Birding Basics

Thinking of taking up birding as a hobby? These birding basics and tips on birding for beginners will get you started.

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Amazing Bird Feeding Video Contest Winners

We never tire of watching birds at feeders. Three birders captured fantastic bird feeding videos and won our 2023 Bird Feeding Video Contest.

Birding Guidelines: Birdhouse Hole Size Chart

Follow the guidelines on this birdhouse hole size chart to make sure you're offering the right birdhouse for your feathered...


How to Get Rid of Blue Jays at Bird Feeders

Free up feeders for your small songbirds by learning how to get rid of blue jays. One idea is to...


Music in Motion: Birds That Sing While Flying

Look up if you hear music overhead! Birds such as sandpipers and larks sing while they fly—and their concerts are...


Are Albino and Leucistic Robins Rare?

It's exciting to see a bird with unique plumage, but how rare is an albino or leucistic robin? Our experts...

Bird Mating Rituals: Love Is in the Air

When it comes to courtship, birds pull out all the stops, using elaborate displays to attract a potential mate and...


Do Crow Sightings Have Meaning?

Crows have a complex history! Discover what crows symbolized to ancient cultures, and find out how some interpret crow sightings...


How to Attract Bluebirds: Tips and FAQs

Bluebirds are beautiful—it's easy to see why people are interested in attracting them. We’ve got easy tips and answers on...


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Don’t Let a Female Cardinal Fly Under the Radar

Is the female cardinal an angel, or just a hard-working female bird supporting her mate? Learn about the secret life...


A Rare Sighting of an Arizona Cardinal Bird

Despite being a sports team mascot, northern cardinals are rarely spotted in parts of Arizona. See photos of an Arizona...


Bird Mating Behavior: Who’s the Boss?

When it comes to bird mating for species like American robins and house wrens, it’s the female birds who run...


Why Does a Cardinal Raise Its Crest?

A bright red cardinal crest is unmistakable. Find out why cardinals raise their crests and if female cardinals have crests.


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Meet the Friendliest Birds in America

Some birds stand out for their bold, curious and charming personalities. Learn why these are the friendliest birds in your...

Ask the Experts: Do Birds Get Dependent on Feeders?

Do backyard birds become overly dependent on bird feeders for food? Find out the answer from our birding experts.


12 Winter Birds Myths and Facts: Do Birds Get Cold?

Do birds get cold? Some birders worry winter birds will freeze on cold nights or in bird baths. Our expert...


The Best Backyard Birding Tips for Small Spaces

With a little planning and some basic backyard birding tips from our experts you can attract and feed birds—no matter...


Is There a Blue Colored Cardinal Bird?

Do you think you saw a blue cardinal in your backyard? Find out what's going on and the other types...


Can a Cardinal Fly Without Tail Feathers?

Cardinals are a birder favorite, but they don't always look neat and pretty. Here are some reasons you might find...


Dove Meaning: What Does It Mean if You See a Mourning Dove?

What does it mean when a mourning dove visits you? Find out if seeing or hearing a mourning dove has...


This Cardinal Bird Rescue Story Is Simply Amazing

A backyard birder had to get creative to rescue a female cardinal. Read the dramatic story of how she managed...


13 Fabulous Facts About Extreme Bird Feathers

Bird feathers are fascinating! Discover the wide variety of functions that feathers serve, including helping birds fly and attract mates.


Meet the Festive Flock of Birds in the 12 Days of Christmas

Have you ever noticed how many gifts in 'The 12 Days of Christmas' are birds? Discover fun facts about the...

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...


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How to Get Rid of Blackbirds and Grackles at Feeders

Are bigger birds bothering your songbirds? Learn how to get rid of grackles, blackbirds, starlings and other undesirable birds at...


ID Challenge: Cooper’s Hawk vs Sharp-Shinned Hawk

A common backyard birding challenge is learning how to ID a Cooper's hawk vs a sharp-shinned hawk. Look closely at...


Do Mourning Dove Feathers and Wings Make Noise?

What's that whistling noise coming from mourning doves in flight? We explain how mourning dove feathers and wings make a...


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Does Your Birth Month Bird Match Your Personality?

What bird matches your birth month? Take a look to see which of the birth month birds aligns with your...


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Sky Hunters: What Foods Do Hawks Eat?

Learn the answer to what do hawks eat. Plus find out which hawks are most likely hunting the songbirds at...