Identification: The Dark Eyed Junco is a striking little sparrow.

They are easy to recognize by their clear sharp coloring, and white tail feathers that are flashed in flight. The upper parts are a deep slate gray color. The underparts are whitish with a tiny splash of gray.

Note: Color and markings vary in different parts of the country.

Behavior: Dark Eyed Junco’s are birds of the ground. They hop around shrubs and tree bases in search of fallen seeds. Their high pitched chirp can often be heard as they search for the seeds. The chirping intensifies as they take short flights through shrubs.

Habitat: Dark Eyed Junco’s can be found in open woodlands, parks, fields, and backyards.

Diet: Dark Eyed Junco’s are primarily ground feeders. They are partial to the seeds of common weeds, such as ragweed, and crabgrass. In the summer months insects make up about half of their diet.

Nesting: Dark Eyed Junco’s build a nest close to the ground. The nest is built mostly by the female. The male will help by bringing nesting material to the nest site. The nest is very compact, and is constructed of rootlets and dry grasses. There are 3-5 eggs laid. Incubation is 12-13 days. Booth parents feed the young and attend to sanitation. The chicks will fledge in about 12 days.

Backyard Tips: Junco’s usually begin to arrive in my backyard around mid-November. I’ll notice only a few the first week, but by the end of second week I’ll have at least a dozen or so. I don’t have to do much to attract Junco’s to my yard. They are content with the seed mix that I use. They seem to prefer the milo seeds that fall to the ground. Although Junco’s are primarily ground feeders, I often see them eating at my feeders. If you’re having trouble attracting Junco’s to your yard try offering a good seed blend that contains milo seed and some corn. I’ve seen the Junco’s in my yard picking at the corn in the wildlife block that I put out for the deer.

Interesting Observation: I’ve noticed that the Junco’s in my yard seem to disappear when the temperatures warm up a little. And will re-appear in large numbers when the temperatures drop again. It’s an interesting behavior trait with the Junco’s in my area. My friends and relatives in other parts of the country tell me they have not noticed this particular trait.

The cute little Carolina Wren is one of the loudest songbirds. The familiar “tea kettle” call is common in urban areas across the eastern half of the US.

Identification: The Carolina Wren is a fairly large wren. The upper parts are a striking chestnut brown and the underparts are an orange-beige color. The head has a pure white “eyebrow”, and the neck is a buff- cream color.

Behavior: Carolina Wrens are friendly inquisitive little birds. The male is especially outgoing and is the only one that produces song. They are very vocal and will sing anytime and any place. They are usually in pairs, and will stay in their home territory year round.

Habitat: Carolina Wrens are adaptable to most locations. They can be found in forests, parks, farm areas, swamps, and tree filled backyards.

Diet: Carolina Wrens feed on insects, larvae, and spiders. In the colder months they eat fruit and berries. Although this is not restricted only to the colder months. I’m constantly chasing them off of our raspberry bushes in early summer.

Nesting: Carolina Wrens are monogamous. Breeding pairs may stay together for years. Both parents work together to construct a nest that is mostly built of twigs. They look for natural locations such as tree branches and holes, but will also use mailboxes, flower pots, and other attractive man-made objects. There are 4-5 eggs laid. Incubation is 14-15 days. The chicks fledge in 12-14 days.

Backyard Tips: Carolina Wrens are quite common in my area. I have at least on pair in my yard year round. Most years they will nest in one of my nest boxes, or in an old vent opening near my kitchen window. For the past two summers they have chosen the vent opening, and I have been fortunate to watch as the chicks fledged. If you’re having trouble attracting Carolina Wrens make sure you have a good supply of black-oil sunflower seeds available and a suet cake with peanuts. Provide a nest box that is specifically designed for wrens, and keep the nest box out all year. I’ve noticed that they will sometimes use the nest boxes to roost at night. An interesting trait I’ve noticed about the Carolina Wren is that even though they will often nest in man-made objects, when using a nest box they seem to prefer the ones that are designed for wrens.

The Blue Jay is one of the most familiar backyard songbirds. Even non-birders can easily identify them by their size and gorgeous blue, black, and white markings.

Identification: The Blue Jay is a large songbird with a wide rounded tail. They are white or light gray underneath with different shades of blue, black, and white above. Both sexes are similar.

Behavior: Blue Jays have a wide variety of calls that carry over a long distance. You will hear them and think they are in a nearby tree when they are actually a good distance away. In contrast to their long distance and sometime loud calls the Blue Jay will fly silently across open areas. Blue Jays have a habit of carrying food in their throat pouch to store elsewhere for later use.

Habitat: Look for Blue Jays along forest edges. They love acorns and can often be found near oak trees. They can also be found in cities, parks, woodlots, and backyards.

Diet: Blue Jays mainly feed on nuts and seeds. They occasionally eat small vertebrae and will sometimes snatch an insect in mid-air.

Nesting: Both parents participate in building a cup shaped nest composed of twigs, bark, moss, and other plant material. They will build a nest in any suitable tree or shrub, but prefer an evergreen if available. There are 4-5 eggs laid. Incubation is 16-18 days. The chicks fledge between 17-21 days.

Interesting Fact: Blue Jays can be a warning system to other birds if a predator such as a hawk or owl is nearby. They will sometimes chase predatory birds, and will make a loud scream like call if it sees a predator in its territory.

Backyard Tips: Some bird watchers consider Blue Jays to be somewhat of a bully type bird. Personally I think they are beautiful intelligent birds that add fun and charm to my yard. I have discovered that Blue Jays love peanuts in the shell. In the colder months I put a handful of peanuts out on the deck railing every morning. If I don’t have them out there around the same time every day I’ll have at least two of them out there loudly informing me that it’s time for breakfast. If you want to entice Blue Jays to your yard and feeders try offering peanuts, or even a good mixed blend that contains peanuts, corn and sunflower seeds. I have also seen them at my suet basket. A fresh water supply will help to attract and encourage Blue Jays to stick around.

The Cooper’s Hawk is a highly skilled flier. They are common woodland hawks that rip through dense tree canopies with the precision of an F-16 fighter pilot in pursuit of prey.

Identification: The Cooper’s Hawk is a medium size hawk with broad rounded wings and a very long tail. Adults are a blue-gray above with rich copper-red bars on the breast, and dark bands on the tail. Juveniles are brown above and streaked brown on the upper breast.

Behavior: Cooper’s fly in a glide pattern. Even when crossing large open areas they do not continuously flap their wings. A common attack maneuver is to fly fast and low to the ground, up and over an object to surprise prey on the other side.

Habitat: Look for Cooper’s in wooded habitats from deep forests to backyards.

Diet: The Cooper’s Hawk diet consists of birds such as American Robins, Bluejays, and Starlings. They will also eat small mammals such as chipmunks, rabbits, and mice.

Nesting: Most Cooper’s Hawks will mate for life. They will breed once a year and raise one brood per breeding season. Over a period of about 2 weeks the pair build a stick nest in a large tree. The nest is around 27 inches in diameter, and 6-17 inches high. There is a cup shaped depression in the center of the nest that is 8 inches across and 4 inches deep. The clutch size is usually 3-5 eggs. The female incubates the eggs for about 30-36 days. The young fledge in 25-34 days. The young continue to come back to the nest to be fed until they become totally independent which takes about 8 weeks.

Backyard Tips: If you enjoy the songbirds that visit your feeders the Cooper’s Hawk is not one that you will want to do anything to encourage them to stay in your yard. Occasionally I will see a Cooper’s in my yard. Usually it will be perched on a branch across from one of my feeders looking for a meal. I’ve never seen one take a bird in my yard, but it does happen. A walk in the woods is the best way to enjoy a look at this beautiful hawk.

The beautiful Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America. Its loud unmistakable call clearly announces its presence in forests and backyards across the continent.

Identification: The Pileated is mostly black with a prominent red crest. The face is marked with white stripes that extend down the neck. Both sexes have the black coloring and red crest. The male is identified by a red whisker and forehead.

Behavior: The Pileated will take food from branches, tree trunks, and logs. They can often be observed foraging low on tree trunks. And on fallen logs drilling into the wood with pieces of bark flying in all directions in an almost chain saw effect.

Habitat: Look for Pileated Woodpeckers in deciduous or coniferous forests with large trees.

Diet: The Pileated Woodpeckers diet consists mainly of insects. Among their favorites is the carpenter ant and wood boring beetle larvae. In cooler months their diet switches to fruits and nuts.

Nesting: Pileated Woodpeckers raise their young in a hole in a tree. In April the hole made by the male attracts the female. Once the brood is raised the Pileated will not use the hole again. A new hole is made for each brood. The nest is lined only with wood chips. Both parents incubate 3-5 eggs. Incubation is 15-16 days. The young can take up to a month to fledge.

Interesting Fact: Abandoned woodpecker holes provide good homes and shelter for many forest songbirds. Ecologically woodpecker families are important to the well being of many other bird species.

Backyard Tips: Pileated Woodpeckers seem to have a fairly large range. I have seen as many as three in my yard at one time. I have two suet baskets in my yard. One is significantly larger than the other. That’s the one they seem to prefer. Even though the suet basket is almost always filled they don’t stick around for long. Sometimes I won’t hear or see them again for several weeks. If you have Pileated Woodpeckers in your area try hanging a large suet basket. With some luck you might attract them to your yard. Even short infrequent visits by this beautiful woodpecker is worth the effort.

The beautiful deep red color of the male Northern Cardinal is a breath taking sight against a snow covered background. Cardinals do not molt into a duller color. Their gorgeous red color remains year round.

Identification: The Cardinal is a fairly large song bird with a thick bill and a prominent crest. Cardinals often sit in a “scrunched” up position with their tail straight down. Males are a brilliant red all over. Females are light brown with streaks of red in the wings, tail, and crest.

Behavior: Cardinals tend to stay low in shrubs and trees. They forage on or near the ground for food. They are common at feeders. Cardinals tend to be loners. They can be inconspicuous away from the feeders, socializing only with their own.

Habitat: Look for Cardinals in backyards, parks, wood lots, and areas with thick shrubs.

Diet: The diet of the Northern Cardinal consists mainly of weed, grains, fruits, berries, and insects. Cardinals have an interesting habit of drinking maple sap from holes left by Woodpeckers and Sapsuckers.

Nesting: Cardinals mate for life. They will often stay together throughout the year. During courtship the pair will sometimes participate in a bonding behavior where the male will collect food and feed it to the female. The female does most of the nest building. She builds a cup shaped nest out of twigs, bark, grasses, and pine needles. There are 3-4 eggs laid in each clutch. Incubation takes 12-13 days. The chicks fledge 10-11 days after hatching. Nesting is a quick turn around for most pairs. The male will feed and care for the young as the female incubates the next clutch of eggs.

Backyard Tips: In my yard I don’t have to do much to attract Cardinals. I have tons of them year round. They remain in my yard whether the feeders are filled or not. If you’re having trouble getting Cardinals to stay in your yard I’ve discovered that they love safflower seeds. Safflower seeds can be purchased by themselves, or can be found in a good seed mix. They also will readily come to a feeder filled with black oil sunflower seeds. On occasion I have seen them going to the suet basket. In particular if the suet contains dried berries.

Identification: Robins are a fairly large songbird with long legs and a long tail. Robins are a gray-brown, with orange underparts, and a black head. In flight a white patch can be seen on the lower belly and tail. Females have paler heads, and the orange underparts are sometimes not as bright as the males.

Behavior: Robins tend to be the “leader of the pack”. They will often bully other birds. Robins have an amusing habit of running across lawns and roads instead of flying. In the fall and winter they form large flocks and gather in trees in search of berries.

Habitat: Robins are common across the US in gardens, parks, yards, and fields. They can also be found in deciduous woodlands, pine forests, and shrub lands.

Diet: The Robins diet consists mainly of insects, worms, fruits, and berries. They will occasionally ingest enough fermented berries to exhibit intoxicated behavior, such as falling over while walking. ( It’s one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.)

Nesting: The Robin begins to breed shortly after returning to its summer range. They usually have 2-3 broods per breeding season. The nest is located 5-15 feet above the ground in dense shrubs or in a fork between two tree branches. The nest is built entirely by the female. The outer part of the nest is made of grass, twigs, and feathers. The inner part is lined with mud, grass, and other soft materials. A new nest is built for each brood. There are 3-5 eggs laid. The eggs hatch in 14-15 days. The chicks fledge 14-15 days later.

Backyard Tips: On occasion I have seen a Robin at one of my feeders. However, Robins do not generally come to feeders. I have found that a birdbath filled with fresh water, or any other water feature will encourage Robins to spend more time in my yard. I have had several Robins in my yard the last couple of years that seem to be in the birdbath more than they hunt for food. And if the birdbath is empty they have been quite vocal in expressing their displeasure. Robins will also stay in your yard if you have dense areas of shrubs for nesting.

Identification: The Titmouse is a soft silvery gray above and white underneath. The flanks are washed with a peach or rusty color. They have a small black patch above the bill that gives them a cute snub nosed look. Both sexes are similar.

Behavior: Titmice perform a series of acrobatic moves while foraging for food. They will mix with Chickadees, Nuthatches, and Woodpeckers. Sometimes they will act as the dominate bird over the smaller birds. They are quite friendly, and can be very curious about their human neighbors. They can sometimes be spotted on window ledges, or a tree branch that is close to a window intently looking in to see what’s going on inside.

Habitat: Tufted Titmice can be found in eastern woodlands below 2,000 feet elevation. They will inhabit both deciduous and evergreen forests. They are common backyard visitors, and can also be found in parks and orchards.

Diet: Titmice will forage on tree branches, and sometimes on the ground for food. Their diet consists mainly of insects. In cooler months they will readily dine on berries, nuts, and seeds.

Nesting: Titmice nest in a hole in a tree. They will look for either a natural cavity or will use an old Woodpecker nest. The nest is lined with soft materials. Sometimes they will pluck hair from a live animal such as a dog. About 5-6 eggs are laid. Incubation is 12-14 days. Only the female incubates the eggs. The chicks fledge in 16-17 days.

Backyard Tips: Feeders stocked with plenty of black oil sunflower seeds will attract Tufted Titmice to your yard. They also enjoy peanut butter and suet. With a little luck they will make use of a nest box. I have had several pairs use nest boxes in my yard. Like most birds they enjoy a fresh clean birdbath.

Personal Story: For about three years I have had a special Titmouse in my yard. He is easily identifiable by a patch of white in the center of the black patch above his nose. When I fill the feeders I carry a bucket around with me filled with the bird seed. As I move from feeder to feeder he will often land on the bucket and eat right out of it as I’m taking the feeder down to fill it. I’ve been trying to get him to eat out of my hand, but he won’t quite do it yet. I’m hoping this winter he will finally decide to take the plunge. For some reason I don’t see him in the summer. He returns to my yard around late September or early October. As soon as he spots me with my feed bucket he returns to his old habit of eating out of it while I’m taking the feeders down. It’s been fun having him do this. I’ll be looking forward to his return this fall.

The tiny Red Breasted Nuthatch is an active bundle of energy. They are beautiful friendly little birds that are year round residents in many areas of Canada, and are a welcome fall-winter visitor to much of the US.

Identification and Field Marks: The Red Breasted Nuthatch is a small sturdy bird with a long pointed bill. They have short tails, a plump body, and the wings are short, but broad. They are a beautiful blue-gray over the upper body, and the underpart is a deep rich rusty color. The rusty color is a little paler in the female. The head is marked with a black cap, and a strong black and white striped pattern marks the facial features.

Behavior: The Red Breasted Nuthatch moves quickly over tree trunks and branches in search of food. They can often be observed rushing head first down a tree trunk in a comical circular pattern. Red Breasted Nuthatches can often be seen traveling with other birds such as Chickadees, Titmice, and Kinglets.

Habitat: The Red Breasted Nuthatch is mainly a bird of coniferous woods and mountain areas. They prefer spruce, fir, hemlock, and western red ceder. In the Northeast look for them in oak, hickory, maple, and other deciduous trees.

Diet: The diet of the Red Breasted Nuthatch consists mostly of insects, nuts, and seeds. They will forage for insects under the bark of trees. They have a habit of pressing large chunks of food into a crevice and hammering at it with their bills.

Nesting: The Red Breasted Nuthatch nests in cavities of trees. Their nest is cup shaped and lined with soft materials. They excavate their own holes, and to protect the nest from predators they will secure the entrance with pine resin. The male applies the pine resin on the outside, and the female takes care of the inside. The Red Breasted Nuthatch is monogamous and will pair for life. The amount of eggs laid varies. The eggs are incubated for 12-18 days. Both parents will feed the young. The chicks will fledge in 21-27 days. 

Backyard Tips: Feeders stocked with plenty of black oil sunflower seeds and peanuts will attract Red Breasted Nuthatches to your yard. They also enjoy suet and peanut butter. If you have pine trees in your yard it can encourage them to spend the night. In years when there have been more Red Breasted Nuthatches in my area, I have been fortunate to have several of them in my yard for most of the fall and winter. I have been told that when there is an increase of Red Breasted Nuthatches in my area it is usually because there has been a pine cone seed crop failure in the Boreal Forest in Canada.

Identification: The Myrtle male has a gray to blue  gray head, black markings on the wings, the face has a black cheek patch and a white arch under the eyes. The crown, flanks, and rump are marked with a beautiful bright yellow patch. The Audubon male has similar markings, but with a yellow chin and throat, and has black on the face. The females of both variations have similar but duller markings.

Behavior: While Yellow Rumps are generally solitary birds it’s not uncommon to find large numbers in a small area particularly during migration. Sometimes they will remain in pairs. In the winter they will mix with other small birds such as Chickadees, Titmice, and Nuthatches. They forage for food in the outer branches at middle height. They have an amusing habit of quickly darting out to catch insects in mid-air.

Habitat: Yellow Rumps can be found throughout North America. They prefer coniferous and mixed forests, parks, and agricultural areas.

Diet: The Yellow Rumps diet consists mostly of insects and spiders. In the cooler months they will eat berries, seeds, and sap.

Nesting: The female builds a cup shaped nest out of bark and plants. The nest is lined with feathers and other soft material. Sometimes she will weave the feathers so the tips will cover the eggs. Four to five eggs are laid. Incubation lasts about 12-13 days. The first few days both parents will feed the young. The chicks fledge after 10-12 days. Yellow Rumps are sometimes target hosts for Cowbirds. Cowbirds are a parasitic species that will lay its eggs in the nests of other birds. Amazingly female Yellow Rumps recognize Cowbird eggs. She will bury the egg deep in the nest to prevent incubation.

Backyard Tips: Yellow Rumps do not readily come to feeders, but they might visit your yard if you have suitable brush and a variety of trees. In the winter months they can be enticed to your feeders with black-oil sunflower seeds, peanut butter, raisins, and suet. So far I have not been able to entice a Yellow Rump to my feeders. I’ve seen a few pass through my yard in the fall. And I’ve seen them in the woods behind my house. I’ll try again this year, and maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised one day with a new guest at one of my feeders.