Cape Coral Florida's Feathered Ambassador: Celebrating the Official City Bird

March 6, 2024 in City Birds and Owls with 1 comments

Many countries have an official national bird. For example, the national bird of Belgium is the Common Kestrel, and the national bird of Israel is the Hoopoe. All U.S. states also have official birds. But did you know that there are even some cities that have their own official bird?

Burrowing Owl in Florida by Pete Markham (CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED)

Cape Coral, Florida, a city celebrated for its picturesque canals and vibrant wildlife, is home to a particularly charming and quirky resident: the Burrowing Owl. This pint-sized owl has not only captivated the hearts of locals and visitors alike but has also earned the distinguished title of the official city bird. The Burrowing Owl's unique lifestyle, adorable appearance, and the conservation efforts surrounding it make for a fun story that intertwines the natural world with community pride.

Unlike most owls who are known for their nocturnal habits and preference for dense forests, the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) stands out for its diurnal (daytime) activity patterns and unusual habitat choice. As the name implies, these owls are ground-dwellers, favoring open, treeless areas where they make their homes in burrows. These burrows are not only a place of residence but also serve as protection against predators and extreme weather conditions. This adaptation to burrow living is a remarkable trait that sets the Burrowing Owl apart from its avian relatives.

Measuring about 7.5 to 11 inches in length, the Burrowing Owl is easily recognizable by its long legs, round head, and big, bright eyes. Their presence adds a unique charm to the landscapes of Cape Coral, where they can be found standing at the entrance to their burrows or perched on nearby posts during the day.

The Burrowing Owl diet mainly consists of insects, small mammals, and occasionally small reptiles and amphibians, playing a crucial role in controlling local pest populations.

Photo of Burrowing Owls in Cape Coral, Florida — Burrowing Owls in Cape Coral, Florida

Cape Coral's designation of the Burrowing Owl as its official city bird shows the community's awareness and commitment to wildlife conservation. The city boasts one of the largest populations of Burrowing Owls in Florida, thanks in part to the efforts of local conservation groups, city ordinances protecting the birds, and educational programs aimed at raising awareness about their habitat requirements and threats.

The challenges facing the Burrowing Owl are not insignificant. Habitat loss due to development, pesticide use, and human disturbance are ongoing threats to their population. However, Cape Coral has implemented several measures to protect these birds. These include creating protected nesting sites, enforcing regulations that prohibit the destruction of burrows, and organizing an annual Burrowing Owl Festival to celebrate and raise funds for their conservation. These efforts highlight the importance of community involvement in preserving natural habitats and the species that depend on them.

The Burrowing Owl's status as the official city bird of Cape Coral encourages residents and visitors to engage with nature respectfully and responsibly. Moreover, it underscores the importance of urban areas in contributing to the conservation of species and the health of ecosystems.

Cape Coral Burrowing Owl Gifts from Birdorable

See the perfect blend of style and nature with our original Birdorable Cape Coral Florida design available on different apparel styles from Amazon and Zazzle. A fun bird-themed addition to any wardrobe, this graphic design features our cute Birdorable Burrowing Owl with vibrant orange and green lettering that spells out "CAPE CORAL FLORIDA," celebrating the city's affinity with these charming birds. Choose from a variety of apparel styles, colors, and sizes to find your perfect fit. Whether you're a local resident, a visitor who has fallen in love with the area's wildlife, or a birding enthusiast, this design is a fun way to show your appreciation for Cape Coral's natural beauty.

City Bird: Rauma's Great Black-backed Gull

May 24, 2012 in Gulls and City Birds with 5 comments

Many countries have an official national bird. For example, the national bird of Israel is the Hoopoe, and the national bird of Mauritius is the Dodo. All U.S. states also have official birds. But did you know that there are even some cities that have their own official bird?

The official city bird of Rauma, Finland is the Great Black-backed Gull. Oddly, in the Rauma dialect, there is no specific name for this species. The word "truut" is used for all large gulls found in the area: Great Black-backed; Lesser Black-backed; and Herring. It is estimated that the Great Black-backed Gull was nesting on Rauma soil 4200 years before the city was officially founded! For Rauma, the gull symbolizes the care that residents should take in local wildlife.

Great Black-backed Gull with the Rauma Coat of Arms

City Bird: Chiyoda's Swan

March 27, 2012 in Swans and City Birds – Be the first to comment

Many countries have an official national bird. For example, the national bird of Israel is the Hoopoe, and the national bird of Mauritius is the Dodo. All U.S. states also have official birds. But did you know that there are even some cities that have their own official bird? The official city bird of Chiyoda, Japan is the Mute Swan. A popular ornamental bird, Mute Swans have been introduced to North America and New Zealand, where wild feral populations thrive. These gorgeous large white birds are native to much of Europe and Asia. Interestingly, the current population of Mute Swans in Japan, numbering about 200 birds, is also introduced! However, the bird is historically native to the country. In fact, it was revered by the Japanese in the past; it is depicted on scrolls from over a thousand years ago.

Birdorable Mute Swan with the flag of Chiyoda

City Bird: Deltona's Florida Scrub-Jay

March 7, 2012 in Jays and City Birds with 4 comments

Many countries have an official national bird. For example, the national bird of Belgium is the Common Kestrel, and the national bird of Honduras is the Scarlet Macaw. All U.S. states also have official birds. But did you know that there are even some cities that have their own official bird?

The official city bird of Deltona, Florida is the state-endemic Florida Scrub-Jay. Birdorable headquarters recently moved from northern Illinois to central Florida, to a community close to Deltona. We are very lucky to have seen the official Deltona bird in the city itself, at the Lyonia Preserve park.

Florida Scrub-Jays live in a very specific type of habitat that is found in and around central Florida. By choosing a state and federally threatened species as the official city bird, Deltona helps bring awareness of this charismatic bird's status.

Birdorable Florida Scrub-Jay with the flag of Deltona, Florida

City Bird: Hanam's Pheasant

February 10, 2012 in Pheasants and City Birds with 3 comments

Many countries have an official national bird. For example, the national bird of India is the Indian Peacock, and the national bird of Panama is the Harpy Eagle. All U.S. states also have official birds. But did you know that there are even some cities that have their own official bird? The official city bird of Hanam, South Korea is the Ring-necked Pheasant (also known as the Common Pheasant). Ring-necked Pheasants today can be found almost everywhere, being a common introduced game bird. These beautiful birds are native to parts of Asia, including Korea. Their ability to adapt to a huge variety of habitats has made them extremely popular game birds, and they may be the most hunted bird on earth. At least they get the respect they deserve in Hanam!

Birdorable Ring-necked Pheasant with the emblem of Hanam

City Bird: Seattle's Great Blue Heron

October 10, 2011 in Herons and City Birds with 4 comments

Many countries have an official national bird. For example, the national bird of Belize is the Keel-billed Toucan, and the national bird of New Zealand is the Kiwi. All U.S. states also have official birds. But did you know that there are even some cities that have their own official bird? The official city bird of Seattle, Washington, is the Great Blue Heron. For a bustling oceanside metropolis known for its seafood, a fish-eating bird is a great choice for an official city bird. Of course, herons take other prey, including frogs, turtles, and even small mammals! Seattle is also known for its weather - lots of rain. A big blue-grey bird fits in there just fine! You can read more about the Great Blue Heron at the Seattle Audubon Society.

Birdorable Great Blue Heron with the flag of Seattle

City Bird: Abiko's Eurasian Coot

August 4, 2011 in Coots and City Birds with 1 comments

You are probably well-aware that many countries have an official national bird. For example, the national bird of the United States is the Bald Eagle, and the national bird of Bolivia is the Andean Condor. Several U.S. states also have official birds. But did you know that there are even some cities that have their own official bird? The official city bird of Abiko, Japan, is the Eurasian Coot. We used to see these little water birds all the time while we lived in the Netherlands, but in fact their range is across much of Eurasia - all the way to Japan! Besides being one of just a few global cities to have an official bird, Abiko goes a step further with their love of avian friends. It is home to the Abiko City Museum of Birds!

Birdorable Eurasian Coot with the flag of Abiko