Description: A medium-sized songbird with brilliant red plumage in males and warm brown with red tinges in females. They have a distinctive crest and a short, thick bill.
Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and backyards throughout Arkansas.
Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser and pest controller by feeding on insects.
Conservation Status: Least Concern.
2. Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
Description: Small thrush with vivid blue upperparts and a rusty-red throat and chest.
Habitat: Open woodlands, pastures, and orchards with scattered trees.
Ecosystem Services: Controls insect populations, particularly beetles and caterpillars.
Conservation Status: Least Concern.
3. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
Description: A small, bright yellow bird in breeding season, with black wings and cap.
Habitat: Fields, meadows, and suburban areas with weedy growth.
Ecosystem Services: Disperses seeds from native plants and weeds.
Conservation Status: Least Concern.
4. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Description: Large raptor with a white head and tail, dark brown body, and yellow beak.
Habitat: Near large bodies of water such as rivers and lakes.
Ecosystem Services: Scavenger that helps clean up dead animals; top predator regulating prey populations.
Conservation Status: Least Concern (Recovered from Endangered).
5. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Description: Large hawk with broad wings and a characteristic reddish tail.
Habitat: Open fields, wood edges, and highwaysides.
Ecosystem Services: Controls rodent and small mammal populations.
Conservation Status: Least Concern.
6. Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)
Description: Small, chunky bird with a rich cinnamon color and prominent white eyebrow stripe.
Habitat: Dense underbrush, thickets, and suburban gardens.
Ecosystem Services: Helps control insects including beetles and caterpillars.
Conservation Status: Least Concern.
7. Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
Description: The largest woodpecker in Arkansas, with black plumage, white stripes, and a striking red crest.
Habitat: Mature forests and woodlands.
Ecosystem Services: Excavates cavities that provide shelter for other wildlife; controls insect pests.
Conservation Status: Least Concern.
8. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Description: Slender, gray-brown bird with a small head and long pointed tail.
Habitat: Open country, farms, and suburban areas.
Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser and prey species for raptors.
Conservation Status: Least Concern.
9. American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
Description: Familiar thrush with a red-orange breast and gray-brown back.
Habitat: Woodlands, lawns, and urban parks.
Ecosystem Services: Controls earthworm and insect populations; disperses fruit seeds.
Conservation Status: Least Concern.
10. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
Description: Large, blue-colored songbird with a crest and bold white and black markings.
Habitat: Deciduous and mixed forests, suburbs.
Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser, especially acorns; predator deterrent via alarm calls.
Conservation Status: Least Concern.
11. Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Description: Tall, elegant white wader with a long neck and legs.
Habitat: Wetlands, lakeshores, and marshes.
Ecosystem Services: Controls fish and amphibian populations; indicator of wetland health.
Conservation Status: Least Concern.
12. Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)
Description: Colorful duck with iridescent plumage and distinctive face patterns.
Habitat: Forested swamps, ponds, and streams.
Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser of aquatic plants; insect control.
Conservation Status: Least Concern.
13. Purple Martin (Progne subis)
Description: The largest North American swallow, glossy dark purple in males.
Habitat: Open areas near water, often nesting in human-provided housing.
