Discover the Most Common Backyard Birds in Maryland

In “Discover the Most Common Backyard Birds in Maryland,” readers will find a comprehensive guide to the birds frequently found in the state’s backyards. Compiled using data from the citizen science program eBird, this article guarantees accuracy and reliability. Each bird species is accompanied by captivating pictures and tips on how to attract them to your own backyard. Providing insight into the most common bird in Maryland, the Northern Cardinal, which appears on 57% of bird watching lists, this article also offers additional resources for further bird identification and birding opportunities throughout the state.

Northern Cardinal

Description

The Northern Cardinal, also known as the Redbird, is a medium-sized songbird characterized by its vibrant red plumage and distinctive crest on its head. The male Cardinal is known for its brilliant red feathers, while the female has a more muted coloration with shades of brown and red. Both genders have a black mask around their eyes. Cardinals have a strong beak, perfect for cracking open seeds and fruits.

Habitat

Northern Cardinals can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, and suburban areas. They are less commonly found in open grassy areas. These birds are native to North America and are commonly found in Maryland. In urban areas, Cardinals have adapted well to residential gardens and parks.

Feeding

The Northern Cardinal primarily feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects. They have a preference for sunflower seeds, but can also be attracted to other types of birdseed, such as safflower or cracked corn. Cardinals are ground feeders, so it is best to place feeders and food on the ground or on low platforms. They are also known to eat berries and fruits, so planting fruit-bearing trees or shrubs in your backyard can also attract Cardinals.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Northern Cardinals to your backyard, provide a mixture of seeds and fruits in feeders or on the ground. They prefer open spaces, so avoid placing feeders in dense vegetation. Cardinals are also attracted to water sources, so having a birdbath or shallow pond can further increase their presence in your backyard.

American Robin

Description

The American Robin is a medium-sized bird with a plump body and a reddish-orange breast. They have a grayish-brown back with darker patches and a distinctive white eye ring. Robins have a straight, thin beak that is perfect for catching insects and worms.

Habitat

American Robins can be found throughout North America, including Maryland. They are adaptable birds and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and residential areas. They are particularly attracted to areas with open spaces and lawns.

Feeding

Robins have a diverse diet, consisting of both insects and fruits. While they primarily feed on earthworms, they also consume insects, fruits, and berries. To attract Robins to your backyard, provide a mix of fruits, such as berries or chopped apples, in addition to a shallow dish of water for bathing and drinking.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract American Robins to your backyard, create an open space with a well-maintained lawn. Robins are ground foragers and are more likely to visit areas with exposed soil. Providing a birdbath or shallow water feature can also attract Robins, as they enjoy bathing and drinking.

Carolina Chickadee

Description

The Carolina Chickadee is a small, active bird with a round body and a short neck. They have a black cap and bib, and their back is grayish in color. Chickadees have a distinctive white cheek, which is the reason they are known as “chick-a-dee” birds. They have a small beak, perfect for cracking open seeds and insects.

Habitat

Carolina Chickadees can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, and residential areas. They prefer areas with open spaces and dense vegetation. Chickadees are common in Maryland and are often found in backyards with mature trees.

Feeding

Carolina Chickadees primarily feed on insects, seeds, and berries. They have a preference for sunflower seeds, but can also be attracted to other types of birdseed. Chickadees are agile and acrobatic birds, often seen hopping and hanging upside down in search of food.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Carolina Chickadees to your backyard, provide a mix of seeds and insects in feeders or on the ground. They prefer areas with trees and dense vegetation, so creating a bird-friendly habitat with native shrubs and trees can increase their presence. Chickadees are also attracted to suet feeders, which can be hung from trees or placed on feeding stations.

Tufted Titmouse

Description

The Tufted Titmouse is a small songbird known for its tufted crest on its head. They have a gray upper body with a white front, and their flanks are a rusty orange color. Titmice have a short beak, perfect for cracking open seeds and insects.

Habitat

Tufted Titmice can be found in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and residential areas. They are common in Maryland and are often found in backyards with trees and bird-friendly shrubs.

Feeding

Tufted Titmice primarily feed on insects, seeds, and nuts. They have a preference for sunflower seeds, but can also be attracted to other types of birdseed. Titmice are known for their acrobatic foraging style, often hanging upside down to search for food.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Tufted Titmice to your backyard, provide a mix of seeds, nuts, and insects in feeders or on the ground. They prefer areas with trees and dense vegetation, so creating a bird-friendly habitat with native plants can increase their presence. Offering suet feeders can also attract Titmice, as they enjoy the high-fat content of suet.

White-breasted Nuthatch

Description

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a small bird with a short tail and a compact body. They have a slate gray back, a white face, and a black cap on their head. Nuthatches have a long, straight beak, perfect for prying open tree bark and accessing insects.

Habitat

White-breasted Nuthatches can be found in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and residential areas. They are common in Maryland and are often seen climbing up and down tree trunks.

Feeding

White-breasted Nuthatches primarily feed on insects, seeds, and nuts. They have a preference for tree bark-dwelling insects, which they access by climbing headfirst down tree trunks. Nuthatches are agile climbers and have a unique ability to move both up and down tree trunks with ease.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract White-breasted Nuthatches to your backyard, provide a mix of seeds, nuts, and insects in feeders or on the ground. Nuthatches have a unique feeding style, often clinging to the sides of trees or hanging upside down to access food. Providing suet feeders and offering cracked nuts or sunflower seeds can be particularly appealing to Nuthatches.

Blue Jay

Description

The Blue Jay is a striking bird known for its vibrant blue feathers and distinctive crest on its head. They have a white face and black markings around their eyes. Blue Jays have a robust beak, perfect for cracking open nuts and acorns.

Habitat

Blue Jays can be found in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and residential areas. They are common in Maryland and are often seen perched on tree branches or hopping along the ground.

Feeding

Blue Jays have a diverse diet, consisting of insects, seeds, fruits, nuts, and even small vertebrates. They have a particular fondness for acorns and love to stash them away for later consumption. Blue Jays are known for their intelligence and curiosity.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Blue Jays to your backyard, provide a mix of seeds, nuts, and fruits in feeders or on the ground. Blue Jays are larger birds and prefer platform feeders or larger feeders that can accommodate their size. Offering peanuts or cracked nuts can be particularly enticing to Blue Jays.

Mourning Dove

Description

The Mourning Dove is a medium-sized bird known for its soft, mournful cooing sound. They have a slender body with a long, pointed tail. Mourning Doves have a light gray-brown coloration with a pale pinkish breast.

Habitat

Mourning Doves can be found in various habitats, including open woodlands, fields, and residential areas. They are common in Maryland and are often seen perched on telephone wires or foraging on the ground.

Feeding

Mourning Doves primarily feed on seeds, grains, and fruits. They are ground feeders and prefer feeding on open ground or platforms. Mourning Doves are known for their gentle and peaceful nature.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract Mourning Doves to your backyard, provide a mix of seeds and grains in feeders or on the ground. They prefer open areas with ample space to forage. Offering cracked corn or millet seeds can be particularly appealing to Mourning Doves.

House Finch

Description

The House Finch is a small, colorful bird with a conical beak. Male House Finches have a reddish coloration on their head, breast, and back, while females have a more muted brown coloration. They have a melodious song.

Habitat

House Finches can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, forests, and residential areas. They are common in Maryland and are often seen perched on tree branches or visiting backyard feeders.

Feeding

House Finches primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. They have a preference for sunflower seeds, but can also be attracted to other types of birdseed. House Finches have a versatile diet and are known to eat a wide range of plant materials.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract House Finches to your backyard, provide a mix of seeds and fruits in feeders or on the ground. They prefer open spaces with ample perching spots, such as trees or shrubs. House Finches are also attracted to water sources, so having a birdbath or shallow pond can further increase their presence in your backyard.

House Sparrow

Description

The House Sparrow is a small bird with a rounded body and a short tail. Male House Sparrows have a grayish-brown coloration with black streaks, while females have a more muted brown coloration. They have a thick beak, perfect for cracking open seeds and insects.

Habitat

House Sparrows can be found in various habitats, including urban areas, farmlands, and residential areas. They are common in Maryland and are often seen perched on trees or feeding on the ground.

Feeding

House Sparrows primarily feed on seeds, grains, and insects. They have a versatile diet and are known to eat a wide range of food items. House Sparrows are social birds and often forage in flocks.

Attracting to Your Backyard

To attract House Sparrows to your backyard, provide a mix of seeds and grains in feeders or on the ground. They prefer areas with plenty of perching spots, such as trees or dense vegetation. House Sparrows are also attracted to water sources, so having a birdbath or shallow pond can further increase their presence in your backyard.

Resources for Bird Identification and Birding in Maryland

Field Guides

For those interested in identifying birds in Maryland, field guides can be an invaluable resource. There are numerous field guides available that provide detailed information and illustrations of bird species found in the region. Some popular field guides include “The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America” by David Allen Sibley and “National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America” by Jon L. Dunn and Jonathan Alderfer.

Online Resources

The internet offers a wealth of resources for bird identification and birding in Maryland. Websites such as eBird and All About Birds provide species-specific information, maps, and photographs to aid in bird identification. These websites also offer tools for reporting bird sightings and contributing to citizen science projects.

Local Birding Groups

Joining a local birding group can be a great way to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts and learn more about birding in Maryland. These groups often organize field trips, bird walks, and lectures by experienced birders. Some popular birding groups in Maryland include the Maryland Ornithological Society and the Audubon Society of Central Maryland.

By providing information on common backyard birds in Maryland, this article aims to help readers identify and attract these beautiful avian visitors to their own backyard. Remember to create a suitable habitat with a variety of food sources, water features, and native plants to maximize bird presence. Additionally, utilizing resources such as field guides, online platforms, and local birding groups can further enhance the birding experience in Maryland. Happy birding!