S. Florida Terrestrial (Land) Birds

Habitat(s): Grasslands
Food: Insects, especially grasshoppers and crickets
Lifespan: 7 to 10 years in the wild
Size: 18 to 22 inches with a 34 to 38 inch wingspan
Fun Fact: Called Cattle Egret because they ride on the backs of cattle and pick/eat the ticks.

Habitat(s): Prefer open grasslands but can be spotted in trees around freshwater wetlands
Food: Insects, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals
Lifespan: Up to 12 years in the wild
Size: 8 to 10 inches tall with an 11 to 13 inch wingspan
Fun Fact: They are known to impale their prey on thorns or barbed wire fences to store it for later eating.

Habitat(s): Areas with open ground or areas with shrubs in parks and suburban areas
Food: Omnivore that eats insects, fruits, seeds, and greens
Lifespan: up to 8 years in the wild
Size: Length 8-10 inches with a 12-14 inch wingspan
Fun Fact: Mockingbirds use their wings like flags -- called a “wing flash” and they dive bomb people and animals

Habitat(s): Woodlands, forest edges, freshwater wetlands, suburban trees
Food: Mostly spiders, insects, acorns, pinecone seeds, fruits
Lifespan: Up to 12 years in the wild
Size: Averages 10 inches
Fun Fact: These Woodpeckers have red on the top and back of their head and a red tinge on their belly that is hard to see.