EkoKids: Schoolyard Nature Guides

Schoolyard Nature Guides provide users with a quick introduction to mammals, bird, reptiles and amphibians, invertebrates and trees common to schoolyards and other human environments.

If you want to download and/or print out individual sections, use the links below:

EkoKids: Schoolyard Nature Guides - Mammals (PDF)

EkoKids: Schoolyard Nature Guides - Trees (PDF)

EkoKids: Schoolyard Nature Guides - Invertebrates (PDF)

EkoKids: Schoolyard Nature Guides - Reptiles & Amphibians (PDF)

EkoKids: Schoolyard Nature Guides - Birds (PDF)

EkoKids: Schoolyard Nature Guides - Fish (PDF)

EKOKIDS Scavenger Hunt Page

Mammals

Mammals are a diverse group of warm-blooded creatures that have fur or hair, give birth to live young, and have mammary glands (females) for feeding their young.

Many mammals in the U.S. are nocturnal (active at night) or crepuscular (most active at dawn or dusk). Fewer are active during the day (diurnal). Because mammals can be difficult to spot, scientists often use signs, such as tracks, scrapings, rubbings, or other clues, to learn what species live in an area.

This guide describes a few of the more common mammals found in neighborhoods and on farmland.

How many do you think live near you?

Northern Raccoon

(Procyon lotor)

Description

Other names: coon
Body length: 16–28 inches
Tail length: 8–16 inches
Overall gray-brown body
Characteristic black fur or “mask” around the eyes
Ringed tail

Habitat

The northern raccoon is native to the eastern and midwestern U.S. It prefers sparsely wooded areas, lowland forests, and marshes, but it is also a common resident of suburban areas.

Fun Fact

Northern raccoons are thought to be able to make more than 40 different sounds, ranging from hisses and growls to purrs and screams.

Eastern Gray Squirrel

(Sciurus carolinensis)

Description

Smaller member of the tree squirrel group
Body length: 9–12 inches; tail length: 8–10 inches
Gray upper parts
Large, bushy tail that is gray above and white below

Habitat

The eastern gray squirrel is one of the most widely distributed species of native squirrel in North America. Eastern gray squirrels prefer dense hardwood forests or forested parks and neighborhoods in suburban and urban areas.

Fun Facts

• The eastern gray squirrel builds a nest, or “drey,” made of dry leaves and twigs in the forks of branches.
• Unlike most mammals, eastern gray squirrels can descend a tree head-first.

Eastern Fox Squirrel

(Sciurus niger)

Description

Large member of the tree squirrel group
Body length: 17–28 inches; tail length: 8–13 inches
Brown-gray upper body with burnt orange under body
Strong claws for climbing

Habitat

The eastern fox squirrel is native to the U.S. and can most commonly be found in open pine and oak forests lacking dense undergrowth.

Fun Fact

Eastern fox squirrels often make their nests in tree holes created by woodpeckers.

Striped Skunk

(Mephitus mephitus)

Description

Male body length: 20–30 inches; females are 10 percent smaller
Body dominated by long, black fur with parallel white stripes running lengthwise from neck to tail. In some regions, white fur is confined to the head area.
Long, curved claws on forefeet for digging up prey
Emits a foul smell to deter potential predators

Habitat

The striped skunk is a native species that prefers mixed woodlands, brushy areas, and open fields, although it is also a common resident of suburban areas.

Fun Fact

Striped skunks stamp their front feet as a warning before spraying.

Red Fox

(Vulpes vulpes)

Description

Member of the Canid (dog) family and largest of all fox species
Height: 14–20 inches; body length: 18–35 inches; tail length: 12–22 inches
Long, rusty-red fur over most of the upper body with white chin and chest; silver and black variations can occur
White fur on tip of the tail is common

Habitat

The red fox is a native species in the U.S. and can be found in open forests, farmlands, and suburban and urban areas.

Fun Fact

Red foxes can be found almost everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, except in extreme habitats such as the Arctic and deserts.

Deer Mouse

(Peromyscus sp.)

Description

Rodent in a genus of New World mice
Body length: 4½–6 inches; tail length: 2–4 inches
Large, round ears; large, black eyes; long whiskers
Rich brown to reddish-brown fur on upper parts; white fur on the belly and underside of tail

Habitat

Native to the U.S., deer mice can most often be found in woodland areas, although they can also be found in suburban settings.

Fun Fact

In the wild, a deer mouse has a life expectancy of only a year, but, in captivity, they can live up to 8 years.

House Mouse

(Mus musculus)

Description

Rodent in a genus of Old World mice
Body length: 3–4 inches; tail length: 2–4 inches
Relatively uniform gray-brown body, including belly; some with lighter- colored underbelly
Ears and tail have sparse coverings of fur

Habitat

As their name implies, house mice are commonly found in human-dominated environments, including houses, outbuildings, and surrounding cover.

Fun Fact

The hind legs of house mice are so strong that they can jump vertically up to 18 inches.

Southern Flying Squirrel

(Glaucomys volans)

Description

Body length: 8–10 inches; tail length: 3–5 inches
Gliding membrane extending from wrist to ankle on both sides of the body
Gray fur; large eyes for nocturnal vision

Habitat

The southern flying squirrel is native to the U.S. It prefers hardwood forests with seed-producing trees for food and cavities for shelter.

Fun Fact

Despite their name, southern flying squirrels don’t fly. Instead, they glide through the air from high perches to lower locations.

Eastern Mole

(Scalopus aquaticus)

Description

Body length: 4–6.7 inches; tail length:0.5–1.5 inch
Thick, velvety fur ranging in color from silver to black
Large feet with webbed toes to aid in digging
No external eyes or ears

Habitat

This native species is found in the eastern U.S. and can most frequently be found in fields, meadows, and other grassy locations, including neighborhood yards.

Fun Facts

Eastern moles are expert diggers and can dig up to 14 feet in 1 hour in their search for grubs, worms, and other prey.
With no ears or eyes, the eastern mole relies on smell, touch, and vibration to find its way around.

Eastern Cottontail

(Sylvilagus floridanus)

Description

Common member of the rabbit group
Body length: 15–19 inches
Upper body is mixed shades of brown, gray, and black; the belly is white
Characteristic round, white, fluffy tail

Habitat

The eastern cottontail is native to the eastern and midwestern U.S. It prefers brushy habitats with good groundcover. It can be found in orchards, farmlands, hedgerows, and suburban neighborhoods.

Fun Fact

The female eastern cottontail builds a ground nest of dried grass lined with fur from its belly to raise its offspring.

White-tailed Deer

(Odocolieus virginianus)

Description

Males (bucks) are larger than females (does); average male weight: 150 pounds
Males and females look similar: reddish-brown summer coat; gray-brown winter coat
White belly, throat, and underside of tail
Males annually grow antlers starting in early spring, shedding them in winter after the breeding season

Habitat

White-tailed deer are native to the eastern and midwestern U.S. They prefer forests with dense understory or brushy habitats along fields, pastures, and neighborhoods.

Fun Fact

White-tailed deer use their tails to signal danger, flashing the bright white underside to signal other deer in the area.

For more information on common wildlife and plants or incorporating nature into the classroom, please contact Leslie.Burger@msstate.edu or (662) 325-6686.

EkoKids is produced by the Mississippi State University Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture and the MSU Extension Service for use by educators and youth leaders.

Photos from canstockphoto.com.

Publication 3044–A (04-20)

By Leslie Burger, PhD Assistant Extension Professor, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture.

This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Produced by Agricultural Communications.

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination in university employment, programs, or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law is prohibited. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Compliance and Integrity, 56 Morgan Avenue, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

Trees

One of the largest groups of living organisms is the Plant Kingdom, and trees are perhaps the most visible members. With the exception of extreme habitats like polar regions and deserts, trees can be found in terrestrial ecosystems around the planet.

Trees are either evergreen or deciduous. Evergreens such as pines and magnolias have needles or leaves throughout the year. In contrast, deciduous trees lose their leaves or needles over winter and grow new ones in spring. Biologists use the shape, size, color, and arrangement of leaves to identify tree species. Trees also can be identified by their fruit, seeds, bark, tree shape, and habitat. How many of the trees in this booklet can you find in your neighborhood?

Loblolly Pine

(Pinus taeda)

Description

Other names: Arkansas pine, oldfield pine
Evergreen conifer
Leaves: three dark-green needles per group (fascicle); needles are 6–9 inches long
Bark: varies with tree age from reddish-brown to nearly black; plates are large, flat, and rectangular
Seeds: reddish-brown cones are 3–6 inches long

Habitat

The loblolly pine, native to the southeastern U.S., is very adaptable and can grow in a variety of soil and forest types.

Fun Fact

The loblolly pine can grow more than 3 feet each year. This is an important tree that is grown and used for lumber and paper.

Bald Cypress

(Taxodium distichum)

Description

Other names: southern cypress, swamp cypress
Deciduous conifer
Leaves: flat, feathery, yellow-green needles
Bark: ashy to reddish-brown with thin, scaly plates
Seeds: green, spherical cones about 1 inch in diameter

Habitat

The bald cypress is native to wetlands and bottomlands along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts and the Mississippi River drainage basin. It is also used in landscaping.

Fun Fact

Unlike other trees with needles, the bald cypress is deciduous; it loses its needles in winter. The wood of the bald cypress is highly valued in construction because it is resistant to decay.

Eastern Red Cedar

(Juniperus virginiana)

Description

Other names: juniper, cedar apple, savin
Evergreen conifer
Leaves: dark green, tightly pressed, scale-like needles
Bark: long, thin, reddish-brown strips
Seeds: round, purplish-blue cones resembling berries are also known as “juniper berries”

Habitat

The eastern red cedar is widespread throughout the eastern U.S. and southern Ontario, often on shallow, rocky, or limestone-based soils.

Fun Fact

The wood, bark, leaves, and “berries” of the eastern red cedar were used by Native American people to make medicine, teas, flutes, incense, and furniture.

Red Maple

(Acer rubrum)

Description

Other names: soft maple, water maple
Deciduous tree
Leaves: light green, three-lobed leaves with serrated edges
Bark: smooth, gray, and thin when young; shallow fissures between long, scaly plates when older
Seeds: winged seeds called samaras that “helicopter” to the ground

Habitat

The red maple, native to the eastern U.S., prefers moist soils found in swamps and similar damp habitats but is adaptable to most landscaping situations.

Fun Fact

Red maples are so named because of the fiery red color of their leaves in fall.

Ginkgo

(Ginkgo biloba)

Description

Other name: maidenhair tree, gingko
Deciduous tree
Leaves: 2–4 inches in diameter; bright green and fan-shaped; yellow in the fall
Bark: brown and deeply fissured; may look cork-like on old trees
Seeds: small, pale yellow, foul-smelling spheres

Habitat

The ginkgo was imported to North America from China about 200 years ago. It is a common ornamental tree in urban and suburban environments.

Fun Fact

Extracts from ginkgo leaves are used in many vitamins and medicines.

Eastern Redbud

(Cercis canadensis)

Description

Deciduous tree
Leaves: bright green, 3–4 inches in diameter, and heart-shaped
Bark: smooth and medium-brown when young; darker with long, narrow plates when older
Flowers: clusters of reddish-purple flowers for which the tree is named
Seeds: flat, dark brown, sickle-shaped pods

Habitat

A native understory tree, the eastern redbud is commonly found growing in parks and gardens as an ornamental tree.

Fun Fact

Native Americans and early European settlers treated whooping cough (diphtheria) with a tea brewed from the bark of the eastern redbud.

Southern Catalpa

(Catalpa bignonioides)

Description

Other names: Indianbean, caterpillar tree
Deciduous tree
Leaves: light green, heart-shaped, and 4–5 inches wide
Bark: reddish-gray with long, thin, irregular scales
Flowers: white with purple-spotted throats
Seeds: long (6–20 inches), pale green capsules

Habitat

The southern catalpa is a native species found along riverbanks in the southeastern U.S. It is also commonly grown as an ornamental tree.

Fun Fact

Southern catalpa trees are habitat for large worms called catalpa worms, which are a popular fishing bait.

Southern Magnolia

(Magnolia grandiflora)

Description

Other names: evergreen magnolia, bull bay, big laurel
Evergreen tree
Leaves: dark, leathery green, rusty beneath; 5–8 inches long
Bark: light-brown to gray-brown with flat, scaly plates
Flowers: showy white petals are fragrant and 6–8 inches wide
Seeds: hairy, open, grenade-shaped pods

Habitat

The southern magnolia, native to the southeastern U.S., prefers rich, bottomland soils or gentle slopes. It is commonly grown in residential and urban settings an as ornamental tree.

Fun Fact

The southern magnolia is the state tree of Mississippi.

Yellow Poplar

(Liriodendron tulipifera)

Description

Other names: tulip tree, tulip poplar
Deciduous tree
Leaves: dark green, tulip-shaped, and 4–6 inches wide
Bark: tight, brownish-gray, and furrowed
Flowers: greenish-yellow with an orange band
Seeds: cone-like cluster of winged seeds

Habitat

The yellow poplar is native to the eastern half of the U.S., where it can be found in well-drained forest soils, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains, and suburban settings.

Fun Fact

The wood of the yellow poplar is thought to be resistant to termites and was used by early settlers and Native Americans for making dugout canoes.

Sycamore

(Platanus occidentalis)

Description

Other names: planetree, buttonball tree
Deciduous tree
Leaves: bright green with 3–5 lobes per leaf and jagged edges; 4–7 inches wide
Bark: mottled red-brown in younger trees; green-gray to nearly white in older trees
Seeds: olive green, round, and 1 inch in diameter

Habitat

Native to the eastern U.S., the sycamore prefers rich, bottomland soils near water, but it is widely grown as a shade tree in residential settings.

Fun Fact

The bark, leaves, and fruit of the sycamore were used by Native Americans to make medicines to treat colds, coughs, skin conditions, and other ailments.

Pin Oak

(Quercus palustris)

Description

Other names: swamp oak, Spanish oak
Deciduous tree
Leaves: glossy green and deeply scalloped or lobed, with 5–7 lobes per leaf
Bark: smooth gray-brown when young; scaly and ridged when older
Seeds: light brown acorns with thin cups

Habitat

The pin oak is a native tree commonly used in landscaping. Its shallow roots make for easier transplanting, and it tolerates poorly drained soils.

Fun Fact

The acorns of the pin oak are an important source of food for wildlife such as deer, blue jays, squirrels, woodpeckers, and ducks.

For more information on common wildlife and plants or incorporating nature into the classroom, please contact Leslie.Burger@msstate.edu or (662) 325-6686.

EkoKids is produced by the Mississippi State University Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture and the MSU Extension Service for use by educators and youth leaders.

Photos from canstockphoto.com and istockphoto.com.

Publication 3044–B (04-20)

By Leslie Burger, PhD Assistant Extension Professor, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture.

This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Produced by Agricultural Communications.

Invertebrates

The majority of living creatures on Earth are invertebrates—animals that lack a backbone or vertebrae. Many invertebrates—for example,insects, crayfish, corals, and spiders—have a hard exoskeleton or outer covering that provides structure and protection to their bodies.

Other invertebrates, such as jellyfish and earthworms, are soft and rely on water or soil for support and to help them move. Because they lack internal support provided by a bony skeleton, most invertebrates are small. This large group of animals is very diverse and can be found in most habitats across the globe. In this booklet, you’ll learn about just a few of the thousands of invertebrates that can be found living around us every day. See how many you can find near you!

Carolina Wolf Spider

(Hogna carolinensis)

Description

Rather large member of the Arachnid group (arachnids have eight legs and two body parts)
Males: ¾ inch long; females: 1 inch long
Light gray-brown body with scattered darker markings and a distinctive long, dark mark known as a “cardiac mark” on the upper surface

Habitat

The Carolina wolf spider is native to the U.S. and can most frequently be observed in deserts, prairies, glades, and open fields and pastures.

Fun Fact

The female Carolina wolf spider will carry her egg sac with her to protect it. Once the eggs hatch and emerge from the sac, the many baby spiders—called spiderlings—will ride on her back until they are big enough to molt and live on their own.

Southern Black Widow

(Latrodectus mactans)

Description

Venomous Arachnid
Females: ½–1½ inch long; males: ¼–¾ inch
Females: shiny, black body with a bright red hourglass shape on the underside of the abdomen; males: no red hourglass mark

Habitat

The southern black widow is native to the southeastern U.S. and is most frequently seen in low-lying areas such as tree stumps and rodent burrows, wood piles, gardening piles, and other undisturbed locations.

Fun Facts

• The symptoms of a southern black widow bite can be severe, but death is very rare.
• Southern black widow spiderlings are white when they hatch from the egg sac.

Brown Recluse

(Loxosceles reclusa)

Description

Other names: fiddleback spider, brown fiddler
Venomous Arachnid
Body length: ¼–1 inch
Fiddle-shaped marking on the head/thorax (cephalothorax) region
Waxy color ranging from beige to dark brown

Habitat

The brown recluse prefers dry, undisturbed habitats found under loose tree bark, in stacks of wood and brush-piles, and inside garages, cellars, and boxes.

Fun Fact

The venom from a brown recluse bite can cause tissue death, organ damage, and even death in very rare cases—usually in the very young or the very old.

Eastern Harvestman

(Leiobunum vittatum)

Description

Other names: daddy longlegs, granddaddy longlegs
Member of the Arachnid class but not a true spider
Body length: ½–1/3 inch
Light brown body and eight long, thin legs

Habitat

Native to the U.S., the eastern harvestman can frequently be seen in dry, dark places around houses, such as corners, cellars, and roof overhangs.

Fun Facts

• To escape from a predator, an eastern harvestman can detach a leg, but a new one will not grow back to replace it. The detached leg will twitch or as long as an hour.
• The second pair of legs on the eastern harvestman serve as antennae used to sense its surroundings.

Yellow Garden Spider

(Argiope aurantia)

Description

Other names: black and yellow garden spider, golden garden spider
Member of the orb-weaver group
Females: ¾–1 inch body length; males: 1/8–1/3 inch body length
Females: black to brown with yellow stripes and spots on the abdomen; males: mostly brown with faded black bands
Distinctive zigzag in the center of the web

Habitat

Yellow garden spiders, native to Mississippi, are most often seen in gardens, orchards, forest edges, old fields, and farms.

Fun Fact

A yellow garden spider will rapidly shake and vibrate its web to scare off predators.

Southern Devil Scorpion

(Vaejovis carolinianus)

Description

Length: 2 inches
Chocolate brown body with tan legs
Distinctive pincers and curved tail

Habitat

The southern devil scorpion is native to the U.S. It lives near and under rocks and vegetation in forest habitats.

Fun Facts

• During mating, a male and female southern devil scorpion will clasp each other’s pincers and “dance.”
• Southern devil scorpions produce a venom that causes extreme pain, but it is rarely fatal except in the case of allergic shock.

North American Millipede

(Narceus americanus)

Description

Other names: American giant millipede, iron worm
Length: 2–3 inches
Segmented body with two pairs of legs attached to each segment
Black body with segments edged in pink, yellow, or purple

Habitat

North American millipedes prefer moist habitats associated with decaying leaves or dead trees found in forests, agricultural lands, and residential areas.

Fun Fact

The name “millipede” means “1,000 feet,” but North American millipedes only have about 50 pairs of legs. When it molts, more body segments and legs are added.

American Dog Tick

(Dermacentor variabilis)

Description

Other name: wood tick
Parasitic member of the Arachnid class
Males and females are flat and reddish- brown with white or yellow markings; they have eight legs
Females larger than males

Habitat

The American dog tick is found across the eastern U.S. It lives in weedy habitats such as overgrown fields, shrubby areas, and forests where it can find animals upon which to feed.

Fun Facts

• The American dog tick is an external parasite that bites through skin to feed on blood from its host animal, often a dog.
• Males die after mating.

Louisiana Red Crayfish

(Procambarus clarkia)

Description

Other names: red swamp crawfish, Louisiana crawfish, Louisiana mudbug, crawdad
Member of the Crustacea group
Length: 2–4½ inches
Dull to bright red with claws brighter than the body
Long, narrow claws and head

Habitat

The Louisiana red crayfish is found in the Mississippi River drainage basin in habitats with warm, fresh water.

Fun Fact

The Louisiana red crayfish is one of the top species of crayfish farmed for human consumption.

Brown Garden Snail

(Cornu aspersum)

Description

Other name: garden snail
Member of Gastropod group
Shell diameter: 1–1½ inch; height: 1–1¼ inch
Brown shell with yellow stripes or blotches; soft, slimy, brownish-gray body
Two pairs of tentacles on the head

Habitat

The brown garden snail is an introduced or exotic species originally from the Mediterranean. It is now found across the southeastern U.S. in gardens, fruit groves, and landscaping plants.

Fun Facts

The upper tentacles on the brown garden snail have light sensors which function as “eyes;” lower tentacles are used for touch and smell.
The brown garden snail was introduced in the 1850s for the food industry, but it is now a pest species on commercial and ornamental plants.

Chigger

(Trombicula sp.)

Description

Other names: red bugs
Tiny member of the Arachnid class
Larvae length: 0.2 mm; adult length: 1 mm
Overall coloring is bright red
Eight legs in the adult form; six legs in the microscopic larval form

Habitat

Trombiculid mites, native to the southeastern and midwestern U.S., prefer warm, humid conditions on plants and soil. The larval (immature) form is called a chigger and is parasitic. Adults avoid dry, sunny spots.

Fun Fact

Chiggers infect humans and animals, but they do not burrow into skin. They bite and inject a solution that dissolves skin cells, which they then eat. After feeding undetected, they drop off their host and molt. A red, itchy spot arises at the bite site.

For more information on common wildlife and plants or incorporating nature into the classroom, please contact Leslie.Burger@msstate.edu or (662) 325-6686.

EkoKids is produced by the Mississippi State University Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture and the MSU Extension Service for use by educators and youth leaders.

Photos from canstockphoto.com and istockphoto.com. Harvest mite illustration by Nicholas Caffarilla

(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode).

Publication 3044–C (04-20)

By Leslie Burger, PhD Assistant Extension Professor, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture.

This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Produced by Agricultural Communications.

Reptiles & Amphibians

Reptiles and amphibians are often-unappreciated members of nature and local biodiversity. Many people do not know these animals have important roles in pest management and as indicators of environmental health.

Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates with rough, dry, scaly skin. Although some species, such as alligators and smooth-shelled turtles, live in water, all reptiles lay hard-shelled eggs on land. Reptiles include snakes, turtles, lizards, skinks, and alligators.

In contrast, amphibians generally have smooth, moist skin. All amphibians lay their eggs in the water,
even though they may spend their adult life on land.

Frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts are examples of amphibians.

Eastern Box Turtle

(Terrapene carolina)

Description

Reptile with a hinged bottom shell plate that allows for complete closure of the shell, similar to a box
Brown upper shell patterned with yellow or orange spots
Red eyes on males; yellowish-brown eyes on females

Habitat

The eastern box turtle is native to the U.S. and can most frequently be seen in hardwood forests, brushy grasslands, and wet meadows.

Fun Facts

Eastern box turtles are long-lived vertebrates capable of living 100 years or more.
Urban development and habitat loss have caused serious population declines of this species.

Gray Rat Snake

(Pantherophis spiloides)

Description

Other name: chicken snake
Larger species of nonvenomous constrictor
Average length: 39–72 inches
Dark gray, oval-shaped blotches mark a lighter gray background

Habitat

The gray rat snake is native to the U.S. It prefers forests and forest-edge habitats and is frequently seen in barns and sheds, where it feeds on mice and other rodents.

Fun Facts

Gray rat snakes will release a foul-smelling scent to deter a potential predator.
Gray rat snakes are excellent climbers, capable of using rough bark to scale trees to find food and shelter.

Eastern Garter Snake

(Thamnophis sirtalis)

Description

Medium-sized, nonvenomous reptile
Females usually larger than males; average length for both: 18–26 inches
Base color ranges from green to brown to black
Characteristic white-yellow stripes run the length of the body

Habitat

Native to the U.S., eastern garter snakes use moist habitats such as shrubby fields, pond edges, drainage ditches, and marshes where they can find salamanders, frogs, earthworms, and other small prey.

Fun Fact

The eastern garter snake is so named because the stripes reminded early biologists of the stripes on garter straps.

Broad-Headed Skink

(Plestiodon laticeps)

Description

Other name: broadhead skink
Largest skink in the southeastern U.S.; length: 6–13 inches
A set of wide jaws gives this reptile’s head a broad, triangular appearance
Males: dark olive-brown with orange head during the breeding season (see photo); females: uniformly brown with five stripes running from head to tail

Habitat

The broad-headed skink is a native, tree-dwelling (arboreal) reptile found across the southeastern and south-central U.S., most frequently in humid hardwood forests or woodland edges.

Fun Fact

Male broad-headed skinks use their tongues to detect scents (pheromones) given off by females during breeding season.

Five-Lined Skink

(Plestiodon fasciatus)

Description

Medium-sized reptile; length: 5–8 inches
Juveniles: dark brown-black base color with five white-yellow stripes along the length of the body; bright blue tail
Adults: uniformly tan-brown with dark band running lengthwise along the sides; no blue tail (see photo)

Habitat

This native lizard is one of the most common in North America. It prefers partially wooded habitats, but it is often seen near buildings in neighborhoods and on farms.

Fun Fact

Five-lined skinks, like many other lizards, can disconnect their tails to distract potential predators and make their escape.

American Toad

(Anaxyrus americanus)

Description

Medium-sized amphibian; average length: 2–3½ inches
Skin color ranges from yellowish-brown to gray
Many have spots or large speckling on their backs
Wart-like bumps cover the skin

Habitat

The American toad is native to Mississippi and can most frequently be observed near areas of standing fresh water, such as ponds or even swimming pools.

Fun Facts

• American toads are most active during times of gentle to moderate rain because they eat worms and other ground insects that come to the top of damp soil.
• Contrary to the myth, American toads cannot cause warts in people.

Carolina Anole

(Anolis carolinensis)

Description

Other names: green anole; American chameleon
Male length: 5–8 inches; females 15 percent smaller
Most (60–70 percent) of this reptile’s length is tail
Upper body from green to medium brown; white belly
Males extend their red throats in display to other males

Habitat

The Carolina anole is a native southeastern reptile frequently seen on the warm sides of buildings. They prefer trees, shrubs, and forested habitats.

Fun Fact

Although the Carolina anole can change color, it is not a true chameleon and is more closely related to iguanas.

Green Treefrog

(Hyla cinerea)

Description

Strikingly colored, slim-bodied amphibian
Length: 1½–2½ inches; females slightly larger than males
Bright green (sometimes gray) upper body with gold-white markings near jaws, sides, and legs; pale bellies
Smooth skin
Sticky pads on the ends of long toes

Habitat

Like most amphibians native to the southeastern U.S., green treefrogs are found in wet habitats such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. They prefer areas with floating or rooted plants where they can find insects to eat and cover from predators.

Fun Facts

Green treefrogs prefer to climb rather than jump away from threats.

Gray Treefrog

(Hyla versicolor)

Description

Small amphibian
Length: 1¼–2 inches; females slightly larger than males
Warty, mottled light gray on upper body; pale belly; orange-yellow markings under the thighs
Can change skin color for camouflage
Sticky pads on the ends of long toes

Habitat

This native eastern U.S. treefrog species lives in moist, deciduous forests and swamps where it can find moths, flies, beetles, grasshoppers, and other food in the tree branches.

Fun Fact

Gray treefrogs spend nearly their entire lives in trees, coming down to the ground to breed in ponds and other quiet waters during the spring-to-summer breeding season.

Spotted Salamander

(Ambystoma maculatum)

Description

Other name: yellow-spotted salamander
Larger amphibian; length: 6–9 inches
Dark black, brown, gray, or green base color; light pink-gray belly
Named for two uneven rows of yellow spots running from head to tail

Habitat

The spotted salamander is native to Mississippi and can most frequently be observed in hardwood forest areas with shallow pools.

Fun Facts

• Spotted salamanders can grow (regenerate) a new copy of a damaged body part.
• Spotted salamanders can release a toxic liquid from poison glands on their backs and necks if they feel threatened.

Southern Leopard Frog

(Lithobates sphenocephalus)

Description

Larger amphibian; length: 2–3½ inches
Green-tan upper body and light belly
Named for dark brown spots on the head, back, and legs
Webbed hind feet and toes lacking sticky pads

Habitat

Southern leopard frogs, native to the eastern U.S., live in shallow, freshwater wetlands such as swamps, lakes, ponds, and ditches where they breed and feed on insects.

Fun Fact

Southern leopard frogs, like other frogs and toads, have backbones but no ribs.

For more information on common wildlife and plants or incorporating nature into the classroom, please contact Leslie.Burger@msstate.edu or (662) 325-6686.

EkoKids is produced by the Mississippi State University Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture and the MSU Extension Service for use by educators and youth leaders.

Photos from canstockphoto.com and istockphoto.com.

Publication 3044–D (04-20)

By Leslie Burger, PhD Assistant Extension Professor, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture.

This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Produced by Agricultural Communications.

Birds

Birds are common visitors to schools, neighborhoods, parks, and other public places. Their diversity, bright colors, cheerful songs, and daytime habits make them great for engaging children and adults in nature study.

Birds are unique among animals. All birds have feathers, wings, and beaks. They are found around the world, from ice-covered Antarctica to steamy jungles, from dry deserts to windy mountaintops, and from freshwater rivers to salty oceans.

This booklet shares some information on just a few of the nearly 10,000 bird species that can be found worldwide. How many of these birds can you find in your part of the planet?

Northern Cardinal

(Cardinalis cardinalis)

Description

Other names: redbird, common cardinal
Medium-sized songbird in the cardinal family
Males: bright red feathers, black face masks
Females: light brown feathers, gray face masks
Males and females: reddish-orange bills
Length: 8¾ inches; wingspan: 12 inches

Habitat

The northern cardinal can be found throughout the eastern U.S. This native species favors open areas with brushy habitat, including neighborhoods and suburban areas.

Fun Fact

Northern cardinals mate for life. When courting, the male feeds the female beak-to-beak.

House Finch

(Haemorhous mexicanus)

Description

Other name: rosefinch
Length: 6 inches; wingspan: 9½ inches
Males: bright, orange-red face and breast; streaky, gray-brown wings and tail
Females: overall gray-brown; no bright red color

Habitat

The house finch is not native to the southeastern U.S. Because it can live in many habitats, it has quickly expanded its range. This bird is now found most commonly in urban and suburban areas.

Fun Fact

New York City vendors were selling “Hollywood finches“ (house finches) in the 1940s. Facing prosecution for violating a law that prohibits the sale of wild birds, the vendors released the birds. Their descendants now live across the U.S.

Blue Jay

(Cyanocitta cristata)

Description

Other names: jaybird, jay
Member of the crow family
Length: 11 inches; wingspan: 16 inches
Males and females: blue head crest; pale blue back with white markings; striped tail; white breast feathers
Distinctive dark “scarf” around the head

Habitat

The blue jay is native to the U.S. and can be found in many habitat types, including pastureland, woodlands, and suburban areas. It is social and often found in groups.

Fun Fact

The blue jay will sound its loud call—“Jay! Jay!”—to alert other birds if there is a predator such as an owl or hawk in the area.

Tufted Titmouse

(Baeolophus bicolor)

Description

Larger member of the chickadee family
Length: 6½ inches; wingspan: 9¾ inches
Males and females: gray crest; gray upper feathers and white underparts; pale orange flanks; black bills, foreheads, and eyes

Habitat

A common visitor to residential bird feeders, the tufted titmouse is native to the eastern U.S. It prefers forests of broadleaf trees, such as oaks, hickories, and maples.

Fun Fact

The tufted titmouse makes its nest in a hole in a tree, which it lines with soft materials such as dog hair or shed snake skin.

House Sparrow

(Passer domesticus)

Description

Length: 6–7 inches; wingspan: 7–9 inches
Males: brown head and back; gray breast with a black breast patch
Females: dull-brown upper feathers with gray breast; no black breast patch

Habitat

The house sparrow was brought to North America from England in 1851. It prefers to live in urban habitats.

Fun Fact

House sparrows are commonly seen nesting in building signs, flying through stores, and feeding on insects stuck to parked cars.

Mourning Dove

(Zenaida macroura)

Description

Other names: turtledove
Length: 12 inches; wingspan: 18 inches
Males and females: gray-brown upper plumage with scattered black spots and whitish-gray lower plumage
Males: rosy cast; blue-tinted nape during the breeding season

Habitat

A frequent visitor to bird feeders, the mourning dove is native to open habitats with brushy cover, including agricultural and suburban landscapes.

Fun Fact

The mourning dove gets its common name from its call—because it is pitched in a minor key, it sounded sad to early scientists.

Eurasian Collared Dove

(Streptopelia decaocto)

Description

Larger member of the dove family
Length: 13 inches; wingspan: 22 inches
Males and females: overall gray-buff to pinkish-gray; black nape collar; black bill; short red legs

Habitat

The Eurasian collared dove is not native to the U.S. It was first introduced to the Bahamas in the 1970s, and it spread to Florida and later inward. It can be found in open habitats, particularly suburban areas.

Fun Facts

Scientists are concerned this larger, exotic species will displace the smaller, native mourning dove.
Male and female Eurasian collared doves take turns incubating their eggs.

Northern Mockingbird

(Mimus polyglottos)

Description

Medium-sized member of the Mimidae family
Length: 10 inches; wingspan: 14 inches
Males and females: dark gray upper feathers; whitish gray on belly; two bright white bars across dark gray wings

Habitat

The northern mockingbird, a species native to the southeastern U.S., prefers open areas interspersed with dense brush for nesting. It is common in suburban areas.

Fun Fact

The northern mockingbird’s Latin name, Mimus polyglottos, means “many-tongued mimic” because this species mimics the songs of other birds.

Carolina Chickadee

(Poecile carolinensis)

Description

Small member of the chickadee family
Length: 4¾ inches; wingspan: 7½ inches
Males and females: gray upper feathers with white lower plumage; distinctive black cap and bib with white cheeks

Habitat

The Carolina chickadee is native to wooded habitats in the southeastern U.S.

Fun Facts

During extremely cold winters, the Carolina chickadee can lower its body temperature until it reaches a state of hypothermia called torpor. Like hibernation, this is a strategy for conserving energy.
The Carolina chickadee gets its name from its distinctive call—“chick-a-dee-dee-dee.”

Red-Headed Woodpecker

(Melanerpes erythrocephalus)

Description

Other names: flag bird, jellycoat
Length: 9¼ inches; wingspan: 17 inches
Males and females: black back and tail; white wing feathers; white belly; bright red head and neck; males have more pronounced head coloring

Habitat

The red-headed woodpecker, native to the eastern U.S., prefers open forests and can be found in orchards and suburban areas.

Fun Fact

The red-headed woodpecker can catch flying insects midair, as well as hammer them out of decaying wood.

American Robin

(Turdus migratorius)

Description

Other names: robin redbreast, robin
Widely distributed member of the thrush family
Length: 10 inches; wingspan: 17 inches
Males and females: brown backs and heads; reddish-orange breast (see photo)
Females: coloration is more muted

Habitat

The American robin is native to the U.S. While most frequently seen on grassy, suburban lawns, it uses diverse habitats across North America from Alaska to Mexico to Maine.

Fun Fact

“Robin’s egg blue” is a color named for the blue color of the American robin’s eggs.

For more information on common wildlife and plants or incorporating nature into the classroom, please contact Leslie.Burger@msstate.edu or (662) 325-6686.

EkoKids is produced by the Mississippi State University Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture and the MSU Extension Service for use by educators and youth leaders.

Photos from canstockphoto.com.

Publication 3044–E (04-20)

By Leslie Burger, PhD Assistant Extension Professor, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture.

This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Produced by Agricultural Communications.

Fish

Fish are a very large and diverse group of aquatic (live in water) animals found all around the world. They are cold-blooded, meaning they do not maintain a constant internal body temperature like mammals and birds do. Most have fins for movement, gills for breathing, and scales covering their bodies, but there are exceptions.

The variety among fish is spectacular. The smallest fish in the world are less than 1 inch long and the biggest (whale sharks) can reach 33 feet in length. Not all are shaped like fish. Some are shaped like tiny horses (seahorse), pancakes (flounder), snakes (eels), and cubes (boxfish). They can be any color of the rainbow, and some can even change their colors.

This guide describes a few of the fish found in freshwater ponds, streams, and lakes in Mississippi. Have you seen any of these cool critters?

Largemouth Bass

(Micropterus salmoides)

Description

Average length: 12–16 inches
Average weight: 1−3 pounds
Olive-green to gray-green
May have dark blotches along each side that form a dark, jagged line
Large mouth with a jaw that extends beyond the eye
Dorsal fin has two separate or nearly separate fins

Habitat

Largemouth bass live in many different habitats that range from farm ponds to rivers. They gather around cover such as submerged rocks, aquatic vegetation, and woody debris.

Fun Fact

While the largemouth bass is native to the eastern United States, this species has been stocked successfully across the U.S. and in other countries such as Japan.

Bluegill

(Lepomis macrochirus)

Description

Other names: bream, brim
Average length: 6−8 inches
Average weight: 8–10 ounces
Dark blue-black to blue-green
Oval body shape with dark vertical bars running down each side
Distinctive dark spot at the base of the soft dorsal fin

Habitat

Bluegill live in freshwater ecosystems such as farm ponds, lakes, slow-moving streams, and even brackish (slightly salty) waters. These fish prefer to be around cover such as woody debris, submerged rocks, and vegetation.

Fun Fact

Bluegill can live as long as 10 years in the wild.

Green Sunfish

(Lepomis cyanellus)

Description

Other names: bream, brim
Average length: 4−8 inches
Average weight: 4−8 ounces
Overall green-toned body
Large mouth for sunfish
Yellow color on the edge of each fin

Habitat

Green sunfish live in farm ponds and lakes as well as streams, rivers, and creeks. This species can tolerate poor water conditions, which allows them to live in many places. These fish like to hang around submerged logs and plants but will also spend time near gravel or sand.

Fun Fact

Green sunfish can lay up to 50,000 eggs in one spawning (breeding) season.

Black Crappie

(Pomoxis nigromaculatus)

Description

Other names: calico bass, speck, slab
Average length: 8–12 inches
Average weight: 8 ounces–1 pound
Silver or dark gray
Deeper body than the white crappie
7–8 dorsal spines

Habitat

Black crappie like to inhabit shallow-water lakes and sloughs. They tend to spend time where there is clear water. Aquatic vegetation in these waters provides ambush opportunities for black crappie to catch minnows, insects, and insect larvae.

Fun Fact

Mississippi has a strain called the black-nose crappie, which has a distinct black line running between its eyes.

White Crappie

(Pomoxis annularis)

Description

Other names: crappie, white perch, papermouth
Average length: 8–12 inches
Average weight: 8 ounces–1 pound
White to silver color
Gray-black vertical stripes along each side of the body
The dorsal (top) and anal (bottom) fins each have 5–6 spines

Habitat

White crappie like to live in rivers and reservoirs but will enter small streams. In the springtime, white crappie will gather into schools, or groups, of fish around aquatic vegetation, woody debris, and other submerged cover.

Fun Fact

Crappie’s scientific name, Pomoxis, is Greek and means “sharp cover.” This refers to its spiny gill covers.

Channel Catfish

(Ictalurus punctatus)

Description

Other names: fiddler, spotted catfish
Average length: 12–24 inches
Average weight: 1–5 pounds
Gray to silver body; young have black spots along their sides
Long whiskers around the mouth
Anal fin with a rounded edge

Habitat

Channel catfish inhabit farm ponds, reservoirs, streams, and large rivers across the eastern United States.

Fun Fact

Catfish are cavity-nesting species. They like to find crevices, hollows, or other debris where they can build their nests. This behavior in the catfish family has led to the sport of noodling or hand-grabbing.

Blue Catfish

(Ictalurus furcatus)

Description

Average length: 12–30 inches
Average weight: 1–10 pounds
Silver-gray to blue; light-colored underbelly
Long whiskers around the mouth
Anal fin with a straight edge (like a comb)

Habitat

Blue catfish can survive in many habitats, but they prefer open waters such as large reservoirs, backwaters, main channels of rivers, and floodplain lakes.

Fun Fact

Like many other members of the catfish family, blue catfish have whiskers, or special structures around their mouths, that help them find food along the bottom.

Bowfin

(Amia calva)

Description

Other name: dogfish, mudfish
Body size: 10–25 inches
Weight: 1–5 pounds
Olive, dark green, or brown
Bony head with very sharp teeth
Eyespot on the tails of adults

Habitat

Bowfin live in habitats that range from backwater creeks to farm ponds. This species hangs around underwater cover including logs, grass, and rocks where they can ambush prey.

Fun Fact

The bowfin is an obligate air breather. This means they get their oxygen from the atmosphere rather than the water. This allows them to survive in water that has low oxygen.

Longnose Gar

(Lepisosteus osseus)

Description

Other names: longnose garpike, bonypike, needle-nosed gar
Average length: 2–3 feet
Average weight: 1–10 pounds
Olive-brown to green with a light underbelly
Spots on the dorsal, anal, and tail fins
Long, thin snout

Habitat

The longnose gar lives in areas such as rivers, streams, reservoirs, bayous, and estuaries. This species likes slow-moving water and will come up to the surface to breathe air.

Fun Fact

The longnose gar and its relatives (spotted gar, shortnose gar, alligator gar) have extremely tough scales that act like a suit of armor.

Grass Carp

(Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Description

Other names: white amur, carp
Average length: 2–3 feet
Average weight: 5–20 pounds
Gold to olive-brown body
Large fins with rounded head

Habitat

The grass carp is an introduced species that inhabits rivers, ponds, and other murky bodies of water. Since this fish feeds on vegetation, it is common to see it in very shallow water where plants can grow.

Fun Fact

Although this is can be an invasive species, the ability of grass carp to eat aquatic vegetation can be useful. In these cases, a type of grass carp that cannot reproduce is released.

Mosquitofish

(Gambusia affinis)

Description

Other names: Gambusia
Average size: 1–2 inches
Average weight: 1 ounce
Gray to brown body
Flattened head with a rounded tail
Upward-facing mouth

Habitat

Mosquitofish like shallow waters and can live in places other fish will not. In larger bodies of water, they will congregate in areas that are sheltered from predators.

Fun Fact

This species is named after the food it eats. Mosquitofish have been introduced in many places to eat larval (baby) mosquitos and help combat mosquito problems.

For more information on common wildlife and plants or incorporating nature into the classroom, please contact Leslie.Burger@msstate.edu or (662) 325-6686.

EkoKids is produced by the Mississippi State University Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture and the MSU Extension Service for use by educators and youth leaders.

Photo credits: 1) Largemouth bass, istockphoto.com; 2) bluegill, Ryan Hagerty, USFWS; 3) green sunfish, Sam Stukel, USFWS; 4) black crappie, Sam Stukel, USFWS; 5) white crappie, Duane Raver/USFWS; 6) channel catfish, Sam Stukel, USFWS; 7) blue catfish, Brett Billings, USFWS; 8) bowfin, Ryan Hagerty, USFWS; 9) longnose gar, Brett Billings, USFWS; 10) grass carp, Ryan Hagerty, USFWS; 11) mosquitofish, Ryan Hagerty, USFWS

Publication 3044–F (09-20)

By Alexander J. Binny, Extension Program Assistant, and Leslie Burger, PhD Assistant Extension Professor, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture.

This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Produced by Agricultural Communications.

Filed under

Wildlife Youth Education Urban and Backyard Wildlife

Publication number

P3044