Winter Wildlife: Birds

Solid black, larger than a crow. It likes to ride the air currents up high. Usually seen in pairs-they mate for life. Chortles, cackles and caws are among the many sounds this intelligent bird can make. Likes to perch on the treetops. Look there first if you hear one. It's also a scavenger.

Light gray, size of a robin. Commonly seen at outdoor eating areas- will take food out of people's hands. The Flyers snack bar and the deck at Solitude are good places to see one. Stores food in tree branches to eat later. It retains heat by puffing its feathers to trap insulating air.

Small gray, black and white bird - has a black eye stripe. They like to hang out in small flocks. Its call is "chick-a-dee-dee-dee". They usually flock between the American Eagle and Green Acres.

A type of grouse-solid white plumage in winter. A ground dweller that lives at tree line. They eat willow buds and are not commonly seen. It may burrow into the snow for protection from the wind and for warmth. Its feathered feet are unique in the bird family. Its change to white is believed to be triggered by the shortening of daylight hours creating a hormonal change. Changing white and blending in with the snow provides protection from predators.

Although another grouse, this one does not turn white in winter. It stays a mottled gray-brown. They enjoy buds and needles of conifers during the winter.

Very rare, but when seen is usually soaring very high over the mountain.