Across North America, many bird species are easy to find in your backyard or local park. Sadly, nearly 3 billion birds have disappeared since 1970,1 which is a huge loss for our environment. By learning about these birds and where they live, you can help protect them and their habitats.
Here are common North American birds you’re most likely to spot during your outdoor adventures.
1. American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
The American Robin is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive orange-red breast, grayish-brown back, and a white belly. They have a cheerful, melodious song and are known for their bright yellow beak.
- Population: Approximately 380 million. (ref)
- Habitat: Found throughout North America, American Robins thrive in a variety of environments, including forests, gardens, parks, and urban areas. They prefer areas with open grasslands for foraging.
- Range: They are widespread in the continental U.S. and Canada and migrate south to Mexico for the winter.
2. Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
The Red-Winged Blackbird is a medium-sized songbird characterized by its glossy black plumage and bright red and yellow shoulder patches (epaulets) in males. Females are brown and streaked, resembling sparrows.
- Population: Estimated winter population of around 190 million. (ref)
- Habitat: These birds are commonly found in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of lakes and rivers. They often inhabit fields and agricultural areas with nearby water sources.
- Range: They are widespread across North America, particularly in the central and eastern regions, migrating south for the winter.
3. Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)
The Chirping Sparrow is a small brown bird with a streaked back, a distinctive rusty cap, and a white eye stripe. Its soft, trilling song resembles its name.
- Population: Estimates vary widely, from 210 million. (ref)
- Habitat: Chipping Sparrows are found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, gardens, parks, and suburban areas. They prefer areas with scattered trees and shrubs.
- Range: They breed across Canada and the northern U.S. and migrate south to the southern U.S. and Mexico for the winter.
4. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
The Mallard is a large, dabbling duck known for its striking green head (in males), orange bill, and brown chest. Females are mottled brown with an orange bill. They are highly adaptable and can be seen in many bodies of water.
- Population: Approximately 6.129 million in 2023. (ref)
- Habitat: Mallards prefer freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes, often found in urban parks and wetlands.
- Range: They are widely distributed across North America and can be found year-round in some areas, migrating to southern regions during winter.
5. Yellow-Rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)
The Yellow-Rumped Warbler is a small songbird with a distinctive yellow patch on its rump, along with white and black streaks on its wings and back. In breeding plumage, males are especially vibrant with a bright yellow throat.
- Population: Estimated at 170 million breeding adults. (ref)
- Habitat: These warblers inhabit coniferous and mixed forests, but they are also found in gardens and urban areas, especially during migration. They are one of the few warbler species that can winter in colder regions.
- Range: They breed in Canada and the northern U.S. and migrate to the southern U.S. and Mexico during winter, often being one of the first warblers to return in spring.
6. Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)
The Swainson’s Thrush is a medium-sized thrush known for its warm brown back, spotted chest, and distinctive “ee-oo” song. They have a characteristic eye ring that enhances their facial features.
- Population: Approximately 120 million. (ref) Annual fluctuations are evident, but overall counts of this species have steadily declined in the northeastern U.S. over the last half-century. (ref)
- Habitat: These birds prefer mature deciduous and mixed forests for breeding, often near streams or wet areas. During migration, they can be found in a variety of habitats, including parks and gardens.
- Range: Swainson’s Thrush breeds across Canada and the northern U.S., migrating to Central America and Mexico for the winter.
7. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
The Mourning Dove is a medium-sized dove with a long tail, a pointed end, and soft, gray-brown plumage. It is known for its soft, mournful cooing call.
- Population: Approximately 346 million. (ref)
- Habitat: Mourning Doves are highly adaptable birds found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, urban areas, gardens, and along roadsides. They prefer areas with scattered trees or shrubs for perching.
- Range: They are found throughout North America, year-round in many regions, and migrate short distances in northern areas during the winter.
8. Dark-Eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
The Dark-Eyed Junco is a small, sparrow-like bird with a rounded body and a short tail. They exhibit a variety of color morphs, with the most common being slate gray above and white below. They are known for their distinctive white outer tail feathers.
- Population: Estimates vary widely, from 190 to 260 million. (ref)
- Habitat: Dark-Eyed Juncos are often found in coniferous and mixed forests, as well as in gardens, shrubby areas, and urban parks. They are commonly seen on the ground foraging for seeds.
- Range: They breed in northern Canada and the northern U.S., migrating to the southern U.S. for winter.
9. European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
The European Starling is a medium-sized bird with iridescent black plumage speckled with white spots, especially in winter. They have a short, sturdy bill and a distinctive, melodious song that includes a variety of whistles and clicks.
- Population: Estimated between 85.9 and 93.3 million birds. (ref)
- Habitat: Starlings are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including urban areas, farmlands, grasslands, and forests. They often gather in large flocks, especially during migration.
- Range: Originally from Europe, they were introduced to North America in the 19th century and have since spread across the continent.
10. Red-Eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)
The Red-Eyed Vireo is a small, olive-green bird with a pale underbelly and a distinctive red eye (which is more pronounced in adults). They have a slight crest and a white line above the eye, contributing to their characteristic appearance.
- Population: Approximately 130 million. (ref)
- Habitat: Red-Eyed Vireos thrive in deciduous forests, especially in areas with dense foliage. They are often found in the canopy, foraging for insects and berries.
- Range: They breed throughout eastern North America and parts of Canada, migrating to Central America for the winter.
So, keep your eyes open and your binoculars ready—the next time you step outside, you might just discover a new feathered friend.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.