9 Birds That Spend Their Winters in Nevada

Nevada is teeming with life, and its rich landscape and various different habitats are the perfect place for animals to thrive. There are more than 480 species of birds that call Nevada home. Although some of these species are migratory and only spend part of the year within the state, there are many that are resident in the state all year round. So, let’s take a look at some of the birds that spend their winters in Nevada!

1. House Sparrow

The first bird on the list is the house sparrow, which can be seen all year round in the state. House sparrows are fairly small birds, approximately six inches long and with a wingspan of seven to 10 inches. They typically have a gray or brown appearance with lighter underparts and white cheeks. House sparrows are an introduced species in Nevada but are widespread across the state and live in a variety of habitats, including in residential areas. However, they are often considered to be a pest because they frequently compete with other birds when nesting, even sometimes killing chicks in existing nests so that they can use the spot.

2. House Finch

Next is the house finch, which is another fairly small bird with a length of five to six inches and a wingspan of up to 10 inches. They typically have a brownish appearance, although males often have reddish-colored heads and shoulders. House finches are permanent residents in Nevada. They live in a variety of open and semi-open habitats, including deserts and farmland, although they may also be seen in urban areas. House finches do not eat insects, instead feeding exclusively on seeds, berries, and grains.

3. California Quail

Another bird seen throughout the winter in Nevada are California quail, also sometimes known as the valley quail. California quails are approximately 10 inches long and have a distinctive forward-curved crest on their heads. Both males and females have reddish-brown and white-patterned bellies, but males typically have a mix of grey and brown plumage across the rest of their bodies. They also have black faces that are outlined with white. Females are usually more brownish-colored and do not have the striking facial markings. California quail typically nest on the ground in areas such as woodlands or shrubland. They are common across the state but are a state-protected species.

4. Mourning Dove

Also known as turtle doves, mourning doves are a particularly abundant species and inhabit urban areas as well as farmland and woodlands. They are approximately 12 inches long and are greyish-white with black spots on their wings. Mourning doves are named for their mournful cooing sound. They typically form monogamous pairs and can be found across a variety of habitats across the state.

5. Red-Winged Blackbird

A bird with a particularly striking appearance is the red-winged blackbird, which has black plumage with red bars on its wings. These birds are around nine inches long with a wingspan of 12 to 16 inches. They typically live in open habitats, such as fields, and eat a variety of seeds, insects, and spiders.

6. Red-Tailed Hawk

Another common bird that you can see during the winter in Nevada is the red-tailed hawk, which inhabits most regions of the state. Red-tailed hawks are between 18 and 24 inches long, with females being slightly larger. They also have a large wingspan of almost five feet. Red-tailed hawks are typically dark brown on their upper sides and pale-colored on their underside, where they also often have dark markings. As their name suggests, they also have a reddish-colored tail. Red-tailed hawks nest in particularly high trees, often in woodlands.

7. American Robin

Another bird that you can spot during the winter in Nevada is the American robin, which can often be spotted in backyards as well as in fields and woodlands. These pretty songbirds have greyish-brown plumage with a darker head but vibrant orange undersides. They are eight to 11 inches long and have a wingspan between 12 and 16 inches.

8. Great-Horned Owl

The most common owl in Nevada is the great-horned owl, and these birds are resident all year round. They are nocturnal birds, meaning that you can typically see them at dawn and dusk. Great-horned owls range between 19 and 35 inches, with a wingspan of a little over 4.5 feet. They are greyish-brown with reddish-brown faces and a white patch on the underside of their throat. Great-horned owls live in a wide variety of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, woodlands, and even residential areas. They eat a wide range of small mammals but also prey on birds, reptiles, and amphibians when the opportunity arises.

9. American Kestrel

The final bird on the list is the American kestrel, which is the smallest falcon in the state. American kestrels are only nine to 12 inches long, with a wingspan of 20 to 24 inches. They have a striking appearance, with males sporting blueish heads and wings with reddish-colored bodies and dark barred markings. Females have a very different appearance and lack the distinctive blue markings, instead having reddish coloring across their body with dark barring. However, both have paler-colored undersides. American kestrels are widespread across the state and live in a variety of habitats.

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