Birding Basics

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

Brown Thrasher: An Elusive, Musical Songbird

Brown thrashers are excellent mimics and sing more than 1,000 tunes. Learn about these elusive songbirds and how to identify...


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Get Rid of Wasp Nests in Birdhouses Without Pesticides

Pesticides can harm birds so here's a better way to get rid of wasp nests in birdhouses without using dangerous...


8 Yellow and Black Birds You Should Look For

If you spot a yellow and black bird, you might need some help to identify it. Here are photos of...


25 Small Yellow Birds You Should Know

Did you spot a small yellow bird in the trees? Look at these photos of yellow birds found across North...


Meet the 3 Types of Goldfinches in the United States

There are three types of goldfinches across the United States. Learn what these goldfinch species look like and where to...


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15 Common Backyard Birds You Should Know

New to birding? Start with the basics. Learn to recognize 15 common backyard birds, and discover ways to attract them...


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How to Attract Orioles to Your Backyard

Get expert tips on attracting orioles. Find out how to bring more oriole birds, including Baltimore oriole birds, to your...


Meet the Jays: 8 Types of Jays You Should Know

Whether you think they're brilliant or bullies, there's plenty to discover about these clever corvids. Learn about blue jays and...

9 Birds That Look Like Cardinals

Cardinals are also known as redbirds, but not every red bird is a cardinal. Check out some other birds that...


Bluebird vs Blue Jay: How to Tell the Difference

With similar names and similar colors, these two bird species are often confused. Here's how to tell the difference between...


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If You See a Cardinal, Here’s What It Means

Cardinals are beloved birds for their beauty and bold colors. But do you know the symbolism and meaning of cardinals...


Birding in the City: How to Be an Urban Birder

You don't have to leave the city to see amazing birds. Follow simple tips from David Lindo, the Urban Birder,...


Use an Ant Moat for Your Hummingbird Feeders

Do ants keep crawling into your sugar water and other bird food? Learn how to use an ant moat for...


Why Do Birds Sing in Spring?

Bird songs are plentiful during the spring, but have you ever wondered why do birds sing? Find out the reasons...


When Will Baltimore Orioles Arrive in Spring?

Learn when to start looking for Baltimore orioles during spring migration and how to keep track of when they'll be...


Prairie Birds: The Stunning Species of the Grasslands

Discover why prairie birds are the hidden gems of the grasslands, as well as some of the best birding locations...


Discover the Desert Birds of the Southwest

You'll be amazed by the ways these desert birds survive and thrive in dry country. Learn about the unique bird...

The Most Commonly Sighted Bird in Every State

Data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey reveals which bird was seen most often in every state. Check to...


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How to Help a Bird That Flew into a Window

If you find a bird that flew into a window, it's important to know what steps to take to help...


What Does a Baltimore Oriole Song Sound Like?

In spring, listen for a melodic Baltimore oriole song in your backyard and look for these black and orange birds....


6 Bird Migration Patterns That Have Changed

From rufous hummingbirds to Canada geese, discover some of the ways bird migration patterns are shifting for certain bird species.


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Birdwatching for Beginners: How to Start Birding

Ready to learn about bird-watching for beginners? Grab binoculars and a field guide, connect with other birders, then go see...


Discover the Joys of Sunset with Birds

Don’t stop birding as the sun goes down. At sunset with birds, things are just getting started. Go on an...

7 Sweet Photos Show How Birds Flirt and Attract Mates

Discover the adorable ways how birds attract mates and flirt with each other, including elaborate dances, preening and feeding rituals.


Signs of Spring: 8 Great Spring Birding Moments

Spring can seem a long way off, until you spot a phoebe and see wrens gathering nest material. Learn more...


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How to Keep Cats From Killing Birds

If you own a cat, keep it indoors to protect the birds. Learn how many birds cats kill each each...


Go Birdwatching in Different Bird Habitats

Understanding specific habitats can help you identify the birds that live there. Spot more species by exploring more types of...


What Does a Cedar Waxwing Call Sound Like?

Learn how to identify a cedar waxwing call and hear what the species sounds like. Then you can listen for...


75+ Solutions for Common Backyard Birdwatching Problems

We’ve got answers for all your backyard birdwatching problems, including cleaning feeders and bird baths, deterring backyard pests and helping...