This informative article is a bird lover’s dream, as it presents a comprehensive list of 26 common backyard birds in Alabama. What sets this article apart is that the list is meticulously compiled from data collected by the citizen science program eBird, ensuring its accuracy and reliability. Not only does each bird species come with stunning pictures, but there are also helpful tips on how to attract them to your own backyard. A standout feature is the inclusion of the most common bird in Alabama, the Northern Cardinal, which holds a remarkable presence on 61% of bird watching lists. Furthermore, the article graciously provides readers with valuable information about bird watching in Alabama, including recommended products and birding locations. Within the descriptions of each bird species, readers will find details on identification, habitat, range, behavior, and preferred food and feeder preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or just beginning to explore the avian wonders around you, this article is the ultimate guide to Alabama’s feathered inhabitants.
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is a familiar and beloved bird found across Alabama. Its striking appearance, with its bright red plumage and distinctive crest, makes it easily recognizable. Males have a black mask on their face, while females have a more subtle coloration with reddish-brown feathers. This bird is medium-sized and has a strong beak that is perfect for cracking open seeds.
In terms of habitat, the Northern Cardinal can be found in a variety of locations. It is commonly found in woodland areas, gardens, and parks. They prefer areas with dense vegetation and shrubs, as they provide them with plenty of cover. They are also attracted to areas with bird feeders, where they can easily find food.
The range of the Northern Cardinal extends throughout the eastern and central parts of the United States, including Alabama. They are resident birds, meaning they do not typically migrate and can be found in the same area year-round. Their range also extends into southern parts of Canada.
The behavior of the Northern Cardinal is fascinating to observe. They are known for their bright and melodious song, which can often be heard in the early morning and late afternoon. Males are especially vocal, using their song to defend their territory and attract mates. They are also known for their striking courtship displays, where they flutter their wings and sing to impress females.
In terms of food preferences, the Northern Cardinal primarily feeds on seeds. They have a special affinity for sunflower seeds and will readily visit feeders that offer them. They also eat insects and berries, especially in the breeding season when they need extra nutrients. Providing a mix of seeds, insects, and berries in your backyard can help attract these beautiful birds.
American Robin
The American Robin is a widespread and familiar bird that is commonly found in Alabama. It is known for its distinctive orange-red breast and gray-brown back. This medium-sized bird has a long, slender beak that is well-suited for catching worms and insects.
When it comes to habitat, the American Robin can be found in a variety of environments, from woodlands to urban areas. They are often found in open spaces such as lawns, parks, and meadows. They are also known to build their nests on ledges and in trees.
The range of the American Robin extends throughout North America, including Alabama. They are a migratory species, meaning they travel to warmer areas during the winter months. They can often be seen in large flocks during their migration, creating a spectacular sight in the sky.
The behavior of the American Robin is quite interesting. They are well-known for their ability to spot and catch earthworms. They hop along the ground, listen for worms, and then quickly grab them with their beak. They are also known for their beautiful song, which is a familiar sound in the early morning and late evening.
When it comes to food preferences, the American Robin primarily feeds on insects and earthworms. They also eat fruits and berries, especially during the winter months when insects are scarce. Providing a mix of worms, insects, and fruits in your backyard can help attract these lovely birds.
Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is a stunning bird that can be found in many parts of Alabama. It is known for its vibrant blue plumage, orange chest, and white belly. This small to medium-sized bird has a short, straight beak that is perfect for catching insects.
In terms of habitat, the Eastern Bluebird prefers open areas such as fields, meadows, and golf courses. They are also commonly found near woodland edges, where they can find plenty of insects to feed on. They are cavity nesters, which means they often seek out tree holes or nest boxes for breeding.
The range of the Eastern Bluebird extends from the eastern United States to the central parts of the country, including Alabama. They are resident birds in some areas, while others migrate south for the winter. They can often be seen perched on fences or low branches, scanning the ground for insects.
The behavior of the Eastern Bluebird is fascinating to observe. They are known for their distinctive song, which is a series of musical notes. Males often sing to defend their territory and attract females. They are also territorial birds, and males will vigorously defend their nesting site against other bluebirds or cavity nesters.
When it comes to food preferences, the Eastern Bluebird primarily feeds on insects. They have a particular fondness for beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. They will also eat fruits and berries, especially during the winter months. Providing a mix of insects and fruits in your backyard can help attract these beautiful birds.
Red-winged Blackbird
The Red-winged Blackbird is a familiar and charismatic bird that can be found in Alabama. It is known for its black plumage with red and yellow shoulder patches. The male has a distinctive call, which sounds like a conk-la-REE!, while the female is smaller and has a streaky brown appearance.
In terms of habitat, the Red-winged Blackbird prefers wetland areas such as marshes, swamps, and ponds. They are often found near water sources, where they can find plenty of insects and small animals to feed on. They are also known to perch on cattails and other tall plants in their habitat.
The range of the Red-winged Blackbird extends across North America, including Alabama. They are resident birds in some areas, while others migrate south for the winter. They often gather in large flocks during non-breeding season, creating a spectacular sight in the wetlands.
The behavior of the Red-winged Blackbird is fascinating to observe. Males are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their nesting site and surrounding area. They often display their bright shoulder patches during territorial disputes. Females build their nests in dense vegetation, usually near water, and lay several eggs.
When it comes to food preferences, the Red-winged Blackbird primarily feeds on insects. They also eat seeds and grains, especially during the winter months when insects are scarce. Providing a mix of insects, seeds, and grains in your backyard can help attract these charismatic birds.
Carolina Chickadee
The Carolina Chickadee is a charming and friendly bird that can be found in many parts of Alabama. It is known for its small size, gray back, and black cap. It also has white cheeks and a white belly, with a short, straight beak that is perfect for catching insects.
When it comes to habitat, the Carolina Chickadee can be found in a variety of locations. They are commonly found in woodlands, especially near rivers or streams. They are also known to visit backyard feeders, where they can easily find food.
The range of the Carolina Chickadee extends throughout the southeastern parts of the United States, including Alabama. They are resident birds, meaning they do not typically migrate and can be found in the same area year-round. They can often be heard singing their familiar chick-a-dee-dee-dee call.
The behavior of the Carolina Chickadee is fascinating to observe. They are highly active and agile birds, often seen flitting between branches in search of insects. They are vocal birds, with a range of calls that they use to communicate with each other. They are also known to be curious and may investigate shiny objects or bird feeders.
When it comes to food preferences, the Carolina Chickadee primarily feeds on insects. They have a particular fondness for caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. They will also eat seeds and berries, especially during the winter months. Providing a mix of insects, seeds, and berries in your backyard can help attract these friendly birds.
Tufted Titmouse
The Tufted Titmouse is a delightful bird that can be found in many parts of Alabama. It is known for its soft gray plumage, with a tufted crest on its head. It also has white cheeks and a black patch above its beak. This small bird has a short, straight beak that is well-suited for catching insects.
In terms of habitat, the Tufted Titmouse can be found in a variety of locations. They are commonly found in deciduous woodlands, especially near oak or hickory trees. They are also known to visit backyard feeders, where they can easily find food.
The range of the Tufted Titmouse extends throughout the eastern and central parts of the United States, including Alabama. They are resident birds, meaning they do not typically migrate and can be found in the same area year-round. They are often seen and heard singing their clear, whistled call.
The behavior of the Tufted Titmouse is fascinating to observe. They are highly social birds and often seen in small flocks, especially during the winter months. They are quick and agile as they search for insects, often hanging upside down or clinging to tree trunks. They are also known to cache food, storing it for later use.
When it comes to food preferences, the Tufted Titmouse primarily feeds on insects. They have a particular fondness for caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. They will also eat seeds and berries, especially during the winter months. Providing a mix of insects, seeds, and berries in your backyard can help attract these delightful birds.
House Finch
The House Finch is a common and adaptable bird that can be found in many parts of Alabama. It is known for its richly colored plumage, with males having a reddish-orange head and chest, while females have a more subdued appearance with streaks of brown. This medium-sized bird has a short, conical beak that is well-suited for cracking open seeds.
When it comes to habitat, the House Finch can be found in a variety of locations. They are commonly found in urban and suburban areas, especially around buildings and bird feeders. They are also known to build nests in trees or nest boxes, using twigs and grass.
The range of the House Finch extends across North America, including Alabama. They are resident birds in some areas, while others migrate south for the winter. They can often be seen perched on branches or feeding on the ground.
The behavior of the House Finch is fascinating to observe. They are highly social birds and often seen in small flocks, especially during the non-breeding season. They have a pleasant, warbling song that they sing throughout the day. Males also perform elaborate courtship displays, puffing out their chest and singing to attract females.
When it comes to food preferences, the House Finch primarily feeds on seeds. They have a particular fondness for sunflower seeds and will readily visit feeders that offer them. They also eat fruits and berries, especially in the breeding season when they need extra nutrients. Providing a mix of seeds, fruits, and berries in your backyard can help attract these adaptable birds.
Northern Mockingbird
The Northern Mockingbird is a well-known and beloved bird that can be found in many parts of Alabama. It is known for its gray plumage and white patches on its wings. This medium-sized bird has a long, slender beak that is well-suited for catching insects.
In terms of habitat, the Northern Mockingbird can be found in a variety of locations. They are commonly found in open areas such as lawns, parks, and meadows. They are also known to build their nests in shrubs or trees.
The range of the Northern Mockingbird extends throughout the eastern and central parts of the United States, including Alabama. They are resident birds, meaning they do not typically migrate and can be found in the same area year-round. They are often seen perched on fences or tree branches, singing their complex and melodious song.
The behavior of the Northern Mockingbird is fascinating to observe. They are highly territorial birds and will vigorously defend their nesting site against other birds or intruders. They are also known for their ability to mimic the songs of other birds, as well as other sounds such as car alarms or cell phone ringtones.
When it comes to food preferences, the Northern Mockingbird primarily feeds on insects. They have a particular fondness for beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. They will also eat fruits and berries, especially during the winter months. Providing a mix of insects, fruits, and berries in your backyard can help attract these charming birds.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a striking and energetic bird that can be found in many parts of Alabama. Contrary to its name, its belly is only faintly reddish, while its head and back are primarily black and white. This medium-sized bird has a chisel-like beak that is well-suited for drilling into tree bark.
When it comes to habitat, the Red-bellied Woodpecker can be found in a variety of locations. They are commonly found in woodland areas, especially near mature trees. They are also known to visit backyard feeders, where they can easily find food.
The range of the Red-bellied Woodpecker extends throughout the eastern and central parts of the United States, including Alabama. They are resident birds, meaning they do not typically migrate and can be found in the same area year-round. They can often be seen and heard drumming on tree trunks.
The behavior of the Red-bellied Woodpecker is fascinating to observe. They are highly acrobatic birds and can often be seen hanging upside down or clinging to tree trunks. They use their beaks to drum on tree bark, creating a loud and distinctive sound. They also excavate cavities for nesting and find insects hiding beneath the bark.
When it comes to food preferences, the Red-bellied Woodpecker primarily feeds on insects. They have a particular fondness for ants, beetles, and caterpillars. They will also eat fruits and berries, especially in the winter when insects are scarce. Providing a mix of insects, fruits, and berries in your backyard can help attract these energetic birds.
Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore Oriole is a stunning and migratory bird that can be found in Alabama during the summer months. The male is known for its vibrant orange plumage, with black wings and a black head. The female has a more subdued appearance, with yellowish-orange feathers. This medium-sized bird has a straight beak that is well-suited for catching insects and probing flowers.
When it comes to habitat, the Baltimore Oriole prefers open woodlands and forest edges. They are often found near water sources, where they can find plenty of insects and fruits to feed on. They are known to build intricate hanging nests, using grasses and plant fibers.
The range of the Baltimore Oriole extends throughout the eastern and central parts of North America, including Alabama. They are migratory birds, meaning they travel to warmer areas during the winter months. They can often be seen and heard singing their flute-like song.
The behavior of the Baltimore Oriole is fascinating to observe. They are highly vocal birds and often heard singing their beautiful song from the treetops. Males also perform elaborate courtship displays, fluttering their wings and singing to attract females. They are also known for their ability to weave intricate nests, which can take several days to complete.
When it comes to food preferences, the Baltimore Oriole primarily feeds on insects and fruits. They have a particular fondness for caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. They also eat nectar from flowers and will readily visit feeders that offer sugar water. Providing a mix of insects, fruits, and nectar in your backyard can help attract these stunning birds.
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