Backyard Birds
Santee Lakes is home to 175 species of birds, including many birds you might recognize from your backyard feeder. Even if you don’t have a feeder, you can still help attract birds to your backyard by planting native plants, minimizing pesticide use, providing a source of water, and keeping pets indoors. A bird-friendly yard can provide a safe haven for birds, and a source of enjoyment for you and your family. |
Coastal California Gnatcatcher
Coastal California Gnatcatchers (Polilptila californica) are one of three subspecies of California Gnatcatchers. These small, gray songbirds live and breed in coastal sage scrub, which includes plants like Black Sage, California Sagebrush, Lemonadeberry, and Prickly Pear. Due to habitat loss, Coastal California Gnatcatchers are now listed as “Threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. |
|
|
House Finch
House Finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) are year-round residents in San Diego, and are common visitors to backyard feeders. A male House Finch can be recognized by its bright red breast and rump; females are typically brown. These small, common songbirds use twigs, leaves, and even string to build their nests, in which light blue, speckled eggs are laid. |
Western Scrub Jay
Western Scrub Jays (Aphelocoma californica) are familiar visitors at parks, campsites, and backyard feeders. They can be easily recognized by their blue head, wings, and tail, and their loud, scratchy call. Scrub jays eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. They often hide thousands of acorns for later use. |
|
|
Anna’s Hummingbird
Hummingbirds are the smallest birds on earth. Their tiny wings beat rapidly – from 15 to 80 times per second, depending on the species. Hummingbirds can fly forward, backward, and even hover in place as they drink nectar from flowers. Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) is one of the most common hummingbirds in Southern California. |
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) are common throughout the United States. These large, predatory birds get their name from their broad tail, which is reddish on top. Red-tailed Hawks can be seen soaring over open areas or perched on utility poles, looking for rodents, lizards, and other small prey. |
|
|
Nuttall’s Woodpecker
Although they often live in oak woodlands, Nuttall’s Woodpeckers (Picoides nuttallii) do not eat acorns. They spend their time gleaning insects and arthropods from the bark of trees. Male Nuttall’s Woodpeckers have a red cap, while females’ heads are black on top. |
Lesser Goldfinch
The short, pointed beak of Lesser Goldfinches (Carduelis psaltria) allows the birds to crush seeds, which make up most of their diet. Male goldfinches are bright yellow and black, while females and juveniles are duller brown. |
