A Haven for Birds
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You can see over 75 species of marine birds at the Colorado Lagoon. While some of these birds are Long Beach locals, many are are traveling along a migratory path that stretches 4,000 miles from Alaska to Patagonia called the Pacific Flyway. The Colorado Lagoon provides a resting place for birds who are staying for the season or just passing through. A migrating bird such as the Red Breasted Merganser might stop off at the lagoon for food and rest during their long journey all the way from Canada to Mexico.
You can see over 75 species of marine birds at the Colorado Lagoon. While some of these birds are Long Beach locals, many are are traveling along a migratory path that stretches 4,000 miles from Alaska to Patagonia called the Pacific Flyway. The Colorado Lagoon provides a resting place for birds who are staying for the season or just passing through. A migrating bird such as the Red Breasted Merganser might stop off at the lagoon for food and rest during their long journey all the way from Canada to Mexico.
Snowy Egret
Snowy Egret
Known for their S-shaped neck, these birds are constantly shuffling through shallow water looking for small fish.
Killdeer
Killdeer
These noisy birds get their name from the shrill cry the make which is supposed to sound like "kill-deer!"
Allen's Hummingbird
Allen's Hummingbird
You might see these bold little birds conspicuously perched on branches, they're known for being aggressive and territorial.
Least Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
These are the smallest shorebird in the world. They're often on dried edges of the lagoon forging for insects.
Bufflehead
Bufflehead
These tiny ducks migrate to the lakes of northern Canada each summer to breed, and nest in woodpecker holes.
Lesser Goldfinch
Lesser Goldfinch
You'll see these birds darting in the brush. They are actually the smallest true finch in the world.
Lesser Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Named for their call, these ducks don't 'quack', but 'scaup'! They line their nests with down to help keep their eggs warm.
Blue Winged Teal
Blue Winged Teal
Winter visitors to Long Beach, these ducks fly as far south as Brazil, and in the summer some fly as far as England.
Ring-Billed Gull
Ring-Billed Gull
One of the most common gulls, ring-billed gulls live almost eleven years on average and return to the same nesting site every year.
American Coot
American Coot
They may look like ducks, but they are only distant relatives. You can tell by the feet: they aren't webbed but have lobed scales on each side of their toes to help them swim.
White Crowned Sparrow
White Crowned Sparrow
These tiny birds can stay awake for up to two weeks while migrating, and have been studied to better understand sleep in humans.
Cooper's Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
These predators often eat small birds. You'll see sparrows and finches hide in the bushes when a cooper's hawk starts to circle!
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