Field Guide

Explore the Field Guide to learn about more than 350 species of birds, fish, insects, algae, invertebrates, mammals, plants, reptiles and amphibians that live in the Chesapeake Bay region.

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Showing: 10 of 16

American Coot

Fulica americana

The American coot is a dark, duck-like bird with a white bill. It visits the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers, creeks and wetlands from autumn through spring.

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An American coot swims through a marsh, its yellow legs and large feet visible just under the water's surface.
Birds

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

The American oystercatcher is a large, stocky shorebird with a distinctive long, blade-like, reddish-orange bill. It lives on beaches, mud flats and exposed oyster bars along the lower Chesapeake Bay.

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An American oystercatcher walks across an exposed clam bar, its reddish-orange bill standing out against the blue water in the background.
Birds

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

The black skimmer is an elegant forager that flies low over the surface of the water feeling for fish.

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Black skimmer dips its lower bill into the water to catch a fish.
Birds

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

The brown pelican is a large, dark-colored water bird that lives along the shores of the middle and lower Chesapeake Bay during summer.

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A brown pelican flies over the water and past a marsh.
Birds

Common Loon

Gavia immer

The common loon is a duck-like sea bird with a thick, pointed bill and a distinctive black-and-white checkered pattern during breeding season. It visits the Chesapeake Bay in autumn and late winter to feed on open waters.

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A common loon stretches its wings while swimming in a body of water. Facing away from the camera, the loon's characteristic black and white checkered back are clearly visible.
Birds

Double-Crested Cormorant

Phalacrocorax auritus

The double-crested cormorant is a large, black water bird with a long, hooked bill. It lives year-round on the Chesapeake Bay’s shallow and open waters.

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An immature double-crested cormorant stands on a sandy beach. Its throat and chest are pale brown, and the small hook of its orange bill is visible in profile.
Birds

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

The greater yellowlegs is a slender shorebird with a long, upturned bill and distinctive yellow or orange legs.

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A greater yellowlegs wades in clear water with mossy rocks.
Birds

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

Laughing gulls are medium-sized gulls with white underparts and a gray back. They visit the Chesapeake Bay in the summer to breed.

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A closeup of a laughing gull's profile in the breeding season, showing its dark red bill, red eye, and black head.
Birds

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

In the spring and summer, the least tern can be identified by its black crown and nape, which contrast with its white forehead.

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A least tern, standing on a rocky surface, holds a small fish out to a fuzzy tan chick. Its white forehead forms a triangle.
Birds

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

Piping plover is a small, sand-colored bird that nests along the Atlantic Coast.

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Piping plover sits on a beach at dusk looking for food.
Birds