Guest Essay
A Field Guide to the Snowbird
Everything the amateur ornithologist needs to know to spot this species in its annual RV migration.
By P.J. Repond
The Snowbird
(Family Hominidae, genus homo, species RV-us)
Introduction: Millions of North American birds migrate south each winter, but none in such numbers as the Snowbird. For, when blustery winds threaten and snow looms large on the horizon, these far-ranging birds feel the chill in their bones and file their flight plans. Many of these Snowbirds leave their summer nesting grounds for the sunshine and hospitality of Southwestern New Mexico. Those Snowbirds who choose the traditional aviary way and actually fly south are by far in the minority. The majority arrive by car, fifth wheel or motor home, as evidenced by the full-to-overflowing RV parks and the number of out-of-state license plates seen on the highway. Although they are principally from northwestern and plains states, they migrate from as far east as Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan or New York. In short, they can be from any northern state, including Alaska, and even the Canadian provinces.
Description: The Snowbird comes in a surprising range
of sizes and shapes. Many exhibit long spindly legs; others, short stocky
legs. Some are round-bellied while others are trim-waisted. Some are ample-rumped,
some flat-bottomed. In addition, many are full-breasted while some remain
flat-breasted.
From our field studies, we note that the majority of Snowbirds are silver
crested; yet there are those that have white, brown, black, red and even
blue or violet crests. There have been several sightings of totally crestless–or
bald–Snowbirds, but scientists do not know if this is a genetic mishap,
a subspecies, or an entirely new species.
Color and Plumage: The Snowbird's colors are wonderfully varied. The male's colors range from Kelly green to brilliant tricolored plaids, vibrant western prints, multiple shades of denim, and the requisite western hat. The female of the species, unlike most avian females, is even more spectacular than the male, sporting multicolored plaids, patterns, stripes, flower prints, polka dots, denim and, again, the requisite western hat. They often have beautiful gold or silver markings, notably around their necks, wing tips, and ears–sometimes even on their toes. During the first week or two of their stay in the Southwest, most Snowbirds turn a bright pink, commonly referred to as sunburned. As their time in the Sun Belt passes, however they turn a beautiful bronze color.
Voice: Snowbirds are known for their chattering noises executed in various dialects with multiple accents, lisps, lilts and twangs. The call that is most associated with the Snowbird, however, is the often-repeated phrase, "Where are you from?" This call is similar to that of the Northern Vacationer, but is delivered with more fervor. The call is repeated often and delivered in a quick, lilting singsong, accompanied by a friendly smile.
Habitat: These gregarious creatures love open areas and often are seen on golf courses, tennis courts and hiking trails and on senior-citizen center outings. They also frequent festivals, museums and bingo halls.
Breeding and Nesting: Snowbirds are truly remarkable, highly adaptable creatures and nest in city, prairie and desert lands alike. They nest, more often than not, in fifth wheels, motor homes and trailers, but have also been known to nest in apartments, houses and motels. Snowbirds display their breeding plumage most of the winter season and are often seen doing their mating dance, the Macarena. Nonetheless, it is believed that breeding in the Southwest is unsuccessful, as their nests remain barren.
Juveniles have been seen in the nesting areas, but they are only visitors and return north after a few weeks to a month. Hatchlings have never been seen in the nests. Until 1952, the Grandchild was thought to be a hatchling; however, Professor Flori de Kracker, world acclaimed ornithologist, produced substantial evidence that the Grandchild is merely a visiting subspecies.
Scientists know that Snowbirds do successfully mate, brood and raise young, as attested to by visits from fledglings and by the fact that their population increases yearly.
Range: Snowbirds in New Mexico have been seen wintering as far north as Santa Fe, as far south as Columbus and as far west as Lordsburg. The deeply tanned Snowbird is more partial to desert areas–where rock hounding is their primary pastime–while the rare white, pasty-skinned Snowbird is usually found in senior centers and bingo halls. (Snowbirds tan in varying degrees. Those found most often on golf courses have different tans than those found on tennis courts or rock hounding in the desert.)
Territory: Not at all territorial by nature, the Snowbird seems to welcome other species into its range and often engages in a variety of activities with other species, including feeding. Remarkably, they have been observed allowing other species to visit their nests–a trait not common in the avian world.
Flight Pattern: Except for the relatively few that actually fly South for the winter, the Snowbird is, through evolution, becoming a flightless bird and is becoming well known for its fast-paced power walk and slow-paced art gallery stroll. For those diehard bird lovers interested in the flight of the Snowbird, information on flight schedules and routes can be obtained by calling the telephone numbers listed in the yellow pages under "Airlines."
Similar Species:
The Northern Vacationer: This species is very similar to the Snowbird in
appearance, habits, diet and mating rituals. But the Northern Vacationer
migrates to the South for a period of only a few days or weeks–definitely
no more than a month. The distinguishing feature is that the Northern Vacationer
does not tan; it remains sunburned during its entire stay.
The Grandchild: Similar in appearance to the Snowbird in all but size, the Grandchild is generally one-third the size of the Snowbird. Its crest is generally blonde, brown or black and very rarely silver, although there is a towheaded variety. A blue- or violet-crested female Grandchild has never been documented.
Population: Zero in the summer, uncounted thousands in the winter.
Diet: Not at all fussy eaters, they are often seen foraging at Mexican and Chinese restaurants, early-bird specials, pizzerias, potluck dinners and all-you-can-eat buffets. New-car dealerships have reported seeing them in hot-dog feeding frenzies on dealer discount day sales.
Summary: This fair-weather bird should be appreciated not only for its beauty and cheerful song but also for the benefits it brings to its winter communities. Snowbirds bring a vital influx of dollars into the area, but the benefits of this species do not stop with monetary offerings. Snowbirds also give of themselves through spirited involvement and volunteerism in their winter communities. This bird should be encouraged to return to its Southwest nesting areas winter after winter for all the years ahead.
P.J. Repond affectionately observes the Snowbird's annual migration from her own nest in Deming.