Birding Basics

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

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...


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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...


Bird Anatomy 101: From Bird Beaks to Bird Feet

From their feathers to feet, learn more about the major features of bird anatomy and what makes these fascinating animals...


Why Do Birds Flock Together in Winter?

Discover why some birds flock together with other species during winter and learn how to spot mixed flock behavior for...

Ask the Experts: What is the Plural of Titmouse?

Is it titmice or titmouses? What is the correct plural of titmouse? Learn what to say if you see a...


6 Fascinating Bird Facts About Wild Turkeys

Gobble up interesting tidbits about the wild turkey bird, including how fast these birds can fly and if turkeys hold...


Backyard Citizen Science Projects for Nature Lovers

Explore your landscape like never before with citizen science projects that will help researchers learn more about nature.


Birdwatching Gear and Supplies You Never Knew You Needed

Go beyond binoculars and field guides and ramp up your game with the coolest new bird watching gear and birding...


Cheap Ways to Attract More Birds on a Budget

Save money on your favorite hobby with these cheap ways to attract more birds Get creative to make budget feeders...


14 Mind-Blowing Woodpecker Facts You Should Know

From their tree-climbing abilities to extraordinary hearing, there are plenty of interesting facts to learn about the woodpecker family.


12 Owl Shirts Every Bird Fan Should Own

Who doesn't love owls? You're sure to find the right fit for you in this unique selection of owl shirts.


The Blue Jay Range Is Expanding Westward

Blue jays are backyard fixtures in the East, but find out why these adaptive birds are on the move.


Tips to Prevent Bird Strikes on Windows at Home

We know sometimes birds hit windows, and it's much worse during migration. Here are a few simple things you can...

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Leucistic Bird vs Albino Bird: Learn the Difference

White-feathered birds are special. Discover facts about albino birds and leucistic birds and how their unique appearance affects them.


Swallows Nest Types and Nesting Habits

Swallows spend much of their time flying. Learn the birding basics of where to find a swallows nest. Plus learn...


Black Birders Week Is Back in 2023

Black Birders Week is a weeklong event that celebrates the diversity of bird-watchers and nature lovers. Here's how to participate.


Do Wren Sightings Have Special Meaning?

Wrens aren't flashy, but they're definitely beloved by birders. We chatted with our field editors about the meaning their wren...


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Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day by Going Birding

World Migratory Bird Day takes place the second Saturday in May. Take a look at special programs happening all over...


How Do American Robins Find Worms?

American robins wake up early to eat breakfast — but how do robins find worms in the ground? We chatted...

Wren vs Sparrow: What Bird Are You Seeing?

Some small brown birds are hard to identify in the backyard. Learn how to tell the difference between a wren...


House Wren vs Carolina Wren: ID Challenge

It's easy to get confused when identifying a house wren vs a Carolina wren. Learn what the birds look like,...


Do American Robins Mate For Life?

Lifelong love, or just soulmates for a season? Here's all you need to know about whether American robins mate for...


Bird Flu: Should You Take Down Your Feeders?

Will avian influenza affect backyard birds? Find out if you need to take down feeders, plus learn bird flu symptoms...


If You See a Robin Bird, Here’s What It Means

What is the significance of seeing a robin in your yard? We discuss the robin bird meaning and how robins...


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Do Robins Migrate and Fly South in Winter?

Do robins migrate south and come back in spring? Find out where robins go in winter and why you're not...