Bird Species

We’ve rounded up profiles for some of the most popular North American bird species. Learn how to attract these fine feathered friends and listen to their songs.

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How to Identify a White-Winged Dove

Learn more about the white-winged dove, including what the bird looks like, what it eats, and where you can find one in North America.

Meet 8 Types of Orioles to Look for Across America

Get to know eight types of orioles seen throughout the U.S. and what makes each of these orange and yellow...


Mourning Dove vs Pigeon: What’s the Difference?

The pigeon and mourning dove are from the same family, but these stout, short-beaked birds are different in both subtle...


Brown-Headed Cowbird: Most Hated Bird in America

Learn why the brown-headed cowbird is many birders' least favorite—and how to tell cowbird eggs apart from those of other...


Summer Tanager vs Scarlet Tanager: ID Challenge

It's undoubtedly a tricky ID for birders: summer tanager vs scarlet tanager. Here's how to tell these bright red songbirds...

How to Identify a Western Bluebird

Learn the field marks that distinguish a male and female western bluebird. Beckon them to your yard with nest boxes...


How to Identify a Eurasian Collared-Dove

Look for a Eurasian collared-dove at feeders in the western and southern states. Learn what the nonnative bird looks and...

Go Up North to See a Great Gray Owl

The great gray owl is the largest owl in North America, measuring over 2 foot tall! Find out where you...


Head West to Spot a Lewis’s Woodpecker

When you spot a beautiful woodpecker that doesn’t act like one, there’s a good chance it is the agile and...


What Do Robins Eat? How to Attract Robins

Find out what robins eat in all seasons. Attract robins with their favorite foods and learn if you can bring...


Are These Domestic Mallards or Wild Ducks?

If you spotted a duck with unique coloring it might be a domestic mallard. See what the birding experts say...

Meet the Magnificent Rivoli’s Hummingbird

The Rivoli's hummingbird is a striking, shimmery flier. Learn how to identify these gorgeous birds and why their name was...


Hummingbird Eyes Can See More Colors Than Humans

A research study reveals a hummingbird's large eyes see the world in a wider range of brilliant colors than people...


Rainbow Bird: Meet the Painted Bunting

A painted bunting sports a rainbow of colors. Learn what males and females look like, what they eat, and what...


What Does a Cardinal Song Sound Like?

Northern cardinals are one of the few birds with male and female singers. Learn what a cardinal song sounds like...


Meet the Varied Thrush: Voice of the Northwest

Learn everything you need to know about the colorful varied thrush, a bird known for its dramatic beauty and haunting...

How Long Do Hummingbirds Live?

How long do hummingbirds live? What determines their survival? Here's how old the hummingbirds in your yard grow to be—and...


Costa’s Hummingbird: Jewel of the Desert

Find out what a Costa's hummingbird looks like. Also discover the southwestern range where you can see this tiny yet...


What Foods Do Northern Mockingbirds Eat?

Do northern mockingbirds visit bird feeders? Find out what foods mockingbirds eat and how to attract them to your backyard.


Head West to Spot a Spotted Towhee

The spotted towhee was once called the rufous-sided towhee. Hear their song, learn what they eat and see what males...


See a Violet-Crowned Hummingbird in the Southwest

Look for a violet-crowned hummingbird in Arizona and New Mexico. Learn what this bird looks like, what they sound like...


You Won’t Believe How Fast Mourning Doves Build Nests

You'll be amazed at how fast a pair of mourning doves builds a nest! Learn when (and where) you might spot...


How to Identify a Tennessee Warbler

Learn the key field marks to identify a Tennessee warbler, and where to look for these birds during migration and...


No Ordinary Duck: Meet the Northern Shoveler

This duck species is easy to identify once you spot its heavy bill. Northern shoveler ducks are dabblers, filter-feeding on...


How to Identify a Common Gallinule

Learn what a common gallinule looks like and where to find this water bird. Plus, find out what name the...

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How to Identify an Eastern Phoebe

Learn what an eastern phoebe looks like, and what their song sounds like. Find out what these birds eat and...


What Is That Black Duck With the White Beak?

The American coot looks like a black duck with a white beak, but it's actually a member of the rail...


Meet the Brilliantly Colored Buff-Bellied Hummingbird

Buff-bellied hummingbirds shimmer in southern Texas. Find out what they look like, what foods they eat, and where they build...


Look and Listen for Bright Blue Indigo Buntings

Learn what a male and female indigo bunting looks like, what their song sounds like and about their nests. Plus,...


How to Identify and Attract a Bushtit Bird

A bushtit is a tiny gray bird with a long tail. Find out where to look for flocks of tiny,...


7 Fascinating Sparrow Facts You Should Know

Think sparrows are boring brown birds? Think again! Get the scoop on these familiar feathered friends with sparrow facts and...