Rhode Island is a state in New England, in the northeastern United States. It has an extensive coastline that provides a variety of habitats such as estuaries, saltwater marshes, tidal zones, and mudflats. Inland, habitats are characterized by the presence of Appalachian oak forest and white pines, as well as freshwater wetlands.
This state has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. It provides an ideal location for a small selection of waterbirds, some of which reside in the state year-round, while many simply pass through on their migratory journeys two times a year.
Rhode Island Water Birds
1) Pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
- Native to North America
- Order: Podicipediformes
- Family: Podicipedidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The pied-billed grebe is a small, chunky bird, which with its slightly fluffy plumage and large eye, has an almost-juvenile appearance. Individuals are 30 – 38 cm (1 ft – 1 ft 3 in) in length and have a wingspan of 45 – 62 cm (1 ft 6 in – 2 ft). The plumage of this bird is brown, with darker feathers on the head and back – during breeding season, the throat turns black. The bill is usually yellow, however during breeding it becomes white with a dark black band around it.
This species resides on ponds, lakes, or marshes – when selecting a nesting site, pied-billed grebes prefer stands of sparse emergent vegetation that are separated by channels of deep water, usually in areas a decent distance from shore. The preferences help to protect against nest predators. Both sexes are involved in incubation and parental care.
Podilymbus podiceps feeds predominantly on aquatic invertebrates such as crustaceans and mollusks, although it may also consume fish. Remarkably, there have been reports of the pied-billed grebe also consuming other birds such as songbirds.
2) Double-crested cormorant (Nannopterum auritum)
- Native to North America
- Order: Suliformes
- Family: Phalacrocoracidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Double-crested cormorants are striking birds; they have an upright posture and can often be seen standing with their wings spread. These birds grow to lengths of 70 – 90 cm (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 11 in) and have a wingspan of 114 – 123 cm (3 ft 9 in – 4 ft). The plumage is brown-black, with brown patterning on the wings. The face is yellow, eyes blue, and the hooked bill is pale in color. This bird earns its name due to a double crest of white feathers on the head.
Small numbers of Nannopterum auritum can be found wintering along the coast of Rhode Island. These birds spend some of their time swimming but can also be seen perched on rocky outcrops or in trees. They dive in search of their prey, which is usually fish but may also include invertebrates. One report found that the stomachs of double-crested cormorants contained eels.
3) Common loon (Gavia immer)
- Native to North America
- Order: Gaviiformes
- Family: Gaviidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common loon is large, reaching lengths of 66 – 91 cm (2 ft 2 in – 3 ft), with a wingspan of 104 – 131 cm (3 ft 5 in – 4 ft 4 in). The breeding plumage of this bird is unmistakable: the head is black with a red eye and a dark, dagger-like bill, while the chest is white with vertical black stripes, and the back is black with distinctive white spots. Outside of breeding season, the plumage fades into more subtle gray and white.
Gavia immer can be found across much of Rhode Island, especially in areas with clear, deep water. During winter populations tend to be seen more along the coast, in bays and estuaries, whereas in breeding season, this bird is considered a habitat specialist and requires large lakes with clear water and surrounding forest.
When breeding, the common loon becomes highly territorial, displaying behaviors such as bill-dipping and raising the neck. Both parents incubate the nest and care for the young, with females typically laying two eggs.
4) Wood duck (Aix sponsa)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The wood duck is 47 – 54 cm (1 ft 7 in – 1 ft 9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 66 – 73 cm (2 ft 2 in – 2 ft 5 in). Individuals have a long tail, slender neck, and large crest. Females are plain brown in coloration, with a white ring around the eye and a blue patch on the wings. In contrast, males display a vibrant chestnut-colored chest, tan sides, a dark back, and an iridescent green head with white lines across the face.
Aix sponsa is successful in Rhode Island, which has been attributed to the restoration of breeding habitat and provision of nest boxes. The preferred habitat of this species is wooded lakes or rivers, and the closer the nest site is to water the better. The diet of the wood duck includes invertebrates, seeds, fruits, and tubers.
During breeding season, the female lays between nine and fourteen eggs, which she incubates alone. The chicks are precocial and leave the nest very soon after hatching, following which they are tended by the female for around six weeks.
5) American wigeon (Mareca americana)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American wigeon reaches 42 – 59 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 11 in) in length and has a wingspan of 84 cm (2 ft 9 in). This duck has a compact build, and females are brown in color with a gray-brown head and a dark patch around the eye. Males have cinnamon-colored plumage on the side and chest, while the back is slightly paler. The neck is mottled brown, and the head is iridescent green with a bright white crown. Both sexes have a pale gray bill with a black tip.
Mareca americana can be found on marshes, lakes, and fields. Its diet is composed largely of plant material, such as musk grass, pondweeds, and seeds – individuals will often steal food from coots, taking some of the plant material that the coot has brought to the surface after a dive.
The courtship behavior of male American wigeons is complex and may include territorial behavior towards other males; common behaviors include tail wagging, body shakes, and wing flapping.
6) Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The great blue heron is a very large wading bird, reaching 97 – 137 cm (3 ft 2 in – 4 ft 6 in) in length, with a wingspan of 167 – 201 cm (5 ft 6 in – 6 ft 7 in). Its legs are extremely long and thin, and it has a thick, pointed yellow bill. The plumage of this bird is blue-gray, with long plumes on the head, chest, and wings. There is a thick black stripe above the eye, which extends into the crest.
This species can be found along marshes, shores, and tide flats, where it stalks through the water in search of its prey. Individuals are commonly found in areas with both emergent and submerged vegetation, and during breeding season they utilize rocks, trees, and cliffs on which to build their nests.
In the breeding season when the herons have selected their mates, they perform a number of fascinating pair displays. These include snapping the mandibles together to make a noise, preening while orienting themselves toward the other bird, circling in flight with the neck extended, and shaking branches in close proximity to the nest.
7) Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The bufflehead is small with a stout build – individuals reach lengths of just 32 – 40 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 4 in) and have a wingspan of 55 cm (1 ft 10 in). The plumage of the female is gray-brown, with darker wings and a paler underside – females also have a white patch across the cheek. Males have very striking coloration: a white body, black back, and a dark, iridescent head with a white patch wrapping around the back of it.
Bucephala albeola winters in Rhode Island, where it is often seen on salt bays, although it may also be found on lakes, ponds, and rivers. The diet of the bufflehead includes crustaceans and mollusks, which individuals forage for by diving underwater.
Buffleheads are monogamous, and the males perform complex courtship displays: they flap their wings, puff out their head and cheek feathers, and bob their beaks in the water. After mating, the female lays eight to ten eggs and cares for the young alone.
8) Canada goose (Branta canadensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Canada goose is a heavy-bodied bird, reaching 76 – 110 cm (2 ft 6 in – 3 ft 7 in) in length, with a wingspan of 127 – 170 cm (4 ft 2 in – 5 ft 7 in). The plumage of this goose is dark brown across the back, fading to a paler brown on the underside, while the neck and head are black with a crisp white chinstrap.
Branta canadensis is flexible in terms of its habitat use, although commonly resides on lakes, marshes, or in fields. When selecting a habitat in which to nest, these birds seek areas with plenty of cover and usually construct their nests on islands as a protective measure against terrestrial predators.
Rhode Island has both resident Canada geese, which remain in the state all year round, and is also visited by migrating geese in the spring and fall. Excessive numbers of these birds can be a nuisance due to the mess they create, and the potential for them to display aggressive behavior toward humans during the breeding season.
9) Snowy egret (Egretta thula)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The snowy egret is 56 – 66 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 2 in) in length and has a wingspan of 100 cm (3 ft 3 in). This bird has an upright posture and a slender build, with long legs and a long, thin neck. The plumage is pure white, while the legs and bill are black, with a yellow face and yellow feet.
Egretta thula breeds along the coast of Rhode Island. As well as being found along the shoreline, this species can also be seen in swamps and lakes, where it forages by walking slowly and stirring the water with its feet. This action is thought to disturb the aquatic insects and crustaceans on which the snowy egret feeds. When pursuing fish this bird stands very still, and may also vibrate its bill in the water, a motion that attracts some fish species.
10) Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The cattle egret is a relatively small and compact member of Ardeidae, reaching just 46 – 56 cm (1 ft 6 in – 1 ft 10 in) in length, with a wingspan of 88 – 96 cm (2 ft 11 in – 3 ft 2 in). It has a shorter neck and legs than most herons. This bird is entirely white in color, with a yellow bill and yellow legs. During breeding season, individuals develop golden plumes on the head, chest, and back.
Bubulcus ibis winters in Rhode Island, however it is ranked as critically imperiled within the state. Potential threats to this species include habitat degradation or loss, and persecution in areas where it may be considered a nuisance.
This species can be found on farms or marshes, where, as the name suggests, it is often associated with cattle. Cattle egrets feed on a variety of insects, crustaceans, mollusks, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.
11) Hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The hooded merganser is a small species of duck that attains lengths of 40 – 49 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 7 in) and has a wingspan of 60 – 66 cm (2 ft – 2 ft 2 in). This bird has an enormous, rounded crest, and a short, thin bill. The plumage of females is gray-brown, with a warmer brown crest, while males display a black back, chestnut-colored sides, a white chest, and black head with a white patch on the crest.
Lophodytes cucullatus can be found throughout Rhode Island, particularly during the breeding season. This species resides on wooded lakes, rivers, or ponds – they rely on cavities in trees or nest boxes in which to construct their nests. Females incubate the eggs alone, and the young are precocial, leaving the nest the day after hatching. The young can find all of their own food, with the diet of this species typically including fish, crayfish, aquatic insects, and mollusks.
12) Tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The tundra swan is very large, reaching 120 – 147 cm (3 ft 11 in – 4 ft 10 in) in length, with a wingspan of 168 cm (5 ft 6 in). In contrast to their heavy body, these birds have very long, slender necks. Their plumage is pure white, and they have a black bill with a yellow spot at the base.
Cygnus columbianus winters in Rhode Island, where it can be seen on lakes, rivers, or in estuaries and flooded fields. During summer, this species migrates north to the Arctic tundra to breed – individuals may also pass through Rhode Island on their migratory journeys. The diet of the tundra swan consists largely of plant material, although it may occasionally consume small aquatic invertebrates.
Although the conservation status of this species is that of least concern, populations may experience declines due to habitat loss and degradation, and pollution. It is also hunted for sport.
13) Snow goose (Anser caerulescens)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The snow goose is a heavy-bodied bird with a thick neck. It grows to 69 – 83 cm (2 ft 3 in – 2 ft 9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 138 cm (4 ft 6 in). Two color morphs exist in this species: blue and white. The white morph has entirely white plumage with the exception of black wingtips, while the blue morph is black in color with a white face. All individuals have a ‘grin patch’ on the bill, which gives them the appearance of smiling.
Anser caerulescens can be seen in Rhode Island on its migratory journeys in spring and fall, and some populations winter along the coast. It resides on lakes, marshes, and in grain fields – individuals can vary their diet depending on what is available within the habitat, switching between herbivory and grains.
14) Northern pintail (Anas acuta)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The northern pintail is a large duck, growing to 51 – 76 cm (1 ft 8 in – 2 ft 6 in) in length, with a wingspan of 86 cm (2 ft 10 in). This bird has a slender, elegant appearance, and the male has a very long, pointed tail. Females have mottled brown plumage with a paler head, while males have gray backs and wings, with a white chest and throat and chocolate head. Males also have an iridescent green patch on the wing, which can only be seen in flight.
This species can be found on marshes, prairies, and lakes, and has been found to alter its habitat use to seek more refuge areas during hunting season. Individuals feed on plant material, particularly seeds, through fall and winter, whereas in spring and summer, they consume more shoots and insects.
Although the conservation status of the northern pintail is that of least concern, populations are decreasing. Threats to this species include hunting and the loss of wetland habitat.
15) American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American bittern grows to 60 – 85 cm (2 ft – 2 ft 9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 92 cm (3 ft). In comparison with other members of Ardeidae, this species has relatively short legs and a stocky build with a thick neck. Its coloration consists of streaks of brown, tan, and white, providing it with excellent camouflage against reedy vegetation.
Botaurus lentiginosus breeds in Rhode Island, often nesting in areas with a greater proportion of dead vegetation, and preferring areas with shorter vegetation. This species has a very varied diet including frogs, crustaceans, small mammals, fish, salamanders, and snakes – it has even been found to predate on other birds.
Females lay three to five eggs, which she incubates and rears alone, regurgitating food for the young for the first four weeks of their life. The juveniles are thought to make their first flight at seven or eight weeks.
16) Common merganser (Mergus merganser)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common merganser is a large duck that reaches lengths of 54 – 71 cm (1 ft 9 in – 2 ft 4 in) and has a wingspan of 86 cm (2 ft 10 in). This bird has a thin bill with a slight hook at the tip, and females possess a shaggy crest on the back of the head. The female has a gray body with a paler chest, and her head is a cinnamon color. Males have much more striking coloration, with a white body, black back, and a dark, iridescent head. Both sexes have a vibrant pinkish-red bill.
Mergus merganser can be seen wintering in Rhode Island but is not typically seen there at other times of the year. During winter, this species can be found in reservoirs and wetlands, where it feeds on fish, shrimp, mussels, and plant material. Common mergansers have been found to feed most intensively at sunrise and sunset during the winter months.
17) Lesser scaup (Aythya affinis)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The lesser scaup grows to 39 – 46 cm (1 ft 3 in – 1 ft 6 in) and has a wingspan of 68 – 78 cm (2 ft 3 in – 2 ft 7 in). The plumage of the female is brown, with a darker brown head and a white patch next to the bill. In contrast, the breeding male has white sides, a black and white mottled back, black tail and chest, and a dark head that, upon closer examination, has an iridescent purple or green sheen to it.
This species can be seen passing through Rhode Island on its migratory journeys in spring and fall, usually making use of lakes and estuaries along its route. Aythya affinis consumes a diet of snails, aquatic insects, leeches, and some plant material such as water milfoil – it forages by using its bill to strain food items from the water, and may also grasp larger prey if it spots it.
18) Willet (Tringa semipalmata)
- Native to North America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Scolopacidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The willet is 33 – 41 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 4 in) in length and has a wingspan of 70 cm (2 ft 4 in). It has a stocky build, with long legs and a long, thick black bill. The plumage of this bird is mottled brown, black, and white, and when in flight, a black and white stripe can be seen on each wing.
Tringa semipalmata can be seen breeding in Rhode Island and some individuals also pass through the state on their migratory journeys. This species defends large territories both for nesting and feeding and is often found along shorelines and in wetlands. These birds walk while searching for their prey visually – they usually consume invertebrates and small fish.
The female lays four or five eggs, which she incubates during the day while the male incubates at night. The young are precocial and leave the nest soon after hatching, cared for by both parents until two to three weeks of age, after which the female leaves and the male continues to tend the young alone.
19) Semipalmated plover (Charadrius semipalmatus)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Charadriidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The semipalmated plover is a very small wading bird that reaches just 17 – 19 cm (6.7 – 7.5 in) in length. It has a plump body with a small head and a tiny bill, and its wingspan is 47 – 50 cm (1 ft 7 in – 1 ft 8 in). The plumage is brown across the back and wings, white on the underside and the throat. There is a black cap and a black stripe through each eye, as well as a black stripe across the breast.
Charadrius semipalmatus winters along the coast of Rhode Island and migrates through the state in spring and fall. It inhabits shorelines and tide flats, foraging in areas of silty mud with a high organic content – the perfect habitat for its invertebrate prey (such as worms, insects, and crustaceans). Research has shown that semipalmated plovers feed at a slower pace in the presence of people, as they spend more time being vigilant.
20) American black duck (Anas rubripes)
- Native to eastern North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American black duck is similar in shape to the mallard and grows to lengths of 54 – 59 cm (1 ft 9 in – 1 ft 11 in), with a wingspan of 88 – 95 cm (2 ft 11 in – 3 ft 1 in). The plumage of this bird is dark, mottled brown with a yellow-green bill, although females are often slightly paler with a duller bill. In flight, an iridescent purple patch can be seen on the wing.
Anas rubripes can be seen breeding and wintering in Rhode Island, particularly along the coast. This species resides on both saltwater and freshwater marshes, and lakes. One study found that these birds were more likely to utilize forested wetlands on colder days. American black ducks are omnivores, consuming seeds, berries, roots, mussels, clams, snails, and small crustaceans.
During breeding season, the female lays seven to eleven eggs, which she incubates alone. The young are precocial, and the female leads them to water soon after hatching, where they are capable of finding all their own food.
