Waterbirds
Because of Florida's extensive coastline and various wetland habitats, as well as several lakes, rivers, swamps and marshes, species of waterbirds in Florida are abundant. The Wood Stork is an wading waterbird that grows over four feet tall. This bird feeds on crayfish, immature alligators, fish and snakes in marshes and swamps near mangrove and cypress trees where they nest. A land-grazing waterbird with a characteristic patch of red skin on the top of their heads, the Sandhill Crane can be found in freshwater marshes, as well as in pastures and farmlands. Some Floridian birds, such as the Anhinga, are diving waterbirds that feed themselves by diving and then swimming underwater to catch fish. The American Coot and the Wood Duck are two waterbirds that live around lakes in Florida. These birds eat aquatic plants, congregate in large groups and can usually be seen floating along the surface of the water.
Forest and Prairie Birds
In addition to many aquatic habitats, Florida is also home to over 1.2 million acres of national forests and over one million acres of state forests. These forest habitats contain a wide variety of land birds, such as the Mourning Warbler, which lives in the dense underbrush of wooded areas and feeds on insects found there. The Florida Grasshopper Sparrow lives in dry prairies and forages in the grass for insects and seeds.
Raptors
There are many species of raptors, or predatory birds, found throughout Florida. One of these birds is the American Kestrel, a falcon that lives at the edge of fields and hunts insects, small animals and lizards. The Florida Snail Kite lives in wetland areas and has a diet consisting almost entirely of apple snails found there. Living on prairies and ranches in south-central Florida, the Crested Caracara feeds primarily on insects, frogs and snakes. The Barred Owl is a nocturnal hunter that stands two feet tall and preys on crayfish, mice, frogs and rabbits found in swamps throughout Florida.
Game Birds
Several approved species of birds are hunted for sport throughout Florida, such as the Northern Bobwhite, which lives in the brush of pine forests. It is a medium-sized bird with a round body that eats seeds and insects found on the forest floor. Two species of turkey, the Florida Wild Turkey and the Eastern Wild Turkey, are also commonly hunted in Florida.