Brewer’s Blackbird
When John J. Audubon found specimens of this bird in 1843, he thought he had found a new species native to the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. He named the bird Quiscalus breweri, though the moniker … [Read more...]
Blackbirds
Brown Headed Cowbird
Once upon a time these birds followed the bison herds of the Great Plains like groupies after a rock band. It worked out great for them, as they ate the same grass seeds and grains that the buffalo … [Read more...]
Common Grackle
This is a very large blackbird with striking yellow eyes and bronze or purple feathers reminiscent of David Bowie in his Ziggy Stardust period. He’s quite the cosmopolitan traveler and can be found … [Read more...]
Red-Winged Blackbird
These birds are more abundant than hippies in the 60’s. They can be found breeding in wetlands, uplands, fresh or saltwater marshes, and in agricultural areas. They flourish in fields and farms, … [Read more...]
Bluebirds
Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is one of the more well-known species in North America. They are easily recognized and can be found from Ontario all the way to Central America. They have vivid colors and a … [Read more...]
Mountain Bluebird
This iconic bird has achieved Elvis Presley status among bird watchers. A sighting brings sighs of ecstasy and squeals of delight. They are seen to represent all that is good and right in the world, … [Read more...]
Western Bluebird
These beautiful birds are found from Canada down to Mexico. They thrive in areas where there are lots of Juniper berries and mistletoe to be found. They eat insects in the warmer months, and are … [Read more...]
Buntings
Indigo Bunting
You can find this migratory songbird breeding in North America but wintering in Mexico, Central America, Florida and the Caribbean. Pretty rock star lifestyle for a bird, eh? The males are dressed in … [Read more...]
Lazuli Bunting
This is another of the spectacular songbirds of North America. The namesake Lapis Lazuli gemstone has nothing on this gorgeous blue bird. The bright blue plumage on the males makes them stand out … [Read more...]
Painted Bunting
This type of Bunting is a little trickier to identify than others of its kind. Until they reach maturity, males are the same drab green and yellow-green as the females. They cross-dress and blend in … [Read more...]
Bushtits
Bushtit
A small drab-gray bird with a long tail, the bushtit can be found from the highlands of Central America throughout the western United States year-round. It prefers mixed-woodland areas and small … [Read more...]
Cardinals
Northern Cardinal
This popular and widespread species of bird is so well known and easily recognized that it is the State Bird of 7 U.S. states. The beautiful red plumage lends itself to sports teams and advertising … [Read more...]
Chickadees
Black-capped Chickadee
This is a non-migratory species that is widespread from coast-to coast in Canada and the northern two-thirds of the United States. They are so well-adapted that they can self-induce hypothermia in the … [Read more...]
Carolina Chickadee
Filed Under: Chickadees • SE
Mr. Audubon named this bird when he found it in coastal South Carolina, but the Carolina Chickadee is found from the plains in Kansas and Texas all the way to New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This active … [Read more...]
Mountain Chickadee
This, my little Mountain Chickadee, is very closely related to the Black-capped Chickadee. In fact, they will sometimes cross-breed or hybridize where their territories overlap in Rio Grande Valley of … [Read more...]
Creepers
Brown Creeper
The Brown Creeper has the distinction of being the only tree creeper in North America, but trying to find this bird is a little like trying to find Jimmy Hoffa. While they are widespread, found in … [Read more...]
Crossbills
Dickcissel
Abundant in North American prairie grasslands and can also be found in Venezuela, Central and South America. Dickcissels are semi-nomadic and known to stray outside their core range depending upon … [Read more...]
Red Crossbill
The Red Crossbill goes where the food is, and can be found in coniferous forests from Central America to Newfoundland. The availability of conifer seeds of spruce, hemlock, fir and pine will … [Read more...]
Finches
American Goldfinch
American Goldfinches are scattered throughout temperate North America. They eat the seeds of many annual plants and are common visitors to gardens and feeders, especially in the winter months. They … [Read more...]
Common Redpoll
This is a lively little finch. They have a distinctive chirp and are easily recognized at backyard feeders where they arrive during the winter months. They will be bouncing all over and making a … [Read more...]
House Finch
A baby boom for the House Finch since 1940 has increased the population and reach of the species. Sound familiar? House Finches were originally a small population found on Long Island. Today they … [Read more...]
Pine Siskin
The Pine Siskin is easy to identify by the buff colored bars on his wings, sometimes vivid yellow for the males. He is not so easy to pin down however, and ranges from Guatemala and Mexico in the … [Read more...]
Purple Finch
The Purple Finch has been aptly described as a “sparrow dipped in raspberry juice”. This is true for the males, not so for the females. The two sexes are as different as night and day. Female Purple … [Read more...]
Grosbeaks
Black-headed Grosbeak
Black-headed Grosbeaks are common in the American West, and are a familiar sight to many bird enthusiasts. Males are easy to identify with their black heads and cinnamon-colored eye stripe. Females … [Read more...]
Blue Grosbeak
The Blue Grosbeak is the Marlena Dietrich of the grosbeaks. Like Marlena, the Blue Grosbeak is both beautiful to look at and to hear. Males are a distinctive blue with chestnut-colored wing bars and a … [Read more...]
Evening Grosbeak
The Evening Grosbeak moves in large flocks and will throw a party at your backyard feeder. They only show up about once every year, which is a good thing for your supply of bird food. A flock of … [Read more...]
Pine Grosbeak
The Pine Grosbeak is the largest of the “winter finches”. It is also one of the rarer species. An infrequent winter visitor to North America, it lives in the sub-arctic and boreal forests in eastern … [Read more...]
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Brightly colored in black, white and rose-pink, the male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak is easy to identify. The females differ greatly in appearance and closely resemble the females of the Black-headed … [Read more...]
Hummingbirds
Anna’s Hummingbird
In the 1930’s Anna’s Hummingbird was found only on the Pacific Coast from Baja California to the San Francisco Bay. It has since expanded its range and can be found from southern Arizona all the way … [Read more...]
Black-Chinned Hummingbird
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is found from Mexico to southern British Columbia, and can be seen throughout the American West. This is not a very particular bird in feeding or nesting habits. They are … [Read more...]
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Filed Under: Hummingbirds • SW
If you live in the higher elevations in the American West or eastern Mexico, this is the hummingbird you are most likely to see at your feeder. The Broad-tailed Hummingbird breeds during the short … [Read more...]
Calliope Hummingbird
Filed Under: Hummingbirds • NW
The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest breeding bird in North America. They may be small, but they are mighty! They eat insects and the nectar of flowers, and will sit on the tips of branches and … [Read more...]
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species of hummingbird to breed in eastern North America and is found from central Canada to the Gulf Coast. They have the largest breeding area of any … [Read more...]
Rufous Hummingbird
Filed Under: Hummingbirds • NW
This is North America’s “extremist” hummingbird. Not only does he reach the northernmost latitude of any of the hummingbirds; he also has the longest-known migration of any avian (measured in body … [Read more...]
Jays
Blue Jay
The Blue Jay is one of the most widespread and well- known of North American birds. Their bright blue, black and white plumage and their loud calls make them impossible to ignore. They are very … [Read more...]
Florida Scrub Jay
As the name implies; the Florida Scrub Jay is restricted to Florida. It was originally found there 100 years before other jays were identified in other areas of North America. They eat arthropods and … [Read more...]
Gray Jay
he Gray Jay can be found in North America’s sub-alpine coniferous and boreal forest lands. He likes lowland black spruce bogs, as well as upland aspen and birch woods. The Gray Jay has an interesting … [Read more...]
Pinyon Jay
The Pinyon Jay is another omnivorous bird who eats lizards and small mammals but prefers nuts and seeds. The Pinyon Jay will arrive at your feeder and hoard more seeds than Liz Taylor does diamonds. … [Read more...]
Steller’s Jay
Easily identified by his black crested “faux-hawk”, and vivid blue body, the Steller’s Jay also has a loud raucous call announcing his arrival in the canopy of the trees. The Steller’s Jay is … [Read more...]
Kinglets
Golden Kinglet
This bird is tiny; barely larger than a hummingbird. Like the hummingbird, it is active and constantly in motion, flicking its wings repeatedly. The Golden-crowned Kinglet breeds in the canopy of the … [Read more...]
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is one of North America’s smallest birds. The male and female are almost identical, and they closely resemble their relative the Golden-crowned Kinglet. This Kinglet has white … [Read more...]
Mockingbirds
Brown Thrasher
The Brown Thrasher is the only one found east of the Rocky Mountains and central Texas. It nests in shrubby areas with dense brush such as fence rows and thickets of forest clearings. Because the … [Read more...]
Gray Catbird
Gray Catbirds are relatives of mockingbirds and thrashers. This amazing bird is named for his catty mew, but the basis for his unique jazz vocal styling may surprise you. The Gray Catbird has unusual … [Read more...]
Northern Mockingbird
Everybody, have you heard? This versatile songbird is an incredible mimic. The Rich Little of songbirds. The Northern Mockingbird is also an aggressive defender of his territory and nest, and will … [Read more...]
Nuthatches
Brown-Headed Nuthatch
Filed Under: Nuthatches • SE
The Brown-headed Nuthatch is found in the conifer forests of the southeastern U.S. and is rarely found outside of pine- dominated areas where there are snags of dead trees for them to make their … [Read more...]
Pygmy Nuthatch
This active little bird looks and acts as if he’s had just a bit too much coffee. He is constantly in motion; chattering endlessly while climbing head-first down tree trunks and across branches … [Read more...]
Red-breasted Nuthatch
The Red-breasted Nuthatch, formerly known as the Red-bellied or Canadian Nuthatch, is a resident of North America’s boreal forests. This little bird has a characteristic call and can be heard … [Read more...]
White-Breasted Nuthatch
Like others of his kind, the White-breasted Nuthatch creeps upside down, sideways, and all ways around, down and across trees with little regard for the horizon. They are in search of insects and … [Read more...]
Orioles
Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore oriole is among the most recognizable wild birds of northeastern America with its bright orange breast. However, the males do not acquire this colorful plumage until the end of their … [Read more...]
Orchard Oriole
Found in most areas east of the Rocky Mountains throughout the summer months, the orchard oriole is nearly non-existent in America during the winter months. While on American soil, these birds can be … [Read more...]
Scott’s Oriole
If you live around the foothills and deserts of southwest America, you may have spotted this bright yellow and black member of the oriole family. It’s probably best that Scott’s oriole is found mostly … [Read more...]
Pigeons
Mourning Dove
The mourning dove is one of north Americas most widespread birds, found year-round in all of the lower 48 states. Some of us might recall that this is the favorite bird of Sesame Streets’ Bert, who … [Read more...]
Sparrows
American Tree Sparrow
If you are looking among the tree tops to find this bird, common sense has deceived you yet again. The American tree sparrow eats from the ground, nests on the ground and even breeds north of the tree … [Read more...]
Chipping Sparrow
The chipping sparrow has the unfortunate reputation for being the most tone deaf of the sparrow family, earning it the William Hung award. It’s “song” consisting of one long note followed by a short … [Read more...]
Field Sparrow
The field sparrow is just that, a member of the sparrow family that is just perfectly content living, breeding and foraging for its food mainly in the fields of the northeastern United States. They … [Read more...]
Fox Sparrow
The striped fox sparrow can be found kicking and scratching up seed found under feeders throughout much of the northwest during the summer months and making its way to the southeast for the winter. … [Read more...]
House Sparrow
As its name might indicate, the house sparrow is very at home in human-occupied environments and can often be seen in villages, towns and on the farm. Unfortunately they may have worn out their … [Read more...]
Song Sparrow
Much like Roger Thornhill in North by Northwest, the song sparrow often finds itself a victim of mistaken identity. This sparrow is known to vary widely depending on the geography which it is found, … [Read more...]
Swamp Sparrow
Much like the Wes Craven adapted DC comics character, this “swamp thing” keeps itself well hidden deep within the wet eastern woodlands. With its longer than average legs, the swamp sparrow is able to … [Read more...]
Vesper Sparrow
Vesper - “def: a bell rung in the evenings or at twilight.” As its name would suggest, the song of the vesper sparrow can be heard ringing through the evening hours well after most birds are resting … [Read more...]
White-crowned Sparrow
Like a young Mozart, the white-crowned sparrow is a bit of a musical prodigy. They often have began developing their song by the ripe age of 2, and do so strictly “by ear,” picking up songs from the … [Read more...]
White-throated Sparrow
Primarily found east of the Rocky Mountains, the white-throated sparrow has long been studied by ornithologists and enjoyed by hobbyists. During their migration these birds are frequently found at … [Read more...]
Starlings
European Starling
The Rudy of the wild bird kingdom, the European starling is nothing less than an underdog miracle story. Only 100 European starlings were released into central park in 1890 and 1891. There are now … [Read more...]
Tanagers
Scarlet Tanager
High atop your backyard shade trees you just might hear the call of the scarlet tanager, “Chip-Churr.” This striking bird sports bright red and black plumage in the males, but surprisingly does a good … [Read more...]
Summer Tanager
As the only all red wild bird in North America, the male summer tanager holds the distinction of being one of the easiest to spot and one of the most beautiful to look at. The female is also quite … [Read more...]
Western Tanager
As its name would suggest, the western tanager is primarily found in the western most region of the United States. Insects and fruits are this bird’s food of choice, with apples, cherries, … [Read more...]
Thrushes
American Robin
Year-round residents of nearly the entire United States and frequent visitors to parks, villages and backyards alike, it is no wonder that the most “rockin” of wild birds is also one of the most … [Read more...]
Hermit Thrush
“Something tells me we’re into something good” with the hermit thrush. A quiet and unassuming bird, the hermit thrush lives up to its name. During breeding season this bird primarily eats insects and … [Read more...]
Wood Thrush
Known widely throughout the Eastern United States for its unique and beautiful song, television stations have often used taped recordings of the wood thrush during their broadcasts of golf matches. … [Read more...]
Titmice
Tufted Titmouse
With its tufted head feathers a familiar sight throughout nearly all of the Eastern United States, the tufted titmouse has become a regular visitor to backyard feeders. Berries, seeds and nuts all are … [Read more...]
Towhees
Dark-eyed Junco
With a total population nearly twice that of all people in the United States, and spanning most all of North America, chances are you have encountered a dark-eyed junco. They are often seen hopping … [Read more...]
Eastern Towhee
A well known “foster parent,” the eastern towhee many times will raise the eggs of the brown headed cowbird who has replaced the towhees eggs with its own. With no ability to tell the eggs apart, you … [Read more...]
Vieros
Red-eyed Vireo
Known as the “preacher” for its ability to sing the same monotone song from dawn until dusk, perhaps it would be better classified as a mix between Joan Rivers and Ben Stine. They are very common … [Read more...]
Warbling Vireo
Named after its unique warbling song with its high pitched end note, the warbling vireo spends most of its days hidden deep within forests throughout the United States and into Canada. Their grey … [Read more...]
White-eyed Vireo
An accomplished singer, the white-eyed vireo may have up to a dozen or more unique songs that are used to communicate different things through their complex patterns. They are known to make their … [Read more...]
Warblers
American Redstart
An infamous “two-timer,” the American redstart is a polygamous bird who often keeps two mates. Unlike other polygamous birds the redstart mates do not share a nest, but rather have their “own places,” … [Read more...]
Black & White Warbler
This unique looking striped bird has a reputation for being the bully of the warbler family, seen attacking and fighting with nuthatches and chickadees. Like Cagney, this bird sings beautifully with … [Read more...]
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Found primarily living deep within the forests of Northeast America, the black-throated blue warbler is most often viewed along the east coast as they migrate towards their Caribbean winter homes. … [Read more...]
Hooded Warbler
A striking mostly yellow bird with a black “hooded” head, the hooded warbler resides primarily in the American southeast. Very infrequently seen at feeders, the hooded warbler prefers to eat insects … [Read more...]
Ovenbird
Its name may conjure images of a Norman Rockwell thanksgiving feast, but the ovenbird is actually named for how it builds its domed nest, reminiscent of a Dutch oven. A tiny bird, brown in color and … [Read more...]
Wilson’s Warbler
“Just passing thru,” Wilson’s warbler spends most of its days in North America on the move from summer homes in Canada to their winter retreats in Central America. They eat insects for the most part, … [Read more...]
Yellow Warbler
Proudly holding the distinction of the “yellowiest” of all his yellowish warbler cousins, the yellow warbler is a renaissance man. Widely traveled (found in all of North and parts of South America), a … [Read more...]
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Found from Alaska to Guatemala, the yellow-rumped warbler (also known as a "butter butt") is one of the most popular of its kind throughout North America. If you make the West or North East your home, … [Read more...]
Waxwings
Bohemian Waxwing
A favorite of Freddy Mercury (OK, not really), the Bohemian Waxwing is actually named for the bohemian or nomadic nature of its winter flocks. They are known to travel wide distances (from as far as … [Read more...]
Cedar Waxwing
Named for its red-colored wax-like secondary feather tips, the cedar waxwing can usually be found in parks, gardens, or in areas with fruit-bearing plant life. This bird is proficient at catching … [Read more...]
Phainopepla
While considered a fly-catcher, the oddly named Phainopepla primarily eats berries, especially mistletoe. In addition to these mistletoe berries, which are the main food source for late fall though … [Read more...]
Woodpeckers
Downy Woodpecker
If you live anywhere within the United States besides Hawaii, chances are that you have encountered the Downey at one time or another. They are year-round inhabitants of every continental U.S. region … [Read more...]
Hairy Woodpecker
The Tom Selleck of woodpeckers, the hairy woodpecker sports a brown tufted “moustache” above its beak. While primarily a forest bird, hairy has since learned that feeders are a wonderful source of … [Read more...]
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Filed Under: Woodpeckers • SW
Once appropriately named the “cactus woodpecker,” this species can be found in the South West United States where it is known to make nests and live inside the various types of cacti found in the … [Read more...]
Lewis Woodpecker
Named after Meriwether Lewis, the Lewis woodpecker was viewed and recorded in 1805 during the historic Lewis and Clark expedition. They are often found in and around orchards and cornfields, where … [Read more...]
Northern Flicker
Although technically a woodpecker, the northern flicker can most often be found on the ground participating in its favorite activity, eating ants. But when this food of choice becomes low in supply, … [Read more...]
Pileated Woodpecker
This enormous black and white woodpecker, with its bright red-crested head, is hard to miss. Nearly the size of a crow, the pileated woodpecker can be heard excavating its trademark large square holes … [Read more...]
Red-bellied Woodpecker
“Eats like a bird” doesn’t quite fit the red-bellied woodpecker. In fact, his eating habits seem more likely to parallel those of my uncle Lou. Classified as an “opportunistic” feeder, they will take … [Read more...]
Red-breasted Sapsucker
While widely avoiding the “name-calling” suffered by his yellow-bellied cousin, this red-breasted variety of sapsucker is also named from the manner in which it gathers its favorite snack. Tree sap is … [Read more...]
Red-headed Woodpecker
OK, so this is the guy that looks like your favorite cartoon woodpecker. With its handsome plumage the red-headed woodpecker is one of the most easily recognized birds found in the Eastern United … [Read more...]
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
With the best name since Soupy Sales, the yellow-bellied sapsuckers’ unique moniker has made it a favorite among many. Actually named for the manner in which they bore out small sap wells in trees … [Read more...]
Wrens
Cactus Wren
As their name suggests, cactus wrens are most common in the deserts of the southwest. While perfectly happy in their arid homes, they will occasionally mosey into town to hit the local watering … [Read more...]
Carolina Wren
Most common in the East and South East North American regions, the Carolina wren can frequently be found around homes and gardens where they are most likely having their fill of insects and spiders. … [Read more...]
House Wren
One of the most popular and best-known song birds in North America, the house wren is a bird about town. Suburban back yards, parks and golf courses are where they can most often be seen. Build them a … [Read more...]
Winter Wren
More often heard then seen, and possibly harder to track down then Bobby Fischer, the winter wren poses a bit of a challenge to would be admirers by playing a game of hide and seek. These small brown … [Read more...]
