Introduction
Birds are a common sight in many backyards, and there are a variety of species that can be seen. From the brightly colored cardinals to the majestic bald eagles, there are many birds that can be seen in backyards across the country. Knowing the different species of birds that can be seen in your backyard can help you appreciate the beauty of nature and the diversity of birds that can be found in your area. Here are 22 common backyard birds you should know.
1. American Robin
The American Robin is a common sight in many backyards. It is a large, plump bird with a reddish-orange breast and a gray back. It is often seen hopping around on the ground looking for worms and other insects. The American Robin is a songbird and can be heard singing its melodious song in the early morning.
2. Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is a brightly colored bird with a red body and black face. It is a common sight in many backyards and is often seen perched on tree branches or foraging on the ground. The Northern Cardinal is a songbird and can be heard singing its distinctive song throughout the day.
3. Blue Jay
The Blue Jay is a large, colorful bird with a blue body and white chest. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its loud, raucous calls. The Blue Jay is a highly social bird and can often be seen in large flocks. It is also a very aggressive bird and will often chase away other birds from its territory.
4. Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove is a medium-sized bird with a gray body and white-tipped wings. It is often seen perched on telephone wires or foraging on the ground. The Mourning Dove is a songbird and can be heard singing its mournful cooing song throughout the day.
5. Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is a small, black and white bird with a white belly and a red patch on the back of its head. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its loud, rapid drumming on trees. The Downy Woodpecker is a cavity nester and can often be seen excavating holes in trees for its nest.
6. Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a medium-sized bird with a black and white body and a red patch on the back of its head. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its loud, rapid drumming on trees. The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a cavity nester and can often be seen excavating holes in trees for its nest.
7. Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker is a large, brown bird with a white rump and black barring on its wings and tail. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its loud, rapid drumming on trees. The Northern Flicker is a cavity nester and can often be seen excavating holes in trees for its nest.
8. American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a small, yellow bird with a black cap and black wings. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its cheerful, high-pitched song. The American Goldfinch is a seed-eater and can often be seen foraging on the ground for seeds.
9. House Finch
The House Finch is a small, brown bird with a red face and breast. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its cheerful, high-pitched song. The House Finch is a seed-eater and can often be seen foraging on the ground for seeds.
10. Tufted Titmouse
The Tufted Titmouse is a small, gray bird with a white face and a black tuft on its head. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its cheerful, high-pitched song. The Tufted Titmouse is a seed-eater and can often be seen foraging on the ground for seeds.
11. American Crow
The American Crow is a large, black bird with a loud, cawing call. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its intelligence and problem-solving abilities. The American Crow is an omnivore and can often be seen foraging on the ground for insects, seeds, and other food.
12. Common Grackle
The Common Grackle is a large, black bird with a long, curved bill and iridescent feathers. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its loud, raucous calls. The Common Grackle is an omnivore and can often be seen foraging on the ground for insects, seeds, and other food.
13. American Kestrel
The American Kestrel is a small, colorful bird with a reddish-brown back and a white breast. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its hovering flight. The American Kestrel is a predator and can often be seen hovering in the air looking for small rodents and other prey.
14. Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is a large, gray bird with a long, curved neck and a long, pointed bill. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its slow, graceful flight. The Great Blue Heron is a wading bird and can often be seen standing in shallow water looking for fish and other aquatic prey.
15. Turkey Vulture
The Turkey Vulture is a large, black bird with a bald head and a long, hooked bill. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its slow, soaring flight. The Turkey Vulture is a scavenger and can often be seen soaring in the sky looking for carrion.
16. Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk is a large, brown bird with a white breast and a red tail. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its soaring flight. The Red-tailed Hawk is a predator and can often be seen soaring in the sky looking for small rodents and other prey.
17. American Coot
The American Coot is a medium-sized, black bird with a white bill and a white patch on its head. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its loud, honking calls. The American Coot is a waterbird and can often be seen swimming in ponds and lakes looking for aquatic insects and other food.
18. Killdeer
The Killdeer is a medium-sized, brown bird with a white breast and two black bands on its wings. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its loud, distinctive calls. The Killdeer is a ground-dwelling bird and can often be seen foraging on the ground for insects and other food.
19. American Woodcock
The American Woodcock is a small, brown bird with a long, curved bill and a mottled brown and white pattern on its back. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its loud, nasal calls. The American Woodcock is a ground-dwelling bird and can often be seen foraging on the ground for insects and other food.
20. Belted Kingfisher
The Belted Kingfisher is a large, blue and white bird with a long, pointed bill and a black band across its chest. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its loud, rattling calls. The Belted Kingfisher is a waterbird and can often be seen perched on a branch overhanging a pond or lake looking for fish and other aquatic prey.
21. Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is a small, blue bird with a red breast and a white belly. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its cheerful, melodious song. The Eastern Bluebird is a cavity nester and can often be seen excavating holes in trees for its nest.
22. American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a small, yellow bird with a black cap and black wings. It is often seen in backyards and is known for its cheerful, high-pitched song. The American Goldfinch is a seed-eater and can often be seen
Q&A
Q: What are the most common backyard birds?
A: The most common backyard birds vary depending on the region, but some of the most common species include the American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, House Finch, American Goldfinch, Downy Woodpecker, and Dark-eyed Junco.
Q: How can I attract birds to my backyard?
A: To attract birds to your backyard, you should provide a variety of food sources, such as bird feeders, bird baths, and bird houses. Additionally, you should create a habitat that is conducive to birds, such as shrubs, trees, and other plants that provide shelter and nesting sites.
Q: What should I do if I find a baby bird in my backyard?
A: If you find a baby bird in your backyard, it is best to leave it alone. The parents are likely nearby and will take care of it. If you are concerned that the bird may be injured or in danger, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for advice.
Conclusion
Birds are a common sight in many backyards, but there are some species that are more likely to be seen than others. Knowing the 22 common backyard birds can help you identify the birds in your area and appreciate their beauty and diversity. From the American Goldfinch to the White-breasted Nuthatch, each of these birds has its own unique characteristics and behaviors. With a little bit of knowledge and observation, you can become an expert in backyard birding and appreciate the beauty of nature in your own backyard.
The 22 common backyard birds discussed in this article are just a few of the many species of birds that can be found in backyards around the world. By learning about these birds, you can gain a better understanding of the natural world and appreciate the beauty of nature. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, this article has provided you with the information you need to identify and appreciate the birds in your backyard.