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Wild About Illinois Birds
Crows, Jays, Chickadees, Titmice, Larks and Swallows
Family and Species Gallery
Order Passeriformes - These are birds with adaptations for holding on to thin twigs or stems. Three of the toes on each foot face forward and one backward to help it grasp and balance on small branches.
Family Corvidae (Jays, Crows and Allies) - Crows and their relatives are large birds with a large bill. Crows have black feathers. Jays have at least some feathers that are blue. Male and female corvids have the same coloration. The tail is relatively long. The nostrils are covered with bristles. They eat a variety of foods.
blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
fish crow (Corvus ossifragus)
Family: Paridae (Chickadees and Titmice) - Titmice and chickadees are small, plump birds. The top of the head and neck are often black. Both sexes are similar in appearance, and the young look like small adults. The bill is tiny.
Carolina chickadee (Poecile carolinensis)
black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)
Family Alaudidae (Larks) - The larks have an extended claw on the rear-facing toes. They are generally brown birds that live on land. These birds eat seeds and insects. Only one species is found in North America, the horned lark.
horned lark (Eremophila alpestris)
Family Hirundinidae (Swallows) - Swallows are small, thin birds. They have a stream-lined body. Their feet and bill are extremely small. The wings are long and pointed. Swallows are graceful flyers. Sexes are similar in appearance (except for the purple martin).
bank swallow (Riparia riparia)
tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
northern rough-winged swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)
purple martin (Progne subis)
barn swallow (Hirundo rustica)
cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)
cave swallow (Petrochelidon fulva)