Birds Often Seen at Feeders
Shown below are birds often seen at backyard feeders. Distribution patterns of individual species can be complex. Basic distribution information for each species has been provided, along with links to the profiles for both the species shown and referenced similar species.
For more information on birds that you might see at your feeders, visit the state-based information section. Select your state and view the Nifty-Fifty mini-guide. It will include 25 of the most often reported backyard birds based on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Project Feeder Watch data.
Pigeons and Doves – Family Columbidae
West coast hummingbirds include Anna's and Rufous Hummingbirds.
Woodpeckers - Family – Picidae
The small Downy Woodpecker is attracted by peanuts and suet. Widespread.
Compare with larger Hairy Woodpecker.
Crows and Jays – Family Corvidae
The Steller's Jay is a western species. It will swallow peanuts whole in the shell.
Compare with the eastern Blue Jay.
Chickadees and Titmice – Family Paridae
The Chestnut-backed Chickadee is the most colorful chickadee species. Western species.
Compare with Black-capped Chickadee and Carolina Chickadee.
Nuthatches – Family Sittidae
The White-breasted Nuthatch enjoys sunflower and suet. Widespread.
Compare with Red-breasted Nuthatch.
Thrushes, including Bluebirds and Robins – Family Turdidae
The American Robin is not a typical feeder bird, but is often observed searching for worms in yards and parks. Widespread.
Compare with Varied Thrush (west)
Starlings – Family Sturnidae
The European Starling is often observed at feeders, especially fond of suet. This introduced species is colorful but competes with native species for nesting locations. Widespread.
Cardinals, Certain Grosbeaks, Certain Buntings – Family Cardinalidae
The Black-headed Grosbeak is a popular feeder bird in the western United States.
Compare to Rose-breasted Grosbeak (east).
The popular Northern Cardinal is fond of sunflower and safflower. Widespread.
Blackbirds, including Meadowlarks, Blackbirds, Grackles, Orioles - Family Icteridae
The Common Grackle is a frequent visitor to feeders and consumes large volume of seeds. Eastern 2/3rds of the United States.
Brown-headed Cowbirds can over-run feeder stations. Widespread.
Finches, Crossbills, certain Grosbeaks, Siskins, Redpolls – Family Fringillidae
House Finch, male. Widespread and common at feeders.
Compare with Purple Finch
Compare with Cassin's Finch (west)
House Finch, female.
American Goldfinch. Widespread, attracted by sunflower and Nyjer (®WBFI).
Compare with Lesser Goldfinch (west)
Towhees and Sparrows – Family Emberizidae
Dark-eyed Junco. Widespread with several distinct races.
