Medium-sized land birds

From the pileated woodpecker to the northern flicker, medium-sized birds can be spotted across North America. Learn how to spot them in your area with our helpful species profiles.

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.

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...


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...


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...


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...

Look for a Red-Naped Sapsucker in the Rocky Mountains

Learn what a red-naped sapsucker looks like, and find out where to go to add this member of the woodpecker...


How to Identify a Rare Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

If you've spotted an unusual woodpecker in a southeastern pine forest, it might just be a red-cockaded woodpecker! Learn more...

Look for the Gila Woodpecker in the Desert

Combining beauty, personality and a critical role in the desert ecosystem, Gila woodpeckers are fascinating birds to attract to the...


All About the White-Headed Woodpecker

Learn what a white-headed woodpecker looks like and where to spot this species. Also find out how you can attract...


How to Identify a Black-Backed Woodpecker

If you live in the Northwest near a recently burned forest, you might see a black-backed woodpecker. Learn how to...


Red-Headed Woodpeckers: Redheads of the Bird World

Learn more about the red-headed woodpecker. Find out what the male, female and juvenile birds look like, what they eat,...

Meet the Gorgeous Golden-Fronted Woodpecker

At first glance you might think a golden-fronted woodpecker is a red-bellied. Here's what makes this woodpecker unique—and where to...


Downy vs Hairy Woodpecker: How to Tell the Difference

These black and white woodpecker species look quite similar. Compare a downy vs hairy woodpecker with expert identification tips.


Look for the Nuttall’s Woodpecker in California

Head to the Golden State to see these birds. Find out what a Nuttall's woodpecker looks like, what they eat...


How to Identify a Red-Breasted Sapsucker

If you're seeing rows of holes on trees, they might be from a red-breasted sapsucker! Learn what the birds look...


How to Identify a Ladder-Backed Woodpecker

Meet the ladder-backed woodpecker. This delightful bird makes its home in the harsh conditions of southwestern deserts.

13 Types of Woodpeckers Birders Should Know

Readers share pictures of woodpeckers that show the beauty of these amazing birds. Look for these types of woodpeckers across...


Sapsucker Birds: Woodpeckers With a Sweet Tooth

Meet the sapsuckers, tree sap eating members of the woodpecker family. Learn what to do if a sapsucker bird damages...


Northern Flicker: Unique, Beautiful Woodpeckers

Whether a northern flicker is gobbling ants on the ground or climbing a tree trunk, this bird's stunning field marks...


Get Ready for Red-Winged Blackbird Season

Get facts about the red-winged blackbird, a black bird with red and yellow wings that returns to backyards in spring....


How to Identify and Attract a Pinyon Jay

Swoop into the unique world of the pinyon jay! Discover what the birds eat, where they live, and what makes...


Red-Headed vs Red-Bellied Woodpecker: What’s the Difference?

Did you see a red-headed woodpecker or a red-bellied woodpecker? Learn how to tell these woodpeckers with a similar name...


Mourning Dove Lifespan: How Long Do Doves Live?

Mourning doves are beloved backyard birds that form lasting bonds with their mates. But just how long is a mourning...


Is a Turtledove a Real Type of Bird?

If you've only heard turtledoves mentioned at Christmastime, you may wonder if they even exist. Learn where these birds live...


Here’s Why Pigeons Are the Most Misunderstood Birds

When it comes to pigeons, is the hate merited? We chatted with an expert about why you should rethink your...

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13 Fascinating Mourning Dove Facts

Mournings doves are common in backyards across America. Learn interesting facts you should know about the beautiful mourning dove.


All About Mourning Dove Eggs and Baby Mourning Doves

We share the answers to the most common questions about mourning dove eggs and baby mourning doves, including when they...


What Does a Mourning Dove Call Sound Like?

Listen to the soothing sound of a mourning dove call. The song is described by some as peaceful or mournful....


25 Breathtaking Mourning Dove Pictures

Enjoy a collection of photos that capture the beauty of mourning doves in all seasons, including mourning dove nests and...


Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Vs Pileated Woodpecker: Are They Related?

Birders may compare an ivory-billed woodpecker vs a pileated woodpecker, as they share many traits. Experts weigh in on any...


Acorn Woodpeckers Are the Ultimate Stockpilers

Tap into what makes the quirky, clownish acorn woodpecker so unique. Acorn woodpeckers live in large groups and hoard thousands...