33 Big Birds in California: A Guide to the State’s Largest Birds

California is home to a wide variety of birds, including some of the biggest birds in the world. Now I will explore some of the biggest birds in California, including the California condor, the trumpeter swan, and the great blue heron.

These big birds in California range in size from the California condor, which has a wingspan of up to 10 feet to the trumpeter swan, which can weigh up to 25 pounds.

These birds are massive in size and wingspan, and they play an important role in the state’s ecosystem.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the biggest birds in California. We will learn about their size, their diet, and their habitat.

We will also discuss the threats facing these birds and what we can do to help protect them.

Read More: 33 Small Birds in California

All Types of Big Birds in California

We will learn about their size, their diet, and their habitat. We will also discuss the threats facing these birds and what we can do to help protect them.

• Osprey
• Bald Eagle
• Golden Eagle
• California Condor
• Great Horned Owl
• Turkey Vulture
• Red-tailed Hawk
• Rough-legged Buzzard
• Great Grey Owl
• Ferruginous Hawk
• American White Pelican
• Great Blue Heron
• Great Egret
• Canada Goose
• Swainson’s Hawk
• Peregrine Falcon Pileated Woodpecker
• Sandhill Crane Brown Pelican
• Cormorants
• Glaucous-winged Gull
• Black Vulture
• American Flamingo
• Wild Turkey
• Wood Stork
• Trumpeter Swan
• Sharp-shinned Hawk
• Snowy Egret
• Double-crested Cormorant
• Eurasian Goshawk
• Barred Owl
• Andean Condor
• Turkey Vultures
• Anhinga
• White-tailed Kite

Here are some of the biggest birds that can be found in California:

Andean Condor

The Andean condor is not native to California, but there have been a few sightings of them in the state.

In 2008, an Andean condor was seen flying over the Sierra Nevada mountains. In 2016, another Andean condor was seen in the Mojave Desert.

It is not clear how these condors came to be in California, but it is possible that they were released from captivity or that they migrated from South America.

The Andean condor is the largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere. It has a wingspan of up to 10 feet and a weight of up to 30 pounds.

Andean condors are scavengers, and they feed on the carcasses of dead animals. They are often seen soaring in the sky, and they are a symbol of the Andes Mountains.

It is illegal to keep Andean condors in captivity in the United States, so it is unlikely that these birds will be seen in California again anytime soon.

However, their sightings are a reminder of the amazing diversity of birds that can be found in the state.

Related: 20 Types of Black Birds in California

Osprey

Ospreys are large birds of prey that are found near water bodies throughout California. They are known for their distinctive brown-and-white plumage and their ability to hover in mid-air.

Ospreys have a wingspan of up to 6 feet and can weigh up to 6 pounds. They feed on fish, which they catch by diving into the water.

Ospreys are solitary birds, and they typically build their nests in tall trees near water.

Ospreys are an important part of the California ecosystem. They help to keep fish populations in check, and they also provide food for other animals, such as eagles and bears.

Ospreys are a protected species in California, and it is illegal to disturb them or their nests.

Ospreys are making a comeback in California after being threatened by DDT poisoning in the 1960s and 1970s.

DDT caused the eggshells of ospreys to become thin and brittle, which made it difficult for them to reproduce.

However, DDT was banned in the United States in 1972, and osprey populations have been recovering ever since.

Ospreys are a popular bird to watch, and they can be seen in many different places in California, such as the Salton Sea, Lake Tahoe, and the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are lucky enough to see an osprey, be sure to enjoy its beauty and grace.

Related: 17 Types of Blue Birds in California

Bald Eagle

The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States, and it is a familiar sight in California. Bald eagles are large raptors with brown bodies and white heads and tails. They have a wingspan of up to 7 feet and can weigh up to 14 pounds. Bald eagles feed on fish, waterfowl, and other animals. They are typically found near water bodies, but they can also be found in forests and other habitats.

Golden Eagle

Golden eagles are larger than bald eagles, and they have golden feathers on their heads and necks. They are found in a variety of habitats in California, including mountains, forests, and deserts. Golden eagles prey on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They have a wingspan of up to 8 feet and can weigh up to 15 pounds.

California Condor

The California condor is the largest flying bird in North America. They are scavengers that feed on the carcasses of dead animals. California condors are critically endangered, but there are now a small number of condors living in the wild in California. They have a wingspan of up to 10 feet and can weigh up to 20 pounds.

Great Horned Owl

Great horned owls are large owls that are found throughout California. They are one of the most common owls in the state. Great horned owls are nocturnal predators, and they feed on a variety of small mammals, including rabbits, squirrels, and mice. They have a wingspan of up to 5 feet and can weigh up to 6 pounds.

Turkey Vulture

Turkey vultures are large vultures that are found throughout California. They are often seen soaring in the sky. Turkey vultures are scavengers that feed on the carcasses of dead animals. They have a bald head that helps them keep their feathers clean while they are feeding. They have a wingspan of up to 6 feet and can weigh up to 15 pounds.

Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed hawks are one of the most common hawks in North America, and they can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and grasslands. They are medium-sized hawks with a wingspan of up to 5 feet and a weight of up to 3 pounds. Red-tailed hawks are predators, and they feed on a variety of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are known for their distinctive call, which is a loud, piercing scream.

Rough-legged Buzzard

Rough-legged buzzards are large hawks that are found in open habitats, such as prairies, deserts, and mountains. They have a wingspan of up to 6 feet and a weight of up to 5 pounds. Rough-legged buzzards are predators, and they feed on small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits. They are also known to scavenge on carrion.

Great Grey Owl

Great grey owls are large owls that are found in boreal forests in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 5 feet and a weight of up to 6 pounds. Great grey owls are predators, and they feed on small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits. They are also known to hunt birds and other small animals.

Ferruginous Hawk

Ferruginous hawks are large hawks that are found in open habitats, such as grasslands, deserts, and mountains. They have a wingspan of up to 7 feet and a weight of up to 12 pounds. Ferruginous hawks are predators, and they feed on small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits. They are also known to hunt birds and other small animals.

American White Pelican

American white pelicans are large water birds that are found in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 9 feet and a weight of up to 15 pounds. American white pelicans are filter feeders, and they feed on fish, which they catch by scooping up water in their large pouches. They are often seen flying in large flocks.

Great Blue Heron

Great blue herons are large wading birds that are found in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 7 feet and a weight of up to 7 pounds. Great blue herons are predators, and they feed on fish, frogs, and other small animals. They are often seen standing in shallow water, waiting to ambush their prey.

Great Egret

Great egrets are large wading birds that are found in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 6 feet and a weight of up to 4 pounds. Great egrets are predators, and they feed on fish, frogs, and other small animals. They are often seen standing in shallow water, waiting to ambush their prey.

Canada Goose

Canada geese are large waterfowl that are found in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 7 feet and a weight of up to 15 pounds. Canadian geese are herbivores, and they feed on grasses, seeds, and other plant material. They are often seen in large flocks, and they can be a nuisance in some areas.

Swainson’s Hawk

Swainson’s hawks are large hawks that are found in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 7 feet and a weight of up to 5 pounds. Swainson’s hawks are predators, and they feed on small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits. They are also known to hunt birds and other small animals.

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine falcons are the fastest birds in the world, and they can reach speeds of up to 240 miles per hour. They are found in North America, Europe, and Asia. Peregrine falcons are predators, and they feed on birds, such as pigeons and ducks.

Pileated Woodpecker

Pileated woodpeckers are large woodpeckers that are found in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 3 feet and a weight of up to 2 pounds. Pileated woodpeckers are herbivores, and they feed on insects, nuts, and seeds. They are known for their distinctive drumming sound, which they make by banging their beaks against trees.

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill cranes are large wading birds that are found in North America, Europe, and Asia. They have a wingspan of up to 7 feet and a weight of up to 10 pounds. Sandhill cranes are herbivores, and they feed on grasses, seeds, and other plant material. They are known for their distinctive trumpeting calls, which they make during the breeding season.

Brown Pelican

Brown pelicans are large water birds that are found in North America, South America, and the Caribbean. They have a wingspan of up to 8 feet and a weight of up to 15 pounds. Brown pelicans are filter feeders, and they feed on fish, which they catch by scooping up water in their large pouches. They are often seen flying in large flocks.

Cormorants

Cormorants are large water birds that are found in North America, Europe, and Asia. They have a wingspan of up to 6 feet and a weight of up to 5 pounds. Cormorants are fish-eaters, and they feed on fish by diving underwater. They are often seen perched on rocks or pilings, drying their wings.

Glaucous-winged Gull

Glaucous-winged gulls are large gulls that are found in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 7 feet and a weight of up to 4 pounds. Glaucous-winged gulls are scavengers, and they feed on a variety of food, including fish, small mammals, and garbage. They are often seen near coastal areas and large bodies of water.

Black Vulture

Black vultures are large vultures that are found in North America, South America, and the Caribbean. They have a wingspan of up to 6 feet and a weight of up to 15 pounds. Black vultures are scavengers, and they feed on the carcasses of dead animals. They have a bald head that helps them keep their feathers clean while they are feeding.

American Flamingo

American flamingos are large wading birds that are found in North and South America. They have a wingspan of up to 6 feet and a weight of up to 7 pounds. American flamingos are filter feeders, and they feed on small fish, shrimp, and other aquatic animals. They are often seen in large flocks in shallow water.

Wild Turkey

Wild turkeys are large gamebirds that are found in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 4 feet and a weight of up to 25 pounds. Wild turkeys are omnivores, and they feed on a variety of food, including fruits, nuts, insects, and small animals. They are often seen in forests and woodlands.

Wood Stork

Wood storks are large wading birds that are found in North and South America. They have a wingspan of up to 7 feet and a weight of up to 10 pounds. Wood storks are filter feeders, and they feed on small fish, shrimp, and other aquatic animals. They are often seen in large flocks in shallow water.

Trumpeter Swan

Trumpeter swans are the largest waterfowl in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 10 feet and a weight of up to 30 pounds. Trumpeter swans are herbivores, and they feed on aquatic plants. They are often seen in large flocks on lakes and rivers.

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Sharp-shinned hawks are small hawks that are found in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 2 feet and a weight of up to 1 pound. Sharp-skinned hawks are predators, and they feed on small mammals, such as squirrels and mice. They are often seen flying through forests and woodlands.

Snowy Egret

Snowy egrets are small wading birds that are found in North and South America. They have a wingspan of up to 3 feet and a weight of up to 1 pound. Snowy egrets are predators, and they feed on small fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals. They are often seen standing in shallow water, waiting to ambush their prey.

Double-crested Cormorant

Double-crested cormorants are large water birds that are found in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 5 feet and a weight of up to 5 pounds. Double-crested cormorants are fish-eaters, and they feed on fish by diving underwater. They are often seen perched on rocks or pilings, drying their wings.

Eurasian Goshawk

Eurasian goshawks are large hawks that are found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They have a wingspan of up to 4 feet and a weight of up to 4 pounds. Eurasian goshawks are predators, and they feed on small mammals, such as rabbits and hares. They are also known to hunt birds and other small animals.

Barred Owl

Barred owls are medium-sized owls that are found in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 4 feet and a weight of up to 3 pounds. Barred owls are predators, and they feed on small mammals, such as mice and squirrels. They are often seen at night, and they are known for their distinctive hooting call.

Turkey Vultures

Turkey vultures are large vultures that are found in North and South America. They have a wingspan of up to 6 feet and a weight of up to 20 pounds. Turkey vultures are scavengers, and they feed on the carcasses of dead animals. They have bald head that helps them keep their feathers clean while they are feeding.

Anhinga

Anhingas are large water birds that are found in North and South America. They have a wingspan of up to 5 feet and a weight of up to 5 pounds. Anhingas are fish-eaters, and they feed on fish by diving underwater. They are often seen with their wings spread out to dry, which gives them the appearance of a cross.

White-tailed Kite

White-tailed kites are medium-sized hawks that are found in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 4 feet and a weight of up to 2 pounds. White-tailed kites are predators, and they feed on small mammals, such as rabbits and squirrels. They are often seen flying over open fields and meadows, and they are known for their distinctive acrobatic flight.

Threat of Big Birds in California

Big birds in California, such as raptors and other large species, face several threats. Some of these threats include:

1. Habitat Loss

Big birds are losing their natural homes due to urbanization, agriculture, and development, as humans expand into their territories.

2. Pollution

Chemical contaminants from pesticides, industrial waste, and other sources harm big birds and accumulate in their food, leading to poisoning.

3. Climate Change

Changing weather patterns impact food availability, nesting sites, and migration timing, affecting the survival of big birds.

4. Collisions with Man-Made Structures

Big birds often collide with power lines, wind turbines, and other structures, leading to injuries and death.

5. Illegal Shooting and Poaching

Despite legal protections, some big birds are intentionally harmed through shooting and poaching.

6. Invasive Species

The presence of invasive species, such as feral cats and non-native predators, can threaten nesting sites and disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems, potentially affecting the survival of big bird populations.

7. Disease and Parasites

Like any wildlife population, big birds can be susceptible to diseases and parasites, which can spread and impact their health and reproductive success.

To protect big bird populations, conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, awareness campaigns, and enforcing wildlife protection laws.

12 Easy Ways to Protect Big Birds in California

Big birds in California are facing many threats, but there are things we can do to help protect them. Here are some actions you can take:

1. Support habitat conservation and restoration projects. This means protecting natural areas, creating wildlife corridors, and restoring degraded habitats that big birds rely on.
2. Conduct research and monitor big bird populations. This will help us understand their behavior, migration patterns, and habitat needs so we can develop effective conservation strategies.
3. Raise awareness about the importance of big birds and the threats they face. Educate the public about the role these birds play in ecosystems and the benefits of their conservation.
4. Advocate for policies and practices that reduce pollution in the environment. Reduce the use of harmful pesticides and promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
5. Support initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change and its impacts. Reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy sources to lessen the effects of climate change on big birds and their habitats.
6. Encourage the implementation of bird-safe infrastructure, such as bird-friendly power lines and wind turbines. This will help reduce the risk of collisions.
7. Report and discourage illegal shooting, poaching, and disturbance of big birds. Support law enforcement efforts to protect these birds from intentional harm.
8. Control and manage invasive species that threaten big bird populations. This includes controlling feral cats and other non-native predators that can harm nesting sites and disrupt the ecosystem.
9. Advocate for the establishment and expansion of protected areas, national parks, and wildlife reserves that provide safe havens for big birds.
10. Get involved with local and national conservation organizations that work towards protecting wildlife, including big birds. Volunteer, donate, or participate in their initiatives.
11. If you encounter injured or distressed big birds, contact local wildlife rehabilitation centers. They can provide proper care and release them back into the wild.
12. When visiting natural areas, follow guidelines for responsible wildlife viewing and avoid disturbing nesting sites or sensitive habitats.

By working together, we can ensure the survival and well-being of these magnificent creatures for future generations.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Conclusion

California is home to some of the biggest birds in the world. These birds are impressive in size and wingspan, and they play an important role in the state’s ecosystem. However, these birds are also facing a number of threats, including habitat loss, climate change, and hunting. We must do everything we can to protect these birds and ensure that they continue to thrive in California.