These birds can often be found near homes in South Jordan. You’ll increase your chances of seeing birds by putting out a feeder and/or visiting the bird’s natural habitat. There are some helpful links at the bottom of the page.
The California Gull is our state bird. You can find them anywhere there is a lot of food available–especially people food.
Black Billed Magpies are related to crows and ravens. Both the males and the females have the same beautiful coloring.
The House Sparrow was introduced from Europe and can now be found throughout America. They often gather near outdoor seating at restaurants to forage for crumbs.
The Mallard is one for the most recognizable species of ducks. You can find them near ponds and slow moving water. The male is much more colorful than the female.
The pigeon is both loved and hated by many people. These birds are considered pests in some areas, but they are also social, intelligent birds with amazing flying and homing abilities.
The American Goldfinch is a beautiful bird that likes to eat from feeders. The female bird is a duller color of yellow.
The California Quail is a ground-nesting bird. You may see them eating seeds that have spilled from a feeder. They like a lot of bushes to hide in. They are easy to identify because of their unique display feathers on the top of their heads.
The Canada Goose was once migratory but now stays in Utah year round. These large birds are often found near open water or recently plowed fields.
The American Crow lives just about anywhere people can be found. They are opportunistic feeders, which means they will eat almost anything. You can often find them stealing garbage or eating road kill. They are one of the most intelligent birds in the world.
The House Finch is a very common bird at feeders in Utah. The males are bright red in the spring and summer with the females being mostly brown with a dull red head.
The Mourning Dove is a relative to the common pigeons you see around cities. They make a soft “whooo-whooo” noise that is often mistaken for an owl. They like to eat seeds off the ground and may be seen under a feeder eating spilled food.
The American Robin is a common bird in Utah in the spring time. They have a cheerful call and lay sky blue eggs. They are insect eaters and won’t eat from a feeder.
The European or Common Starling is an introduced species. That means they are not originally from Utah. These birds spend the summers in pairs raising their babies. In the fall and winter, starlings gather together in huge flocks. They are fun to watch when they all fly together in swirling clouds of birds.
One of the best places to watch birds in our area is the Jordan River Parkway. Birds are attracted to the water and lush vegetation. The following link provides a list of commonly seen birds on the parkway as well as more information about where to get on the trail. http://jordanrivercommission.com/learn/birds-2/ The National Audubon Society has been promoting bird watching and bird conservation for more than 100 years. On their kids page, you can play games, watch bird videos, and learn how you can help protect the birds. http://web4.audubon.org/educate/kids/ The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has some great tips on basic birding skills. You can learn how to use binoculars and a bird guide to identify birds by size, shape, color, habitat, and behavior. http://www.allaboutbirds.org/page.aspx?pid=1270
The Painted Otter 