In this informative article, readers can explore the fascinating world of backyard birds in Nebraska. With the help of the citizen science program eBird, the compiled list of 30 common bird species is not only accurate but also accompanied by captivating pictures. From the American Robin, the most frequently spotted bird in Nebraska, to the state’s official bird, the Western Meadowlark, this article offers a glimpse into the diverse avian life found in Nebraska. Additionally, readers will find valuable tips on attracting these winged visitors to their backyards, bird identification, the significance of habitat for different bird species, and the use of bird feeders. Discover the wonders of Nebraska’s birdlife and enhance your appreciation for these feathered friends.

American Robin

Description

The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a medium-sized songbird that is recognized by its distinctive orange breast and gray-brown upperparts. They have a white eye ring and a dark brown head. The American Robin is widely distributed across North America and can be found in forests, woodlands, and urban areas. They are known for their melodious song, which is often heard in the early morning hours.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract American Robins to your backyard, it is important to provide them with a suitable habitat. The American Robin prefers areas with open grassy spaces where they can forage for their primary food source, which includes earthworms, insects, and fruits. Planting fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, such as crabapple or serviceberry, can attract these birds to your yard. Additionally, providing a shallow birdbath or a small water feature can be appealing to them, as they require fresh water for drinking and bathing.

Western Meadowlark

Description

The Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is a medium-sized songbird that is known for its beautiful and distinct song. It has a bright yellow breast with black V-shaped markings and brown upperparts. This bird is the official State Bird of Nebraska. The Western Meadowlark can be found in grasslands, meadows, and agricultural fields throughout the western United States.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Western Meadowlarks to your backyard, it is important to create a suitable habitat that mimics their natural grassland environment. Planting native grasses and wildflowers can help attract insects, which are a vital source of food for these birds. They also prefer open spaces, so avoiding dense foliage or cluttered yards is beneficial. Providing a birdhouse or nesting platform can encourage them to nest in your backyard.

1. Northern Cardinal

Description

The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a familiar and popular backyard bird known for its vibrant red plumage and distinctive crest on its head. The male cardinal is bright red, while the female has more muted colors, primarily brown with touches of red. They can be found throughout North America in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, gardens, and urban areas.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Northern Cardinals to your backyard, it is important to provide them with a diverse habitat. They are attracted to dense shrubs and trees where they can find both food and shelter. Planting native trees and shrubs, such as dogwood or sumac, can provide them with berries and insects. Cardinals are also attracted to bird feeders that offer sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, or cracked corn. Providing a bird bath or water feature for drinking and bathing is also a great addition to attract these birds.

2. House Finch

Description

The House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) is a small songbird that is commonly found in residential areas across North America. The male House Finch is known for its reddish-orange plumage, while the female has a streaked brown appearance. They have a delightful and melodious song that can often be heard during the breeding season.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract House Finches to your backyard, it is important to provide them with a variety of food sources. House Finches feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. Planting native plants that produce seeds or berries, such as coneflowers or elderberries, can help attract them to your yard. Offering a variety of bird feeders with different types of seeds, such as thistle or sunflower, can also attract House Finches. Providing a bird bath or small water feature for drinking and bathing is essential as well.

3. Black-capped Chickadee

Description

The Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is a small songbird with a distinctive black cap and bib, white cheeks, and gray overall feathers. They are known for their acrobatic and energetic nature. Black-capped Chickadees are common throughout North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as suburban areas.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Black-capped Chickadees to your backyard, it is important to provide them with a suitable habitat. They prefer wooded areas with mature trees and thick vegetation. Providing birdhouses or nest boxes with a small entrance hole can encourage them to nest in your backyard. They are also attracted to bird feeders that offer sunflower seeds, suet, or peanut butter. Having a reliable source of fresh water, such as a bird bath, is also important for attracting these birds.

4. Mourning Dove

Description

The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is a medium-sized bird known for its soft, mournful cooing sound. They have a sleek and slender appearance, with a gray-brown body, a long pointed tail, and a small head. Mourning Doves are widespread throughout North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, fields, and urban areas.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Mourning Doves to your backyard, it is important to provide them with a suitable environment. They are ground feeders and prefer open spaces with access to seeds. Planting native grasses or leaving areas of your yard partially bare can provide them with access to their preferred food sources. Offering a platform bird feeder or scattering seeds on the ground can also attract Mourning Doves. Having a bird bath or shallow dish of water for drinking and bathing is important as well.

5. Red-winged Blackbird

Description

The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a medium-sized blackbird with distinctive red and yellow shoulder patches on the male. Females are more subdued, with streaked brown feathers. They are found across North America in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, and the edges of ponds or lakes.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Red-winged Blackbirds to your backyard, it is important to provide them with a suitable wetland habitat. Creating a small pond or water feature can help attract these birds. Planting native grasses, cattails, or other wetland plants can also provide them with nesting sites and food sources. Offering bird feeders with sunflower seeds or cracked corn can supplement their diet. Having a bird bath or water source for drinking and bathing is essential as well.

6. Blue Jay

Description

The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a large and bold songbird known for its vibrant blue feathers, crest on its head, and distinctive call. They have a white face, black collar, and black markings on their wings and tail. Blue Jays are found throughout most of North America in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and urban areas.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Blue Jays to your backyard, it is important to provide them with a diverse habitat. They are attracted to trees and shrubs that produce acorns, nuts, or berries. Planting oak or hickory trees, as well as berry-producing shrubs like serviceberry or dogwood, can attract Blue Jays. Offering bird feeders with peanuts, sunflower seeds, or suet can also attract these birds. Having a reliable source of fresh water, such as a bird bath or small pond, is important for attracting them as well.

7. White-breasted Nuthatch

Description

The White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) is a small songbird known for its distinctive behavior of climbing headfirst down trees. They have a blue-gray back, a white face, and a white belly. White-breasted Nuthatches are found throughout North America in a variety of habitats, including deciduous forests, woodlands, and suburban areas.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract White-breasted Nuthatches to your backyard, it is important to provide them with a suitable habitat. They prefer areas with mature trees, as they rely on insects and spiders found in the bark for food. Providing birdhouses or nest boxes with a small entrance hole can encourage them to nest in your backyard. They are also attracted to bird feeders that offer sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet. Having a reliable source of fresh water, such as a bird bath or small fountain, is important for attracting them as well.

30. Northern Mockingbird

Description

The Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is a medium-sized songbird known for its wide repertoire of songs and ability to mimic various sounds. They have gray-brown feathers, a white belly, and white patches on their wings. Northern Mockingbirds are found throughout North America in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, grasslands, scrublands, and forests.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Northern Mockingbirds to your backyard, it is important to provide them with a variety of food sources and suitable habitat. They feed on insects, berries, fruits, and seeds. Planting a variety of trees and shrubs that produce berries, such as holly or viburnum, can attract Northern Mockingbirds. Offering bird feeders with a mix of seeds and fruits can supplement their diet. Having a reliable source of fresh water, such as a bird bath or small water feature, is important for attracting them as well.

In conclusion, attracting a wide variety of backyard birds to your yard can provide endless entertainment and contribute to conservation efforts. By creating a suitable and diverse habitat, offering food sources, and providing fresh water, you can attract these beautiful and fascinating birds to your backyard. Remember to be patient and provide a safe environment for them to thrive. Happy birdwatching!