Agelaius Phoeniceus – Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius Phoeniceus - Red-winged Blackbird

Distinguishing Features: MALE (pictured) – Completely black with the exception of a characteristic red shoulder patch. FEMALE – Very different from the male. Top parts, dark brown with greyish, rusty edges; light streak over eye and middle of the crown; underneath lighter, with blackish streaks; throat often pinkish or buff color. Size – 19 – … Read more

Sturnus Vulgaris – European Starling

Sturnus Vulgaris - European Starling

Distinguishing Features – European starling is black with purplish and greenish reflections. Tail, short, square; bill, yellow, long; legs reddy-brown. From late summer to winter, the plumage becomes white-spotted as in the accompanying photo. Male and female indistinguishable but female is slightly smaller. Size – 19 – 21 cm (7.5 – 8.5 in) Habitat Varied. … Read more

Turdus Migratorius – American Robin

Turdus Migratorius - American Robin

Distinguishing Features – American robin has one of the most familiar Northwestern Ontario birds. Top and sides of head, and back of neck black with white encircling eyes. Back slate; fading to black on wings and tail; tail tipped white; breast, sides and upper abdomen brick-red. Bill yellow. The female colouration is similar to the … Read more

Perisoreus Canadensis – Gray Jay – “Whiskey Jack”

Perisoreus Canadensis - Gray Jay

Distinguishing Features – Slightly smaller than a Blue Jay. Loose and fluffy plumage of various shades of gray. Whitehead and throat; blackish cap at the back of head wrapping around to encircle the eyes; back, wings and tail, slate color; feathers at tips of wings and tail white; belly grey, fading to near-white toward tail; … Read more

Cyanocitta Cristata – Blue Jay

Blue Jay

Distinguishing Features – Blue Jay is slightly larger than a robin. Blue back and head with black neckband; grey-white underneath with white-spotted wings and tail. The Head is adorned with a characteristic blue crest. Male and female are indistinguishable but the female is slightly smaller. Size – 28 – 32 cm (11.25 – 12.75 in) … Read more