Tanagers are unmistakable with their bright, flashy plumage. The trick is spotting them, as these inconspicuous birds spend most of their time in the canopy, hidden behind dense foliage. But with enough patience and an ear tuned to their call, you might be able to spot one moving slowly through the branches.
When you do spot a tanager, this guide will help you identify which species it is. We’ll cover the four common tanagers of North America, and you’ll learn about their range, habitat, and calls.
You’ll also meet a rare species that sometimes visits the Southwest but is more common in Mexico. Before we meet each bird, let’s briefly discuss what unites these birds under the common name “tanager.”
What are Tanagers?
All the Tanagers in North America—specifically the United States and Canada—are closely related. They all belong to the same genus, Piranga, and are in the Cardinalidae, or Cardinalfamily.
Because they’re in the Cardinal family, the tanagers of North America are not “true” Tanagers. They used to belong to the true tanager family, Thraupidae. However, scientists recently discovered that their DNA is more closely related to birds in the Cardinal family.
True tanagers occupy the tropics; there are no true tanagers in North America (except perhaps southern Mexico). Nevertheless, they still share the common “tanager” name.
The tanagers of North America are similar in that the males all have bright red to orange plumage. They also have thick, slightly curved beaks. This distinct beak shape allows them to feed on fruits and large insects.
They are all migratory species, coming here to breed in the spring and summer and departing to the tropics in early fall. These birds are late-spring migrants, with some not arriving until late June.
Guide to Tanagers in North America
1. Western Tanager
A male (left) and female western tanager (right). Left image by Jim Moodie via Flickr, right image by Victor Vector via Flickr.
Range: The Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) breeds throughout western North America, from Arizona up to western Montana and over to the Pacific Coast states.
Habitat: While breeding, this species prefer high-elevation mountain conifer or mixed forests. They’re often found in spruce, pine, fir, and aspen forests. During migration, you can find them in a variety of habitats, including deserts, prairies, and lower-elevation forests.
Description: The male Western Tanager is striking, with an orange to red head and bright yellow chest and underside. His wings are black with white and yellow markings. The female is a duller yellow overall with grey-tan wings. Females can be mistaken for female orioles, but tanagers have a thicker, larger bill.
Call: It sounds similar to a robin’s but raspier and more clipped. Listen to their call [here] to familiarize yourself.
2. Scarlet Tanager
A female (left) and male scarlet tanager (right). Left image by Vidterry via Flickr. Right image by Steve Jones via Flickr.
Range: While breeding, the Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) is found in the north-central and northeastern United States. They breed from Minnesota down to northern Arkansas, over to the northern tip of South Carolina, and up to Maine. They migrate through the central and eastern Southern states.
Habitat: Look for these birds in oak, maple, and beech woodlands or mixed pine-oak stands. They prefer shady deciduous forests but will sometimes breed in pine and hemlock woods.
Description: The male’s breeding plumage is spectacular. He is bright red all over with stunning black wings. The female is less distinct, with grey-yellow plumage and tan-grey wings. Like other female tanagers, she can be mistaken for a female oriole. Check the bill size for proper identification.
Call: They sounds very similar to robins, but the rhythm is faster, more blurred, and slightly nasally. Listen to their call [here] to familiarize yourself.
3. Summer Tanager
A male (left) and female summer tanager (right). Left image by Greg Lavaty via Flickr. Right image by David Alexander via Flickr.
Range: Throughout the late spring and summer, the Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) breeds across the southern United States and northern Mexico. It is common from southeastern New Mexico, across Texas, and up to Missouri—its northernmost range. From there, its range stretches to the East Coast.
Habitat: This species prefers mixed, dry woodlands, especially those with oak, pine, and hickory. In the Southwest, they’re common in cottonwood-willow stands along streams.
Description: Look for a bright, rosy-red male moving slowly through the treetops. Males are red all over, and the females are dark yellow overall. Where species overlap, female Summer Tanagers can be mistaken for female Scarlet Tanagers. However, female Scarlet Tanagers have a paler yellow belly and head, with grey-green wings. Plus, the bill of the Summer Tanager is much thicker.
Call: Like other tanager calls, this species sounds similar to a robin. However, its rhythm is more drawn out, with a softer tone. Listen to their calls [here] to familiarize yourself.
4. Hepatic Tanager
A male (left) and female hepatic tanger (right). Left image by Digital Plume Hunter via Flickr. Right image by Daniel Parent via Flickr.
Range: The Hepatic Tanager (Piranga flava) breeds in the mountainous and forested regions of New Mexico and Arizona. Some stray into California and occasionally winter there. These birds winter in parts of northern Mexico, making them short-range migrants.
Habitat: These southwestern birds prefer open pine and oak forests. You can find them in mountain forests and canyons at mid-elevations, as well as pinyon pine groves at lower elevations.
Description: The Hepatic Tanager gets its common name from its duller red-orange color, similar to that of the liver. Males are orange-red all over, with some darker grey streaks on their wings. Females have a yellow head and belly, a grey-yellow back, and yellow wings with grey markings.
Call: Their call ranges from a fast-paced, rhythmic robin-like song to a steady chuck-chuck-chuck. Listen to their calls [here] to familiarize yourself.
5. Flame-Colored Tanager
A male (left) and female flame-colored tanager (right). Left image by Grigory Heaton via Flickr. Right image by Lynn Griffiths via Flickr.
Range: The Flame-Colored Tanager (Piranga bidentata) is a rare visitor to Arizona’s Chiricahua Mountains. It is a year-long resident of Mexico and Central America. According toAudubon Field Guide, “… this tanager was never found in our area until 1985, when a male spent the breeding season… paired with a female Western Tanager. Since then the species has appeared several more times in Arizona and has nested there more than once.”
Habitat: This species prefer mountainous forests in their native range, especially woods of oak and pine. They also occur on forest edges near roadsides, pastures, farms, gardens, and coffee plantations.
Description: The males are a vibrant red or orange on their head and underside. They have distinct dark grey to black markings on their back and black wings with white bars. The females are yellow on their head and underside. Like the males, they have dark back markings and black wings with white wingbars.
The females of this species can be confused with female Western Tanagers. However, Flame-Colored Tanagers have bold black wings, while Western Tanagers have grey wings and no black markings on the back.
Call: Their call sounds similar to the Western Tanager’s, but slower. Listen to their calls [here] to familiarize yourself.
The Beautiful Tanagers of North America
Despite there being only four common tanager species in North America, they are among the most memorable birds to see. With their bright orange to red plumage and stunning dark wings, they are some of the most beautiful birds in the United States and Canada.
The hardest part is actually seeing them, as they spend most of their time high in the treetops. But if you’re patient and determined, you’re sure to spot one. Make sure to familiarize yourself with their calls and hone in on the identification details described in this guide.
How many tanagers on this list have you spotted? Share a time you got to witness these beautiful birds in the comments below!
There are lots of brown birds in North America that flock to feeders and bird baths. While they might not stand out as much as vibrantly colored birds, they’re each unique in their own way. So, how do you identify the brown birds that visit your yard?
What are Some Common Brown Birds in North America?
Below are a few of the most common brown birds in North America. Have you seen any of them?
Location: Urban and suburban areas across North America, South America, Europe, and parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia
House sparrows are not only one of the most common North American birds, but they’re also common worldwide, appearing on every continent except Antarctica. Both males and females have unique brown patterns, but males have darker brown patches, which sometimes have a reddish tint. These common sparrows frequently nest in man-made structures such as buildings and nest boxes.
Location: Open woods and shrubby areas across North America
These are one of the most common wrens in North America. Both male and female northern house wrens are mostly solid brown with some darker brown speckles toward their wings and tails. These brown birds will build their twig nests in almost any openings they find. While that usually involves nest boxes, it can also include tree crevices, old cans, boxes, and even boots.
Location: Forests and grassy openings across most of North America
Chipping sparrows are mostly brown with a white belly, and during the breeding season, they have a red-brown patch on top of their heads. They make long, loud trilling calls that sometimes sound like they’re saying “chip” repeatedly. Their nests are flimsy and built low in the trees. They breed across southern Canada and most of the United States, but then they fly south for the rest of the year.
Location: Brushlands and marshes from southern Alaska to northern Mexico
Song sparrows are very light brown with streaks of darker brown feathers. However, the patterns of these birds can vary slightly based on their location. In the deserts of southwestern United States, they’re paler, but in the Pacific Northwest, they have darker streaks. The males use a variety of songs to attract mates and defend their territories. While they typically migrate south when they’re not breeding, there are some areas of the United States that have them year-round.
Location: Woodlands and shrubby areas of eastern North America
Carolina wrens have dark brown feathers on their backs and light brown feathers with a touch of yellow on their bellies. They live in the same area year-round rather than migrating. They’re shy, and their coloring makes these brown birds hard to spot among the trees. Yet, they have piercing calls that you might hear before you see them. Only the males sing the loud songs, and they can sing thousands of times in one day.
Hermit thrushes are small birds with solid light brown feathers. Their name comes from the fact that they’re shy, secretive birds. They typically have a white belly with sparse dark brown spots. They’re often found on forest floors, searching through leaf litter to find insects to eat. They may shake blades of grass with their feet to make it easier to locate hiding prey. They typically breed in northern habitats and fly to southern North America during the non-breeding season.
Location: Wooded areas across Canada and the United States
Fox sparrows have several subspecies, all of which have beautiful brown feathers. Common subspecies include “sooty” fox sparrows, which have solid brown feathers with some white spots on their bellies and “red” fox sparrows, which have patterns of reddish-brown feathers. While they’re native to North America, people have spotted single fox sparrows in parts of Europe too.
8. Pine Siskin (Brown Birds with a Hint of Yellow)
Pine siskins spend a lot of time high in the trees collecting seeds. They may even climb upside down on branches to collect hanging seeds. They sometimes store seeds in part of their esophagus to help them survive frigid winter nights. These birds are light brown with darker brown streaks across their bodies. They also have a hint of yellow on the tips of their wings. They typically breed in Canada and then fly south, but there are some parts of the United States where they remain year-round.
Location: Thick forests from southeastern Canada to Central America
Wood thrushes have solid brown feathers on their backs and a white belly with dark brown spots. The brown backs of these birds make them blend in well when they’re foraging among leaves on forest floors. They breed in the eastern United States before migrating to southern Mexico and Central America. While they rarely get close to humans, you may hear their calls from your yard, which sound like haunting, flute-like songs.
Location: Thickets and forest edges of southeastern Canada and the eastern United States
These are beautiful brown birds to admire from a distance, but they may strike people or animals that come too close to their nests. They have over 1,100 different song types, which include songs imitated from other birds. This gives them one of the largest repertoires of any songbird. Keep an eye out for the warm brown feathers on their backs, paired with long, narrow bills and white bellies with dark spots. There are some areas, specifically the southeastern United States, where they’re present year-round.
Location: Arid, rocky habitats of western United States and Mexico
Canyon wrens are small, brown birds with warmer brown on the bottom halves of their bodies and duller brown on top. They have speckles across their feathers, and they have a white patch on their throats. They’re agile birds that quickly scale cliffs while grabbing insects from crevices with their thin, pointed bills. They also steal insects trapped in spiderwebs. They don’t migrate, so they can be found in all areas of their range year-round.
Location: Coniferous forests from southern Canada to parts of Mexico
Brown creepers have beautiful brown patterns on their backs with solid white bellies. They typically hang out at the largest trees they can find. They peel off loose bark and build nests behind it. Sometimes, these nests have two openings: one for entering and one for exiting. If there isn’t a suitable tree for a nest, they may build nests under roofs, inside fence posts, and on other man-made structures.
Location: Dry, brushy areas of western and southwestern United States, along with parts of Mexico
Bewick’s wrens have solid brown backs, striped tails, and gray/white bellies. However, their behaviors are more recognizable than their appearance. These brown birds are noisy and constantly moving. They repeatedly hop from branch to branch, often flicking their tails. Some of their sounds include whistles, warbles, burrs, and trills, which can be used for a variety of things, such as attracting a mate, communicating, or defending territory.
Location: Evergreen forests of eastern United States and Canada
Winter wrens are small and round with brown feathers all over. Their feathers have small speckles, giving them the illusion of a unique texture. They aren’t the strongest fliers, so they’re more likely to hop on branches and scurry across the ground than fly. Their song is a bubbly, cascading melody that sounds like bells. They breed in Canada before migrating down to the southeastern United States.
Location: Semi-open habitats across the United States, Mexico, and southern Canada
Mourning doves are usually a mix of solid brown and gray, and they’re one of the most common and widespread brown birds of North America. They have a distinct call that includes three to four “coos.” The famous cooing almost always comes from a male searching for a mate. Their vocalizations sound somber, which is why they earned the name mourning dove. They’re typically seen resting on high perches or foraging for seeds on the ground.
Try Identifying Some Brown Birds in North America!
If you live in North America, you’re bound to see some of these brown birds from time to time. To more easily observe them, consider setting up a smart bird house. That way, you’ll give birds a comfortable place to rest while still being able to identify which brown birds visit your yard.
You don’t need miles and miles of land. Or a hefty figure in your bank account.
There are easy, cheap and effective ways to attract nesting birds to your yard.
From knowing what plants to use, to overcoming the urge to keep everything in the yard pristine, this article will explore 8 easy ways in which to encourage birds nesting in your own backyard.
A twist on landscaping, birdscaping is a way of designing your yard to be a utopia for birdlife.
No matter the size of your yard – whether it’s perched on acres of sprawling woodland, or a mere window ledge – there are always ways to make the space bird friendly.
And that starts with the type of vegetation you use.
You want to use a variety of foliage that offers not only food, but ample shelter and materials to build nests with.
By increasing the type of vegetation you have, the higher the diversity of life you will attract into your yard.
Birds want to feel safe when nesting. A place where they are away from predators. Away from disturbance. And plants are a great way to offer privacy.
But knowing what plants to plant is the next challenge.
2. Nesting birds love native plants
This one might require some research, but it is well worth it.
If you’re not sure what plants are native to your area, a quick search online should do just the trick. Audubon’s native plant guide should be able to help you find the best plants for the birds in your area.
Knowing which shrubs to plant is important and there needs to be a balance of species that are used for nesting, foraging and nest construction.
If I lived in Colorado, for example, I’d introduce native shrubs which yield high quantities of berries – such as serviceberry. This small tree bears clusters of fragrant white flowers in April, which give rise to purple-black, berrylike fruits.
In drier regions of the State, native succulents such as Joshua trees, provide a great nesting substrate for a range of bird species, such as tanagers.
Unlike introduced plants, native plants have evolved alongside local birds, providing essential food and habitat that non-native plants often lack.
These plants offer birds food sources like nectar, buds, berries, and seeds, crucial for various bird species throughout the seasons. Native plants also attract a wealth of insect prey, such as caterpillars, that many bird species rely on to feed their chicks.
3. Bird baths are an easy way to encourage nesting birds
Bird baths can be as simple or as extravagant as you like.
Sure, you can go to somewhere like Home Depot and purchase an intricately designed bird bath that takes center stage in your yard.
For me, however, I find it more rewarding to build a bird bath yourself.
But don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert stonemason to create a bird bath. They really can be so simple to make.
All you need is a shallow pan – something like an old cake tin or dustbin lid should do the trick – and some rocks.
Place the tray on levelled ground, preferably close to shrubs, and fill with no more than an inch-and-a-half of water. Add a few rocks and voilá, your very own bird bath.
The addition of rocks not only allows birds to perch, but also allows them to gauge how deep the water is.
Of course, a bird bath isn’t just a one-and-done kind of thing. You’ll need to clean it on a regular basis, especially in the summer months, to prevent nasty pathogens from spreading.
Whether you invest a lot of money into your bird bath, or go down the route of Do It Yourself, one thing is guaranteed: bird baths are vital for birds, especially those nesting.
Bird baths provide birds with a reliable source of water for drinking, bathing, and cooling off, which is crucial for their health and well-being. Bathing helps birds maintain their feathers – essential for flight, insulation, and courtship – by removing dust and parasites.
Bird baths can also attract a wider variety of birds to a garden than feeders alone, which may increase the likelihood of attracting species wanting to nest.
4. Discourage cats from being outside alone
Cats are one of the leading causes of bird declines globally.
If you, or your neighbors, have cats, that could be the reason why you’re not getting any nesting birds in your yard.
Not only do cats directly prey on birds, the mere presence of a cat can deter birds from nesting or cause them to abandon nests through increased stress.
Chicks, ground-nesting and ground-feeding birds are at higher risk of cat predation.
The best way to prevent cat-related mortalities for your backyard birds is to keep cats inside. Cats can live a happy and healthy life indoors when provided with the right environment and enrichment.
Some cats may initially find the transition difficult, especially those accustomed to outdoor living, but they can adapt.
In fact, it may even be beneficial for your cat to be inside, as they will be less exposed to dangers such as road traffic collisions, or larger predators such as cougars.
If you’re absolutely adamant that you want your cat roaming outside, consider attaching a bell to their collar. The noise made should act as a warning signal to any nearby birds, allowing them precious seconds to escape.
It sounds simple, but sometimes simplicity is the most effective.
However, there are more technical solutions.
Ultrasonic cat repellents are devices which will activate through motion detection. It works by projecting a very high-pitched frequency that cats dislike – often inaudible to the human ear.
Scent deterrents can also work well for cats. For a natural remedy, try using citronella or citrus fruit peel throughout your yard. You can also purchase repellent pellets, which can be scattered across yard borders – especially if you have shrubs where birds like to nest.
5. Avoid using pesticides or chemicals in your yard
Sometimes ‘pests’ in the yard can get a bit out of hand – especially if you’re prone to growing your own fruit and veg.
Naturally, many people are tempted to reach for the bug killer. But hold up! There’s a better, more nature-friendly way.
You see, pesticides don’t discriminate – they are just as likely to kill harmless wildlife as they are to kill your target species.
Blasting lots of insects with chemicals removes potential food for other wildlife, such as nesting birds.
Additionally, pesticides are harmful to nesting birds because they can contaminate their nests, food sources, and even the birds themselves, leading to reduced reproductive success, slower growth, and even death. These effects can weaken bird populations and threaten biodiversity.
So instead, encourage natural predators and beneficial insects in your yard. Ladybugs, for example, love eating aphids!
You can also try some home remedy methods. Try sprinkling leftover coffee grounds around the base of your plants to deter ants. Or use crushed egg shells to discourage slugs (they don’t like the sharpness of the shell)!
6. Add nest boxes to support nesting birds
Secondary cavity-nesting birds, such as bluebirds and chickadees, rely on pre-existing cavities within structures.
These cavities are often made by larger species, such as woodpeckers, whose hammer-like bill and sharp claws enable them to excavate a hole with ease.
However, in our ever-changing world, space in the natural environment is becoming scarcer, meaning competition becomes fiercer.
As humans encroach on wild spaces, we often destroy vital habitats where natural cavities can be found. In addition, introduced species, such as the European starling, are out-completing native birds due to their larger size and more aggressive nature.
Providing nest boxes is one of the easiest ways to help birds in your own backyard.
Nest box installation is all about location, location, location. It’s key that the nest sites are nearby to foraging locations, where nesting birds can find plenty of prey invertebrates, without leaving the nest for too long.
Different birds prefer different-sized nest boxes and entrance holes – so it may be worth adding a variety of different sized boxes around your backyard and see what you attract.
You want a nest box with a hole that is just about big enough for the bird to squeeze through. This prevents larger predators from entering, or freak weather events affecting nesting success.
On occasion, you may notice a colony of bees, wasps, or even earwigs move into the nest box. That’s okay! Afterall, many of these insects are useful food for birds.
At the very worst, it becomes a bug box – but hey, that’s still more biodiversity in your yard.
7. Keep untamed areas of your yard
A mown lawn is as bad as deforestation.
But because we’re not dealing with felled ancient trees, or large lovable mammals, the issue goes mostly ignored.
For birds, a mown lawn can be detrimental. It removes essential food sources, nesting sites, and shelter.
By removing weeds, insects, and native plants, a mown lawn can create a “food desert” for birds. Additionally, the lack of natural vegetation deprives birds of places to build nests and find refuge from predators and the elements.
But hey, I understand that you want to keep a tidy and presentable yard. And that’s okay.
If you have the space, try and leave areas of your yard for nature. Avoid mowing, suppress the urge to rake leaves or dig up weeds. Maybe even add a few logs. All these tips and tricks are great for birds wanting to nest.
Areas of uncut grass provide shelter and nesting sites for birds. Leaves offer an excellent material for nest construction. Weeds, such as chickweed and nettles, produce food in the form of seeds and insects. Log piles encourage insects, which in turn attracts birds.
Leaving areas of your yard wild can greatly benefit wildlife by providing habitats and resources.
8. Put out high-protein foods
A nesting bird is a happy bird.
And the best way to keep a bird happy is to ensure they have all their essential needs: food, water and shelter.
We’ve already discussed the importance of providing bird baths and nest boxes, but possibly the most obvious one is bird feeders.
Copulation, nest construction and egg development are some of the most energetically costly events in a bird’s life.
To encourage birds to nest in your yard, add a variety of bird feeders with high-protein foods, such as mealworms, peanuts, and suet.
If you want to increase bird diversity in your yard, try feeders that specialize on specific species. Hummingbird feeders, nyjer feeders or suet feeders, alongside the more traditional tube or platform feeders will attract a wide variety of life.
But just like bird baths, you must regularly clean feeders to prevent the spread of diseases.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose just one of the above, all 8, or somewhere in the middle, you’re already on the right path to attracting nesting birds to your yard.
A tufted titmouse in a Nest Box Live bird house. Image by Nest Box Live.
Each of these strategies can be tailored to you and your yard. Have an old cake tin? Make a DIY birdbath. Thinking of weeding the flower bed? Why not try leaving an area to do its thing.
What’s more, these are activities that can be done with children. Turn the TV off and spend the day in the yard. Open up conversations about the importance of wildlife. Afterall, children are our planet’s future.
Most of the birds that appear in yards are tiny. They can land on bird feeders and rest inside birdhouses. Yet, not all birds are small. Some are taller and even heavier than a human while others have a wingspan wider than a person’s height. While you probably won’t find the biggest birds in the world near your home, they’re some of the most majestic animals you’ll ever see.
Here are the 15 Biggest Birds in the World
If you’re interested in learning more about the largest animals on our planet, here are the biggest birds in existence, starting from the fifteenth biggest to number one.
Wild turkeys live across North America, most commonly in wooded areas. While they can have a wide range of sizes in the wild, they’re often the biggest in captivity because of selective breeding practices. Turkeys have large enough wings to help them fly, but only short distances because of their weight.
Not only are dwarf cassowaries slightly smaller than other cassowaries, but they also lack distinct wattles. They live in areas with high elevations across New Guinea. They primarily eat fallen fruit, which helps distribute seeds. They’re shy and solitary, running and jumping to avoid threats since they can’t fly.
Lesser rheas, also known as Darwin’s rheas, are the smaller rhea species, but they’re still much larger than most birds. Besides their size, the coloring can distinguish the two rheas. Greater rheas have dark, solid feathers while lesser rheas are typically light brown and spotted. Lesser rheas live in scrublands and grasslands in Patagonia and nearby areas of South America.
Not only are Andean condors heavy, but they also have one of the largest wingspans in the world. You can spot them flying across the Andes Mountains in South America. They typically fly in windy areas, making it easy to support their weight by gliding. While males and females look similar, males have brown eyes while females have red eyes.
Emperor penguins are the largest penguin species by far, in addition to being one of the biggest birds in the world. They live across Antarctica and the floating ice around the continent. Even though they’re flightless birds, they can’t walk fast either. They need to slide on their bellies or dive into water to move quickly. Rather than building a nest, the male incubates the egg under a loose skin fold while the female goes to hunt.
The snowy albatross, also known as the wandering albatross, might not be the heaviest bird, but it’s one of the biggest birds in the world because of its wingspan. These birds spend most of their time flying over the Southern Ocean, only returning to land every year or two. They can glide for several miles by only flapping their wings once.
Kori bustards are the heaviest flying birds in the world, with males weighing much more than females. They live in open grasslands and savannas across eastern and southern Africa. They’re primarily carnivorous, eating just about anything, including insects, small mammals, lizards, snakes, and carrion. Yet, they may occasionally eat berries and seeds too.
Rheas are large, flightless birds with a similar shape to ostriches and emus. They live in grasslands and scrublands across southeastern South America. Greater rheas are the larger of the two rhea species in the world, and they’re the biggest birds in South America. While the females typically live in groups, the males incubate the eggs and then care for the chicks alone.
Marabou storks are tall while also displaying an impressive wingspan. Even though they’re so large, they have hollow leg and toe bones to make them lighter so they can fly easier. They live in a variety of open habitats across Sub-Saharan Africa, including savannas, grasslands, swamps, and riverbanks. When hunting, they often fly toward fires so they can scoop up fleeing animals.
Emus are dinosaur-like birds living across Australia in woodlands, open plains, and grasslands. They’re shorter and have darker, shaggier feathers than ostriches, but they’re still very fast. They can run up to 31 miles per hour, making it easy for them to outrun predators. They got their name because males make calls that sound like they’re saying “e-moo.” The females make loud booming sounds instead.
Dalmatian pelicans are another one of the biggest birds in the world capable of flying. They live in open wetlands across southeastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. They can migrate far across their range, but they always find their way back to the same nesting spot when it’s time to breed. Their huge bills and gizzard pouches allow them to eat two to three pounds of fish per day.
Northern cassowaries are slightly smaller than southern cassowaries. Their face color is often a little darker, and they have a single wattle rather than a double one. They primarily live in lowland rainforests of northern New Guinea. Despite their striking appearance, they’re shy and solitary, only interacting with other cassowaries when mating. If provoked, both northern and southern cassowaries can be extremely dangerous, so keep a distance.
Besides being some of the biggest birds in the world, cassowaries are also some of the coolest. The southern cassowary isn’t nearly as large as an ostrich, but they’re still too heavy to fly. These birds have solid black bodies, but their heads are a beautiful light blue color. They live in tropical rainforests of northeastern Australia and nearby islands. They have powerful legs and sharp claws to protect themselves from predators, and they can run up to 31 miles per hour.
Somali ostriches, the only other living ostrich species, are about the same weight and height as common ostriches. These ostriches stand out because they have a blue-gray neck while common ostriches have pinkish necks. They’re native to the horn of Africa, and they prefer to live near denser vegetation than common ostriches. They browse instead of graze, meaning they primarily seek high-growing plants.
Common ostriches are easily the tallest and heaviest birds in the world. While their wings aren’t strong enough to lift their bodies off the ground, they can sprint up to 43 miles per hour. They live in open habitats of eastern Africa, allowing them to easily see predators so they can escape in time. Their huge eyes, which are bigger than their brains, make their eyesight excellent.
Keep an Eye Out for the Biggest Birds in the World
While the biggest birds in the world likely won’t appear in backyards, you might see them when traveling or visiting zoos and sanctuaries. They tower over the birds we’re used to seeing, so take a moment to admire them if you ever get the chance. Witnessing one is truly an experience you won’t forget.
Sparrows are a hard group of birds to identify properly. They can all look the same if you don’t know what to look for! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 12 most common types of sparrow you’re likely to see.
In this guide, you’ll learn where each of these birds lives and how it looks and acts. You’ll also learn how to differentiate each species from eachother. But before we dive into these birds, let’s discuss what defines a sparrow.
What are Sparrows?
Sparrows are small to medium-sized birds in the Passerellidae, or New World Sparrow family. This family makes up the majority of sparrows in North America. Yet, there are a couple of sparrows in the Old World Sparrow, or Passeridae family. These include the non-native House and Eurasian Tree Sparrow.
Sparrows are primarily seed-eating birds with conical bills, which allow them to crack open hard seed shells. They are typically brown or grey and have a distinct head pattern.
While many of these birds share similar sizes and appearances, there are some distinct members of this family. For instance, towhees, buntings, and juncos are all in the New World Sparrow family but aren’t known as “sparrows.”
The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is one of the most common birds in North America and is one of the most widespread birds in the world. It is the only bird on this list not native to North America.
Males of this species are easier to identify than the females. They have a black bib, grey head, white cheeks, and chestnut nape. Whereas females are light grey-brown with indistinct markings on their heads and backs.
Where to Find
House Sparrows stay close to humans; you can find them in rural farm areas, cities, and suburbs. Because of their close association with people, these birds avoid uninhabited areas. This includes forests, grasslands, wilderness areas, and deserts.
Key ID Features
The male’s most distinct feature is its multi-colored head markings. They also have a larger and more rounded beak than most other sparrows.
These birds are most similar in appearance to the Eurasian Tree Sparrow. However, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow lacks the grey head and has an entirely rufous-red crown.
The Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) is small and abundant across North America. Juncos don’t look like typical sparrows. They don’t have obvious wing, head, or chest streaks, and they usually have a brown, grey, or black hood.
Within the Dark-eyed Junco species, there are several subspecies. These were once considered separate species. The variations differ in plumage color, range, and habitat.
These junco variations include:
“Slate-colored” of Eastern and Central North America,
“Oregon,” “Pink-sided,” and “Grey-headed” juncos of the West,
“White-winged” junco of South Dakota,
“Red-backed” of the Southwest United States,
“Cismontanus” junco in the Western United States and central Canada.
Where to Find
You can find Dark-eyed Juncos in various habitats. While breeding, they prefer:
mixed conifer forests
semi-open wooded areas
forest edges.
In winter, you can find them in:
meadows
open woods
forest edges
roadsides
backyards
fields and parks
brushy thickets
Most Dark-eyed Juncos in the Central and Eastern United States migrate to Canada and Alaska to breed. Some stay year-round in California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Rocky Mountain region. This is also true for the Appalachian Mountain range, the Northeast, and the Upper Great Lakes Region.
Key ID Features
Because there are so many junco variations, I recommend checking out another blog I wrote: “Dark-eyed Junco: The ‘Snowbird’ of Winter.” In that blog, I describe how to identify each junco subspecies and where their range is.
That said, Juncos do share some key features. These features include:
a rounded, grey or black head;
a short, pale pink bill;
a long tail with white outer tail feathers (especially noticeable in flight).
The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is often heard before it’s seen. In thick, brushy areas in spring, it will sing a long and melodious song.
They have distinct russet-tan streaks on their pale chest that converge into a central splotch.
They also have:
streaked wings
a russet eye streak
russet streaks on their head.
Where to Find
You can find these birds across North America. They prefer bushy areas and low-density vegetation. They’re often seen in:
fields
streamside thickets
forest edges
well-vegetated gardens
marshy areas
hedges.
These birds breed throughout Canada, the north-central United States, and the Great Lakes. They winter across the Southern United States.
They are year-long residents throughout most of the Western United States and the Pacific coast of Canada up to Alaska. You can also find them in parts of the Central and Eastern United States, such as the Ohio Valley and the Appalachian mountain range.
Key ID Features
One of the Song Sparrow’s most distinct features is its streaked chest that comes together into a central “splotch.” Plus, look for their dark “mustache” streaks angling out from below their beak.
The Savannah Sparrow also has a streaked chest, but it has a yellow eye streak and a shorter tail and bill than the Song Sparrow. Another bird that is confused with the Song Sparrow is the Lincoln’s Sparrow. The streaks on the Lincoln’s Sparrow are thinner and darker than the Song Sparrow’s.
The Vesper Sparrow is also similar to the Song Sparrow. But it is more “streaky,” has more white tones, and has a distinct white eye ring and a very pale eye streak.
Like other types of sparrow, the Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) has tan, black-streaked wings, dark head streaks, and a distinct eye streak. During breeding, they have a noticeable rusty-orange cap. Their chest and belly are light grey to pale white with no markings.
Where to Find
In spring, these birds arrive throughout North America from their wintering grounds in Mexico and the Southern United States. You can find them in:
farms and pastureland
city parks
suburbs
open conifer forests
brushy thickets.
Key ID Features
Two of this bird’s most distinct features are its unmarked grey chest and its white eyebrow stripe. During breeding, they have a noticeable head pattern of a black eye streak, bright russet cap, and white eyebrow. During nonbreeding, they have fewer contrasting head colors and are more tan overall.
Tree Sparrows are similar in appearance but have a black dot on their grey chests and a russet-tan eye streak (rather than black). It also lacks the noticeable white eyebrow stripe.
The Field Sparrow may be mistaken for the Chipping Sparrow. However, they have more black and russet hues in their wings, a duller crown, and a pink bill. They also have a white eye ring, no white eyebrow streak, and a less noticeable russet eye-streak.
In meadows and open pastures, the Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) lets out a buzzy, insect-like song. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a little streaked bird that, at first glance, looks like every other sparrow.
On closer inspection, you’ll see a distinct yellow streak above the eye. Also note the light tan and white streaks on the head and the pale white chest with crisp dark streaks.
According to the Audubon Field Guide, “The Savannah Sparrow often causes confusion for birders because it is so variable. Some of its well-marked local forms, such as the pale ‘Ipswich’ Sparrow of Atlantic beaches and the blackish ‘Belding’s’ Sparrow of western salt marshes, were once regarded as separate species.”
Where to Find
These sparrows prefer:
open meadows
fields
pastures
woodland and marsh edges
prairies
dunes
brushy shores.
These birds winter in the Southern United States and Mexico. In early spring, they migrate to the Northern United States and most of Canada. They are year-long residents along the Pacific Coast from Mexico up to the Southwestern tip of British Columbia.
Key ID Features
The first key identification feature to look for is the yellow streak above the eye. Sometimes, the yellow streak is less distinct, so you’ll also want to look for pale white to light tan coloring and crisp chest streaks.
They can be confused with Song Sparrows. Read the notes above about their differences.
The Vesper Sparrow is similar but has a distinct white eye ring and white outer tail feathers. The White-throated Sparrow also has a yellow patch above its eye, but note the bright white throat and thick black head streaks.
The American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) is one of my favorite sparrows. This is likely because they visit my feeder every day throughout the winter and early spring.
Despite their common name, these birds aren’t associated with trees. They prefer brushy areas in the arctic tundra.
Where to Find
They breed throughout Northern Canada and Alaska. In the fall, they migrate to winter in the Northern and Central United States.
This bird prefers open brushy areas in winter, such as meadows, forest edges, pastures, and marshes. In the summer, they’re found in the arctic scrub near treeline.
Key ID Features
The most distinct feature of the American Tree Sparrow is the black dot in the center of their chest. They do not have any chest streaks like many other types of sparrows.
Their rufous crown and eye streak contrast against the pale grey streak above the eye. They are similar to the Chipping Sparrow—see the notes above.
The White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) is easy to identify with its black and white striped head. If you keep a stocked feeder and build a brush pile, you’re likely to attract these lovely birds to your yard.
Where to Find
These birds love brushy areas across their varied habitat. In the winter, they prefer:
pastures and farms
cities
neighborhoods
forest edges
chaparral
desert washes
While breeding, they like:
boreal scrub
mountainous conifers
woodland edges
In summer, you can find them throughout Northern Canada and Alaska. They winter throughout the Western and Southern United States and most of Mexico. Some populations stay year-round in the US Rocky Mountains and the Pacific coast.
Key ID Features
The White-crowned Sparrows’ key ID feature is their black and white striped heads. Their chest and undersides are grey and unmarked.
At first glance, you might mistake them for the White-throated Sparrow. However, the White-crowned Sparrow is much larger and lacks the bright white throat and yellow patch above the eye.
The attractive White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) sings a high-pitched whistled tune from amongst the brambles. If you learn to identify their song, you’re much more likely to find them on the trail.
Where to Find
These birds winter throughout the Central, Eastern, and Southern United States. Some populations winter along the California coast.
In spring, they migrate to the Great Lakes region and the Northeastern United States to breed. They also breed in much of Canada, except the far west and north.
You can find them in the undergrowth of mixed woodlands and conifer forests. They prefer brushy thickets and shrubby areas near ponds and forest edges. You can also find them in bushy areas in city parks and neighborhoods.
Key ID Features
These birds have a distinct head pattern:
black and white stripes
yellow patch above the eye
bright white throat
They also have a grey chest with subtle dark streaks and a pale white underbelly. There are two morphs: tan-striped and white-striped. The head stripes on the tan-striped morph are more tan compared to the stark white of the white-striped morph.
White-throated Sparrows are sometimes mistaken for White-crowned Sparrows. See notes above to learn their differences.
A dainty bird of Central and Eastern North America, the Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) is common in brushy, open places. At first glance, this unremarkable bird may appear like any other sparrow. At closer inspection, you’ll find a few distinct traits that set it apart from other similar species.
Where to Find
Field Sparrows (Spizella pusilla) are partial migrants. You can find year-round residents in the South-central United States, from Oklahoma to South Carolina and up to New England.
Their year-round range ends around the Ohio Valley. Other populations winter in the far south and migrate to the Northern United States to breed.
No matter the season, these birds prefer brushy pastures and fields. Look for them in:
woodland edges
overgrown fields with shrubs
marsh edges
hedgerows.
Key ID Features
This bird is more “plain” and smaller than other sparrows. They have:
a light grey to tan, unmarked chest and underside
a rusty cap
pale russet eye streak
a white eye ring
a pink bill.
They look similar to the American Tree Sparrow and Chipping Sparrow. The Field Sparrow lacks the distinct black dot and crisp russet eye streak of the Tree Sparrow. It also lacks the white eyebrow and black eye streak of the Chipping Sparrow.
The beautiful Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) is easier to identify than most other types of sparrow. With their large size and bold head patterns, it’s hard to mistake them. Look for them at the top of fence posts or telephone wires, where they loudly sing throughout the spring and summer.
Where to Find
These birds breed throughout much of the Central and Western prairie states. They avoid high altitudes and dense conifer stands. Some populations are year-round residents in California and Texas.
These unique birds prefer open, brushy areas with bare ground. Find them in:
open prairies
streamside thickets
pastures with a few trees or shrubs
farms
grassy fields
roadsides
Key ID Features
These birds are large sparrows with dark chestnut and white stripes on its head. They have a dark cheek spot below their eye and two “mustache” streaks below their bill. Their chest is grey with a black dot (no streaking) and their bright white outer tail feathers are visible in flight.
This bird’s size (including their large bill) and bold head pattern are enough to distinguish this species from other sparrows.
A streaky bird, the Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) is easy to identify once you know what to look for. These little sparrows are known for their bravery—they don’t seem to be much afraid of humans.
According to the Audubon Field Guide, “Not as shy as many grassland sparrows, it can be observed rather easily. It is often found dust-bathing in bare soil of fields or dirt roads.”
Where to Find
Look for these birds in open, grassy fields and meadows. During breeding, you can find them in the United States in much of the West, the North-central, and the Great Lakes regions. They also breed across West-central Canada. They winter in the Southern United States and Mexico.
Key ID Features
This bird is most distinguished by its thin, dark streaks on its head, chest, and back. They don’t have an obvious head pattern like other types of sparrow. Look for their:
white eye ring
dark, small bill
white outer tail feathers.
The Savannah Sparrow is streaky like the Vesper Sparrow, but the Savannah has a yellow eyebrow that sets it apart. The Song Sparrow may also be confused with the Vesper Sparrow. However, the Vesper lacks the dark “mustache” streaks and central dark chest blotch of the Song Sparrow.
Another unmistakable bird, the Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata), bears a stunning black throat. This bird of the arid Southwest is a common sparrow amongst the barren landscape.
Where to Find
This bird is a year-long resident throughout Northern Mexico and Southern California, over to Southern Texas. Some populations migrate a short distance to Nevada, Utah, and Southwestern Colorado to breed.
Look for this bird in open landscapes, such as arid brush and desert. According to the Audubon Field Guide, “Lives in a variety of dry open habitats, from Sonoran desert with its mix of shrubs and cactus to very barren flats of creosote bush or saltbush.”
Key ID Features
They have a large, obvious black throat patch that extends down the chest. They also have a distinct head pattern of a white stripe above and below the eye, bordered by dark chestnut stripes.
This bird’s unique throat patch is unmistakable. You may confuse it with the Black-chinned Sparrow, but this sparrow is dark gray, lacks the white face stripes, and is rarer to see.
Identifying Common Sparrows in North America
No matter where you live or visit in North America, you’re likely to come across at least one (if not several) sparrows found on this list. Now that you’ve read this guide, you’ll be able to properly identify the sparrows that visit your feeder and sing by your favorite hiking trail.
Which of these birds have you identified? Are there any sparrows in your area that didn’t make this list? Tell us about them in the comments below!
We use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. We do this to improve browsing experience and to show (non-) personalized ads. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
