List of birds of Idaho

The mountain bluebird is the state bird of Idaho.

This list of birds of Idaho includes species documented in the U.S. state of Idaho and accepted by the Idaho Bird Records Committee (IBRC). As of January 2022, there were 433 species on the official list. One additional species is considered hypothetical. Of the 433, 180 are review species in part or all of the state.(see note) Eight species found in Idaho have been introduced to North America. One species on the list is extinct. Additional accidental species have been added from another source.

Only birds that are considered to have established, self-sustaining, wild populations in Idaho are included on this list. This means that birds that are considered probable escapees, although they may have been sighted flying free in Idaho, are not included.

This list is presented in the taxonomic sequence of the Check-list of North and Middle American Birds, 7th edition through the 62nd Supplement, published by the American Ornithological Society (AOS). Common and scientific names are also those of the Check-list, except that the common names of families are from the Clements taxonomy because the AOS list does not include them.

The following tags have been used to annotate some species:

• (R) Review species - Species which are rare enough in some part of Idaho that the IBRC requests detailed reports of sightings
• (I) Introduced - a species introduced to North America by the actions of humans, either directly or indirectly

Ducks, geese, and waterfowl

Canada goose

Order: Anseriformes   Family: Anatidae

The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, bills which are flattened to a greater or lesser extent, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to special oils. Forty-one species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Emperor goose, Anser canagica (R)
• Snow goose, Anser caerulescens
• Ross's goose, Anser rossii
• Greater white-fronted goose, Anser albifrons
• Brant, Branta bernicla (R)
• Cackling goose, Branta hutchinsonii (R)
• Canada goose, Branta canadensis
• Trumpeter swan, Cygnus buccinator
• Tundra swan, Cygnus columbianus
  • "Bewick's" tundra swan, Cygnus columbianus bewickii (R)
• Whooper swan, Cygnus cygnus (R)
• Wood duck, Aix sponsa
• Baikal teal, Sibirionetta formosa (accidental)
• Garganey, Spatula querquedula (R)
• Blue-winged teal, Spatula discors
• Cinnamon teal, Spatula cyanoptera
• Northern shoveler, Spatula clypeata
• Gadwall, Mareca strepera
• Eurasian wigeon, Mareca penelope
• American wigeon, Mareca americana
• American black duck, Anas rubripes (R)
• Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos
• Northern pintail, Anas acuta
• Green-winged teal, Anas crecca
  • "Eurasian" green-winged teal, Anas crecca crecca (R)
• Canvasback, Aythya valisineria
• Redhead, Aythya americana
• Ring-necked duck, Aythya collaris
• Tufted duck, Aythya fuligula (R)
• Greater scaup, Aythya marila
• Lesser scaup, Aythya affinis
• Harlequin duck, Histrionicus histrionicus (R)
• Surf scoter, Melanitta perspicillata
• White-winged scoter, Melanitta deglandi
• Black scoter, Melanitta americana (R)
• Long-tailed duck, Clangula hyemalis
• Bufflehead, Bucephala albeola
• Common goldeneye, Bucephala clangula
• Barrow's goldeneye, Bucephala islandica
• Hooded merganser, Lophodytes cucullatus
• Common merganser, Mergus merganser
• Red-breasted merganser, Mergus serrator
• Ruddy duck, Oxyura jamaicensis

New World quail

Order: Galliformes   Family: Odontophoridae

The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits. Three species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Mountain quail, Callipepla pictus (R)
• California quail, Callipepla californica
• Gambel's quail, Callipepla gambelii (R)

Pheasants, grouse, and allies

Order: Galliformes   Family: Phasianidae

Phasianidae consists of the pheasants and their allies. These are terrestrial species, variable in size but generally plump with broad relatively short wings. Many species are gamebirds or have been domesticated as a food source for humans. Ten species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo
• Ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus
• Spruce grouse, Canachites canadensis (R)
• White-tailed ptarmigan, Lagopus leucurus (R)
• Greater sage-grouse, Centrocercus urophasianus (R)
• Dusky grouse, Dendragapus obscurus
• Sharp-tailed grouse, Tympanuchus phasianellus (R)
• Gray partridge, Perdix perdix (I)
• Ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus (I)
• Chukar, Alectoris chukar (I)

Grebes

Western grebe

Order: Podicipediformes   Family: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. Six species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps
• Horned grebe, Podiceps auritus
• Red-necked grebe, Podiceps grisegena
• Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis
• Western grebe, Aechmorphorus occidentalis
• Clark's grebe, Aechmorphorus clarkii

Pigeons and doves

Order: Columbiformes   Family: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. Six species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
• Band-tailed pigeon, Patagioenas fasciata (R)
• Eurasian collared-dove, Streptopelia decaocto (I)
• Passenger pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius (Extinct)
• White-winged dove, Zenaida asiatica (R)
• Mourning dove, Zenaida macroura

Cuckoos

Order: Cuculiformes   Family: Cuculidae

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. Two species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus (R)
• Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus (R)

Nightjars and allies

Order: Caprimulgiformes   Family: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is cryptically colored to resemble bark or leaves. Two species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor
• Common poorwill, Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

Swifts

Order: Apodiformes   Family: Apodidae

The swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have very long, swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. Four species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Black swift, Cypseloides niger (R)
• Chimney swift, Chaetura pelagica (R)
• Vaux's swift, Chaetura vauxi
• White-throated swift, Aeronautes saxatalis

Hummingbirds

Order: Apodiformes   Family: Trochilidae

Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards. Eight species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Ruby-throated hummingbird, Archilochus colubris (R)
• Black-chinned hummingbird, Archilochus alexandri
• Anna's hummingbird, Calypte anna (R)
• Costa's hummingbird, Calypte costae (R)
• Calliope hummingbird, Selasphorus calliope
• Rufous hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus
• Broad-tailed hummingbird, Selasphorus platycercus (R)
• Broad-billed hummingbird, Cynanthus latirostris (R)

Rails, gallinules, and coots

American coot

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Rallidae

Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. The most typical family members occupy dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and tend to be weak fliers. Five species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Virginia rail, Rallus limicola
• Sora, Porzana carolina
• Common gallinule, Gallinula galeata (R)
• American coot, Fulica americana
• Yellow rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis (R)

Cranes

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Gruidae

Cranes are large, long-legged, and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". Four species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Sandhill crane, Antigone canadensis
• Common crane, Grus grus (accidental)
• Whooping crane, Grus americana (R)
• Hooded crane, Grus monacha (accidental)

Stilts and avocets

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. Three species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Black-winged stilt, Himantopus himantopus (accidental)
• Black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus
• American avocet, Recurvirostra americana

Oystercatchers

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Haematopodidae

The oystercatchers are large, obvious and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs. One species has been recorded in Idaho.

• American oystercatcher, Haematopus palliatus (R)

Lapwings and plovers

Killdeer

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Charadriidae

The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short thick necks, and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. Seven species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
• American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
• Pacific golden-plover, Pluvialis fulva (R)
• Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus
• Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
• Snowy plover, Charadrius nivosus (R)
• Mountain plover, Charadrius montanus (R)

Sandpipers and allies

Wilson's phalarope

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Scolopacidae

Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers, and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Different lengths of legs and bills enable multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. Thirty species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda (R)
• Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus (R)
• Long-billed curlew, Numenius americanus
• Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica (R)
• Marbled godwit, Limosa fedoa
• Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres (R)
• Red knot, Calidris canutus (R)
• Ruff, Calidris pugnax (R)
• Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Calidris acuminata (R)
• Stilt sandpiper, Calidris himantopus
• Sanderling, Calidris alba
• Dunlin, Calidris alpina
• Baird's sandpiper, Calidris bairdii
• Least sandpiper, Calidris minutilla
• White-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis (R)
• Buff-breasted sandpiper, Calidris subruficollis (R)
• Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos
• Semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla
• Western sandpiper, Calidris mauri
• Short-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus griseus (R)
• Long-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus
• Wilson's snipe, Gallinago delicata
• Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularius
• Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria
• Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes
• Willet, Tringa semipalmata
• Greater yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
• Wilson's phalarope, Phalaropus tricolor
• Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus
• Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius (R)

Skuas and jaegers

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Stercorariidae

Skuas and jaegers are in general medium to large birds, typically with gray or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They have longish bills with hooked tips and webbed feet with sharp claws. They look like large dark gulls, but have a fleshy cere above the upper mandible. They are strong, acrobatic fliers. Three species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus (R)
• Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus (R)
• Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus (R)

Auks, murres, and puffins

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Alcidae

The family Alcidae includes auks, murres, and puffins. These are short-winged birds that live on the open sea and normally only come ashore for breeding. One species has been recorded in Idaho.

• Ancient murrelet, Synthliboarmphus antiquus (R)

Gulls, terns, and skimmers

Ring-billed gull

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Laridae

Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes gulls, terns, kittiwakes, and skimmers. They are typically gray or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. Twenty-five species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Black-legged kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla (R)
• Sabine's gull, Xema sabini
• Bonaparte's gull, Chroicocephalus philadelphia
• Little gull, Hydrocoloeus minutus (R)
• Ross's gull, Rhodostethia rosea (R)
• Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla (R)
• Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan
• Heermann's gull, Larus heermanni (R)
• Short-billed gull, Larus brachyrhynchus
• Ring-billed gull, Larus delawarensis
• Western gull, Larus occidentalis (R)
• California gull, Larus californicus
• Herring gull, Larus argentatus
  • "Vega" herring gull, Larus argentatus vegae (R)
• Iceland gull, Larus glaucoides (R)
• Lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus (R)
• Slaty-backed gull, Larus schistisagus (R)
• Glaucous-winged gull, Larus glaucescens (R)
• Glaucous gull, Larus hyperboreus (R)
• Great black-backed gull, Larus marinus (R)
• Least tern, Sternula antillarum (R)
• Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
• Black tern, Chlidonias niger
• Common tern, Sterna hirundo
• Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea (R)
• Forster's tern, Sterna forsteri

Loons

Order: Gaviiformes   Family: Gaviidae

Loons are aquatic birds the size of a large duck, to which they are unrelated. Their plumage is largely gray or black, and they have spear-shaped bills. Loons swim well and fly adequately, but are almost hopeless on land, because their legs are placed towards the rear of the body. Four species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Red-throated loon, Gavia stellata (R)
• Pacific loon, Gavia pacifica
• Common loon, Gavia immer
• Yellow-billed loon, Gavia adamsii (R)

Storks

Order: Ciconiiformes   Family: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, heavy, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long stout bills and wide wingspans. They lack the powder down that other wading birds such as herons, spoonbills, and ibises use to clean off fish slime. Storks lack a pharynx and are mute. One species has been recorded in Idaho.

• Wood stork, Mycteria americana (R)

Cormorants and shags

Order: Suliformes   Family: Phalacrocoracidae

Cormorants are medium-to-large aquatic birds, usually with mainly dark plumage and areas of colored skin on the face. The bill is long, thin and sharply hooked. Their feet are four-toed and webbed. Two species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Double-crested cormorant, Nannopterum auritum
• Neotropic cormorant, Nannopterum brasilianum (R)

Pelicans

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Pelecanidae

Pelicans are very large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. Like other birds in the order Pelecaniformes, they have four webbed toes. Two species have been recorded in Idaho.

• American white pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
• Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis (R)

Herons, egrets, and bitterns

Great blue heron

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Ardeidae

The family Ardeidae contains the herons, egrets, and bitterns. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more secretive. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises, and spoonbills. Eleven species have been recorded in Idaho.

• American bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus
• Least bittern, Ixobrychus exilis (R)
• Great blue heron, Ardea herodias
• Great egret, Ardea alba
• Snowy egret, Egretta thula
• Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea (R)
• Tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor (R)
• Reddish egret, Egretta rufescens (R) (considered "hypothetical")
• Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
• Green heron, Butorides virescens (R)
• Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax

Ibises and spoonbills

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Threskiornithidae

The family Threskiornithidae includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings. Their bodies tend to be elongated, the neck more so, with rather long legs. The bill is also long, decurved in the case of the ibises, straight and distinctively flattened in the spoonbills. Three species have been recorded in Idaho.

• White ibis, Eudocimus albus (R)
• Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus (R)
• White-faced ibis, Plegadis chihi

New World vultures

Order: Cathartiformes   Family: Cathartidae

The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of convergent evolution. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers, however, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they locate carcasses. One species has been recorded in Idaho.

• Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura

Osprey

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Pandionidae

Pandionidae is a family of fish-eating birds of prey possessing a very large, powerful hooked beak for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. The family is monotypic.

• Osprey, Pandion haliaetus

Hawks, eagles, and kites

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Accipitridae

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures. These birds have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. Thirteen species have been recorded in Idaho.

• White-tailed kite, Elanus leucurus (R)
• Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
• Northern harrier, Circus hudsonius
• Sharp-shinned hawk, Accipiter striatus
• Cooper's hawk, Accipiter cooperii
• American goshawk, Accipiter atricapillus
• Bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus
• Red-shouldered hawk, Buteo lineatus (R)
• Broad-winged hawk, Buteo platypterus (R)
• Swainson's hawk, Buteo swainsoni
• Red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis
• Rough-legged hawk, Buteo lagopus
• Ferruginous hawk, Buteo regalis (R)

Barn-owls

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Tytonidae

Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. One species has been recorded in Idaho.

• Barn owl, Tyto alba

Owls

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Strigidae

Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. Thirteen species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Flammulated owl, Psiloscops flammeolus (R)
• Western screech-owl, Megascops kennicottii
• Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus
• Snowy owl, Bubo scandiacus (R)
• Northern hawk owl, Surnia ulula (R)
• Northern pygmy-owl, Glaucidium gnoma
• Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia (R)
• Barred owl, Strix varia
• Great gray owl, Strix nebulosa (R)
• Long-eared owl, Asio otus
• Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
• Boreal owl, Aegolius funereus
• Northern saw-whet owl, Aegolius acadicus

Kingfishers

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. One species has been recorded in Idaho.

• Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon

Woodpeckers

Order: Piciformes   Family: Picidae

Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. Fifteen species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Lewis's woodpecker, Melanerpes lewis
• Red-headed woodpecker, Melanerpes erythrocephalus (R)
• Acorn woodpecker, Melanerpes formicivorus (R)
• Red-bellied woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus (R)
• Williamson's sapsucker, Sphyrapicus thyroideus
• Yellow-bellied sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius (R)
• Red-naped sapsucker, Sphyrapicus nuchalis
• Red-breasted sapsucker, Sphyrapicus ruber (R)
• American three-toed woodpecker, Picoides dorsalis
• Black-backed woodpecker, Picoides arcticus
• Downy woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens
• Hairy woodpecker, Dryobates villosus
• White-headed woodpecker, Dryobates albolarvatus (R)
• Northern flicker, Colaptes auratus
• Pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus (R)

Falcons and caracaras

Order: Falconiformes   Family: Falconidae

Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey, notably the falcons and caracaras. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. Six species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Crested caracara, Caracara plancus (R)
• American kestrel, Falco sparverius
• Merlin, Falco columbarius
• Gyrfalcon, Falco rusticolus (R)
• Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
• Prairie falcon, Falco mexicanus

Tyrant flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Tyrannidae

Tyrant flycatchers are Passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust and have stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, are rather plain. As the name implies, most are insectivorous. Twenty-one species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Ash-throated flycatcher, Myiarchus cinerascens
• Great crested flycatcher, Myiarchus crinitus (R)
• Tropical kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus (R)
• Cassin's kingbird, Tyrannus vociferans (R)
• Western kingbird, Tyrannus verticalis
• Eastern kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus
• Scissor-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus (R)
• Fork-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus savana (R)
• Olive-sided flycatcher, Contopus cooperi
• Western wood-pewee, Contopus sordidulus
• Alder flycatcher, Empidonax alnorum (R)
• Willow flycatcher, Empidonax traillii
• Least flycatcher, Empidonax minimus
• Hammond's flycatcher, Empidonax hammondii
• Gray flycatcher, Empidonax wrightii
• Dusky flycatcher, Empidonax oberholseri
• Western flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis
• Black phoebe, Sayornis nigricans (R)
• Eastern phoebe, Sayornis phoebe (R)
• Say's phoebe, Sayornis saya
• Vermilion flycatcher, Pyrocephalus obscurus (R)

Vireos, shrike-babblers, and erpornis

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Vireonidae

The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are typically greenish in color and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. Nine species have been recorded in Idaho.

• White-eyed vireo, Vireo griseus (R)
• Bell's vireo, Vireo bellii (R)
• Yellow-throated vireo, Vireo flavifrons (R)
• Cassin's vireo, Vireo cassinii
• Blue-headed vireo, Vireo solitarius (R)
• Plumbeous vireo, Vireo plumbeus
• Philadelphia vireo, Vireo philadelphicus (R)
• Warbling vireo, Vireo gilvus
• Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus

Shrikes

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Laniidae

Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A shrike's beak is hooked, like that of a typical bird of prey. Two species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Loggerhead shrike, Lanius ludovicianus (R)
• Northern shrike, Lanius borealis

Crows, jays, and magpies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Corvidae

The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. Ten species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Canada jay, Perisoreus canadensis
• Pinyon jay, Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus (R)
• Steller's jay, Cyanocitta stelleri
• Blue jay, Cyanocitta cristata
• California scrub-jay, Aphelocoma californica (R)
• Woodhouse's scrub-jay, Aphelocoma woodhouseii (R)
• Clark's nutcracker, Nucifraga columbiana
• Black-billed magpie, Pica hudsonia
• American crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos
• Common raven, Corvus corax

Tits, chickadees, and titmice

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Paridae

The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. Five species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Black-capped chickadee, Poecile atricapilla
• Mountain chickadee, Poecile gambeli
• Chestnut-backed chickadee, Poecile rufescens (R)
• Boreal chickadee, Poecile hudsonica (R)
• Juniper titmouse, Baeolophus ridgwayi (R)

Larks

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Alaudidae

Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. One species has been recorded in Idaho.

• Horned lark, Eremophila alpestris

Swallows

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Hirundinidae

The family Hirundinidae is a group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. These adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings, and short bills with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. Seven species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Bank swallow, Riparia riparia
• Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor
• Violet-green swallow, Tachycineta thalassina
• Northern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis
• Purple martin, Progne subis (R)
• Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
• Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

Long-tailed tits

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Aegithalidae

Long-tailed tits are a group of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They make woven bag nests in trees. Most eat a mixed diet which includes insects. One species has been recorded in Idaho.

• Bushtit, Psaltriparus minimus (R)

Kinglets

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Regulidae

The kinglets are a small family of birds which resemble the titmice. They are very small insectivorous birds in the genus Regulus. The adults have colored crowns, giving rise to their names. Two species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Ruby-crowned kinglet, Corthylio calendula
• Golden-crowned kinglet, Regulus satrapa

Waxwings

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Bombycillidae

The waxwings are a group of passerine birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter. Two species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Bohemian waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus
• Cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum

Silky-flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Ptiliogonatidae

The silky flycatchers are a small family of passerine birds which occur mainly in Central America. They are related to waxwings and most species have small crests.

• Phainopepla, Phainopepla nitens (R)

Nuthatches

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sittidae

Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails, and powerful bills and feet. Three species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Red-breasted nuthatch, Sitta canadensis
• White-breasted nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis
• Pygmy nuthatch, Sitta pygmaea (R)

Treecreepers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Certhiidae

Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical tree limbs and tree trunks. One species has been recorded in Idaho.

• Brown creeper, Certhia americana

Gnatcatchers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Polioptilidae

The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. They mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent, Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs. One species has been recorded in Idaho.

• Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Polioptila caerulea (R)

Wrens

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Troglodytidae

Wrens are small and inconspicuous birds, except for their loud songs. They have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. Seven species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Rock wren, Salpinctes obsoletus
• Canyon wren, Catherpes mexicanus
• House wren, Troglodytes aedon
• Pacific wren, Troglodytes pacificus
• Winter wren, Troglodytes hiemalis (R)
• Marsh wren, Cistothorus palustris
• Bewick's wren, Thryomanes bewickii (R)

Mockingbirds and thrashers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Mimidae

The mimids are a family of passerine birds which includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalization, especially their remarkable ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. The species tend towards dull grays and browns in their appearance. Five species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Gray catbird, Dumetella carolinensis
• Curve-billed thrasher, Toxostoma curvirostre (R)
• Brown thrasher, Toxostoma rufum (R)
• Sage thrasher, Oreoscoptes montanus
• Northern mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos

Starlings

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sturnidae

Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are medium-sized passerines with strong feet. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country, and they eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen. One species has been recorded in Idaho.

• European starling, Sturnus vulgaris (I)

Dippers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Cinclidae

Dippers are small, stout, birds that feed in cold, fast moving streams. One species has been recorded in Idaho.

• American dipper, Cinclus mexicanus

Thrushes and allies

Wood thrush

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Turdidae

The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly but not exclusively in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. Eleven species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Eastern bluebird, Sialia sialis (R)
• Western bluebird, Sialia mexicana (R)
• Mountain bluebird, Sialia currucoides
• Townsend's solitaire, Myadestes townsendi
• Veery, Catharus fuscescens
• Gray-cheeked thrush, Catharus minimus (R)
• Swainson's thrush, Catharus ustulatus
• Hermit thrush, Catharus guttatus
• Wood thrush, Hylocichla mustelina (R)
• American robin, Turdus migratorius
• Varied thrush, Ixoreus naevius

Old World flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Muscicapidae

The Old World flycatchers are a large family of small passerine birds. These are mainly small arboreal insectivores, many of which, as the name implies, take their prey on the wing. One species has been recorded in Idaho.

• Red-flanked bluetail, Tarsiger cyanurus (R)

Accentors

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Prunellidae

Accentors are small, fairly drab species superficially similar, but unrelated to, sparrows. However, accentors have thin sharp bills, reflecting their diet of insects in summer, augmented with seeds and berries in winter. One species has been recorded in Idaho.

• Siberian accentor, Prunella montanella (R)

Old World sparrows

House sparrow

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Passeridae

Old World sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small plump brownish or grayish birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects. One species has been recorded in Idaho.

• House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)

Wagtails and pipits

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Motacillidae

Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws, and pipits. They are slender ground-feeding insectivores of open country. One species has been recorded in Idaho.

• American pipit, Anthus rubescens

Finches, euphonias, and allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Fringillidae

Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. Sixteen species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla (R)
• Evening grosbeak, Coccothraustes vespertinus
• Pine grosbeak, Pinicola enucleator
• Gray-crowned rosy-finch, Leucosticte tephrocotis
• Black rosy-finch, Leucosticte atrata (R)
• House finch, Haemorhous mexicanus
• Purple finch, Haemorhous purpureus (R)
• Cassin's finch, Haemorhous cassinii
• Common redpoll, Acanthis flammea
• Hoary redpoll, Acanthis hornemanni (R)
• Red crossbill, Loxia curvirostra
• Cassia crossbill, Loxia sinesciuris
• White-winged crossbill, Loxia leucoptera
• Pine siskin, Spinus pinus
• Lesser goldfinch, Spinus psaltria (R)
• American goldfinch, Spinus tristis

Longspurs and snow buntings

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Calcariidae

The Calcariidae are a group of passerine birds that were traditionally grouped with the New World sparrows, but differ in a number of respects and are usually found in open grassy areas. Four species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Lapland longspur, Calcarius lapponicus
• Chestnut-collared longspur, Calcarius ornatus (R)
• Thick-billed longspur, Rhyncophanes mccownii (R)
• Snow bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis

New World sparrows

Spotted towhee

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Passerellidae

Until 2017, these species were considered part of the family Emberizidae. Most of the species are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many of these have distinctive head patterns. Twenty-five species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Cassin's sparrow, Peucaea cassinii (R)
• Grasshopper sparrow, Ammodramus savannarum
• Black-throated sparrow, Amphispiza bilineata
• Lark sparrow, Chondestes grammacus
• Lark bunting, Calamospiza melanocorys
• Chipping sparrow, Spizella passerina
• Clay-colored sparrow, Spizella pallida (R)
• Brewer's sparrow, Spizella breweri
• Fox sparrow, Passerella iliaca (R for non-"slate-colored" only)
• American tree sparrow, Spizelloides arborea
• Dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis
• White-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys
• Golden-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia atricapilla (R)
• Harris's sparrow, Zonotrichia querula
• White-throated sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis
• Sagebrush sparrow, Artemisiospiza nevadensis (R)
• Vesper sparrow, Pooecetes gramineus
• LeConte's sparrow, Ammospiza leconteii (R)
• Savannah sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis
• Song sparrow, Melospiza melodia
• Lincoln's sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii
• Swamp sparrow, Melospiza georgiana (R)
• Green-tailed towhee, Pipilo chlorurus (R)
• Spotted towhee, Pipilo maculatus
• Eastern towhee, Pipilo erythrophthalmus (R)

Yellow-breasted chat

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Icteriidae

This species was historically placed in the wood-warblers (Parulidae) but nonetheless most authorities were unsure if it belonged there. It was placed in its own family in 2017.

• Yellow-breasted chat, Icteria virens

Troupials and allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Icteridae

The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. Most species have black as a predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange, or red. Fifteen species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Yellow-headed blackbird, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
• Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus
• Western meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta
• Orchard oriole, Icterus spurius (R)
• Hooded oriole, Icterus cucullatus (R)
• Bullock's oriole, Icterus bullockii
• Baltimore oriole, Icterus galbula (R)
• Scott's oriole, Icterus parisorum
• Red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus
• Tricolored blackbird, Agelaius tricolor (accidental)
• Brown-headed cowbird, Molothrus ater
• Rusty blackbird, Euphagus carolinus (R)
• Brewer's blackbird, Euphagus cyanocephalus
• Common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula (R)
• Great-tailed grackle, Quiscalus mexicanus (R)

New World warblers

Yellow-rumped warbler

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Parulidae

The wood-warblers are a group of small often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some like the ovenbird and the two waterthrushes, are more terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores. Thirty-nine species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla
• Worm-eating warbler, Helmitheros vermivorum (R)
• Louisiana waterthrush, Parkesia motacilla (R)
• Northern waterthrush, Parkesia noveboracensis
• Golden-winged warbler, Vermivora chrysoptera (R)
• Blue-winged warbler, Vermivora cyanoptera (R)
• Black-and-white warbler, Mniotilta varia
• Prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea (R)
• Tennessee warbler, Leiothlypis peregrina (R)
• Orange-crowned warbler, Leiothlypis celata
• Lucy's warbler, Leiothlypis luciae (R)
• Nashville warbler, Leiothlypis ruficapilla
• Virginia's warbler, Leiothlypis virginiae
• Connecticut warbler, Oporornis agilis (R)
• MacGillivray's warbler, Geothlypis tolmiei
• Mourning warbler, Geothlypis philadelphia (R)
• Common yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas
• Hooded warbler, Setophaga citrina (R)
• American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla
• Cape May warbler, Setophaga tigrina (R)
• Northern parula, Setophaga americana (R)
• Magnolia warbler, Setophaga magnolia (R)
• Bay-breasted warbler, Setophaga castanea (R)
• Blackburnian warbler, Setophaga fusca (R)
• Yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia
• Chestnut-sided warbler, Setophaga pensylvanica (R)
• Blackpoll warbler, Setophaga striata (R)
• Black-throated blue warbler, Setophaga caerulescens (R)
• Palm warbler, Setophaga palmarum (R)
• Pine warbler, Setophaga pinus (R)
• Yellow-rumped warbler, Setophaga coronata
• Yellow-throated warbler, Setophaga dominica (R)
• Prairie warbler, Setophaga discolor (accidental)
• Black-throated gray warbler, Setophaga nigrescens
• Townsend's warbler, Setophaga townsendi
• Hermit warbler, Setophaga occidentalis (R)
• Black-throated green warbler, Setophaga virens (R)
• Canada warbler, Cardellina canadensis (R)
• Wilson's warbler, Cardellina pusilla

Cardinals and allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Cardinalidae

The cardinals are a family of robust, seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. Ten species have been recorded in Idaho.

• Summer tanager, Piranga rubra (R)
• Scarlet tanager, Piranga olivacea (R)
• Western tanager, Piranga ludoviciana
• Rose-breasted grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus (R)
• Black-headed grosbeak, Pheucticus melanocephalus
• Blue grosbeak, Passerina caerulea (R)
• Lazuli bunting, Passerina amoena
• Indigo bunting, Passerina cyanea (R)
• Painted bunting, Passerina ciris (R)
• Dickcissel, Spiza americana (R)

See also

• List of birds
• Lists of birds by region
• List of North American birds

External links

• Idaho Bird Records Committee