Attracting birds to your garden with a feeder is a wonderful way to connect with nature. But do you ever find yourself wondering, "Who is that little brown bird?" This guide will help you identify the birds that frequent your feeder, turning you into a backyard bird expert in no time.

Start with the Basics: Size and Shape

One of the first steps to identify the birds at your feeder is to observe their overall size and shape. Is it small like a sparrow, medium like a robin, or large like a pigeon? Look at the bird's body shape too. Is it plump and round, or slender and streamlined? These initial observations can significantly narrow down the possibilities. This helps you begin to identify the birds that are visiting.

Focus on Feathers: Color and Markings

Feather color and patterns are crucial clues to identify the birds. Note the dominant colors. Is it mostly brown, gray, black, or a vibrant color like red or blue? Look for any distinct markings, such as stripes, spots, wing bars (stripes across the wings), or eye rings (circles around the eyes). For example, a bird with a bright red breast is likely a robin, while one with black and white stripes is probably a woodpecker. These details are key to identify the birds.

Watch Their Behavior: How They Eat and Move

Bird behavior provides valuable clues to identify the birds. How does the bird feed? Does it perch on the feeder, cling to the side, or hop on the ground below? Some birds, like finches, have short, conical beaks perfect for cracking seeds. Others, like woodpeckers, have strong, chisel-like beaks for drilling into wood. Observe how they move too. Some hop, others walk, and some flit quickly from branch to branch. Observing these habits helps you identify the birds.

Listen Up: Bird Songs and Calls

Birdsong is a beautiful part of nature, and each species has its own unique vocalizations. Some songs are complex melodies, while others are simple chips or calls. Paying attention to these sounds can help you identify the birds even before you see them. Many online resources and apps provide recordings of bird songs and calls, which can be a valuable tool for learning. Listening to their calls allows you to identify the birds.

Consider the Location and Time of Year

The location of your garden and the time of year can also influence which birds you’ll see. Certain species are more common in specific regions or habitats. For instance, you’re more likely to see hummingbirds in warmer climates. Similarly, some birds are migratory, meaning they move to different areas depending on the season. This context helps you identify the birds that are likely to be around.

Common Feeder Visitors and Their Key Features

Here are a few common feeder visitors and their identifying traits to help you identify the birds:

• Northern Cardinal: Bright red (male) or reddish-brown (female) with a prominent crest and a strong beak.


• Black-capped Chickadee: Small with a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a gray back.


• American Goldfinch: Bright yellow (male) during breeding season, duller yellow-brown in winter, with black wings and white wing bars.


• House Finch: Males have a reddish face and breast, while females are streaky brown.


• Dark-eyed Junco: Dark gray or brown with a white belly and outer tail feathers. Learning these key features makes it easy to identify the birds.

Using Field Guides and Online Resources

Field guides are excellent resources for identifying birds. These books contain detailed descriptions, illustrations, and range maps for various species. Many mobile apps and websites also offer similar information, often including bird songs and calls. These resources are invaluable to identify the birds.

Provide the Right Food to Attract Specific Birds

The type of food you offer can attract different birds. Black oil sunflower seeds are a popular all-around choice that attracts a wide variety of species. Nyjer seed (thistle) is a favorite of finches. Suet (animal fat) attracts woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees. Offering a variety of food helps you identify the birds that prefer different food sources.

Be Patient and Enjoy the Process

Learning to identify the birds takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t identify every bird right away. The most important thing is to enjoy the process of observing these fascinating creatures in your own backyard. With a little patience and the tips provided, you’ll become a confident birdwatcher in no time. Taking your time is key to identify the birds.