Birds Of Michigan

Introduction

Birds have for long been free animals left to roam the wild open lands and forests. Even now that a few species are kept as pets, large numbers of birds still exist in the open. This is because of the different habitats to which they can survive and largely due to their independent spirit and ability. Not all birds can fly as some of them cannot. Birds like penguins, ostriches may have wings but are completely flightless. Some birds also are aquatic creatures preferring to stay in the water, while others alternate between land and water bodies. The physical environment plays a significant role in supporting birdlife as they interact with the environment for survival and existence. Birds can be found in every continent in the world, but some regions have more birds native to them than others. This is because the body metabolism of some birds can only adapt to some particular environment that supports their life.

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The region of North America and the United States is blessed with a vast population of rare, endangered, and even new birds species, which greatly excites birders. Birders who would travel far and wide just to catch sight of their favorite creatures would not be disappointed with their journey to America. One of such states where the bird species is numerous is the state of Michigan. This region is known to many as birders’ delight. Apart from birders, common people and plain birdwatchers are assured of satisfactory bird views and a connection to nature. Most of these birds frequent human homes as they are attracted to human beings. While most birds in the state are residents, others are migratory, moving from one region to another during seasons.

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Ecological description of Michigan

The Wolverine State, as it is nicknamed, is the tenth most populous state in America with a population of about ten million people. The state is regarded as the automotive hub of the United States as there are three major automobile companies there with headquarters in Metro Detriot, a major economic center of the state. Its diversified economy involves manufacturing, tourism, agriculture services, and technology.

Ecologically, the state has diverse landforms that provide habitats for numerous plants and animals to live and grow successfully. A large percent of this region is covered in forests, making it the sixth forested state in the country. This abundance in natural grasslands and areas has led to an increase in the protection and conservation of wildlife in the state. About one thousand, eight hundred and fifteen native plants, six hundred and ninety-one animal species, and fifteen thousand species of insects exist in this state. There are also several water bodies in the state which are home to various aquatic organisms. These rich ecological components attract a high influx of tourists, thereby increasing the economic value of tourism.

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Birds of Michigan

Birds are proud residents of the state of Michigan, which makes it stand out as a strategic birding spot. Some of these bird species are known to be permanent residents, while others are seasonal visitors who come with the changing seasons. There are four hundred and fifty species of birds considered native to Michigan. Some of these native birds include the American wigeon, Western grebe, rock pigeon, Willet, Arctic tern, Pacific loon, snowy egret, cattle egret, black vulture, and bald eagle. There are still hundreds of different bird species living in Michigan.

American wigeon

This medium-sized bird is a species of dabbling duck present in North American and is distinguished by its round neck, short neck, and small bill. The American wigeon is a migratory bird that makes a lot of noises. It is a bird commonly found in open wetlands and feeds mostly on vegetation and by dabbling on land. The fact that they feed on plants makes them migrate early before the winter season. In Michigan, they are often seen roaming marshes and other wetlands in their large numbers.

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Western grebe

They are a large member of the waterbird family that builds nests made of plant debris in lakes mixed with marsh vegetation and open water. They are social animals that breed and move in groups even when migrating. Their diet consists of carps, crabs, salamander, and small fishes like herons. This native of Michigan is a beautiful spectacle to watch, much to the joy of birders.

Rock pigeon

This species of birds are relatively comfortable in open and semi-open grasslands and fields. Their love for open areas makes them active residents of this state as Michigan is rich in natural areas like forests, parks, and fields. These birds are very social as they are commonly seen in groups. Rock pigeons feed on grains and plant seeds which can be done as a group or individually. They are largely common as they are abundant numerically.

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Willet

It is the largest bird in the species called shanks which feeds by perking its prey off beds of marshes with its beak. It is also known to occasionally feed on plant residues and materials. Its awkward flying pattern can be an exciting sight for bird lovers who visit the state of Michigan. Largely territorial, they treat their nests with a sense of importance and relevance.

Arctic tern

These bird species are highly migratory as their migrations are by far the longest known in the animal kingdom. These graceful birds fly as well as glide while moving in the air. Their diet changes with the season but usually consists of fishes and crustaceans. These birds usually live for as long as twenty years and raise a few young ones.

Conclusion

Native birds are always beautiful to watch as they are mostly available most times in the year. A birder’s trip to Michigan promises to be a fulfilling one as a result of the vast bird population and enchanting natural environment.