Grace’s Bird CageBackyard Birding, Feeders & Smart Birdwatching

Backyard Birds: Identify Them and Learn What They Need

How to identify the birds in your yard, plus a quick reference to what common backyard species eat, which feeders they use and where they nest.

Black-capped chickadee perched on a curved metal hook

Photo: USFWS Midwest Region from Midwest Region, United States (public domain)

Identify a bird

Start with size and shape, then color pattern, behavior, habitat and sound. Our guides walk through each step. The Bird ID Helper suggests possible matches from a description.

Popular backyard birds: quick reference

What common eastern and central North American backyard birds eat, which feeders they use and how they nest. Follow the links for full attraction guides. Species details follow All About Birds and Project FeederWatch.

BirdTop foodsFeederNestingGuide
Northern cardinalSafflower, sunflowerHopper, platformDense shrubsAttract cardinals
HummingbirdsNectar, small insectsNectar feederTiny cup on a branchAttract hummingbirds
BluebirdsMealworms, berriesDish / bluebird feederNest box (1½″ hole)Attract bluebirds
American goldfinchNyjer, sunflower chipsFinch tube, meshShrubs, late summerAttract goldfinches
WoodpeckersSuet, peanuts, sunflowerSuet cage, tail-propExcavated cavitiesAttract woodpeckers
Blue jayPeanuts, sunflower, acornsPlatform, hopperStick nest in treesAttract blue jays
Chickadees & titmiceSunflower, peanuts, suetTube, hopper, suetCavities; nest box (1⅛″ hole for chickadees)Nest boxes
Baltimore orioleOranges, grape jelly, nectar, insectsOriole feeder, fruit spikeHanging woven nest in tall treesFruit & jelly
Wrens (Carolina, house)Insects; suet, mealwormsSuet, dishCavities, nest boxes, odd nooksNest boxes
American robinEarthworms, insects, berriesRarely feeders; mealworms, fruitCup nest on ledges/branchesBird baths
Mourning doveMillet, sunflower, cracked cornGround, platformFlimsy twig platformSeed chart

Species attraction guides

Binoculars and field guides

You don’t need expensive gear to identify backyard birds, but two tools make it much easier:

  • Binoculars: 8×42 is the most common all-round birding format. It is bright, has a wide field of view and is easy to hold steady. 8×32 is lighter. Look for close focus under about 6 feet if you’ll watch feeders near the house, plus waterproofing and a comfortable eye relief if you wear glasses.
  • A regional field guide: Sibley, Peterson, National Geographic and Kaufman guides are all respected. Eastern and western editions are easier to carry and use than whole-continent books.
  • Free apps: Merlin Bird ID (photo and sound) and eBird (see what’s reported nearby).
Check 8×42 binoculars Check Sibley guides Check Peterson guides