Crossbill, Red
Description: This rare member of the finch family has a bill specialized for extracting seed from spruce cones. Their appearance at the Garden is associated with variations in spruce cone abundance. Look for them around the conifers.
Creeper, Brown
Description: This frequently seen migrant leaves a characteristic spiraling accent on tree trunks as it feeds in wooded areas of the Garden.
Crane, Sandhill
Description: Follow the distinctive call to spot this bird flying over in large numbers late in the fall just before cold weather sets in.
Cowbird, Brown-headed***
Description: Quite common in the Midwest, these birds lay their eggs in other species' nests. They can be found everywhere at the Garden looking for nests in which to lay their eggs. One female can lay 70 eggs in one season.
Cormorant, Double-crested
Description: This cormorant may be visible on the lakes and in the Barbara Brown Nature Reserve, standing on logs in the water with wings held out to dry.
Coot, American
Description: This duck-like bird swims with its non-webbed, flattened, toe-like feet on the lakes. It may also be seen on the Dixon Prairie at the south end of the Garden.
Chickadee, Black-capped***
Description: A common bird throughout the Garden, this year-round resident is most often seen in wooded areas and at bird feeders.
Chat, Yellow-breasted
Description: This rare southern visitor is the largest warbler species in the area and is often heard before being seen.
Catbird, Gray***
Description: More often heard than seen, this member of the mimidae family of birds is usually found in shrubby areas and woodland edges.
Cardinal, Northern***
Description: Although once only a summer visitor from the south, the northern cardinal is now a year-round resident of our area and can be found anywhere at the Garden.