Month: December 2024

When the land is covered in snow and the air is bitter cold, there’s something so soothing about watching the winter birds. They crowd on and beneath the feeder, and their appreciation for a free meal is evident in how quickly they come and how long they stick around. 

But, who are these birds? If you’re curious about the winter birds you can attract to your feeder, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll start with the most common backyard winter birds from coast to coast. Then, we’ll get specific about the birds you can attract that are unique to your area. 

Common Winter Birds Across North America 

1. Chickadees

Black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) are one of the first arrivals to a newly stocked winter feeder. They’ll come in a lively flock, usually mixed with titmice and nuthatches depending on the area. These widespread birds are found across the northern United States and much of Canada. They are distinguished from other chickadees by their black cap and bill. 

In the southeast, the Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) will come to feeders in the winter, though they’re less common than Black-capped Chickadees. They look almost identical to the Black-capped Chickadee, with only a few subtle differences. The best way to tell them apart is range. 

On the West Coast, from Alaska down to California, the Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) is a common winter bird that will happily visit backyard feeders. These chickadees have a distinct chestnut-colored back and sides, which sets them apart from the Black-capped Chickadees. 

2. Mourning Dove 

There is something so blissful about watching a Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) peck for seeds in the snow. Their yellow-peach breast and tan-colored wings contrast beautifully with the stark white landscape. 

These widespread winter birds will readily visit a backyard feeder. They’ll eat the fallen seeds beneath the feeder. Often, they’ll eat as much as they can, then fly off to a nearby branch to digest their fill. Mourning Doves arrive in small flocks and will stick around your backyard all day enjoying your seeds. 

3. Downy and Harry Woodpeckers

The Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is the smallest woodpecker in North America. It is a year-long resident across its wide range, which includes most of the United States and Canada. 

These winter birds have a black and white striped head and back and a white belly. The male has a red spot on its nape while the female does not. 

The Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus) shares the same range as the Downy and is very similar in appearance. However, it is much larger and has a longer bill. Like the Downy, the male Hairy Woodpecker has a red nape mark and the female does not. 

Both of these common woodpeckers are beautiful North American winter birds. They will readily visit your backyard feeder, especially if you provide suet. 

4. Dark-eyed Juncos

In the birding world, Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) are commonly called “snowbirds.” This is because they are migratory birds that breed in Canada and head south to the United States for winter. Most other migratory birds head farther south to much warmer climates, making Dark-eyed Juncos somewhat of a rarity. 

Dark-eyed Juncos will arrive in medium to large flocks to your backyard feeder. They’ll hop about under hanging or platform feeders pecking the fallen seed. While these winter birds are widespread across the United States, several sub-species differ in appearance and range. However, they are fairly easy to tell apart. To learn which subspecies is in your area, check out our related article here. 

5. Red and White-breasted Nuthatch 

The White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) is a lovely visitor who will come to backyard feeders across the United States. As the name suggests, it has a stark white breast and belly, a black head stripe, a grey back, and black and white striped wings. 

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is less common than the White-breasted, but will frequently visit feeders in winter. It is a year-long resident throughout Canada and parts of the Western United States, including the Rocky and Cascade Mountain ranges. It has a noticeable red breast and a black eyestripe. The Red-breasted Nuthatch is smaller than the White-breasted Nuthatch.

These nuthatches are endearing winter birds who enjoy sunflower seeds or suet. They like taking one seed at a time and may cache their bounty in nearby tree bark. 

6. House Sparrow

In some areas, especially rural farms and urban neighborhoods, the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) will be the most common winter bird to visit your feeder. These small birds can dominate an area and the nearby feeder. However, these abundant winter birds are still enjoyable to see when the rest of the land is quiet and asleep. 

Male house sparrows are easier to distinguish than the females due to their black bib, grey head, and chestnut nape. The females are light grey-brown with indistinct markings on their head and back. 

7. American Goldfinch 

In the winter, American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis) lack the bright yellow that makes them so easy to identify in the summer. Rather, these little finches are more conspicuous in the winter with tan-yellow feathers on their breast and back. The male can still have a bright yellow head. 

These resident winter birds are abundant throughout the United States; however, some migrate to the South for winter. They congregate in flocks in weedy fields or at backyard feeders. 

8. Song Sparrow

As the name suggests, the Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is most easily identified by its unique, rhythmic song. Like most Sparrows, it has a striped face and chest with streaks of brown and silver. 

These winter birds are year-long residents in much of their range across the United States, especially in the West. Some species migrate farther south from their northern breeding grounds to winter in the Southern and Central United States. 

You’ll likely attract Song Sparrows to your winter feeder if you have brushy areas near your backyard or a large garden with shrubs. 

9. White-crowned Sparrow 

White-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys) gather in wintertime flocks throughout the West and Southern United States. They are permanent residents in parts of their range, such as the West Coast and Rocky Mountain region. Otherwise, they’re a migratory bird that breeds in Northern Canada and migrates to the Southern United States and Mexico for winter. 

White-crowned Sparrows are larger sparrows with distinct white and black stripes on their head. These winter birds happily congregate under backyard feeders to peck at the fallen seed. 

10. European Starling 

If you have a flock of European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) visit your feeder, be ready for them to greedily take their fill. These dark glossy birds are intelligent and remarkably adaptable. They are considered an invasive species and have spread throughout most of North America (except northern Canada). 

European Starlings prefer urban neighborhoods, city parks, and rural farms. These winter birds like to probe in the grass for insects, but will frequent feeders in the winter when other food isn’t available. 

11. Brown Headed Cowbird 

Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) are year-round residents throughout much of the Central and Eastern United States. They are also permanent residents along the west coast. The cowbirds that breed in Canada and the West-Central United States move farther south for the winter. 

The male Brown-headed Cowbird has a glossy black body and a distinct brown head. The female is more tan-grey all over. This makes it easy to identify them when they will arrive in large flocks at a backyard winter feeder. 

12. American Robin

We normally associate the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) with spring, as this is when we see them out in the yard searching for insects. Surprisingly, Robins are year-long residents across the United States. However, they aren’t as easy to find because they move to wooded areas with dense thickets in the winter. 

That said, folks who have berry-bearing shrubs in their garden or backyard are likely to attract a winter flock. Those with numerous shrubs in their yard can have robins in their backyard all winter long.

Eastern North America Winter Birds 

The following winter birds are common sights at backyard feeders throughout the Central and Eastern United States. However, they are not found in the West. 

1. Northern Cardinal (Eastern Winter Bird)

The male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is stunning in the winter landscape. His bright crimson feathers shine against the stark white snow, making him a beloved backyard winter bird. The female is less colorful (but still beautiful) with a yellow-tan breast, grey back and crest, and distinct orange bill. 

As common winter birds, they will readily come to a stocked feeder. The male and female will stick around all day, especially on snowy days, enjoying their free meal. 

2. Tufted Titmouse (Eastern Winter Bird)

The Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is tiny but mighty. With its little crest flaring up and “intimidating” chirps, it will shoo away other birds to claim its spot at the feeder. 

These winter birds happily visit backyard feeders and are abundunt from western Nebraska down to Texas and over to the East Coast. Tufted Titmice have a grey back and crest, a white belly, and a tan blush underneath their wings. 

3. Blue Jay (Eastern Winter Bird)

East of the Rocky Mountains, the Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) stands out with its raucous calls and stunning blue feathers. It is a year-long resident who happily visits winter bird feeders across the Central and Eastern United States. 

Like the Northern Cardinal, the Blue Jay is incredibly beautiful in the snowy landscape. They will land on feeders, take their fill, and fly away in a flurry of blue and white to land in a nearby tree. 

4. Red-bellied Woodpecker (Eastern Winter Bird)

The Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is a delight to attract to the backyard in winter. Its prominent red stripe on its white head makes it easy to identify. It also has black and white bars on its back and a white chest with a subtle pinkish-red underbelly. 

Like other woodpeckers, it prefers suet but will eat whatever seed is available at the feeder. Unlike titmice, doves, chickadees, or cardinals, the Red-bellied Woodpecker doesn’t stick around. Rather, it stops by as it flies through the area, which can be several times per day depending on the location. 

Western North America Winter Birds 

Like the birds listed above, the following winter birds are common throughout the West but aren’t in the East. 

1. Spotted Towhee (Western Winter Bird)

The Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) is a bit of a trickster without meaning to be. These birds love to noisily scratch around in the undergrowth. When you’re out on a walk in the woods, it sounds like a large animal, such as a deer or even a bear, is about to lumber out. But no, out hops the little Towhee, and you’re surprised that a creature so small could make such a ruckus. 

The Spotted Towhee is a frequent backyard feeder bird for those with shrubby patches in their yard. They are year-long residents throughout much of the West and are winter birds in parts of the Central and Southwestern United States. 

2. Steller’s Jay (Western Winter Bird)

In the west, the Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) is the prominent backyard jay. These winter birds have an impressive black crest, a black hood, and dark blue and black feathers. 

The splendid Steller’s Jay is a common year-long resident in the Rocky Mountain region and West Coast states. They’ll happily visit winter feeders, often swooping with a shack-shack-shack call before landing on the feeder. 

Attracting Winter Birds to Your Backyard 

No matter where you live in North America, you can attract winter birds to your backyard by simply setting out a stocked feeder. You’ll soon catch the eye of your local bird species, which likely includes several of the birds listed in this guide. 

Whether you attract a mixed flock of chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches, or you have the western Steller’s Jay and Spotted Towhee at your feeder, these winter birds bring life and joy to the cold scenery. 

When the trees are bare and most of the foliage is brown and dead, nothing compares to the vibrant birds who flock to our feeders to feast on a free winter meal. They, along with a hot cup of tea or cocoa, help bring warmth to the long winter days. 

What winter birds visit your feeder? Tell us about them in the comments below! 

It’s no secret that birds are stunning creatures. Some have bold, colorful feathers while others have unique feather structures to help them stand out. With over 11,000 bird species in the world, there are tons of beautiful birds to admire. So, what are the most beautiful birds in the world?

Here are the 25 Most Beautiful Birds in the World

It can be overwhelming to look through every bird species to decide your favorite. So, we’ve compiled a list of 25 gorgeous birds for you to admire.

1. Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher

The Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher, also known as the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, has colors like a bird you would find in a cartoon. Its bold blue, yellow, and pink feathers are stunning enough to catch anyone’s eye, which is why it’s one of the most beautiful birds in existence. These birds primarily live across Southeast Asia in dense forests near bodies of water.

2. Resplendent Quetzal
(Beautiful National Bird of Guatemala)

The Resplendent Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala, and it was also a sacred animal in ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures. So, it’s clear that many people have recognized this bird’s beauty. With a bold red belly and bright green feathers, including a long, majestic tail, you can find this bird in forests from Southern Mexico to Panama.

3. Golden Pheasant

Golden Pheasants have a rainbow of brightly colored feathers, including yellow, red, orange, blue, and green. If the sun shines on their feathers for too long, their bold plumage could become faded. Luckily, the mountainous forests of Western China give them plenty of shade to protect their beautiful feathers.

4. Victoria Crowned Pigeon
(Beautiful Ground-Dwelling Bird)

Victoria Crowned Pigeons are one of the most beautiful birds in the world because of their large crown of blue feathers on top of their heads. This species was named after British Monarch Queen Victoria, which only adds to the elegance of these large pigeons. These ground-dwelling birds live in swamp forests across New Guinea.

5. Paradise Tanager

This tanager species has jet black feathers with extremely bright patches of teal, red-orange, light green, and indigo. These bright colors help the birds stand out in any environment, which can help them attract a mate. They’re native to the Amazon Rainforest, particularly in Venezuela, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Brazil.

6. Greater Bird-of-Paradise

Male Greater Bird-of-Paradises have gorgeous flowing tails full of fluffy yellow and white feathers. They can show off their beautiful tails for a mating display to attract females. You can find these unique birds perched on branches throughout southwest New Guinea forests.

7. Indian Peafowl (Well-known Beautiful Bird)

The Indian Peafowl, more commonly known as a peacock, is one of the most iconic and coolest birds out there. The males have bright blue bodies with large green patterned feathers they can raise to attract mates and intimidate predators. They’re native to India and Sri Lanka, but they also roam freely at many zoos and parks around the world.

8. Himalayan Monal (Beautiful Mountain Bird)

The Himalayan Monal is beautiful because of its shiny blue, green, orange, and red feathers. These pheasants live at high altitudes of up to 4,000 feet, where they spend most of the time on the ground, foraging for food. They live across the Himalayas in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan.

9. European Bee-Eater

European Bee-Eaters may be small, but they have a lot of bold colors in a petite size. Their feather pattern includes stunning shades of blue-green, yellow, and red-brown. They catch about 250 bees a day in mid-flight, hitting them on hard surfaces to remove the stinger before ingesting. They have a wide range, including Southern and Central Europe, Northern and Southern Africa, and Western Asia.

10. Gouldian Finch

Gouldian Finches look like beautiful abstract paintings. Their feathers have bold patches of red, green, purple, yellow, blue, and black. Their unique color patterns come from a mixture of genetics and external factors, like diets. You can find these beautiful birds across Northern Australia.

11. Fiery-Throated Hummingbird (Beautiful Tiny Bird)

As the name implies, this hummingbird species stands out because it has bright red feathers near its throat. The rest of its feathers are a shimmering mixture of yellow, green, blue, and black. They live in Costa Rica and western Panama, but they’re one of the smallest birds in the world. So, even if you’re in those locations, they can be hard to spot.

12. Nicobar Pigeon

The Nicobar Pigeon has long feathers around its neck, making it look like it has a long hairstyle. As if that wasn’t cool enough, these birds also have shimmering green and blue feathers on their bodies. While they might not look like it, these birds are the closest living relatives to the extinct Dodo bird. They’re native to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

13. Keel-Billed Toucan (Bird with a Beautiful Bill)

The Keel-Billed Toucan is another iconic, beautiful bird. This species has a long, thick beak with green, blue, red, and orange colors. They’re also known as Rainbow-Billed Toucans because of their stunning colors. You can spot them in tropical and subtropical rainforests from Southern Mexico to Colombia and Venezuela.

14. Rainbow Lorikeet (Beautiful Pet Bird)

The Rainbow Lorikeet has a fitting name because these beautiful birds have several bold colors in their feathers. Their feather patterns include dark blue, green, orange, and red. To top off the unique coloring, they have bright red bills. While they’re native to coastal regions of Australia, they’re also kept as pets around the world.

15. Scarlet Macaw

Scarlet Macaws are well-known birds because of their ability to mimic human speech. These large birds have red, blue, and yellow feathers that make them stand out from the green plants in their habitats. They appear in the wild from Southern Mexico to Peru and Brazil. 

16. Sun Conure

The feathers of Sun Conures are just as bright as the sun. They have vibrant yellow, orange, and green plumage that make them easy to spot. They’re social birds that like to live in flocks. Groups of these colorful birds live in tropical regions of northeastern South America.

17. Flame Bowerbird (Beautiful Fiery Bird)

The Flame Bowerbird has vibrant red feathers on the top of its head, which transitions to yellow on its body and wings. So, from a distance, it almost looks like a small flame. These bold birds only live in forests of southern New Guinea.

18. Mandarin Duck

While females of this species look like an average duck, the males have stunning feather patterns that make them look straight out of a painting. The males use their bright colors to attract females, and they usually stay with the same mates for several breeding seasons. Mandarin ducks live in Eastern Asia, including areas of Siberia, China, and Japan.

19. Spangled Cotinga

The Spangled Cotinga looks like a dark-colored bird that was covered with a layer of bright turquoise paint. The male’s coloring is so beautiful that it almost doesn’t look real. Females appear as a solid brown color, so they’re very different from the males. You can spot this species in forests and jungles of South America. 

20. Lilac-Breasted Roller

Lilac-Breasted Rollers are some of the most beautiful birds in the world because they have colors you don’t normally see in nature. Their feathers are a mix of pink, purple, and blue, which is especially prominent when they spread their wings. They’re native to Eastern and Southern Africa.

21. Crimson Rosella (Beautiful Red Bird)

Crimson Rosellas have a beautiful color contrast on their feathers. Most of their feathers have a bright red coloring while they also have a few patches of dark blue. They live in open forests and woodlands across eastern and southeastern Australia.

22. Splendid Fairywren

The name of this species sounds like something out of a fantasy novel, and the bird’s appearance matches that. These tiny birds have bright blue plumage with fluffy light blue feathers on their cheeks. They only measure 12 to 14 inches long. These majestic creatures appear in arid and semi-arid environments across Australia.

23. Eclectus (Beautiful Bird that Mimics Speech)

The Eclectus Parrot can mimic human speech, but they also amaze people through their appearance. They have extremely bold-colored feathers, which are typically red, green, and/or blue. The males are usually bright green while the females are bright red, making it easy to tell the difference between the two. They’re native to rainforests in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, and parts of Australia.

24. Violet Sabrewing

These hummingbirds have some of the most stunning violet feathers you’ll ever see. They’re mostly violet with hints of blue and green, all of which shimmer in the sunlight. They live across southern Mexico and Central America. Even though they’re small birds, they’re the largest hummingbird species in their range.

25. Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise

The Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise might look odd, but there’s no denying that its colors are beautiful. These birds are mostly black with patches of bright blue, red, and yellow. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the light blue feathers on the head are actually skin with no feathers. These curly-tailed birds only live in areas of Indonesia.

Keep an Eye Out for Beautiful Birds

Its hard not to be amazed by these beautiful birds. There are gorgeous bird species all over the world, so you might spot some of them at sanctuaries, zoos, and even in your backyard, depending on where you live. Pay attention to the birds around you, you may be lucky enough to spot one that’s on this list.