Mary Allen
Introduction: Birds of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is a vital source of life for many bird species. It spans over 2,300 miles from its source in Minnesota to its outlet in the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, it provides a diverse habitat for many birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds. Let’s take a closer look at some of the birds that call the Mississippi River their home.
Bald Eagle: Icon of the River
The bald eagle is perhaps the most iconic bird of the Mississippi River. It is a powerful raptor that feeds on fish, waterfowl, and small mammals. The bald eagle’s range covers much of North America, but it is particularly associated with the Mississippi River. Bald eagles can be seen soaring along the riverbanks or perched in tall trees near the water’s edge. They are a symbol of strength and freedom and have been protected by federal law since 1940.
Pelicans: Majestic Fishers
Pelicans are another prominent bird species found along the Mississippi River. The American white pelican is a migratory visitor, while the brown pelican is a year-round resident of the Gulf of Mexico. Pelicans are known for their distinctive pouches, which they use to scoop up fish from the water. They are also skilled at catching fish in mid-air, diving from great heights to make their catch. Pelicans are a majestic sight to behold, with their large wingspans and graceful movements. They are a true symbol of the beauty and diversity of the Mississippi River.
Osprey: Skilled Hunters
The osprey is a medium-sized bird of prey that is found along the Mississippi River. It is also known as the “fish hawk” because it feeds almost exclusively on fish. The osprey is a skilled hunter, diving into the water feet-first to catch its prey. It has reversible outer toes that help it grasp fish securely, and it can carry its catch in its talons while flying. The osprey is a migratory bird that spends its winters in Central and South America. It is a fascinating bird to watch as it hunts and fishes along the Mississippi River.
Great Blue Heron: Elegant Waders
The great blue heron is a large wading bird that is common along the Mississippi River. It has long, slender legs and a distinctive long neck that it uses to catch fish, frogs, and other small animals. The great blue heron is an elegant bird that can often be seen standing motionless in shallow water, waiting for its prey to come within striking distance. It is also known for its loud, guttural calls, which are a common sound along the riverbanks.
Belted Kingfisher: Distinctive Call
The belted kingfisher is a small bird that is easily recognized by its distinctive call. It is a year-round resident of the Mississippi River and feeds primarily on fish. The belted kingfisher is known for its ability to hover in mid-air before plunging headfirst into the water to catch its prey. It has a distinctive blue-gray coloration with a white collar that gives it its name. The belted kingfisher is a charming bird that adds to the diversity of life along the Mississippi River.
Wood Duck: Colorful Residents
The wood duck is a colorful and distinctive bird that is found along the Mississippi River. It is a year-round resident that feeds on a variety of food, including acorns, berries, and insects. The male wood duck has a vibrant plumage of red, green, and white, while the female has a more muted brown and gray coloration. Wood ducks are known for their distinctive calls and are a common sight along the riverbanks.
American White Pelican: Migratory Visitors
The American white pelican is a migratory visitor to the Mississippi River. It breeds in the northern United States and Canada and spends its winters in the southern United States and Mexico. The American white pelican is a large bird with a wingspan of up to nine feet. It feeds primarily on fish and can often be seen swimming in large groups along the river. The American white pelican is a majestic bird that adds to the beauty of the Mississippi River.
Common Loon: Aquatic Calls
The common loon is a distinctive bird that is found along the Mississippi River. It is a migratory bird that breeds in the northern United States and Canada and spends its winters in the southern United States and Mexico. The common loon is known for its haunting aquatic calls, which are a common sound along the riverbanks. It is also known for its distinctive black-and-white plumage and its ability to dive deep into the water to catch fish.
Red-winged Blackbird: Common Songster
The red-winged blackbird is a common songbird that is found along the Mississippi River. It is a year-round resident that feeds on a variety of food, including insects, seeds, and fruits. The male red-winged blackbird has a distinctive red-and-yellow shoulder patch that it displays during courtship displays. The red-winged blackbird is known for its cheerful song, which is a common sound along the riverbanks.
Double-crested Cormorant: Diver and Fisherman
The double-crested cormorant is a large bird that is found along the Mississippi River. It is a year-round resident that feeds primarily on fish. The double-crested cormorant is known for its diving ability, which it uses to catch its prey. It has a distinctive hooked bill and a long, slender neck. The double-crested cormorant is a fascinating bird to watch as it dives and fishes along the Mississippi River.
Trumpeter Swan: Impressive Waterfowl
The trumpeter swan is an impressive waterfowl that is found along the Mississippi River. It is a year-round resident that feeds on aquatic plants and small animals. The trumpeter swan is known for its large size and distinctive trumpet-like call. It has a snow-white plumage and a long, graceful neck. The trumpeter swan is a beautiful bird that adds to the diversity of life along the Mississippi River.