Birds and Land Surface Temperature on UCCS Campus

Exploring Bird Observations and Land Surface Temperatures at UCCS

Understanding how environmental factors, like land surface temperature (LST), influence bird observations can reveal critical insights into habitat suitability and seasonal behaviors. This project focuses on the relationship between LST in the spring and fall and bird activity across different transects on the UCCS campus.

American Crow
A highly intelligent and adaptable species, the American Crow is found in both urban and rural environments. Known for its distinctive "caw" calls, it exhibits complex social behaviors and often forages in groups.

American Pipit
This slender, ground-dwelling bird is commonly found in open habitats such as tundras, meadows, and fields. The American Pipit is notable for its wagging tail behavior and migrates between alpine summer breeding grounds and warmer winter habitats.

American Robin
A widespread and iconic species in North America, the American Robin is easily identified by its orange breast and melodious song. It thrives in various habitats, including suburban lawns, where it feeds primarily on earthworms and fruit.

Black-Billed Magpie
Recognizable by its striking black-and-white plumage and long tail, the Black-Billed Magpie is a member of the crow family. It is highly social and intelligent, often inhabiting open areas and scavenging opportunistically.

Black-Capped Chickadee
A small passerine with a characteristic black cap and bib, the Black-Capped Chickadee is a common forest and feeder visitor. It exhibits remarkable memory, storing food and relocating it later, even in cold climates.

Chipping Sparrow
A small sparrow with a distinctive rust-colored crown, the Chipping Sparrow is often found in open woodlands and suburban areas. Its sharp trilling song is a familiar sound during the breeding season.

Dark-Eyed Junco
Often referred to as the "snowbird," this sparrow-like species is commonly observed during the winter months. It features dark plumage on its head and back, contrasting with a pale belly, and forages on the ground for seeds.

European Starling
An introduced and highly adaptable species, the European Starling is known for its iridescent plumage and mimicking abilities. It often forms large, synchronized flocks called murmurations and thrives in urban and agricultural environments.

House Finch
A small finch with reddish plumage on the head and breast in males, the House Finch is a common species in urban areas. Its diet includes seeds, fruit, and buds, and its cheerful, warbling song is easily recognized.

Lesser Goldfinch
This small finch is identified by its yellow underparts and black or greenish-black back. Lesser Goldfinches are often observed feeding on seeds in open woodlands and fields, emitting rapid, high-pitched calls.

Mountain Chickadee
Similar to the Black-Capped Chickadee, the Mountain Chickadee is adapted to high-altitude coniferous forests and can be distinguished by its white eyebrow stripe. Its raspy calls are a defining characteristic of its vocalizations.

Pygmy Nuthatch
A diminutive and active bird, the Pygmy Nuthatch forages on tree trunks and branches for insects and seeds. It is typically found in pine forests and communicates with high-pitched, squeaky calls.

Red-Tailed Hawk
One of the most common raptors in North America, the Red-Tailed Hawk is recognized by its broad wings, reddish tail, and piercing screech. It is often seen soaring in search of prey or perched prominently.

Spotted Towhee
A large sparrow with striking black, white, and rust-colored plumage, the Spotted Towhee is a ground forager that feeds on seeds and insects. It is commonly found in shrublands and forest edges.

Townsend's Solitaire
A gray thrush with a sweet, melodious song, the Townsend's Solitaire is often found in coniferous forests. In winter, it relies heavily on juniper berries, playing a key role in seed dispersal.

White-Crowned Sparrow

Distinguished by its crisp black-and-white striped crown, the White-Crowned Sparrow is a migratory species often seen in open habitats. Its clear, whistled song is a hallmark of its breeding and migration periods.