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To celebrate America's 250th birthday, we at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are highlighting the incredible wildlife that calls this beautiful country home. From American icons to subtle specialists, join us as we highlight seven species each week: one species for each of the 250 days leading up to America's 250th birthday.
American barn owl (Tyto furcata)
The American barn owl is known for its heart-shaped face and silent flight. Barn owls can be found year-round in open areas ranging from deserts to grasslands through much of the country. Their keen hearing helps them locate small mammals in total darkness.
Lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus)
The lined seahorse can be found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U.S., especially in seagrass beds, estuaries and mangroves. These seahorses are known for their upright posture and the male's role in carrying and birthing young. In the winters they remain in deep, warmer waters using their tails to cling to vegetation as they feed.
Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
The bobcat is a stealthy cat found across much of the U.S., from forests and deserts to suburban edges. They have tufted ears and a short "bobbed" tail, plus excellent night vision to help them hunt rabbits, rodents and more. January is peak breeding season.
Rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa)
The rough-skinned newt is a small amphibian native to the Pacific Northwest. This newt is known for its dark back, bright orange belly and potent defense - a neurotoxin strong enough to deter most predators! In January, they often remain active in coastal regions where mild winter rains trigger early breeding migrations.
Common raven (Corvus corax)
Common ravens can be found year-round across much of western North America, nearly all of Canada, the upper midwest and much of the northeast. Known for their intelligence, acrobatic flight and deep, croaking calls, this time of year pairs are strengthening bonds ahead of breeding season.
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Rainbow trout are brilliantly colored freshwater fish prized by anglers. Found in cold, clean rivers, streams and lakes, they remain active year-round. Originally found in the west, these fish have been stocked for sportfishing across much of the country.
California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)
The California sea lion is a social marine mammal known for its intelligence, agility and loud barking call. Found along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to Mexico, these skills swimmers are often seen basking on beaches, docks and shores.
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