15 Backyard Birds Every American Needs to Spot — Are They in Your Yard?

Birdwatching is an incredibly popular pastime, with millions of enthusiasts enjoying the sights and sounds of nature right in their backyards. To help you get started, here’s a guide to identifying 15 common backyard birds found throughout the United States and tips for attracting them to your outdoor space.

15 Common Backyard Birds in USA

1. American Goldfinch

These small, vibrant yellow-and-black birds brighten up any garden. Goldfinches are especially fond of thistle feeders and sunflower seeds. During winter, their color fades to a more subtle hue, but they remain active year-round.

2. Mourning Dove 

Known for their soothing cooing sounds, mourning doves are larger than many other backyard birds. Their grayish color and distinct whistling noise when they take off make them easy to spot. To keep them around, offer millet or cracked corn.

3. Blue Jay

Blue jays may be notorious for their assertive behavior at feeders, but their intelligence and striking blue feathers make them fascinating to watch. These birds enjoy peanuts and are often seen collecting shiny objects. Blue jays are more common in the eastern U.S., while Steller’s and scrub jays dominate the West.

4. American Robin

A familiar sight in spring, American robins are often found foraging for worms in lawns and gardens. They stay in the U.S. year-round, though they tend to be more visible during warmer months. Attract them with mealworms and berry plants.

5. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

With wings that beat so fast they’re a blur, these tiny green and red hummingbirds captivate onlookers. Ruby-throated hummingbirds prefer nectar-filled flowers or sugar-water feeders, and they’re especially common in the East. Western species include the Anna’s and rufous hummingbirds.

6. Northern Cardinal

One of the most recognizable backyard birds, the northern cardinal stands out with its red plumage and distinct crest. Female cardinals are more muted in color but share the same bright orange beak. Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite for attracting these beauties.

7. Song Sparrow

Though understated in appearance, the song sparrow is widespread and easy to identify. Known for its lovely song, this bird adapts well to various habitats. Offering a variety of seeds will help entice them to your yard.

8. Black-Capped Chickadee

Chickadees are known for their friendly, curious nature and will sometimes eat straight from your hand. They have a unique “chickadee-dee-dee” call and can be attracted with sunflower seeds or peanuts.

9. Tufted Titmouse

With a gray back, white belly, and a tufted crest, the tufted titmouse is a charming addition to any feeder. Known for storing seeds in the fall, these birds are fond of sunflower and safflower seeds.

10. Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers

These two woodpeckers are frequent visitors to suet feeders, though beginners often confuse them. The main difference is size, with hairy woodpeckers being larger. Look for these black-and-white birds with a splash of red on the head.

11. Northern

 

Renowned for its ability to mimic other sounds, the northern mockingbird has an impressive repertoire, including car alarms! Mealworms and berry bushes make a great attractant for these vocal birds.

12. White-Breasted Nuthatch

This agile bird is known for its acrobatics, often seen moving headfirst down tree trunks. They enjoy seeds and nuts, especially peanuts, which they stash in crevices. Nuthatches are fascinating to observe, and adding a mix of seeds will likely bring them to your feeders.

13. Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Despite its name, the red-bellied woodpecker is more noticeable for its red head. Common in the eastern U.S., it visits both suet and seed feeders. This bird brings an interesting variety to your backyard with its loud calls and strong beak.

14. Eastern Bluebird

With a love for insects over seeds, eastern bluebirds are best attracted with mealworms. Providing birdhouses suited to their nesting needs may also encourage them to stay around longer. In the West, look out for mountain and western bluebirds instead.

15. Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore orioles stand out with their vibrant orange color. They prefer fruits and sweets, so offer oranges or grape jelly to entice these seasonal visitors. Bullock’s orioles can be found in the western half of the country.

Tips for Attracting Backyard Birds

1. Diverse Feeder Types: Different birds prefer different types of feeders, such as platform feeders for larger birds or tube feeders for smaller species.
2. Native Plants: Grow plants that provide food, such as sunflowers, berry bushes, and nectar-rich flowers.
3. Water Source: A birdbath or small pond can be a big draw, especially for species that don’t typically visit feeders.
4. Seasonal Adjustments: Birds’ food preferences change throughout the year. Offer protein-rich foods like mealworms in spring and summer and switch to seeds and suet in colder months.

 

Getting familiar with these common birds will make your birdwatching experience richer. Whether you’re putting up feeders, planting bird-friendly flora, or simply observing, the beauty of these backyard birds brings nature closer to home.