Welcome to our blog post all about the incredible wildlife found in the state of Delaware! From the majestic white-tailed deer to the tiny Eastern chipmunk, Delaware is home to a diverse array of animals. In this post, we'll take a closer look at some of the most fascinating creatures that call this small state home. From the woods to the wetlands, we'll explore the habitats and unique characteristics of these animals. Come along with us as we discover the incredible wildlife of Delaware!
Eastern Screech-Owl
The Eastern Screech-Owl, also known as the screech owl, is a small, nocturnal bird of prey that is native to Delaware and can be found throughout much of eastern North America. They are known for their distinctive, trilling calls and their ability to camouflage themselves in tree bark, making them difficult to spot.
Eastern Screech-Owls are small birds, measuring about 6-10 inches in length and weighing around 4-8 ounces. They have a round head, a short, rounded tail, and a short, broad wingspan. They have large, forward-facing yellow or orange eyes, and their plumage can be either gray or red.
Eastern Screech-Owls can be found in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, forests, and residential areas. They are opportunistic feeders, and their diet primarily consists of small mammals, birds, and insects. They are most active at night, and they are known to hunt by perching on a branch and waiting for prey to come to them.
White-Tailed Deer
The White-tailed Deer is a species of deer that is native to North America, including Delaware. They are known for their distinctive appearance, their shy behavior, and their role as one of the most important big game animals in North America.
White-tailed Deer have a reddish-brown fur with a white underbelly, and a white tail that they raise when they sense danger. They are about the size of a medium-sized domestic dog, and can weigh anywhere from 120 to 350 pounds. They feed mainly on vegetation, including leaves, twigs, and acorns.
White-tailed Deer are known for their shy behavior, and are generally active at dawn and dusk. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and fields, and they are able to adapt to many different environments. White-tailed Deer play an important role in the ecosystem as they provide food for other predators, such as wolves and cougars, and they also help to control vegetation growth.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The Eastern Gray Squirrel is a rodent that is native to the eastern part of North America, including Delaware. They are known for their distinctive appearance, their active lifestyle, and their adaptable nature.
Eastern Gray Squirrels have a grayish-brown fur with a white belly, and they are about the size of a small domestic cat. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and they are known for their acrobatic abilities, often seen climbing trees and running along telephone wires. They feed mainly on nuts, seeds, and fruits.
Eastern Gray Squirrels are known for their adaptable nature, and are able to survive in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and urban areas. They are considered a nuisance in urban areas, where they can cause damage to property and crops, but they are also appreciated for their active and playful behavior.
Raccoon
The Raccoon is a carnivorous mammal that is native to North America, including Delaware. They are known for their distinctive appearance, their highly intelligent behavior, and their adaptable lifestyle.
Raccoons have a black mask around their eyes and a bushy tail with alternating black and brown rings. They have a grayish-brown fur and they are about the size of a large domestic cat. They are omnivores and feed on a variety of food, including insects, fruit, and small mammals.
Raccoons are known for their highly intelligent behavior and problem-solving abilities, making them a fascinating species to study. They are also known for their adaptable lifestyle, and are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and urban areas.
Raccoons can carry and spread diseases such as rabies and other parasites, so it is important to avoid contact with them and not keep them as pets. Additionally, their populations have been increasing in recent years, and they can cause damage to property and crops.
Opossum
The Opossum is a marsupial that is native to North America, and is the only marsupial found in the United States. They are known for their unique appearance, their adaptable lifestyle, and their ability to survive in a variety of environments.
Opossums have a distinctive long snout, sharp teeth, and a prehensile tail. They have a grayish-white fur, and they are about the size of a domestic cat. They are omnivores and will eat a variety of food, including small mammals, insects, carrion, and fruits.
Opossums are known for their "playing possum" defense mechanism, where they will feign death when threatened in order to deter predators. They are also known for their ability to clean up dead animals and waste, which helps maintain a healthy ecosystem.
Overall, the Opossum is an important species in the ecosystem, as they help control populations of other animals and also provide food for other predators. They are also a unique and fascinating species that has a lot to offer in terms of their biology, behavior, and lifestyle.
Fox
The Fox is a carnivorous mammal that is native to Delaware and much of the United States. They are known for their sleek appearance, their agility, and their cunning hunting abilities.
Foxes come in several different species, including the Red Fox, Gray Fox, and Arctic Fox. The Red Fox is the most common species of fox in the United States and is known for its distinctive red fur and bushy tail.
Foxes have a pointed snout, sharp teeth, and a bushy tail. They have a reddish-brown fur, and they are about the size of a small domestic dog. They are carnivores and feed on a variety of prey, including rodents, rabbits, and other small mammals. They are also known to eat insects, fruit, and birds.
Foxes are known for their adaptability and are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and urban areas. They are also known for their intelligence and their ability to solve problems, which makes them a unique and fascinating species.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
The Eastern Cottontail Rabbit is a species of rabbit that is native to Delaware and much of the eastern United States. They are known for their distinctive cottony tail, their brownish-gray fur, and their tendency to feed on a variety of vegetation.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbits are medium-sized mammals, measuring about 13-18 inches in length and weighing about 2-4 pounds. They have a compact, round body, short ears, and a distinctive cottony tail that is white on the underside. Their fur is brownish-gray, and they have long, powerful hind legs that allow them to escape predators quickly.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbits are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and fields. They are herbivores and they feed on a variety of vegetation, including grasses, leaves, and twigs. They are considered a common sight in Delaware and they can be found throughout the state year-round.
Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is a small songbird that is native to Delaware and much of the eastern United States. They are known for their striking blue plumage, their sweet, melodic songs, and their preference for open habitats.
Eastern Bluebirds are small birds, measuring about 6-7 inches in length and weighing about 0.5-0.7 ounces. They have a compact, round body, a small head, and a short, thin bill. They are blue on the back, wings, and tail, with rusty-red underparts and a white belly. They have a cheerful and melodious song, which they use to defend their territory and attract mates.
Eastern Bluebirds are found in open habitats, including meadows, fields, and pastures. They are insectivores and they feed on a variety of insects, including beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers. They are known for their preference for open habitats, and they are often seen perching on fences and posts, searching for food.
Red-Tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk is a large bird of prey that is native to Delaware and much of North America. They are known for their broad, rounded wings, their distinctive red tail feathers, and their powerful hunting abilities.
Red-tailed Hawks are large birds, measuring about 18-26 inches in length and having a wingspan of 44-52 inches. They have a broad, rounded body, a large head, and sharp talons. They are brown and white in color, with a distinctive red tail feathers, which gives them their name. They have keen eyesight and powerful hunting abilities, which they use to hunt small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Red-tailed Hawks are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and deserts. They are considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and their populations have been stable in recent years. They are considered a common sight in Delaware, and they can be found throughout the state year-round.
Eastern Box Turtle
The Eastern Box Turtle is a terrestrial turtle that is native to Delaware and much of the eastern United States. They are known for their hinged carapace, which allows them to retract their head and limbs into a protective shell, and their distinctive patterned shell.
Eastern Box Turtles are medium-sized turtles, measuring about 4-9 inches in length and weighing about 2-4 pounds. They have a hinged carapace, which allows them to retract their head and limbs into a protective shell. Their shells are oval in shape and they have a distinctive patterned shell, which can range in color from dark brown to bright yellow. They are omnivores and they feed on a variety of food, including plants, fruits, and insects.
Eastern Box Turtles are considered a species of concern and their populations have been declining in recent years due to habitat loss and collection for the pet trade. They are considered a common sight in Delaware and they can be found in the forests, fields, and wetlands throughout the state. They are an important species for the ecosystem and they play a role in seed dispersal and soil cultivation.
Wood Duck
The Wood Duck, also known as the Carolina Duck, is a medium-sized duck that is native to Delaware and much of North America. They are known for their striking appearance, with a colorful iridescent plumage, and their preference for nesting in tree cavities.
Wood Ducks are medium-sized birds, measuring about 16-20 inches in length and weighing around 1-2 pounds. They have a round, compact body, a narrow neck, and a broad, flat bill. They have iridescent plumage that is colorful, with shades of green, blue, and purple. They also have distinctive head feathers that create a crest-like appearance.
Wood Ducks are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and lakes. They are omnivores and they feed on a variety of food, including seeds, insects, and aquatic plants. They are known for their strong flying abilities and their preference for nesting in tree cavities, which is unusual among ducks.
American Black Bear
The American Black Bear is a large, omnivorous mammal that is native to Delaware and much of North America. They are known for their shaggy black fur, their large size, and their distinctive hump of muscle and fat on their back.
American Black Bears are large animals, measuring about 5-6 feet in length and weighing around 100-500 pounds. They have a large, bulky body, a small head, and small, rounded ears. Their fur is usually black, but it can range in color from brown to blonde. They have a distinctive hump of muscle and fat on their back, which is used as a reserve energy source during lean times.
Black Bears are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. They are omnivores and they feed on a wide variety of food, including berries, nuts, fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. They are known for their strong climbing abilities and their opportunistic foraging habits.
Wild Turkey
The Wild Turkey is a large bird that is native to Delaware and much of North America. They are known for their distinctive appearance, their iridescent feathers, and their behavior.
Wild Turkeys are large birds, measuring about 3-4 feet in length and weighing around 8-20 pounds. They have a large, plump body, a small head, and a long, fan-like tail. They have iridescent feathers that are brown, bronze, and green in color and they have a distinctive red, fleshy head and neck.
Wild Turkeys are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and meadows. They are omnivores and they feed on a wide variety of food, including seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. They are considered important for the ecosystem due to their role as seed dispersers and their significance as a game species for hunting. They are considered a common sight in Delaware and they can be found year-round in the state.
Eastern Mole
The Eastern Mole is a small, insectivorous mammal that is native to Delaware and much of the eastern United States. They are known for their cylindrical body shape, their large, shovel-like front paws, and their subterranean habits.
Eastern Moles are small animals, measuring about 6-8 inches in length and weighing around 4-5 ounces. They have a cylindrical body, with short legs and a narrow, pointed snout. Their large, shovel-like front paws are adapted for digging and they have small, poorly developed eyes and ears. They have dense, velvety fur that is usually brown or black in color.
Eastern Moles are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, meadows, and lawns. They are primarily subterranean animals and they spend much of their time underground, burrowing through the soil and foraging for insects and other small prey. They are considered important for the ecosystem due to their role in aerating the soil and controlling insect populations.
Muskrat
The Muskrat is a semi-aquatic mammal that is native to Delaware and can be found throughout much of North America. They are known for their large, flat tail, their dense, soft fur, and their burrowing habits.
Muskrats are medium-sized animals, measuring about 12-24 inches in length and weighing around 2-4 pounds. They have a long, slender body, short legs, and a large, flat tail. They have a small head, with small ears, and a short, broad snout. They have webbed feet and dense, soft fur that ranges in color from brown to gray.
Muskrats are found in a variety of aquatic habitats such as marshes, swamps, streams, rivers, and lakes. They are active swimmers and their diet primarily consists of aquatic plants and small invertebrates. They are known for their burrowing habits and their ability to create complex systems of tunnels and dens in the mud and banks of their aquatic habitats.
Eastern Chipmunk
The Eastern Chipmunk is a small rodent that is native to Delaware and can be found throughout much of eastern North America. They are known for their distinctive black and white stripes, their bushy tail, and their hoarding habits.
Eastern Chipmunks are small animals, measuring about 6-8 inches in length and weighing around 2-4 ounces. They have a small, compact body, short legs, and a bushy tail. They have a small head, with large eyes, and a small, pointed snout. They have distinctive black and white stripes running down their back and sides. They have reddish-brown fur on their head, back, and tail.
Eastern Chipmunks are found in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, forests, and residential areas. They are active foragers and their diet primarily consists of seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects. They are known for their hoarding habits and their ability to carry large amounts of food in their cheeks. They are also known for their distinctive black and white stripes, which help to camouflage them from predators.
American Mink
The American Mink is a semi-aquatic mammal that is native to Delaware and can be found throughout much of North America. They are known for their dark, glossy fur, their long, slender body, and their predatory habits.
American Minks are small animals, measuring about 2-3 feet in length and weighing around 1-2 pounds. They have a long, slender body, short legs, and a thick, dark, glossy fur. They have a small head, with small ears, and a short, broad snout. They have webbed feet and a long, bushy tail. They have dark brown or black fur, with a white patch on the chin.
American Minks are found in a variety of habitats such as marshes, swamps, streams, rivers, and lakes. They are active predators and their diet primarily consists of fish, crustaceans, birds, and small mammals. They are known for their predatory habits and their ability to swim and dive. They are also known for their dark, glossy fur, which is highly valued for its softness and warmth.
Eastern Wood-Pewee
The Eastern Wood-Pewee is a small, insect-eating songbird that is native to Delaware and can be found throughout much of eastern North America. They are known for their distinctive, clear, and whistled songs, their brownish-grey plumage and their aerial foraging habits.
Eastern Wood-Pewees are small birds, measuring about 6-7 inches in length and weighing around 0.5-0.6 ounces. They have a slim build, a long tail, and a short, narrow wingspan. They have a dull grey-brown plumage, with a pale belly, and two white wing bars. They have a large head, with a large eye and a bill that is slightly hooked.
Eastern Wood-Pewees can be found in a variety of habitats such as deciduous and mixed woodlands, forest edges, and residential areas, they are aerial foragers and they prefer areas with open canopy and scattered trees. They are active foragers, and their diet primarily consists of flying insects, such as beetles, moths and flies. They are known for their distinctive, clear, and whistled songs, which they often give in a series of phrases.
Eastern Towhee
The Eastern Towhee, also known as the rufous-sided towhee, is a large, ground-dwelling songbird that is native to Delaware and can be found throughout much of eastern North America. They are known for their distinctive, loud songs, their bold, black and white plumage, and their habit of scratching through leaf litter for food.
Eastern Towhees are large birds, measuring about 8-9 inches in length and weighing around 1.5-2 ounces. They have a plump build, a short, squared tail, and a short, broad wingspan. They have a black head, back, and tail, with white underparts, and rufous or rusty-colored flanks. The males are more brightly colored than females.
Eastern Towhees can be found in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, forests, and residential areas, they are ground-dwelling birds and they prefer areas with thick underbrush and leaf litter. They are active foragers, and their diet primarily consists of insects, spiders, and fruit. They are known for their distinctive, loud songs, which they often give in a duet with their mates.
American Redstart
The American Redstart is a small, brightly colored songbird that is native to Delaware and can be found throughout much of eastern North America. They are known for their striking black and orange plumage, their energetic foraging habits, and their distinctive, clear songs.
American Redstarts are small birds, measuring about 5-7 inches in length and weighing around 0.5-0.7 ounces. They have a slim build and a long tail, which they often wag while foraging. They have a black head, back, and tail, with bright orange on the wings, sides, and tail. The males are more brightly colored than females.
American Redstarts can be found in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, forests, and residential areas. They are active foragers, and their diet primarily consists of insects, spiders, and fruit. They are known to be one of the first songbird to return to the breeding grounds in spring and they are known for their distinctive, clear songs.
Black-Crowned Night-Heron
medium-sized wading bird that is native to Delaware and can be found throughout much of North America and parts of Central and South America. They are known for their nocturnal feeding habits and their distinctive black crown and back, as well as their striking red eyes.
Black-crowned Night-Herons are medium-sized birds, measuring about 24 inches in length and weighing around 1.5 pounds. They have a stocky build and short legs. They are primarily gray in color, with a distinctive black crown and back, and white underparts. They have a striking red eyes and a long, yellow bill.
Black-crowned Night-Herons are found in a variety of wetlands such as marshes, swamps, and freshwater and saltwater shorelines. They are opportunistic feeders, and their diet primarily consists of fish, crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. They are most active at night and early morning, but they also feed during the day.
Cooper's Hawk
The Cooper's Hawk, also known as the Quail Hawk, is a medium-sized bird of prey that is native to Delaware and can be found throughout much of North America. They are known for their swift and agile flight, as well as their ability to take a wide variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Cooper's Hawks are medium-sized hawks, measuring about 14-20 inches in length and weigh around 7-24 ounces. They have a dark blue-gray back, a reddish-brown breast, and a white belly. They have a distinctive, rounded tail and a relatively short, broad wingspan.
Cooper's Hawks are found in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, fields, and residential areas. They are birds of prey and their diet primarily consists of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are known to hunt by surprise, flying quickly through wooded areas and surprising their prey.
American Bullfrog
The American Bullfrog, also known as the bullfrog or simply the bullfrog, is a large frog species that is native to Delaware and can be found throughout much of North America. They are known for their deep, resonant calls, which are often described as sounding like a low-pitched "jug-o-rum" and their large size, which can reach up to 8 inches in length.
American Bullfrogs are large frogs, usually around 6-8 inches in length, and have a green or brown coloration with a pale underside. They have large, powerful hind legs that are adapted for jumping and swimming. They are often found in or near water, such as ponds, lakes, and streams.
The American Bullfrogs are opportunistic feeders, their diet includes a variety of prey such as insects, worms, snails, fish, and small amphibians. They are known to eat almost anything they can catch and swallow, they are most active at night, but they also feed during the day.
Eastern Phoebe
The Eastern Phoebe is a small, insect-eating bird that is native to Delaware and can be found throughout eastern North America. They are known for their distinctive, loud, and frequently repeated "phoebe" call, as well as their habit of placing nests on human-made structures like bridges and buildings.
Eastern Phoebes are small birds, measuring about 7 inches in length. They have a short, conical bill and a short tail. They are primarily dark gray-brown in color, with a white belly and a distinctive rusty patch on the breast. They have a distinctive dark patch on the crown of the head.
Eastern Phoebes are found in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, fields, and residential areas. They are insect-eaters and their diet primarily consists of flying insects such as flies, bees, and wasps, which they catch by flycatching. They are also known to eat some berries and seeds.
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch, also known as the wild canary, is a small, brightly colored bird that is native to Delaware and can be found throughout North America. They are known for their cheerful, distinctive songs and their bright yellow plumage.
American Goldfinches are small birds, measuring about 4 inches in length. They have a short, conical bill and a short tail. They are primarily yellow in color, with black wings, tail and cap on the head. The males are more brightly colored than the females, with a brighter yellow plumage and a black forehead.
American Goldfinches are found in a variety of habitats such as fields, meadows, and gardens. They are seed-eaters, and their diet primarily consists of seeds from thistle, sunflower, and other plants. They are also known to eat insects, especially during the breeding season. They are flocking birds and often seen in groups.
Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird that is native to Delaware and can be found throughout North America. They are known for their long legs and necks, which they use to wade through shallow water in search of fish, frogs, and other aquatic prey.
Great Blue Herons are large birds, standing about 4 feet tall and with a wingspan of around 6 feet. They have a long, slender neck, a sharp, hooked bill, and long legs. They are primarily blue-gray in color, with a white head and neck, and a rust-colored breast.
Great Blue Herons are found near bodies of water such as marshes, swamps, ponds, and lakes, they are opportunistic feeders, and their diet includes a variety of aquatic animals such as fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and insects. They are also known to prey on small mammals and reptiles. They are typically solitary hunters but sometimes they gather in colonies during the breeding season.
Northern Harrier
The Northern Harrier, also known as the marsh hawk, is a bird of prey that is native to Delaware and can be found throughout North America. They are known for their distinct and unique hunting style, where they fly low over the ground and use their excellent sense of hearing to locate prey.
Northern harriers are medium-sized birds, with a wingspan of about 4 feet. They have a distinctive white rump and a long, narrow tail, which makes them easy to spot in the sky. They are also known for their distinctive facial disc, which is a circle of feathers around their face that helps to funnel sound to their ears.
The Northern Harrier is a bird of prey, they mainly hunt small mammals, such as voles and mice, as well as other small birds and insects. They typically hunt during the day, and are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
The Northern Harrier is a threatened species, populations have been declining due to habitat loss and pesticide use. Conservation efforts to protect their habitats and decrease the use of pesticides are essential for the survival of this species.