Bird Species

We’ve rounded up profiles for some of the most popular North American bird species. Learn how to attract these fine feathered friends and listen to their songs.

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Redhead vs Canvasback: Duck Identification

Grab your binoculars and take a 'quack' at correctly identifying two commonly confused ducks: the redhead vs canvasback.

Giant Hummingbirds Do Exist — Here’s Where to See One

Hummingbirds are known to be quite small... but this one is giant! Here's where to spot the large, awe-inspiring giant...


8 Fascinating Quail Facts You Didn’t Know

Boost your bird knowledge with quail facts. These quirky creatures are more than just cute, crested birds.


All About Owl Pellets and Where to Find Them

Learn why you should definitely give a hoot about owl pellets — and what makes them a fascinating part of...


How to Identify a Western Cattle Egret

Learn all about the western cattle egret, a bird often found in pastures alongside cows. See what the species looks...

13 Fascinating Mourning Dove Facts

Mournings doves are common in backyards across America. Learn interesting facts you should know about the beautiful mourning dove.


Redpoll vs House Finch: ID Challenge

These red-crowned finches can be difficult to tell apart. Learn key traits to spot the differences between a redpoll vs...

This Is Why Hawks Sit by Highways

What was that large bird you just drove past, and why was it sitting on top of a power line?...


Uncover the Facts Behind Common Owl Myths

Discover the secret life of these formidable predators and dispel some of the biggest owl myths and falsehoods.


How to Identify a Cassin’s Finch

Learn how to distinguish a Cassin’s finch from other finch look-alikes. Find out what these western finches eat and where...


Meet the Raptors: Amazing Birds of Prey

Find out why these raptor bird species, including hawks, owls, falcons and more, are some of the most captivating birds...

How to Identify an Eastern Towhee

When you’re watching for this songbird, look out below. The Eastern towhee spends most of its time on the ground,...


Identify and Attract a Prothonotary Warbler

Learn what a prothonotary warbler looks like and sounds like and where to find one. Plus learn about their nesting...


7 Fascinating Facts About Puffins

From how fast they fly to how long they live, learn all about these quirky, big-beaked birds with fun puffin...


18 Amazing Woodpecker Facts You Should Know

From their tree-climbing abilities to extraordinary hearing, there are plenty of interesting facts to learn about the woodpecker family.


How to Identify and Attract a Canada Jay

Get to know the Canada jay. Find out what these curious corvids look like, what the birds eat and where...

White-Crowned Sparrow vs White-Throated Sparrow: ID Challenge

These sparrow look-alikes are tricky to tell apart! Learn to tell the difference between a white-throated sparrow vs white-crowned sparrow.


How to Identify a Varied Bunting

Look for a varied bunting along the southwest border or in Mexico. See photos of the male and female and...


Identify and Attract an American Tree Sparrow

Find out what an American tree sparrow looks like and sounds like. This small bird arrives in much of the...


How to Identify a Spotted Towhee

Once called the rufous-sided towhee, this bird has a new name. Learn what a spotted towhee looks like, sounds like...


Identify and Attract a Tufted Titmouse

Learn what a tufted titmouse looks like. Plus, hear its song and find out how to attract this gray and...


How to Identify a Gila Woodpecker

Combining beauty, personality and a critical role in the desert ecosystem, a Gila woodpecker is a fascinating bird to attract...


Meet the White-Crowned Sparrow

Learn all about white-crowned sparrows, including what male and females look like, where to find them, and how to attract...


How to Identify a Lesser Goldfinch

Why is the lesser goldfinch "lesser?" We have the answer, plus tips for attracting these small yellow birds to your...


How to Identify a Phainopepla Bird

Meet the glossy black crested phainopepla bird. Find out what this bird eats and learn where you can spot this...

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The Chickadee Birds: All About Chickadees

To attract and identify the types of chickadees in North America, learn about chickadee songs, favorite foods and where they...


6 Fascinating Facts About Arctic Birds

You've heard of polar bears—what about polar birds? These Arctic birds feel right at home in an icy climate.


Meet the 3 Types of Goldfinches in the United States

There are three types of goldfinches that U.S. birders might see. Learn what these goldfinch species look like and where...


How to Identify a Clark’s Nutcracker

Learn what Clark's nutcracker looks like and sounds like. Plus, learn how the birds' food-caching ways help forests and when...


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How to Identify an American Goldfinch

Learn what an American goldfinch looks like and sounds like and what this bird eats. Also find out why goldfinches...


How to Identify a Red-Shouldered Hawk

Learn how to know if you've seen a red-shouldered hawk. Find out what the birds look like, what they eat...