EXPLORING NATURE: POPULAR BIRDS

What is the most popular bird in the Unites States? Well, the bald eagle is a strong candidate for that honor – after all, it is our national bird. It is definitely an imposing specimen and builds an imposing nest. One nest in Florida was 20 feet deep and 9.5 feet wide and weighed almost three tons. Wow.

Also on the popular list would surely be the northern cardinal. It is the logo bird for two major sports franchises and also the official bird for seven states.

Based on how often they are searched for on Google, owls are the most popular group of birds. Individual birds often searched for include peregrine falcon, Baltimore oriole and great blue heron.

Another favorite, if you expand the territory to all of North America, is the Canada jay. This is Canada’s national bird and a friendly sort that will readily land on your head or hand, even without a handout. Other popular birds include the woodpecker, espe

Other popular birds include the woodpecker, especially the golden-fronted and the pileated. This latter species is the largest woodpecker and is capable of pecking up to 20 times a second for a total of 8,000 to 12,000 pecks per day.

Also popular in certain locales is the common loon. Found in lakes and ponds across the country, this bird is famous for its iconic, mournful wail, a cry that epitomizes loneliness, heartache and loss.

Surely all hummingbirds would qualify as extremely popular – what’s not to like about a tiny bird whose heart beats 1,200 times a minute and can fly in all directions, including backwards.

You no doubt have your own personal favorite birds. Maybe you cherish chickadees and condors or perhaps you prefer pelicans and parakeets or treasure trogons and towhees. With over 600 birds in the U.S. to choose from, you’re bound to find a few favorites.