Wetland Birds of Pittsburgh

What Types of Wetland Birds are in Pittsburgh?

While Pittsburgh may not be the first place you think of when considering wetland bird species, the abundance of waterways has allowed a multitude of wetland birds to increase in population. Waterfowl such as mallards, mergansers, wood ducks, and geese are some species that probably come to mind; however, dozens of other species add to the biodiversity of Pittsburgh's wetlands. One of my favorite birds to see in the Pittsburgh area is the Great Blue Heron. This species is commonly found throughout North America and occurs in almost any wetland habitat. Great Blue Herons feed mainly on fish, but their diet also includes crustaceans, insects, frogs, snakes, salamanders, grasshoppers, dragonflies, aquatic insects, and, occasionally, small rodents, all of which can be found in and along waterways in Pittsburgh.

Great Blue Heron at Pine Creek. Jordan Barone

Great Blue Heron at Pine Creek. Jordan Barone

Mallards in downtown Pittsburgh. Addie Kelble / 3RWK

While common, Mallards are still among my favorite birds to see on the water. Male Mallards have distinctive green, iridescent heads, yellow beaks, and brown and gray bodies. Females are shades of brown with orange and black bills; both male and female mallards have blue wing patches and distinctive orange feet. These birds are found anywhere with water, including city parks, creeks, and various wetland habitats. A Mallard's primary diet consists of vegetable matter such as grains and aquatic vegetation. In the breeding season, when they need higher caloric intake, their diet shifts to encompass more animal matter such as insects, snails, and minnows.

Another common bird species to see near waterways in Pittsburgh is the Red-winged Blackbird. Both males and females have sharp black bills, but their plumages are distinct. Males have solid black bodies with unmistakable red shoulder patches. Females resemble large sparrows but can be differentiated by their very sharp bills. This species relies on wetland areas for breeding, including nest building, foraging, and rearing young.

Red-winged Blackbird near Pine Creek. Addie Kelble / 3RWK

Unfortunately, a handful of bird species found in Pittsburgh are facing endangerment. Some of these species include Killdeer, Black Terns, and Great Egrets. Although not listed as endangered or threatened at the federal level, species like the Black Tern are of great concern in the Upper Mississippi Valley/Great Lakes Region of the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan and are a US Fish and Wildlife Service migratory bird of conservation concern in the Northeast. On the other hand, some wetland bird species found in the Pittsburgh region are considered recovered. These species include Bald Eagles and Osprey.

How do Birds Rely on Wetlands?

As mobile species, birds perform essential ecological and cultural functions, such as seed dispersal, plague control, pollination, and amusement. Wetland birds rely on these habitats for essential needs such as food, water, rest, shelter, and social interaction. Due to the wide variety of wetland types, bird species adapt to and use these environments in different ways. Their reliance on wetlands during the breeding season also varies, and some species depend almost entirely on wetlands for nesting, feeding, and protection during this time. Birds that require access to wetlands for their resources at any point in their life cycle, especially for breeding, are considered "wetland dependent."

The relationship between birds and wetlands is influenced by several factors. These factors include water availability, access to food and shelter, and the presence or absence of predators. Birds that breed in wetlands rely on the specific physical and biological characteristics of these environments. Many bird species depend on wetlands daily and seasonally for food and other essential resources that support their survival. While water availability is a crucial feature of wetlands for birds, it is not the only factor that influences their presence, behavior, or diversity. Other important physical and biological factors include water depth and temperature, the presence and type of vegetation, the density or openness of plant cover, food availability, water chemistry, soil type, and the wetland's geographic or topographic location. Even small variations in these features can lead to noticeable differences in how birds use a wetland.

How do Wetlands Benefit from Birds?

Birds provide a wide range of benefits to wetlands, making them essential to the health, biodiversity, and functionality of these habitats. Many bird species help disperse seeds as they move between areas, encouraging the growth of diverse plant life vital for the health of the environment. Some birds even play a role in pollinating wetland plants. Many bird species also feed on insects and small animals, naturally keeping pest populations under control. Scavenger birds help break down dead matter, which helps prevent the spread of disease and supports nutrient recycling in the water and soil along the shores.

Because birds are sensitive to environmental changes, they also serve as indicators of wetland health. A thriving bird population often signals a well-balanced ecosystem. For example, a 2018 study in Pittsburgh examined the relationship between the Louisiana waterthrush and acid from coal mining in local streams. These birds normally feed on pollution-sensitive aquatic insects like mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies. But when streams become acidic due to mine runoff, these insect populations decline. In turn, the waterthrushes were forced to look elsewhere for food. This dietary change isn't without consequences. Birds in acid-affected streams were observed nesting at lower densities, laying fewer eggs, and producing smaller chicks, likely reducing the survival of baby birds. Additionally, by foraging farther from their nesting sites, parent birds are more likely to be preyed upon and miss out on essential nutrients in their diet. Beyond their ecological roles, birds add beauty and life to wetlands, drawing birdwatchers and supporting conservation efforts through ecotourism and education.

A Louisiana Waterthrush from Julian Gottfried / Macaulay Library

What Threats do Wetland Birds Face in Pittsburgh?

For most wetland-dependent birds, habitat loss in breeding areas translates directly into population losses. As wetlands are destroyed, some birds may move to other less suitable habitats, but reproduction tends to be lower, and mortality tends to be higher. Because of this, the birds that breed in these poorer quality habitats will not contribute to a sustainable population over the years. Subsequently, chemicals and sediments from agricultural runoff are among the most widespread sources of wetland degradation.

One threat wetland bird species face in the Pittsburgh region is nurdles. Nurdles are the building blocks for all plastic products. The tiny beads can be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, or other plastics. These pellets are accidentally released into the environment during spills, either on-site or in transit, or during loading processes. These small pellets are often mistaken for food by seabirds, fish, and other wildlife. In the environment, they often break apart into nanoparticles, which have even more harmful effects. Nurdles are the second largest source of micropollutants in the ocean, and around "230,000 tonnes of nurdles end up in the oceans every year." Additionally, nurdles are "toxic sponges" that attract chemicals, toxins, and other pollutants to their surfaces. These are highly persistent pollutants that will continue to circulate in waterways and wash ashore for decades.

Conservation and Action

There are many conservation groups in Pittsburgh working to protect wetlands and the species that live in them, such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Audubon Society. Mountain Watershed Association and Three Rivers Waterkeeper conduct regular nurdle patrols along the Ohio River in Beaver County, around the Shell Plastic Plant, to monitor plastics in our waterways. The nurdle patrol runs a water-based protocol including a trawl designed to capture suspended solids bobbing in the river at various sections of the waterway. Our team also monitors the number of nurdles on the riverbanks.

Additionally, in Pittsburgh, there are many organizations to support local bird species. These organizations include the National Aviary, the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, the Allegheny Bird Conservation Alliance, the Three Rivers Birding Club, and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.