30 Backyard Birds to Know in Washington State

In this article, readers will discover a comprehensive list of 30 backyard birds to know in Washington State. Drawing from data collected by the citizen science program, eBird, this compilation provides not only the names and pictures of each bird species, but also helpful tips on how to attract them to one’s backyard. With the American Robin claiming the title of the most common bird in Washington, and the American Goldfinch proudly serving as the state bird, this article also offers information on bird watching resources in the area, such as eBird and local bird groups. Additionally, readers can expect to find valuable insights on choosing bird watching binoculars, in-depth species accounts, and tips on identifying birds and understanding their feeding preferences. Furthermore, the article will delve into the distribution and behavior of each bird species mentioned, making it a must-read for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Common Backyard Birds in Washington

Washington state is home to a diverse range of bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re an avid birder or just starting out, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the most common backyard birds in Washington. Here are ten species that you’re likely to encounter:

American Robin

The American Robin is a familiar sight in Washington, with its vibrant orange breast and grayish-brown back. These medium-sized birds are known for their melodious songs, which can be heard throughout the day. They are often found foraging for worms and insects on lawns and in gardens, so keep an eye out for them as you tend to your backyard.

American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch is not only the state bird of Washington, but it’s also a common visitor to backyard feeders. These small, brightly colored birds are easily recognizable by their golden plumage and distinctive black wings. They are primarily seed eaters and are often seen perched on sunflowers, eating the seeds straight from the flower head.

Black-capped Chickadee

The Black-capped Chickadee is a tiny bird with a big personality. With its black cap and bib, white cheeks, and gray back, it’s hard to miss these friendly backyard visitors. They are known for their playful and acrobatic nature, often hanging upside down from branches as they search for insects and seeds. Don’t be surprised if you hear their distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call while they visit your backyard.

House Finch

House Finches are a common sight in Washington, with their reddish-brown plumage and streaked chests. These medium-sized birds are known for their melodious songs and can often be found singing from perches on trees and shrubs. They feed primarily on seeds and fruits, so providing a variety of seeds and berries in your backyard can attract these beautiful finches.

Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker is a unique woodpecker species that can often be found foraging on the ground for ants and beetles. They have a distinctive brown plumage with black bars and spots, and their undersides are a bright white color. These large woodpeckers also have a striking red patch on the back of their head, which is often visible when they take flight.

Dark-eyed Junco

The Dark-eyed Junco is a small sparrow that is commonly seen hopping around on the ground, searching for seeds and insects. They have a wide range of color variations, but most individuals have a dark gray or black head and neck, and a lighter gray or brown back. These birds are often seen in flocks during the winter months, so keep an eye out for them in your backyard.

Song Sparrow

Song Sparrows are known for their beautiful melodies, which can be heard throughout the year in Washington. They have a streaked brown back, a pale breast, and a characteristic dark spot on their chest. These medium-sized sparrows can often be found foraging for seeds, insects, and berries in overgrown fields, shrubs, and gardens.

House Sparrow

The House Sparrow is a familiar sight in urban and suburban areas throughout Washington. These small, stout birds have a grayish-brown back, a pale belly, and a distinctively large, conical bill. House Sparrows are opportunistic feeders and are often seen scavenging for food around outdoor dining areas or rummaging through garbage.

Spotted Towhee

The Spotted Towhee is a medium-sized bird with a striking plumage. They have a black head, back, and tail, with white spots on their wings and a rusty-red side. These ground-dwelling birds are often found scratching around in leaf litter, searching for insects, seeds, and berries. Keep an eye out for them near the edges of forests, thickets, and shrubby areas.

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee is a small bird with a big personality. They have a brownish-black cap, a rusty-colored back, and a pale belly. These lively birds are known for their cheerful songs and acrobatic antics as they search for insects and seeds. Look for them in coniferous forests, particularly those with dense undergrowth.

Attracting Birds to Your Backyard

If you want to enjoy the delightful company of birds in your backyard, there are several ways you can attract them. Here are some tips for creating a bird-friendly environment:

Providing Food

One of the best ways to attract birds to your backyard is by providing them with a reliable food source. Consider setting up bird feeders and filling them with a variety of bird seeds, such as sunflower seeds, millet, and nyjer seeds. Different bird species have different feeding preferences, so offering a variety of foods will attract a wider range of visitors.

Creating a Bird-friendly Environment

Birds need a safe and inviting habitat to visit your backyard regularly. Provide a mix of open spaces, trees, and shrubs to create a diverse landscape that can accommodate different bird species. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides in your yard, as these chemicals can be harmful to birds and their food sources.

Planting Native Plants

Native plants play a vital role in attracting birds to your backyard. They provide essential food sources, such as berries, nectar, and insects, that birds rely on for sustenance. Research the native plant species in your area and incorporate them into your landscaping to create a natural haven for birds.

Providing Water

Water is essential for birds, especially during hot and dry periods. Consider setting up a birdbath or a small pond in your backyard. Make sure to keep the water clean and fresh, and place it in a visible and safe location. Adding a water feature, such as a dripper or a fountain, can further entice birds to visit your backyard.

Using Bird Feeders

Bird feeders are a popular way to attract birds to your backyard. There are different types of feeders available, including tube feeders, platform feeders, and suet feeders. Choose feeders that are appropriate for the bird species you’re targeting and maintain them regularly to ensure a constant food supply.

Offering Nesting Materials

If you want birds to stay and nest in your backyard, provide them with suitable nesting materials. This can include twigs, leaves, grass, and even pet fur or human hair. Place these materials in a bird-friendly area, such as a brush pile or a nesting box, to give birds the resources they need to build their nests.

Resource Guide for Bird Watching in Washington

If you’re interested in bird watching in Washington, there are several resources available to help you make the most of your experience. Here are some valuable resources to consider:

eBird

eBird is a widely used citizen science program that allows birdwatchers to record and share their sightings. It provides a platform for birders to contribute to scientific research while also accessing a wealth of information about bird species, their distributions, and recent sightings. Visit the eBird website to find birding hotspots, track your own sightings, and contribute to the larger birding community.

Local Bird Groups and Societies

Joining a local bird group or society can be a fantastic way to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts and learn from experienced birders. These groups often organize field trips, workshops, and educational events that can enhance your birding skills and knowledge. Search online for birding groups in your area or check with your local Audubon chapter to get involved.

Birding Hotspots in Washington

Washington state offers a multitude of excellent birding hotspots. From coastal marshes to montane forests, there’s a wide range of habitats to explore. Research popular birding destinations, such as the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, the Olympic Peninsula, and the Columbia River Gorge, and plan your trips accordingly. Make sure to consult local birding guides and maps for the most up-to-date information.

Birding Events and Festivals

Birding events and festivals are exciting opportunities to immerse yourself in the birding community and witness spectacular avian spectacles. Washington hosts a variety of birding festivals throughout the year, such as the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival and the Puget Sound Bird Fest. Keep an eye on the calendar and plan your visits to coincide with these events for a memorable birding experience.

Choosing Bird Watching Binoculars

Bird watching is greatly enhanced by a good pair of binoculars. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right pair for your needs. Here are some factors to consider when selecting bird watching binoculars:

Understanding Binocular Specifications

Binocular specifications provide important information about the performance and features of a pair of binoculars. Familiarize yourself with the following specifications:

• Magnification Power: This indicates how much larger an object will appear compared to the naked eye. Common magnifications for bird watching range from 7x to 10x.
• Objective Lens Diameter: This refers to the size of the front lenses and determines how much light can enter the binoculars. A larger diameter generally means brighter and clearer images.
• Field of View: This is the width of the area visible through the binoculars at a specific distance. A wider field of view allows you to see more of the scene.
• Prism Type: Two common prism types used in binoculars are Porro prisms and roof prisms. Roof prisms are more compact and lightweight, while Porro prisms often provide higher image quality.
• Focus Type: Binoculars can have either individual focus or center focus. Individual focus requires adjusting each eyepiece separately, while center focus allows you to adjust both eyepieces simultaneously.
• Ergonomics and Weight: Consider the weight and ergonomics of the binoculars, as you’ll be holding them for extended periods. Choose a pair that feels comfortable and easy to use.
• Price Range: Binoculars come in a wide range of prices. Set a budget and consider investing in a quality pair that will last for years.
• Reading Reviews and Comparisons: Read reviews from other birders and compare different models to have a better understanding of their performance in the field.
• Trying Before Buying: If possible, try out different binocular models before making a purchase. Visit a local optics store or attend birding events where vendors offer binoculars for testing.

Remember, the best binoculars are the ones that feel comfortable in your hands, provide clear and bright images, and suit your personal birding preferences.

American Robin

The American Robin is one of the most recognizable birds in Washington, both for its size and distinctive plumage. Here are some key features and characteristics of the American Robin:

Size and Shape

American Robins are medium-sized birds, measuring about 9-11 inches in length. They have a plump body with a long, slender neck and long legs. Their bill is yellow and thin, ideal for capturing their preferred food sources.

Distinctive Features

The American Robin is easily identified by its bright orange-red breast and dark gray back. Their bellies are typically white, and they have dark heads with a white eye ring. When in flight, their orange underwing feathers are visible, adding to their distinctiveness.

Preferred Habitat

American Robins can be found in various habitats throughout Washington, including forests, suburban areas, parks, and gardens. They are adaptable birds and can thrive in both urban and rural environments.

Feeding Preferences

These birds have a diverse diet, feeding on a wide range of food sources. American Robins primarily eat earthworms, insects, and fruits. They are excellent at locating worms, often seen tugging at the ground or listening for the faint vibration of an approaching worm.

Behavior

American Robins are highly active birds, hopping and running on the ground in search of food. They are known for their distinctive song, which often starts in the early morning and can continue throughout the day. They also have a “tut-tut-tut” call, which is often heard when they’re alarmed or agitated.

Distribution

American Robins are common in Washington and can be found throughout the state, from the lowlands to the mountains. During the winter months, some individuals migrate to warmer regions, while others remain in Washington year-round.

Tips for Identification

To identify an American Robin, look for its distinctive orange-red breast, dark gray back, and white eye ring. Observe its behavior, such as hopping on the ground or tugging at worms. Listen for its melodious song, which can help confirm its presence in your backyard.

American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch, also known as the “wild canary,” is a beautiful bird that is a common sight in Washington. Here’s what you need to know about this vibrant species:

Size and Shape

American Goldfinches are small songbirds, measuring about 4.5-5 inches in length. They have a plump body with a small, conical bill and a long, notched tail. Their wings are sharply pointed, enabling agile flight.

Distinctive Features

These birds are easily recognizable thanks to their stunning plumage. Male American Goldfinches have bright yellow feathers with black wings and a black cap. During the breeding season, their black cap extends down their forehead, making them stand out even more. Female American Goldfinches have a more muted yellow color, with olive-brown wings and a pale eye ring.

Preferred Habitat

American Goldfinches can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, open woodlands, gardens, and fields. They are often seen visiting thistle or sunflower patches, as well as areas with a good supply of seeds and insects.

Feeding Preferences

These finches have a specialized diet, primarily consisting of seeds. They have a particular affinity for thistle seeds, which they extract with their specialized beaks. They also eat a variety of weed seeds and insects during the breeding season, providing a protein-rich diet for their young.

Behavior

American Goldfinches are social birds and can often be seen foraging in small flocks. They are agile in flight, with a bouncy, undulating trajectory. During courtship displays, males perform impressive flight patterns, accompanied by a series of musical calls. They are also known for their cheerful, warbling songs.

Distribution

The American Goldfinch is a common bird throughout Washington, found in both urban and rural areas. They are present year-round and are a welcome sight in many backyards, especially those with suitable food sources.

Tips for Identification

To identify an American Goldfinch, look for its bright yellow plumage, black wings, and small conical bill. Pay attention to its flight pattern, which is often bouncy and undulating. Listen for its warbling songs and musical calls, which can help confirm its presence.

Black-capped Chickadee

The Black-capped Chickadee is a small but charismatic bird that brings joy to many Washington backyards. Here’s what you need to know about this delightful species:

Size and Shape

Black-capped Chickadees are small birds, measuring about 4-5 inches in length. They have a plump body with a large head, a short neck, and a short tail. Their bill is small and slender, ideal for foraging for insects and seeds.

Distinctive Features

These birds have a striking appearance, with a black cap and bib on their head, a white face, and a gray back. Their underparts are usually a pale gray or white color. Their cap extends over their eyes and down the back of their neck, providing a stark contrast to their pale cheeks.

Preferred Habitat

Black-capped Chickadees can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. They are relatively adaptable and often take advantage of bird feeders and nesting boxes in residential neighborhoods.

Feeding Preferences

These birds have a varied diet, feeding on insects, seeds, and berries. They are renowned for their ability to cache food, storing it in small crevices and retrieving it later when food sources are scarce. Black-capped Chickadees are frequent visitors to bird feeders, particularly those stocked with sunflower seeds, suet, and peanuts.

Behavior

Black-capped Chickadees are social birds and are often seen in small flocks or mixed-species foraging flocks. They are highly active, constantly flitting from branch to branch, searching for insects and seeds. These birds are well-known for their distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” song, which serves as a form of communication within their flock.

Distribution

Black-capped Chickadees are found throughout Washington, from lowland areas to mountainous regions. They are a year-round resident in the state and can often be seen and heard in backyards, parks, and forested areas.

Tips for Identification

To identify a Black-capped Chickadee, look for its distinctive black cap and bib, white face, and gray back. Pay attention to its active behavior and listen for its familiar “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” song, which is a key identifier.