Description: Spotted on Evening Island, the barn owl is rarely seen in this region now. Historically, however, they were more common. That's when Illinois was covered with pasture land. This nocturnal owl is known for its heart-shaped face, and its acute listening skills come in handy for hunting small mammals on the ground.
This green, medium-sized parrot is native to South America but has a well-established colony in the Chicago area. It features blue feathers with a grayish throat and forehead.
A large, maroon wading bird, the white-faced ibis has a long, curved bill. Its wings have a metallic green and bronze sheen, and adults have reddish legs.
Description: Eurasian Collared-Doves are a little larger than a mourning dove with a squared-off tail instead of a pointed tail, like a mourning dove. They are light brown, similar to the mourning dove with a black crescent shaped band around the back of the neck. The primary feathers are a darker brown than the rest of the wing, so gives a dark wing tip appearance. These birds were introduced to this country in the 70’s and are now found over most of the United States.
Description: This small nuthatch climbs headfirst down tree trunks, has a dull brown crown, whitish underparts, and its back, nape, wings, and rump are blue gray.
The Blue Grosbeak is a richly-colored blue bird with rusty wing bars and a large, wedge-shaped beak. About the size of a cowbird, it is a southern species that is expanding its range.
Say's Phoebe is western species of fairly large, brownish-gray flycatcher with a peach-colored belly. Rarely seen in the east.
