Birding

From helpful bird species profiles to expert tips on attracting birds to your yard – we have all the information you need to start birding.

View More in:

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...


Where Do Woodpeckers Migrate in Winter?

Some woodpeckers stay in the same place year-round, but in other instances, woodpeckers do head south for winter.  Find out...


All About Woodpecker Nests and Eggs

Wondering if you've found a woodpecker nest? Learn where they build nests and how many eggs they lay. Plus find...


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,...

Bird Molting: Why Birds Molt and How to Spot It

Feather refresh in progress! Learn about bird molting and why the color change is more obvious on some molting birds...


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...


17 Photos of White Cardinals and Leucistic Birds

You'll be amazed at these photos of white cardinals and other lovely leucistic birds, including partially albino hummingbirds, finches and...


Quiz: How Many Shorebirds Can You Identify?

How many shorebirds can you name? Put your shorebird identification skills to the test with this fun photo quiz.


Peanuts in the Shell vs. Shelled Peanuts for Birds

One commonly asked bird feeding question is what types of backyard birds can eat peanuts in the shell and shelled...


Offer Nyjer Seed to Attract More Finches

Learn where nyjer seed comes from and what types of birds eat it. Plus, find out what's the difference between...


How to Get Rid of Pigeons at Bird Feeders

Rock pigeons are nonnative birds that can gobble up lots of birdseed quickly. Learn how to discourage pigeons from visiting...


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.


Tout icon

Why Do Woodpeckers Peck and How to Stop Them

Woodpeckers have a unique way to drum up attention. Learn why woodpeckers peck wood, trees and metal and how to...

6 Reasons Why Woodpeckers Have Special Meaning

Some types of woodpeckers have meaning for bird lovers. Find out which woodpecker sightings fill our readers with joy and...


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...


What Does a Baby Woodpecker Look Like?

That unusual bird might be a juvenile or baby woodpecker! Learn what baby woodpeckers eat, how long they stay in...

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...


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...


Is That a Woodpecker at a Hummingbird Feeder?

Woodpeckers have a a varied diet and their eating habits might surprise you. Find out if it's common to see...