Birdwatching is a great way to connect with nature, and many fascinating bird species can be found right in your backyard. From vibrant finches to soaring hawks, the Eastern U.S. is home to a diverse range of birds that add beauty and life to outdoor spaces.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birdwatcher, learning to identify these common backyard birds will enhance your appreciation of the natural world.
In this guide, we’ll introduce 12 common backyard birds in the Eastern United States, sharing key identification tips, fun facts, and how to attract them to your yard.
1. House Finch
Scientific Name: Haemorhous mexicanus
Identification:
- Males have a rosy red head and chest, while females are streaked brown.
- Small birds with a short, conical beak.
Fun Fact:
Originally from the Western U.S., House Finches spread across the country due to the pet trade in the 1940s.
Attracting Them:
- Provide bird feeders with sunflower seeds.
- Leave out natural nesting spots like dense shrubs or wreaths.
2. Northern Cardinal
Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
Identification:
- Males are bright red with a black mask; females are tan with hints of red.
- Both have a large, orange-red beak and a distinctive crest.
Fun Fact:
Northern Cardinals have adapted to suburban areas and are now common in the Northeast, where they were once rare.
Attracting Them:
- Offer sunflower seeds and safflower seeds in feeders.
- Plant dense shrubs for nesting.
3. Carolina Wren & House Wren
Scientific Names: Thryothorus ludovicianus (Carolina Wren), Troglodytes aedon (House Wren)
Identification:
- Carolina Wrens are reddish-brown with a white eyebrow stripe.
- House Wrens are smaller, brown, with faint stripes.
Fun Fact:
House Wrens migrate south for winter, while Carolina Wrens often stay year-round in colder regions.
Attracting Them:
- Provide brush piles or birdhouses for nesting.
- Let spiders and insects thrive in your yard—wrens love eating them!
4. Northern Mockingbird
Scientific Name: Mimus polyglottos
Identification:
- Gray body with white wing patches and a long tail.
- Medium-sized bird with a slender build.
Fun Fact:
Mockingbirds can mimic other bird calls and even car alarms!
Attracting Them:
- Plant fruit-bearing shrubs like holly or mulberry.
- Offer mealworms to attract them.
5. American Crow
Scientific Name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
Identification:
- Large, all-black bird with a sturdy bill.
- Highly intelligent and social.
Fun Fact:
Crows can recognize human faces and remember if you’ve been kind or a threat!
Attracting Them:
- Provide open spaces with trees for nesting.
- Avoid using pesticides—crows forage for natural food.
6. American Robin
Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius
Identification:
- Bright orange-red chest and dark gray back.
- Medium-sized with a cheerful song.
Fun Fact:
Robins are often seen hopping on lawns, searching for worms after rain.
Attracting Them:
- Plant berry-producing trees like dogwood or holly.
- Offer a birdbath for drinking and bathing.
7. European Starling
Scientific Name: Sturnus vulgaris
Identification:
- Dark, glossy feathers with iridescent colors in summer.
- Yellow beak in spring and black beak in winter.
Fun Fact:
Starlings were introduced to North America in the 1800s and are now one of the most common birds.
Attracting Them:
- Starlings eat a variety of foods, including insects and fruit.
- They prefer open fields and grassy yards.
8. Sharp-Shinned Hawk & Cooper’s Hawk
Scientific Names: Accipiter striatus (Sharp-shinned Hawk), Accipiter cooperii (Cooper’s Hawk)
Identification:
- Both have striped chests and long tails.
- Cooper’s Hawks are larger with a rounded tail, while Sharp-shinned Hawks are smaller with a square tail.
Fun Fact:
These hawks are stealthy bird hunters, often spotted near bird feeders.
Attracting Them:
- Provide dense cover for smaller birds to hide.
- Avoid keeping feeders too exposed.
9. Red-Tailed Hawk
Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis
Identification:
- Large brown hawk with a reddish tail.
- Broad wings and soaring flight.
Fun Fact:
The screeching call of a Red-tailed Hawk is often used in movies for any raptor, including eagles!
Attracting Them:
- Keep open areas for hunting.
- Provide tall trees for perching.
10. Blue Jay
Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
Identification:
- Bright blue feathers, white chest, and black markings.
- Loud, screeching calls.
Fun Fact:
Blue Jays can imitate hawk calls to scare off other birds!
Attracting Them:
- Offer peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet.
- Provide shrubby areas for nesting.
11. Common Grackle
Scientific Name: Quiscalus quiscula
Identification:
- Shiny black plumage with iridescent purple and green hues.
- Large yellowish-white eyes.
Fun Fact:
Grackles often roost in huge flocks, especially near wetlands.
Attracting Them:
- Provide open spaces with access to water.
- Avoid using pesticides—grackles feed on insects.
12. American Goldfinch
Scientific Name: Spinus tristis
Identification:
- Males are bright yellow with black wings; females are duller greenish-yellow.
- Small, seed-eating birds with a bouncy flight.
Fun Fact:
Goldfinches sing a “potato chip” call while flying!
Attracting Them:
- Provide thistle seeds and sunflowers.
- Offer a shallow birdbath.
Identifying and attracting backyard birds is a rewarding way to connect with nature. Whether you’re setting up bird feeders, planting native trees, or simply observing, these 12 common backyard birds are sure to bring life and beauty to your outdoor spaces.
FAQ’s
What is the most common backyard bird in the Eastern U.S.?
The Northern Cardinal is one of the most common and recognizable backyard birds in the Eastern U.S. with its bright red color and cheerful song.
How do I attract more birds to my backyard?
You can attract birds by providing bird feeders, fresh water, and native plants that offer shelter and food.
