Overview
California's enormous range of habitats — coast, chaparral, oak woodland, Central Valley, and high Sierra — supports over 650 bird species, one of the richest tallies in the country. Many are easy to see in yards, parks, and along trails.
This guide covers common and distinctive California birds — the field marks that identify them, their habitats, and where to look. Pair it with a photo and the app to confirm any bird you spot.
Key Species to Know
California Scrub-Jay
Aphelocoma californica
A crestless blue-and-gray jay with a bold blue breast band, bright and inquisitive. Common in oak woodland and backyards, where it caches acorns and scolds loudly.
California Quail
Callipepla californica
California's state bird — a plump, gray-and-brown ground bird with a forward-curling black topknot. Travels in coveys that scurry through brush, giving a "chi-ca-go" call.
Anna's Hummingbird
Calypte anna
A stocky resident hummingbird; the male flashes an iridescent rose-pink crown and throat. One of the few hummingbirds present year-round, common at feeders and flowering shrubs.
Acorn Woodpecker
Melanerpes formicivorus
A clown-faced woodpecker with a red cap, white eyes, and black-and-white plumage. Famously stores thousands of acorns in "granary" trees and lives in noisy family groups.
Western Bluebird
Sialia mexicana
A small thrush; the male deep blue with a rusty chest and back patch, the female grayer. Often perches on fences and wires, dropping to the ground for insects.
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
A large, broad-winged hawk, usually pale below with a brick-red tail in adults. The most commonly seen raptor in California, often perched along highways or soaring in wide circles.
Seasonal Guide
- Spring brings peak song and the arrival of many migrant songbirds.
- Early morning is the most active time for feeding and song.
- Coastal refuges and the Central Valley draw huge numbers of wintering waterfowl and shorebirds.
Safety Reminder
Observe birds without disturbing them, and never approach nests. Identification results are reference information for learning and enjoyment.
Identify it instantly
Found something and not sure what it is? Point your camera with Spotter and get a species identification in seconds — with detailed reference info and species notes.