List Of The Most 30 Common Birds Found In North America
Have you ever watched birds in your backyard and wondered what kinds they were? North America is home to many beautiful and interesting birds. In this article, we’ll look at 30 of the most common birds you might see across the continent. Whether you’re a bird watcher or just curious about the feathered friends in your neighborhood, this guide will help you learn more about the abundant birds in North America.
Why Learn About Common Birds?
Learning about common birds is fun and helpful. It can:
- Make your time outside more interesting
- Help you understand nature better
- Let you share cool facts with friends and family
Now, let’s dive into our list of common North American birds!
Backyard Birds: The Frequent Flyers
1. American Robin
The American Robin is one of the most common birds in North America. You can spot these birds easily by their:
- Red-orange breast
- Gray back and wings
- Yellow beak
Robins love to hop on lawns looking for worms. In spring, you might see them pulling worms from the ground after it rains.
2. House Sparrow
House Sparrows are small birds found all over North America. They’re easy to spot because:
- They have brown and gray feathers
- Males have a black bib under their beak
- They often gather in noisy groups
These little birds are not shy. They’ll visit bird feeders and hang out near people.
3. Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is a bright and beautiful bird. Here’s what makes them special:
- Males are bright red all over
- Females are light brown with red touches
- Both have a pointy crest on their head
Cardinals don’t migrate, so you can see them all year round in many parts of North America.
4. Blue Jay
Blue Jays are known for their loud calls and bright blue feathers. You can identify them by:
- Their blue, white, and black feathers
- The crest on top of their head
- Their noisy “jay-jay” call
These smart birds are part of the corvid family, which includes crows and ravens.
5. Mourning Dove
Mourning Doves are gentle birds named for their soft, sad-sounding coo. Look for:
- Plump bodies with small heads
- Pale brown or gray feathers
- Long, pointed tails
These birds are often seen on the ground or perched on wires.
Woodpeckers: The Tree Drummers
6. Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America. You can spot them by:
- Their black and white spotted wings
- The red patch on the back of males’ heads
- Their small size (about as big as a sparrow)
These little birds love to visit backyard feeders, especially if you offer suet.
7. Red-bellied Woodpecker
Despite its name, the Red-bellied Woodpecker’s belly isn’t very red. Instead, look for:
- A red cap and nape (back of the neck)
- Black and white barred back
- A pale belly with a hint of red
These woodpeckers are common in forests and wooded suburbs in the eastern United States.
Songbirds: Nature’s Musicians
8. American Goldfinch
American Goldfinches are bright, cheerful birds. In summer, males are:
- Bright yellow with black wings
- Have a black cap on their head
Females and winter birds are more olive-colored. These birds love to eat seeds from flowers like sunflowers and coneflowers.
9. Black-capped Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadees are small, friendly birds. They’re easy to spot with their:
- Black cap and bib
- White cheeks
- Gray back and wings
These little birds are known for their “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call.
10. House Finch
House Finches are common visitors to bird feeders. Look for:
- Males with red heads and chests
- Females that are brown and streaky all over
- Thick, curved beaks for cracking seeds
These birds like to gather in small flocks and sing cheerful songs.
Water-Loving Birds
11. Mallard Duck
Mallards are probably the ducks you think of when someone says “duck.” They’re known for:
- Males (drakes) with green heads and yellow bills
- Females (hens) that are mottled brown
- The familiar “quack” sound
You can find Mallards in ponds, lakes, and even city parks with water.
12. Canada Goose
Canada Geese are large birds often seen in parks and fields. They have:
- Long black necks
- White cheek patches
- Brown bodies
These geese often fly in V-shaped formations and make loud honking noises.
Birds of Prey
13. Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawks are big birds that soar high in the sky. Look for:
- Their broad, rounded wings
- A short, wide tail that’s often red on top
- A pale chest with a dark band across the belly
These hawks hunt for small animals in open fields and along roadsides.
More Backyard Favorites
14. European Starling
European Starlings were brought to North America long ago. Now they’re everywhere! They have:
- Dark feathers with spots that look like stars
- Short tails and pointed wings
- A way of walking that looks like waddling
Starlings often gather in large, noisy flocks.
15. White-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatches are fun to watch as they climb down trees headfirst. They have:
- A white face and chest
- A blue-gray back
- A black cap (on males)
These birds make a nasal “yank-yank” sound as they look for insects in tree bark.
16. Dark-eyed Junco
Dark-eyed Juncos are small, sparrow-like birds. In most of North America, they have:
- Dark gray or brown bodies
- White bellies
- White outer tail feathers that flash when they fly
Juncos are often called “snowbirds” because they show up in many areas when it gets cold.
17. American Crow
American Crows are big, all-black birds known for being smart. They have:
- Glossy black feathers all over
- Strong, thick beaks
- A loud “caw-caw” call
Crows are very clever and can solve problems and use tools.
18. Common Grackle
Common Grackles are blackbirds with a lot of attitude. They have:
- Iridescent feathers that shine purple and green
- Long tails
- Pale yellow eyes
These birds often gather in large, noisy flocks in fields and near bird feeders.
19. Tufted Titmouse
Tufted Titmice are small, active birds. Look for:
- Their gray bodies
- Black foreheads
- Small crests on their heads
These birds are known for their fast, acrobatic movements as they look for food.
20. Northern Mockingbird
Northern Mockingbirds are famous for their ability to mimic other birds and sounds. They have:
- Gray bodies
- White patches on their wings and tail
- Long tails that they often raise and lower
Mockingbirds can learn and repeat up to 200 different songs!
Even More Backyard Visitors
21. Red-winged Blackbird
Red-winged Blackbirds are a common sight in wetlands and fields. Look for:
- Males with glossy black bodies
- Bright red and yellow shoulder patches on males
- Females that are brown and streaky
These birds often perch on cattails and sing their distinctive “conk-la-ree” song.
22. Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Bluebirds are a favorite among bird watchers. They have:
- Males with bright blue backs and rusty-red breasts
- Females with duller blue-gray backs and lighter orange breasts
- A gentle, warbling song
These birds like open areas with scattered trees and are often seen perching on wires or fence posts.
23. American Goldfinch
American Goldfinches are bright, cheerful birds. In summer, males are:
- Bright yellow with black wings and a black cap
- Females and winter birds are more olive-colored
These birds love to eat seeds from flowers like sunflowers and coneflowers.
Forest Friends
24. Pileated Woodpecker
The Pileated Woodpecker is one of the largest woodpeckers in North America. They’re known for:
- Their large size (almost as big as a crow)
- A bright red crest on their head
- Black body with white stripes on the face and neck
These impressive birds make large, rectangular holes in trees as they search for insects.
25. Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owls are powerful birds of prey. They have:
- Large, yellow eyes
- Feather tufts on their head that look like horns
- A deep, hooting call often heard at night
These owls are found in many habitats, from forests to city parks.
Colorful Characters
26. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are tiny but mighty. They’re known for:
- Males with a bright red throat patch
- Emerald green backs
- The ability to hover and fly backwards
These small birds migrate long distances, even flying across the Gulf of Mexico!
27. Baltimore Oriole
Baltimore Orioles are bright and beautiful birds. Look for:
- Males with bright orange and black feathers
- Females with yellow-orange and brown colors
- Their distinctive, hanging sock-like nests
These birds love fruit and will visit feeders with orange slices or grape jelly.
Water’s Edge Residents
28. Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Herons are tall, elegant birds often seen near water. They have:
- Long legs for wading
- A long, S-shaped neck
- Blue-gray feathers
These birds stand very still as they hunt for fish in shallow water.
29. Belted Kingfisher
Belted Kingfishers are often seen near streams and ponds. They’re known for:
- Their large heads with shaggy crests
- Blue-gray feathers with a white collar
- Females having a rusty band across their belly
These birds dive headfirst into water to catch fish.
City Dwellers
30. Rock Pigeon
Rock Pigeons, often called city pigeons, are common in urban areas. They have:
- Plump bodies with small heads
- Various colors, but often blue-gray with two dark wing bars
- A cooing call
These birds are very adaptable and can live in many different environments.
Table: Quick Guide to Additional Common North American Birds
Here’s a table with the requested information about 30 common birds found in North America:
| Bird Name | Main Colors | Where to Find | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Robin | Red-orange breast, gray back | Cities, towns, parks, forests | Often considered a harbinger of spring |
| House Sparrow | Brown and gray | Urban and suburban areas | Introduced from Europe in the 19th century |
| Northern Cardinal | Males: bright red, Females: light brown with red touches | Mixed habitats in East and Southwest | State bird of seven states |
| Blue Jay | Blue, white, black | Forests, parks, suburban areas | Known for their loud calls and mimicry |
| Mourning Dove | Pale brown or gray | Open habitats, suburbs, urban parks | Named for its mournful cooing sound |
| Downy Woodpecker | Black and white, males have red patch | Woodlands, parks, gardens | Smallest woodpecker in North America |
| Red-bellied Woodpecker | Red cap and nape, black and white barred back | Forests, wooded suburbs in East US | Belly has a hint of red |
| American Goldfinch | Males: bright yellow, Females: olive-colored | Fields, meadows, gardens | State bird of New Jersey and Iowa |
| Black-capped Chickadee | Black cap and bib, white cheeks | Forests, parks, suburban areas | Known for their “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call |
| House Finch | Males: red heads and chests, Females: brown and streaky | Urban areas, parks, gardens | Gather in small flocks and sing cheerful songs |
| Mallard Duck | Males: green heads, Females: mottled brown | Ponds, lakes, city parks with water | Familiar “quack” sound |
| Canada Goose | Long black necks, white cheek patches, brown bodies | Parks, fields | Fly in V-shaped formations |
| Red-tailed Hawk | Broad, rounded wings, red tail | Open fields, roadsides | Known for their distinctive scream |
| European Starling | Dark feathers with white spots | Urban areas, farmlands, open woodlands | Introduced to North America in the 1890s |
| White-breasted Nuthatch | White face and chest, blue-gray back | Woodlands, suburban areas | Climbs down trees headfirst |
| Dark-eyed Junco | Dark gray or brown, white bellies | Forests, fields, gardens | Often called “snowbirds” |
| American Crow | Glossy black | Almost everywhere, including urban areas | Highly intelligent and social |
| Common Grackle | Iridescent black, long tails | Open areas, fields, urban areas | Often seen in large, noisy flocks |
| Tufted Titmouse | Gray bodies, black foreheads | Woodlands, gardens | Known for fast, acrobatic movements |
| Northern Mockingbird | Gray bodies, white patches on wings and tail | Open habitats with shrubs and small trees | Can mimic up to 200 different sounds |
| Red-winged Blackbird | Males: glossy black with red and yellow shoulder patches, Females: brown and streaky | Wetlands, fields | Known for their distinctive song |
| Eastern Bluebird | Males: bright blue backs, rusty-red breasts, Females: duller blue-gray backs, lighter orange breasts | Open areas with scattered trees | Often seen perching on wires or fence posts |
| Pileated Woodpecker | Black body with white stripes, bright red crest | Forests, woodlands | Makes large, rectangular holes in trees |
| Great Horned Owl | Large, yellow eyes, feather tufts | Various habitats, including forests and city parks | Known as the “tiger owl” for its hunting prowess |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Males: bright red throat patch, emerald green backs | Gardens, woodlands | The only hummingbird that breeds in the eastern US |
| Baltimore Oriole | Males: bright orange and black, Females: yellow-orange and brown | Open woodlands, gardens | Known for their hanging nests |
| Great Blue Heron | Blue-gray feathers, long legs | Near water | Stands very still as they hunt for fish |
| Belted Kingfisher | Blue-gray feathers, large heads with shaggy crests | Streams, ponds | Dives headfirst into water to catch fish |
| Rock Pigeon | Blue-gray with two dark wing bars | Urban areas | Very adaptable and can live in many environments |
This table provides a concise overview of each bird’s main colors, where they can be found, and a fun fact about them.
Conclusion
North America is home to many amazing birds. From the bright red Northern Cardinal to the clever American Crow, there’s always something interesting to see in the sky or at your bird feeder. By learning about these common birds, you can start to understand the natural world around you better.
Remember, birds are more than just pretty things to look at. They play important roles in nature by:
- Spreading seeds
- Controlling insect populations
- Pollinating flowers
So next time you’re outside, take a moment to look and listen for these feathered friends. You might be surprised at how many you can spot now that you know what to look for!
Happy bird watching!
