Bird Identification Michigan: A Comprehensive ID Guide

Michigan is home to a diverse range of bird species, with over 400 species documented in the state. This makes bird identification in Michigan a challenging but exciting task.

To begin with, it's essential to understand the different habitats found in Michigan, as each one supports its unique set of bird species. These habitats include forests, wetlands, grasslands, and urban areas.

The Michigan bird identification process starts with observing the bird's size and shape. Some birds, like the American Robin, are easily recognizable due to their distinctive red breasts.

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Michigan's diverse landscape is home to over 400 species of birds, with many species migrating through the state each year.

The American Robin is a year-round resident in Michigan, known for its distinctive red breast and earthworm-hunting habits.

The state's forests are a haven for birds like the Red-headed Woodpecker, which can be identified by its bright red cap and black-and-white striped back.

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The Common Grackle is a common sight in Michigan's fields and backyards, recognizable by its iridescent feathers and keel-shaped tail.

The American Goldfinch is a small but vibrant bird that can be found in Michigan's meadows and gardens, with its bright yellow plumage and distinctive song.

The Bald Eagle is a majestic bird of prey that can be spotted in Michigan's skies, with its distinctive white head and tail feathers and brown body.

The Downy Woodpecker is a small but common bird in Michigan's forests, known for its black and white stripes and red spot on the back of its head.

The Red-winged Blackbird is a common bird in Michigan's wetlands, with its distinctive red and black plumage and melodic song.

The American Crow is a large and intelligent bird that can be found in Michigan's forests and fields, known for its glossy black feathers and distinctive call.

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The American Robin is the most frequently seen bird in Michigan, reported in 64% of eBird checklists submitted for the state.

The top 5 most common birds found in Michigan are the American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, Mourning Dove, and Blue Jay.

These birds can be found in both backyard areas and more remote locations, making them easily recognizable and familiar to Michiganders.

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Michigan is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with a diverse range of species calling the state home. The American Robin is the most frequently seen bird in Michigan, reported in 64% of eBird checklists submitted for the state.

The top 5 most common birds found in Michigan are the American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, Mourning Dove, and Blue Jay. These birds can be found in both backyard and remote areas.

A group of over 20,000 people contributed to the data collection for Project FeederWatch in Michigan. This project helps track bird populations and behaviors.

The top 10 most commonly seen birds in Michigan, based on data from Project FeederWatch, are:

These birds are a great starting point for anyone looking to explore the world of birdwatching in Michigan.

The Black-Capped Chickadee is a small bird, about 5 1/4″ long. They have a distinctive black cap, throat, and cheek.

In Michigan, these birds can be found in backyards, tree-lined parks, and open wooded areas. They also inhabit shrubs and willow thickets.

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Their diet consists of insects, spiders, seeds, small fruits, and berries. They particularly enjoy black-oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, suet, peanut butter, and hulled peanuts.

Black-capped chickadees are cavity nesters, often using existing woodpecker holes or man-made nesting boxes. They typically have one brood per season.

The female lays anywhere from 1-13 eggs, which are white with burgundy-colored spots. The eggs are about 0.5″ wide and 0.6″ long.

These birds are not migrators, staying in their year-round range throughout the seasons. They can be found in the northern half of the US, including Alaska, and all Canadian provinces except Nunavut.

The Brown Creeper is a small bird, about 5″ long, with a brown body, white belly, and distinctive white streak above each eye. They're quite the sight to see!

These birds have a varied diet that includes insects, nuts, and seeds. They're opportunistic feeders, so they'll take advantage of whatever food sources are available.

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If you're trying to attract Brown Creepers to your yard, you can try offering hulled sunflower seeds, suet, and hulled peanuts at your bird feeder. They love these foods!

Brown Creepers can be found in forested areas, where they can forage for food and shelter. They're well adapted to this type of environment.

Here's a quick rundown of Brown Creeper nesting habits:

The Chipping Sparrow is a small bird about 5″ long, gray/brown with a light gray chest and rusty crown.

They have a distinctive appearance with white eyebrows and a black eye lining.

Males and females look the same, making identification a bit tricky.

These birds can be found in open areas and edges of woodlands.

They're known to have two broods a year, with 3-5 eggs per brood that are blue/green with brown markings.

Incubation lasts 11-14 days, which is relatively short compared to some other bird species.

Chipping sparrows are migrators, traveling north in the spring to breed and raise their young.

In the fall, they head back south to southern California, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Mexico, and the Caribbean islands for winter.

Interestingly, a population of these birds remains in their year-round range in central to southern California as well as parts of Central America.

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The Field Sparrow is a small bird that's about 5 1/4″ long. It has a distinctive appearance with a gray face, a bright white eye ring, and a rusty patch behind the eye. The female is similar but lacks a patch behind the eye and has a more muted crown.

In terms of diet, Field Sparrows primarily eat insects and small seeds. They can be attracted to your backyard with the right food, such as hulled sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn when scattered under the feeder.

Field Sparrows are found in brushy woodlands with clearings and fields of tall grasses. They're quite adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments.

If you're interested in attracting Field Sparrows to your yard, consider creating a brushy area or a field of tall grasses. They also like to nest in low shrubs or on the ground, so a naturalistic landscape can be beneficial.

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Here are some tips for attracting Field Sparrows to your yard:

Field Sparrows typically build cup-shaped nests low in a shrub or on the ground. The female lays 3-5 eggs, which are incubated for about 10-12 days.

The House Finch is a common bird found in many parts of the US, particularly in the western and eastern regions. They can be identified by their distinctive orange/red face, chest, and rump.

These birds are small, about 5″ long, with brown wings streaked with white and a white belly with brown streaks. The female and juvenile House Finches are brown with streaks of white.

In terms of diet, House Finches primarily eat seeds, fruit, and tree buds. If you're looking to attract them to your backyard, try offering black oil sunflower seed, as it's their favorite.

House Finches are known to live in close proximity to humans, often inhabiting buildings, backyard trees, shrubs, and barns. They can also be found in parks and other urban areas.

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When it comes to nesting, House Finches build small cups using stems, leaves, and plant roots, and feathers. The nests are typically built in coniferous or deciduous trees, but can also be found in ledges, vents, or hanging plants.

Here's a quick rundown of their nesting habits:

As for migration, House Finches are not migratory birds and can be found in their year-round range throughout the US, excluding North and South Dakota, southern Ontario and British Columbia, and Mexico.

The Killdeer is a medium-large sized bird, about 11 inches long, with distinctive markings that make it easy to identify. Its brown body is highlighted by black bands around the neck, a white belly, and a striking red-orange rump.

These birds are insectivores, which means they primarily feed on insects. If you're looking to attract Killdeers to your yard, you'll be out of luck - they don't visit bird feeders.

You can spot Killdeers in open grasslands, where they feel most at home. They're ground-nesting birds, which means they lay their eggs directly on the ground. A typical Killdeer brood consists of 3-5 tan eggs, which the mother will incubate for 24-28 days.

The Tufted Titmouse is a small songbird with a distinctive crest on its head. It's a common visitor to backyard feeders, and you can spot them in Michigan all year round.

They're not too shy, so you'll often see them flitting around, feeding on small invertebrates and seeds. Their grayish-blue upperparts and pale gray underparts make them easily recognizable.

These birds prefer deciduous forests, parks, and backyards, which is why you'll often see them in your neighborhood. They breed in nestboxes, and their buff orange flanks are a nice touch.

The Common Grackle is a bird that's easy to confuse with a crow, but look closer and you'll notice its distinctive pointed beak.

This bird loves to live in open spaces like meadows, parks, and fields, as well as suburban and residential regions.

One of the most striking features of the male Common Grackle is its shimmering purple coloration on its black feathers.

Females, on the other hand, don't have this purple sheen, but they're still impressive birds that construct large nests for their eggs.

In most of Michigan, the Common Grackle is a migratory summer visitor, although you can find it year-round in southern Michigan.

This bird is a member of the New World family of blackbirds, which includes many common birds that like to gather in large flocks and make a lot of noise.

On farms, Common Grackles can congregate in huge flocks to feed on crops and grain, and to roost, which can cause problems for farmers.

The Common Grackle is a versatile species that can thrive in many different environments.

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The Red-winged Blackbird is one of the most abundant birds in Michigan, and it's definitely the most common black-colored bird in the state during the summer.

Male Red-winged Blackbirds are completely black except for the bright red patches on their wings.

Females and juvenile birds, on the other hand, are a blackish brown color with white streaks.

Red-winged Blackbirds live in open fields and near water, often found in marshes, wetlands, and around lakes in Michigan.

They travel many miles a day to find food, especially outside of the nesting season.

During the summer, they primarily feed on insects, while in the fall and spring, they eat seeds.

In the north of their range, Red-winged Blackbirds are seasonal migrants, while in the south, they are residents.

Red-winged Blackbirds roost in massive flocks that can number in the millions, creating a deafening noise with their rapidly beating wings.

In the spring, males are the first to arrive, claiming desirable territories before the females arrive.

Males will sing from a conspicuous perch and display their red shoulder patches to attract females during the mating season.

After a female chooses a mate, she builds her nest over shallow water in a thick stand of vegetation, and her chosen mate aggressively defends the nest against other blackbirds.

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Warblers are a fascinating group of birds to spot in Michigan, with their bright colors and distinctive markings. They're generally small, ranging from 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 inches in length.

Some warblers, like the Black-and-White Warbler, have striking black-and-white stripes on their crown, while others, like the Magnolia Warbler, have a slate gray top and bright yellow under with black stripes. The female Magnolia Warbler, in particular, has a lighter gray color with a yellow belly and faint black stripe.

Warblers are primarily insectivores, feeding on insects and sometimes fruit in the fall. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, as well as thickly forested areas with conifer trees.

Here's a list of some common warbler species found in Michigan, along with their typical habitats and diets:

The Black-and-White Warbler is a small bird, about 5″ long, with striking colorings that resemble a zebra.

Their distinctive appearance features a white belly, black chin, and black-and-white stripes on the crown, with a black patch on their cheek. The female is similar, but duller and without the black chin and cheek patch.

In terms of diet, Black-and-White Warblers primarily feed on insects.

If you're looking to attract them to your yard, be aware that they are unlikely to visit a bird feeder.

These birds can be found in deciduous as well as mixed forests, making them a common sight in woodland areas.

When it comes to nesting, Black-and-White Warblers build a cup-shaped nest and typically raise one brood per season.

The Chestnut-Sided Warbler is a small bird, about 5″ long, with a striking array of colors, including a yellow cap, black mask, and white on its face, chin, chest, and belly.

Its diet consists mainly of insects and berries, which it forages for in its natural habitat.

One thing to note is that Chestnut-Sided Warblers are unlikely to visit bird feeders, so if you're hoping to spot one, you'll need to provide food in its natural environment.

These birds thrive in thickly forested areas with young deciduous trees, where they can find plenty of insects and berries to eat.

A typical Chestnut-Sided Warbler nest is a cup-shaped structure, often containing 3-5 white eggs with brown markings.

Incubation lasts around 12-13 days, after which the female warbler will care for her young until they're ready to fly on their own.

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The Magnolia Warbler is a small bird that's about 5 inches long, with a distinctive slate gray top and bright yellow underbelly. It's got black stripes and a black mask around its eyes, with a white strip above that.

Their diet consists mainly of insects, although they may occasionally eat fruit in the fall. I've noticed that they tend to prefer the insects they find in the forest rather than visiting bird feeders.

One thing to keep in mind is that they're not too fond of visiting feeders, so if you're trying to attract them to your yard, you might want to focus on creating a welcoming habitat. Thickly forested areas with conifer trees are their preferred habitat.

When it comes to nesting, they build their homes deep in coniferous trees, and they typically have 1-2 broods per year. Each brood contains 3-5 white eggs with some speckling. Incubation lasts around 11-13 days.

The Prairie Warbler is a small yellow bird, about 4 1/2″ long, with distinctive black streaks on its belly, a black eyeline, and a swipe under its eye. It also has a chestnut patch on its back.

Females are similar but with a more muted appearance, featuring a gray head and white eyering.

The Prairie Warbler's diet consists mainly of insects and snails, with occasional fruit and other plants.

If you're hoping to attract a Prairie Warbler to your feeder, you're unlikely to be successful – they're not known to visit feeders.

You can find Prairie Warblers in areas with low woody vegetation and open canopies, such as the edges of wooded areas.

Prairie Warblers build cup-shaped nests in thick tangles of shrubs, typically less than 7 feet high.

The Kirtland's Warbler is a small bird that's about 5 1/2 inches long. It's steel gray above with yellow throat, chest, and belly, and has white crescents above and below each eye.

One of the distinctive features of the male Kirtland's Warbler is a dark mark that appears in front of its eyes. The female, on the other hand, has more muted colors.

These birds primarily live in wooded areas, specifically where younger Jack pine trees exist, typically less than 15 years old.

In terms of diet, Kirtland's Warblers eat insects and fruit. If you're trying to attract them to your yard, however, they're unlikely to visit a feeder.

Here are some key facts about the Kirtland's Warbler's habitat and nesting habits:

The Yellowthroat is one of the most recognizable warblers, with its bright yellow throat and chest. Its distinctive black mask, bordered by a grayish white band, makes it a standout in any birding group.

These birds are small, about 5 inches long, and have a long, thin bill that's perfect for catching insects. They're unlikely to visit a feeder, so if you're trying to attract them, you'll need to provide food in their natural habitats.

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In the wild, Yellowthroats can be found in thick brush, open fields, and marshes. They prefer shrubland and grassy habitats, making them a common sight in Michigan during the summer months.

A female Yellowthroat's nest is a cup-shaped affair, usually located near the ground in a thick shrub. They have two broods a year, with each brood containing 1-6 eggs that are white with brown markings.

Here's a quick rundown of some key Yellowthroat facts:

Woodpeckers are a common sight in Michigan, and with a little practice, you can learn to identify them. The Hairy Woodpecker is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive black-and-white appearance, featuring a white belly, black wings with white spots, and a red mark on the back of the head.

One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between the Hairy Woodpecker and the Downy Woodpecker is by size. The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker found in Michigan, and it has a short bill. You can also look for the red patch on the nape of the male Downy Woodpecker's neck.

Both the Hairy Woodpecker and the Downy Woodpecker are non-migratory, meaning they can be seen all year round throughout North America, except for the arid regions in southern states. They prefer to live in deciduous or mixed forest, where they feed on insects and insect larvae found under the bark of trees.

The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is a medium-sized bird about 9 1/4″ long, with a zebra-like striped back and a white rump.

They have a striking red crown that extends down the nape of the neck, although females lack this distinctive feature.

Red-bellied woodpeckers prefer to live in or near forests and woodlands, where they can easily find dead trees or fence posts to nest in.

They're cavity nesters, which means they excavate their own nests in trees, and they typically have 1-3 broods per year, with 2-6 eggs per brood.

Incubation lasts around 12-14 days, and interestingly, these birds don't migrate, remaining in their year-round range all seasons of the year.

Their year-round range spans the eastern half of the US, excluding New England.

The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker found in Michigan.

Males have a distinctive small red patch on their nape, while females are entirely black and white.

The wings of both sexes are black with white bars, which look like spots when the wings are folded.

Downy Woodpeckers are non-migratory, and can be seen all year round throughout North America, except for the arid regions in southern states.

They like to move around outside of the breeding season, in search of areas with plentiful food.

Their preferred habitat is deciduous or mixed forest, where they feed on insects and insect larvae found under the bark of trees.

During winter, they also eat berries and seeds.

The Hairy Woodpecker is a medium-sized bird, about 9″ long, with a distinctive appearance featuring a white belly, black wings with white spots, and a long black bill.

They have a striking red mark on the back of their head, which is a key identifying feature.

Hairy Woodpeckers are found throughout the US and Canada, with the exception of Nunavut, and can also be spotted in Mexico and Central America.

They are not migratory birds, so you can spot them in their year-round range all seasons of the year.

Their diet consists mainly of seeds from trees, insects, and spiders, making them a common sight at bird feeders.

You can attract Hairy Woodpeckers to your yard by offering suet and hulled peanuts at your bird feeder.

They can be found in a variety of habitats, including coniferous and deciduous forests, as well as parks and urban areas with trees.

The Eastern Wood-Pewee is a small bird that's about 6″ long, mostly gray/brown with an ivory belly, throat, and wing bars.

They have a unique appearance with short legs, upright posture, and short crowns, and a short, pointy bill with orange-yellow underneath.

Male and female Eastern Wood-Peeweers look the same, which makes them easy to identify.

These birds are unlikely to visit a bird feeder, so if you're trying to attract them, you'll need to focus on their natural habitat.

They can be found in forests and wooded areas with thick deciduous trees, and sometimes in open areas.

To attract Eastern Wood-Peeweers to your yard, consider planting trees that provide berries and seeds, as these are a key part of their diet.

They primarily eat small insects, berries, and seeds, so providing a source of these foods can be beneficial.

To build a nest, Eastern Wood-Peeweers typically choose a tree high off the ground, more than 15′ up, and lay 2-4 eggs that are ivory with brownish speckles.

Incubation lasts around 12-14 days, and the eggs are usually laid in a brood.

American Tree Sparrows are a delight to have in your yard, especially if you're a fan of woodpeckers. They're small, about 6″ long, with a brown and tan color scheme that's quite striking.

One thing to note is that they love to eat the same foods as woodpeckers, like black-oil sunflower seeds and cracked corn. They'll even visit the same feeders, so you can attract both species with the same offerings.

If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of an American Tree Sparrow in a wooded area, especially on the edges where the trees meet the open space.

Owls are a fascinating group of birds, and Michigan is home to several species. One of the most distinctive features of owls is their large, round faces with dark eyes.

Barred owls are large birds, about 21″ long, with a primarily brown plumage and white spots on their upperparts. They're primarily nocturnal, so you might not see them during the day. Great horned owls, on the other hand, are also large, about 22″ long, with a mostly brown plumage and dark bars and specks throughout.

If you're lucky enough to spot an owl, you might notice their unique calls. Barred owls are known for their distinctive "who-cooks-for-you" call, while great horned owls have a deeper, more haunting hoot. Great gray owls, however, are relatively quiet, but their bright yellow eyes are a striking feature.

Here's a comparison of some key owl species found in Michigan:

Owls are generally found in woodlands and forests, but their specific habitats can vary. Barred owls prefer mature forests, especially near water sources, while great horned owls are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands with open areas. Great gray owls, on the other hand, prefer dense and moist evergreen forests in the far north.

The Barred Owl is a large bird, measuring about 21″ long, with a distinctive appearance featuring dark eyes, a yellow bill, and a primarily brown plumage with white spots on the upperparts and tan underneath with dark brown streaks.

Their diet is quite varied, consisting of small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and large insects.

One interesting fact about Barred Owls is that they don't visit bird feeders, so if you're trying to attract them to your yard, you'll need to focus on creating a welcoming habitat.

Barred Owls prefer to live in mature forests, often near water sources like rivers and swamps, especially in their southern range.

Here's a breakdown of their nesting habits:

In terms of their nesting habits, Barred Owls typically reuse the nest of another large bird, such as a hawk, and incubate their eggs for around 28-33 days.

The Great Gray Owl is a large bird, measuring 24-33 inches in length, with a distinctive brown, silver, and white streaked appearance.

Their eyes are a bright yellow and their beak is orange, and females are slightly larger than males.

Great Gray Owls prefer to live in dense and moist evergreen forests in the far north.

They don't migrate, but during the winter, their population may expand a short distance into certain states, including Wyoming, northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and New England.

In their year-round range, you can find Great Gray Owls in Alaska, northeast Washington, northern Idaho, western Montana, central Oregon, eastern California, and Canada's provinces (except Nunavut).

A Great Gray Owl's nest is often an existing nest built by another bird or squirrel, or they might lay their eggs on top of a dead tree or other plant material.

Their breeding season is quite short, with only one brood per season, containing 2-5 white eggs that incubate for 28-36 days.

After the eggs hatch, the young owlets will leave the nest after 26-29 days, marking the end of their time in the nest.

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The Great Horned Owl is a large bird, about 22″ long, with a distinctive appearance. They have a large barrel-shaped body, tufts of feathers that resemble ears, and a subtle white stripe across the throat.

Their diet consists of mammals, large birds, snakes, and large insects. They're opportunistic hunters, taking advantage of whatever prey they can find.

Great Horned Owls don't typically visit bird feeders, so if you're hoping to attract them, you might want to try a different strategy.

These birds are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands with open areas. They'll even nest in a tree cavity if they can find one.

Great Horned Owls use the nest of another bird, usually in a tree, to raise their young. A typical brood consists of 1-4 eggs, which are white and round with a rough surface.

Cooper's Hawk is a medium-sized bird, measuring 15-18 inches long. They have a striking appearance with a blue-gray back and rusty underparts, topped with a distinctive black cap.

In terms of diet, Cooper's Hawks primarily feed on small birds and mammals, targeting prey that's less than 12 inches long. This specialization in hunting allows them to thrive in their forested habitats.

One notable aspect of Cooper's Hawk behavior is their avoidance of bird feeders. This means that if you're trying to attract these birds to your yard, you'll need to consider alternative ways to entice them.

Cooper's Hawks are skilled nesters, constructing large nests that can reach up to 27 inches in diameter. They typically build these nests in trees, often between 25-50 feet up where branches intersect in a forked manner.

The Northern Mockingbird is a common songbird throughout North America and a year-round resident in Michigan.

It has a distinctive appearance with black wings, a black tail with white margins, and a dark eyestripe that contrasts with its yellow eye.

The Northern Mockingbird's underparts are buff white, and it's the only mockingbird species found in North America.

You can spot this bird in wooded areas as well as urban habitats with sufficient tree growth, such as parks and golf courses.

The American Goldfinch is a small bird, about 4.5″ long, with a bright yellow body and distinctive black wings with white stripes.

They have a short orange beak and a black forehead, but during winter, their body turns a dingy brown and their wings have thicker white stripes.

American Goldfinches eat seeds from flowers, weeds, grasses, and small trees, as well as some insects.

Thistle seed, also known as Nyjer seed, is a great food to offer them at your bird feeder.

These birds are common in the contiguous US and southern Canada, and can be found in weedy fields, roadsides, orchards, and backyards.

Here's a quick rundown of their nesting habits:

American Goldfinches are partial migrators, with some staying in their year-round range and others migrating north to breed in the spring and then south for the winter.

Their year-round range includes Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and the remaining US states to the east and south (except Florida).

They also eat insects, especially carpenter ants.

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The American Robin is a medium-size bird about 10″ long, with gray/brown upper, brown/orange underparts, yellow beak, white chin, and white surrounding eyes. It's a common and pervasive bird throughout the US and Canada, found in fields, parks, wooded and forested areas, mountains, and backyards.

The female American Robin has a lighter head and underparts than the male.

American Robins are migrators, with a year-round range in every US state except North Dakota, southern parts of Canada's British Columbia, and Alberta, as well as Mexico.

In the breeding season, American Robins are found in Canada and Alaska. In the winter, they can be found in the far southern parts of Florida, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico.

American Robins primarily feed on insects and seeds.

Here's a summary of their nesting habits:

The Barn Swallow is a fascinating bird species. It's about 7″ long, with a steel blue glossy back, chestnut forehead and throat, and rust-orange underparts.

Its long forked tail is quite distinctive, with a white base. The female's coloring is lighter and her tail is shorter.

Barn Swallows primarily feed on insects, with beetles, wasps, and flies being their favorites. They drink by skimming the surface of the water.

You'll often find Barn Swallows in open fields and pastures. They're also known to nest in or on manmade structures like barns.

Their nests are made of mud, and they typically raise 2 broods per season, with 4-5 eggs per brood. The eggs are white with brown markings, and incubation takes around 13-17 days.

Barn Swallows are migratory birds, heading north into the US and Canada in the spring to breed and raise their young. In the fall, they migrate south to Mexico's southern states.

The belted kingfisher is a large bird, measuring 13 inches long, with a distinctive appearance featuring a blue/gray plumage and a white ring around its neck.

Its stocky body and long bill make it a striking sight, and the female is easily recognizable by the additional chestnut band on her chest.

These birds are unlikely to visit feeders, but they often get attracted to yards with streams or ponds, where they can hunt for fish and other aquatic prey.

In terms of habitat, belted kingfishers prefer areas with unclouded water and little vegetation, such as near streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and calm marine waters.

They dig burrows along the water's edge for their nest, which can be home to 1-2 broods per season, each containing 5-8 large white glossy eggs that measure 1.5 inches long.

After an incubation period of 22-24 days, the eggs hatch, and the young birds grow and develop under the care of their parents.

Many belted kingfishers are migrators, with some populations traveling as far north as Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, Canada, and Alaska to breed and raise their young.

In the fall, these migrators head back south, reaching as far as Arizona, New Mexico, southern California, and Mexico.

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While some belted kingfishers stay in their year-round range, others migrate north to breed and raise their young, and then return south in the fall.

Their year-round range spans all US states except North Dakota and Arizona, as well as the pacific coast of Canada's British Columbia.

Just as many belted kingfishers migrate south for winter as stay in their year-round range when temperatures drop.

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The Brown-Headed Cowbird is a medium-sized bird, about 7 1/2 inches long.

The male has a distinctive appearance, with a glossy black body and a chocolate brown head, along with a long pointed gray bill.

The female, on the other hand, has a dull brownish-gray color.

Brown-headed cowbirds primarily eat insects and seeds.

They can be attracted to your backyard with a simple mixed birdseed feeder.

You can find these birds in thick shrubs, wooded edges, and hedgerows in the east, or in tree lines, fence rows, and woodlands in the western part of their range.

Brown-headed cowbirds don't build nests, they lay their eggs in the nests of other birds.

Here's a quick rundown of their nesting habits:

The Cedar Waxwing is a beautiful bird with a distinctive appearance. It's about 7 1/4 inches long.

The Cedar Waxwing has a light brown plumage with a silky crest of the same color, a yellow belly, and a bright yellow tip on its tail. The underside is a varying shade of brown, and it has a touch of red at the tip of its upper wings.

The beak is black, short, and pointy. I've noticed that it's quite a distinctive feature that helps identify this bird.

Male and female Cedar Waxwings look pretty much the same, with one very subtle difference: the black on the male's chin encompasses a slightly larger area than the female's.

Cedar Waxwings primarily eat fruit, but if no fruit is available, they'll eat insects.

They're particularly fond of oranges, which makes them a great candidate for fruit feeders.

If you're looking to attract Cedar Waxwings to your yard, consider placing an orange on a feeder or near a berry bush. They're often found in open forests, orchards, and wooded residential areas, especially near berry bushes.

Cedar Waxwings build an open-cup-style nest 6-20 feet high in a tree. The female lays 3-5 eggs and incubates for 12-14 days.

Here's an interesting read: Yellow Bird Identification

The Eastern Meadowlark is a large bird, about 9″ long, with a distinctive appearance. It has a brown back, a lemon yellow-colored chest, and a black V-shape around its neck. Its white outer tail feathers are a notable feature.

The Eastern Meadowlark's diet consists mainly of insects and seeds. This is a great bird to attract to your backyard if you offer the right food.

To entice an Eastern Meadowlark to your feeder, try offering hulled sunflower seeds and cracked corn. These are their favorite foods, and they'll appreciate the snack.

If you have an open grassy area in your yard, you might be lucky enough to attract an Eastern Meadowlark. They love to call these types of areas home.

The Eastern Meadowlark is a dedicated parent, raising two broods per year. Each brood typically includes 3-5 eggs, which are white with brown markings. The incubation period lasts around 13-15 days.

The Eastern Towhee is a fascinating bird species. They're small to medium-sized, measuring about 7-8 inches in length.

Their appearance is quite striking, with a mostly charcoal black body, rusty-orange on the sides, and a white belly. A long black tail with a white tip is also a distinctive feature.

These birds have a short and pointy bill, which is perfect for eating their favorite foods: insects, seeds, and fruit.

If you're thinking of attracting some Eastern Towhees to your backyard, you'll want to set up a ground feeder. They love to eat black-oil sunflower seeds, cracked corn, millet, milo, and peanut hearts.

They're adaptable birds, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including scrubby areas along wooded edges, thick fields, and backyards.

Female Eastern Towhees are similar to males, but with a brown instead of black body. They're also a bit more subtle in their appearance, but still just as charming.

Here are some fun facts about Eastern Towhee nests:

The Fox Sparrow is a medium-sized bird, about 7 1/2″ long, with a distinctive rusty-red color. It's a beautiful sight to see.

The Fox Sparrow's diet consists of insects and seeds. If you're looking to attract these birds to your feeder, try offering black-oil sunflower seed, hulled sunflower seed, nyjer, cracked corn, millet, and milo.

These birds thrive in scrubbly areas with thick vegetation. If you're lucky enough to have such an area nearby, you might just spot a Fox Sparrow or two.

Fox Sparrows are known to have two broods per season, with each brood consisting of 2-4 pale green eggs with reddish spots. The incubation period is around 12-14 days.

Here's a list of recommended feeder foods for Fox Sparrows:

The Golden-Crowned Kinglet is a small bird, about 4″ long, with an olive-green color and distinctive crowns striped with reddish/orange and white stripes above and below the eyes.

Females have the same appearance as males, but with yellow crowns instead of the striped crowns of males.

These birds generally inhabit mountainous regions with abundant coniferous trees in their year-round range.

They nest in mixed forested areas and within small groups of trees with minimal or no undergrowth.

The Golden-Crowned Kinglet builds a 3″x3″ cup-shaped, deep nest at the intersection of several branches.

They have 1-2 broods per season, with 7-8 eggs per brood that are white/cream colored with specks of brown or lavender.

Incubation lasts 15 days.

Some Golden-Crowned Kinglets migrate, heading north into Canada, northern Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin for breeding in the spring, and then south to the rest of the US for the winter months.

Their year-round range includes the Pacific coast of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, eastern Oregon, western Montana, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, New England, and Mexico.

For more insights, see: New England Bird Identification

The Great Crested Flycatcher is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive appearance. It measures about 8 1/2″ long and has dark olive-brown underparts, gray throat & breast, and a lemon yellow belly.

They have a small crest and long pointy bill, making them easily recognizable in the wild. Insects and small wild fruits are their primary food source.

These birds don't visit feeders, so if you're hoping to attract them to your yard, you won't need to set up a feeding station. Open deciduous forested areas are their preferred habitat.

They build a bulky nest inside an old woodpecker hole or natural cavity, making use of existing structures. They have 4-8 eggs per brood, which are ivory to light pink with brownish-purple spots.

Incubation lasts around 13-15 days, giving them enough time to raise their young.

The Green Heron is a sight to behold, with its striking blue-green back and rusty red neck. It's a large bird, measuring 16-22 inches in length.

One of the most distinctive features of the Green Heron is its crest, which is a dark green color. This is a great identifier if you're trying to spot one in the wild.

In terms of diet, Green Herons are opportunistic feeders, snacking on fish, insects, and even aquatic plants. They're not picky eaters!

Check this out: Bird Heron Identification

If you're hoping to attract Green Herons to your backyard, you're out of luck - they don't visit feeders. However, if you live near wetlands, you might be able to spot one in its natural habitat.

Green Herons are found in a variety of wetland environments, including swamps, marshes, lakes, rivers, and ponds. They're even known to hang out along the coast.

When it comes to nesting, Green Herons are prolific breeders, with two broods per year. Each brood typically consists of 2-4 eggs, which are a light green color with no markings.

The Indigo Bunting is a brightly colored small finch. During the summer, the male is almost entirely indigo blue, except for darker brownish wingtips and tail feathers.

Females and juvenile birds are more inconspicuous, with light brown upperparts, and creamy white underparts.

These birds can be found in Michigan at forest edges, gardens, and parks, and will readily visit feeders that offer seeds. They're relatively common and easy to spot.

In the spring, Indigo Buntings are most commonly seen at bird feeding stations, as they switch over from seeds to eating mostly insects during the summer. This is a great time to attract them to your yard.

To entice Indigo Buntings to your yard, try offering nyjer/thistle and white millet seeds at your feeder. They may not be regular visitors, but these seeds can be a tasty treat.

During the breeding season, males can often be observed singing from a treetop perch. This is a great opportunity to spot one of these beautiful birds in action.

The Northern Cardinal is a stunning bird to have in your backyard, with its bright crimson red coloration on its head, chest, and belly.

Male Northern Cardinals are especially easy to spot, with their vibrant red plumage and black mask extending from their bright red bill to their throat.

They're not just a pretty face, though - Northern Cardinals are also common visitors to bird feeders, and can be seen year-round in backyards, small forests, and parks.

A unique perspective: Northern California Bird Identification

In fact, Northern Cardinals are so well-known that they're the state bird of no less than seven US states, including Michigan.

During the winter months, Northern Cardinals don't defend their territory, and often gather in flocks of up to 25 individuals that feed together.

Female Northern Cardinals, on the other hand, have a more subdued buff-brown body color with some reddish tinges, although they still have a bright red bill.

The Northern Mockingbird is a common songbird throughout North America, and a year-round resident in Michigan.

This bird is the only mockingbird species found in North America, and it's a familiar sight in many urban areas.

The Northern Mockingbird prefers wooded areas as well as urban habitats with sufficient tree growth, such as parks and golf courses.

You can spot a Northern Mockingbird in Michigan, where it's a common sight in both rural and urban environments.

The Northern Mockingbird's plumage is distinctive, with a dark eyestripe that contrasts with its yellow eye, and buff white underparts.

Juvenile birds look similar to adults, but are covered with spots and streaks, making them a bit harder to identify.

The Northern Mockingbird's black wings and tail, with white margins, are a striking feature of its appearance.

This bird's black wings and tail are a clear giveaway of its species, and help to distinguish it from other songbirds.

The Northern Shoveler is a medium-sized waterbird, measuring about 17-20″ in length. They have a distinctive shovel-shaped head.

These birds are found in shallow wetland areas with plenty of vegetation, as well as in salt marshes, lakes, flooded fields, and other overflow areas that collect water. They thrive in environments with plenty of water and vegetation.

Northern Shovelers are grounds nesters, which means they build their nests directly on the ground. The female lays 8-12 eggs per brood, which are pale olive in color and measure about 2″ x 1.4″ in size.

The incubation period for Northern Shoveler eggs lasts 21-27 days. After hatching, the young birds follow their mother out of the nest within a few hours. They're able to fly about 52-60 days after hatching.

Here's a breakdown of the Northern Shoveler's diet:

The Purple Finch is a small bird, about 6″ long, with a distinctive raspberry-red head and lighter shades on its breast, back, and rump.

Their diet consists of seeds, insects, and fruit, which makes them a delight to have in your backyard.

If you want to attract Purple Finches, try offering them black oil sunflower seeds - they're their absolute favorite!

You can spot Purple Finches in coniferous forests during the summer, or in mixed forests near streams and tree-lined backyards.

Their nests are quite impressive, constructed from twigs, sticks, and plant roots, and lined with grass and hair.

Purple Finches are migrators, with some populations remaining in their year-round range, while others migrate north in the spring to breed and raise young.

In the fall, the migrators head south for the winter, which means you'll see them in different parts of the country at different times of the year.

You can find Purple Finches year-round in the Pacific coast of Washington, Oregon, and California, as well as in Canada's British Columbia.

During breeding season, they can be found just east of their year-round range, in the Pacific northwest states and Canada's provinces except for Nunavut.

In the winter, they head south to the eastern half of the US (except New England) and southern Arizona.

The Red Crossbill is a small bird, about 6.2″ long, with a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other birds. They're dark red-orange with brown streaks and a tail, and have a bright red color on their head and rump.

Their bill is specially designed to pry open pinecones and get to the seeds inside, which makes up a big part of their diet. They love seeds, especially those inside pinecones.

In terms of habitat, Red Crossbills prefer mature coniferous forests, which is where you'll often find them. If you're looking to attract them to your yard, try offering black oil sunflower seed in your bird feeder.

While many Red Crossbills stay in their year-round territory for winter, some migrate south to Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and other parts of the country. Their winter range is quite extensive, covering many states in the US and provinces in Canada.

The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is the smallest bird in Michigan, weighing just 0.1 ounces.

This tiny bird has a unique way of flying, able to fly straight up, down, or backwards, and can even hover in mid-air with its wings generating a humming sound.

Its wings beat incredibly fast, allowing it to breathe up to 250 times per minute and have a heartbeat of over 1,200 times per minute.

The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is attracted to gardens and backyards in Michigan with tubular flowers that produce a lot of nectar, making them a great addition to any outdoor space.

It's not just flowers that this bird loves, though - it also feeds on insects, making it a beneficial visitor to your garden.

In the winter, this bird migrates to Central America, but you can attract it to your yard with the right flowers and a little bit of patience.

The White-Breasted Nuthatch is a common year-round resident in Michigan, and it's a thrill to spot one at a tube feeder offering sunflower seeds.

This bird's scientific name is Sitta carolinensis, and it's actually the largest Nuthatch species in North America.

Their grayish blue back and wings, along with their white face, throat, and breast, make them a striking sight.

During the breeding season, White-Breasted Nuthatches are typically solitary, but outside of that time they form small flocks with other songbirds.

These flocks roam around Michigan, foraging together for food and making them fun to observe.

The Baltimore Oriole is a wonderful singer that is more frequently heard than seen. Its distinctive song is a treat for anyone lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this beautiful bird.

Adult males are very conspicuous due to their flaming orange underside, paired with a completely black back and head, as well as a single white band on their otherwise black wings.

If you're trying to attract Baltimore Orioles to your yard, consider setting up a feeder with orange halves, grape jelly, or nectar – they love these treats!

Females and immatures are much more drab, and have a brownish yellow coloration.

To spot a Baltimore Oriole in Michigan, look for open spaces like yards, parks, and woods – they often come back to the same location year after year.

You may encounter them in places like open forests, forest margins, orchards, and even Michigan backyards.

Due to their love of insects, fruit, and flowers, most orioles are more frequently heard than seen, foraging high in trees as they search for their next meal.

The Baltimore Oriole is a summer visitor to Michigan, and is one of the latest migratory birds to arrive in spring, and one of the earliest to leave in fall.

The Gray Catbird is a summer visitor and breeding bird in Michigan. They fly south to winter in the Gulf Coast and Central America.

This bird's long tail is a distinctive feature that makes it easily recognizable. They have dark gray body coloration, a black cap, and a rufous red undertail.

Gray Catbirds like to forage for insects and berries on the ground. They can be found in forests and scrubland.

Both sexes and juvenile birds look alike, which can make identification a bit tricky.

The House Wren is a small songbird with a surprisingly long beak.

Compared to other wrens, this bird has a distinctive long tail that it likes to cock up. I've noticed this unique behavior when observing House Wrens in their natural habitat.

At a distance, House Wrens appear as uniformly brown birds, but up close, you can see subtle barring on their wings and tail.

The House Wren is a summer visitor in Michigan, where it can be seen from May through September.