Birds of
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Institute Park
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This is an annotated checklist of the 145 species
of birds (as of May 2005)that I have
observed at Institute Park during the past 9 years. Three forms of bird
information are provided. For each species, general information such as
frequency of occurrence, breeding status, location in the park, and
behavior is first given in text format. For
species whose occurence is regular enough to establish a trend, bar charts are also presented which show the pattern of
annual occurence in a quantitative fashion. The third information format
is photos of selected species. These video stills
were taken by me (but not always in the park). An annotated map can be consulted for information about
birding locations within the park. Birds observed on the WPI campus or
Rural Cemetery adjacent to the park have also been included in the
checklist.
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If you have questions or comments or want more information
about the birds found at Institute Park, please contact me at
rsquimby@wpi.edu. This
is also the address for submissions for the
Central Massachusetts Bird Update.
Checklist updated March 4, 2002:
You can jump to a category of birds from the menu below, or browse the
checklist starting from the beginning.
- Herons, Grebes, Cormorant, Geese, Loon
- Ducks
- Hawks, Vultures, Eagles
- Shorebirds, Coot, Turkey
- Gulls, Doves, Nighthawk, Swift, Hummingbird
- Kingfisher, Woodpeckers
- Flycatchers and Swallows
- Jay, Crow, Chickadee, Titmouse, Nuthatch
- Creeper, Wren, Kinglet
- Thrushes, mimids, Shrike, Starling
- Vireos and Warblers
- Tanager, Cardinal, Grosbeak
- Sparrows
- Blackbirds (includes Orioles)
- Finchs, Crossbill, Siskin
- Common Loon (CL)
- Very rarely seen at IP. Loons prefer larger and deeper bodies of
water, such as the Wachusett reservoir. One confused loon made an
appearance at the park in the fall of 1996, to the delight of birders
, Photo.
- Pied-billed Grebe (PBG)
- Small diving bird, seen only in migration, primarily in fall.
Bar chart, Photo.
- Double-crested Cormorant (DCC)
- Common summer resident, although does not breed here. Birds seen in
summer are immatures (ID'd by lightish upper breast). Adults seen in
migration. They hold their wings out to dry. Dive for fish.
Bar chart, Photo.
- Great Blue Heron (GBH)
- A large wading bird with a long beak, it stands statue-still waiting
for a fish to spear. Commonly seen year round, but does not breed in the
park. Seen less frequently in the park during late March and April, when
it is elsewhere on its breeding ground.
Bar chart, Photo.
- Great Egret
- Very rarely seen in the park. Similar to Great Blue Heron but all
white. Two records: 9/28/92 and 8/21/95.
Bar chart.
- Snowy Egret
- Similar to the Great Egret, but smaller, with a thin black
bill rather than the larger yellow bill of the Great Egret. Even more
uncommon inland that the Great Egret, only one sighting of two immature
birds on 7/24/00.
- Green Heron (GRH)
- Formerly called Green-backed Heron, this small wading bird stays near
the shore as it waits for fish. Seen less commonly in the past few years.
I have observed immature birds during July and August interacting with
adults (begging for food, chasing), but it is not known whether they have
bred here.
Bar chart, Photo.
- Black-crowned Night-Heron (BCNH)
- Often inconspicuous during the day, they perch in trees on the island
and fire station peninsula. If you scan the trees during Aug or Sept you
may see them. Sometimes they feed along the back shore during the day.
Bar chart, Photo.
- Canada Goose (CG)
- Commonly seen year-round, these have bred at the park. During fall
migration you may see smaller Geese with shorter necks -- these are the
true "Canadian" Geese which migrate long distances.
- Mute Swan
- This beautiful bird is easily identified, large all-white body with a
long gracefully arched neck. Its beauty belies its darker side however: it
is an introduced (not native) species, which is quite territorial and
aggressive toward other wildlife, and is harmful to the vegetation in its
environment. Amoung birders and serious naturalists, this bird is actually
considered a "nuisance species", and most unwelcome. Only one
(fortunately!) bird, seen from 4/25/00 - 5/3/00.
- Wood Duck (WD)
- A beautifully ornate duck, found most often near the island.
For breeding it needs a tree cavity or nest box. In the spring of 1998,
a colleague of mine (Steve Pierson) and I put up wood duck boxes in
the bay between the island and the apts. Breeding was confirmed by the
observation of 8 chicks following the mother duck from 6/4/98-6/18/98.
These ducks can blend quite well into the vegetation, literally
disappearing right before your eyes, so patience is required to see them.
This is a shy duck, easily disturbed by human presence.
Bar chart, Photo.
- Green-winged Teal (GWT)
- Seen only in spring and fall migration, a small duck with a green patch
seen on wing when it flies. Sometimes mingles with Mallards.
Bar chart, Photo.
- American Black Duck (ABD)
- A commonly seen duck, similar in appearance to female Mallard. During
winter, there are typically 10 times fewer Black Ducks than Mallards.
Seldom seen here during April, when they are on their breeding grounds.
Bar chart, Photo.
- Mallard
- The most commonly observed bird at the park, it is almost always
present. This is the duck that comes when you throw out bread crumbs (but
please don't do this!). Breeds at the park. Numbers can swell to 200 or
more in winter, when other ponds have frozen over.
Bar chart, Photo.
- Blue-winged Teal
- Not normally seen in the pond. A group of 2-6 was seen during the
period 9/11/97-9/23/97. The female looks similar to a Mallard, but look
for the grey bill, and when the wings are extended, the blue patch on the
forewing.
- Northern Shoveler
- Not commonly seen, but occasionally one will stay for a week or more
during migration. One female was present during most of the period
10/23/96 - 12/30/96. Another female (perhaps the same one?) was present
during most of the period 10/9/97-4/9/98.
Large spatulate bill, when seen well, is diagnostic.
Bar chart, Photo.
- Gadwall
- Seen only in migration. Black rump and white wing patch. Recorded in
1992 and 1996, but absent from 1993-1995. A female was present during most
of the period from 1/5/98-4/10/98.
Bar chart, Photo.
- American Wigeon (AMWI)
- Seen only in migration, small numbers (1-5). Observed 12/2/95, in
spring and fall of 1996, and fall of 1997. Females occur more often than
males.
Bar chart, Photo.
- Ring-necked Duck (RND)
- Commonly observed during spring migration. Numbers build to max of 20-
30 during Mar-April. Usually more males than females. Don't look for a
ring on the neck (it's hard to see), but rather the white ring around the
bill near the tip.
Bar chart, Photo.
- Lesser Scaup (LSC)
- Uncommon migrant, during spring. Similar in appearance to Ring-necked
Duck. Even more similar to the Greater Scaup (though this has not been
observed in the park).
Bar chart.
- Common Goldeneye (CGE)
- Rarely seen on the pond, during spring migration. Only 3 records:
3/23/93, 3/21/96 and 3/12/98. Round white spot between eye and bill is
distinctive in male.
- Bufflehead (BFH)
- Not a rare bird to see in Worcester Co., but rarely seen on the pond.
Only 2 records, in spring migration: 3/10/92 and 3/27/96. Male is
distinctive, with upper rear of head all white.
Bar chart.
- Hooded Merganser (HMRG)
- Seen in migration, mostly in spring, but sometimes in fall. Large white
patch on back of head somewhat resembles the Bufflehead, but the flanks are
brownish rather than white. Maximum daily count of 25 on 3/17/97. Males
typically outnumber females. In mid-March watch for mating displays, in
which the male whips his head back quickly (this is common in other ducks
also).
Bar chart.
- Common Merganser (CMRG)
- Commonly seen during spring migration, but rarely in fall. In large
flocks (max daily count of 32 on 2/25/94), females usually outnumber males.
Bar chart.
- Red-breasted Merganser
- Much less common inland than the Common Merganser, it is rarely seen in
the park. Only one bird sighted, a male seen continuously from 3/21/01 -
4/6/01. This bird was associating with a group of Common Mergansers, and
was actively displaying to female Common Mergansers.
- Ruddy Duck
- Seen only once, a female on 12/2/97-12/3/97. A small diving duck with
a characteristically up-turned tail.
- Turkey Vulture (TV)
- Uncommonly seen, mostly during spring and fall migration. A large,
black soaring raptor, sometimes mistaken for an eagle. It rocks unsteadily
in the wind, and holds its wings up in a "vee".
Bar chart.
- Osprey
- Occasionally seen during migration, mostly in fall. When seen, they
often circle low over the pond, hunting. If you're lucky you may
see one dive into the water after a fish. One pair of Osprey stayed at the
pond for 3 days in late Oct. 1995, and called to each other repeatedly.
The photo here is of one of these birds.
Bar chart, Photo.
- Bald Eagle
- Rarely seen. Only one sighting: 3/9/93. When this eagle flew over the
pond, all the gulls flew up (which is how I noticed the eagle).
- Sharp-shinned Hawk (SSHK)
- Seen occasionally, mostly during spring and fall migration, but also
sometimes in winter. A small hawk, with long tail and short wings, it
flies with alternating flaps and glides. Some remain here during winter,
but most migrate south. Feeds on other birds (I watched one devour a Rock
Dove [aka pigeon] on 1/14/97)
Bar chart.
- Cooper's Hawk (CHK)
- Very similar in appearance to Sharp-shinned Hawk, but larger. Only 4
sightings: 12/4/96, 9/18/97, 1/4/98 and 9/4/98.
- Red-shouldered Hawk (RSHK)
- A hawk that favors moist, mixed woodlands, it is seldom seen at the
park. Only 1 sighting: 6/27/97.
- Broad-winged Hawk (BWHK)
- Seen only in migration, mostly during fall. In mid-September, this is
the hawk that migrates in large groups and forms "kettles" in which the
hawks circle and rise on warm air thermals. Thousands per day can be seen
on Wachusett Mt. Here at the park, the peak daily number has been 24 on
9/13/94 (although this was for only 1.25 hours watching)
Bar chart.
- Red-tailed Hawk (RTHK)
- The most common raptor seen here, it can be seen any time of year. In
recent years a pair has been nesting in downtown Worcester. I watched a
pair constructing a nest in the park in March 1995, but it was not used for
nesting. They eat squirrels, among other things (lots of these in the
park!). The photo is a local Red-tailed Hawk, perched by the pond.
Bar chart, Photo.
- American Kestrel (AKES)
- The smallest falcon, it is rare in the park. Most likely to be seen
during fall migration. Three sightings: 11/28/95, 9/12/96 and 9/2/98.
- Merlin
- Larger and darker than the Kestrel, it is also rarely seen in the park.
Two sightings: 10/21/96 and 1/9/97
- Wild Turkey
- Certainly not a bird you would expect in a city park. However, one
decidedly confused turkey decided in the winter and spring of 1997 to
make its home at the corner of Park Ave. and Salisbury St., both of which
border the park. I first saw a turkey at the park (perhaps this same one)
as it flew over the pond on 4/22/96. From Dec 6, 1996 and on through the
winter, a female turkey was spotted by numerous observers around WPI
(across Salisbury St. from the park). It became bolder, and finally
started to create traffic disturbances at the corner of Park and Salisbury,
where it was being fed by well-meaning passersby. The situation was partly
amusing, but also partly sad, since the turkey is not well adapted to dodge
speeding cars. Finally the turkey was killed on 4/26/97 in a "hit-and-
run".
- American Coot (AMCO)
- The Coot looks and acts like a duck, but is actually a member of the
rail family. Seen only in migration. All records are from 1992, with no
sightings since then.
Bar chart, Photo.
- Killdeer
- Only occasionally seen during spring migration (4 records)
- Solitary Sandpiper
- Does not breed in Massachusetts. Only one sighting during fall
migration 8/7/96 - 8/9/96 (shorebird "fall" migration starts in July).
Likes shallow mudholes near edge of pond.
Bar chart
- Spotted Sandpiper (SSP)
- Fairly commonly seen during late spring and again in mid-summer.
Although it could potentially breed at the pond, the pattern of sightings
suggests that it does not. Breast is spotted only during breeding plumage.
Constantly moves its rear end up and down like it is dancing. Also bobs
its head.
Bar chart
- Ring-billed Gull (RBGL)
- The most common gull seen in the park, it does not breed here. Often
seen roosting on ice during winter. Birds seen in summer are immature
(plumage shows various dark bands on tail and/or wings), or
nonbreeding adults. If the gulls all take off at once, look up in the sky
for a passing raptor (such as Red-tailed Hawk).
Bar chart, Photo
- Herring Gull (HGL)
- Less common in park than Ring-billed Gull, but still regular during
winter. Typically around 5% of gulls seen are Herring Gulls.
Bar chart
- Iceland Gull
- Uncommonly seen (5 sightings) in winter, it is the smaller of the
"white-winged" gulls. There is no black markings near the tip of the wing,
as in Ring-billed or Herring Gulls.
Bar chart
- Glaucous Gull
- Rarely seen (1 sighting 1/22/96), it is the larger of the "white-
winged" gulls. Bill is quite massive.
Bar chart
- Great Black-backed Gull (GBBG)
- This gull is more common on the larger lakes and reservoirs, but is
sometimes seen at the park during the winter in small numbers (1 or 2).
Larger than a Herring Gull, with much darker back and massive bill.
Bar chart
- Rock Dove (RODO)
- Commonly known as the "pigeon", this bird is most often seen at the
park as it flies overhead, in groups of 5-20. If you keep your eye on the
sky during a walk in the park, you're quite likely to see a group fly by.
- Mourning Dove (MODO)
- Not as common to see as the Rock Dove, but regularly seen in small
numbers (1-3) during the warmer months. May nest in the park. Has a
long diamond-shaped tail, which in flight can suggest a hawk. Wings make a
fluttering whistle sound in flight.
Bar chart
- Common Nighthawk
- Normally seen only during fall migration, late august and early
september. Large migratory movements timed to coincide with abundance of
flying ants. Most likely to be seen just before dusk, around Sept. 1.
Only one sighting: Sept. 13 (12 seen at midday)
- Chimney Swift (CHSW)
- Often described as a "flying cigar", it is fairly commonly seen during
summer. Spends most of the day in the air, even drinking from the pond by
skimming the surface with mouth open.
Bar chart
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird (RTHB)
- The only hummingbird likely to be seen here, you might mistake it for a
bee. Only 2 sightings: 5/14/96 and 9/9/96
- Belted Kingfisher (BKF)
- Often seen perched on tree branch overhanging the pond, it waits for
its opportunity and then dives into the water to spear a fish. Makes a dry
rattling call as it flies to a new perch. Can be seen any time of year that
there is some open water.
Bar chart
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
- Only one record, 10/21/98. Somewhat resembles Downy Woodpecker, except
the red on head is confined to crown and forehead (and the chin on the
male), and breast is dark.
- Downy Woodpecker (DWP)
- Common any time of year, it probes under and removes bark from trees
to get insects hiding there. Bill is smaller than length of head.
Bar chart
- Hairy Woodpecker (HWP)
- Similar to Downy Woodpecker, but larger, with bill equal to length of
head. A bird of the forest, it is much less common in the park.
Bar chart
- Northern Flicker (NFL)
- This woodpecker with the spotted breast and black triangular bib
is quite distinctive. A migrant, it arrives at the park in late March
or early April, and is often seen on the ground probing for insects.
It has nested in the park, in a dead tree not far from the tennis courts.
Bar chart
- Eastern Wood-Pewee
- Visually distinguishable from the "empids" by the lack of eye-ring and
proportionately longer tail, it is most easily identified by it's easily-
learned call "pee-aah-weeee", which rises in pitch at the end. It is a
bird of the deep forest, so does not nest near the park. Expected only in
migration. One sighting (hearing!) on 5/27/99.
- Alder Flycatcher
- One of the "empids", virtually identical to the Willow (see below), and
best distinguished by the diagnostic call. Only one sighting (or more
accurately, a "hearing"), (5/24/99). Only expected during migration.
- Willow Flycatcher (WFC)
- This is one of the "empids", a group of flycatchers which are difficult
to distinguish by sight. Best way to ID is to listen for the diagnostic
call -- "fitz-bew". Seen only rarely, during migration in May.
- Least Flycatcher (LFC)
- Another of the "empids", this one calls with an abrupt "che-beck".
Seen (and heard) only occasionally during migration in May.
Bar chart
- Eastern Phoebe (EPH)
- This flycatcher is easier to ID than the empids, since it lacks an eye
ring or wing bars, and usually pumps its tail up and down. It arrives
earlier than the other flycatchers, usually in early April. Distinctive
call is "fee-bzzz", with the second note much buzzier than the clear
note of the Chickadee's "fee-bee" song. Absence of sightings in June
suggests that it does not nest in the park.
Bar chart
- Great Crested Flycatcher
- Rarely seen in the park. Only one record, on 5/27/98. A large
flycatcher, it feeds high in the treetops. Seen from below, the reddish
tail contrasts notably with the yellowish belly.
- Eastern Kingbird (EKB)
- A very aggressive and territorial flycatcher, this bird defends a
vertical column of air above its nesting area, and will even attack larger
birds like crows or even Red-tailed Hawkes!. Easy to ID by the white band
at the end of the tail. Hunts for insects such as dragonflies in the usual
flycatcher fashion, by watching from a branch, darting out after the
insect, and then returning to the branch. Has nested in the park (bush
near the inlet pipe, June 1996)
Bar chart
- Tree Swallow (TSW)
- The most common swallow seen at the pond, it is often seen during the
spring swooping over the surface of the water, gathering up small flying
insects. Adults in spring usually have a bluish tinge on the back and
clear white underparts right up to the bill. In late summer, however,
immature birds have all brown backs and can be confused with Rough-winged
Swallows (see below). Not known to have nested at the park.
Bar chart
- Northern Rough-winged Swallow (NRWS)
- Not as commonly seen as the Tree Swallow, it shows up later in the
spring migration, and has an all brown back. Call is also different (more
buzzy and raspy than the Tree Swallow), and the throat and chin are dusky,
rather than clear white as in the Tree Swallow.
Bar chart
- Bank Swallow (BKSW)
- Only two sightings (6/30/96 and 5/9/97). Best field mark is distinct
band across chest.
- Barn Swallow (BNSW)
- Seen occasionally during spring and summer, it has a reddish throat and
forked tail.
Bar chart
- Blue Jay (BJ)
- A common bird in the park, seen year-round. It is most conspicuous
during migration, and becomes rather quiet and secretive while nesting.
Has nested in the woods surrounding the pond (June 1997)
Bar chart
- American Crow (ACR)
- Very common. If you hear a group of Crows caaww-ing in a rather
agitated manner, they may be harassing a roosting hawk or owl. Often crows
will harass Red-tailed Hawks in flight, diving at them as the hawks soar
overhead. I have also seen crows mobbing an Osprey (Nov. 1996) Crows, in
turn, are sometimes harassed by Common Grackles, a smaller bird. Has
nested in pine trees in park.
- Common Raven (RVN)
- A bird of the north, similar to a crow but larger, with a wedge-shaped
tail. Only one sighting (8/23/95, soaring overhead, drifting east)
- Black-capped Chickadee (BCC)
- A familiar sight at bird feeders, this friendly little bird with the
black cap and bib is a year-round resident. Its "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call
is heard all year, while its clearly whistled "fee-bee" song (the "bee"
lower in pitch) is heard mostly in spring. Nests in a tree cavity, which it
excavates. I have observed nest construction in the park (April 1993) but
have not confirmed nesting.
Bar chart
- Tufted Titmouse (TTM)
- Aptly named for the crest (or "tuft") on its head, it sings a two-toned
song "peter-peter-peter" with the "ter" lower in pitch. Most common in
spring, but it is not migratory. Has nested in park (May 1997).
Bar chart
- Red-breasted Nuthatch (RBN)
- More common some years than others, it is usually found in spruce and
pine trees, where it feeds on cones. Call sounds like a toy tin horn.
Bar chart
- White-breasted Nuthatch (WBN)
- This is the "upside down" bird, which spends most of its time creeping
down the trunks of trees, probing beneath the bark for insects.
Call is a nasal "yank-yank-yank". Nests in tree cavities.
Bar chart
- Brown Creeper (BCR)
- This brown-backed bird is hard to spot as it creeps slowly
up a tree trunk. It finds insects under the bark that the
downward-going White-breasted Nuthatch has missed. When it gets near the
top, it flies to the base of a nearby tree and starts up again. You
are more likely to hear its high-pitched trill than to see it.
Bar chart
- Carolina Wren (CWR)
- This bird is more common further south, but has been expanding its
range north into Massachusetts, especially during years with mild winters.
Only 10 sightings at the park, during years 1992-1994 and then again in Aug
and Oct of 1998.
- Golden-crowned Kinglet (GCK)
- Only 5 sightings, during spring and fall of 1995, then again on
11/7/97 and 1/27/98.
Quite active, it flitters from branch to branch, favoring coniferous trees.
The yellow crown stripe is quite pronounced, distinguishing it from the
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (see below).
Bar chart
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet (RCK)
- Fairly regular in spring migration. Very active, it has the habit of
nervously flicking its wings. The red crown patch is not usually visible
unless the bird is alarmed. Very short-tailed and plump in shape.
Bar chart
- Veery (VRY)
- Only 1 sighting, 5/14/97. Of the thrushes, this one has the least
streaking or spotting on the breast and belly.
- Swainson's Thrush (STH)
- Not to be expected in the park, except rarely during migration. Only 1
sighting, 5/14/96 (at which time there was a major movement of
Swainson's Thrushes through the area).
- Hermit Thrush (HTH)
- Seen mostly in fall migration. Seven records, fall of 95,97,98. Tail
is somewhat reddish, contrasting with the back. Often raises and slowly
lowers its tail.
- Wood Thrush (WTH)
- A bird of the forest, this is only to be expected in the park during
migration. Only 1 sighting, 5/16/96. Easily ID'd by bold round spots on
breast, and reddish cast to upper back and head.
- American Robin (AROB)
- The arrival of this bird on the lawns in April signals for many the
beginning of spring. A little known fact is that some Robins spend the
winter in Massachusetts, retiring to the woods to live secretly like the
thrushes that they really are. Robins commonly nest in the park.
Bar chart
- Gray Catbird (GCB)
- A common spring migrant and summer resident, it is all grey (except a
cinnamon patch under the tail and blackish crown on head). And yes -- it
does make a "meeoow" sound like a cat, hence the name. One of the so-
called "mimids", it mimics other birds' sounds, generally with one
repetition of each. Likely nester in the park, although I have not found a
nest.
Bar chart
- Northern Mockingbird (NMB)
- Another of the mimids, it mimics sounds from birds and other animals
(even can imitate sirens and other man-made devices), generally alternating
sounds with three or more repetitions. Rather aggressive and territorial.
White patches in wings are conspicuous in flight. Year-round resident.
A presumed nester (feeding of fledged young was observed (Aug 1994)),
but nest has not been found.
Bar chart
, Photo
- Brown Thrasher
- The third member of the mimid group, it also mimics sounds from other
birds, but usually repeating each sound twice. Mostly inconscpicuous on
the forest floor, it is most noticeable in the spring when it perches up
(usually at a prominant high point) and sings. Two sights: 5/2/00
and 4/21/01.
- Cedar Waxwing (CWW)
- A sleek, crested bird with a manicured look, it has a black mask
through the eyes and a yellow tipped tail. Mostly seen in the park during
mid summer, where it "flycatches" for insects over the pond. Feeding of
fledged young observed 7/28/93, but nesting not confirmed.
Bar chart
- Northern Shrike
- Somewhat similar to the Northern Mockingbird, but with black mask
through eyes, darker grey back, and smaller white wing patches. A
predatory bird, it caches its prey by impaling on a thorn or barbed wire.
Uncommon and erratic. Only one sighting (12/16/95), during a major
movement of shrikes into our area.
- European Starling (EUST)
- Not a native bird of North America, it was introduced from Europe into
New York during the 19th century, and has become widespread, successfully
competing with native species. Conspicuous in fall when it gathers into
huge flocks. Confirmed nester in park.
Photo.
- Blue-headed Vireo
- Formerly called the Solitary Vireo, it is the earliest of the vireos to
pass through in spring. Only one sighting (5/10/96).
- Warbling Vireo (WVI)
- This plain looking bird is common to the park, and is best ID'd by its
lack of distinguishing plumage pattern, and by its "warbling", finch-like
song, which rises in pitch at the end. A likely nester (although nest has
not been found).
Bar chart
- Red-eyed Vireo (REVI)
- The red in the eye is visible only at close range, but the white stripe
above the eye with black borders above and below is visible at some
distance. Known for persistently singing its song, even in the mid-day
heat. Song is similar to the robin's, but with a longer pause between
phrases. Possible nester in park (not confirmed)
Bar chart
- Blue-winged Warbler (BWW)
- Only one sighting, during spring migration (5/9/97).
- Northern Parula (NPAR)
- Occasionally seen during spring migration, its song is a rising buzzy
trill.
Bar chart
- Yellow Warbler (YW)
- Yellowish all over, with darker wings, its song has the cadence of
"sweet-sweet-little more-sweet". A likely nester in park.
Bar chart
- Chestnut-sided Warbler (CSW)
- Seen only in migration, its song has the cadence of
"pleased-pleased-pleased to meetcha", with the "meetcha" sharply rising and
falling in pitch.
Bar chart
- Magnolia Warbler (MAGW)
- Seen in spring migration, the yellow underparts with black breast
streaks, black mask and large white wing patches of the male are
distinctive.
Bar chart
- Black-throated Blue Warbler (BTBW)
- Only 3 sightings, all during May migration. Male is easy to ID by the
solid blue upperparts, black throat and white underparts. Female looks
very different, and is best ID'd by the small white patch on wing (male has
this also).
- Yellow-rumped Warbler (formerly Myrtle Warbler in eastern US)
- Perhaps the most numerous warbler in migration, its yellow rump is
conspicuous when it flies. Male has yellow on crown and on sides of
breast, and white underparts with black streaks.
Bar chart
- Black-throated Green Warbler
- Likes deep forest, so not found in park except rarely during migration.
Usually high in top of tree, so hard to see, but song is easy to recognize.
Only one sighting (hearing!) 4/21/01.
- Blackburnian Warbler (BKBW)
- Beautifully patterned with fire-orange throat, it tends to stay high
in trees and sings a very high-pitched song. Only 2 sighting during spring
migration (5/12/95 and 5/20/96).
Bar chart
- Pine Warbler
- A fairly early migrant and summer resident, it favors coniferous trees
and sings with a soft liquid trill. Likely nester in park or WPI campus.
Bar chart
- Prairie Warbler
- Normally associated with open areas with scattered trees (power line
cuts are a good place to find this species), it might be expected to be
common in the park during migration. However, the only record is during
the period 5/6/98-5/12/98. Its buzzy song rising in pitch makes it easy to
locate in spring.
- Palm Warbler (PAW)
- An early spring migrant, it is generally found low to the ground, and
habitually pumps its tail up and down.
Bar chart
- Blackpoll Warbler (BPW)
- One of the latest spring migrants, its appearance signals the end of
the warbler migration. The male's facial pattern is somewhat similar to
the Black-capped Chickadee, but the underparts and underparts are streaked
and the bill is longer.
Bar chart
- Black-and-white Warbler (BAWW)
- This black and white striped bird is often found creeping along
branches or the tree trunk like a nuthatch. Song is a high-pitched
"wheez-a-wheez-a-wheez-a", like a sqeaky wheel going round and round. Seen
during spring migration.
Bar chart
- American Redstart (AMRS)
- Fairly common is spring migration, the male has the Halloween colors of
black and orange, while the female has yellow in place of orange on the
tail and wings. Frequently pirouettes on branches, spreading its tail and
displaying its bold T-shape pattern.
Bar chart
- Northern Waterthrush (NWTH)
- A secretive migrant usually found creeping around in the muck near the
shore, it habitually pumps its whole rear end up and down. All sightings
have been in the small bay between the island and the apartment complex.
Bar chart
- Common Yellowthroat (CYTH)
- Fairly common in spring and fall migration, the male is easy to ID with
its yellow underparts and black mask. Song has the cadence of
"wichity-wichity-wichity-wich", with a slight rise in pitch at the end.
Bar chart
- Wilson's Warbler (WIW)
- Somewhat similar to Common Yellowthroat, but male has small black cap.
Seen occasionally during spring migration.
Bar chart
- Canada Warbler (CAW)
- A spring migrant, the bold yellow eye-ring gives it a "spectacled"
look.
Bar chart
- Scarlet Tanager (SCTA)
- A striking bird, all red with black wings and tail, it is a bird of the
forest and very unusual in the park, except during migration. Only one
record on 5/13/97. Could be confused with Cardinal (see below).
- Northern Cardinal (NCAR)
- A year-round resident, it can often be found around Higgins House on
the WPI campus, and near the apartments adjacent to the pond. Male is all
red except for black around bill and on throat. Prominent crest and thick
short bill for cracking seeds. Female mostly olive colored, with tinge of
red on crest and wings. Sings a variety of loud, slurred whistles.
Bar chart
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak (RBGB)
- A large seed eating bird, black above and white below, with massive
bill and triangular rosy-red bib. Sings a song similar to that of the
robin, but clearer and richer in tone (a robin that has taken voice
lessons). Only 3 sightings (5/17/93, 5/21/93 and 5/8/98).
- Eastern Towhee
- Formerly known as the "Rufous-sided Towhee", this large long-tailed
sparrow is usually found on the ground scraping through leaf clutter. Male
is distinctive with black head, red eye, and rufous on side of breast. In
spring it is easily identified by its three-part song "drink-your-teeee".
Found in forested areas. Only one sighting on 5/2/00.
- American Tree Sparrow (ATSP)
- Most often seen in winter, occasionally during migration, this sparrow
has a clear breast with dark spot in the center, bi-colored bill and
rufous crown. Eight sightings, one in April and the rest in Nov and Dec.
Bar chart
- Chipping Sparrow (CSP)
- A common sparrow in the park, it has a clear breast with no dark spot,
a uniform black bill, and rufous crown. Song is a trill similar to the
Pine Warbler, except more abrupt and mechanical sounding. Nests in park.
Bar chart
- Field Sparrow (FSP)
- Very unusual in the park, only 2 sightings (11/9/95 and 5/7/97). Clear
breast with bright pink bill and distinct white eye-ring.
- Savannah Sparrow (SASP)
- Not to be expected in the park, only 3 sightings (10/19/94,
5/12/97, and 5/8/98). Similar to Song Sparrow (see below), except shorter
tail, and usually a yellowish wash to face in front of eyes (lores) and in
stripe above eyes.
- Fox Sparrow
- Similar in appearance to the Song Sparrow, but larger, with reddish tail
and wings, extensive gray on head and nape of neck, and thick dark brown
streaks on breast. Uncommon, seen only in early spring and fall migration
Only one record to date (4/5/02).
- Song Sparrow (SGSP)
- A common sparrow in the park at most times of year, it has brown breast
streaks and usually a brown central spot on the breast. Distinct 3-part
song has the cadence "di---di---di---daaaaaah-di-di-di-di-di". Likely
nester in park.
Bar chart, Photo.
- Swamp Sparrow
- Only expected in migration season, there are only two records on
9/30/98 and 10/6/98. Distinguished by extensive grey on face, along with a
clear (unstreaked) breast.
- White-throated Sparrow (WTSP)
- Mostly seen in migration. The white throat contrasts sharply with
clear greyish underparts. Head striped black and white (or black and
tan), and generally some yellow in lores (area between eye and bill).
Song is a clearly whistled and drawn out "Oh sweet Canada Canada Canada",
with all the phrases at the same pitch except the first "Oh", which is
slightly lower.
Bar chart
- White-crowned Sparrow (WCSP)
- Rarely seen in the park (only 1 sighting, 5/14/96), it is similar to
the White-throated Sparrow except has pink bill and no yellow in the lores.
- Dark-eyed Junco (DEJ)
- A common winter resident, it is the "snowbird" sparrow, uniformly grey
upperparts, face and throat, and white on the belly. White outer tail
feathers conspicuous when it flies. Often found around the Higgins House
on WPI property near the park. During spring migration in April you may
hear its song, which is a trill similar to the pine warbler but with a more
bell-like quality.
Bar chart
- Red-winged Blackbird (RWBB)
- To the serious birdwatcher, the arrival of this bird in March signals
the true beginning of spring. Well before American Robins have made their
appearance on suburban lawns, the blackbird has returned to the cattail
marshes where it begins calling (konk-ker-eeeeee) and displaying its
prominent red wing patches. The male is unmistakable with all-black body
and red wing patches, although the female is often mistaken for a sparrow,
being brownish with heavy breast streaks. Commonly nests in the park. Can
be aggressive in defending the area around its nest -- I have seen them
harassing a Great Blue Herons in the pond!.
Bar chart
- Common Grackle (CGR)
- This member of the blackbird family is a little larger than the Red-
winged Blackbird, with a longer tail, and arrives just a bit earlier in the
spring. It's "song" is not so pleasing to human ears, consisting mostly of
assorted squawks and twangy croaks. In spring you'll see the males (with
the longer, more vee-shaped tails) flying after the females across the
pond. Commonly nests in the park.
Bar chart
- Brown-headed Cowbird (BHCB)
- A nest parasite, it lays its eggs in the nest of other birds. It
favors the nests of woodland birds, so is seen in the park mostly during
migration.
Bar chart
- Baltimore Oriole (formerly Northern Oriole)
- Patterned beatifully with black and orange, it has a short, melodic
whistled song. Likely nester in park (feeding of fledged young has been
observed, but nest not found)
Bar chart
- Purple Finch (PFI)
- Very uncommon in the park; only one sighting, (5/21/96). To
distinguish from House Finch, look for lack of streaking on breast and
belly, more widespread raspberry color, and notched tail.
Bar chart
- House Finch (HFI)
- Formerly quite common, its numbers have declined in recent years due to
a contagious eye desease that affects only this species of bird. Sings a
long warbly song, interspersed with raspy notes. Streaks on lower belly
separate this bird from the similar Purple Finch (see above). May nest in
park.
Bar chart
- Red Crossbill (RCB)
- An itinerant and erratic species, not to be expected in the park. Only
one sighting, a flock of 8-9 on the WPI campus (5/14/96). The unusual
crossed bill is used to extract seeds from cones.
- Pine Siskin (PSIS)
- Another species that varies greatly in number from year to year, it is
only likely during "invasion" years, when northern birds push down into
Massachusetts to improve their food supply. A finch-like bird with
streaking above and below, it has variable amounts of yellow on wings and
tail. Two sightings: (12/16/95 and 5/14/96).
- American Goldfinch (AGF)
- Commonly seen all year, it calls with a characteristic "per-chick-it-
ee" when it flies. Male loses the bright yellow color during the winter,
becoming similar to the female (olive head and back). Feeds on thistle and
other seeds, such as birch tree catkins.
Bar chart
- House Sparrow (HSP)
- Abundant year-round, especially around the bushes near the apartment
buildings. Not a native to North America, this species was introduced here
in 1850 and has become widespread, in many cases aggressively displacing
native North American species. It is not a true sparrow, but rather a type
of "Weaver Finch" from Europe. Most commonly found in cities, where its
constant chirping may be one of the few sounds of nature to be heard.