As spring continues to bloom, the nesting season for birds is in full swing. While some birds are still in the process of building their nests, others have already welcomed their young into the world. The sight of baby birds can be a heartwarming experience, but recognizing them may not always be as easy as it seems.
Some local birds have what are known as precocial young, meaning that they are able to see, move, and feed themselves almost immediately after hatching. These young birds are much smaller than their parents and covered in downy feathers, making them easy to identify. Popular species with precocial young include Mallards, Canada geese, swans, and pied-billed grebes. Visitors to local ponds such as Las Gallinas in San Rafael or Stafford Lake in Novato may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these adorable baby birds.
In addition to waterfowl, the North Bay is also home to a variety of shorebirds with precocial young, such as American avocets, black-necked stilts, and killdeers. These fuzzy babies can often be seen trotting along after their parents on long, gangly legs. Even in wooded areas or neighborhoods, birds like turkeys and quail may have precocial young that are already on the move.
For most backyard birds, however, the young are altricial, meaning they are born helpless and dependent on their parents for care. These young birds will remain in the nest for several weeks before venturing out into the world. When they do emerge, they will be fully grown and indistinguishable in size from their parents. Instead of size, clues to their youth can be found in their plumage and behavior.
Some species of recently fledged backyard birds may have distinctive patterns that set them apart from their parents. For example, young robins and bluebirds may have speckled breasts, while young spotted towhees and dark-eyed juncos may have streaky patterns. One common indicator of youth is the unfeathered area around the edge of the beak known as the gape, which is often prominent in young birds.
In addition to plumage, behavior can also provide clues to a bird’s youth. Young birds may exhibit begging behavior, following their parents around while fluttering their wings and opening their mouths to request food. They may also appear clumsier or less confident in flight or while foraging for food.
As May unfolds, bird enthusiasts are encouraged to visit local ponds to enjoy the sight of ducklings and goslings. In their own yards, they can keep an eye out for fledglings with distinctive patterns or behaviors that indicate their youth. The month of May is a wonderful time to observe the cycle of life in the avian world, as young birds eagerly seek nourishment from their devoted parents.
Whether you’re watching ducklings take their first swim or observing fledglings testing their wings, the sights and sounds of young birds in spring are sure to bring joy and wonder to birdwatchers of all ages. So grab your binoculars, head outdoors, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature’s newest arrivals.