Hobbies And Interests
Ruddy Turnstone
The Ruddy Turnstone can be identified by the black markings found on its face and breast. Its legs and feet are orange and the Ruddy has a short bill. While in flight, the Ruddy Turnstone's most telltale feature is his under-wing area, which is made up of brown, black and white patterns.
Yellow-headed Blackbird
The yellow-headed blackbird can be easily spotted because, just as its name states, it has a yellow head, called the "hood" and a black body. Its body, however, does also contain some white patches.
Long-billed Dowitcher
The Long-billed Dowitcher is in the sandpiper family and can be easily spotted by its long, slender bill. Unlike common sandpipers, its build is stocky instead of tall and slender. There's also a black line running on each side from the bill through the eyes and to the top of the head. While the majority of its upper body is dark brown, often with white spots, its underside is slightly lighter with a reddish brown color.
Common Grackle
The Common Grackle is a bird you'd likely mistake for a common blackbird or a crow, but instead you will notice a silver sheen on the feathers that distinguishes it from other black birds. The Common Grackle also has bright yellow eyes, easily seen from afar while bird watching. Although it is quite similar to the blackbird, it has a longer tail to even further identify it.
Brewer's Blackbird
The Brewer's Blackbird is known for its overall black color. It has a short head with bright yellow eyes if it's a male. Females still have yellow eyes, but they are duller. While this bird may be mistaken for the Common Grackle, you'll be able to distinguish it by the completely black feathers and the shorter tail and head.
Roadrunner
The Roadrunner is the state bird of New Mexico and can be found on the ground more than in the sky. This bird is found running all around New Mexico, which is one of its main identifiers. Other than its quick-paced run/walk, the bird has a bushy crest (chest) and a dark bill. Often you'll notice roadrunners by the blueish hue in their front feathers.
Black-Chinned Hummingbird
The Black-Chinned Hummingbird looks like most hummingbirds you'll see around the country, with the exception of its black hood (if he's male) and a dark, forked tail. Females of the species can be spotted by their dark-colored tails with white tips. Both birds have slim beaks.