13 North American Backyard Birds You Should Know

Ever wondered which bird is flitting through your sunflowers or how to attract more hummingbirds? Here are 13 native U.S. birds you’re most likely to spot, each profiled with insights from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Learn who’s already visiting and how to invite others.

1. American Goldfinch

Range: 30+ states, southern Canada in summer, Southeast/Southwest in winter.
When: Year‑round (duller in winter).

Males turn bright gold in summer. Strict vegetarians, they feast on seeds from native grasses, sunflowers, and thistles. Feeders with sunflower and Nyjer seeds help in winter — keep feeders clean to prevent disease.

2. Hummingbirds

Range: Various species across the U.S.
When: Year‑round or summer, depending on location.

Over a dozen species call North America home. They need nectar‑rich native flowers and clean, simple feeders. Plant flowering natives that also support insects.

3. Yellow‑Rumped Warbler

Range: Every U.S. state, including Alaska.
When: Winter in South; summer in North.

The most common of 50+ warbler species, identified by a bright yellow rump patch. Plant native fruit‑ and seed‑producing shrubs for winter fuel and insect‑supporting plants for summer.

4. American Kestrel

Range: Much of North and South America.
When: Year‑round; some migrate from Canada to southern U.S./Mexico.

Smallest falcon, hunts insects, rodents, and small birds in open, shrubby fields. Attract them with native vegetation that draws prey. Bonus: free rodent control.

5. Northern Flicker

Range: Across U.S. and Canada.
When: Year‑round in U.S., summer in Canada.

Ground‑foraging woodpecker known for loud drumming. Eats berries, seeds, ants, beetles. Nests in dead‑tree cavities. Populations declining — help by reducing pesticides and installing nest boxes.

Photo by Anita Ritenour

6. Great Horned Owl

Range: Throughout North and Central America.
When: Year‑round; easier to find in winter nesting season.

Iconic nocturnal raptor with feather tufts. Hunts prey in areas with nesting habitat (often reuses other birds’ nests).

Photo by Tim Lenz

7. Chickadees

Range: Five species cover most of the U.S.
When: Year‑round.

Curious, social songbirds with “chicka‑dee” calls. Diet: insects/spiders in spring, seeds/suet/peanuts in winter. Frequent feeder visitors — one study recorded 200+ visits per day.

Photo by Matt MacGillivray

8. Nuthatches

Range: Three species across the U.S.
When: Year‑round.

Small songbirds that walk head‑down tree trunks. They wedge nuts into bark crevices and “hatch” them open. Plant native trees for insects (spring) and nuts/seeds (fall).

9. Northern Cardinal

Range: Eastern U.S. from Maine to Florida, west to Texas; some in NM/AZ.
When: Year‑round.

Unmistakable crimson males brighten winter landscapes. Non‑migratory. Eat seeds, fruit, insects. Native trees/shrubs/flowers attract them.

10. Orioles

Range: Throughout U.S., varies by species.
When: South in Feb; north by Mar/Apr.

Breeding males show spectacular gold‑and‑black plumage. Plant natives for insects; offer cut oranges.

11. Woodpeckers

Range: Everywhere in U.S. except parts of Southwest, South TX, HI; species‑dependent into Mexico/Canada/Alaska.
When: Year‑round.

Downy and hairy woodpeckers are most common at feeders. Drumming on buildings can be a nuisance — reflective streamers help.

Photo by fishhawk

12. Jays

Range: Blue Jays east of Rockies; other jay species west.
When: Year‑round; more obvious in winter.

Blue Jays are the most recognized. All jays love feeders with sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet. Oak trees near open areas also attract them.

13. Bluebirds

Range: U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America (species‑dependent).
When: Year‑round, varies by species/location.

Eastern, Western, and Mountain Bluebirds — all share brilliant blue upperparts. Habitat loss and invasive birds threaten them. Help by planting berry‑producing natives and installing nest boxes.