5 FEATHERED FRIENDS FIT FOR SPRING
As spring comes to New Mexico, many plants and animals are making their way out of the winter slumber. New Mexicans are not only able to see more blooming flowers, but a wide variety of birds as well. Springtime in Santa Fe is home to many busy birds preparing nests for the breeding season. Whether you’re hiking around or you just turn your head to look out the window at home, you may see a bird or two. In case you spot a bird, I am here to help you look for and identify some of them.
The scaled quail is characterized by its white mohawk. These quails are small, plump and covered with a scale-like pattern across their necks and bodies. They are most commonly found in small groups scurrying through grasslands and mesquite trees. Be careful — you might mistake these brown and gray birds for chickens.
One of the most abundant forest birds of North America, the dark-eyed junco, is a type of sparrow. They can be recognized by their patterns of gray, white and tan colors. Their pink bill is accompanied by white tail feathers. While the dark-eyed junco is typically found in flocks, you may find one at your bird feeder, as they love foraging for seeds.
The colorful broad-tailed hummingbird is common in high-elevation areas. Breeding in meadows typically above 10,500 feet, they slow their heart rate and drop their body temperature to make it through the freezing nights. Then they fly down to a lower area, like Santa Fe, to feed on nectar and small insects. The males, with their rose-colored throats and emerald green upper parts, fill the air with loud rills. Females display duller colors and speckled throats. If you’d like the broad-tailed hu ingbird to visit your backyard, put out a sugar water feeder.
As its name suggests, the Western bluebird male has a bright blue back, head and wings. Their breasts are deep orange or sometimes black. On the other hand, the females have a gray back, head and wings, accompanied by an orange belly. These birds can be found perched on fences or swooping toward the ground for a tasty insect treat. They like to nest in cavities or nest boxes placed outside.
The lookalike of the more commonly known purple finch, the Cassin’s finch is characterized by its red crown and pinkish breast. The Cassin’s finch likes to spend its time among small flocks in forests of evergreen and aspen trees. If you listen closely, you might hear the male’s spirited call that mimics the calls of other birds.
If you’re interested in seeing some of these birds, I suggest visiting Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary off Canyon Road, where you can see more than 190 species of birds found in New Mexico.