California is one of the best birdwatching states in the United States because it has coastlines, deserts, forests, wetlands, mountains, grasslands, valleys, lakes, and city parks. This wide mix of habitats gives birders a chance to see backyard birds, shorebirds, seabirds, hummingbirds, quail, raptors, owls, woodpeckers, waterfowl, jays, sparrows, and many seasonal migrants.
Birds in California can change a lot by region. The Pacific Coast attracts gulls, pelicans, cormorants, sandpipers, and other coastal birds. Desert areas are better for roadrunners, thrashers, quail, and cactus-loving species. Mountain forests bring jays, woodpeckers, chickadees, owls, and nuthatches, while wetlands and lakes are good for ducks, herons, egrets, grebes, and shorebirds.
This guide covers common and interesting birds in California, with simple identification tips based on color, size, habitat, season, and behavior. You can also explore our main Birds in the United States guide to find bird identification pages for all 50 states.
Quick Look at Birds in California
| Bird | Main ID Clue | Common Habitat |
| California Quail | Curved head plume, scaled belly | Shrubland, yards, chaparral |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Green back, pink-red throat male | Gardens, parks, coastal areas |
| Western Bluebird | Blue body, rusty chest | Open woods, parks, fields |
| California Scrub-Jay | Blue head, wings, and tail | Oak woodlands, yards, parks |
| Steller’s Jay | Dark head, blue body, crest | Mountain forests, conifer woods |
| Acorn Woodpecker | Black-and-white face, red cap | Oak woodlands, forests |
| Red-tailed Hawk | Broad wings, reddish tail | Roadsides, fields, hills |
| Great Horned Owl | Large owl, ear tufts | Forests, deserts, cities |
| Brown Pelican | Large coastal bird, long bill | Coastlines, bays, beaches |
| Great Egret | Tall white wading bird | Wetlands, marshes, lakes |
