West Nile virus bird identification
Below are common species affected by West Nile virus. The Division of Wildlife Resources is no longer collecting these birds for West Nile virus testing. However, if you live within Salt Lake County, the Salt Lake County Health Department is conducting a special study and might collect your bird for testing. You may contact them at 801-534-4600.
Birds of the corvid family
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Common Raven
Corvus corax
Identification tips:
- Length: 24"
- Wingspan: 53"
- Weight: 2.6 lb
- Entirely black plumage
- Long narrow wings, wedged shaped tail, heavy bill
- Larger than the American Crow and not as gregarious
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American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Identification tips:
- Length: 16–18"
- Wingspan: 39"
- Weight: 1lb
- Entirely black plumage
- Squared-off tail
- Short tail, broad wings
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Black-billed Magpie
Pica pica
Identification tips:
- Length: 19"
- Wingspan: 25"
- Weight: 6 oz.
- Color: White and black
- Plumage often appears iridescent
- White patches on wings in flight
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Western scrub jay
Aphelocoma californica
Identification tips:
- Length: 11–13"
- Crestless jay usually associated with oaks
- Color: Head, wings and tail are blue. Back is pale brownish; white throat.
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Stellar's Jay
Cyanocitta stelleri
Identification tips:
- Length: 12–13"
- A large, dark, black and blue bird
- Long crest
- Foreparts blackish, rest of body blue
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Raptors (Hawks, Eagles and Falcons)
Raptors typically have a strong hooked beak and long curved talons. All raptors are wanted for WNV testing. Some examples are listed below.
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Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Identification tips:
- Length: 19–25"
- Distinctive red coloration on topside of tail
- Light colored breast with streaked belly
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Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis
Identification tips:
- Length: 20–26"
- Large robust hawk with longish tail
- Adult: Crown and cheek blackish with broad white stripe over the eye. Immature (shown): Pale stripe over the eye; irregular tail-banding
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Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
Identification tips:
- Length: 30–40"
- Wingspan: 7 ft.
- Glides and soars flat winged
- A gold band of feathers on the back of neck
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