29 Remarkable Water Birds in California (A Must-See Guide)

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Scientific Name: Pelecanus occidentalis

Length: 3 ft 3 in to 5 ft 0 in

Wingspan: 6 ft 8 in to 7 ft 6 in

Weight: 4.4 to 11.0 lb

The Brown Pelican is a large water bird famous for its distinct body shape and dramatic feeding habits. Known for their habit of diving headfirst into the water to catch fish, they are a staple along the coasts of the southern United States.

Appearance: Brown Pelicans are easily identifiable due to their long, curved necks, stout bodies, and large bills with a stretchy pouch. As their name suggests, they have brown and gray body feathers, with a paler head and neck that can become yellowish in breeding season.

Diet: Their diet mainly consists of fish, which they catch by making spectacular plunging dives from the air, scooping up the fish in their expandable bill pouches. They then drain the water from their pouches before swallowing their catch.

Reproduction: Brown Pelicans nest in colonies on islands, laying 2 to 3 eggs in nests made from sticks and vegetation. Both parents share incubation and feeding duties. After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for around 12 weeks before they are ready to leave.

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Scientific Name: Aechmophorus occidentalis

Length:22–30 in

Wingspan: 31–40 in

Weight: 1.753–4.409 lb

The Western Grebe is a distinctive waterbird, celebrated for its elegant appearance and elaborate courtship dance.

Appearance: Western Grebes are large, long-necked grebes with pointed bills. They are mostly white underneath with dark gray to black coloration on the back, neck, and cap. A distinguishing feature is the red eyes which stand out against the black face.

Diet: Western Grebes primarily feed on fish, which they catch by diving underwater. Their long necks and sharp bills make them adept at spearing or grabbing their prey. In addition to fish, they also eat crustaceans, insects, and occasionally vegetation.

Reproduction: Western Grebes are monogamous and famous for their courtship display, known as the “rushing ceremony,” where two birds dance across the water’s surface. They build floating nests in colonies on the water, typically hidden among reeds. The female usually lays 2 to 4 eggs.

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Scientific Name: Aechmophorus clarkii

Length: 22–30 in

Wingspan: 24 in

Weight: 25.3–44.4 oz

The Clark’s Grebe is a striking waterbird, similar in size and behavior to the Western Grebe, but with notable differences in appearance.

Appearance: Clark’s Grebes are large grebes that are predominantly white with dark gray to black coloration on the back. Their necks are long and white, and they have a bright yellow bill, distinguishing them from the Western Grebe. Additionally, their eyes are red and are surrounded by white feathers.

Diet: Much like Western Grebes, Clark’s Grebes have a diet primarily composed of fish, which they catch by diving underwater. They use their long, sharp bills to snatch or spear their prey. Their diet can also include crustaceans and insects.

Reproduction: Clark’s Grebes are monogamous and share many breeding behaviors with the Western Grebe, including the famous “rushing” courtship display. They build floating nests among reeds on bodies of water. The female typically lays 3 to 4 eggs, with both parents participating in incubation and chick-rearing.

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Scientific Name: Fulica americana

Length: 13–17 in

Wingspan: 23 to 28 in

Weight: 1.270 to 1.870 lb

The American Coot is a ubiquitous water bird commonly seen in the wetlands, lakes, and ponds of North America, recognized for its adaptability and striking features.

Appearance: American Coots are easily identifiable by their slate-gray bodies, offset by a white, chicken-like bill and a red eye. Their legs are also distinctive, equipped with lobed toes, as opposed to the webbed feet seen in ducks, which assist them in navigating both land and water adeptly.

Diet: While aquatic plants form the bulk of an American Coot’s diet, they aren’t strictly herbivores. These versatile birds also consume small invertebrates and fish, demonstrating their ability to adapt and survive in a variety of habitats.

Reproduction: Nesting for the American Coot usually happens in shallow water bodies, where they construct a floating nest hidden among the vegetation. A clutch can contain between 8 to 12 eggs, all of which are incubated by both parents.

Listen to Northern Pintail

Scientific Name: Anas acuta

Length: 23–30 in

Wingspan: 31–37 in

Weight: 1 –3 lb

The Northern Pintail is a graceful species of duck recognized for their elegance in flight and their sleek bodies and long tails which is pin-shaped.

Male Northern Pintails are celebrated for their distinctive appearance, featuring a chocolate brown head, a white neck, and a grayish body. The most notable characteristic is the long, pointed tail feathers, which give this species its name. Females are more understated in color, sporting a mottled brown plumage.

Diet: Consists primarily of plant matter, including seeds and aquatic vegetation. They are also known to eat insects, especially during the breeding season. The Northern Pintail is often seen dabbling and upending in water bodies to forage for food.

Reproduction: Northern Pintails usually nest on the ground, near water bodies. The female lays a clutch of 7 to 9 eggs and is solely responsible for their incubation, which lasts for about three weeks.

Listen to Bufflehead

Scientific Name: Bucephala albeola

Length: 13–16 in

Wingspan: 21.6 in -23.2 in

Weight: 9.5–19.4 oz

The Bufflehead is a small, compact species of diving duck known for its striking appearance and large heads and unique nesting habits.

Appearance: Male Buffleheads are easily recognized by their large, bulbous head with a green-purple iridescent sheen, a large white patch across the back of the head, and a predominantly black and white body. Females are more subtly colored, primarily in gray-brown tones with a smaller white cheek patch.

Diet: As diving ducks, Buffleheads feed by diving beneath the water’s surface. Their diet consists largely of aquatic invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks, as well as some plant matter.

Reproduction: Uniquely among ducks, Buffleheads often nest in tree cavities, especially those made by Northern Flickers, a type of woodpecker. The female lays a clutch of about 6 to 11 eggs, which she incubates alone for roughly a month.

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Scientific Name: Plegadis chihi

Length: 18.1-22.1 in

Wingspan: 35.4-36.6 in

Weight: 15.9-18.5 oz

The White-faced Ibis is a wading bird that is most commonly found in the marshes, swamps, and wetlands of the Western United States.

Appearance: The White-faced Ibis stands out for its iridescent dark red-brown body, a slim and curved bill, and long grayish legs. Its name comes from a distinguishing feature seen in adults – a thin band of white feathers around the base of the bill and eye during the breeding season. Its eyes are reddish, which further adds to its distinctive appearance.

Diet: The diet of the White-faced Ibis primarily consists of insects, crustaceans, snails, and small fish. With their long, curved bills, they probe into the soft mud in search of these food items.

Reproduction: The White-faced Ibis typically builds its nest in low shrubs or trees near water bodies, using sticks and other vegetation. It lays a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs that are light blue in color. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs for about three weeks.

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Scientific Name: Larus californicus

Average Length: 18 to 22 in

Average Wingspan: 48–54 in

Average Weight: 0.948 to 2.304 lb

The California Gull is a medium-sized gull species known for its adaptable nature and interesting feeding habits. This gull is known to inhabit a wide range of habitats, including coastlines, lakes, and even garbage dumps in cities.

Appearance: California Gulls are medium-sized birds with a white body, gray wings, and a yellow bill with a distinctive black ring around it. Their legs and feet are greenish-yellow. One interesting aspect of their appearance is their eyes, which are a pale yellow color.

Diet: California Gulls have a very diverse diet. They are known to eat fish, insects, small mammals, eggs, garbage, and sometimes even other birds. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume whatever food is readily available.

Reproduction: These gulls are monogamous, and they breed in colonies, usually on islands in lakes or on the coast. The female lays 2 to 3 eggs in a shallow ground nest made of twigs, grass, and feathers.

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Scientific Name: Larus occidentalis

Average Length: 22 to 27 in

Average Wingspan: 51 to 57 in

Average Weight: 1.8 to 3.1 lb

The Western Gull is a large species of sea bird native to the west coast of North America. They are highly adaptable and can be seen from the coastal areas to urban environments, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

Appearance: Western Gulls are sizable birds featuring a white head and underparts, with a dark gray to black back and wings. They have yellow eyes and a robust, yellow bill marked with a red spot near the tip. Their legs and feet are pinkish in color.

Diet: Western Gulls are opportunistic eaters with a varied diet. They consume a range of food items such as fish, marine invertebrates, eggs, small birds, and carrion. They have also been known to frequent human-inhabited areas, scavenging on discarded food and garbage.

Reproduction: The Western Gull is a colonial nester, typically establishing nesting sites on islands, cliffs, and even rooftops in urban areas. They lay a clutch of 1 to 3 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about a month.

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Scientific Name: Larus heermanni

Average Length: 18.1-20.9 in

Average Wingspan: 40.9-45.3 in

Average Weight: 13.1-22.7 oz

The Heermann’s Gull is a striking seabird endemic to the Pacific coast of North America. Known for their bold interactions with humans, they are a distinctive sight along the coastline.

Appearance: Heermann’s Gulls possess a sleek, gray body with a white head and a distinctive red bill with a black tip. In contrast to many gull species, their legs are also red. Adult Heermann’s Gulls exhibit a dark, smoky gray plumage that, along with their red bill, makes them easy to identify.

Diet: Like many gulls, Heermann’s Gulls are opportunistic feeders. Their diet is varied and includes fish, squid, and other marine life. They have also been known to scavenge from humans and are often seen in harbors and beach areas seeking food.

Reproduction: Heermann’s Gulls breed in colonies on islands off the coast of Mexico. They build nests on the ground and usually lay two or three eggs.

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Scientific Name: Recurvirostra americana

Length: 16–20 in

Wingspan: 27–30 in

Weight: 9.7–14.8 oz

The American Avocet is a distinctive wading bird known for its upturned bill and elegant profile.

Appearance: American Avocets have a unique look with a black and white body, a cinnamon colored neck and head in the summer, and a long, thin, upcurved bill. In winter, the bird’s neck and head turn grayish-white.

Diet: The diet of American Avocets primarily includes aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans and insects. They feed by sweeping their bill from side to side in the water to capture food.

Reproduction: American Avocets often nest in colonies, preferring to build their nests on open ground near water. The female typically lays a clutch of about 3 to 4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents.

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Scientific Name: Himantopus mexicanus

Length: 13.8–15.3 in

Wingspan: 28.1–29.7 in

Weight: 5.3–6.2 oz

The Black-necked Stilt is a distinctively shaped wader known for its long, slender legs and striking color contrast.

Appearance: Black-necked Stilts exhibit a sharp contrast between their black upperparts – head, neck, and back – and their white underparts. They have very long, thin, pink legs and a long, thin, straight black bill.

Diet: Black-necked Stilts primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. They forage in shallow water, often sweeping their bills from side to side to detect prey.

Reproduction: Black-necked Stilts nest on the ground, often near water. The female usually lays a clutch of about 3 to 5 eggs, which are incubated by both parents.

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Scientific Name: Antigone canadensis

Length: 2 ft 7-4 ft 6 in

Wingspan: 16.5–23.6 in

Weight: 4 – 4.5 kg

The Sandhill Crane is a tall, elegant bird known for its impressive size and striking appearance. They are found across North America, in habitats ranging from wetlands to grasslands.

Appearance: Sandhill Cranes are recognized for their tall stature, gray body, long legs, and long neck. Their most distinctive feature is a red forehead, which contrasts with their otherwise primarily gray plumage. During the breeding season, their gray feathers often take on a rusty-brown hue due to them rubbing iron-rich mud onto their feathers.

Diet: Sandhill Cranes are omnivorous birds and their diet is quite diverse, consisting of seeds, grains, berries, insects, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. They are known to forage while walking in shallow water or in fields.

Reproduction: Sandhill Cranes mate for life and their complex courtship dance is a sight to behold. They nest in marshy areas and the female typically lays two eggs.

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Scientific Name: Aythya marila

Length: 15–22 in

Wingspan: 28–33 in

Weight: 1.601–2.998 lb

The Greater Scaup is a diving duck species found across North America, Europe, and Asia. This hardy bird is known for its preference for colder climates and ability to dive to impressive depths in search of food.

Appearance: The male Greater Scaup has a striking black head, neck, and chest, contrasted by a pale gray back and a white underbelly. Their heads have a greenish iridescence, and they have a blue-gray bill. Females, on the other hand, have a brown body with a white band at the base of the bill.

Diet: Greater Scaups are diving ducks and are capable of reaching depths of up to 6 meters to forage. Their diet primarily consists of aquatic invertebrates, such as mollusks and crustaceans, though they also consume plant matter including seeds and aquatic vegetation.

Reproduction: Greater Scaups breed in the northernmost parts of North America and Eurasia. They build nests on the ground near water, often on islands in lakes, shielded by vegetation. The female lays a clutch of around 9 eggs, and is solely responsible for incubation, which lasts about 24 to 28 days.

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Scientific Name: Oxyura jamaicensis

Length: 13.8-16.9 in

Wingspan: 22.1-24.4 in

Weight: 10.6-30.0 o

The Ruddy Duck is a compact diving duck species recognized for its bright blue bill and stiff tail that is often held upright. These small, agile birds are found in wetlands and ponds across the United States.

Appearance: Ruddy Ducks are characterized by their distinct reddish-brown plumage, a blackish cap and nape, and a strikingly blue bill in males. The females are less vibrant, with gray-brown feathers and a dark bill. Both genders display a unique, spiky tail that often sticks upright, especially during courtship displays.

Diet: Ruddy Ducks primarily feed on a diet of aquatic invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. They also consume a variety of aquatic plants and seeds. Their specialized bill allows them to sift through the water and mud to find food.

Reproduction: Ruddy Ducks nest in marshes and ponds with dense vegetation. The female typically lays a clutch of 6 to 10 eggs in a well-concealed nest built from plant material and down.

Listen to Northern Shoveler

Scientific Name: Spatula clypeata

Length: 16 in

Wingspan: 22 in

Weight: 14 oz

The Northern Shoveler is a distinct species of dabbling duck celebrated for its long, spoon-shaped bill, a feature that sets it apart from other ducks and gives the bird its name.

Appearance: Male Northern Shovelers are particularly striking, boasting a green head, yellow eyes, a large black bill, and a white chest, complemented by a chestnut-colored body. Females, on the other hand, feature a more muted color scheme, primarily displaying mottled brown feathers across their bodies and a slate-gray bill.

Diet: The Northern Shoveler’s unique bill is perfectly adapted for its feeding habits. The edges of the bill are furnished with comb-like structures that enable the bird to filter food from water. Their diet predominantly consists of aquatic invertebrates and plant matter, including seeds and algae.

Reproduction: Northern Shovelers typically nest on the ground, concealed within dense, grassy areas close to water bodies. The female lays a clutch of about 9 to 12 eggs and is solely responsible for their incubation, which lasts for about three to four weeks.

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Scientific Name: Melanitta perspicillata

Length: 19 in

Wingspan: 29.9-30.3 in

Weight: 2.31 lb

The Surf Scoter is a distinctive sea duck species predominantly found along the coasts of North America. It’s recognized for its strong, fast flight and gregarious nature, often seen in large flocks.

Appearance: Male Surf Scoters are mainly black with a unique multicolored head – white patches on the forehead and nape, and a large, brightly colored bill with red, yellow, and white shades. Females, conversely, have a more subdued brownish body, with two pale patches on the cheek and at the base of the bill. They also have a dark cap on their heads.

Diet: Surf Scoters primarily feed on a diet of mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. They’re skilled divers, capable of reaching significant depths to capture their prey. Occasionally, they also consume aquatic plants and insects.

Reproduction: Surf Scoters breed in the freshwater lakes and ponds of the northern boreal forests and tundra. The nest, built by the female, is usually situated close to water and is a simple depression lined with plant material and down. She lays a clutch of 5 to 9 eggs and incubates them for about a month.

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Scientific Name: Mergus serrator

Length: 20–24 in

Wingspan: 28–34 in

Weight: 28.2 to 47.6 oz

The Red-breasted Merganser is a fascinating diving duck species, recognized for its swift flight and exceptional diving capabilities. They inhabit freshwater and saltwater environments and are quite common in North America and Eurasia.

Appearance: The Red-breasted Merganser boasts an interesting appearance. Males display a dark green head, bright red eyes, and a distinctive, long reddish-brown breast. Their bodies are mainly grey, and they also have a white collar and a thin, serrated bill. Females are more subdued, featuring a rusty cinnamon head with a shaggy crest and grey body.

Diet: Predominantly includes small fish, which they catch by diving underwater. They can also feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and occasionally amphibians. Their serrated bill helps them grip slippery prey effectively.

Reproduction: The breeding ground for Red-breasted Mergansers is typically near freshwater lakes or rivers. Females build nests in tree cavities, on the ground hidden in vegetation, or use abandoned nests of other birds. The female lays a clutch of 6 to 12 eggs.

Osprey Sound

Scientific Name: Pandion haliaetus

Length: 50–66 cm (19+1⁄2–26 in)

Wingspan: 127–180 cm (50–71 in)

Weight: 0.9–2.1 kg (2 lb 0 oz – 4 lb 10 oz)

The Osprey, a fascinating bird of prey, is universally known for its exceptional hunting prowess and striking physical characteristics. Osprey are dark brown hawks on the upperparts, contrasting beautifully with the predominantly white underparts, and a distinctive dark band that stretches across the eyes towards the sides of its head.

Equipped with specialized talons and a reversible outer toe, the Osprey’s hunting strategy involves a spectacular plunge-dive into bodies of water, often emerging with a fish securely gripped in its claws.

Found on every continent except Antarctica, the Osprey is a cosmopolitan species favoring habitats near water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, reflecting its piscivorous diet. This bird has a diet almost exclusively of fish, making it a unique member of the raptor family and often referred to as the sea hawk or fish hawk. They locate their prey from the air, often hovering before plunging feet-first to capture a fish. When it comes to breeding, Ospreys are monogamous, often mating for life.

They construct large, bulky nests made of sticks, lined with softer materials, and prefer elevated or isolated areas such as treetops or artificial structures like utility poles. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and rearing the chicks.