Water and Predatory Birds in the Grand Canyon
Some of the Common Birds Found Along the Colorado River in Arizona
Aug 30, 2009
There are numerous types of animals in Grand Canyon National Park. Many species of birds live in the canyon around Arizona's Colorado River. Water birds, predatory birds, and other kinds of birds, such as songbirds thrive in the canyon, making for a diverse avian community. Following are some of the waterfowl, shorebirds, and predatory birds and vultures that inhabit the canyon.
Waterfowl and Shorebirds in the Grand Canyon
Ducks, such as mallards, wood ducks, American wigeons, and teals, as well as three species of mergansers may be seen frequently in the river, or traveling by wing up or down it. There are also sandpipers, which are small birds with long beaks, that may be spotted poking along the sandy beaches, searching for food. Larger shorebirds, such as avocets and yellowlegs are also present along shores and beaches of the river. Great blue herons are very common along the Colorado River in Arizona, and they will certainly be spotted by rafters and people floating it. Other herons and egrets, such as night herons and snowy egrets are also seen, but they are less common than great blue herons. Common loons, and grebes also swim the Colorado River in Arizona at times.
Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons and other Predatory Birds of the Grand Canyon
Red-tailed hawks are probably the most common hawks that frequents the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but numerous others, such as red-shouldered hawks, broad-winged hawks, black hawks, and zone-tailed hawks cruise the thermals along the canyon's walls. Peregrine falcons and American Kestrels are often spotted pursuing songbirds and small fowl, and prairie falcons are occasionally seen as well. Ospreys are fairly common in the Grand Canyon, as the Colorado River provides them with a steady supply of fish. Although rare, golden eagles do come into the canyon in pursuit of rodents, and bald eagles may come down to scavenge or search for fish. Owls, such as great horned owls, long-eared owls, Saw-whet owls, pygmy owls, screech owls, and barn owls are nocturnal predators present in the canyon.
Vultures, Crows, and Ravens in the Grand Canyon
Turkey vultures are the most common vultures in the canyon. They soar high in the canyon, hoping to catch the scent of dead animals. California condors, though native to the area, are greatly endangered, but they are being introduced in large numbers into the canyon. At a distance, they may identified by their size, and the presence of white feathers under their wings. American crows, and, more notably, common ravens inhabit the canyon. Ravens will carry away people's food and belongings, so it is best to be wary of these birds.
There are many other species of water and predatory birds that may be seen in the Grand Canyon, but these are some of the more common ones. There are also numerous songbirds and other small birds that live along the Colorado River in Arizona.
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