Forests provide habitat for a diverse range of bird species. The type of birds that live in a particular forest depends on several factors, including the forest’s location, climate, plant diversity, and availability of food, water and shelter. Here we will explore five common bird species found living in forests around the world.
American Robin
The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is one of the most widespread and recognizable songbirds in North America. It is a familiar sight on lawns and in parks, where it hops along the ground in search of earthworms and other insects. But the American Robin is also commonly found in forests across much of the United States and Canada.
American Robins thrive in deciduous and mixed forests, where they nest in the branches of trees and forage for food on the forest floor. They mainly eat invertebrates like worms, beetles, caterpillars and spiders. American Robins will also eat a variety of berries and fruits. In winter they rely more on fruit when insects are scarce.
Male American Robins are known for their cheerful spring song, a familiar “cheerily, cheer up, cheer up, cheerily” call. Their eggs are a beautiful sky blue color. American Robins build a cup-like nest out of grass, twigs and mud, lined with soft materials like feathers or hair. The female incubates the eggs while the male defends the territory and brings food.
Chickadee
Chickadees are tiny acrobatic birds in the paridae family, native to forests across North America. These active little songbirds are a common sight among the tree branches in deciduous and mixed forests. There are several species of chickadees that inhabit forested areas:
- Black-capped Chickadee
- Carolina Chickadee
- Boreal Chickadee
Chickadees have a big round head, short neck, and compact body. Their most distinctive feature is their black cap and throat, with white cheeks and belly. Chickadees are energetic birds, almost constantly in motion as they move among the trees searching for food.
These tiny acrobats feed mainly on insects and other invertebrates, including caterpillars, spiders, beetles and ants. They also eat seeds from trees and shrubs. Chickadees are known for their acrobatic feeding techniques, often hanging upside down from branches to reach their prey.
In winter chickadees make their home in tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. Their forest habitat provides plentiful natural shelters. Chickadees will stash away hundreds of seeds and insects in hiding spots, which they can retrieve during harsh weather when food is scarce.
Woodpecker
Woodpeckers are near-ubiquitous residents of forests around the world. These distinctive birds use their strong beaks to hammer and chisel away at tree trunks in search of wood-boring insects like beetle larvae, ants and termites. There are several woodpecker species commonly found living in forests:
- Downy Woodpecker
- Hairy Woodpecker
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Northern Flicker
- Pileated Woodpecker
In addition to eating insects, woodpeckers dine on fruits, nuts and berries. They use their long, barbed tongues to retrieve insects deep within tree crevices and holes. Their unique feet have two toes facing forward and two facing backward to allow them to tightly grip vertical surfaces.
Woodpeckers create signature rectangular cavities in dead trees for nesting and roosting. Both parents help excavate the nest hole, which takes up to a month. Woodpecker chicks are fed insects like ants, beetles and caterpillars which the parents extract from trees.
Listen for the loud hammering or drumming sounds that give woodpeckers their name, as they communicate and excavate nests throughout the forest.
Owl
Owls are highly skilled nocturnal predators that inhabit forests worldwide. Equipped with impressive hunting adaptations like keen eyesight and hearing, soft feathered wings and sharp talons, owls thrive under the forest canopy.
There are many owl species adapted to forest ecosystems, including:
- Great Horned Owl
- Barred Owl
- Great Grey Owl
- Northern Saw-Whet Owl
Owls nest in the natural cavities of tree trunks and branches. They hunt nightly for small mammals like mice, voles and rabbits, as well as birds, amphibians and insects. The serrated edges of their flight feathers allow owls to fly almost silently, swooping stealthily upon prey.
Some owls, like the Great Grey, are well camouflaged for hunting in mature coniferous forests. Other species have developed plumage to blend in among deciduous trees. With huge eyes adapted for excellent night vision and highly sensitive hearing, owls are supremely equipped for the darkness of the forest.
Grouse
Grouse are plump, chicken-like birds that live year-round in forested areas. Male grouse are known for their elaborate mating displays. There are a variety of grouse species endemic to forests worldwide, including:
- Ruffed Grouse
- Spruce Grouse
- Capercaillie
- Hazel Grouse
- Black Grouse
Grouse spend most of their time on the ground, blending in to their surroundings. Their diet consists of buds, leaves, fruits and seeds. Insects make up the main part of the diet for adults and chicks.
Each species is adapted for life among particular forest types. Ruffed grouse thrive in deciduous forests across much of North America, while Spruce grouse inhabit boreal forests. Males perform elaborate displays during breeding season to attract females.
Hens nest on the forest floor, hatching precocial young that are soon able to forage for insects. Grouse spend most of their lives hidden among the trees and underbrush, exploding into flight when startled.
Conclusion
Forests provide vital habitat for an incredible diversity of bird species. The American Robin, chickadee, woodpecker, owl and grouse represent just a small sampling of the many birds adapted to life among the trees. From the tiniest hummingbird to the mighty eagle, forests support bird life through the resources they provide for feeding, nesting and shelter.
Birds in turn play a crucial role in forest ecosystems. As pollinators and seed dispersers, insect eaters, cavity nesters and nutrient providers through guano, birds help maintain healthy forest habitats. Understanding forest dwelling bird species provides a window into the ecology of these dynamic ecosystems.
