By admin 
Birds bring life and color to our backyards, adding a little touch of nature to our everyday surroundings. Whether you’re in the city, suburbs, or out in the country, knowing which birds are common in your area can turn your yard into a birdwatcher’s haven. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular backyard birds in the US, where they live, and how to attract them to your space.
Common Backyard Birds in the US
Backyards across the US are home to all kinds of birds, each with its own unique colors, songs, and habits. Getting to know these birds not only helps you appreciate nature more, but it also helps you spot and protect them. Here are some of the most commonly seen backyard birds.
American Robin
You’ve probably seen an American Robin with its bright orange-red chest and dark head. These birds are often seen hopping around lawns looking for worms and insects. In the fall and winter, they enjoy berries, and they build nests out of mud and grass. Robins are also among the first birds to nest in spring.
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is known for the vibrant red plumage of the males and the brownish-red females. These birds love seeds and can often be found at backyard feeders with sunflower seeds. Their bright red color and cheerful “cheer, cheer, cheer” calls make them easy to spot.
Blue Jay
With its stunning blue color and bold black-and-white markings, the Blue Jay is hard to miss. These clever birds are known for their intelligence and social structures, mimicking hawk calls and storing acorns for later. Their loud calls and bold personalities make them a common backyard sight.
Mourning Dove
Mourning Doves are known for their soft, mournful cooing and gentle nature. You’ll often see them perched on power lines or rooftops. They feed mostly on seeds and can often be spotted on the ground near bird feeders.
Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America. These little birds are often found on tree trunks, pecking at insects or visiting suet feeders. Their black-and-white coloring and a small red patch on males make them easy to identify.
House Finch
The House Finch is a small, colorful bird with males showing red plumage on their head and chest. These birds are very adaptable, living in urban and suburban areas. They’re known for their cheerful song and love seeds, making them regular visitors to backyard feeders.
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is bright yellow and a favorite among bird watchers. They’re often seen around summer, with their colors at their brightest. These birds love seeds, especially thistle and sunflower seeds, and their lively songs and acrobatic flight bring charm to any yard.
Black-capped Chickadee
The Black-capped Chickadee is a small, curious bird with a black cap and bib. Known for their friendly nature, these birds are often seen visiting suet and peanut feeders. They’re especially active in the winter, often gathering with other small birds.
How to Attract Birds to Your Yard
If you want to bring more of these beautiful birds to your yard, here are a few simple ways to do it:
Feeders for Backyard Birds
Different birds have different preferences, so choosing the right kind of feeder can help attract a wider variety of birds. Tube feeders, platform feeders, and suet feeders all work well for different species. Cardinals and finches enjoy sunflower seeds in platform feeders, while woodpeckers love suet in hanging feeders.
Natural Food Sources
Adding plants to your yard can also bring in more birds. Native flowers, shrubs, and trees provide seeds, berries, and insects that birds love. Plants like sunflowers, coneflowers, and elderberries are great options.
Provide Water
Birds need fresh water, especially during the warmer months or when natural water sources are hard to find. A birdbath, small pond, or even a shallow dish of water can be very inviting. In winter, a heated birdbath can help keep water from freezing.
Create Shelter
Dense shrubs and trees give birds protection from predators and bad weather. You can also add birdhouses or nesting boxes for species like chickadees, sparrows, and finches that like to nest in backyards.
Also Read: How can I Protect Birds from Predators in my Yard?
Fun Facts About Backyard Birds
Birds are not only fun to watch but also full of interesting traits:
- Blue Jays can mimic hawks to scare off other birds.
- American Crows are known for their problem-solving skills and can even recognize human faces.
- Northern Cardinals mate for life and often stay in pairs all year round.
