weight: 12g  /  Length: 13-15cm  /  Wingspan: 19cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A resident of scrubland and jack pine woods found in Central Northern US and Canada, I only encountered a few at the Buffalo River State Park in Minnesota where the scrubby edges of the prairie proved to be favoured by them.  They nest on the ground or in low scrub.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Passerellidae
Genus: Spizella
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Breeds primarily in Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin, some winter grounds extend into Texas
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen at Buffalo River State Park, Minnesota

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

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Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)

OTHER NAMES: Yellow Bandit
Latin Etymology: Geothlypis ("ground bird") trichas (a specific kind of thrush)

Adult male Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) at Minnesota, USA - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: Unclear - possibly G. t. sinuosa
Weight: 8.5g  /  Length: 11-13cm  /  Wingspan: 15-19cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Common Yellowthroat is a distinct and widespread New World Warbler which does precisely what it says on the tin - it's got a bright yellow throat. The males are easily recognisable by the dark mask with a silver upper edge, but the females are a bit less distinctive and are largely olive and pale yellow.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Parulidae
Genus: Geothlpis
SUBSPECIES: G. t. arizela, G. t. campicola, G. t. chapalensis, G. t. chryseola, G. t. ignota, G. t. inseperata, G. t. melanops, G .t. modesta, G. t. occidentalis, G. t. scirpicola, G. t. sinuosa, G. t. trichas, G. t.typhicolai, G. t. yukonicola

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES 
Breeding over most of the Lower 48 and Winters in Coastal Southern States
 - CALIFORNIA 2022 TRIP: Seen at  Berkeley 

 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Minnesota

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

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Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Celastrina (?) neglecta ("neglected")

Adult Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta) at Minnesota, USA - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: ?
Wingspan: 2.3-2.9cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A species that flew under thee radar for over a hundred years and were considered to be a seasonal form of the Spring Azure until 1995 when they were recognsed as a separate species.  They have a wide variety of host plants, most notably dogwoods.

Related Species:
Order: Lepidoptera 
Family: Lycanidae 
Genus: Celastrina
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Found throughout the Eastern Lower 48
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Minnesota

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

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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

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