American Robin is Connecticut State Bird
Connecticut is a great place to watch and feed birds. Birdbaths, misters and drippers are especially effective in attracting birds, including non seed-eating species. Species that might be expected at feeders include: American Goldfinch, Carolina Wren, Dark-eyed Junco, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Cardinal and Mourning Dove. Each of these species is shown in the Nifty Fifty mini-guide.
On this page
The Nifty Fifty Birds of Connecticut
The Nifty Fifty is a mini-guide to the birds of Connecticut. It includes descriptions, images, video and songs of 50 of the most often observed birds of Connecticut.
Bird feeding
Developing bird-friendly habitat in your yard is the best way to attract a greater variety of species and to support local and migrating species. Native plants provide food and cover, are more insect and disease resistant than non-native species, and may require less water. A list of bird-friendly native plants for Connecticut are available by following the link on the left.
Bluebirds in Connecticut
Eastern Bluebirds nest in Connecticut but move to warmer locations for the winter.
The Eastern Bluebird has a pleasant, musical song and a similar easy-to-identify flight call. They are most often found in open woodlands, parks, fields, along golf courses and cemeteries. The can be found in suburban areas with adequate open space.
Eastern Bluebirds
Bluebirds can be attracted to peanut butter mixes, suet and fruit. Raisins soaked in hot water to soften them are well received. The bluebird’s special favorite is mealworms.
Nesting
In Connecticut, nesting commences in early spring and continues well into the summer. One and sometimes two broods are produced.
Visit the bluebird section for detailed information on feeding bluebirds or building your own bluebird house.
Hummingbirds in Connecticut
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species that regularly visits Connecticut. It nests in the state each year, before migrating south. It flies across the Gulf of Mexico twice each year.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Visit the hummingbird section for details on attracting hummingbirds as well as images of all regularly occurring North American hummingbirds.
Purple Martins in Connecticut
Purple Martins are one of America’s favorite birds. In Connecticut they nest almost exclusively in man-made housing. Purple Martins arrive in Connecticut each spring, returning from their wintering grounds in South America.
Purple Martin Scouts in Connecticut
Scouts are the earliest arrivals each year. They are the oldest members of the population and head north each year to claim the best nesting locations. Scouts can be either male or female birds.
In Connecticut look for scouts to start arriving in mid-April. Martins move north as the weather warms and insect populations start to increase.
Detailed Purple Martin information is available in the Purple Martin section.
Purple Martin, male
Birding
Connecticut provides birders with a variety of excellent birding locations.
The birding section of this site has tips on birding locations and bird identification. The state-based birding information section provides additional birding related information.
Connecticut Resource Information
Housatonic Audubon Society
PO Box 211
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society
P.O. Box 861
Litchfield, CT 06759
Mattabeseck Audubon Society
27 Washington St
Middletown, CT 06457
Menunkatuck Audubon Society
PO Box 214
Guilford, CT 06437
Naugatuck Valley Audubon Society
PO Box 371
Derby, CT 06418
New Canaan Audubon Society
85 Bickford Lane
New Canaan, CT 06840
Potapaug Audubon Society
PO Box 591
Old Lyme, CT 06371
Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society
Riverbound Farm
c/o 107 Green Road
Meriden, CT 06450
Saugatuck Valley Audubon Society
340 Newtown Tnpk
Wilton, CT 06897
Additional resources
If you have suggestions for additional resources for watching or feeding birds in Alabama, please submit them using this form. The resource does not need to be a particular location.
Connecticut Birding Festivals
Hawkwatch Weekend
Usually in September
Greenwich, Connecticut
Phone: 203-869-5272
E-mail: greenwich_center@audubon.org
Our annual fall festival for the whole family. Live birds of prey, children’s’ programs, nature walks, and more. Rain or shine! Celebrate the spectacular hawk migration that passes over the Hawk Watch site – one of the highest points in Greenwich. The 2-day festival will feature live bird presentations by The Raptor Project – the largest traveling collection of birds of prey from all over the world. Other activities will include games, movies, face painters, food and fun for the whole family.