32 Common Backyard Birds in Michigan

This article provides a comprehensive list of 32 common backyard birds in Michigan, giving readers a snapshot of the diverse avian species that can be observed in the state. Utilizing data from the citizen science program eBird, each bird is accompanied by vivid pictures and details about how to attract them to your own backyard. The Black-capped Chickadee takes the spotlight as the most frequently spotted bird, featuring on 46% of birdwatching lists. However, other popular visitors include the Blue Jay, American Robin, Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch, Mourning Dove, and American Crow, to name just a few. For those looking to delve into the fascinating world of birdwatching in Michigan, the article also offers useful information on recommended products and resources for further bird identification.

Black-capped Chickadee

Description

The Black-capped Chickadee is a small songbird, measuring about 4.7 to 5.9 inches in length. It has a distinctive black cap on its head that contrasts with its white cheeks. The upperparts of the bird are gray, while its underparts are white. It has a short bill and a long tail, which it often flicks as it moves around. Overall, this little bird has a charming and adorable appearance.

Habitat

Black-capped Chickadees are native to North America and can be found across a wide range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. They are particularly attracted to areas with trees and shrubs where they can find shelter and nesting cavities. These birds are highly adaptable and can also be found in parks and gardens where there are suitable food sources available.

Diet

The diet of Black-capped Chickadees consists mainly of insects and spiders, especially during the breeding season when they require higher protein levels. They are known to forage on tree branches and twigs, probing crevices and bark to find their prey. In addition to insects, they also consume seeds and berries, particularly during the winter months when insect populations are scarce.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Black-capped Chickadees to your backyard, it is important to provide them with a suitable habitat and a reliable food source. Planting native trees and shrubs can provide these birds with shelter and nesting opportunities. Consider including plants that produce seeds and berries, such as sunflowers and elderberries, to provide a natural food source. Installing bird feeders with a variety of seeds and suet can also attract these friendly and curious birds.

Interesting Facts

• The Black-capped Chickadee is known for its distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call, which is used as a contact call between individuals and as a warning call.
• These birds have a remarkable ability to store food for later use. They have been observed caching seeds and insects in tree bark, crevices, and even in the ground.
• Black-capped Chickadees are cavity nesters and often use old woodpecker holes or natural cavities in trees. However, they have also been known to use nest boxes, so providing them with suitable nesting sites can encourage them to stay in your backyard.

Blue Jay

Description

The Blue Jay is a strikingly beautiful bird with a vibrant blue plumage on its upperparts and a white underbelly. It has a crest on its head that can be raised or lowered depending on its mood. The crest is often raised when the bird is alarmed or excited. Blue Jays have a bold and confident appearance, with their stout bodies and long tails.

Habitat

Blue Jays are commonly found in forests, woodlands, and suburban areas across North America. They prefer habitats with ample trees for perching and nesting, as well as open spaces for foraging. These adaptable birds can also be seen in parks, gardens, and even urban areas. They are known for their ability to thrive in a variety of environments.

Diet

Blue Jays have a diverse diet that includes a range of foods. They are omnivorous and feed on both plant and animal matter. Their diet consists of nuts, seeds, berries, fruits, invertebrates, and sometimes even small vertebrates like frogs or lizards. They are also known to feed on eggs and nestlings of other bird species.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Blue Jays to your backyard, provide them with a mix of natural food sources and bird feeders. Planting trees and shrubs that produce acorns, berries, and other fruits can attract these birds by providing a natural food source. Additionally, offering a variety of seeds, nuts, and suet in bird feeders can entice Blue Jays to frequent your backyard.

Interesting Facts

• Blue Jays are known for their intelligence and ability to mimic other bird calls. They can imitate the calls of hawks, crows, and even domestic cats.
• These birds are highly social and often travel in family groups or small flocks. They communicate with each other through a variety of calls and body language.
• Blue Jays are known as “scatter hoarders” because they hide and store food in various locations. They have excellent spatial memory and can remember hundreds of hiding spots.

American Robin

Description

The American Robin is a familiar and beloved bird in North America. It has a plump body, measuring about 9 to 11 inches in length. The male and female robins have a similar appearance, with a grayish-brown back and a warm orange breast. They have a prominent white eye-ring and a yellow bill which is used to probe the ground for food.

Habitat

American Robins can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, gardens, parks, and suburban areas. They prefer open areas with short grass where they can easily forage for insects and worms. These adaptable birds are known to build their nests in trees, shrubs, and even on man-made structures such as buildings and lampposts.

Diet

The diet of American Robins consists mainly of earthworms and insects, especially during the breeding season. They have a unique feeding behavior where they listen for movement in the ground and then use their bills to extract the prey. In addition to invertebrates, they also consume fruits and berries, particularly during the winter months when insects are less abundant.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract American Robins to your backyard, it is important to provide them with a suitable habitat and a reliable food source. Clearing open areas with short grass can mimic their preferred foraging grounds. Additionally, offering a mixture of mealworms, fruits, and suet in bird feeders can entice these beautiful birds to visit and potentially even nest in your backyard.

Interesting Facts

• American Robins are considered a symbol of spring as they are one of the first migratory birds to return after winter. Their arrival is often associated with the changing of seasons.
• These birds are known for their distinctive song, which consists of a melodious series of whistling and trilling notes. The male robins often sing to defend their territories and attract mates.
• American Robins have a unique way of finding worms. They can actually hear the worms moving underground by tilting their heads and listening for faint vibrations.

Northern Cardinal

Description

The Northern Cardinal is a strikingly beautiful bird known for its vibrant red plumage and distinctive crest on its head. The male cardinals are bright red all over, while the females have a more subdued plumage with a reddish tint. Both sexes have a black mask around their eyes and a thick, orange bill. Cardinals have a sturdy body and a long tail, making them easily recognizable.

Habitat

Northern Cardinals are common across eastern and central North America, including Michigan. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, gardens, and suburban areas. These birds thrive in areas with dense shrubs and trees, where they can find shelter and nesting sites. They are also known to adapt well to urban environments.

Diet

The diet of Northern Cardinals consists mainly of seeds, fruits, and insects. They have a strong, conical bill that is well-suited for cracking open seeds and fruit. They forage on the ground, searching for fallen seeds and berries, and also feed on insects and spiders. They often visit bird feeders to consume sunflower seeds and suet.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Northern Cardinals to your backyard, provide them with a mix of dense shrubs and trees for nesting and perching. Planting fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, such as dogwood or crabapple, can attract these birds by providing a natural food source. Additionally, offering sunflower seeds and suet in bird feeders can entice Northern Cardinals to visit your backyard.

Interesting Facts

• The bright red plumage of the male Northern Cardinal is believed to serve as a visual signal to other birds and potential mates. The females are more attracted to males with brighter red feathers.
• Northern Cardinals are known for their distinctive song, which is a series of clear, whistled notes. They often sing from high perches to defend their territories and attract mates.
• These birds are year-round residents in many areas, and their song can often be heard even in the midst of winter. Their cheerful presence and beautiful song can brighten up any backyard.

American Goldfinch

Description

The American Goldfinch is a small songbird with a bright yellow plumage during the breeding season. The male goldfinches are particularly vibrant, with a bright yellow body and black wings. In the winter, both males and females have a more subdued plumage, with olive-brown feathers. These birds have a slender body and a conical bill, and they are known for their joyful and melodic song.

Habitat

American Goldfinches can be found across North America, including Michigan. They are commonly found in open areas with plenty of trees and shrubs, such as meadows, grasslands, and gardens. These birds are especially attracted to areas with thistle plants, as they rely on thistle seeds as a major food source. They are also known to visit backyard feeders.

Diet

The diet of American Goldfinches consists mainly of seeds, particularly those from thistle plants. They have a specialized bill that allows them to extract seeds from the thorny heads of thistle plants. They also consume seeds from other plants, such as sunflowers and dandelions. In addition to seeds, they may occasionally feed on insects during the breeding season.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract American Goldfinches to your backyard, provide them with a mix of native plants, especially those that produce seeds. Planting thistle, sunflowers, and coneflowers can attract these birds by providing a natural food source. Additionally, offering Nyjer (thistle) seeds in specialized feeders can entice American Goldfinches to visit and feed in your backyard.

Interesting Facts

• American Goldfinches are one of the few bird species that undergo a complete molt twice a year. They shed and replace all of their feathers, including their bright yellow plumage, during the breeding season and again in the winter.
• These birds are highly social and often forage in flocks, even during the breeding season. They display fascinating aerial acrobatics and sing in chorus while flying together.
• American Goldfinches are known for their unique breeding behavior. They often delay breeding until late summer when thistle plants produce an abundant food supply for their young. This late breeding behavior ensures that their offspring have a steady supply of seeds.

Mourning Dove

Description

The Mourning Dove is a small, slender bird with a soft and delicate appearance. It measures about 9 to 13 inches in length, with a wingspan of approximately 18 inches. These birds have a pale, grayish-brown plumage with darker spots on their wings. They have a long, pointed tail with white outer feathers. The eyes of Mourning Doves are dark and their bills are small and pointed.

Habitat

Mourning Doves can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, suburbs, and even urban areas. They are commonly seen perching on telephone wires or foraging on the ground. These birds prefer open areas with scattered shrubs or trees where they can find suitable perches and nesting sites.

Diet

The diet of Mourning Doves consists mainly of seeds. They forage on the ground, feeding on a variety of seeds from grasses, weeds, and cultivated plants. They also consume insects, particularly during the breeding season when they require higher protein levels. These birds have a unique feeding behavior where they drink water by sucking, rather than by scooping or tipping their heads back.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Mourning Doves to your backyard, provide them with a suitable habitat and a reliable food source. Set up bird feeders with a variety of seeds, such as sunflower seeds and cracked corn, to entice these birds to visit. You can also create a comfortable environment for them by including water sources like birdbaths or shallow dishes they can use for drinking and bathing.

Interesting Facts

• Mourning Doves are known for their soft and mournful cooing sound, which is believed to be the source of their common name. Their calls are often associated with tranquility and a sense of peace.
• These birds are highly adept at flying. They can reach speeds of up to 55 miles per hour and have been observed flying for long distances without flapping their wings.
• Mourning Doves are monogamous and often mate for life. They build flimsy nests made of twigs, usually in trees or shrubs, where the female lays her eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young.

American Crow

Description

The American Crow is a large, all-black bird known for its intelligence and adaptability. It measures about 17 to 21 inches in length, with a wingspan of approximately 33 to 39 inches. Crows have a robust body and a square-shaped tail. Their feathers have a glossy appearance and reflect iridescent colors in the sunlight.

Habitat

American Crows are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, grasslands, and urban areas. They are commonly seen perching on treetops or foraging on the ground. These birds prefer areas with a mix of trees and open spaces where they can find suitable nesting and roosting sites.

Diet

The diet of American Crows is incredibly varied and they are opportunistic feeders. They consume a wide range of food items, including insects, fruits, seeds, small mammals, carrion, eggs, and even garbage. These birds are known to be highly adaptable and can find food in almost any environment.

Attracting to Your Backyard

Attracting American Crows to your backyard can be as simple as providing a suitable habitat with trees and open spaces. These birds are typically attracted to areas with available food sources, so avoid leaving out garbage or other edible waste that may attract their attention. It is important to note that American Crows are highly intelligent and can quickly become a nuisance if they associate your backyard with a consistent and easily accessible food source.

Interesting Facts

• American Crows are considered one of the most intelligent bird species. They have demonstrated problem-solving skills, tool use, and the ability to recognize individual humans.
• These birds are highly social and often found in large family groups or flocks. They communicate with each other using a variety of calls and gestures.
• American Crows are known for their complex courtship displays, which involve aerial acrobatics, vocalizations, and elaborate movements. These displays are thought to strengthen pair bonds and establish social hierarchies within flocks.

House Sparrow

Description

The House Sparrow is a small, chunky bird with a rounded body and a short, thick bill. It measures about 5.5 to 6.7 inches in length. The male House Sparrows have a gray crown and a black throat, while the females have a duller plumage with brown streaks on their underparts. Both sexes have a pale brown back and wings.

Habitat

House Sparrows are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, farmlands, gardens, and parks. They are commonly seen near human habitation, often nesting and foraging around buildings and structures. These birds prefer areas with a mix of trees, shrubs, and open spaces where they can find suitable nesting sites and food sources.

Diet

The diet of House Sparrows consists mainly of seeds and grains. They forage on the ground, feeding on a variety of seeds, grains, and discarded food. They are opportunistic feeders and will readily consume insects and small invertebrates if available. Due to their adaptable nature, they can easily find food in urban environments.

Attracting to Your Backyard

Attracting House Sparrows to your backyard can be as simple as providing a reliable food source. These birds readily visit bird feeders that contain a variety of seeds, such as millet, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn. Avoid offering bread as it lacks the nutritional value that these birds need. Additionally, planting dense shrubs and providing suitable nesting opportunities can encourage House Sparrows to stay and breed in your backyard.

Interesting Facts

• The House Sparrow is not native to North America and was introduced from Europe in the mid-1800s. It has since become one of the most widespread and abundant bird species in the world.
• These birds are highly gregarious and often seen in large flocks. They are social creatures and live in groups, where they establish dominance hierarchies and defend their territories.
• House Sparrows are known for their close association with human habitation. They often nest in buildings, under roof eaves, or in man-made nest boxes. They have adapted well to urban environments and have a strong ability to thrive alongside humans.

Downy Woodpecker

Description

The Downy Woodpecker is a small and agile bird with a distinctive black and white plumage. It measures about 5.5 to 6.7 inches in length, making it one of the smallest woodpecker species in North America. The male and female Downy Woodpeckers have similar markings, with a black back and wings, a white underbelly, and a white patch on their back. The male woodpeckers have a small red patch on the back of their head.

Habitat

Downy Woodpeckers can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, parks, and even suburban areas. These birds prefer areas with a mix of trees and open spaces where they can find suitable food sources and nesting sites. They are often seen climbing tree trunks or perching on branches as they search for insects.

Diet

The diet of Downy Woodpeckers consists mainly of insects and larvae, which they find by pecking and drilling into tree bark. They are adept at using their specialized bills to extract insects from crevices and wood. In addition to insects, they also consume seeds and berries, particularly during the winter months when insect populations are scarce.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Downy Woodpeckers to your backyard, provide them with suitable trees for foraging and nesting. These birds are particularly attracted to trees that have dead branches or decaying wood, as they provide abundant food sources in the form of insects. Offering suet, a high-calorie food source made from animal fat, in specialized feeders can also entice Downy Woodpeckers to visit your backyard.

Interesting Facts

• The Downy Woodpecker gets its name from the downy feathers on its back, which feel soft to the touch. These feathers provide insulation and protect the woodpecker from the elements.
• These birds have a distinctive drumming behavior, where they tap on resonant objects like hollow tree trunks. Drumming is an important form of communication and is used to attract mates and establish territories.
• Downy Woodpeckers are monogamous and often mate for life. They excavate their own nesting cavities in trees, usually in dead branches or stumps. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the young.

Hairy Woodpecker

Description

The Hairy Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a similar appearance to the Downy Woodpecker. It measures about 7 to 10 inches in length, making it slightly larger than the Downy Woodpecker. The male and female Hairy Woodpeckers have similar markings, with a black back and wings, a white underbelly, and a white patch on their back. The male woodpeckers have a small red patch on the back of their head, similar to the Downy Woodpecker.

Habitat

Hairy Woodpeckers can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, parks, and even suburban areas. They prefer areas with a mix of trees and open spaces where they can find suitable foraging and nesting opportunities. These birds are often seen climbing tree trunks or perching on branches as they search for insects.

Diet

The diet of Hairy Woodpeckers consists mainly of insects, particularly beetles and their larvae, which they find by pecking and drilling into tree bark. They are equipped with strong bills that allow them to excavate wood and extract insects. In addition to insects, they also consume seeds and berries, particularly during the winter months when insect populations are scarce.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Hairy Woodpeckers to your backyard, provide them with suitable trees for foraging and nesting. These birds are attracted to areas with dead trees or decaying wood, as they provide abundant food sources in the form of insects. Offering suet and specialized woodpecker feeders can also entice Hairy Woodpeckers to visit your backyard.

Interesting Facts

• The Hairy Woodpecker is named after its long, hair-like feathers on its head and nape. These feathers give it a shaggy appearance compared to the sleeker Downy Woodpecker.
• These birds have a distinctive drumming behavior, similar to the Downy Woodpecker. Drumming is an important form of communication and is used to attract mates and establish territories.
• Hairy Woodpeckers are known for their unique adaptations for climbing trees. They have strong feet with long claws that can grip onto bark, and a stiff tail that provides support as they move up and down tree trunks.