Birds are very abundant in the Nez Perce’s land. They are
mentioned in myths and appear in their clothing and imagery. Also, it is known
for some to have birds as a spirit guardian or weyekin. The word for bird in
their language is “wi’wit.”
www.ebird.org list these species to be the most common in Nez
Perce, Idaho:
Mallard: Also known as a Wild Duck, male mallards, called
Drakes, have a shiny green head with a brown chest and back. Their wings and
belly are grey and have orange feet. Females are a speckled light and dark
brown and also have orange feet.
Barrow’s Goldeneye: The Barrow’s Goldeneye is a duck that
was named after English statesman, Sir John Barrow. Males are black with white
spots. Their heads have a blue shine to them. Females are also white and brown,
but with a yellow bill.
Canadian Goose: The Canadian Goose is a very common species
found in the Northern United States and Canada. It has a black bill and head
with white where their head meets their neck. Their neck is long. Their body is
brown and white.
Rock Pigeon: These pigeons are known to use cliffs and rocks
to roost and mate, hence their name. They are grey with a green and purple tint on their
neck. They have two black bars on their grey wings and the tips are also black.
Their eyes and feet are orange.
Tundra Swan: The Tundra Swan is all white with black feet and a predominately
black bill.
Barn Swallow: The Barn Swallow is the most wide spread swallow in the world. They are blue with with red on their face, a white belly and a deep forked tail.
Northern Shoveler: Known as the “shoveler” for their large
beaks that they use to shovel through soil to find food. Males are bright
green, white and blue. The females are normally a dull speckled brown.
Cedar Waxwing: The Cedar Waxwing is a mix of yellow, orange, brown, grey, white with a
black mask. Named for it’s wax-like wing tips. Small clusters of red wax-like
droplets form on the tips of their wings. They breed in area, but migrate to
the south during the winter.
American Avocet: Also known as Blue Shanks, They have long thin grey legs, black
and white feathers and a rusty red neck. This bird is protected under the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.
Some other birds that are commonly found throughout the land
of the Nez Perce include: the Bufflehead, the Common Redpoll, the European
Starling, the California Gull, the Common Goldeneye, the Violet-Green Swallow,
Vaux’s Swift, the Horned Lark and many others.
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