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 Savannah Sparrow

Get to know the delightful and unassuming Savannah sparrow. In summertime, look for this bird in grasslands throughout the United States.

7 Fascinating Anhinga Bird Facts You Should Know

Dive into these amazing facts about anhinga birds, the sleek, long-necked black birds that hunt (and swim) underwater.


8 Types of Sandpipers That Birders Should Know

Learn about the variety of different sandpipers you're most likely to see the next time you hit the beach or...


Meet the Merganser Ducks: Hooded, Common and Red-Breasted

Get to know the three types of merganser ducks found in the United States: hooded, common, and red-breasted. See how...


How to Identify a Spotted Sandpiper

Keep an eye out near freshwater streams, rivers, and ponds to spot a spotted sandpiper. Plus, learn why they've been...

6 Birds That Look Like Bald Eagles

You know a bald eagle's signature white head but raptors can be tricky, especially in flight. See several birds that...


American Dipper: The Only Aquatic Songbird

The American dipper is a songbird that prefers water to the skies! Learn what the bird looks like and where...

How to Identify a Sanderling

An energetic sanderling running along the beach will warm your bird-loving heart. Here's where to find this small shorebird.


How to Identify an American Avocet

Search for the lovely American avocet along coastlines, lakes, and ponds. Plus, learn about their unique technique when foraging for...


Greater Yellowlegs vs Lesser Yellowlegs: ID Challenge

These long-legged birds look similar but there are subtle differences to look for. Here's how to distinguish a greater vs...


How to Identify a Great Egret

What's that white bird in the swamp? Discover what a great egret eats, where it lives, and how the bird...

How to Identify a Tricolored Heron

Take a closer look at that long-legged heron — it might be a tricolored heron! Here's where to find these...


How to Identify a Vermilion Flycatcher

Head south to see this flame-red, desert-dwelling bird. Learn where to find a vermilion flycatcher, and what their song sounds...


How to Identify a Solitary Sandpiper

Learn to identify the solitary sandpiper — a migration-season visitor to ponds, streams, and marshes across the United States.


Look for an American Bittern Bird in the Marsh

Keep your eyes peeled to spot the well-camouflaged American bittern — a marsh bird with a bizarre song. Plus, learn...


How to Identify a Townsend’s Solitaire Bird

Get the keys to ID a Townsend's solitaire, a solitary, cheery-singing thrush bird with a sweet tooth for juniper berries.

How to Identify a Mississippi Kite

Look up to find a Mississippi kite soaring overhead, just like flying a kite. Plus, learn where to find this...


How to Identify a Greater Roadrunner Bird

Meep meep! Learn all about the greater roadrunner, including where to find this bird, how fast it can run, and...


Discover the Mysterious Lives of Nighthawk Birds

These creatures of contradiction aren’t hawks and aren’t the most active at night, but nighthawks are birds worth knowing


Rare Hybrid Blue-Green “Grue” Jay Spotted in Texas

It's a blue jay! It's a green jay! It's a... grue jay? Learn why a hybrid bird spotted in Texas...


8 Fascinating Pelican Facts to Know

From their prehistoric past to clever fishing skills, dive into the fascinating world of brown and white pelicans with these...


How to Identify a Snowy Egret

Watch for these elegant birds along coastlines and in swamps. Plus, learn why the snowy egret is a meaningful conservation...


Gray Catbird vs Northern Mockingbird: ID Challenge

Learn how to tell the difference between two gray colored mimic birds with big personalities: the gray catbird vs northern...


What’s That Black Bird With a Yellow Head?

Learn what a yellow-headed blackbird looks like and where to find this bird. Also discover facts about their sounds, nests,...


How to Identify a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

The striking scissor-tailed flycatcher is an icon of Oklahoma and beyond. Learn about their nests, diet and more.

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Identify and Attract a Great Crested Flycatcher

More often heard than seen, a great crested flycatcher is a master insect-catcher of the high canopy. Here's how to...


How to Identify a Northern Shrike

The northern shrike is the size of a songbird... but your feeder birds need to watch out! Here's how to...


How to Identify a Black-Crowned Night-Heron

Learn what an adult and juvenile black-crowned night-heron looks like. Plus, find out where you can see one of these...


How to Identify a Swainson’s Thrush

Learn what a Swainson's thrush looks like and where to find this species. Also learn what the birds eat and...


How to Identify a Fox Sparrow

Learn what a fox sparrow looks like and where to find this bird. Also learn about the fox sparrow's favorite...


Get Familiar With the Friendly Phoebe Bird Family

Bobbing tails, a diet of insects, and their namesake songs — with phoebe birds, there's lots to love! Here's how...