Variety of Aviary Visitors That May Frequent Your Yard
North American gardens can be a haven for a variety of bird species, each with their unique characteristics and habits. Here is a list of some common birds frequently found in gardens across the continent.
The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird can be spotted in the eastern United States during the summers, migrating to Central America in the fall. These tiny, vibrant birds are attracted to gardens with native, bird-friendly plants such as red cedar and serviceberry shrubs.
Northern Cardinals are known for their red plumage and love of red fruits like berries and mulberries. They are often found in gardens with native flowers and shrubs that produce seeds or fruit they eat.
American Crows are intelligent birds that are known for hiding food and dropping nuts encased in shells on hard substrates to crack open. They can be found in gardens that offer a variety of food sources and safe shelter.
Carolina Wrens are found in Carolina and other southeastern states, characterized by their round body, long tails, and warm orange undersides. They prefer gardens with seeds and plants in marshes and weeds.
The Black-billed Magpie is found in the western half of North America, often perching on road signs, flying across rangelands, or sitting on fence posts. They are attracted to gardens with native plants that produce seeds and fruits.
Wood Pigeons are the largest pigeon species in North America and are known for their love of seeds and nuts. They can be found in gardens with native plants that produce seeds and fruits.
House Sparrows are found in every state in the United States, except Alaska and far northern Canada, often scavenging through rubbish. They are attracted to gardens with bird feeders offering appropriate seed mixes for their diet.
American Bald Eagles are found in Canada and Alaska, and have a diet that includes fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals. They do not typically visit gardens but can be observed near bodies of water with a plentiful food supply.
Reed Buntings live in wetlands and farmland, and prefer to eat seeds and plants in marshes and weeds. They are not often found in gardens but can be attracted with native plants that produce seeds and fruits.
Dark-eyed Juncos are seed-eaters most likely to be spotted during the winter months, and are one of the most common birds in North America. They can be attracted to gardens with bird feeders offering appropriate seed mixes.
Song Sparrows are sighted throughout most of North America, and are often singing throughout the year to attract females. They can be attracted to gardens with native plants that produce seeds and fruits.
To attract these birds to your garden, consider the following effective methods:
- Plant native, bird-friendly plants that provide food and shelter.
- Offer natural food sources such as seeds, berries, and insects by planting native flowers and shrubs that produce seeds or fruit birds eat.
- Use bird feeders correctly, providing seed mixes appropriate for local species.
- Provide water features such as bird baths with clean, fresh water to encourage bathing and drinking.
- Create safe shelter with trees, shrubs, and brush piles that offer protection from predators and harsh weather.
- Avoid harmful chemicals and keep the garden safe from predators to maintain a welcoming environment for birds.
These approaches collectively help establish a garden habitat that supports diverse and abundant birdlife throughout the year in North America.
Other common birds found across North America include the Blue Jay, American Goldfinch, Lesser Goldfinch, Tufted Titmouse, Spotted Towhee, Common Grackle, European Starling, Black-capped Chickadee, Common Chaffinch, Golden Eagle, Eastern Bluebird, Steller's Jay, Mourning Dove, Pileated Woodpecker, Carolina Chickadee, American Robin, Rufous Hummingbird, White-breasted Nuthatch, Chipping Sparrow, and Downy Woodpecker. Each of these birds varies in size and behavior but are all familiar garden visitors across many regions of the continent.
- A pet cat may take interest in home-and-garden activities if it spots a bird feeding on red cedar shrubs or serviceberries, as these small avian creatures are commonly attracted to gardens with native, bird-friendly plants.
- One can implement a pet-friendly lifestyle by offering bird feeders that provide appropriate seed mixes, just like they help attract Song Sparrows and House Sparrows, while ensuring neighborhood dogs are kept at a distance to maintain a safe environment for these feathered visitors.
- Birds like Wood Pigeons, known for their love of seeds and nuts, and Carolina Wrens, who prefer gardens with seeds and plants in marshes and weeds, can share a portion of their food with smaller pets like dogs or cats, adding a touch of variety to their diets and creating a harmonious home-and-garden environment for both pet and birdlife.
