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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.
Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula)
The Baltimore oriole is a vibrant songbird with bold black and orange plumage found through much of the eastern U.S. and southern Canada. Watch for them as they prepare for breeding season, building hanging nests and singing from treetops.
Painted lady (Vanessa cardui)
The painted lady is a widespread and well-traveled butterfly, known for orange and black patterned wings and an incredible migration. This time of year, they're moving north and breeding, laying eggs on host plants including thistles, mallows and more. Each generation moves farther north until they reach the northern U.S. and southern Canada.
American toad (Anaxyrus americanus)
The American toad is a familiar sight across much of the eastern and central United States. It has dry, bumpy skin and a trilling call that can last up to 30 seconds. This time of year, these toads gather around pools and wetlands to breed, laying eggs in long strands.
Black-throated green warbler (Setophaga virens)
Black-throated green warblers can be found across much of the eastern U.S. during migration. They nest in forests in parts of the upper midwest, east and southern Canada. Listen for their cheering, buzzing calls in wooded areas.
Pipevine swallowtail (Battus philenor)
The pipevine swallowtail is found through much of the southern and eastern U.S. and much of Mexico. It gets its name from its host plant - pipevine - which makes caterpillars toxic to predators. This time of year, watch for these swallowtails flying, mating and laying eggs.
Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)
The Blanding's turtle is found in parts of the upper midwest, northeast and southern Canada, especially in areas with shallow wetlands near upland habitat. This semi-aquatic turtle is easily recognized by its bright yellow chin and throat.
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)
The bobolink is a striking songbird with a bubbly, metallic song and unique appearance. These long-distance migrants spend winters in central South America and summers in grasslands across much of the northern U.S. and parts of southern Canada.
