View source for List of birds of California

{{Short description|none}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2014}}
[[File:Callipepla californica2 (edit1).jpg|thumb|270px|right|The [[California quail]] is the official [[List of U.S. state birds|state bird]] of California.]]

This '''list of birds of California''' is a comprehensive listing of all the [[bird]] species seen naturally in the [[U.S. state]] of [[California]] as determined by the California Bird Records Committee (CBRC).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.californiabirds.org/checklist.asp |title=Official California Checklist |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=August 9, 2022 |publisher=California Bird Records Committee |access-date=August 9, 2022}}</ref> Additional accidental and hypothetical species have been added from different sources.

As of August 5, 2022, there are 681 species on the CBRC list. Two of these species are [[Endemism|endemic]], 13 were [[introduced species|introduced]] by humans (directly or indirectly), one species has been [[local extinction|extirpated]], and one was extirpated in the wild but its reintroduction is in progress. Five additional species have been documented but "the CBRC could not reach a consensus as to whether records of these species involved true naturally occurring vagrants or escapes from captivity."

The following tags note species in each of those categories and one additional category:

*(En) Endemic to California
*(I) Introduced but now established in California
*(Ex) Extirpated from California 
*(RI) Reintroduction in progress - not yet established 
*(*) California Bird Records Committee Review Species (200 species; in general, review species average four or fewer occurrences per year in California over the most recent ten-year period.) 
*(UO) Of unknown origin

Individuals or even flocks of many additional species have been recorded in California but these birds are assumed to be deliberately released or escaped from captivity. In the absence of evidence of wild origin, they are not included in the CBRC list.

This list is presented in the [[taxonomic sequence]] of the ''Check-list of North and Middle American Birds'', 7th edition through the 623rd Supplement, published by the [[American Ornithological Society]] (AOS).<ref name=NACC>{{cite web |url=https://academic.oup.com/auk/article/139/3/ukac020/6653407 |title=Check-list of North and Middle American Birds |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=September 9, 2022 |publisher=American Ornithological Society |access-date=September 9, 2022}}</ref> Common and scientific names are also those of the ''Check-list'', except that the common names of families are from the [[Clements taxonomy]] because the AOS list does not include them.

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==Ducks, geese, and waterfowl==
Order: [[Anseriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Anatidae]]
[[File:Canada goose flight cropped and NR.jpg|thumb|Canada goose]]
[[File:Anas-americana-004.jpg|thumb|American wigeon]]

The family Anatidae includes the [[duck]]s and most duck-like waterfowl, such as [[goose|geese]] and [[swan]]s. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, bills which are flattened to a greater or lesser extent, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to special oils.

{{colbegin}}
* [[Black-bellied whistling-duck]], ''Dendrocygna autumnalis'' (*)
* [[Fulvous whistling-duck]], ''Dendrocygna bicolor'' (*)
* [[Bar-headed goose]], ''Anser indicus'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz">{{cite web |editor-last=Tietz |editor-first=Jim |editor-last2=McCaskie |editor-first2=Guy |url=https://www.californiabirds.org/cbrc_book/update.pdf |title=Update to Rare Birds of California |access-date=September 19, 2023}}</ref> (not on the AOS ''Check-list'')
* [[Emperor goose]], ''Anser canagica'' (*)
* [[Snow goose]], ''Anser caerulescens''
* [[Ross's goose]], ''Anser rossii''
* [[Greater white-fronted goose]], ''Anser albifrons''
* [[Tundra bean-goose]], ''Anser serrirostris'' (*)
* [[Brant (goose)|Brant]], ''Branta bernicla''
* [[Barnacle goose]], ''Branta leucopsis'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>
* [[Cackling goose]], ''Branta hutchinsii''
* [[Canada goose]], ''Branta canadensis''
* [[Trumpeter swan]], ''Cygnus buccinator''
* [[Tundra swan]], ''Cygnus columbianus''
* [[Whooper swan]], ''Cygnus cygnus'' (*)
* [[Ruddy shelduck]], ''Tadorna ferruginea'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/> (not on the AOS ''Check-list'')
* [[Common shelduck]], ''Tadorna tadorna'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/150607174 |title=Common Shelduck |website=iNaturalist |date=March 8, 2023 |access-date=April 15, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Wood duck]], ''Aix sponsa''
* [[Baikal teal]], ''Sibirionetta formosa'' (*)
* [[Garganey]], ''Spatula querquedula'' (*)
* [[Blue-winged teal]], ''Spatula discors''
* [[Cinnamon teal]], ''Spatula cyanoptera''
* [[Northern shoveler]], ''Spatula clypeata''
* [[Gadwall]], ''Mareca strepera''
* [[Falcated duck]], ''Mareca falcata'' (*)
* [[Eurasian wigeon]], ''Mareca penelope''
* [[American wigeon]], ''Mareca americana''
* [[Eastern spot-billed duck]], ''Anas zonorhyncha'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/60476494 |title=Eastern Spot-billed Duck |website=iNaturalist |date=September 23, 2020 |access-date=February 12, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Mallard]], ''Anas platyrhynchos''
* [[Mexican duck]], ''Anas diazi'' (*)
* [[American black duck]], ''Anas rubripes'' (*)
* [[Northern pintail]], ''Anas acuta''
* [[Green-winged teal]], ''Anas crecca''
* [[Canvasback]], ''Aythya valisineria''
* [[Redhead (bird)|Redhead]], ''Aythya americana''
* [[Common pochard]], ''Aythya ferina'' (*)
* [[Ring-necked duck]], ''Aythya collaris''
* [[Tufted duck]], ''Aythya fuligula''
* [[Greater scaup]], ''Aythya marila''
* [[Lesser scaup]], ''Aythya affinis''
* [[Steller's eider]], ''Polysticta stelleri'' (*)
* [[King eider]], ''Somateria spectabilis'' (*)
* [[Common eider]], ''Somateria mollissima'' (*)
* [[Harlequin duck]], ''Histrionicus histrionicus''
* [[Surf scoter]], ''Melanitta perspicillata''
* [[White-winged scoter]], ''Melanitta deglandi''
* [[Stejneger's scoter]], ''Melanitta stejnegeri'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>
* [[Common scoter]], ''Melanitta nigra'' (*)
* [[Black scoter]], ''Melanitta americana''
* [[Long-tailed duck]], ''Clangula hyemalis''
* [[Bufflehead]], ''Bucephala albeola''
* [[Common goldeneye]], ''Bucephala clangula''
* [[Barrow's goldeneye]], ''Bucephala islandica''
* [[Smew]], ''Mergellus albellus'' (*)
* [[Hooded merganser]], ''Lophodytes cucullatus''
* [[Common merganser]], ''Mergus merganser''
* [[Red-breasted merganser]], ''Mergus serrator''
* [[Masked duck]], ''Nomonyx dominicus'' (hypothetical)<ref name="cbrc">{{cite web |url=https://rarebirds.westernfieldornithologists.org/HYPOTHETICAL/Hypothetical-IDNE.html |title=Identification Not Established |website=Rare Birds of California |access-date=September 19, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Ruddy duck]], ''Oxyura jamaicensis''
{{colend}}

==Guans, chachalacas, and curassows==
Order: [[Galliformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Cracidae]]

The chachalacas, guans, and curassows are birds in the family Cracidae. These are large birds, similar in general appearance to turkeys. The guans and curassows live in trees, but the smaller chachalacas are found in more open scrubby habitats. They are generally dull-plumaged, but the curassows and some guans have colorful facial ornaments.

* [[Plain chachalaca]], ''Ortalis vetula'' (hypothetical)<ref name="cbrc"/>

==New World quail==
Order: [[Galliformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Odontophoridae]]

The [[New World quail]]s are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits.

* [[Mountain quail]], ''Oreortyx pictus''
* [[California quail]], ''Callipepla californica''
* [[Gambel's quail]], ''Callipepla gambelii''

==Pheasants, grouse, and allies==
Order: [[Galliformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Phasianidae]]

Phasianidae consists of the pheasants and their allies, including [[partridge]]s, [[grouse]], [[turkey (bird)|turkey]]s, and [[quail|Old World quail]]. These are terrestrial species, variable in size but generally plump with broad relatively short wings. Many species are gamebirds or have been domesticated as a food source for humans.

* [[Wild turkey]], ''Meleagris gallopavo'' (I)
* [[Ruffed grouse]], ''Bonasa umbellus''
* [[White-tailed ptarmigan]], ''Lagopus leucurus'' (I)
* [[Sooty grouse]], ''Dendragapus fuliginosus''
* [[Sharp-tailed grouse]], ''Tympanuchus phasianellus'' (Ex)
* [[Greater sage-grouse]], ''Centrocercus urophasianus''
* [[Ring-necked pheasant]], ''Phasianus colchicus'' (I)
* [[Chukar partridge|Chukar]], ''Alectoris chukar'' (I)

==Grebes==
Order: [[Podicipediformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Podicipedidae]]

[[File:Podiceps-grisegena-008.jpg|thumb|Red-necked grebe]]
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land.

* [[Least grebe]], ''Tachybaptus dominicus'' (*)
* [[Pied-billed grebe]], ''Podilymbus podiceps''
* [[Horned grebe]], ''Podiceps auritus''
* [[Red-necked grebe]], ''Podiceps grisegena''
* [[Eared grebe]], ''Podiceps nigricollis''
* [[Western grebe]], ''Aechmorphorus occidentalis''
* [[Clark's grebe]], ''Aechmorphorus clarkii''

==Pigeons and doves==
Order: [[Columbiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Columbidae]]

[[File:Zenaida macroura1.jpg|thumb|Mourning dove]]
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy [[cere]].

* [[Rock pigeon]], ''Columba livia'' (I)
* [[Common wood pigeon]], ''Columba palumbus'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/199595514 |title=Common Wood-Pigeon |website=iNaturalist |date=February 17, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2024}}</ref> 
* [[Band-tailed pigeon]], ''Patagioenas fasciata''
* [[Oriental turtle-dove]], ''Streptopelia orientalis'' (*)
* [[European turtle-dove]], ''Streptopelia turtur'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://observation.org/locations/33009/observations/?species=342&date_after=2017-08-13&date_before=2022-07-22 |title=California (CA) United States |website=Observation.org |access-date=February 11, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Eurasian collared-dove]], ''Streptopelia decaocto'' (I)
* [[Spotted dove]], ''Spilopelia chinensis'' (I)
* [[Inca dove]], ''Columbina inca''
* [[Common ground dove]], ''Columbina passerina''
* [[Ruddy ground dove]], ''Columbina talpacoti'' (*)
* [[White-tipped dove]], ''Leptotila verreauxi'' (hypothetical)<ref>{{cite journal |title=The 41st Annual Report of the California Bird Records Committee: 2015 Records |url=https://californiabirds.org/reports/41.pdf |last1=Searcy |first1=Adam J. |last2=Daniels |first2=Brian E. |last3=Feenstra |first3=Jonathan S. |last4=Tietz |first4=James R. |last5=Benson |first5=Thomas A. |journal=Western Birds |volume=49 |date=2018 |pages=24–46|doi=10.21199/WB49.1.2 }}</ref>
* [[White-winged dove]], ''Zenaida asiatica''
* [[Eared dove]], ''Zenaida auriculata'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/72641416 |title=Eared Dove |website=iNaturalist |date=April 2021 |access-date=September 19, 2023}}</ref> 
* [[Mourning dove]], ''Zenaida macroura''

==Cuckoos==
Order: [[Cuculiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Cuculidae]]

[[File:Geococcyx californianus.jpg|thumb|Greater roadrunner]]
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are [[brood parasite]]s.

* [[Groove-billed ani]], ''Crotophaga sulcirostris'' (*)
* [[Common cuckoo]], ''Cuculus canorus'' (*)
* [[Greater roadrunner]], ''Geococcyx californianus''
* [[Yellow-billed cuckoo]], ''Coccyzus americanus''
* [[Black-billed cuckoo]], ''Coccyzus erythropthalmus'' (*)

==Nightjars and allies==
Order: [[Caprimulgiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Caprimulgidae]]

[[File:Chordeiles henryi.jpg|thumb|Common nighthawk, drawn in 1859]]
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is cryptically colored to resemble bark or leaves.

* [[Lesser nighthawk]], ''Chordeiles acutipennis''
* [[Common nighthawk]], ''Chordeiles minor''
* [[Common poorwill]], ''Phalaenoptilus nuttallii''
* [[Chuck-will's-widow]], ''Antrostomus carolinensis'' (*)
* [[Buff-collared nightjar]], ''Antrostomus ridgwayi'' (*)
* [[Eastern whip-poor-will]], ''Antrostomus vociferus'' (*)
* [[Mexican whip-poor-will]], ''Antrostomus arizonae''

==Swifts==
Order: [[Apodiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Apodidae]]

The swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang.

* [[American black swift|Black swift]], ''Cypseloides niger''
* [[White-fronted swift]], ''Cypseloides storeri'' (hypothetical)<ref name="cbrc"/>
* [[White-collared swift]], ''Streptoprocne zonaris'' (*)
* [[Chimney swift]], ''Chaetura pelagica''
* [[Vaux's swift]], ''Chaetura vauxi''
* [[Common swift]], ''Apus apus'' (*)
* [[White-throated swift]], ''Aeronautes saxatalis''

==Hummingbirds==
Order: [[Apodiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Trochilidae]]

Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards.

[[File:Archilochus-alexandri-002-edit.jpg|thumb|Black-chinned hummingbird]]
* [[Mexican violetear]], ''Colibri thalassinus'' (*)
* [[Rivoli's hummingbird]], ''Eugenes fulgens'' (*)
* [[Blue-throated mountain-gem]], ''Lampornis clemenciae'' (*)
* [[Lucifer hummingbird]], ''Calothorax lucife'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>
* [[Ruby-throated hummingbird]], ''Archilochus colubris'' (*)
* [[Black-chinned hummingbird]], ''Archilochus alexandri''
* [[Anna's hummingbird]], ''Calypte anna''
* [[Costa's hummingbird]], ''Calypte costae''
* [[Calliope hummingbird]], ''Selasphorus calliope''
* [[Rufous hummingbird]], ''Selasphorus rufus''
* [[Allen's hummingbird]], ''Selasphorus sasin''
* [[Broad-tailed hummingbird]], ''Selasphorus platycercus''
* [[Broad-billed hummingbird]], ''Cynanthus latirostris'' (*)
* [[Xantus's hummingbird]], ''Basilinna xantusii'' (*)
* [[Violet-crowned hummingbird]], ''Leucolia violiceps'' (*)

==Rails, gallinules, and coots==
Order: [[Gruiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Rallidae]]

Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. The most typical family members occupy dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.

[[File:Fulica-americana-003.jpg|thumb|American coot]]
* [[Ridgway's rail]], ''Rallus obsoletus''
* [[Virginia rail]], ''Rallus limicola''
* [[Sora (crake)|Sora]], ''Porzana carolina''
* [[Common gallinule]], ''Gallinula galeata''
* [[American coot]], ''Fulica americana''
* [[American purple gallinule|Purple gallinule]], ''Porphyrio martinicus'' (*)
* [[Yellow rail]], ''Coturnicops noveboracensis''
* [[Black rail]], ''Laterallus jamaicensis''

==Cranes==
Order: [[Gruiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Gruidae]]

Cranes are large, long-legged, long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances".

* [[Demoiselle crane]], ''Anthropoides virgo'' (UO)
* [[Sandhill crane]], ''Antigone canadensis''
* [[Common crane]], ''Grus grus'' (*)
* [[Whooping crane]], ''Grus americana'' (hypothetical)<ref name="cbrc"/>

==Stilts and avocets==
Order: [[Charadriiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Recurvirostridae]]

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills.

* [[Black-necked stilt]], ''Himantopus mexicanus''
* [[American avocet]], ''Recurvirostra americana''

==Oystercatchers==
Order: [[Charadriiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Haematopodidae]]

The oystercatchers are large, obvious, and noisy [[plover]]-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open [[mollusc]]s.

* [[Eurasian oystercatcher]], ''Haematopus ostralegus'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/210098250 |title=Eurasian Oystercatcher |website=iNaturalist |date=April 27, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2024}}</ref>
* [[American oystercatcher]], ''Haematopus palliatus''
* [[Black oystercatcher]], ''Haematopus bachmani''

==Plovers and lapwings==
Order: [[Charadriiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Charadriidae]]

The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short thick necks, and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water.

[[File:Killdeer59.jpg|thumb|Killdeer]]
* [[Northern lapwing]], ''Vanellus vanellus'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/210098936 |title=Northern Lapwing |website=iNaturalist |date=April 27, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Black-bellied plover]], ''Pluvialis squatarola''
* [[European golden-plover]], ''Pluvialis apricaria'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>
* [[American golden-plover]], ''Pluvialis dominica'' 
* [[Pacific golden-plover]], ''Pluvialis fulva''
* [[Eurasian dotterel]], ''Charadrius morinellus'' (*)
* [[Killdeer]], ''Charadrius vociferus''
* [[Common ringed plover]], ''Charadrius hiaticula'' (*)
* [[Semipalmated plover]], ''Charadrius semipalmatus''
* [[Piping plover]], ''Charadrius melodus'' (*)
* [[Lesser sand-plover]], ''Charadrius mongolus'' (*)
* [[Greater sand-plover]], ''Charadrius leschenaultii'' (*)
* [[Wilson's plover]], ''Charadrius wilsonia'' (*)
* [[Snowy plover]], ''Charadrius nivosus''
* [[Mountain plover]], ''Charadrius montanus''

==Sandpipers and allies==
Order: [[Charadriiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Scolopacidae]]
[[File:Calidris-pusilla-001.jpg|thumb|Semipalmated sandpiper]]
[[File:Catoptrophorus semipalmatus edit.jpg|thumb|Willet]]

Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers, and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Different lengths of legs and bills enable multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.

{{colbegin}}
* [[Upland sandpiper]], ''Bartramia longicauda'' (*)
* [[Bristle-thighed curlew]], ''Numenius tahitiensis'' (*)
* [[Hudsonian whimbrel|Whimbrel]], ''Numenius phaeopus''
* [[Little curlew]], ''Numenius minutus'' (*)
* [[Long-billed curlew]], ''Numenius americanus''
* [[Bar-tailed godwit]], ''Limosa lapponica'' (*)
* [[Hudsonian godwit]], ''Limosa haemastica'' (*)
* [[Marbled godwit]], ''Limosa fedoa''
* [[Ruddy turnstone]], ''Arenaria interpres''
* [[Black turnstone]], ''Arenaria melanocephala''
* [[Red knot]], ''Calidris canutus''
* [[Surfbird]], ''Calidris virgata''
* [[Ruff (bird)|Ruff]], ''Calidris pugnax''
* [[Broad-billed sandpiper]], ''Calidris falcinellus'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>
* [[Sharp-tailed sandpiper]], ''Calidris acuminata''
* [[Stilt sandpiper]], ''Calidris himantopus''
* [[Curlew sandpiper]], ''Calidris ferruginea'' (*)
* [[Long-toed stint]], ''Calidris subminuta'' (*)
* [[Red-necked stint]], ''Calidris ruficollis'' (*)
* [[Sanderling]], ''Calidris alba''
* [[Dunlin]], ''Calidris alpina''
* [[Rock sandpiper]], ''Calidris ptilocnemis''
* [[Purple sandpiper]], ''Calidris maritima'' (*)
* [[Baird's sandpiper]], ''Calidris bairdii''
* [[Little stint]], ''Calidris minuta'' (*)
* [[Least sandpiper]], ''Calidris minutilla''
* [[White-rumped sandpiper]], ''Calidris fuscicollis'' (*)
* [[Buff-breasted sandpiper]], ''Calidris subruficollis''
* [[Pectoral sandpiper]], ''Calidris melanotos''
* [[Semipalmated sandpiper]], ''Calidris pusilla''
* [[Western sandpiper]], ''Calidris mauri''
* [[Short-billed dowitcher]], ''Limnodromus griseus''
* [[Long-billed dowitcher]], ''Limnodromus scolopaceus''
* [[Jack snipe]], ''Lymnocryptes minimus'' (*)
* [[American woodcock]], ''Scolopax minor'' (*)
* [[Common snipe]], ''Gallinago gallinago'' (*)
* [[Wilson's snipe]], ''Gallinago delicata''
* [[Terek sandpiper]], ''Xenus cinereus'' (*)
* [[Spotted sandpiper]], ''Actitis macularia''
* [[Solitary sandpiper]], ''Tringa solitaria''
* [[Gray-tailed tattler]], ''Tringa brevipes'' (*)
* [[Wandering tattler]], ''Tringa incana''
* [[Lesser yellowlegs]], ''Tringa flavipes''
* [[Willet]], ''Tringa semipalmata''
* [[Spotted redshank]], ''Tringa erythropus'' (*)
* [[Common greenshank]], ''Tringa nebularia'' (*)
* [[Greater yellowlegs]], ''Tringa melanoleuca''
* [[Wood sandpiper]], ''Tringa glareola'' (*)
* [[Marsh sandpiper]], ''Tringa stagnatilis'' (*)
* [[Wilson's phalarope]], ''Phalaropus tricolor''
* [[Red-necked phalarope]], ''Phalaropus lobatus''
* [[Red phalarope]], ''Phalaropus fulicarius''
{{colend}}

==Pratincoles and coursers==
Order: [[Charadriiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Glareolidae]]

Pratincoles have short legs, very long pointed wings, and long forked tails. Their most unusual feature for birds classed as [[wader]]s is that they typically hunt their [[insect]] prey on the wing like [[hirundinidae|swallows]], although they can also feed on the ground. Their short bills are an adaptation to aerial feeding.

* [[Oriental pratincole]], ''Glareola maldivarum'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/210104358 |title=Oriental Pratincole |website=iNaturalist |date=April 27, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2024}}</ref>

==Skuas and jaegers==
Order: [[Charadriiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Stercorariidae]]

Skuas and jaegers are in general medium to large birds, typically with gray or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They have longish bills with hooked tips and webbed feet with sharp claws. They look like large dark gulls, but have a fleshy [[cere]] above the upper mandible. They are strong, acrobatic fliers.

* [[South polar skua]], ''Stercorarius maccormicki''
* [[Pomarine jaeger]], ''Stercorarius pomarinus''
* [[Parasitic jaeger]], ''Stercorarius parasiticus''
* [[Long-tailed jaeger]], ''Stercorarius longicaudus''

==Auks, murres, and puffins==
Order: [[Charadriiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Alcidae]]

Alcids are superficially similar to [[penguin]]s due to their black-and-white colors, their upright posture, and some of their habits. However, they are only distantly related to the penguins and are able to fly. Auks live on the open sea, only deliberately coming ashore to nest.

[[File:TuftedPuffin.jpeg|thumb|Tufted puffin]]
* [[Common murre]], ''Uria aalge''
* [[Thick-billed murre]], ''Uria lomvia'' (*)
* [[Black guillemot]], ''Cepphus grylle'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>
* [[Pigeon guillemot]], ''Cepphus columba''
* [[Long-billed murrelet]], ''Brachyramphus perdix'' (*)
* [[Marbled murrelet]], ''Brachyramphus marmoratus''
* [[Kittlitz's murrelet]], ''Brachyramphus brevirostris'' (*)
* [[Scripps's murrelet]], ''Synthliboramphus scrippsi''
* [[Guadalupe murrelet]], ''Synthliboramphus hypoleucus''
* [[Craveri's murrelet]], ''Synthliboramphus craveri''
* [[Ancient murrelet]], ''Synthliboramphus antiquus''
* [[Cassin's auklet]], ''Ptychoramphus aleuticus''
* [[Parakeet auklet]], ''Aethia psittacula''
* [[Least auklet]], ''Aethia pusilla'' (*)
* [[Crested auklet]], ''Aethia cristatella'' (*)
* [[Rhinoceros auklet]], ''Cerorhinca monocerata''
* [[Horned puffin]], ''Fratercula corniculata''
* [[Tufted puffin]], ''Fratercula cirrhata''

==Gulls, terns, and skimmers==
Order: [[Charadriiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Laridae]]
[[File:Gull ca usa.jpg|thumb|Western gull]]

Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes gulls, terns, kittiwakes, and skimmers. They are typically gray or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet.

{{colbegin}}
* [[Swallow-tailed gull]], ''Creagrus furcatus'' (*)
* [[Black-legged kittiwake]], ''Rissa tridactyla''
* [[Red-legged kittiwake]], ''Rissa brevirostris'' (*)
* [[Ivory gull]], ''Pagophila eburnea'' (*)
* [[Sabine's gull]], ''Xema sabini''
* [[Bonaparte's gull]], ''Chroicocephalus philadelphia''
* [[Black-headed gull]], ''Chroicocephalus ridibundus'' (*)
* [[Little gull]], ''Hydrocoloeus minutus''
* [[Ross's gull]], ''Rhodostethia rosea'' (*)
* [[Laughing gull]], ''Leucophaeus atricilla''
* [[Franklin's gull]], ''Leucophaeus pipixcan''
* [[Belcher's gull]], ''Larus belcheri'' (*)
* [[Black-tailed gull]], ''Larus crassirostris'' (*)
* [[Heermann's gull]], ''Larus heermanni''
* [[Short-billed gull]], ''Larus brachyrhynchus''
* [[Ring-billed gull]], ''Larus delawarensis''
* [[Western gull]], ''Larus occidentalis''
* [[Yellow-footed gull]], ''Larus livens''
* [[California gull]], ''Larus californicus''
* [[American herring gull|Herring gull]], ''Larus argentatus''
* [[Yellow-legged gull]], ''Larus cachinnans'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>
* [[Iceland gull]], ''Larus glaucoides''
* [[Lesser black-backed gull]], ''Larus fuscus''
* [[Slaty-backed gull]], ''Larus schistisagus'' (*)
* [[Glaucous-winged gull]], ''Larus glaucescens''
* [[Glaucous gull]], ''Larus hyperboreus''
* [[Great black-backed gull]], ''Larus marinus'' (*)
* [[Kelp gull]], ''Larus dominicanus'' (*)
* [[Sooty tern]], ''Onychoprion fuscata'' (*)
* [[Bridled tern]], ''Onychoprion anaethetus'' (*)
* [[Least tern]], ''Sternula antillarum''
* [[Gull-billed tern]], ''Gelochelidon nilotica''
* [[Caspian tern]], ''Hydroprogne caspia''
* [[Black tern]], ''Chlidonias niger''
* [[White-winged tern]], ''Chlidonias leucopterus'' (*)
* [[Common tern]], ''Sterna hirundo''
* [[Arctic tern]], ''Sterna paradisaea''
* [[Forster's tern]], ''Sterna forsteri''
* [[Royal tern]], ''Thalasseus maximus''
* [[Sandwich tern]], ''Thalasseus sandvicensis'' (*)
* [[Elegant tern]], ''Thalasseus elegans''
* [[Black skimmer]], ''Rynchops niger''
{{colend}}

==Tropicbirds==
Order: [[Phaethontiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Phaethontidae]]

Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their long wings have black markings, as does the head.

* [[White-tailed tropicbird]], ''Phaethon lepturus'' (*)
* [[Red-billed tropicbird]], ''Phaethon aethereus''
* [[Red-tailed tropicbird]], ''Phaethon rubricauda'' (*)

==Loons ==
Order: [[Gaviiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Gaviidae]]

[[Loon]]s are aquatic birds, the size of a large duck, to which they are unrelated. Their plumage is largely gray or black, and they have spear-shaped bills. Loons swim well and fly adequately, but are almost hopeless on land, because their legs are placed towards the rear of the body.

* [[Red-throated loon]], ''Gavia stellata''
* [[Arctic loon]], ''Gavia arctica'' (*)
* [[Pacific loon]], ''Gavia pacifica''
* [[Common loon]], ''Gavia immer''
* [[Yellow-billed loon]], ''Gavia adamsii'' (*)

==Albatrosses==
Order: [[Procellariiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Diomedeidae]]

The albatrosses are amongst the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses from the genus ''Diomedea'' have the largest wingspans of any extant birds.

* [[White-capped albatross]], ''Thalassarche cauta'' (*)
* [[Chatham albatross]], ''Thalassarche eremita'' (*)
* [[Salvin's albatross]], ''Thalassarche salvini'' (*)
* [[Light-mantled albatross]], ''Phoebetria palpebrata'' (*)
* [[Wandering albatross]], ''Diomedea exulans'' (*)
* [[Laysan albatross]], ''Phoebastria immutabilis''
* [[Black-footed albatross]], ''Phoebastria nigripes''
* [[Short-tailed albatross]], ''Phoebastria albatrus'' (*)

==Southern storm-petrels==
[[File:Oceanites oceanicusPCCA20070623-3634B.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wilson's storm-petrel]]
Order: [[Procellariiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Oceanitidae]]

The storm-petrels are the smallest seabirds, relatives of the [[petrel]]s, feeding on [[plankton]]ic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes [[bat]]-like. Until 2018, this family's three species were included with the other storm-petrels in family Hydrobatidae.

*[[Wilson's storm-petrel]], ''Oceanites oceanicus''

==Northern storm-petrels==
Order: [[Procellariiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Hydrobatidae]]

Though the members of this family are similar in many respects to the southern storm-petrels, including their general appearance and habits, there are enough genetic differences to warrant their placement in a separate family.

* [[Fork-tailed storm-petrel]], ''Hydrobates furcatus''
* [[Ringed storm-petrel]], ''Hydrobates hornbyi'' (*)
* [[Leach's storm-petrel]], ''Hydrobates leucorhous''
* [[Townsend's storm-petrel]], ''Hydrobates socorroensis''
* [[Ashy storm-petrel]], ''Hydrobates homochroa''
* [[Band-rumped storm-petrel]], ''Hydrobates castro'' (*)
* [[Wedge-rumped storm-petrel]], ''Hydrobates tethys'' (*)
* [[Black storm-petrel]], ''Hydrobates melania''
* [[Tristram's storm-petrel]], ''Hydrobates tristrami'' (*)
* [[Least storm-petrel]], ''Hydrobates microsoma''

==Shearwaters and petrels==
Order: [[Procellariiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Procellariidae]]
[[File:Eissturmvogel02.jpg|thumb|Northern fulmar]]

The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterized by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary.

{{colbegin}}
* [[Northern fulmar]], ''Fulmarus glacialis''
* [[Gray-faced petrel]], ''Pterodroma gouldi'' (*)
* [[Providence petrel]], ''Pterodroma solandri'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/> 
* [[Kermadec petrel]], ''Pterodroma neglecta'' (*)
* [[Murphy's petrel]], ''Pterodroma ultima''
* [[Mottled petrel]], ''Pterodroma inexpectata''
* [[Hawaiian petrel]], ''Pterodroma sandwichensis''
* [[White-necked petrel]], ''Pterodroma cervicalis'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>
* [[Cook's petrel]], ''Pterodroma cookii''
* [[Stejneger's petrel]], ''Pterodroma longirostris'' (*)
* [[Bulwer's petrel]], ''Bulweria bulwerii'' (*)
* [[Jouanin's petrel]], ''Bulweria fallax'' (*)
* [[White-chinned petrel]], ''Procellaria aequinoctialis'' (*)
* [[Parkinson's petrel]], ''Procellaria parkinsoni'' (*)
* [[Streaked shearwater]], ''Calonectris leucomelas'' (*)
* [[Cory's shearwater]], ''Calonectris diomedea'' (*)
* [[Wedge-tailed shearwater]], ''Ardenna pacificus'' (*)
* [[Buller's shearwater]], ''Ardenna bulleri''
* [[Short-tailed shearwater]], ''Ardenna tenuirostris''
* [[Sooty shearwater]], ''Ardenna griseus''
* [[Great shearwater]], ''Ardenna gravis'' (*)
* [[Pink-footed shearwater]], ''Ardenna creatopus''
* [[Flesh-footed shearwater]], ''Ardenna carneipes''
* [[Manx shearwater]], ''Puffinus puffinus'' (*)
* [[Newell's shearwater]], ''Puffinus newelli'' (*)
* [[Black-vented shearwater]], ''Puffinus opisthomelas''
* [[Little shearwater]], ''Puffinus assimilis'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/> (not on the AOS ''Check-list'')
{{colend}}

==Storks==
Order: [[Ciconiiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Ciconiidae]]

Storks are large, heavy, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long stout bills and wide wingspans. They lack the [[powder down]] that other wading birds such as herons, spoonbills, and ibises use to clean off fish slime. Storks lack a pharynx and are mute.

* [[Black stork]], ''Ciconia nigra'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/210127396 |title=Black Stork |website=iNaturalist |date=April 27, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2024}}</ref> (not on the AOS ''Check-list'')
* [[Wood stork]], ''Mycteria americana'' (*)

==Frigatebirds==
Order: [[Suliformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Fregatidae]]

Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black or black-and-white, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week.

* [[Lesser frigatebird]], ''Fregata ariel'' (*)
* [[Magnificent frigatebird]], ''Fregata magnificens''
* [[Great frigatebird]], ''Fregata minor'' (*)

==Boobies and gannets==
Order: [[Suliformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Sulidae]]

The sulids comprise the [[gannet]]s and [[booby|boobies]]. Both groups are medium-large coastal [[seabird]]s that plunge-dive for fish.

* [[Masked booby]], ''Sula dactylatra'' (*)
* [[Nazca booby]], ''Sula granti''
* [[Blue-footed booby]], ''Sula nebouxii''
* [[Brown booby]], ''Sula leucogaster''
* [[Red-footed booby]], ''Sula sula'' (*)
* [[Northern gannet]], ''Morus bassanus'' (*)

==Anhingas==
Order: [[Suliformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Anhingidae]]

Anhingas are cormorant-like water birds with very long necks and long straight beaks. They are fish eaters which often swim with only their neck above the water.

* [[Anhinga]], ''Anhinga anhinga'' (*)

==Cormorants and shags==
[[File:Phalacrocorax-auritus-007.jpg|thumb|Double-crested cormorant]]
Order: [[Suliformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Phalacrocoracidae]]

Cormorants are medium-to-large aquatic birds, usually with mainly dark plumage and areas of colored skin on the face. The bill is long, thin, and sharply hooked. Their feet are four-toed and webbed.

* [[Great cormorant]], ''Phalacrocorax carbo'' (hypothetical)<ref name="cbrc"/>
* [[European shag]], ''Gulosus aristotelis'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://observation.org/observation/250087199/ |title=European Shag |website=Observation.org |access-date=February 11, 2024}}</ref> (not on the AOS ''Check-list'')
* [[Brandt's cormorant]], ''Urile penicillatus''
* [[Red-faced cormorant]], ''Urile urile'' (hypothetical)<ref>{{cite journal |title=The 39th Annual Report of the California Bird Records Committee: 2013 Records |url=https://archive.westernfieldornithologists.org/archive/V47/47(1)-p002-p026.pdf |last1=Rottenborn |first1=Stephen C. |last2=McCaskie |first2=Guy |last3=Daniels |first3=Brian E. |last4=Garrett |first4=John |journal=Western Birds |volume=47 |issue=1 |date=March 2016}}</ref>
* [[Pelagic cormorant]], ''Urile pelagicus''
* [[Double-crested cormorant]], ''Nannopterum auritum''
* [[Neotropic cormorant]], ''Nannopterum brasilianum''

==Pelicans==
[[File:Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) in front of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, 2011.jpg|thumb|Brown pelican]]
Order: [[Pelecaniformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Pelecanidae]]

Pelicans are very large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. Like other birds in the order Pelecaniformes, they have four webbed toes.

* [[American white pelican]], ''Pelecanus erythrorhynchos''
* [[Brown pelican]], ''Pelecanus occidentalis''

==Herons, egrets, and bitterns==
Order: [[Pelecaniformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Ardeidae]]

[[File:Graureiher.jpg|thumb|Great blue heron]]
The family Ardeidae contains the herons, egrets, and bitterns. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter-necked and more secretive. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises, and spoonbills.

* [[American bittern]], ''Botaurus lentiginosus''
* [[Least bittern]], ''Ixobrychus exilis''
* [[Great blue heron]], ''Ardea herodias''
* [[Gray heron]], ''Ardea cinerea'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/43004439 |title=Gray Heron |website=iNaturalist |date=April 23, 2020 |access-date=February 2, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Great egret]], ''Ardea alba''
* [[Snowy egret]], ''Egretta thula''
* [[Little blue heron]], ''Egretta caerulea''
* [[Tricolored heron]], ''Egretta tricolor'' (*)
* [[Reddish egret]], ''Egretta rufescens''
* [[Cattle egret]], ''Bubulcus ibis''
* [[Chinese pond-heron]], ''Ardeola bacchus'' (hypothetical)<ref name="cbrc"/>
* [[Green heron]], ''Butorides virescens''
* [[Agami heron]], ''Agamia agami'' (hypothetical)<ref name="cbrc"/>
* [[Black-crowned night-heron]], ''Nycticorax nycticorax''
* [[Yellow-crowned night-heron]], ''Nyctanassa violacea''

==Ibises and spoonbills==
Order: [[Pelecaniformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Threskiornithidae]]

The family Threskiornithidae includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings. Their bodies tend to be elongated, the neck more so, with rather long legs. The bill is also long, decurved in the case of the ibises, straight and distinctively flattened in the spoonbills.

* [[American white ibis|White ibis]], ''Eudocimus albus'' (*)
* [[Glossy ibis]], ''Plegadis falcinellus'' (*)
* [[White-faced ibis]], ''Plegadis chihi''
* [[Roseate spoonbill]], ''Platalea ajaja'' (*)

==New World vultures==
Order: [[Cathartiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Cathartidae]]
[[File:California-condor2.jpg|thumb|California condor]]

The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of [[convergent evolution]]. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers. However, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they locate [[Carrion|carcasses]].

* [[California condor]], ''Gymnogyps californianus'' (RI)
* [[Andean condor]], ''Vultur gryphus'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/> (not on the AOS ''Check-list'')
* [[Black vulture]], ''Coragyps atratus'' (*)
* [[Turkey vulture]], ''Cathartes aura''

==Osprey==
[[File:OspreyNASA.jpg|thumb|Osprey]]
Order: [[Accipitriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Pandionidae]]

Pandionidae is a [[monotypic]] family of fish-eating birds of prey. Its single species possesses a very large and powerful hooked beak, strong legs, strong talons, and keen eyesight.

* [[Osprey]], ''Pandion haliaetus''

==Hawks, eagles, and kites==
Order: [[Accipitriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Accipitridae]]

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures. These birds have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight.

* [[White-tailed kite]], ''Elanus leucurus''
* [[Swallow-tailed kite]], ''Elanoides forficatus'' (*)
* [[Golden eagle]], ''Aquila chrysaetos''
* [[Northern harrier]], ''Circus hudsonius''
* [[Hen harrier]], ''Circus cyaneus'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://observation.org/observation/261560608/ |title=Hen Harrier |website=Observation.org |access-date=February 11, 2024}}</ref> (not on the AOS ''Check-list'')
* [[Sharp-shinned hawk]], ''Accipiter striatus''
* [[Cooper's hawk]], ''Accipiter cooperii''
* [[American goshawk]], ''Accipiter atricapillus''
* [[Black kite]], ''Milvus migrans'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/210107368 |title=Black Kite |website=iNaturalist |date=April 27, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Bald eagle]], ''Haliaeetus leucocephalus''
* [[White-tailed eagle]], ''Haliaeetus albicilla'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/616096622 |title=White-tailed Eagle |website=Macaulay Library |date=March 15, 2024 |access-date=November 30, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Mississippi kite]], ''Ictinia mississippiensis'' (*)
* [[Common black hawk]], ''Buteogallus anthracinus'' (*)
* [[Harris's hawk]], ''Parabuteo unicinctus''
* [[White-tailed hawk]], ''Geranoaetus albicaudatus'' (hypothetical)<ref name="cbrc"/>
* [[Gray hawk]], ''Buteo plagiatus'' (*)
* [[Red-shouldered hawk]], ''Buteo lineatus''
* [[Broad-winged hawk]], ''Buteo platypterus''
* [[Short-tailed hawk]], ''Buteo brachyurus'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>
* [[Swainson's hawk]], ''Buteo swainsoni''
* [[Zone-tailed hawk]], ''Buteo albonotatus''
* [[Red-tailed hawk]], ''Buteo jamaicensis''
* [[Rough-legged hawk]], ''Buteo lagopus''
* [[Ferruginous hawk]], ''Buteo regalis''

==Barn-owls==
Order: [[Strigiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Tytonidae]]

Barn-owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.

* [[American barn owl|Barn owl]], ''Tyto alba''

==Owls==
Order: [[Strigiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Strigidae]]

Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.

[[File:Strix-varia-005.jpg|thumb|Barred owl]]
* [[Flammulated owl]], ''Psiloscops flammeolus''
* [[Whiskered screech-owl]], ''Megascops trichopsis'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://observation.org/locations/33009/observations/?species=72156&date_after=2008-07-01&date_before=2022-01-28 |title=California (CA) United States |website=Observation.org |access-date=February 11, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Western screech-owl]], ''Megascops kennicottii''
* [[Great horned owl]], ''Bubo virginianus''
* [[Snowy owl]], ''Bubo scandiacus'' (*)
* [[Northern pygmy-owl]], ''Glaucidium gnoma''
* [[Elf owl]], ''Micrathene whitneyi'' (*)
* [[Burrowing owl]], ''Athene cunicularia''
* [[Spotted owl]], ''Strix occidentalis''
* [[Barred owl]], ''Strix varia''
* [[Great gray owl]], ''Strix nebulosa''
* [[Long-eared owl]], ''Asio otus''
* [[Short-eared owl]], ''Asio flammeus''
* [[Boreal owl]], ''Aegolius funereus'' (hypothetical)<ref name="cbrc"/>
* [[Northern saw-whet owl]], ''Aegolius acadicus''

==Kingfishers==
Order: [[Coraciiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Alcedinidae]]

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails.

* [[Common kingfisher]], ''Alcedo atthis'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/210120060 |title=Common Kingfisher |website=iNaturalist |date=April 27, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2024}}</ref>  (not on the AOS ''Check-list'')
* [[Ringed kingfisher]], ''Megaceryle torquata'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/94759966 |title=Ringed Kingfisher |website=iNaturalist |date=September 13, 2021 |access-date=February 2, 2024}}</ref> 
* [[Belted kingfisher]], ''Megaceryle alcyon''
* [[Amazon kingfisher]], ''Chloroceryle amazona'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>
* [[Green kingfisher]], ''Chloroceryle americana'' (hypothetical)<ref name="cbrc"/>

==Woodpeckers==
Order: [[Piciformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Picidae]]

Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks.

[[File:Picoides-villosus-001.jpg|thumb|140px|Hairy woodpecker]]
* [[Eurasian wryneck]], ''Jynx torquilla'' (*)
* [[Lewis's woodpecker]], ''Melanerpes lewis''
* [[White-fronted woodpecker]], ''Melanerpes cactorum'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://observation.org/observation/144199112/ |title=White-fronted Woodpecker |website=Observation.org |access-date=February 11, 2024}}</ref> (not on the AOS ''Check-list'')
* [[Red-headed woodpecker]], ''Melanerpes erythrocephalus'' (*)
* [[Acorn woodpecker]], ''Melanerpes formicivorus''
* [[Gila woodpecker]], ''Melanerpes uropygialis''
* [[Williamson's sapsucker]], ''Sphyrapicus thyroideus''
* [[Yellow-bellied sapsucker]], ''Sphyrapicus varius''
* [[Red-naped sapsucker]], ''Sphyrapicus nuchalis''
* [[Red-breasted sapsucker]], ''Sphyrapicus ruber''
* [[American three-toed woodpecker]], ''Picoides dorsalis'' (hypothetical)<ref name="cbrc"/>
* [[Black-backed woodpecker]], ''Picoides arcticus''
* [[Downy woodpecker]], ''Dryobates pubescens''
* [[Nuttall's woodpecker]], ''Dryobates nuttallii''
* [[Ladder-backed woodpecker]], ''Dryobates scalaris''
* [[Hairy woodpecker]], ''Dryobates villosus''
* [[White-headed woodpecker]], ''Dryobates albolarvatus''
* [[Northern flicker]], ''Colaptes auratus''
* [[Gilded flicker]], ''Colaptes chrysoides''
* [[Gray-headed woodpecker]], ''Picus canus'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/210111788 |title=Gray-headed Woodpecker |website=iNaturalist |date=April 27, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2024}}</ref> (not on the AOS ''Check-list'')
* [[Pileated woodpecker]], ''Dryocopus pileatus''

==Falcons and caracaras==
Order: [[Falconiformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Falconidae]]

Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey, notably the falcons and caracaras. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons.

* [[Crested caracara]], ''Caracara plancus'' (*)
* [[Yellow-headed caracara]], ''Milvago chimachima'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>
* [[Eurasian kestrel]], ''Falco tinnunculus'' (*)
* [[American kestrel]], ''Falco sparverius''
* [[Merlin (bird)|Merlin]], ''Falco columbarius''
* [[Aplomado falcon]], ''Falco femoralis'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://observation.org/observation/181761288/ |title=Aplomado Falcon |website=Observation.org |access-date=January 5, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Bat falcon]], ''Falco rufigularis'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/159139751 |title=Bat Falcon |website=iNaturalist |date=2 May 2023 |access-date=September 19, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Gyrfalcon]], ''Falco rusticolus'' (*)
* [[Peregrine falcon]], ''Falco peregrinus''
* [[Prairie falcon]], ''Falco mexicanus''

==New World and African parrots==
{{See also|feral parrots}}
Order: [[Psittaciformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[parrot|Psittacidae]]

Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed [[zygodactyl]] feet. Many parrots are vividly colored, and some are multi-colored. In size they range from {{convert|8|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} to {{convert|1|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} in length. Most of the more than 150 species in this family are found in the New World.

* [[Yellow-chevroned parakeet]], ''Brotogeris chiriri'' (I)
* [[Red-crowned parrot]], ''Amazona viridigenalis'' (I)
* [[Lilac-crowned parrot]], ''Amazona finschi'' (I)
* [[Nanday parakeet]], ''Aratinga nenday'' (I)
* [[Mitred parakeet]], ''Psittacara mitratus'' (I)
* [[Red-masked parakeet]], ''Psittacara erythrogenys'' (I)

==Tityras and allies==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Tityridae]]

Tityridae is family of [[suboscine]] passerine birds found in forest and woodland in the [[Neotropics]]. The approximately 30 species in this family were formerly lumped with the families [[Pipridae]] and [[Cotingidae]] (''see [[Taxonomy (biology)|Taxonomy]]''). As yet, no widely accepted common name exists for the family, although ''tityras and allies'' and ''tityras, mourners, and allies'' have been used. They are small to medium-sized birds.

* [[Rose-throated becard]], ''Pachyramphus aglaiae'' (hypothetical)<ref name="cbrc"/>

==Tyrant flycatchers==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Tyrannidae]]

Tyrant flycatchers are Passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust and have stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, are rather plain. As the name implies, most are insectivorous.

{{colbegin}}
* [[Small-billed elaenia]], ''Elaenia parvirostris'' (*)
* [[Dusky-capped flycatcher]], ''Myiarchus tuberculifer''
* [[Ash-throated flycatcher]], ''Myiarchus cinerascens''
* [[Nutting's flycatcher]], ''Myiarchus nuttingi'' (*)
* [[Great crested flycatcher]], ''Myiarchus crinitus'' (*)
* [[Brown-crested flycatcher]], ''Myiarchus tyrannulus''
* [[Great kiskadee]], ''Pitangus sulphuratus'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>
* [[Social flycatcher]], ''Myiozetetes similis'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>
* [[Sulphur-bellied flycatcher]], ''Myiodynastes luteiventris'' (*)
* [[Tropical kingbird]], ''Tyrannus melancholicus''
* [[Couch's kingbird]], ''Tyrannus couchii'' (*)
* [[Cassin's kingbird]], ''Tyrannus vociferans''
* [[Thick-billed kingbird]], ''Tyrannus crassirostris'' (*)
* [[Western kingbird]], ''Tyrannus verticalis''
* [[Eastern kingbird]], ''Tyrannus tyrannus''
* [[Scissor-tailed flycatcher]], ''Tyrannus forficatus''
* [[Fork-tailed flycatcher]], ''Tyrannus savana'' (*)
* [[Olive-sided flycatcher]], ''Contopus cooperi''
* [[Greater pewee]], ''Contopus pertinax'' (*)
* [[Western wood-pewee]], ''Contopus sordidulus''
* [[Eastern wood-pewee]], ''Contopus virens'' (*)
* [[Yellow-bellied flycatcher]], ''Empidonax flaviventris'' (*)
* [[Alder flycatcher]], ''Empidonax alnorum'' (*)
* [[Willow flycatcher]], ''Empidonax traillii''
* [[Least flycatcher]], ''Empidonax minimus''
* [[Hammond's flycatcher]], ''Empidonax hammondii''
* [[American grey flycatcher|Gray flycatcher]], ''Empidonax wrightii''
* [[American dusky flycatcher|Dusky flycatcher]], ''Empidonax oberholseri''
* [[Western flycatcher]], ''Empidonax difficilis''
* [[Buff-breasted flycatcher]], ''Empidonax fulvifrons'' (*)
* [[Black phoebe]], ''Sayornis nigricans''
* [[Eastern phoebe]], ''Sayornis phoebe''
* [[Say's phoebe]], ''Sayornis saya''
* [[Vermilion flycatcher]], ''Pyrocephalus rubinus''
{{colend}}

==Vireos, shrike-babblers, and erpornis==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Vireonidae]]

The vireos and greenlets are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds mostly restricted to the New World, though a few members of the family, called shrike-babblers, are found in Asia. They are typically greenish in color and resemble wood-warblers apart from their heavier bills.

* [[White-eyed vireo]], ''Vireo griseus'' (*)
* [[Bell's vireo]], ''Vireo bellii''
* [[Grey vireo|Gray vireo]], ''Vireo vicinior''
* [[Hutton's vireo]], ''Vireo huttoni''
* [[Yellow-throated vireo]], ''Vireo flavifrons''
* [[Cassin's vireo]], ''Vireo cassinii''
* [[Blue-headed vireo]], ''Vireo solitarius'' (*)
* [[Plumbeous vireo]], ''Vireo plumbeus''
* [[Philadelphia vireo]], ''Vireo philadelphicus''
* [[Warbling vireo]], ''Vireo gilvus''
* [[Red-eyed vireo]], ''Vireo olivaceus''
* [[Yellow-green vireo]], ''Vireo flavoviridis''

==Shrikes==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Laniidae]]
[[File:Lanius excubitor 1 (Marek Szczepanek).jpg|thumb|Northern shrike]]

Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A shrike's beak is hooked, like that of a typical bird of prey.

* [[Brown shrike]], ''Lanius cristatus'' (*)
* [[Loggerhead shrike]], ''Lanius ludovicianus''
* [[Northern shrike]], ''Lanius borealis''

==Crows, jays, and magpies==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Corvidae]]

[[File:Western Scrub Jay holding an Acorn at Waterfront Park in Portland, OR.JPG|thumb|California scrub-jay]]
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence.

* [[Canada jay]], ''Perisoreus canadensis''
* [[Pinyon jay]], ''Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus''
* [[Steller's jay]], ''Cyanocitta stelleri''
* [[Blue jay]], ''Cyanocitta cristata'' (*)
* [[Island scrub-jay]], ''Aphelocoma insularis'' (En)
* [[California scrub-jay]], ''Aphelocoma californica''
* [[Woodhouse's scrub-jay]], ''Aphelocoma woodhouseii''
* [[Clark's nutcracker]], ''Nucifraga columbiana''
* [[Black-billed magpie]], ''Pica hudsonia''
* [[Yellow-billed magpie]], ''Pica nuttalli'' (En)
* [[American crow]], ''Corvus brachyrhynchos''
* [[Carrion crow]], ''Corvus corone'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/184169134 |title=Carrion Crow |website=iNaturalist |date=September 20, 2023 |access-date=February 2, 2024}}</ref> (not on the AOS ''Check-list'')
* [[Chihuahuan raven]], ''Corvus cryptoleucus'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://observation.org/locations/33009/observations/?species=75452&date_after=1978-07-21&date_before=1978-07-23 |title=California (CA) United States |website=Observation.org |access-date=February 11, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Common raven]], ''Corvus corax''

==Penduline-tits==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Remizidae]]

The only member of this family in the New World, the verdin is one of the smallest passerines in North America. It is gray overall and adults have a bright yellow head and rufous "shoulder patch" (the lesser coverts). Verdins are [[insectivore|insectivorous]], continuously foraging among the desert trees and scrubs. They are usually solitary except when they pair up to construct their conspicuous nests.

* [[Verdin]], ''Auriparus flaviceps''

==Tits, chickadees, and titmice==
[[File:Poecile-atricapilla-001.jpg|thumb|Black-capped chickadee]]
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Paridae]]

The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects.

* [[Black-capped chickadee]], ''Poecile atricapilla''
* [[Mountain chickadee]], ''Poecile gambeli''
* [[Chestnut-backed chickadee]], ''Poecile rufescens''
* [[Oak titmouse]], ''Baeolophus inornatus''
* [[Juniper titmouse]], ''Baeolophus ridgwayi''

==Larks==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Alaudidae]]

Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds.

* [[Eurasian skylark]], ''Alauda arvensis'' (*)
* [[Horned lark]], ''Eremophila alpestris''

==Grassbirds and allies==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Locustellidae]]

Locustellidae are a family of small insectivorous songbirds found mainly in Eurasia, Africa, and the Australian region. They are smallish birds with tails that are usually long and pointed, and tend to be drab brownish or buffy all over.

* [[Lanceolated warbler]], ''Locustella lanceolata'' (*)

==Swallows==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Hirundinidae]]

[[File:Landsvale.jpg|thumb|Barn swallow]]
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings, and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.

* [[Bank swallow]], ''Riparia riparia''
* [[Tree swallow]], ''Tachycineta bicolor''
* [[Violet-green swallow]], ''Tachycineta thalassina''
* [[Northern rough-winged swallow]], ''Stelgidopteryx serripennis''
* [[Purple martin]], ''Progne subis''
* [[Barn swallow]], ''Hirundo rustica''
* [[American cliff swallow|Cliff swallow]], ''Petrochelidon pyrrhonota''
* [[Cave swallow]], ''Petrochelidon fulva'' (*)

==Long-tailed tits==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Aegithalidae]]

The long-tailed tits are a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They make woven bag nests in trees. Most eat a mixed diet which includes insects.

* [[American bushtit|Bushtit]], ''Psaltriparus minimus''

==Leaf warblers==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Phylloscopidae]]

Leaf warblers are a family of small insectivorous birds found mostly in Eurasia and ranging into [[Wallacea]] and Africa. The Arctic warbler breeds east into Alaska. The species are of various sizes, often green-plumaged above and yellow below, or more subdued with grayish-green to grayish-brown colors.

* [[Wood warbler]], ''Phylloscopus sibilatrix'' (*)
* [[Yellow-browed warbler]], ''Phylloscopus inornatus'' (*)
* [[Dusky warbler]], ''Phylloscopus fuscatus'' (*)
* [[Willow warbler]], ''Phylloscopus trochilus'' (*)
* [[Arctic warbler]]/[[Kamchatka leaf warbler]], ''Phylloscopus borealis''/''P. examinandus'' (*)

==Bulbuls==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[bulbul|Pycnonotidae]]

The bulbuls are a family of medium-sized passerine songbirds native to [[Africa]] and tropical [[Asia]]. These are noisy and gregarious birds with often beautiful striking songs.

*[[Red-whiskered bulbul]] ''Pycnonotus jocosus'' (I)

==Sylviid warblers, parrotbills, and allies==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Sylviidae]]

The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. They mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia, and to a lesser extent Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs.

* [[Wrentit]], ''Chamaea fasciata''

==Kinglets==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Regulidae]]

The kinglets are a small family of birds which resemble the titmice. They are very small insectivorous birds. The adults have colored crowns, giving rise to their name.

* [[Ruby-crowned kinglet]], ''Corthylio calendula''
* [[Golden-crowned kinglet]], ''Regulus satrapa''

==Waxwings==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Bombycillidae]]

The waxwings are a group of birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like [[sealing wax]] and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter.

* [[Bohemian waxwing]], ''Bombycilla garrulus''
* [[Cedar waxwing]], ''Bombycilla cedrorum''

==Silky-flycatchers==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Ptiliogonatidae]]

The silky-flycatchers are a small family of passerine birds which occur mainly in [[Central America]]. They are related to [[waxwing]]s and most species have small crests.

* [[Gray silky-flycatcher]], ''Ptiliogonys cinereus'' (UO)
* [[Phainopepla]], ''Phainopepla nitens''

==Nuthatches==
[[File:Sitta-carolinensis-001.jpg|thumb|White-breasted nuthatch]]
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Sittidae]]

Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails, and powerful bills and feet.

* [[Red-breasted nuthatch]], ''Sitta canadensis''
* [[White-breasted nuthatch]], ''Sitta carolinensis''
* [[Pygmy nuthatch]], ''Sitta pygmaea''

==Treecreepers==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Certhiidae]]

Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees.

* [[Brown creeper]], ''Certhia americana''

==Gnatcatchers==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Polioptilidae]]

These dainty birds resemble [[Old World warbler]]s in their structure and habits, moving restlessly through the foliage seeking insects. The gnatcatchers are mainly soft bluish gray in color and have the typical insectivore's long sharp bill. Many species have distinctive black head patterns (especially males) and long, regularly cocked, black-and-white tails.

* [[Blue-gray gnatcatcher]], ''Polioptila caerulea''
* [[Black-tailed gnatcatcher]], ''Polioptila melanura''
* [[California gnatcatcher]], ''Polioptila californica''

==Wrens==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Troglodytidae]]
[[File:Rock Wren.jpg|thumb|140px|Rock wren]]

Wrens are small and inconspicuous birds, except for their loud songs. They have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous.

* [[Rock wren]], ''Salpinctes obsoletus''
* [[Canyon wren]], ''Catherpes mexicanus''
* [[Northern house wren|House wren]], ''Troglodytes aedon''
* [[Pacific wren]], ''Troglodytes pacificus''
* [[Winter wren]], ''Troglodytes hiemalis'' (*)
* [[Sedge wren]], ''Cistothorus platensis'' (*)
* [[Marsh wren]], ''Cistothorus palustris''
* [[Bewick's wren]], ''Thryomanes bewickii''
* [[Cactus wren]], ''Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus''

==Mockingbirds and thrashers==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Mimidae]]

The mimids are a family of passerine birds which includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalization, especially their remarkable ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. The species tend towards dull grays and browns in their appearance.

[[File:Mimus-polyglottos-001.jpg|thumb|Northern mockingbird]]
* [[Blue mockingbird]], ''Melanotis caerulescens'' (UO)
* [[Gray catbird]], ''Dumetella carolinensis''
* [[Curve-billed thrasher]], ''Toxostoma curvirostre'' (*)
* [[Brown thrasher]], ''Toxostoma rufum''
* [[Bendire's thrasher]], ''Toxostoma bendirei''
* [[Gray thrasher]], ''Toxostoma cinereum'' (UO) (not on the AOS ''Check-list''; placement is per the [[Clements taxonomy]])
* [[California thrasher]], ''Toxostoma redivivum''
* [[LeConte's thrasher]], ''Toxostoma lecontei''
* [[Crissal thrasher]], ''Toxostoma crissale''
* [[Sage thrasher]], ''Oreoscoptes montanus''
* [[Northern mockingbird]], ''Mimus polyglottos''

==Starlings==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Sturnidae]]

[[File:European starling at Bodega Head-1209.jpg|thumb|European starling at [[Bodega Head]], California]]
Starlings are small to medium-sized Old World passerine birds with strong feet. Their flight is strong and direct and most are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country, and they eat insects and fruit. The plumage of several species is dark with a metallic sheen.

* [[European starling]], ''Sturnus vulgaris'' (I)

==Dippers==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Cinclidae]]

Dippers are a group of [[perching bird]]s whose [[habitat (ecology)|habitat]] includes aquatic environments in the [[Americas]], [[Europe]], and [[Asia]]. They are named for their bobbing or dipping movements. These birds have adaptations which allows them to submerge and walk on the bottom to feed on insect larvae.

* [[American dipper]], ''Cinclus mexicanus''

==Thrushes and allies==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Turdidae]]

The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly but not exclusively in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.

[[File:Sialia mexicana 07094.JPG|thumb|Western bluebird]]
* [[Western bluebird]], ''Sialia mexicana''
* [[Mountain bluebird]], ''Sialia currucoides''
* [[Townsend's solitaire]], ''Myadestes townsendi''
* [[Veery]], ''Catharus fuscescens'' (*)
* [[Gray-cheeked thrush]], ''Catharus minimus'' (*)
* [[Swainson's thrush]], ''Catharus ustulatus''
* [[Hermit thrush]], ''Catharus guttatus''
* [[Wood thrush]], ''Hylocichla mustelina'' (*)
* [[Eyebrowed thrush]], ''Turdus obscurus'' (*)
* [[Rufous-backed robin]], ''Turdus rufopalliatus'' (*)
* [[Song thrush]], ''Turdus philomelos'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/626157776 |title=Song Thrush |website=Macaulay Library |date=November 11, 2024 |access-date=November 30, 2024}}</ref>
* [[American robin]], ''Turdus migratorius''
* [[Varied thrush]], ''Ixoreus naevius''

==Old World flycatchers==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Muscicapidae]]

The Old World flycatchers form a large family of small passerine birds. These are mainly small arboreal [[insectivore]]s, many of which, as the name implies, take their prey on the wing.

* [[Bluethroat]], ''Cyanecula svecica'' (*)
* [[Siberian rubythroat]], ''Calliope calliope'' (*)
* [[Red-flanked bluetail]], ''Tarsiger cyanurus'' (*)
* [[Yellow-rumped flycatcher]], ''Ficedula zanthopygia'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://observation.org/observation/249114225/ |title=Yellow-rumped Flycatcher |website=Observation.org |access-date=February 11, 2024}}</ref> (not on the AOS ''Check-list'')
* [[Taiga flycatcher]], ''Ficedula albicilla'' (*)
* [[European pied flycatcher]], ''Ficedula hypoleuca'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://observation.org/observation/202785084/ |title=European Pied Flycatcher |website=Observation.org |access-date=February 11, 2024}}</ref> (not on the AOS ''Check-list'')
* [[Rufous-tailed rock-thrush]], ''Monticola saxatilis'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://observation.org/observation/282479833/ |title=Common Rock Thrush |website=Observation.org |access-date=February 11, 2024}}</ref> (not on the AOS ''Check-list'') 
* [[Blue rock-thrush]], ''Monticola solitarius'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/617957550 |title=Blue Rock-Thrush (philippensis) |website=Macaulay Library |date=April 25, 2024 |access-date=November 30, 2024}}</ref> (not on the AOS ''Check-list'')
* [[Asian stonechat]], ''Saxicola maurus'' (*)
* [[Northern wheatear]], ''Oenanthe oenanthe'' (*)

==Waxbills and allies==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Estrildidae]]

The members of this family are small passerine birds native to the Old World tropics. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have wide variation in plumage colors and patterns.

* [[Scaly-breasted munia]], ''Lonchura punctulata'' (I)

==Old World sparrows==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Passeridae]]

Old World sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small plump brownish or grayish birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects.

* [[House sparrow]], ''Passer domesticus'' (I)
* [[Eurasian tree sparrow]], ''Passer montanus'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>

==Wagtails and pipits==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Motacillidae]]

[[File:Anthus-rubescens-001.jpg|thumb|American pipit]]
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws, and pipits. They are slender ground-feeding insectivores of open country.

* [[Eastern yellow wagtail]], ''Motacilla tschutschensis'' (*)
* [[Citrine wagtail]], ''Motacilla citreola'' (*)
* [[Grey wagtail|Gray wagtail]], ''Motacilla cinerea'' (*)
* [[White wagtail]], ''Motacilla alba'' (*)
* [[Olive-backed pipit]], ''Anthus hodgsoni'' (*)
* [[Pechora pipit]], ''Anthus gustavi'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/> (not on the AOS ''Check-list'')
* [[Red-throated pipit]], ''Anthus cervinus''
* [[American pipit]], ''Anthus rubescens''
* [[Sprague's pipit]], ''Anthus spragueii''

==Finches, euphonias, and allies==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Fringillidae]]

Finches are seed-eating passerine birds that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well.

[[File:Cassin's Finch (male).jpg|thumb|Cassin's finch]]
* [[Common chaffinch]], ''Fringilla coelebs'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/> 
* [[Brambling]], ''Fringilla montifringilla'' (*)
* [[Evening grosbeak]], ''Coccothraustes vespertinus''
* [[Hawfinch]], ''Coccothraustes coccothraustes'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/> 
* [[Common rosefinch]], ''Carpodacus erythrinus'' (*)
* [[Pine grosbeak]], ''Pinicola enucleator''
* [[Gray-crowned rosy-finch]], ''Leucosticte tephrocotis''
* [[Black rosy-finch]], ''Leucosticte atrata'' (*)
* [[Brown-capped rosy-finch]], ''Leucosticte australis'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/> 
* [[House finch]], ''Haemorhous mexicanus''
* [[Purple finch]], ''Haemorhous purpureus''
* [[Cassin's finch]], ''Haemorhous cassinii''
* [[Oriental greenfinch]], ''Chloris sinica'' (*)
* [[Common redpoll]], ''Acanthis flammea'' (*)
* [[Red crossbill]], ''Loxia curvirostra''
* [[Cassia crossbill]], ''Loxia sinesciuris'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |last=Lepage |first=Denis |url=https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/species.jsp?lang=EN&avibaseid=5627C990B5A11AAC&sec=map |title=Cassia Crossbill |publisher=Avibase |access-date=January 5, 2024}}</ref>
* [[White-winged crossbill]], ''Loxia leucoptera'' (*)
* [[Pine siskin]], ''Spinus pinus''
* [[Lesser goldfinch]], ''Spinus psaltria''
* [[Lawrence's goldfinch]], ''Spinus lawrencei''
* [[American goldfinch]], ''Spinus tristis''

==Longspurs and snow buntings==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Calcariidae]]

The Calcariidae are a group of passerine birds that had been traditionally grouped with the New World sparrows, but differ in a number of respects and are usually found in open grassy areas.

* [[Lapland longspur]], ''Calcarius lapponicus''
* [[Chestnut-collared longspur]], ''Calcarius ornatus''
* [[Smith's longspur]], ''Calcarius pictus'' (*)
* [[Thick-billed longspur]], ''Rhynchophanes mccownii''
* [[Snow bunting]], ''Plectrophenax nivalis'' (*)

==Old World buntings==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Emberizidae]]

Emberizidae is a family of passerine birds containing a single genus. Until 2017, the New World sparrows (Passerellidae) were also considered part of this family.

* [[Little bunting]], ''Emberiza pusilla'' (*)
* [[Rustic bunting]], ''Emberiza rustica'' (*)
* [[Yellow-breasted bunting]], ''Emberiza aureola'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>

==New World sparrows==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Passerellidae]]
[[File:Song sparrow in Prospect Park (93031).jpg|thumb|Song sparrow]]

Until 2017, these species were considered part of the family Emberizidae. Most of the species are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many of these have distinctive head patterns.

{{colbegin}}
* [[Rufous-winged sparrow]], ''Peucaea carpalis''  (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://observation.org/observation/177391361/ |title=Rufous-winged Sparrow |website=Observation.org |access-date=February 11, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Cassin's sparrow]], ''Peucaea cassinii'' (*)
* [[Grasshopper sparrow]], ''Ammodramus savannarum''
* [[Black-throated sparrow]], ''Amphispiza bilineata''
* [[Lark sparrow]], ''Chondestes grammacus''
* [[Lark bunting]], ''Calamospiza melanocorys''
* [[Chipping sparrow]], ''Spizella passerina''
* [[Clay-colored sparrow]], ''Spizella pallida''
* [[Black-chinned sparrow]], ''Spizella atrogularis''
* [[Field sparrow]], ''Spizella pusilla'' (*)
* [[Brewer's sparrow]], ''Spizella breweri''
* [[Fox sparrow]], ''Passerella iliaca''
* [[American tree sparrow]], ''Spizelloides arborea''
* [[Dark-eyed junco]], ''Junco hyemalis''
* [[White-crowned sparrow]], ''Zonotrichia leucophrys''
* [[Golden-crowned sparrow]], ''Zonotrichia atricapilla''
* [[Harris's sparrow]], ''Zonotrichia querula''
* [[White-throated sparrow]], ''Zonotrichia albicollis''
* [[Sagebrush sparrow]], ''Artemisiospiza nevadensis''
* [[Bell's sparrow]], ''Artemisiospiza belli''
* [[Vesper sparrow]], ''Pooecetes gramineus''
* [[LeConte's sparrow]], ''Ammospiza leconteii'' (*)
* [[Nelson's sparrow]], ''Ammospiza nelsoni''
* [[Baird's sparrow]], ''Centronyx bairdii'' (*)
* [[Savannah sparrow]], ''Passerculus sandwichensis''
* [[Song sparrow]], ''Melospiza melodia''
* [[Lincoln's sparrow]], ''Melospiza lincolnii''
* [[Swamp sparrow]], ''Melospiza georgiana''
* [[Abert's towhee]], ''Melozone aberti''
* [[California towhee]], ''Melozone crissalis''
* [[Rufous-crowned sparrow]], ''Aimophila ruficeps''
* [[Green-tailed towhee]], ''Pipilo chlorurus''
* [[Spotted towhee]], ''Pipilo maculatus''
* [[Eastern towhee]], ''Pipilo erythrophthalmus'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>
{{colend}}

==Yellow-breasted chat==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Icteriidae]]

This species was historically placed in the wood-warblers (Parulidae) but nonetheless most authorities were unsure if it belonged there. It was placed in its own family in 2017.

*[[Yellow-breasted chat]], ''Icteria virens''

==Troupials and allies==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Icteridae]]

The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. Most species have black as a predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange, or red.

[[File:Sturnella neglecta1 (edit1).jpg|thumb|Western meadowlark]]
* [[Yellow-headed blackbird]], ''Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus''
* [[Bobolink]], ''Dolichonyx oryzivorus''
* [[Western meadowlark]], ''Sturnella neglecta''
* [[Eastern meadowlark]], ''Sturnella magna'' (*)
* [[Orchard oriole]], ''Icterus spurius''
* [[Hooded oriole]], ''Icterus cucullatus''
* [[Streak-backed oriole]], ''Icterus pustulatus'' (*)
* [[Bullock's oriole]], ''Icterus bullockii''
* [[Baltimore oriole]], ''Icterus galbula''
* [[Black-backed oriole]], ''Icterus abeillei'' (UO)
* [[Scott's oriole]], ''Icterus parisorum''
* [[Red-winged blackbird]], ''Agelaius phoeniceus''
* [[Tricolored blackbird]], ''Agelaius tricolor''
* [[Bronzed cowbird]], ''Molothrus aeneus''
* [[Brown-headed cowbird]], ''Molothrus ater''
* [[Rusty blackbird]], ''Euphagus carolinus''
* [[Brewer's blackbird]], ''Euphagus cyanocephalus''
* [[Common grackle]], ''Quiscalus quiscula'' (*)
* [[Great-tailed grackle]], ''Quiscalus mexicanus''

==New World warblers==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Parulidae]]

The wood warblers are a group of small and often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are more terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores.

[[File:Dendroica-aestiva-001.jpg|thumb|Yellow warbler]]
[[File:Dendroica-coronata-001.jpg|thumb|Yellow-rumped warbler]]

{{colbegin}}
* [[Ovenbird]], ''Seiurus aurocapilla''
* [[Worm-eating warbler]], ''Helmitheros vermivorum'' (*)
* [[Louisiana waterthrush]], ''Parkesia motacilla'' (*)
* [[Northern waterthrush]], ''Parkesia noveboracensis''
* [[Golden-winged warbler]], ''Vermivora chrysoptera'' (*)
* [[Blue-winged warbler]], ''Vermivora cyanoptera'' (*)
* [[Black-and-white warbler]], ''Mniotilta varia''
* [[Prothonotary warbler]], ''Protonotaria citrea''
* [[Tennessee warbler]], ''Leiothlypis peregrina''
* [[Orange-crowned warbler]], ''Leiothlypis celata''
* [[Lucy's warbler]], ''Leiothlypis luciae''
* [[Nashville warbler]], ''Leiothlypis ruficapilla''
* [[Virginia's warbler]], ''Leiothlypis virginiae''
* [[Connecticut warbler]], ''Oporornis agilis'' (*)
* [[MacGillivray's warbler]], ''Geothlypis tolmiei''
* [[Mourning warbler]], ''Geothlypis philadelphia'' (*)
* [[Kentucky warbler]], ''Geothlypis formosa''
* [[Common yellowthroat]], ''Geothlypis trichas''
* [[Hooded warbler]], ''Setophaga citrina''
* [[American redstart]], ''Setophaga ruticilla''
* [[Cape May warbler]], ''Setophaga tigrina'' (*)
* [[Cerulean warbler]], ''Setophaga cerulea'' (*)
* [[Northern parula]], ''Setophaga americana''
* [[Tropical parula]], ''Setophaga pitiayumi'' (*)
* [[Magnolia warbler]], ''Setophaga magnolia''
* [[Bay-breasted warbler]], ''Setophaga castanea''
* [[Blackburnian warbler]], ''Setophaga fusca''
* [[Yellow warbler]], ''Setophaga petechia''
* [[Chestnut-sided warbler]], ''Setophaga pensylvanica''
* [[Blackpoll warbler]], ''Setophaga striata''
* [[Black-throated blue warbler]], ''Setophaga caerulescens''
* [[Palm warbler]], ''Setophaga palmarum''
* [[Pine warbler]], ''Setophaga pinus''
* [[Yellow-rumped warbler]], ''Setophaga coronata''
* [[Yellow-throated warbler]], ''Setophaga dominica''
* [[Prairie warbler]], ''Setophaga discolor''
* [[Grace's warbler]], ''Setophaga graciae'' (*)
* [[Black-throated gray warbler]], ''Setophaga nigrescens''
* [[Townsend's warbler]], ''Setophaga townsendi''
* [[Hermit warbler]], ''Setophaga occidentalis''
* [[Golden-cheeked warbler]], ''Setophaga chrysoparia'' (*)
* [[Black-throated green warbler]], ''Setophaga virens''
* [[Canada warbler]], ''Cardellina canadensis''
* [[Wilson's warbler]], ''Cardellina pusilla''
* [[Red-faced warbler]], ''Cardellina rubrifrons'' (*)
* [[Painted redstart]], ''Myioborus pictus''
* [[Slate-throated redstart]], ''Myioborus miniatus'' (accidental)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/621988841 |title=Slate-throated Redstart |website=Macaulay Library |date=July 29, 2024 |access-date=November 30, 2024}}</ref>
{{colend}}

==Cardinals and allies==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Cardinalidae]]

The cardinals are a family of robust seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages.

[[File:Lazuli Bunting.jpg|thumb|Lazuli bunting]]
* [[Hepatic tanager]], ''Piranga flava''
* [[Summer tanager]], ''Piranga rubra''
* [[Scarlet tanager]], ''Piranga olivacea'' 
* [[Western tanager]], ''Piranga ludoviciana''
* [[Northern cardinal]], ''Cardinalis cardinalis''
* [[Pyrrhuloxia]], ''Cardinalis sinuatus'' (*)
* [[Rose-breasted grosbeak]], ''Pheucticus ludovicianus''
* [[Black-headed grosbeak]], ''Pheucticus melanocephalus''
* [[Blue grosbeak]], ''Passerina caerulea''
* [[Lazuli bunting]], ''Passerina amoena''
* [[Indigo bunting]], ''Passerina cyanea''
* [[Varied bunting]], ''Passerina versicolor'' (*)
* [[Painted bunting]], ''Passerina ciris''
* [[Dickcissel]], ''Spiza americana''

==Tanagers and allies==
Order: [[Passeriformes]]{{nbsp|3}}Family: [[Thraupidae]]

The tanagers are a large group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World, mainly in the tropics. Many species are brightly colored. As a family they are omnivorous, but individual species specialize in eating fruits, seeds, insects, or other types of food.

* [[Cinnamon-rumped seedeater]], ''Sporophila torqueola'' (hypothetical)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://rarebirds.westernfieldornithologists.org/HYPOTHETICAL/Hypothetical-NOQ.html |title=Natural Occurrence Questionable (Identification Established) |website=Rare Birds of California |access-date=19 September 2023}}</ref>
* [[Parrot-billed seedeater]], ''Sporophila peruviana'' (hypothetical)<ref name="tietz"/>  (not on the AOS ''Check-list'')

==References==
{{commons category|Birds of California}}
{{reflist}}

==See also==
* [[List of birds of Channel Islands National Park]]
* [[List of birds of Yosemite National Park]]
* [[List of birds]]
* [[Lists of birds by region]]

{{North American birds}}

[[Category:Lists of fauna of California|birds]]
[[Category:Lists of birds of the United States|California]]
[[Category:Native birds of the Western United States|'California]]
[[Category:Native birds of the West Coast of the United States|'California]]