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PrintSeveral more animals of the urban forest
Some fly, some hop, some slither along the ground. Mammal urbanimals are not all that hide in the forests of Tulsa. Here are some of the more surprising creatures that you may or may not want to encounter on your next nature walk.
Avians: Beyond the birdfeeder
Most Tulsans enjoy watching the birds that flock to their neighborhoods — robins, bluejays, sparrows, doves and even the occasional owl. Here are a few you may not see as often.
Least tern
Habitat: Sandy and pebbly beaches, and large sandbars in rivers. Least terns are endangered in Oklahoma because of the diminishing sand bars along the Arkansas River.
Traits: These birds most often feature white plumage with a black cap and gray back and wings. Their tails are forked, and their wingbeat is fast and shallow.
Great blue heron
Habitat: Live near freshwater swamps, lagoons and lakes, and nest in trees or bushes.
Traits: Adult herons have a slate blue color, with patches of grayish feathers on the breast and shoulder. The tops of their heads are white, and they also have black crowns, crests and legs. These birds stand about 4 feet tall in adulthood.
Scissor-tailed flycatcher
Habitat: Living in open country, the scissor-tailed flycatcher is seen largely along roadsides, and near areas with scattered trees, fence posts and wires.
Traits: This Oklahoma state bird has bright, salmon-pink sides and stomach and a pale gray head, back and breast. It can reach 14 inches in height, and its long, forked tail is more than half of its length.
Coopers hawk
Habitat: Woods and forests that have, or are surrounded by, meadows and clearings,
Traits: One of the smaller-sized hawks, these can reach anywhere from 14 to 20 inches in height. Characteristics include a long tail, short and rounded wings and a gray body. Their heads are most often dark, and rust-colored bars run throughout their plumage.
Snakes: Slitherin’
We’ll understand if they creep you out, but snakes also are part of our ecosystem.
Western cottonmouth (water moccasin), venomous
Habitat: Lives near permanent sources of water such as rivers, creeks, ponds and lakes.
Traits: A dark coloration with a white or cream-colored belly characterizes the cottonmouth. Its vertical pupils are a testament to its venomous nature, and it has a heat-sensing pit between its eyes and nostril. Adults can reach between 20 and 42 inches long and prey on fish, birds and other snakes.
Copperhead, venomous
Habitat: Often found under rock or log piles, but like to hide in woodland areas, most often near streams and ponds.
Traits: Copperheads are a peachy-tan color with brown to reddish-orange crossbands. Like the cottonmouth, these snakes have vertical pupils and a heat-sensing pit between their eyes and nostril. They can grow to be from 22 to 36 inches long, and feed mostly on small rodents.
Brownsnake, non-venomous
Habitat: Woodlands, marshy areas and urban areas such as vacant lots, gardens and trash piles.
Traits: The brownsnake is usually small, with adults ranging from 10 to 15 inches long. Its coloring is usually a gray or brown shade, with a pink or brown belly. These newborns are born with a yellow or cream-colored ring around their neck. They prey largely on common insects, such as slugs, snails and worms.
Garter snake (garden snake), non-venomous
Habitat: Found in a wide variety of habitats, but most often live near wooded areas, on farms and around water sources.
Traits: Garter snakes have a thick, dorsal stripe running down the center of their back, which is usually a yellow or reddish-orange. Two thinner stripes run parallel to this central one, separated by a black-checkered pattern. Adults can reach a length of 48 inches, and eat frogs, salamanders, worms and mice. The garter snake also is known as the garden, grass and/or gardener snake.
Amphibians: Frogs and toads
Catch ’em if you can. Some Tulsans, even in highly populated sections of the city, will tell you they’ve been lulled to sleep by a chorus of frogs.
Gray tree frogs
Habitat: Shallow water located close to mixed stands of willows, oaks and pines are the tree frog’s ideal habitat. They also prefer ample vegetation around the water’s edge and congregate in areas with an abundance of shrubs and vines.
Traits: The tree frog’s ability to change color is likely its most remarkable trait. It can adapt to its surroundings, changing from shades of gray to green. It has a white spot under both eyes, a white belly and yellowish-orange markings on its hind legs. Large adhesive pads are attached to the end of each toe, which allow it to cling and stick to vertical surfaces.
Leopard frog
Habitat: Shallow, freshwater habitats in open or lightly wooded areas are preferable to the leopard frog. During the winter, they can be found hibernating in the bottoms of ponds and streams.
Traits: Leopard frogs have smooth, moist skin and a ridge that runs along each side of their body, from the eye to the hind legs. They are green, brown or a combination of the two colors, and have a pointed head with round, dark spots.
Woodhouse toad
Habitat: These toads love to burrow in sandy soils or hide amongst bushes. They can be found in many regions of Oklahoma, including grasslands, agricultural and residential areas. One toad can eat thousands of insects in a single year, which often makes it a welcomed presence in gardens.
Traits: At about 4 inches in length, this toad is Oklahoma’s largest. The toad is a light tan to dark gray or brown, and is marked with paired spots. Warts also occur in groups of two to four within each dorsal spot. A white or yellow stripe is found running down the middle of the toad’s back.
