Rhode Island State Bird
Rhode Island 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, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Cardinal and Mourning Dove. Each of these species is shown in the Nifty Fifty mini-guide.
The Nifty Fifty Birds of Rhode Island
The Nifty Fifty is a mini-guide to the birds of Rhode Island. It includes descriptions, images, video and songs of 50 of the most often observed birds of Rhode Island.
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 Rhode Island is available by following the link on the left.
According to registered bird sightings in Rhode Island on eBird, the following 35 species are the most commonly observed birds in Rhode Island. Keep in mind that the birds at the bottom of the list in this article are common birds too
- Song Sparrow
- American Robin
- Northern Cardinal
- Black-capped Chickadee
- Herring Gull
- Blue Jay
- American Crow
- Carolina Wren
- Mourning Dove
- Tufted Titmouse
- American Goldfinch
- Gray Catbird
- Canada Goose
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Downy Woodpecker
- Red-winged Blackbird
- Great Black-backed Gull
- Mallard
- House Sparrow
- White-breasted Nuthatch
- Ring-billed Gull
- House Finch
- Common Grackle
- European Starling
- Osprey
- White-throated Sparrow
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Great Blue Heron
- Northern Flicker
- Northern Mockingbird
- Eastern Towhee
- Great Egret
- Dark-eyed Junco
- Yellow Warbler
- Mute Swan
Bluebirds of Rhode Island
The Eastern Bluebird is the only one of the 3 bluebird species regularly found in Rhode Island.
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
The Eastern Bluebird begins nesting in Rhode Island in early spring. One, two and sometimes three broods may be produced.
Visit the bluebird section for detailed information on feeding bluebirds or building your own bluebird house.
Hummingbirds of Rhode Island
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species that regularly visits Rhode Island. It nests in the state each year, before migrating south. In a remarkable journey for such a tiny bird, it migrates 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 of Rhode Island
Purple Martins arrive in Rhode Island each spring. They are found througout the state, returning south mid to late summer. Detailed Purple Martin information is available in the Purple Martin section.
Purple Martin – male
Rhode Island Resource Information
Rhode Island Audubon Society
Building 30, Fort Missoula Road
Missoula, MT 59804
800-542-2748
Fax 406-543-3672