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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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 family to your life list.

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.


10 Fascinating California Condor Facts You Should Know

Learn how the California condor came back from the brink of extinction. Plus, learn where these large birds live and...


How to Identify a Barred Owl

Learn what a barred owl looks like and what their call sounds like. Plus learn where you can spot these...

Meet the Long-Eared Owl and the Short-Eared Owl

Learn how to tell the difference between a long-eared owl and a short-eared owl. Find out where you can spot...


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...


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...


The Elf Owl Is the Smallest Owl in the World

The elf owl is as small as a sparrow. Learn what these tiny birds of prey look like, what they...


How to Attract and Identify a Clark’s Nutcracker

Meet the Clark's nutcracker. Plus, learn how the birds' food-caching ways help forests, what they sound like and when they...


How to Attract Owls to Nest in Your Backyard

Where do owls live? Welcome these nighttime fliers to your yard. Experts reveal how to attract owls and provide shelter...


Great Horned Owl: The Greatest Nocturnal Hunter

If you hear owl sounds in your neighborhood, it’s likely a great horned owl. Learn about their size, wingspan, nests,...


8 Fascinating Burrowing Owl Facts

Forget the treetops—a burrowing owl nests underground. Some use the dens of other animals. Look for these small owls in...

Barn Owls: Ghostly Nocturnal Birds of Prey

Look for flashes of white when driving on dark country roads, and you might spot a barn owl. Learn about...


5 Types of Grosbeak Birds You Should Know

Five birds share the name grosbeak and sport thick bills—but the similarities stop there. Look for these colorful fliers throughout...


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...


How to Identify a Northern Mockingbird

See what a northern mockingbird looks like and where to find them. Plus hear a mockingbird call and learn how...


How to Identify a Black-Bellied Whistling Duck

This black-bellied whistling duck is expanding its range north into the United States. See what these ducks look like and...


Why Do Crows Chase Hawks and Owls?

If you've ever seen a group of crows swooping after a hawk, you might wonder — why do crows chase...