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Backyards, often seen as extensions of our homes, can be vibrant ecosystems teeming with life, particularly birdlife. Attracting birds to your backyard not only adds beauty and melody to your outdoor space but also contributes to local biodiversity. This article explores 10 common and captivating backyard birds you can attract, offering tips on how to make your yard a welcoming haven for these feathered friends.
1. American Robin ( Turdus migratorius): The Cheerful Harbinger of Spring
Instantly recognizable by its reddish-orange breast, the American Robin is a common sight foraging for worms on lawns. They love open grassy areas and berry-producing shrubs. Offering a birdbath and planting native berry bushes like serviceberry or dogwood will make your backyard irresistible to these cheerful birds.
2. Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis): A Flash of Crimson Brilliance
The male Northern Cardinal’s vibrant red plumage is a stunning sight against a snowy backdrop. Females are a more subdued brownish-red. Cardinals are attracted to sunflower seeds and safflower seeds, so filling your feeders with these options is a great way to bring them to your yard. They also appreciate dense shrubs for nesting and shelter.
3. Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus): The Acrobatic Seed Lover
These small, energetic birds are easily identified by their black cap and bib. Chickadees are incredibly adaptable and are often seen flitting between branches, searching for insects and seeds. They are particularly fond of sunflower seeds and peanuts. Providing a suet feeder, especially during the winter months, will be greatly appreciated.
4. House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus): The Melodious Songster
House Finches are small, brown-streaked birds with a reddish face and breast (males). They are known for their cheerful, warbling songs. They are attracted to nyjer (thistle) seed and sunflower seeds. Providing a platform feeder or a sock-style feeder filled with nyjer seed will attract these melodious visitors.
5. Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens): The Tiny Drummer
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America. Males have a small red patch on the back of their head. They are attracted to suet feeders and will also forage for insects on tree trunks. Leaving dead or decaying trees standing (if safe to do so) can provide natural foraging opportunities.
6. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata): The Bold and Intelligent
Known for their striking blue, black, and white plumage, Blue Jays are intelligent and vocal birds. They are often drawn to peanuts, acorns, and sunflower seeds. Providing a platform feeder and planting oak trees can attract these bold birds to your backyard.
7. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura): The Gentle Cooer
Mourning Doves are slender, graceful birds with a soft, cooing call. They are ground feeders and are attracted to seeds, particularly millet and sunflower seeds. Spreading seeds on the ground or providing a ground feeder will encourage them to visit your yard.
8. Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis): The Winter Visitor
Often called "snowbirds," Dark-eyed Juncos are common winter visitors to many backyards. They are small, gray birds with a white belly. They are ground feeders and are attracted to millet and cracked corn. Spreading seeds on the ground or providing a low platform feeder will attract these winter visitors.
9. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis): The Sunny Yellow Songster
The male American Goldfinch is a vibrant yellow during the breeding season, transforming to a more subdued olive-brown in the winter. They are particularly fond of nyjer (thistle) seed and sunflower seeds. Providing a sock-style feeder filled with nyjer seed will attract these sunny birds.
10. European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris): The Iridescent Opportunist
While often considered a nuisance species due to their aggressive nature and large flocks, European Starlings are undeniably beautiful up close with their iridescent black plumage. They are highly adaptable and will eat almost anything. While not everyone wants to attract them, they are a common backyard bird and will readily visit feeders offering suet, fruit, and seeds.
Creating a Bird-Friendly Backyard:
Attracting birds to your backyard requires more than just putting out feeders. Consider these tips:
- Provide a water source: A birdbath, pond, or even a shallow dish of water can be a lifesaver for birds, especially during hot weather.
- Plant native vegetation: Native plants provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.
- **Offer a variety
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