Birds Commonly Seen in Tops of Trees, mid-story or higher

Cuckoos, Roadrunners and Anis – Family Cuculida 

Yellow-billed Cuckoo.  Found in eastern 2/3rds of the United States. Absent in winter. Compare with similar Black-billed Cuckoo.

Tyrant Flycatchers - Family Tyrannidae 

Great-Crested Flycatcher. Common summer resident in eastern half of the United States.  Similar to several western flycatchers. 

Waxwings – Family Bombycillidae 

Cedar Waxwing. Widespread, winters in southern half of the United States.  Compare to Bohemian Waxwing. 

Cardinals, Certain Grosbeaks, Certain Buntings – Family Cardinalidae 

The following two species are often found in smaller shrubs or lower to the ground than the top of trees.  In spring, however, the males will perch on the tops of trees to sing loudly, declaring their territory and to attract a mate.

Indigo Bunting, male. Common summer resident in the eastern half of the United States.

Painted Bunting, male.