Joshua trees are a type of yucca plant that are native to the Mojave Desert in the southwestern United States. Their unique and iconic appearance, with spiky, twisting branches extending from a thick trunk, makes them one of the most recognizable plants of the desert southwest. Joshua trees got their name from Mormon settlers who crossed the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century – the trees’ distinctive shape reminded them of a biblical story in which Joshua reaches his hands up to the sky in prayer.
While Joshua trees may seem like an unlikely place for birds to make their home, a surprising variety of birds do in fact live in, on, or around these unusual plants. About 250 bird species have been documented in Joshua tree habitats. The trees’ prickly branches provide protection, their flowers provide nectar, and the insects drawn to the trees attract birds looking for a meal. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the birds that call Joshua trees home.
Species Overview
Here is a brief overview of some of the bird species found living in or around Joshua trees:
– Costa’s Hummingbird – a tiny hummingbird that feeds on Joshua tree flowers. They aggressively defend flowering Joshua trees.
– Ladder-backed Woodpecker – these woodpeckers nest in old Joshua tree trunks and branches. They can often be seen foraging on the bark.
– Ash-throated Flycatcher – a common flycatcher species of the desert southwest. They nest in cavities in Joshua trees.
– Black-tailed Gnatcatcher – the most common species found living in Joshua tree forests, feeding on insects.
– Scott’s Oriole – colorful orioles that feed on Joshua tree flowers and build hanging nests on yucca stalks.
– LeConte’s Thrasher – a large thrasher species that nests low in Joshua tree branches.
Birds that Nest in Joshua Trees
Several species of birds use Joshua trees specifically for nesting and rearing young. The trees’ spiky branches help protect nests from predators. Here are some of the most notable birds that nest in Joshua trees:
Scott’s Oriole
With their bright yellow and black plumage, Scott’s Orioles are a striking sight in Joshua tree habitats. These orioles use Joshua trees in several ways. They feed on the nectar from Joshua tree flowers. Females also build intricate hanging nests from fibers from the leaves of Joshua trees and other plants. Their finely-woven, purse-shaped nests sway in the breeze, rocking the baby orioles inside.
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
As their name suggests, Ladder-backed Woodpeckers have black and white barred plumage on their backs that resembles a ladder. In Joshua tree forests, these woodpeckers excavate cavities for nesting in old Joshua tree trunks and branches. Woodpecker nest holes are also used secondarily by other cavity nesters like house wrens.
Ash-throated Flycatcher
The Ash-throated Flycatcher, another cavity nesting species, breeds in Joshua tree forests. They excavate nest holes in the trunk or branches of the trees, often reusing old woodpecker holes. Several entrance holes may be drilled to allow escape from predators.
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher
The Black-tailed Gnatcatcher is the most abundant and characteristic species found living year-round in Joshua tree habitats. This long-tailed, gray songbird builds a neat, compact nest low in a Joshua tree. The nests are well camouflaged with Joshua tree bark and leaves.
LeConte’s Thrasher
LeConte’s Thrashers are larger, shyer birds of Joshua tree forests. They have long, curved bills adapted for probing into the ground. For nesting, they prefer Joshua trees that have a protective canopy of branches starting close to the ground. Nests are placed low in the tree or directly on the ground under the canopy.
Birds that Feed on Joshua Trees
Beyond nesting sites, Joshua trees also provide food sources that attract an array of bird species. Here are some of the notable birds that can be observed feeding on different parts of Joshua trees:
Costa’s Hummingbird
The diminutive Costa’s Hummingbird depends heavily on the nectar from Joshua tree flowers, especially in spring when the trees are in bloom. Costa’s Hummingbirds aggressively defend flowering Joshua trees, seeing off other birds, bees, and even humans that get too close. They may nest low in a Joshua tree or shrub nearby.
Scott’s Oriole
As mentioned previously, orioles like the flowering stalk of the Joshua tree for both nectar and nesting material. Scott’s Orioles use their pointed bills to probe for nectar at the base of a Joshua tree flower. Their dexterous tongues help them lap up the sweet nectar.
Phainopepla
The crested Phainopepla is another sleek black bird that feeds on the berries of the Joshua tree. The male’s silky black plumage contrasts sharply with his red eyes. Phainopeplas help distribute Joshua tree seeds after feeding on the fleshy berries.
Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker forages on Joshua trees by probing under bark flakes for insects, including ants. Their stout bills allow them to hammer and pry open the bark. Woodpecker holes they excavate provide nesting sites for other species.
Other Birds Found in Joshua Tree Habitats
Beyond those that directly depend on Joshua trees for food or shelter, there are many other bird species found living in Joshua tree forests and woodlands:
Common Raven
The jet-black Common Raven is often seen soaring over Joshua tree habitats or perched on the top of a tall Joshua tree. Their deep croaking calls echo through the arid landscape. Ravens build large stick nests on ledges or in the fork of a Joshua tree.
Black-throated Sparrow
The handsome Black-throated Sparrow with its bright white supercilium is a characteristic sparrow of the Mojave desert scrub and Joshua tree forests. They scratch in the leaf litter under Joshua trees looking for seeds.
Verdin
The tiny Verdin builds one of the most elaborate nests of any North American bird, a hanging sphere with a narrow entrance tube. Verdins nest low in a thorny Joshua tree or shrub, protected from snakes and other predators.
Loggerhead Shrike
This predatory songbird is nicknamed the “butcher bird” for its habit of impaling prey on thorns. Look for them using the sharp spines of Joshua trees as a pantry, spiking insects and small vertebrates.
Brown-crested Flycatcher
The upright crest and wing bars make the Brown-crested Flycatcher easy to identify as it sallies from a Joshua tree perch to catch insects. They often nest in woodpecker holes or natural cavities in Joshua trees.
Threats Facing Joshua Tree Birds
Unfortunately, some of the specialized birds that nest only in Joshua trees face grave threats to their future survival. Here are some of the major threats:
– Habitat loss from development, roads, and other fragmentation
– Climate change resulting in hotter, drier conditions with impacts on Joshua tree health
– Invasive species that degrade Joshua tree ecosystems
– Vandalism and damage to trees, especially from off-road vehicles
– Overgrazing stressing Joshua tree forests
– Air pollution harming the trees and their pollinating moths
Conservation efforts are needed to preserve intact Joshua tree forests for the specialized birds that depend on them. Securing protected wilderness areas with Joshua trees is crucial. Ongoing monitoring of bird populations can help detect any concerning declines. Outreach to prevent vandalism of trees can also help protect bird habitat.
Joshua Tree Birds by Season
The bird species composition in Joshua tree habitats changes throughout the year as birds migrate through or arrive for breeding. Here is an overview of key times of year for birds:
Spring
Spring is an active time as migrants return and breeding gets underway. Arrivals like the Phainopepla feed on the newly emerging Joshua tree flowers and fruits. Migrant warblers and flycatchers burst with song. Scott’s Orioles construct their remarkable hanging nests.
Summer
Summers are hot and dry in the Mojave Desert, with the Joshua trees entering dormancy. Bird activity is reduced, but species like the Black-tailed Gnatcatcher can be observed feeding fledglings. Costa’s Hummingbird buzzes territoriality around flowering agaves.
Fall
In fall, migrant birds pass back through Joshua tree habitats en route to wintering areas. Sparrows and warblers forage in mixed flocks. Uncommon vagrants can turn up in the Joshua trees and desert scrub.
Winter
Winters are a quieter time in Joshua tree forests, but residents like the Ladder-backed Woodpecker and LeConte’s Thrasher are active year-round. Winter is a great time to search for interesting woodpecker nest cavities in the old Joshua trees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Joshua trees serve as vital habitat for an impressive diversity of desert birds. Their flowers, fruits, branches, and trunks fulfill needs from food to shelter to nesting sites. Specialized species like Scott’s Oriole and Black-tailed Gnatcatcher are intricately tied to the health of these unique trees. Conserving intact Joshua tree forests is crucial for protecting the birds that depend on them. The next time you observe these iconic plants, look and listen closely to discover the birds that call the Joshua trees home.