Northern Cardinal – West Virginia State Bird
West Virginia 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.
On this page
The Nifty Fifty Birds of West Virginia
The Nifty Fifty is a mini-guide to the birds of West Virginia It includes descriptions, images, video and songs of 50 of the most often observed birds of West Virginia.
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 West Virginia is available by following the link on the left.
Bluebirds of West Virginia
The Eastern Bluebird is the only one of the 3 bluebird species regularly found in West Virginia.
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 West Virginia in early spring. One or two broods may be produced.
Visit the bluebird section for detailed information on feeding bluebirds or building your own bluebird house.
Hummingbirds of West Virginia
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species that regularly visits West Virginia. 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 in West Virginia
Purple Martins arrive in West Virginia early each spring, and are found throughout the state. They are a very popular backyard bird. Visit the Purple Martin section for information on attracting and caring for Purple Martins.
Purple Martin – male
Birding
West Virginia provides birders with a variety of exciting 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.
West Virginia Resource Information
West Virginia Partners in Flight
Mountaineer Audubon Society
PO Box 422
Morgantown, WV 26505-0422
Potomac Valley Audubon Society
PO Box 578
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
304-676-3397
West Virginia Birding Festivals
New River Birding and Nature Festival
A week annually in April/May
New River Gorge National River in West Virginia
Phone: 304-574-4258
E-mail: goshawk@birding-wv.com
The New River Birding & Nature Festival is located in and around the New River Gorge National River. Administrated by the National Park Service, this area is the heart of the upland, hardwood forests that Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology has identified as a crucial stopover habitat for the continued survival of species such as Golden-winged,Blue-winged, and Swainson’s warbler, as well as the Scarlet Tanager. The festival will include a wide array of educational and entertainment opportunities: Guarantee vans, birding by boat, Master Gardeners, world-class speakers and artists, to name a few.The New River Festival will highlight over 100 species of birds with the focus on Wood Warblers.