The brown pelican, or Pelecanus occidentalis, is the official state bird of Louisiana. This bird is one of the smallest pelican species. The brown pelican's length ranges between 4 to 5 feet in maturity, and its wingspan is 6 to 8 feet. Brown pelicans are primarily found along the Louisiana Gulf of Mexico region and saltwater inlets in the southern part of the state. These types of birds are capable of staying in flight for hours at a time.
Also called Meleagris gallopavo, the wild turkey is a heavyset bird found in open fields and forests throughout Louisiana. This bird has approximately 5,000 to 6,000 feathers on its body that create warmth and help it to fly; males use their feathers to impress the opposite sex. When fully mature, wild turkeys weigh up to 24 pounds. When alerted, turkeys will make "gobble" and yelping noises to ward off predators.
According to the Audubon Institute, barred owls are found in the forests of southern Louisiana. Barred owls, or Strix varia, have round faces with dark rings surrounding their eyes and yellow beaks. These owls have an approximate length of 2 feet, and their wingspan is 3 to 4 feet. When swooping for prey, barred owls glide down silently so their prey cannot hear their approach. Barred owls' diets include rodents, rabbits and small birds.
The Louisiana waterthrush, or Parkesia motacilla, is a warbler bird found in northern and central Louisiana. These types of birds dwell in wetland areas and deciduous forests. When singing, the vocals of the Louisiana waterbrush begin with a high pitch before descending. According to Cornell University, this songbird usually sings when it arrives at a breeding ground; Louisiana waterthrushes establish their territory in this manner. Louisiana waterthrushes build their nests on the ground, not in a tree.
Wood storks, or Mycteria Americana, are found in the wetlands of central and southern Louisiana. When feeding for fish or invertebrates, the wood stork opens its bill and places its tongue in the water. After its prey touches the wood stork's tongue, the bird can close its bill in 25 milliseconds, according to "National Geographic." Also, wood storks are able to eat nearly 400 pounds of fish during breeding season; an adult wood stork weighs 4 to 6 pounds.