Take a journey into the vibrant world of backyard birdwatching in Arkansas! This captivating article unveils the most common birds found in the state, offering a delightful mix of information, photography, and tips. Delve into the fascinating world of avian companions as you discover the top three most frequent visitors to Arkansas backyards: the magnificent Northern Cardinal, the striking Blue Jay, and the intelligent American Crow. Alongside stunning pictures of the featured bird species, readers will find an abundance of practical advice on attracting these feathered friends to their own backyards. Brush up on your birding skills with an overview of bird watching in Arkansas and a wealth of resources for bird identification. Get ready to embark on an enchanting journey through the wings and songs of Arkansas’s backyard birds!
The Most Common Birds Found in Backyard in Arkansas
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is the most common bird found in backyards in Arkansas. With its vibrant red plumage and distinctive crest, the male Northern Cardinal is easily recognizable. The female, on the other hand, has a more subdued appearance with a pale brown color. These birds can be found throughout the year in Arkansas, as they do not migrate. They are known for their melodious song and can often be heard singing from treetops or perched on a feeder. Cardinals are primarily seed eaters, but they also consume insects and fruits.
Blue Jay
The Blue Jay is another common backyard visitor in Arkansas. With its striking blue feathers and black facial markings, it is hard to miss this avian beauty. Blue Jays are known for their loud and distinctive calls, which can be heard from afar. These highly intelligent birds are known to mimic other species and even human sounds. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of foods, including seeds, insects, nuts, and even small vertebrates. Blue Jays are year-round residents in Arkansas and can often be seen flying between trees or perched on feeders.
American Crow
The American Crow is a large, all-black bird commonly found in backyards across Arkansas. Known for their raucous cawing, these birds can be quite vocal and are often seen in groups or pairs. American Crows are highly intelligent and can solve complex problems. They have a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, seeds, small mammals, and even carrion. These birds are year-round residents in Arkansas and can often be seen scavenging for food or perched on tree branches.
Carolina Chickadee
The Carolina Chickadee is a small, friendly bird that is a frequent visitor to backyard feeders in Arkansas. With its black cap, white cheeks, and grayish-brown back, this bird is easy to identify. Carolina Chickadees are known for their cheerful songs and can often be heard singing their trademark “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call. They primarily feed on insects, seeds, and berries. These birds are year-round residents in Arkansas and can often be seen foraging for food in trees or flitting around feeders.
Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove is a familiar sight in backyards across Arkansas. With its slender body, long tail, and soft, soothing cooing sounds, these birds are a delight to observe. They have a pale gray-brown plumage with dark spots on their wings. Mourning Doves primarily feed on seeds, grains, and fruits. They are year-round residents in Arkansas and can often be seen perched on power lines or feeding on the ground.
Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is a small, beautiful bird that can be found in backyards throughout Arkansas. With its bright blue upperparts, rusty-red breast, and white belly, this bird is a stunning sight. Eastern Bluebirds are cavity nesters and will readily use nest boxes provided by homeowners. They primarily feed on insects, berries, and fruits. These birds are year-round residents in Arkansas and can often be seen perched on fence posts or hunting for insects in open areas.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker that is commonly seen in backyards in Arkansas. Despite its name, the red belly of this bird is often only visible when it is in flight or perched at certain angles. The majority of its plumage is black and white, with a red crest on its head. Red-bellied Woodpeckers are known for their distinctive calls and drumming sounds. They feed on insects, nuts, fruits, and seeds. These birds are year-round residents in Arkansas and can often be seen clinging to tree trunks or excavating holes for nesting.
Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America and is a regular visitor to backyards in Arkansas. With its black and white plumage and small size, it can be easily mistaken for a chickadee. Downy Woodpeckers are known for their drumming sounds and frequent visits to suet feeders. They feed on insects, seeds, and berries. These birds are year-round residents in Arkansas and can often be seen hitching up and down tree trunks in search of food.
White-breasted Nuthatch
The White-breasted Nuthatch is a small songbird that can be found in backyards across Arkansas. It has a compact body, a short tail, and a distinctive black cap and back. White-breasted Nuthatches are known for their ability to climb down tree trunks headfirst, a behavior that is unique among birds. They primarily feed on insects, nuts, and seeds. These birds are year-round residents in Arkansas and can often be seen hanging upside down or creeping along tree branches.
House Finch
The House Finch is a small, colorful bird that is commonly seen in backyards throughout Arkansas. The male House Finch has a reddish head and breast, while the female has a more subdued coloration with streaks and a pale underbelly. House Finches have a pleasant, melodious song and are often found in groups. They feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. These birds are year-round residents in Arkansas and can often be seen perched on feeders or foraging on the ground.
Tips on Attracting Birds to Your Backyard
Attracting birds to your backyard can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to make your backyard more inviting for these feathered visitors:
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Provide Bird Feeders: Place a variety of bird feeders in your yard and fill them with different types of seeds to attract a variety of bird species. Sunflower seeds, millet, and nyjer seeds are popular choices.
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Offer a Birdbath: Birds need water for drinking and bathing, so providing a birdbath can be a great way to attract them. Make sure to keep the birdbath clean and filled with fresh water.
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Plant Native Trees and Shrubs: Native plants provide birds with natural sources of food and shelter. Choose species that produce berries or attract insects, which are important food sources for birds.
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Create Nesting Sites: Install birdhouses or nesting boxes to provide safe and secure nesting sites for birds. Place them at varying heights and in different locations to accommodate different species.
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Limit Pesticide Use: Pesticides can be harmful to birds and their food sources. Try to use natural, bird-friendly methods to control pests in your yard.
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Avoid Clearing Debris: Fallen leaves, dead trees, and brush piles can provide nesting sites and shelter for birds. Leave these natural debris in your yard instead of removing them completely.
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Maintain a Year-round Food Supply: Birds need food throughout the year, so make sure to provide a consistent source of food even during the winter months. Consider adding suet or providing fruits for birds to feed on.
By following these tips, you can create a bird-friendly backyard and attract a wide variety of birds to your yard.
Bird Watching in Arkansas
Overview of Bird Watching in Arkansas
Bird watching in Arkansas is a popular pastime for both residents and visitors. The state’s diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands, provide a home for a wide range of bird species. From the Ozark Mountains in the north to the Mississippi Alluvial Plain in the east, Arkansas offers abundant opportunities to observe birds in their natural environments.
Resources for Bird Identification
For those new to bird watching, there are several resources available to help with bird identification in Arkansas. Field guides specific to the state’s bird species can be purchased or borrowed from libraries. Online platforms, such as eBird and Audubon’s Bird Guide app, provide digital field guides and allow birders to record sightings. Local birding groups and organizations often offer guided bird walks and educational programs, providing valuable opportunities to learn about birds and their habitats.
Habitat, Range, and Behavior of Each Bird Species
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is a common sight in backyards, parks, and forests across Arkansas. These birds prefer thickets, woodlands, and brushy areas, but can adapt to urban environments. Their range extends from the eastern United States to the central and southern regions of the country. Northern Cardinals are known for their territorial behavior, with males often defending their breeding territories through song and aggressive displays.
Blue Jay
Blue Jays can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, and suburban areas throughout Arkansas. Their range spans much of North America, from eastern Canada to the southern United States. Blue Jays are highly vocal and social birds, often seen in groups. They are opportunistic feeders and will visit backyard feeders and forage on the ground. Blue Jays also play a vital role in seed dispersal, as they cache food for later consumption.
American Crow
American Crows are highly adaptable birds and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, farmlands, and urban areas. They are found throughout the continental United States, including Arkansas. American Crows are highly intelligent and often exhibit problem-solving abilities. They are social birds and are commonly seen in pairs or groups. Crows are known for their scavenging behavior and can often be seen feeding on carrion or searching for insects and small animals in fields.
Carolina Chickadee
The Carolina Chickadee is a resident bird species in Arkansas. They prefer deciduous and mixed forests, as well as suburban habitats with mature trees. The range of the Carolina Chickadee includes the southeastern United States. These birds are known for their acrobatic foraging behavior, often hanging upside down on twigs and branches. Carolina Chickadees form close-knit family groups and can often be seen traveling in small flocks.
Mourning Dove
Mourning Doves can be found throughout Arkansas in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, open fields, and urban areas. Their range extends across North America. Mourning Doves are ground feeders and can often be seen foraging on seeds and grains in open areas. They have a unique courtship display where males fly up in the air and then descend with a series of loud wingbeats. Mourning Doves are known for their soft cooing sounds, which can create a peaceful atmosphere in backyard settings.
Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Bluebirds can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, meadows, and golf courses. Their range includes the eastern half of the United States, including Arkansas. Eastern Bluebirds are cavity nesters and are highly dependent on nest boxes for breeding. They primarily feed on insects and berries, often perching on low branches or fence posts in open areas. Eastern Bluebirds are known for their beautiful song and are frequently sought after by bird watchers.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpeckers can be found in woodlands, forests, and residential areas throughout Arkansas. Their range extends from the southeastern United States to the Midwest. These birds are often heard before they are seen, with their loud calls and drumming sounds. Red-bellied Woodpeckers are adept climbers and can often be seen clinging to tree trunks or excavating nest holes. They feed on a variety of food sources, including insects, nuts, fruits, and seeds.
Downy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpeckers can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, parks, and residential areas throughout Arkansas. Their range spans across North America. Downy Woodpeckers are often seen hitching up and down tree trunks in search of insects. They have a distinctive drumming sound that can be heard during courtship or territorial displays. Downy Woodpeckers feed on insects, seeds, and fruits, and are a common visitor to backyard feeders.
White-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatches prefer mature forests and woodland areas, but can also be found in parks and suburban settings in Arkansas. They reside primarily in the eastern and central parts of the United States. These birds have a unique feeding behavior, climbing down tree trunks headfirst while searching for insects and hidden seeds. White-breasted Nuthatches are known for their nasal calls and are often heard before they are seen. They are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds.
House Finch
House Finches are highly adaptable birds that can be found in a wide range of habitats, including woodlands, residential areas, and urban environments across Arkansas. Their range extends from the western United States to the eastern states. House Finches are social birds and are often seen in small flocks. These birds feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. They have a pleasant and melodious song, which contributes to their popularity as backyard visitors.
Feeding Preferences and Recommendations for Each Bird Species
Northern Cardinal
Northern Cardinals primarily feed on seeds, and their diet includes various types of seeds such as sunflower, safflower, and millet. They are also known to eat insects and fruits. To attract Northern Cardinals to your backyard, provide a variety of seeds in bird feeders, as well as shrubs and trees that produce berries. Offering sunflower seeds in feeders is a surefire way to attract these vibrant birds.
Blue Jay
Blue Jays have a varied diet that includes seeds, nuts, insects, and fruits. These birds are known to cache food for later consumption, so providing peanuts and acorns can be appealing to them. Additionally, Blue Jays are attracted to suet feeders and are often seen feeding on suet blocks. Offering a mix of food types and providing a birdbath for water will help attract Blue Jays to your backyard.
American Crow
American Crows have a diverse diet that includes insects, fruits, seeds, small mammals, and carrion. They are highly adaptable and will readily forage in a variety of environments. To attract American Crows to your backyard, avoid using pesticides and provide a source of water. While they may not visit bird feeders regularly, leaving out food scraps or placing a platform feeder with suitable food can occasionally attract these intelligent birds.
Carolina Chickadee
Carolina Chickadees primarily feed on insects, seeds, and berries. They are attracted to suet feeders and will readily visit them. Offering a mix of sunflower seeds, suet, and providing natural food sources, such as native plants that produce berries or attract insects, will help attract Carolina Chickadees to your backyard. These birds are also known to use nest boxes, so providing suitable nesting sites can further encourage them to visit.
Mourning Dove
Mourning Doves primarily feed on seeds and grains. They are ground feeders and will readily feed on a variety of seeds, including sunflower, millet, and cracked corn. Offering these seeds on the ground or in ground feeders will attract Mourning Doves to your backyard. Additionally, providing a clean source of water, such as a shallow birdbath, can be enticing to these birds.
Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Bluebirds primarily feed on insects, particularly during the breeding season, but will also consume berries and fruits. Providing mealworms or offering suet with insect ingredients can be highly attractive to these birds. A nest box with the proper dimensions and placement can also encourage Eastern Bluebirds to visit and potentially breed in your backyard.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpeckers feed on a variety of food sources, including insects, nuts, fruits, and seeds. They are attracted to suet feeders, so offering high-quality suet or suet cakes can help attract them to your backyard. These woodpeckers are also adept at excavating nest holes, so providing dead trees or nest boxes with suitable dimensions and placement can encourage them to visit and potentially nest in your yard.
Downy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects, but they also consume seeds and fruits. Offering suet, particularly suet with insect ingredients, can be highly appealing to these birds. Downy Woodpeckers are known to visit suet feeders frequently, so placing multiple suet feeders around your yard can increase the chances of attracting them. Providing a mix of trees and shrubs that produce berries or attract insects will further enhance their interest in your backyard.
White-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatches primarily feed on insects, nuts, and seeds. They are adept climbers and are often seen searching for insects on tree trunks and branches. Offering suet feeders with nuts or providing a mix of sunflower seeds and insects can attract White-breasted Nuthatches to your backyard. They are also known to visit birdbaths, so providing a clean source of water will increase their interest in your yard.
House Finch
House Finches primarily feed on seeds, and their diet includes sunflower seeds, millet, and nyjer seeds. Offering these seeds in bird feeders will attract House Finches to your backyard. They are also known to feed on fruits and berries, so providing shrubs or trees that produce these food sources can further entice them. House Finches are social birds and often travel in flocks, so offering multiple feeding stations can accommodate them and increase their presence in your yard.
By following these feeding recommendations, you can attract a diverse range of birds to your backyard and provide them with the food sources they need to thrive. Enjoy the beauty and joy of observing these feathered visitors up close. Happy bird watching!
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