List of Common and Rare Pennsylvania Birds

Pennsylvania is home to a diverse range of bird species, from the common American Robin to the rare Golden Eagle.

The state's varied landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and mountains, provide habitats for over 400 bird species.

Some of these birds, like the Baltimore Oriole, can be found in backyards and gardens, while others, such as the Pileated Woodpecker, inhabit the state's dense forests.

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in Pennsylvania, reaching lengths of up to 19 inches.

For more insights, see: State Bird

The Pennsylvania Birds List is a comprehensive catalog of bird species found in the state. It includes over 400 species of birds, ranging from waterfowl to songbirds.

The list is organized by order, with each order containing multiple families of birds. For example, the order Passeriformes includes perching birds, which are further divided into various families such as sparrows, finches, and warblers.

Some common backyard feeder birds in Pennsylvania include sparrows, finches, and woodpeckers. In fact, the state is home to over two dozen sparrow species, including the Towhee and Junco, which are always common visitors to backyard feeders.

The top ten feeder birds in Pennsylvania are:

During migration, members of the Cardinal family, such as the Blue Grosbeak and Red-breasted Grosbeak, can also be attracted to backyard feeders.

Pennsylvania is home to a diverse range of bird species, and some of the most common birds you'll see in the state are the ones that visit backyard feeders. The top ten feeder birds in Pennsylvania include the Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, and Dark-eyed Junco.

The American Goldfinch, Downy Woodpecker, and Blue Jay are also regular visitors to backyard feeders. These birds can be attracted to the feeders with seeds, nuts, and fruits. The Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, and White-breasted Nuthatch are other common feeder birds in Pennsylvania.

Here are some of the most common Pennsylvania birds you might see in your backyard:

The Pennsylvania bird list also includes a variety of sparrow species, including the Towhee and Junco, which are common backyard feeder birds. During migration, members of the Cardinal family, such as the Blue Grosbeak, and the migratory members of the Finch family, like the Evening Grosbeak, can also be attracted to the feeders.

Pennsylvania is a birdwatcher's paradise, and one of the most exciting things about birding in the state is the variety of feeder birds you can attract to your backyard. The top feeder birds in Pennsylvania are a mix of year-round residents and migratory visitors.

The Northern Cardinal is a year-round favorite, and its bright red plumage is a welcome sight in any backyard. The Mourning Dove is another common feeder bird, known for its mournful call and gentle nature.

Dark-eyed Juncos and Downy Woodpeckers are also frequent visitors to Pennsylvania feeders, particularly during the winter months when food is scarce. The American Goldfinch is a popular sight during the summer, with its bright yellow feathers and acrobatic antics.

Other top feeder birds in Pennsylvania include the Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, Tufted Titmouse, and White-breasted Nuthatch. These birds are all common visitors to backyards with feeders, and they can add a lot of excitement to your birdwatching experience.

Here are the top ten feeder birds in Pennsylvania, in no particular order:

The Pennsylvania Birds List is a comprehensive collection of bird species found in the state. The list includes 13 species of woodpeckers, 7 species of sparrows, and 6 species of warblers.

The Ruffed Grouse, American Goldfinch, and American Robin are just a few examples of the many bird species that can be found in Pennsylvania. These birds are year-round residents and can be seen in various habitats throughout the state.

The Pennsylvania Ornithological Records Committee (PORC) is responsible for reviewing and updating the Official List of the Birds of Pennsylvania. They publish a new list every five years, with the last update being in 2018.

The list below shows some of the bird species found in Pennsylvania:

The Ruffed Grouse, a Pennsylvania native, is a common sight in the state's woodlands.

The American Goldfinch is a popular backyard bird, and its bright yellow color makes it easy to spot.

You can find the American Robin in Pennsylvania's backyards and parks, known for its distinctive red breast.

A fresh viewpoint: How to Put a Bird Out of Its Misery?

The Eastern Bluebird is a favorite among birdwatchers, with its vibrant blue and orange plumage.

The Black-capped Chickadee is a frequent visitor to Pennsylvania bird feeders, and its cheerful song is a welcome sound.

The following birds are commonly found in Pennsylvania backyards and parks:

The Baltimore Oriole is a beautiful bird to spot in Pennsylvania, with its distinctive orange and black plumage. They have long, thick-based, pointed beaks, a trait common to the blackbird family.

Adult males have a solid black head and a white stripe on their black wings, making them relatively easy to identify. They're a common visitor to backyards and lawns, especially during their breeding season.

Female and juvenile males, on the other hand, have a more subdued color scheme, with orange-yellow on the chest, greyish on the head and tail, and two white bands on the wings. They're just as fascinating to watch, but might require a closer look to spot the differences.

If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a Baltimore Oriole sipping nectar from flowers or snatching insects from the air. They're known to enjoy mealworms and other small invertebrates, making them a great addition to any bird-watching list.

You might enjoy: Black Birds

The Piping Plover is a beautiful bird species found in Pennsylvania. It has a distinctive appearance, with grayish-brown sandy feathers and white underparts.

They have a narrow, often broken neck, and yellowish orange legs in all seasons. These legs are a great indicator of the species, even when the rest of the bird's plumage is changing with the seasons.

In the breeding season, the Piping Plover's bill turns a vibrant orange with a black tip. This striking coloration is a key characteristic to look for during this time of year.

Here are some key characteristics to look for when identifying a Piping Plover:

The Blue Jay is a striking bird with a large crested head and a broad, rounded tail.

It's smaller than a crow, but bigger than a robin, making it a common sight in Pennsylvania's backyards.

You can spot Blue Jays in the south of Canada, the northeast of the United States, and even up to the south of Florida, reaching as far east as Texas.

These birds are known for their wide variety of calls that travel long distances, often made while perched inside a tree.

They're usually silent flyers, especially during migration, when they prefer to sneak through open areas unnoticed.

If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a Blue Jay in Pennsylvania, where they're found throughout the state.

The Song Sparrow is a common sight in Pennsylvania backyards, and it's easy to attract them with the right food. They have a light brown and dark brown plumage, and the males use their special songs to attract females and defend their territories.

Their wings look unique with their black and white stripes, and they weigh about 0.4 to 1.9 ounces. Song Sparrows like to eat mixed seeds and will often visit feeders to snack.

If you want to attract more Song Sparrows to your backyard, offer nyjer seeds, black sunflower seeds, and cracked corn on platform feeders. They're social birds and often gather in large flocks, so be prepared for a lively atmosphere.

Here are some specific food options to consider:

By providing the right food and setting up a welcoming environment, you can enjoy the company of these charming birds in your own backyard.