Delaware Blue Hen is the state bird of Delaware.
Delaware 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.
The Nifty Fifty Birds of Delaware
The Nifty Fifty is a mini-guide to the birds of Delaware. It includes descriptions, images, video and songs of 50 of the most often observed birds of Delaware.
Bird feeding in Delaware
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 Delaware are available by following the link on the left.
Bluebirds in Delaware
Eastern Bluebirds nest in Delaware 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 Delaware, 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 Delaware
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species that regularly visits Delaware. 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 Delaware
Purple Martins are a popular bird in Delaware. They nest almost exclusively in man-made locations. Visit the Purple Martin section for information on attracting, housing and the care of Purple Martins. Purple Martins arrive in Delaware each spring, returning from their wintering grounds in South America.
Purple Martin Scouts in Delaware
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 Delaware look for scouts to start arriving the middle April. Martins move north as the weather warms and insect populations start to increase.
Purple Martin, male
Detailed Purple Martin information is available in the Purple Martin section.
Birding in Delaware
Delaware 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.
Delaware Bird Resource Information
Delaware Birding Festivals
Quiet Resorts Birding Weekend
Usually in October
Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Delaware
Phone: 800-962-SURF
E-Mail: [email protected]
Flock to the beach to enjoy the fall migration. More than two dozen trips through The Quiet Resorts offer chances to walk, paddle or sail both morning and evening and sight indigeous and migratory species of birds. The trips include a wide variety of habitats and experiences.