Let’s explore the habitats and homes of some of our common birds!
What do birds need from their homes and habitats?
Birds need somewhere to live that protects them from the weather! They also need to live near the food that they eat.
The traits that birds have give us clues to where this bird might live. Let’s observe some common Chicago birds and explore where they live!
Downy woodpecker
Let’s Observe!
Look how sharp downy woodpecker’s beak is! What might it use such a sharp beak for?
Look how sharp and strong downy woodpecker’s feet and claws are! Could it use its feet to hold on to something?
Look how point downy woodpecker’s tail feathers are! What do you think it uses them for?
Look how fluffy downy woodpecker’s feathers are! How could this help it when it get colder outside?
Where does downy woodpecker live? It lives in and around trees! Downy woodpecker uses its sharp beak to poke holes in the bark of the tree to get to its food, insects! In the winter that same sharp beak is perfect for opening nuts, which are available all winter long! It uses its sharp claws and pointed tail feathers to cling to the side of trees. Birds rely on soft and tightly packed feathers to keep their bodies warm. Their feathers in combination with their warms homes means winter temperatures are no problem for the downy woodpecker.
Canada goose
Let’s Observe!
Look how flat Canada goose’s beak is! Can you guess what it eats?
Look at how flat and wide Canada goose’s feet are! How could it use those feet?
What else do you notice about the Canada goose?
Where does Canada goose live? Near and around water! The Canada goose uses its big, flat beak to eat lots of different things; grass and plants that live near water as well as food they find underneath the water. In the colder months if their water sources freeze, geese will go find food in open fields, grazing on wild grasses, corn kernels, and wheat. The Canada goose uses its wide, webbed feet to paddle on the water. You can see Canada geese all winter in Chicago, though some of them fly south for the winter!
