Backyard Bird Identification for Beginners

Birdwatching can be a fun and rewarding hobby, especially when you can observe birds right in your own backyard.

To get started, it's essential to know the basics of backyard bird identification.

The first step is to learn the different types of birds that visit your yard. According to the article, the most common backyard birds in North America are the American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, and Red-winged Blackbird.

Pay attention to the birds' physical characteristics, such as their size, shape, and color patterns. For example, the American Robin is about 10 inches long and has a distinctive red breast.

Observing birds' behaviors can also help with identification. For instance, the Northern Cardinal is known for its bright red plumage and distinctive song, which sounds like a series of clear, whistled notes.

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Choosing a field guide is crucial for backyard bird identification. A good field guide is essential for simplifying the identification of birds from their appearance, behavior, and sounds.

There is no substitute for a field guide, which contains pictures, descriptions, range maps, and even sounds of various types of birds. They offer tips and tricks for each species, making identification a breeze.

Selecting a field guide geared towards birds in your region is a great starting point, especially if you're new to birding. This way, you can be sure to find information on the birds that are most likely to show up in your backyard or local birding hotspot.

Choosing a field guide is crucial to your bird identification success. Selecting a field guide geared towards birds in your region is a good starting point, especially if you're new to birding.

A good field guide should contain pictures, descriptions, range maps, and even sounds of various types of birds. They simplify the identification of birds from their appearance, behavior, and sounds by offering tips and tricks for each species.

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You can be sure to find information on the birds that are most likely to show up in your backyard or local birding hotspot by choosing a regional field guide. Once you have a little more experience with bird identification, you can branch out with your field guides.

Selecting the correct field guide is paramount to your bird identification success. Most bird-lovers skip this step, but it's essential to get it right.

If you're new to birding, start with a field guide that's specific to your region. This will help you learn about the birds that are most likely to visit your area.

If you're looking to attract field sparrows to your yard, consider offering hulled sunflower seed, cracked peanuts, and cracked corn. They seem to have a particular fondness for millet.

Field sparrows are non-aggressive birds that can be easily displaced by larger, more aggressive species.

To create a welcoming habitat for field sparrows, try to mimic their natural environment by leaving some areas of your yard overgrown and brushy.

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Field sparrows typically build their nests on the ground, often in a clump of grass or under shrubs.

The breeding season for field sparrows typically runs from May to mid-August, during which time they lay 2-5 white eggs with brown to purple spots.

Field sparrows can live for at least 10 years and 11 months, making them a long-term addition to your yard if you're able to attract them.

To start identifying bird species in your backyard, it's essential to learn how to identify them by sight, sound, and behavior. This process can be broken down into a funnel system, starting broad and narrowing down until achieving ID.

Begin by observing the shape and size of the bird. This will give you a general idea of what you're looking at. For example, a large bird with a distinctive shape is likely to be a raptor or a waterbird.

Next, look for field marks, which are distinctive features such as colors, patterns, or markings on the bird's body. These can be used to narrow down the possibilities and help you identify the species. For instance, a bird with a bright red head is likely to be a cardinal or a northern cardinal.

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Sound is also an important factor in identifying birds. Listen for the bird's song or call, which can be a giveaway for its species. For example, a bird with a distinctive whistling song is likely to be a sparrow or a finch.

The habitat in which you find the bird can also be a clue to its identity. Different species prefer different environments, such as forests, grasslands, or wetlands. For example, a bird that lives in a wetland is likely to be a waterbird or a shorebird.

Finally, consider the date and location of your sighting, as well as the bird's behavior. This can help you narrow down the possibilities and identify the species. For example, a bird that is migrating through your area in the spring is likely to be a warbler or a vireo.

Here is a summary of the steps to identify a bird species:

Reading the introduction of your field guide is a crucial step in identifying bird species. It sets the stage for your entire field guide experience.

Familiarize yourself with the introduction by flipping through the first 10-30 pages. This will give you a sense of the guide's organization and terminology.

Reading the descriptions for using the guide will also help you understand how to effectively use it in the field. The more you know about the guide, the less likely you are to get frustrated.

Skipping the introduction can cause severe frustrations in the future.

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Learning to identify birds by sight and sound is a fun and rewarding experience. You can start by learning to identify birds using a funnel system, starting broad and narrowing down until achieving ID.

The funnel system includes six key steps: Shape and Size, Field Marks, Sound, Habitat, Date and Location, and Behavior.

Learning to identify birds by sound can be just as easy as learning to identify them by sight. In fact, learning bird sounds will open a new door to bird identification, as you often hear birds when you cannot see them!

Some bird songs are simple, like a robin's "cheery, cheer-up, cheerio." Other bird songs can be complex and beautiful, like a Wood Thrush's song, often described as "liquid notes pouring from a flute."

Bird songs can be as different as bird plumage, and each type of bird has a unique repertoire of songs, calls, and other sounds. You can start by learning a few bird songs and be surprised at how many different bird songs you can identify.

Here's a rough guide to get you started:

Field Marks are a key part of identifying bird species. They are the distinctive colors, patterns, and markings on a bird's plumage that can help narrow down its identity.

An American Robin's orange breast and black head are a great example of field marks. These distinctive markings make it easy to tell apart from other birds.

Field marks can also include eye-stripes, rump patches, and speckled breasts. A Blue Jay's blue feathers, black, and white markings are another example of field marks that set it apart from other birds.

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To get started with identifying field marks, take a close look at the bird's plumage. Pay attention to the colors, patterns, and markings. Does the bird have a distinctive beak shape or size? Are there bars on the wings?

Here are some common field marks to look for:

By paying attention to these field marks, you can start to identify the different bird species in your backyard.

Learning the basic shapes of birds is tied to learning the taxonomy of birds. Taxonomy is what scientists use to group birds based on shared characteristics.

We use size for identification in many cases. For example, comparing a bird to commonly known waterfowl can help us narrow down our choices.

Noting a bird's size is a good starting point. Think in terms of comparing the size in relation to birds you know, like a chickadee, robin, or crow.

The shape of a bird can also give us clues. Does it have long legs, a short tail, or is it slender? For example, warblers have a thin, insect-eating bill.

Using a funnel system, we can start by noting size and shape, then narrow down our choices based on other characteristics.

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Backyard birds are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from urban backyards to rural gardens.

The American Robin, for example, is commonly found in lawns with short grass, where it can easily forage for worms and insects.

These birds are also known to visit backyard bird feeders, particularly those that offer sunflower seeds.

In terms of behavior, many backyard birds are social creatures and can often be seen gathering in flocks to forage for food or roost together at night.

Behavior is a key factor in identifying backyard birds. Behaviors can be as distinct as appearance or sound, so learn the typical behaviors of your local birds!

Birds have unique behaviors that can help us identify them, and these behaviors can be just as distinctive as their appearance or sound. Observing birds in their natural habitat can give you a better understanding of their behavior and help you narrow down the species.

Some birds are known for their acrobatic abilities, while others are more grounded. For example, birds like woodpeckers are known for their climbing abilities, while birds like hawks are known for their soaring skills.

Here are some common behaviors to look out for when identifying backyard birds:

By observing and recording the behaviors of backyard birds, you can gain a better understanding of their habits and habitats, and use this information to narrow down the species and make a positive identification.

Understanding your habitat is a great way to narrow down the possibilities when trying to identify a species. This is because certain species are only found in specific environments.

You don't need to be a plant expert to know your habitat, and it's not that hard to figure out. We wouldn't expect to find wetland birds in a desert.

Certain habitats are more likely to have specific types of birds. For example, grassland birds are more commonly found in open areas with grasses and wildflowers.

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Many different bird species visit backyards and bird feeders across North America. Some species are year-round residents, while others linger only during certain times of the year.

Knowing when to look for different types of birds can make birding and bird identification a lot more fun and rewarding. During the breeding season, the morning time is full of the sights and sounds of birds.

Birds are often hungry after a night without food, so foraging for invertebrates or a quick visit to the bird feeder may be in order. Watching your bird feeders or birdbaths first thing in the morning can provide memorable moments with birds.

Learning the basic shapes of birds is a great starting point for bird identification. This is because shape is a crucial characteristic used in bird taxonomy, which groups birds based on shared characteristics.

A bird's shape can be a dead giveaway, like a warbler's thin, insect-eating bill. This distinctive shape helps us identify warblers as a specific group of birds.

Size is another important factor in bird identification. By comparing a bird to a commonly known species, we can narrow down our choices. For example, if a bird is close in size to a Mallard, we can rule out geese and swans.

The Cackling Goose is a great example of how size can be a tricky but useful identification tool. It's a smaller relative of the Canada Goose, but still has a similar shape.

Using shape and size together can help us create a funnel system for identifying birds in our yard. This system involves narrowing down our choices based on these characteristics, making it easier to figure out what bird we're looking at.

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Birds are more active or noticeable at certain times of the day. Knowing when to look for different types of birds can make birding and bird identification a lot more fun and rewarding.

Many different bird species visit backyards and bird feeders across North America. Some species are year-round residents, while others linger only during certain times of the year.

Birds are often hungry after a night without food, so foraging for invertebrates or a quick visit to the bird feeder may be in order. Watching your bird feeders or birdbaths first thing in the morning can provide memorable moments with birds.

The American tree sparrow is not aggressive to other birds on the ground or at feeders. It may be submissive to other, even smaller birds.

You can attract American tree sparrows with hulled sunflower seeds, cracked corn, peanut hearts, millet, and milo. They usually feed on the ground but can use large hoppers and platform feeders.

Chipping sparrows are a great bird to attract to your yard, and they're relatively easy to please. They love hulled sunflower seeds, nyjer, cracked corn, millet, and milo.

If you want to attract chipping sparrows, make sure to have a large or small hopper feeder or a platform feeder available. They're also happy to forage on the ground for spilled seeds.

Chipping sparrows are quite submissive, even to smaller birds, so you might not see them dominating the feeder scene. They're happy to coexist with other birds.

These birds prefer semi-open habitats, often in suburban areas, and they love to hide in shrubs and small trees at the edges of your yard.

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Fox Sparrows are a great addition to any yard, and I've had the pleasure of attracting them to mine. They're relatively easy to please, and all it takes is some black and hulled sunflower seeds, nyjer, cracked corn, millet, and milo to get them visiting.

Fox Sparrows are ground feeders, so it's best to place their food on the ground under elevated feeders, or on a hopper or platform feeder. They tend to avoid feeders that are too far from vegetative cover.

One thing to keep in mind is that Fox Sparrows can be pushed aside by more aggressive birds at platform feeders, so it's a good idea to have multiple feeders to accommodate different species.

If you want to attract Fox Sparrows to your yard, make sure to provide them with some cover, such as shrubs or grasses. They tend to visit feeders close to these areas, so it's worth creating a welcoming space for them.

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House sparrows are a common sight at backyard bird feeders, particularly in the Northeast where they're a year-round resident.

They're attracted to large tube, large hopper, and platform feeders, and also love to forage on the ground.

House sparrows can be aggressive to other birds at feeders, so be prepared for some competition.

They're not picky eaters and will munch on black oil sunflower seed, hulled sunflower seed, cracked corn, peanut hearts, millet, and milo.

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If you're looking to attract house sparrows, consider setting up a feeder in an open area, such as a farmland or urban setting.

House sparrows build large, bulky nests with a side entrance, often using cavities, light fixtures, or tangled vines as a base.

They breed in early March through late September, laying 1-8 eggs that take about 26 days to hatch.

The Hairy Woodpecker is a year-round resident in the Northeast Region, so you can expect to see them at your backyard bird feeders throughout the year.

They're not aggressive at feeders, but they can be submissive to other birds like grackles, American robins, blue jays, and red-bellied woodpeckers.

To attract Hairy Woodpeckers, try offering them suet, peanut, and black oil sunflower seeds at your feeders.

They have a strong preference for wooded areas, so placing your feeders in a wooded spot will increase your chances of attracting them.

Hairy Woodpeckers are cavity-nesting birds, excavating their nests in dead wood, typically around 10 inches deep.

Their breeding season is from mid-March to late July, during which time they'll lay 3-6 white round eggs.

The Northeast Region is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 400 species calling it home. The American Goldfinch is a common sight in backyards throughout the region, recognized by its bright yellow color and distinctive song.

The Black-capped Chickadee is another frequent visitor, known for its black cap and white cheeks, as well as its ability to recall human faces. These birds are often seen flitting between feeders, particularly those offering sunflower seeds.

The Northern Cardinal is a year-round resident in the Northeast, identified by its vibrant red plumage and distinctive song, which sounds like a series of clear, whistled notes.

The Northeast Region is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with a diverse range of species visiting backyard feeders. Most of these birds are widespread and occur in multiple regions, including the United States and Canada.

Sparrows, finches, and their allies are the primary visitors to backyard bird feeders in the Northeast Region. This group includes 17 species, such as siskins, goldfinches, and juncos.

The top 41 most frequently reported backyard feeder birds in the Northeastern Region of North America include the Northern Cardinal, House Finch, and Dark-eyed Junco, which rank as the #1, #2, and #3 most common visitors, respectively.

The following table breaks down the top 10 most frequently reported backyard feeder birds in the Northeastern Region:

These birds can be year-round residents or migratory, which affects the rate of feeder visitations.

Identifying the species of birds visiting your backyard bird feeder can be a fun and rewarding experience. The Northeast Region is home to a diverse range of bird species, with 41 species visiting backyard feeders in the area.

The most common birds visiting backyard feeders in the Northeast Region are sparrows, finches, and their allies, with 17 species in this group. This includes siskins, goldfinches, and juncos.

To identify the birds visiting your feeder, start by observing their shape and size. The illustrations in bird identification guides, such as those for the Northeast Region, can help you recognize key field marks, such as distinctive markings or colors.

Listen to the birds' sounds, as each species has a unique call. For example, cardinals like hulled sunflower seeds, while American goldfinches prefer nyjer or thistle seed.

Consider the birds' habitat and behavior, as these can also be important clues for identification. Knowing which birds come to your feeder can help you improve your feeding strategy and attract the species you want to see.

Here are the bird groups and the number of species per group visiting bird feeders in northeastern North America:

If you're looking to attract birds to your backyard, a platform feeder or hopper feeder is a great place to start. Most birds in the Northeast, about 92.5%, use platform feeders.

The type of feeder you choose can make a big difference in the variety of birds you'll attract. Platform feeders are particularly popular, with 50 species of birds using them.

If you're new to feeding backyard birds, a large hopper feeder is a good option. It's used by 64.8% of birds in the Northeast, and can hold a lot of seed.

Many birds are also comfortable feeding on the ground, with 32 species using ground feeders.

Here are the most frequently used bird feeder types in the Northeast:

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a feisty bird that's not aggressive to others but will stand its ground against similar-sized birds at feeders. They're a common sight at backyard bird feeders in states like Virginia, West Virginia, and Illinois.

To attract Red-breasted Nuthatches, try offering black oil and hulled sunflower seeds, suet, and mealworms. They typically feed on large and small tube feeders, suet cages, and hopper and platform feeders.

Red-breasted Nuthatches are forest birds and are more likely to visit feeders surrounded by woodlands or various types of trees. They excavate their nesting cavities in rotten wood or use existing woodpeckers or natural cavities.

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The Northern Cardinal is a striking bird species, easily identifiable by its long tail, short thick bright orange beak, and prominent crest.

Measuring between 8.3 and 9.1 inches in length with a wingspan ranging from 9.8 to 12.2 inches, it's a fairly large songbird.

Male Northern Cardinals are a brilliant red all over with a black accent on their face directly around the bill.

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Female Northern Cardinals, on the other hand, are a warm brown color with red on their wings and tail.

Northern Cardinals are year-round residents in the northeast region and can be expected at feeders any time of the year.

They can be aggressive to smaller birds but are displaced by larger birds like blue jays and woodpeckers.

Northern Cardinals favor large tube, large hopper, and platform feeders, and also feed on the ground.

They're attracted to black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, safflower, cracked corn, peanut hearts, millet, and milo.

In terms of habitat, Northern Cardinals can thrive in any type of yard with enough vegetation in or near it.

They build a cup-shaped nest in a fork of small branches, shrubs, or vine tangle, 1-15 feet above the ground.

The breeding season for Northern Cardinals is from March through mid-September, during which they lay 2-5 grayish to buffy white eggs speckled with light brown.

It takes approximately 22 days from egg-laying until fledging, with an incubation period of 12 days and a nestling period of 10 days.

Northern Cardinals live at least 15 years and nine months, making them a long-term addition to any backyard ecosystem.

The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a large, stunningly beautiful bird with a striking blue plumage and a loud caw.

It measures 9-12 inches from bill to tail with a wingspan of 13-17 inches, making it larger than robins but smaller than crows.

Blue Jays are known for their bold and dominant behavior at feeders, often chasing other birds away.

They favor large tube feeders, suet cages, and platform feeders, and can be attracted with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, and suet.

In the wild, Blue Jays can be found in oak-filled forests, where they enjoy acorns, but they will also eat other nuts, grains, insects, and sunflower seeds.

They are intelligent, playful birds that travel in family groups from southern Canada to eastern and midwestern areas of the U.S.

Blue Jays are known for their distinctive crest, which is blue and pointed, and their white underside.

They build cup-shaped nests in various conditions 10-25 feet above the ground, and breed in late March through late August.

On average, Blue Jays live at least 26 years and 11 months, and can be expected at feeders any time of the year in the Northeast Region.

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The Eastern Bluebird is a small, beautifully colored thrush that's easy to identify, averaging between 6-8 inches in length with a wingspan ranging from 9-12 inches.

They can often be seen perched in a somewhat "hunched" position on wires or fences in fields and open woodlands. The adult male bluebird has a vibrant blue back, head, and tail that are hard to miss, especially during breeding season.

A rust-colored accent across the throat and breast above the white belly clearly distinguish the Eastern Bluebird from its Mountain Bluebird relative. Female markings mimic those of the male but in more subdued hues - their "blue" can often look more like a shade of grey.

Eastern Bluebirds are non-aggressive and easy-going at feeders, even submitting to smaller birds. They favor platform feeders and the ground, and can be expected at feeders any time of the year in southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and West Virginia.

To attract them, try offering mealworms, suet, peanut hearts, and fruit. They also readily take nesting boxes, and can be found in open fields, open woodlands, and park-like habitats.

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Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are a delight to watch, with their iridescent bright green on their backs and the males' ruby red-colored throats. They beat their wings on average 53 times per second, making them a quick sight to behold.

One of the most fascinating things about Ruby-throated Hummingbirds is their rapid wing movement, which allows them to sip nectar mid-flight. This unique ability has captivated many bird enthusiasts.

These birds are known for their short stays in eastern North America, migrating through Texas and the Gulf to Central America for the winter. They can be found in this region from February to August, depending on the region.

Male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have a very distinct ruby red patch on their throat, while females have a grey-white underside. The shade of red and size of the patch can vary from bird to bird.

Black-chinned Hummingbirds, on the other hand, are a dull metallic green on the back of the head down to the tail. They have a distinct black patch on their throat, which can vary in shape and size from bird to bird.

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Anna's Hummingbird is a medium-sized bird, measuring just under 4 inches in length.

They have a distinctive appearance, with mostly pale gray on the underside and an iridescent emerald green back, tail, and wings.

The male's face and throat are covered with brightly colored fuchsia feathers, which can appear dull brown without direct sunlight.

In comparison to the Rufous hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird lacks any orange or rust-colored markings.

Their feathers can sometimes extend around the abdomen, adding to their unique appearance.

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The Baltimore Oriole is a beautiful bird species that's a delight to spot in your backyard. They range from 6.7 to 7.5 inches in length and feature long legs, a thick neck, and long pointed bills.

Their distinctive coloration is one of their most striking features, with adult males having a black hood, back, and throat, along with bright orange underparts and rump. Females, on the other hand, have softer coloring with yellow instead of orange and a lighter hood.

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Baltimore Orioles are known for their love of sweets, and they enjoy fruit, sugar water, flowers, and even grape jelly. They eat in an unusual way called "gaping", inserting their beaks into food, spreading their beaks, and letting their tongues lap up the juices.

If you're hoping to attract Baltimore Orioles to your feeder, try using fruit, jelly, suet, and nectar. They favor platform and nectar feeders, and they're non-aggressive at feeders, so you won't have to worry about them competing with other birds.

In terms of habitat, Baltimore Orioles are found in the eastern two-thirds of North America, from the Canadian prairies to Mississippi, and throughout the eastern U.S. They winter in Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.

The Baltimore Oriole breeds from early May through mid-July, and they build a hanging bag-like nest attached to thin branches 20 to 30 above the ground. They lay 3-7 pale bluish eggs blotched with dark brown, and it takes about 27 days from egg-laying until fledging.

The Red-winged Blackbird is a striking bird with a distinctive appearance. Its glossy black feathers feature bright red and yellow shoulder patches, making it hard to mistake.

On average, Red-winged Blackbirds range from 7-9 inches in length, with a wingspan of 12-16 inches. They are stocky and broad-shouldered, with a slender, conical bill and medium-length tail.

Red-winged Blackbirds are primarily insect-eaters, but they also enjoy seeds, grains, and fruits. Their diet consists of beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and spiders, as well as grass seed, weed seed, and waste grain.

These birds are known to visit platform feeders offering grains and seeds. They also forage on the ground, making them a common sight in backyards near lakes, marshes, and farmland.

Red-winged Blackbirds are aggressive birds, especially when competing for feeders in large numbers. They are submissive to blue jays, starlings, and red-bellied woodpeckers, however.

In terms of nesting, Red-winged Blackbirds build cup-shaped nests in vertical shoots of marshes, often mixed with saplings, around 3 to 6 feet from the water. They lay 2-4 bluish-green eggs with dark markings, and the incubation period is around 12 days.

Red-winged Blackbirds can live up to at least 15 years and nine months, making them a long-term visitor to many backyards.

Mourning doves range from 9-13.5 inches from beak to tail with a wingspan of around 17.5 inches, making them a relatively small bird species.

Their coloration is typically light grey and brown, with a dusting of larger black spots on their lower wings.

Mourning doves have a small bill, short reddish colored legs, and a head that looks small in comparison to the body.

They are known for their distinctive cooing sound, which is sometimes mistaken for the hooting of an owl.

These birds are non-aggressive at feeders but will stand their ground against other birds, except for blue jays, blackbirds, and crows, to which they are submissive.

You can attract mourning doves to your backyard with hulled sunflower seeds, safflower, cracked corn, peanut hearts, millet, oats, and milo.

They prefer relatively open yards where they can feed on spilled seeds on the ground below hanging feeders.

Mourning doves build precarious platforms of twigs in a fork, branch, or dense foliage, usually 10 to 15 feet above the ground.

Their breeding season typically starts in mid-February and can last until early October, with the female laying 2 white eggs.

It takes around 27 days from egg-laying for the young to fledge, with an incubation period of 14 days and a nestling period of 14 days.

These birds can live at least 30 years and four months, making them a long-lived species.

The American Goldfinch is a small finch with a short conical bill and a short, notched tail. It's typically 4.5"-5" in length with a wingspan of roughly 7.5"-8.5".

These birds are drab, solid olive or light brown in winter, with blackish wings and two pale wing bars. They're the only finch that molts body feathers twice a year, once in late winter and again in late summer.

In the winter, American Goldfinches have a dull olive or tan color, while in the spring and summer, breeding males have a vibrant yellow body with a black forehead and black wings with white markings. Adult females have the same color pattern but in dull tones.

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American Goldfinches are easy-going at feeders and non-aggressive, often clings to feeders horizontally. They prefer large and small tube feeders, large hopper and platform feeders, and the ground.

To attract American Goldfinches to your yard, try offering hulled sunflower and nyjer seeds. They also like shrubs, tall weeds, and seed-producing weeds.

American Goldfinches build a neat cup-shaped nest on twigs, dense shrubs, and dense foliage in overhanging branches of trees 4 to 15 feet above the ground. They lay 2-7 pale bluish-white eggs with brownish dots on the wide side of the egg.

These birds are year-round residents in most of the northeast, and can be expected at feeders any time. During the spring and summer months, they expand their range further north to Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward.

American Goldfinches live at least 7 years, and their bright yellow coloring is actually due to carotenoid-rich seeds. They like a bird garden filled with sunflowers, marigolds, dahlias, dandelions, and other flowers and seeds.

The House Finch is a year-round resident in the northeast, but doesn't range as far north as Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfound Land, and Prince Edward in Canada.

These small birds have heavy, conical, seed-crushing bills, perfect for cracking open seeds and grains.

House Finches are surprisingly submissive to even smaller birds, and they generally interact well with other birds at feeders.

They're attracted to human-created habitats and are common in suburban settings, where they can be found in noisy groups.

House Finches like fruits and vegetables, small flowers, insects, and seeds with a high oil content, making them a delight to have at your backyard feeder.

In fact, they've even been known to partake of the sugar water in hummingbird feeders.

Platform or tube feeders filled with black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer seeds will attract them, and they're prolific "talkers" with a cheery chirp.

The Pine Siskin is a small finch, all brown and streaked with black, with a pointed bill and a notched tail.

They can be expected at backyard bird feeders year-round in parts of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward, parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Pine Siskins are attracted to yards with shrubs and plenty of weeds with small seeds, and they tend to cling to vertical stems on bird feeders.

They favor large tube, large hopper, and platform feeders, and thistle feeders exclude most other birds, making them a great option for attracting Pine Siskins.

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The Downy Woodpecker is a tiny bird, ranging from 5.5 to 6.7 inches in length, with a straight, chisel-like bill and a black and white checkered appearance.

They have a distinctive black and white plumage with a small red patch on their head, making them stand out in the landscape. The male Downy Woodpecker's red patch is not split, unlike the male Hairy Woodpecker's.

Downy Woodpeckers are non-aggressive birds but can be dominant over smaller birds and submissive to larger ones. They are generally non-aggressive and submissive to most larger birds.

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Their favorite foods include suet, black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, peanuts, peanut hearts, and mealworms. Attract them to your yard with suet cages, large and small hopper, and platform feeders.

Downy Woodpeckers are found throughout most of the U.S. (except the arid southwest) and much of Canada (except northern regions). They can be seen along streams and in backyards and parks, where they search for insects and beetle larvae, as well as acorns, berries, and grains.

Downy Woodpeckers are cavity-nesters, excavating their own cavities in dead branches at variable heights from the ground. They lay 3-8 white round eggs, which take about 31 days to hatch, with an incubation period of 12 days and a nestling period of 19 days.

Downy Woodpeckers live at least 11 years and 11 months, making them a long-term resident in your backyard. They are a year-round resident in the Northeast Region and can be expected at backyard bird feeders throughout the year.

The Titmouse & Chickadee are members of the avian family Paridae, and they're known to feed mostly on insects, but they'll switch to seeds, buds, and fruit when those are scarce.

These birds are incredibly resourceful, storing food for later consumption, often taking it from feeders into the woods to cache it in the bark of trees or holes for later use.

The Black-capped Chickadee, in particular, has a distinctive black cap and throat, separated by broad white sides of the head, making it easy to identify.

Attract Black-capped Chickadees with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, safflower, nyjer, suet, peanuts, peanut hearts, and mealworms.

They're non-aggressive at feeders and usually take one seed at a time, leaving to eat it or store it before returning for more.

Tufted Titmice, on the other hand, have a conspicuous gray crest and black forehead, and they're just as fond of sunflower seeds and suet.

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They're non-aggressive and submissive to most larger birds, making them a great addition to any backyard bird feeder.

Both the Black-capped Chickadee and the Tufted Titmouse are birds of woodlands, and they readily visit feeders placed within their natural habitat.

They nest in cavities, either excavating their own or using existing ones like those created by woodpeckers.

The breeding season for both birds typically takes place in the spring, with the Black-capped Chickadee laying 3-10 eggs and the Tufted Titmouse laying 3-9 eggs.

It's fascinating to watch these birds go about their daily lives, and with the right food and habitat, you can attract them to your backyard.

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Nuthatches are small birds with relatively long bills that belong to the avian family Sittidae. They use a peculiar tree-climbing method using only their strong legs and feet.

Nuthatches are frequent visitors to backyard bird feeders in the Northeast, particularly in areas with deciduous forests. They can often be seen creeping along tree trunks and large branches, turned sideways and upside-down on vertical surfaces as they forage.

White-breasted nuthatches have a distinctive black cap on males, while females have a dark gray cap. They are known to be feisty and aggressive toward other birds, but lose to cardinals, woodpeckers, grackles, and blue jays.

To attract white-breasted nuthatches, try offering peanut hearts, hulled sunflower seeds, and suet at your bird feeder. They tend to cling to large tube, large hopper, and platform feeders.

Red-breasted nuthatches, on the other hand, have a distinctive black-and-white head pattern and blue-gray upperparts. They are more likely to visit feeders surrounded by woodlands or various types of forest.

Red-breasted nuthatches are known to be feisty birds, but not aggressive to others. They typically feed on large and small tube feeders, suet cages, and hopper and platform feeders.

Nuthatches are cavity-nesting birds, excavating their own cavities in rotten wood or using existing woodpecker or natural cavities. They are also known to visit backyard bird feeders throughout the year, making them a great addition to any backyard bird-watching experience.

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Pileated woodpeckers are quite large, with an average length from beak to tail ranging from 16-19 inches.

Their distinctive triangular red crest is a great identifier, sweeping off the back of the head in a striking way.

Both males and females have black bodies with white stripes on the face and neck, but males can be distinguished by the red stripe on the cheek.

In flight, the extended wings show white patches and white underneath, adding to their visual appeal.

Pileated woodpeckers are mostly black with white stripes on the head and neck, and they prefer to visit suet cages when it comes to feeders.

They have a varied diet that includes black oil, hulled sunflower seed, suet, and mealworms, making them a delight to attract to your backyard.

These birds are known to dominate the feeder when they visit, and they're only submissive to crows or ravens.

Pileated woodpeckers can excavate a nesting cavity in just 3-6 weeks, which is a remarkable feat of engineering.

After excavating and using a cavity, they rarely reuse the same cavity after use for breeding, indicating a preference for new nesting sites.

Pileated woodpeckers breed in early March through mid-July, with a breeding period that lasts for several months.

They lay 3-5 white round eggs, which take about 45 days to hatch and fledge after incubation.

On average, pileated woodpeckers live for at least 12 years and 11 months, making them a long-term addition to your backyard bird population.

The Tree Swallow is a small, streamlined songbird that's a joy to spot in the wild. They measure between 4.7 and 5.9 inches in length.

One of the most distinctive features of the Tree Swallow is its long, pointed wings, which allow it to fly with incredible agility. Their wingspan ranges from 11.8 to 13.8 inches.

If you're lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a Tree Swallow in mid-air, you'll be treated to a stunning aerial display as they forage for insects. Their iridescent feathers catch the light beautifully, making them a real treat to behold.

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Adult males have a striking appearance, with shimmering blue-green feathers on their head and back, and a thin black eye mask. Females are similar, but with duller blue feathers and more brown feathers in their upperparts.

Here's a quick comparison of the male and female Tree Swallow:

The Purple Finch is a beautiful bird with a distinctive raspberry red plumage on its head and breast.

Male Purple Finches are raspberry red, while females are brown with heavy black streaks below and a patterned head.

Attract Purple Finches to your yard with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, nyjer, and millet.

It favors large and small tube feeders, as well as hoppers and platform feeders.

Purple Finches are not aggressive at feeders, making them a pleasure to watch.

They're semi-nomadic birds, so they may visit your feeder one year but not the next.

To increase your chances of attracting Purple Finches, place your feeders near the edges of woodlands, especially coniferous ones.

They build cup-shaped nests on branches of coniferous trees or deciduous forests, typically between 5 and 50 feet off the ground.

Purple Finches breed from April through August, laying 2-7 grayish eggs with dusky specks.

It takes approximately 26 days from egg-laying until fledging, with an incubation period of 12 days and a nestling period of 14 days.

These birds can live at least 12 years and 8 months, making them a long-term addition to your backyard birdwatching experience.

The white-crowned sparrow is a large and relatively long-tailed sparrow with black and white stripes on its crown. They have a distinctive gray head and breast area.

Attracting white-crowned sparrows to your yard can be done with the right food. They love black oil and hulled sunflower seeds, cracked corn, millet, and milo.

White-crowned sparrows can be a bit aggressive when it comes to platform feeders, so be prepared to share. They're generally peaceful with other ground feeders, though.

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If you want to attract white-crowned sparrows, create a yard that resembles their natural habitat. Overgrown fields and brushy areas are their jam, especially during migration.

When it comes to nesting, white-crowned sparrows are flexible. They build cup-shaped nests in shrubs or bushes, or on the ground if shrubs aren't available. They like to nest at a height of 2-5 feet from the ground.

The breeding season for white-crowned sparrows varies by region, but it's generally from May to mid-August. They lay 3-7 eggs that are bluish to greenish with brown spots.

It takes about 22 days from egg-laying for white-crowned sparrows to fledge. The incubation period is 13 days, and the nestling period is 9 days.

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The Eastern Towhee is a fascinating bird species, and one that I've had the pleasure of observing in my backyard. Its distinctive black hood and back make it easy to spot, especially the male, while the female's brown plumage is a bit more subdued.

This bird is a ground feeder, which means it's more likely to visit feeders located on the ground rather than elevated ones. In fact, it's been known to take seeds spilled below elevated feeders.

Eastern Towhees are year-round residents in Virginia and southern West Virginia, but further north they're only seasonal visitors, typically sticking around during the spring and summer months.

If you're lucky enough to have an Eastern Towhee in your backyard, you'll likely notice it sticking to dense low vegetation, where it feels most comfortable. It's not too keen on venturing far from its familiar habitat.

Eastern Towhees are relatively long-lived, with a minimum lifespan of nine years, which is impressive for a bird of its size.

In terms of breeding, Eastern Towhees are prolific, laying 2-6 eggs at a time, which are creamy or grayish with reddish spots. The incubation period is around 12 days, and then the nestlings will fledge after another 12 days.

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The Dark-eyed Junco is a small, grayish bird with a white belly and tail, often found foraging on the ground.

They primarily eat weed seed and grass seed in the winter, but their summer diet consists of berries and insects.

Dark-eyed Juncos can be attracted to backyard feeders stocked with black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer, millet, cracked corn, and peanuts.

They're particularly fond of platform feeders and will visit them if the seed is scattered on the ground.

In the Northeast, West, and Appalachian Mountains, Dark-eyed Juncos can be found year-round, while some breed in Alaska and Canada, migrating to most parts of the U.S. in winter months.

They're social birds and often visit backyard feeders in flocks, but can be easily displaced by more aggressive birds.

Dark-eyed Juncos build cup-shaped nests on sloping ground or similar structures, laying 3-6 pale greenish eggs with brown spots.

It takes approximately 25 days from egg-laying for the young birds to fledge, with an incubation period of 13 days and a nestling period of 12 days.

In the wild, Dark-eyed Juncos can live at least 11 years and four months, making them a long-term visitor to many backyards.

The evening grosbeak is a beautiful bird with striking yellow and gray plumage. Its male has a distinctive yellow forehead and dark head that fades to bright yellow underparts.

One of the easiest ways to attract these birds to your backyard is to offer their favorite food: oil sunflower seeds and hulled sunflower seeds. They'll also happily feed on platform and hopper feeders.

If you're lucky, you might spot an evening grosbeak at your feeder year-round in certain parts of North America, including Ontario, Quebec, and parts of the northeastern United States. In other areas, they may only visit during the winter months.

These birds often travel in flocks and can be quite assertive, temporarily overtaking feeders and driving other birds away. So, be prepared for some competition at your feeder!

The evening grosbeak favors forested and semi-open woodland areas, and backyards with plenty of trees. If you have a wooded area nearby, you may be able to attract these birds to your yard.

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Female evening grosbeaks lay 2-5 bluish eggs with brown spots, and it takes about 27 days for the eggs to hatch and the young birds to fledge. That's a long time, but the end result is well worth it – these birds can live for at least 16 years and 3 months.

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a stocky bird with a large bill, easily identifiable by its black and white plumage with a bright red breast chevron in males.

They're quite comfortable feeding on platform and hopper feeders, so if you're trying to attract them to your yard, consider using one of these types of feeders.

Oil sunflower seeds and hulled sunflower seeds are their favorite food, so make sure to stock up on those if you want to entice them to visit.

During migration and winter, you can expect to see them in loose flocks, but they're also often found alone or in pairs.

They breed from mid-June through mid-August, and build an open cup nest in the vertical fork or crotch of a sapling, usually in forest openings or field edges.

The female lays 1-5 pale green to blue eggs with brown spots, and it takes about 24 days from egg-laying until the young birds fledge.

With a known lifespan of at least 12 years and 11 months, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a long-lived bird that can be a delight to observe and study.

The Common Redpoll is a delightful bird species that's a pleasure to have visit your backyard bird feeder. They're easily recognizable by their light gray streaked with black plumage, small red cap, and black face and chin.

These birds have a very small yellow bill, a plump body, and a notched tail, making them a charming sight to behold. They're not aggressive to other birds at feeders, but may be submissive to most birds.

If you want to attract Common Redpolls to your feeder, try using hulled sunflower seeds, nyjer, and black oil sunflower seeds. They'll also visit tube feeders and the ground, so be sure to offer a variety of feeding options.

Common Redpolls can be expected at backyard bird feeders year-round in parts of Canada and the northern United States, including Ontario, Quebec, and Wisconsin. They're rare visitors to states further south during the fall and winter.

Their breeding season typically runs from late May through late August, during which they'll build a neat cup nest lined with bird feathers, hair, and other fine material. They lay 2-6 bluish eggs spotted with brown, which will incubate for about 11 days before the young birds fledge after 13 days.

These birds can live at least 8 years, making them a long-term visitor to your backyard.

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Doves and pigeons are entirely vegetarian at all times of the year.

They have a weak straight bill adapted to pick seeds and grains and swallow them whole.

Some may take small berries, but they are unable to crush seeds as finches and sparrows do.

Most recordings of doves and pigeons were made by Paul Marvin.

The Common Grackle is a bird species that's quite the sight to behold. They look black from a distance, but up close, you'll notice a shiny greenish head with shades of purple on the rest of their body.

Their plumage is quite variable, which makes them all the more interesting to observe. Note the pale eye in adults, it's a distinctive feature that sets them apart.

Common Grackles are known to be aggressive and dominant birds at bird feeders, so be prepared for them to take over when they're present. They favor large hopper and platform feeders and will also feed on the ground.

In terms of food, they're not picky eaters and will munch on black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, safflower, suet, cracked corn, peanuts, peanut hearts, fruit, millet, oats, and milo. If you're looking to attract them to your yard, try using these types of food.

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They can be expected at feeders any time of the year in most of the northeast, and in certain regions, they occur as a breeder during the spring and summer months. They favor open and semi-open habitats and will visit all types of yards often in flocks.

When it comes to nesting, Common Grackles get creative. They build a bulky nest with an open cup in trees and shrubs, usually 20 feet or less above the ground. They'll also nest in barns, rock crevices, and even stored farm equipment.

Their breeding season is quite long, spanning from early March through early July. During this time, they'll lay 1-7 brownish to pale bluish-gray eggs spotted with brown. It takes about 28 days from egg-laying until fledging, with an incubation period of 13 days and a nestling period of 15 days.

Common Grackles are quite long-lived, with a minimum lifespan of 23 years and 1 month.

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The Brown-Headed Cowbird is a glossy black bird with a chestnut-brown head, and females have a gray-brown overall appearance with faint dark streaks on the breast and belly.

Males are aggressive to other birds, dominant over smaller birds, and often attend feeders in flocks.

To attract Brown-Headed Cowbirds to your yard, try filling large hopper and platform feeders with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, cracked corn, millet, oats, and milo.

They favor open backyards near open woods and farmlands, and can be expected at feeders any time of the year in most of the northeast.

A female Brown-Headed Cowbird lays 1-7 grayish eggs with brown spots, and birds that take over the parental duties for the cowbirds take about 23 days from egg-laying until fledging.

Brown-Headed Cowbirds do not build nests but instead lay their eggs in the nest of other birds, and they live at least nine years.

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The Brown Thrasher and Northern Mockingbird are two bird species that are a delight to have in your backyard. They both belong to the Mimidae family, which is known for their incredible singing abilities.

Brown Thrashers can be attracted to your yard with hulled sunflower seeds, suet, cracked corn, and peanut hearts. They're particularly fond of platform feeders and will also feed on the ground.

Northern Mockingbirds, on the other hand, are non-aggressive and submissive to most other birds at feeders. They'll happily visit platform feeders and the ground in search of food.

Both Brown Thrashers and Northern Mockingbirds build cup-shaped nests in dense vegetation, usually between 2-10 feet above the ground. They take about 25 days from egg-laying to fledging, with an incubation period of 13 days and a nestling period of 12 days.

These birds are known for their long lifespan, with Brown Thrashers living at least 10 years and 11 months, and Northern Mockingbirds living at least 11 years and 7 months.

Starlings are a common sight in North America, with their iridescent purple and green shades and creamy spots making them a striking bird to behold. They're known to bully other birds at feeders, so they're often not welcome at bird feeders.

In flight, starlings resemble cedar waxwings and purple martins, making them a bit tricky to identify. Their pointed bill and wings are distinctive features.

Starlings are opportunistic eaters, enjoying all types of bird food, including fruit and suet. They're particularly fond of platform and large hopper feeders, but they're also happy to feed on the ground.

As one of the most dominant and aggressive birds at backyard feeders, starlings are often disliked by backyard birders. They're known to chase away native birds, making them a bit of a nuisance.

In their natural habitat, starlings favor human-created environments, such as urban and suburban areas. They're also found in cavities, enclosures, or unused woodpecker cavities, where they build bulky and messy nests.

Starlings breed in mid-April through early July, with pairs laying 3-6 bluish or pale blue unmarked eggs. It takes about 33 days from egg-laying for the young to fledge.

European starlings can live up to 15 years and 3 months, making them a long-term presence in many backyards.

The American Crow is a large and social bird that's all black, with a glossy appearance that's hard to miss. It's a dominant species that takes over feeders when it's present.

These birds are aggressive and can be expected to take over feeders any time of the year in most of the northeastern American States. They're also known to favor platform feeders and the ground.

American Crows are attracted to a variety of food sources, including oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, safflower, nyjer, cracked corn, peanut hearts, fruit, millet, oats, and milo. They'll visit feeders in search of these treats.

If you're looking to attract American Crows to your backyard, you'll want to create an environment that suits their tastes. They favor open country, agricultural fields, and similar open habitats. In some cases, you might even spot them in urban areas.

American Crows are serious about breeding, laying 3-9 greenish-olive eggs with brown blotches. They take about 47 days from egg-laying to fledging, with a 17-day incubation period and a 30-day nestling period.

With a lifespan of at least 17 years and five months, American Crows are a long-term commitment to your backyard.

Robins are a welcome sight in many yards and gardens, and for good reason - they're easy to attract and can add a pop of color to your outdoor space. They can be expected at feeders any time of the year in most of the northeast.

Robins have a distinctive appearance, with a gray back, blackish head, and yellow-orange bill. Reddish-brown below, their colors are more saturated during the breeding season.

To attract robins, try offering hulled sunflower seeds, suet, peanut hearts, fruit, and mealworms at your bird feeder. They particularly enjoy platform feeders and will often feed on the ground.

In terms of habitat, robins favor relatively open spaces with feeders placed in open areas. They can be spotted on lawns foraging for worms and insects, making them a great addition to a yard with a lawn.

Robins are non-aggressive at feeders and can be a great choice for backyard bird enthusiasts. They're also relatively low maintenance, as they can be expected to visit feeders year-round in most areas.

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Robins are known to build their nests on forks or horizontal branches 5-25 feet above the ground, but they can also be found nesting on the ground, light fixtures, house ledges, and bridges. They typically lay 3-5 blue eggs with no markings, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs for 13 days before the nestlings hatch.

The red-bellied woodpecker is a bird species that's common in many backyards, especially in the northeast. It's a medium-sized bird with distinctive black-and-white barring on its back and wings.

These birds are known to be quite aggressive and dominant at feeders, often pushing other birds around. They're only submissive to common grackles and crows.

If you're trying to attract red-bellied woodpeckers to your yard, you'll want to offer them a variety of food options, including black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, suet, and mealworms. They also love peanuts and peanut hearts.

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Red-bellied woodpeckers are cavity-nesting birds, which means they excavate their own holes in dead trees or use pre-existing cavities. They'll also take nesting boxes if you provide them.

In terms of breeding season, red-bellied woodpeckers typically lay 2-6 white eggs between mid-April and mid-September. It takes them about 32 days from egg-laying to fledging.

The Northern Flicker is a year-round resident in most of the Northeast Region and can be expected at backyard bird feeders throughout the year.

These birds are not particularly aggressive to other birds at feeders, but they are dominant over smaller-sized birds. They're a great addition to any backyard birdwatching experience.

Attract Northern Flickers with black oil sunflower seed, hulled sunflower seeds, and suet, which they especially love. Suet cages, large hopper, and platform feeders are their favorite types of feeders.

Northern Flickers have a unique appearance, with warm brown feathers, black barring on the back and wings, and large black spots on the belly. They also have a distinctive black crescent on the chest.

In terms of habitat, Northern Flickers favor semi-open areas with plenty of open ground, including suburban areas. They're not picky, but they do love a good open space.

Northern Flickers are cavity-nesting birds, excavating their own nests in rotten wood. This is a unique and fascinating aspect of their behavior.

The breeding season for Northern Flickers typically runs from May through early August, and they lay 5-8 pure white and unmarked eggs during this time. It takes about 37 days from egg-laying for the young to fledge.

With a lifespan of at least 9 years and 2 months, Northern Flickers are a long-term addition to any backyard birdwatching experience.

The Brown Creeper is a small, cryptic bird with patterned upper parts featuring shades of brown, gray, and black, and white underparts.

They have a curved thin bill and an extended wing with a broad pale band.

Males and females look alike, making it a bit tricky to tell them apart.

Brown creepers are particularly attracted to suet, peanut butter, and hulled sunflower seed at bird feeders.

In the winter, they're more likely to visit feeders when food is scarce, often dominating other feeder visitors.

They favor wooded areas with large and old trees, so it's no surprise they're more likely to visit feeders in these types of habitats.

Brown creepers build their nests inside split bark or other concealed areas, creating a central cup.

They lay 5-6 white eggs spotted with brownish, and it takes about 32 days from egg-laying until the young birds fledge.

Brown creepers can live at least 5 years and 5 months, a remarkable lifespan for such a small bird.

The Carolina Wren is a year-round resident in most of the Northeast Region, making it a common visitor to backyard bird feeders throughout the year.

They're shy birds and don't stay out of dense vegetation for long, so you'll often see them darting in and out of the underbrush.

Carolina Wrens favor dense vegetation, tangled understory, or brush piles that they use to approach bird feeders and return for cover.

You can attract them with hulled sunflower seeds, suet, peanuts, and mealworms, which are all staples of their diet.

Their bold white eyebrow and slightly decurved bill make them a distinctive sight, and their song is a joy to hear - they're often called a "great songster".

Carolina Wrens are nonmigratory birds, found across eastern and southeastern states all year, making them a great addition to any backyard birdwatching routine.

They're also skilled nest-builders, constructing bulky oven-shaped nests with a side entrance, often in broken-off stumps and limbs 3-6 feet above the ground.

Carolina Wrens are known to live at least 7 years and 8 months, making them a long-term friend to have in your backyard.

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Kinglets are tiny, relatively drab, hyperactive birds that flit nervously and flick their wings while foraging.

They breed in northern latitudes and are winter visitors in most of the lower 48 states, including the Northeast Region.

The ruby-crowned kinglet is a type of kinglet that can be attracted to backyard bird feeders with suet, hulled sunflower seeds, peanuts, and mealworms.

Ruby-crowned kinglets are infrequent visitors to backyard bird feeders due to their tiny size, making them vulnerable to larger, more aggressive birds at feeders.

They favor wooded areas and are more likely to visit feeders located in their favorite habitat.

The ruby-crowned kinglet lays 5-12 whitish eggs spotted with brown, and it takes about 30 days from egg-laying until fledging.

Ruby-crowned kinglets live at least 8 years and 8 months, which is impressive for such a small bird.

The House Sparrow, also known as Passer domesticus, is one of the most common types of birds in North America. They thrive in human environments and have become relatively tame.

They're known to eat seeds and grains, such as sunflower seeds, millet, corn, and assorted birdseed from backyard feeders. House sparrows have also been known to scavenge scraps of discarded food.

These small birds are nondescript, with a gray-brown head, black-and-brown back, gray chest and belly, and white cheeks. They live in groups led by the male with the biggest black patch.

House sparrows are found in the lower 48 states and southern Canada year-round. They're accustomed to humans and often hang around houses and buildings.

The Black-billed Magpie is a large bird with distinctive black-and-white coloring, and it's not uncommon to see it strutting around open areas as it forages for food.

They live in groups and are social, inquisitive birds that communicate with a combination of trills, cackles, and whistles.

Black-billed magpies are opportunistic eaters, consuming a wide variety of food sources including grasshoppers, beetles, small rodents, carrion, fruits, and grains.

They congregate in areas where food is easy to come by, such as feedlots, fields, streams, and towns.

Their striking black-and-white coloring is highlighted by blue-green iridescence in their wings and tail, making them a beautiful sight to behold.

Black-billed magpies live in the western half of North America, from southern coastal Alaska to northern California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and central Kansas and Nebraska.

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The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a small bird with a distinctive appearance. It has a steely-blue back, wings, and tail, with reddish underparts and a blue crown and face.

Its cinnamon-colored forehead and throat are striking features, and its slightly flattened head and broad shoulders make it easy to identify. The Barn Swallow's long, pointed wings and tail that extends beyond the wingtips give it a unique appearance.

Found in open fields, parks, and roadway edges, Barn Swallows are common visitors to many urban and rural areas. They build cup nests of mud pellets almost exclusively on manmade structures.

To identify a Barn Swallow, look for its small size, dark blue color, and long wings and tail. These key characteristics make it easy to distinguish from other bird species.

Here are some key characteristics of the Barn Swallow:

Barn Swallows are long-distance migrators, heading south for winter. They can be found in most of Canada, almost all of Florida, and into Mexico, Central America, and South America.