By Avian Feathers Team
Published June 2025
California is full of birdlife, but not all of it is easy to spot. Some species are shy, seasonal or simply rare to begin with. Spotting one of these birds can feel like finding treasure. It takes a little patience, a bit of luck and a lot of looking up.
Here are six rare birds that birders dream of seeing in the Golden State.
1. California Condor
This is one of the rarest birds in the world. California Condors are massive vultures with bald heads and a wingspan that stretches wider than most people are tall.
Once nearly extinct, these giants are now slowly returning to the skies thanks to careful conservation work. Look for them soaring high above cliffs in places like Big Sur or the Grand Canyon area.
Size
Length: 46–53 inches.
Wingspan: 9.5 feet.
Weight: 17–25 pounds.
Scientific Name: Gymnogyps californianus
2. Yellow-billed Cuckoo
This secretive bird prefers riparian woodlands, areas with thick trees near water. Yellow-billed Cuckoos are slim, long-tailed and surprisingly quiet.
Their soft, knocking calls are often the only sign they are nearby. They migrate from South America and only visit parts of California in summer.
Size
Length: 10–12 inches.
Wingspan: 15–16 inches.
Weight: 2–2.5 ounces.
Scientific Name: Coccyzus americanus
3. Black Rail
This tiny marsh bird is more often heard than seen. Black Rails hide in thick wetland grasses and rarely come out into the open.
Their call sounds like “kickee-doo,” which helps birders know when one is nearby. They are one of the most secretive birds in North America.
Size
Length: 4–6 inches.
Wingspan: 9–11 inches.
Weight: 1–1.5 ounces.
Scientific Name: Laterallus jamaicensis
4. Mountain Plover
Despite the name, Mountain Plovers are found in open plains, not mountains. In California, they are rare winter visitors to grasslands and agricultural fields. These sand-colored birds are tricky to spot because they blend in with dry soil.
Their numbers have dropped due to habitat loss and farming changes.
Size
Length: 8–9.5 inches.
Wingspan: 18–20 inches.
Weight: 3.5–4.5 ounces.
Scientific Name: Charadrius montanus
5. Least Bittern
This slender heron hides deep in freshwater marshes. It climbs among tall reeds instead of wading like most herons. Least Bitterns are quiet, well-camouflaged and hard to see even when they are right in front of you. If you do catch one moving through the reeds, it is a rare and special moment.
Size
Length: 11–14 inches.
Wingspan: 16–18 inches.
Weight: 1.5–3 ounces.
Scientific Name: Ixobrychus exilis
6. Lawrence's Goldfinch
Unlike other goldfinches, this one does not follow a predictable migration pattern. Some years they show up in flocks. Other years, they are nearly impossible to find. Lawrence’s Goldfinches have a soft grey body with yellow highlights and a black face.
Seeing one is always a surprise, and always a joy.
Size
Length: 4.5–5 inches.
Wingspan: 8.5–9.5 inches.
Weight: 0.4–0.5 ounces.
Scientific Name: Spinus lawrencei
California is truly special because it’s home to some amazing birds that are super hard to find. From the huge California Condor that almost disappeared, to tiny birds like the Black Rail that hide in the grass, seeing one of these is like finding a hidden treasure!
Even though these birds are shy or rare, knowing they’re out there makes looking for them even more exciting. So, next time you’re outside, keep your eyes peeled. You never know when you might get lucky and spot one of California’s secret feathered gems. It’s a real thrill for any bird watcher!
Where to Spot Rare Birds in California
Finding these rare birds in California is like a real-life treasure hunt! They’re super shy or only visit certain places at certain times. You’ll need extra patience and a bit of luck, but knowing where to look helps a lot.
Here’s where these special birds like to hang out:
• California Condor: These giants love soaring really high above big cliffs. Your best bet is in places like the Big Sur coastline or around the Grand
Canyon area where they’ve been brought back safely.
• Yellow-billed Cuckoo: Look for these quiet birds in thick forests right next to water, called “riparian woodlands.” They only visit parts of California
during the summer, so listen for their soft knocking calls.
• Black Rail: This tiny bird is a master of hide-and-seek! They live deep in thick marsh grasses and almost never come out into the open. You’ll
probably hear their “kickee-doo” call in wetlands rather than see them.
• Mountain Plover: Even though they’re called “mountain,” these birds hang out in open plains, grasslands, and farm fields. They’re rare visitors to
California in the winter, and they blend in really well with the dry ground.
• Least Bittern: This heron is a ninja of the marsh! It hides deep within freshwater marshes, climbing secretly among tall reeds. You’ll need to be very
quiet and lucky to spot one moving through the plants.
• Lawrence’s Goldfinch: These pretty goldfinches are tricky because they don’t follow a set plan. Some years they show up in flocks in various dry,
open areas or woodlands, and other years they’re almost impossible to find anywhere. Seeing one is always a delightful surprise!
Let us know what your rarest sighting has been.