20 Beautiful Types Of Birds in Kansas

Kansas, the “Sunflower State,” is home to an unimaginable number of avian species that showcase the state’s pure magnificence. Here are 20 of probably the most lovely birds in Kansas, every with distinctive traits!

1. Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)

The pileated woodpecker is a notable fowl species. It sports activities black feathers with distinctive white stripes on its neck and a hanging crimson crest atop its head. A typical sight within the state’s forests, these woodpeckers make a attribute tapping sound as they seek for their major prey, carpenter ants, by pecking at fallen logs and useless bushes.

These woodpeckers compete with different fowl species for nesting cavities within the space. Residents spot them in backyards throughout winter, particularly close to fowl feeders stuffed with suet.

2. American Robin (Turdus migratorius)

In Kansas, the American robin is a typical and recognizable fowl species identified for its vibrant rusty crimson breast and darkish again and head. Spotting these birds is simple, with their distinctive white throat and white splotches round their eyes. Females have a tendency to seem paler compared to males.

The American robin is a flexible fowl that inhabits varied habitats, starting from tundra to forests. However, they will additionally adapt to city environments and are widespread in backyards. Despite their abundance, these birds aren’t frequent guests to fowl feeders as a result of their weight loss program primarily consists of invertebrates.

In the spring, the American robin’s clear whistle is a well-known sound in lots of areas.

3. Eastern Bluebird (Sialia Sialis)

In Kansas, the jap bluebird lives all through varied counties all yr spherical. The males show a shocking sky-blue head and a rusty chest, whereas the females have paler our bodies with grayish-black feathers and blue wings and tail feathers.

The jap bluebird prefers dwelling in meadows which can be surrounded by bushes, which offers them with a perfect location for building their nests. These birds usually perch on low branches or wires as they seek for prey on the bottom.

Their weight loss program primarily consists of bugs discovered on the bottom, together with caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and crickets. However, they may flock to feeders stocked with mealworms.

4. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Male home sparrows exhibit distinctive bodily options, reminiscent of grey crowns, black bibs, and chestnuts on their neck and face, whereas their backs are primarily brown with black streaks. Meanwhile, females might be simply recognized by the tan line that extends behind their eye and their general uninteresting brown coloration.

Originally from the Middle East, home sparrows have change into an invasive species and are actually some of the widespread and considerable birds in Kansas. Unlike many different fowl species, home sparrows want grains and often feed on bread and popcorn at sporting occasions, amusement parks, and different comparable settings.

5. Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

The northern cardinal is a distinguished songbird that lives throughout all counties of Kansas. The male, with its hanging crimson plumage and black feathers surrounding its invoice, is well recognizable. Females are browner and show much less crimson.

For novice birdwatchers, the northern cardinal is usually one of many first avian species they encounter and accurately establish. This lovely fowl is a typical sight in residential backyards, particularly ones with platform feeders.

Fruit, bugs, and seeds make up the first weight loss program of the northern cardinal. Interestingly, males show aggressive conduct, usually attacking their very own reflections in glass home windows!

6. American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

Kansas is home to a flexible black fowl with a hanging, iridescent look. These birds are referred to as American crows and thrive in practically each kind of habitat within the state.

With their penchant for ground-feeding, American crows have a various weight loss program that features earthworms, fruit, seeds, rubbish, carrion, and even pilfered nestlings. They are sociable creatures and infrequently hangout in teams.

Not solely are American crows identified for his or her distinctive flight model and adaptableness, however they’re additionally thought of some of the clever avian species in Kansas.

7. Hepatic Tanager (Piranga flava)

The hepatic tanager is a species of a songbird with a sturdy physique, highly effective wings, sturdy tail, and powerful legs. Males have a red-brick higher physique with grayish feathers and reddish underparts, whereas females have an olive-yellow coloration.

Their weight loss program consists primarily of bugs, they usually forage by hopping round vegetation or catching flying bugs mid-air.

The males set up territories spanning an space of three acres, which they fiercely defend towards intruders. Occasionally, one can spot these birds foraging within the firm of different birds, both in pairs or small teams.

8. Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

An simpler sparrow species to establish than others, track sparrows are widespread in Kansas. They usually nest on the bottom in open, moist, and bushy areas. They feed on bugs in the summertime and fruits and seeds year-round.

This fowl has brown streaks that come collectively at a central level on its chest. Their head is adorned with a brown crown that includes a gray stripe. Their again and physique show a rusty-brown colour with streaks of gray.

The numerous vary of songs this species sings provides it its title.

9. Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)

Indigo buntings stay within the jap components of Kansas from April to October, each in wooded areas and concrete settings.

The male has vibrant blue feathers, whereas its head is a darker hue. In distinction, the feminine has brownish plumage with refined blue undertones on its chest and wing suggestions.

They seek for small seeds, reminiscent of these from thistles and dandelions, in fields, bushy canyons, and grasslands. As a profit, additionally they devour brown-tail moth caterpillars, which might be hazardous to human respiratory well being.

10. European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

The European starling, a prevalent fowl in Kansas, is an invasive species with a hanging black plumage and adaptableness to any atmosphere. They have quick tails and lengthy, slender beaks with a green-purple tint in the course of the breeding season.

These birds thrive on non-mountainous terrain and are omnivorous, consuming almost something.

While they’re enjoyable to look at in small numbers, they are often aggressive in large flocks and will push back different birds and spoil out of doors gatherings.

11. Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)

Near Kansas’ waterways, locals hear the belted kingfisher‘s distinct call way before it comes into view.

In contrast to most bird species, the females have a more unique color pattern than the males. Their plumage is gray blue with white spots and a rusty band across the belly, while the males are lighter in color.

This bird lives near streams and relies heavily on fish as its primary food source. Interestingly, young belted kingfishers have an acidic stomach that allows them to digest whole fish. However, they lose this ability as they mature.

12. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

In Kansas, you may usually spot the acquainted mourning dove, with principally grayish feathers and huge black spots on the wings. Keep an eye fixed out for its black invoice, lovely blue eye-ring, and pinkish legs. This dove is a typical sight and simple to acknowledge.

You can discover them perched on bushes or phone wires or foraging on the bottom for his or her favourite meals, which embody shelled sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn, safflower, and Nyjer seeds.

They are sometimes in pairs, cuddling and exhibiting affection in the direction of one another.

13. Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte Anna)

The Anna’s hummingbird boasts a hanging bronze-green again and a superb crimson-red crown that seems lighter in low-light circumstances. The females of the species are smaller and have a a lot lighter look.

These full of life birds have loud vocalizations, significantly in the course of the breeding season. 

Anna’s hummingbirds stay in a variety of habitats, together with metropolis parks, gardens, and woodlands. These tiny birds principally feed on nectar from varied vegetation.

14. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

Blue jay is an enchanting fowl species identified for its hanging look and excessive degree of intelligence. Its lovely blue feathers are adorned with black bars, and it has a white stomach. The fowl’s head is distinctive, that includes a blue crest on high and a black necklace.

This species is without doubt one of the noisier birds in Kansas. Blue jays inhabit oak and pine woods, suburban gardens, and cities, the place they thrive in numerous habitats.

Blue jays are omnivores, they usually derive 75% of their weight loss program from vegetable matter, with an excellent increased share in winter.

15. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)

The finest nesting populations of the American goldfinch are within the jap quarter of the state.

Males have a yellow and black brow and black wings with white markings, whereas the feminine is olive and yellow. Known for its acrobatic flying, the American goldfinch inhabits overgrown fields, parks, and suburbs, feeding on seeds and a few bugs.

This brightly coloured fowl is a typical sight for many who have fowl feeders.

16. Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)

The tufted titmouse boasts a hanging look with its grayish feathers, white underparts, peach-colored sides, and a particular crest atop its head.

These agile birds are a typical sight in deciduous forests, backyards, and metropolis parks all through jap Kansas. Bird feeders within the area see frequent visits from these acrobatic creatures, significantly in the course of the winter season. Their most popular weight loss program consists primarily of sunflower seeds, however additionally they eat safflower seeds, suet, and peanuts.

17. Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)

The western meadowlark is a fantastic fowl with a novel, flute-like melody that drifts by open fields with low vegetation. Its brilliant yellow plumage, patterned higher, and distinctive black V mark on the chest make it straightforward to identify.

During totally different seasons, western meadowlark’s dietary patterns range. In the summer season, it principally feeds on bugs, whereas within the winter, it switches to seeds. This fowl will even devour different birds’ eggs.

The pure habitat of western meadowlarks consists of open grasslands, prairies, and meadows, in addition to sure agricultural fields.

18. Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)

The downy woodpecker is a small fowl with a black physique, white stomach and again, and a checkered head. Males have a reddish patch on their heads. 

The downy woodpecker is normally in open woodlands, orchards, metropolis parks, vacant tons, and backyards. It prefers suet feeders however will even eat black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, and millet. Additinally, this fowl is extra prone to go to yard feeders than another woodpecker species in Kansas.

19. Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)

The Baltimore oriole’s whistling is a telltale signal of spring in Kansas. The males have black and orange plumage with white wing bars, making them a visually interesting species. Females have a subtler look.

These birds want open woodlands, riverbanks, swamps, and forest edges, the place they feed on fruits and nectar. Luckily, attracting Baltimore orioles to fowl feeders is straightforward, offered you provide these meals.

20. Purple Martin (Progne subis)

A member of the swallow household, the purple martin is widespread in Kansas and has a novel choice for man-made nests. It boasts a bluish-purple feathering with wings of a brownish-black hue.

Purple martins are social birds that nest collectively. They are likely to hover over city areas, parks, fields, and different open areas searching for prey.

Their weight loss program includes a various vary of flying bugs, together with many species of wasps and winged ants, in addition to some bees.

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