Find Your Favorite Beach
Water birds called anhingas are common in Florida and can be easily identified by their large size and characteristic of spreading their wings to dry.
– R J Wiley
By Kellilynn Hann
No matter how experienced you are with birds, Florida will definitely make your list of places to see. This is due to the fact that Florida has thousands of protected areas where you can see more than 500 different species of birds.
Here are some Florida favorites you should definitely add to your birding life list, along with five birds you won’t see anywhere else in the nation and one you won’t see anywhere in the world.
The Florida scrub jay is just as feisty as its blue jay cousin, despite being smaller and less showy.
Bonus Birds: 5 Iconic Florida Regulars to Add to Your List
These five birds are common in Florida but uncommon elsewhere in the nation, so while you’re in the Sunshine State, make sure to cross them off your list.
A White Ibis searches the waters at Orlando’s Mead Gardens.
White-Crowned Pigeon (Patagioenas leucocephala)
Pigeons are commonplace, so it’s difficult to imagine one being at the top of a birdwatcher’s wish list. This, however, is no ordinary pigeon. The white-crowned pigeon is a shy bird that only nests in mangrove forests. It is more difficult for birdwatchers to locate this bird on small islands off the mainland. White-crowned pigeons are dark grey with white on the crown of the head, and they are marginally bigger than the well-known rock pigeon. The back of the neck has iridescent feathers that you can see in the correct light. Adults have a pink beak with a white tip and light yellow eyes. All juveniles are grey, and as they get older, their eyes and crown lighten. All have pink feet. Why They’re Unique: The Everglades, the Florida Keys, and the southernmost point of the Florida peninsula are the only places in the United States where you can see them. Populations are near threatened and at risk of becoming endangered. Where to Find Them: Your best chance of seeing them is on the offshore islands in southern Florida; however, they do come inland to feed on fruiting trees and sea grapes. Visit the Everglades National Park, where flamingos soar to and from their feeding grounds in the spring and summer. Also try Kendall Indian Hammocks Park, A. D. Barnes Park, Key Largo, Key West, and Biscayne National Park. Advice on spotting: Finding one of these birds will truly be a feather in your cap. They are notoriously shy, flying off at the slightest disturbance. Look for those pink feet high up in fruiting trees or on wires, and be prepared with your binoculars or camera.
Although related to both the roadrunner and the cuckoo, the smooth-billed ani does not resemble either of them.
FAQ
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