Shown below are birds often seen at backyard feeders. Distribution patterns of individual species can be complex. Basic distribution information for each species has been provided, along with links to the profiles for both the species shown and referenced similar species.
For more information on birds that you might see at your feeders, visit the state-based information section. Select your state and view the Nifty-Fifty mini-guide. It will include 25 of the most often reported backyard birds based on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Project Feeder Watch data.
On this page
- Pigeons and Doves – Family Columbidae
- Hummingbirds – Family Trochilidae
- Woodpeckers – Family Picidae
- Crows and Jays – Family Corvidae
- Chickadees and Titmice – Family Paridae
- Nuthatches – Family Sittidae
- Thrushes, including Bluebirds and Robins – Family Turdidae
- Starlings – Family Sturnidae
- Cardinals, Certain Grosbeaks, Certain Buntings – Family Cardinalidae
- Blackbirds, including Meadowlarks, Blackbirds, Grackles, Orioles – Family Icteridae
- Finches, Crossbills, certain Grosbeaks, Siskins, Redpolls – Family Fringillidae
- Towhees and Sparrows – Family Emberizidae
Pigeons and Doves – Family Columbidae
The Mourning Dove typically feeds on the ground. May nest in hanging flower pots. Widespread and common.
Hummingbirds – Family Trochilidae
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only regularly occurring hummingbird east of the Mississippi River. Female does not have red throat.
Woodpeckers – Family Picidae
Compare with larger Hairy Woodpecker.
Crows and Jays – Family Corvidae
Compare with the eastern Blue Jay.
Chickadees and Titmice – Family Paridae
Compare with Black-capped Chickadee and Carolina Chickadee.
Nuthatches – Family Sittidae
Compare with Red-breasted Nuthatch.
Thrushes, including Bluebirds and Robins – Family Turdidae
The American Robin is not a typical feeder bird, but is often observed searching for worms in yards and parks. Widespread.
Compare with Varied Thrush (west)
Starlings – Family Sturnidae
The European Starling is often observed at feeders, especially fond of suet. This introduced species is colorful but competes with native species for nesting locations. Widespread.
Cardinals, Certain Grosbeaks, Certain Buntings – Family Cardinalidae
Compare to Rose-breasted Grosbeak (east).
Blackbirds, including Meadowlarks, Blackbirds, Grackles, Orioles – Family Icteridae
The Common Grackle is a frequent visitor to feeders and consumes large volume of seeds. Eastern 2/3rds of the United States.
Finches, Crossbills, certain Grosbeaks, Siskins, Redpolls – Family Fringillidae
Compare with Purple Finch
Compare with Cassin’s Finch (west)
House Finch, female.
Compare with Lesser Goldfinch (west)
Towhees and Sparrows – Family Emberizidae
