In “A List of Common Birds Found in Delaware Backyards,” readers will find a comprehensive compilation of the most frequently spotted bird species in Delaware. Drawing data from the citizen science program eBird, this article not only provides a list of these birds but also offers guidance on their identification. Featuring striking images of each species, readers will be able to easily recognize these winged visitors. Additionally, the article includes valuable information on how to attract these birds to their own backyards, including tips on bird feeders and foods. Furthermore, readers will learn about the Northern Cardinal, the most commonly reported bird in Delaware, and the state’s official bird, the Blue Hen chicken. For enthusiasts looking for recent sightings and detailed checklists, eBird is the go-to platform, offering a wealth of information to aid in their avian adventures.
Most Common Birds in Delaware Backyards
Delaware is home to a wide variety of bird species, and many of them can be found right in your own backyard. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting out, getting to know the most common birds in Delaware is a great way to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. In this article, we will explore the identification and description of these birds, as well as provide tips for attracting them to your backyard.
Identification and Description
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is easily recognizable with its vibrant red plumage and prominent crest on its head. The male is particularly striking, with its bright red feathers contrasting against the duller grayish-brown color of the female. Cardinals have a stout beak, which they use to crack open seeds and fruits. They are known for their distinct melodious song, which can often be heard throughout the day.
American Robin
The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a familiar bird with its orange-red breast and dark gray back. This medium-sized thrush is known for its joyous song, especially during the early morning hours. Robins are often seen hopping around lawns, searching for worms and other insects in the soil. They also eat berries and fruits when available.
House Finch
The House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) is a small bird with a conical bill and a streaky brown plumage. The males have a reddish color on their face, upper breast, and rump, while the females are mostly brown. House Finches are common visitors to backyard bird feeders, where they can be seen eating seeds and grains.
Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is a graceful bird with a slender body and a long, pointed tail. It has a soft, muted coloration, with a pale grayish-brown body and a darker head and wings. Mourning Doves are known for their gentle cooing sound, which is often associated with tranquility. They primarily feed on seeds, grains, and fruits.
Carolina Chickadee
The Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) is a small bird with a round body, a short neck, and a thick bill. It has a distinctive black cap and bib, and its back is a grayish-brown color. Chickadees are highly active and agile, often seen flitting between branches in search of insects and spiders. They also eat seeds and berries.
Tips for Attracting Birds to Your Backyard
If you want to attract birds to your backyard, there are several steps you can take to create a bird-friendly environment. Here are some tips to get you started:
Providing Feeders
Placing bird feeders in your backyard is one of the most effective ways to attract birds. Different bird species have different feeding preferences, so it is a good idea to offer a variety of feeder types and food options. Tube feeders, platform feeders, and suet feeders are all popular choices. Make sure to keep the feeders clean and well-stocked, and consider providing different types of birdseed, such as sunflower seeds, millet, and nyjer seeds.
Selecting Bird-Friendly Plants
Choosing the right plants for your backyard can make it more appealing to birds. Native trees, shrubs, and flowers provide natural food sources, shelter, and nesting sites. Consider planting species that produce berries, nectar, or seeds that birds can feed on. Some bird-friendly plants to consider for Delaware include Eastern Red Cedar, Winterberry, Black-eyed Susan, and Purple Coneflower.
Offering Fresh Water
Birds need a source of fresh water for drinking and bathing, especially during hot summer months. Providing a bird bath or a shallow dish of water can help attract a variety of bird species to your backyard. Make sure to clean and refill the water regularly to keep it fresh and inviting.
Creating Shelter and Nesting Sites
Birds need shelter and safe places to build their nests. Planting dense shrubs and trees can provide both food and shelter for birds. Nest boxes or birdhouses can also be installed to provide additional nesting opportunities, particularly for cavity-nesting species like chickadees and house finches. Make sure to place the nest boxes in a quiet and secure location away from predators.
Northern Cardinal
Description
The Northern Cardinal is a medium-sized songbird with a length of about 8 to 9 inches. The male Cardinal is easily recognized with its vibrant red plumage, black face mask, and prominent crest on its head. The female, on the other hand, has a more muted coloration, with a duller grayish-brown body and a reddish tinge on its wings and tail. Both males and females have a stout beak, which is perfectly suited for cracking open seeds and fruits.
Habitat and Range
Northern Cardinals can be found throughout the eastern and central parts of North America, including Delaware. They are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, parks, and residential areas. Cardinals are known for their adaptability and can be seen in both rural and urban environments.
Attracting Cardinals to Your Backyard
To attract Northern Cardinals to your backyard, it is important to provide the right food and habitat. Cardinals are primarily seed eaters, so offering a variety of seeds in your feeders, such as sunflower seeds and safflower seeds, can be enticing. They also enjoy fruits, especially berries like raspberries and grapes. Providing dense shrubs and trees for nesting and shelter will also make your backyard more appealing to Cardinals.
American Robin
Description
The American Robin is a medium-sized thrush, measuring about 10 inches in length. It has a distinctive orange-red breast, dark gray back, and a white eye ring. The male and female Robins have similar plumage, with the male often having a slightly darker shade of gray on its back. Robins have a stout beak, which is designed for grasping worms and other insects, as well as for eating berries and fruits.
Habitat and Range
American Robins are widespread throughout North America, including Delaware. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, gardens, and lawns. Robins are highly adaptable and can be seen in both rural and urban environments. They are known for their habit of nesting on ledges, trees, and even in hanging planters.
Attracting Robins to Your Backyard
To attract American Robins to your backyard, it is important to provide a suitable habitat and food sources. Robins are primarily insectivorous and feed on earthworms, beetles, and other insects. Having a well-maintained lawn can attract worms, a staple food source for Robins. Planting fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, such as dogwood or holly, can also provide a natural food source that will attract Robins.
House Finch
Description
The House Finch is a small songbird, measuring about 5 to 6 inches in length. It has a conical bill and a streaky brown plumage. The male House Finch has a reddish color on its face, upper breast, and rump, while the female is mostly brown with streaks of white. House Finches have a sweet and melodious song, often heard throughout the day.
Habitat and Range
House Finches are native to the western parts of North America, but they have expanded their range to include the eastern United States, including Delaware. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, gardens, and grasslands. House Finches are highly adaptable and can thrive in both natural and human-altered landscapes.
Attracting House Finches to Your Backyard
To attract House Finches to your backyard, providing a suitable food source is key. House Finches are primarily seed eaters, so offering a variety of seeds, such as sunflower seeds and millet, in your feeders will attract them. They are also attracted to fruit, so placing pieces of apple or grapes in your yard can be enticing. House Finches are social birds and tend to gather in flocks, so having multiple feeding stations can accommodate their needs.
Mourning Dove
Description
The Mourning Dove is a graceful and slender bird, measuring about 9 to 13 inches in length. It has a pale grayish-brown body, a slightly darker head and wings, and a long, pointed tail. Mourning Doves have a soft and muted coloration, with subtle pinkish hues on their undertail coverts. They have a gentle, mournful cooing sound, often associated with tranquility and serenity.
Habitat and Range
Mourning Doves are found throughout North America, including Delaware. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, open fields, urban areas, and agricultural lands. Mourning Doves are highly adaptable and thrive in both rural and urban environments.
Attracting Mourning Doves to Your Backyard
To attract Mourning Doves to your backyard, providing a suitable habitat and food sources is important. Doves primarily feed on seeds, grains, and fruits. Offering a variety of seeds in your feeders, such as millet and cracked corn, can entice them. Planting native grasses and providing low perches or platforms for them can also make your backyard more appealing to Mourning Doves.
Carolina Chickadee
Description
The Carolina Chickadee is a small songbird, measuring about 4 to 5 inches in length. It has a round body, a short neck, and a thick black bill. Carolina Chickadees have a distinctive black cap and bib on their white face, with grayish-brown upperparts and a white belly. They have a cheerful and bubbly song, often described as “chick-a-dee-dee-dee”.
Habitat and Range
Carolina Chickadees can be found in the eastern and southeastern parts of the United States, including Delaware. They are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, and suburban areas. Chickadees are highly adaptable and can be seen in both rural and urban environments.
Attracting Chickadees to Your Backyard
To attract Carolina Chickadees to your backyard, providing a suitable habitat and food sources is important. Chickadees are insectivorous and feed on insects and spiders found in trees and shrubs. Having a variety of native trees and shrubs in your yard will provide a natural food source for Chickadees. They are also known to visit bird feeders, particularly for suet and sunflower seeds.
Conclusion
Delaware is a paradise for bird lovers, with a diverse range of bird species that can be found right in our own backyards. The Northern Cardinal, American Robin, House Finch, Mourning Dove, and Carolina Chickadee are just a few of the most common birds that you might encounter. By understanding their identification and habitat needs, as well as implementing simple strategies like providing feeders, bird-friendly plants, fresh water, and shelter, you can create a welcoming environment that will attract these beautiful feathered friends. So grab your binoculars, set up a bird feeder, and get ready to enjoy the wonders of birdwatching in your own backyard. Happy birding!
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