There are so many different species of birds in the U.S., it’s hard to keep track of them all. Even if you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, there are probably dozens of species that you’ve never even heard of before!
So we decided to put together this list of some of the most popular birds in North America. Whether you’re an expert birder or just someone who has always been curious about what kind of birds live near them, this guide will give you everything you need to know about identifying these flying creatures.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| How to identify the most popular birds in North America |
| Misidentification is a common problem among birdwatchers |
| Understanding bird behavior and migration is crucial for birdwatchers |
| Expert techniques and tips can help you capture amazing bird photos |
| Learning about exotic birds can enhance your birdwatching experience |
Bald Eagles
Bald Eagles are the national bird of the United States. They are found in North America and can be found in many different habitats, including rivers, lakes and even the ocean.
Despite their name, they do not always have bald heads; females tend to have their head feathers while young males often lose theirs as they mature.
Bald Eagles are protected by several laws: The Endangered Species Act (ESA), Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle Act) and Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).
These laws protect both adult birds as well as eggs so that it is illegal to hunt or hurt them without a permit issued by US Fish & Wildlife Service
Identifying birds can be difficult and challenging, especially for novice birdwatchers. Whether you’re looking for tips on baby bird identification or want to identify any bird species worldwide, our comprehensive bird identification guide can help you distinguish and recognize birds with ease.
American Goldfinch
American Goldfinch
- Small size – 4-5 inches in length, with males being larger than females.
- Yellow head, back and wings.
- Black bib that goes down the neck and onto the shoulders.
- White underparts and outer tail feathers that are also white tipped. You can see this when they fly away from you.
Black bill with a small hook at the end of it for catching insects in flight or when it is feeding seeds to young birds (it does not have a long beak like other birds that eat worms).
The American goldfinch can live up to 6 years but usually die earlier due to predators such as cats, dogs or hawks attacking them while breeding or feeding their young ones on birdseed mixes sold commercially by stores like Target & Walmart across North America!
Table: Top 5 Brands of Bird Feeders for American Goldfinch
| Brand | Description | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Droll Yankees | The New Generation Finch Feeder is made from high-quality materials and has six perches for birds to feed. | $34.99 | UV-stabilized plastic, rust-proof metal parts, and adjustable perches. |
| Perky-Pet | The Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Bird Feeder features a circular perch design that allows birds to feed from multiple angles. | $24.99 | Easy to fill and clean, has a 360-degree feeding station, and can hold up to 2 pounds of seed. |
| Woodlink | The Woodlink Mini Magnum Nyjer Feeder is constructed from heavy-duty metal and holds up to 3/4 pounds of thistle seed. | $14.99 | Durable, squirrel-proof, and features a lockable roof and bottom. |
| Heath Outdoor Products | The Heath Outdoor Products Grand Palace Squirrel Proof Feeder has a beautiful design and can hold up to 6 pounds of seed. | $99.99 | Heavy-duty metal construction, adjustable perches, and a squirrel-proof design. |
| Aspectek | The Aspectek Wild Bird Feeder is made from durable materials and features four feeding stations for birds to enjoy. | $15.99 | Weather-resistant, easy to clean and refill, and can hold up to 2.5 pounds of seed. |
Note: These recommendations are based on the compatibility of the bird feeder features with the American Goldfinch species. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Red-tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a large raptor that can be found throughout North America. It’s easy to identify by its reddish tail, but other distinguishing features include its white tail bands, blackish face and underparts, barred upperparts and mostly pale grey eyes.
The red-tailed hawk has a varied diet consisting of small mammals like rabbits and mice; birds such as pigeons; reptiles like snakes; amphibians such as frogs; insects such as grasshoppers; fish on occasion (though it isn’t considered an expert fisher) and even carrion.
Nest building begins in late February or early March for this species which usually lays three eggs per clutch with incubation lasting about 30 days until hatching occurs during mid-April through mid-May depending upon latitude and elevation ranges.
The nestling period lasts approximately five weeks during which time the young hatchlings must be fed every 15 minutes around the clock until they fledge at between 32–38 days after hatching from their shells!
If you’re a bird enthusiast, you probably want to capture some stunning bird photos. Our expert techniques and tips for capturing breathtaking bird images provide you with easy-to-follow instructions to help you take amazing bird photos in any setting.
Canvasback Ducks
Canvasback Ducks are a medium-sized diving duck that is common in North America. They are closely related to redheads and bluebills.
The species name, striata, means “striped” and refers to the distinctive white stripe on their head, which is known as a “canvasback”.
Canvasbacks have dark brown eyes and a long square tail with two distinct lobes at the end of it.
These birds can be found on lakes or rivers with reeds growing around them because they prefer being in open areas with plenty of space around them where they can feed easily without being disturbed by other ducks or predators while they eat their food underwater!
White-winged Crossbills
White-winged Crossbills are a medium-sized bird found in the northern hemisphere. This member of the finch family is migratory, which means it travels long distances every year to find a suitable habitat.
White-winged Crossbills can be identified by their unique call and by their red tail feathers. The birds’ diet consists mostly of seeds and fruit, though they also eat insects when necessary.
Migration is an integral part of bird behavior, and understanding how birds migrate is crucial for birdwatchers. Discover the fascinating facts and science behind bird migration with our comprehensive guide on the science behind bird migration and learn about the incredible journeys birds take across the globe.
Common Raven
The common raven is the largest member of the Corvidae family, which includes crows and jays. It has a large bill, plumage that varies from black to white, and wingspan up to 66 cm (26 in). Its tail feathers are longer than those of other corvids. The common raven’s range covers most of North America and parts of northern Europe.
In their natural habitat, these birds perch on high branches or cliffs overlooking open ground where they can see for long distances.
They build large stick nests lined with grasses or animal fur in tall trees near water sources such as rivers or lakes.
During breeding season males make loud calls that sound like hoarse hoots a reason why some people call them “hoarse” crows instead! When not nesting or raising their young during the spring months (March–April), these birds travel in large flocks known as “ravenous hordes.”
In late summertime they will migrate south toward warmer climates where they spend more time scavenging than hunting for food sources such as dead animals on roadsides where humans have discarded them after hunting trips gone wrong.
Table: Top 5 Brands of Binoculars for Common Raven Watching
| Brand | Description | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon | The Nikon Monarch 7 Binoculars are lightweight and durable, with ED glass and a multi-layer coating for clear viewing. | $479.00 | Waterproof and fog-proof, long eye relief, and easy-to-use central focus knob. |
| Vortex Optics | The Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars provide a clear, bright, and vivid image, with HD optics and dielectric prism coatings. | $649.99 | Waterproof, fog-proof, and armored for durability, and has an adjustable eyecup for comfortable use. |
| Celestron | The Celestron TrailSeeker ED Binoculars are affordable and high-quality, with extra-low dispersion (ED) glass and a magnesium alloy frame. | $349.95 | Waterproof and fog-proof, upgraded BaK-4 prisms, and focus wheel and diopter knobs. |
| Swarovski | The Swarovski Optik EL Binoculars (8×42) offer a bright and detailed image, with field flattener lenses and Swarobright and Swarodur coatings. | $2,829.00 | Waterproof and dustproof, comfortable grip and adjustable eyecups, and precise focus and diopter controls. |
| Leica | The Leica Ultravid 8×42 HD-Plus Binoculars provide exceptional clarity and color fidelity, with high-quality lenses and coatings. | $2,199.00 | Waterproof and fog-proof, durable construction, and a comfortable grip and focus wheel. |
Note: These recommendations are based on the compatibility of the binoculars’ features with Common Raven watching. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Common Nighthawk
Common Nighthawks are medium-sized birds of the nightjar family. Commonly seen in North America, they have a long tail, short neck and legs, and a large mouth with a hooked tip. Their wingspan is roughly three feet.
They have brown feathers on the top half of their body and white feathers underneath their belly that extend onto their long legs.
Although they are not true hawks or owls because they do not hunt by sight during daylight hours, you may see these birds flying during sunset or sunrise due to their ability to fly silently through dense vegetation using echolocation to detect prey items such as insects or small lizards hidden within tangled greenery on forest floors.
The Top 10 Most Beautiful and Exotic Birds in the World are a sight to behold for any bird enthusiast, and learning about them can enhance your birdwatching experience. Check out our exciting list of the most beautiful and exotic birds and see if you can identify them on your next birdwatching adventure.
Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds can be identified by their small size, long tail, and forked tongue. They have a short, straight bill on a very long narrow head and body.
Hummingbirds are also one of the smallest birds in North America. They weigh less than half an ounce and grow to about 5 inches long (about the size of a thumb).
Hummingbirds have large heads and bodies compared to other birds because they have large brains that allow them to remember where food sources are located so that they can return there later without having to search for it again.
Pileated Woodpeckers
Pileated woodpeckers are large black birds with a red crest and wingspan between 19 and 22 inches. Their bills are long, straight, and black. They have a loud call that sounds like “kleeee.”
You can find pileateds in forests near water sources they like to forage for insects in rotting logs. They will aggressively defend their territory from other birds, and if you get too close you may end up on the receiving end of their menacing stare!
Misidentification is a common problem among birdwatchers, but with the right knowledge, you can identify the most commonly misidentified birds accurately. Learn how to spot the difference with our top 15 most misidentified birds and impress your birdwatching friends with your sharp identification skills.
Canada Geese
If you’re on the lookout for a common species of bird, the Canada goose is your best bet. These large geese are known for their distinctive call, which sounds like “honk! Honk!”.
They can be found in many different habitats across North America, from tundra to forests and wetlands to mountains and even city parks. Canada geese are social birds that typically live in groups called “flocks” or “gaggles” of up to 50 individuals.
Barn Swallows
You can identify a Barn Swallow by its small size and brown color. It has a long, pointed beak and wings that are short, rounded and pointed at the ends.
Its tail is long and pointed at both ends as well, with the outer feathers being longer than those in the middle of its body.
These birds can be found throughout North America and most parts of Europe and Africa as well.
American Crows
- American Crows are the most common bird in North America, and can be found in almost every part of the continent.
- They are large, black birds with a white belly.
- These omnivorous birds are extremely intelligent and have been known to solve complex problems. Their ability to communicate verbally is particularly impressive—they have been observed passing along new words they’ve learned from each other, rather than just repeating what they hear from their parents!
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed learning about the birds of North America. To recap, some of the most common birds include: Bald Eagles, American Goldfinch, Red-tailed Hawk, Canvasback Ducks, White-winged Crossbills (Golden-crowned Kinglet), Common Raven (Crow), Common Nighthawk, Hummingbirds (Ruby-throated and Rufous), Pileated Woodpeckers (Greater Yellowlegs), Canada Geese and Barn Swallows.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about birds in North America, here are some helpful resources:
A-Z Animals: The 10 Most Common Birds in North America provides detailed information about the top ten birds commonly found in North America, including their characteristics, behaviors, and habitats.
Birds and Blooms: Common Birds in North America is an extensive gallery featuring some of the most common birds in North America, with detailed descriptions, photos, and sounds of each species.
North American Nature: 10 Most Common Birds of North America is a comprehensive guide that includes the top ten most common bird species in the continent, including their diet, range, and habitat preferences.
FAQs
What are the most common birds found in North America?
The most common birds found in North America are the American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, Mallard Duck, Canada Goose, Black-capped Chickadee, and American Goldfinch, among others.
What is the easiest way to identify a bird in North America?
The easiest way to identify a bird in North America is by observing its behavior, habitat, and physical characteristics such as size, color, pattern, and beak shape.
What are some of the best birdwatching spots in North America?
Some of the best birdwatching spots in North America include Point Pelee National Park and Long Point in Ontario, Canada, the Great Salt Lake in Utah, and several national parks in the United States such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Acadia.
What are some tips for attracting birds to your backyard in North America?
To attract birds to your backyard in North America, you can provide food and water sources, create nesting spaces, plant native shrubs and trees, and avoid using pesticides.
How can I learn more about bird behavior in North America?
You can learn more about bird behavior in North America by reading field guides, watching documentaries, joining a birdwatching club, or taking courses in ornithology and avian biology.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I’m a birdwatcher and birder. I have a personal interest in bird behavior and classifications and have been following the latest research on the topic for years.