In “30 Common Backyard Birds in Delaware,” readers will discover a comprehensive guide to the diverse avian species found in Delaware. Drawing from the reputable citizen science program eBird, this article provides an accurate list of the most frequently seen birds in the state’s backyards. Each bird species is accompanied by captivating pictures and insightful information on how to attract them to your own backyard. From the vibrant Northern Cardinal to the serene Mourning Dove, the article highlights the top sightings and offers tips on bird identification. In addition, readers will gain a broader understanding of bird groups and a state overview of bird watching in Delaware. By the end, individuals will be equipped with knowledge on setting up bird feeders, selecting suitable foods, and creating an inviting habitat for specific birds.

State Overview of Birds in Delaware

Overview of Bird Species in Delaware

Delaware, the “First State,” may be small in size, but it is certainly not lacking in its diversity of bird species. Located on the East Coast of the United States, Delaware is a haven for both resident and migratory birds, attracting bird enthusiasts from far and wide. With its diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, rivers, and coastal areas, Delaware provides an ideal environment for a wide variety of bird species to thrive.

According to data from the citizen science program eBird, Delaware boasts an impressive list of bird species. The compiled bird list is considered highly accurate, as it is based on real-time observations and contributions from birdwatchers across the state. This comprehensive list includes both common and rare bird species, making Delaware a prime destination for birdwatching enthusiasts of all levels.

Hotspots for Bird Watching in Delaware

Delaware offers numerous hotspots for birdwatching, where visitors can catch a glimpse of both resident and migratory birds. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced birder, these locations are guaranteed to provide a memorable birdwatching experience.

1. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Situated along the Delaware Bay, this refuge is teeming with shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors. With its extensive trail system and observation platforms, visitors can witness the remarkable migratory spectacle that unfolds here.

2. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Nestled along the Delaware Bay, this refuge offers a mix of forest, marsh, and tidal creek habitats. It is home to an abundance of bird species, including great blue herons, ospreys, and warblers. Visitors can explore the refuge by foot or kayak, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of Delaware’s coastal environment.

3. Delaware Seashore State Park: Located on the barrier island between Rehoboth Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this state park is a dream destination for beach-loving birdwatchers. It is known for its diverse range of bird species, including gulls, terns, and sandpipers. The park’s coastal dunes and marshes provide valuable nesting grounds for many migratory birds.

These are just a few examples of the many birding hotspots Delaware has to offer. Other notable locations include Cape Henlopen State Park, Ashland Nature Center, and Brandywine Creek State Park. Each of these sites provides a unique birdwatching experience, with different habitats and species to discover.

Bird Groups and Identification Methods

Categories of Bird Groups

Birds are classified into various groups based on shared characteristics. Understanding these categories can help birdwatchers identify different species more easily. The main bird groups include:

1. Waterbirds: As the name suggests, waterbirds are birds that rely on aquatic environments for their survival. This group includes ducks, geese, swans, herons, and egrets, among others. Their webbed feet and waterproof feathers allow them to thrive in wetland habitats.

2. Raptors: Raptors, or birds of prey, are known for their keen eyesight and powerful talons. This group includes eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. They are skilled hunters, feeding on smaller birds, mammals, and reptiles.

3. Songbirds: The songbird group is the largest and most diverse, encompassing a wide range of bird species. These birds are known for their melodious songs and colorful plumage. Common songbirds include robins, cardinals, finches, sparrows, and warblers.

4. Shorebirds: Shorebirds are found along coastlines and in wetland areas. They have long legs, allowing them to wade in shallow water and forage for food. Examples of shorebirds include sandpipers, plovers, gulls, and terns.

5. Gamebirds: Gamebirds are often sought after for hunting purposes. This group includes turkeys, quails, pheasants, and grouse. Their ability to fly quickly and evade predators has made them popular targets for sportsmen.

Common Methods for Bird Identification

Identifying birds can be a challenging yet rewarding task. Fortunately, there are several methods that can help birdwatchers determine the species they encounter. Here are some common methods for bird identification:

1. Field Guides: Field guides are valuable resources that provide detailed information on various bird species. They typically include illustrations or photographs, along with descriptions of key identifying features such as size, shape, coloration, and habitat preferences. Field guides are available in book format or as mobile apps, making them easily accessible to birdwatchers in the field.

2. Binoculars: Binoculars are an essential tool for birdwatching. They allow observers to get a closer look at birds, enabling them to observe important details such as plumage patterns, bill shape, and behavior. Opting for binoculars with good magnification and lens quality can greatly enhance the birdwatching experience.

3. Bird Calls and Songs: Many bird species are known for their distinct calls and songs. By familiarizing oneself with the unique vocalizations of different species, birdwatchers can identify birds even when they are hidden from view. Online resources and smartphone apps provide recordings of bird calls, helping birdwatchers match the sounds they hear in the field.

4. Online Databases and Citizen Science: Online databases, such as eBird, offer a wealth of information on bird species distribution and behavior. These platforms allow birdwatchers to record and share their sightings, contributing valuable data to the scientific community. By collaborating with other bird enthusiasts, birdwatchers can increase their knowledge and improve their identification skills.

By combining these identification methods, birdwatchers can develop a comprehensive understanding of the bird species they encounter, enhancing their overall enjoyment of the hobby.

30 Common Backyard Birds in Delaware

Delaware is home to a diverse array of bird species, many of which can be spotted right in your own backyard. Here are 30 common backyard birds in Delaware, along with descriptions and tips on how to attract them to your outdoor space:

Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is a bird that needs no introduction. Its vibrant red plumage and distinctive crest make it one of the most easily recognizable backyard birds in Delaware. Male cardinals sport a bright red body with a black mask around their eyes, while females have a more subdued combination of brown and red. Cardinals are known for their sweet and melodious songs, which can often be heard throughout the day.

To attract Northern Cardinals to your backyard, provide them with a variety of foods. They are particularly fond of sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and cracked corn. Offering a platform feeder or a hanging feeder stocked with these seeds will entice cardinals to visit regularly. Additionally, providing shrubs and bushes for nesting and cover can further enhance their presence in your yard.

Mourning Dove

The Mourning Dove is a familiar sight in Delaware’s backyards and rural areas. This medium-sized bird has a plump body, with soft grayish-brown feathers and a long, pointed tail. Mourning Doves are known for their gentle cooing sound, often associated with peace and tranquility.

Attracting Mourning Doves to your backyard is a relatively simple task. These birds are ground feeders, so scattering cracked corn, millet, or nyjer seeds on the ground or on a low platform feeder will draw them in. Providing ample open space and some low perches, such as tree branches or fences, will also encourage them to visit.

Red-winged Blackbird

The Red-winged Blackbird is a conspicuous bird, especially during the breeding season when males display their vibrant red and yellow shoulder patches. Adult males have black feathers with bright red patches outlined in yellow on their wings, while females are mainly brown with streaked underparts. Red-winged Blackbirds are known for their distinctive song, a metallic “conk-a-ree” that can be heard from marshes and wetlands.

To attract Red-winged Blackbirds to your backyard, creating a habitat that mimics their natural wetland environment is key. Planting marsh grasses, cattails, and other water-loving plants will provide them with cover and nesting sites. Offering nyjer seeds, millet, and suet cakes will also entice these birds to visit your feeders.

American Robin

The American Robin is a familiar and beloved sight in Delaware’s backyards and parks. This medium-sized bird has a robust body, with a distinctive rusty-red breast and a gray back. American Robins are known for their cheery song, which is often associated with the arrival of spring.

Attracting American Robins to your backyard can be achieved by providing them with a variety of foods. They have a diverse diet that includes earthworms, berries, and fruits. Planting fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, such as serviceberries, dogwoods, and hollies, can provide a natural food source for robins. Additionally, offering mealworms, suet, and bird baths will attract these birds and enhance their presence in your yard.

House Finch

The House Finch is a small, colorful bird that can be found throughout Delaware. Males have a mix of red and brown feathers on their head, chest, and rump, while females are mainly brown with streaked underparts. House Finches have a melodious song that can be heard year-round, making them a delightful addition to any backyard.

Attracting House Finches to your backyard is relatively easy. They are particularly fond of sunflower seeds and can be enticed to visit feeders stocked with these seeds. Offering nyjer seeds or thistle seeds is also a great option, as House Finches enjoy these tiny seeds. Providing dense shrubs or evergreen trees for nest-building will further encourage these birds to make your yard their home.

Song Sparrow

Song Sparrows are common, medium-sized sparrows found throughout Delaware’s backyards and open areas. They have a brownish back with darker streaks, a mottled chest, and a distinct spot on their breast. Song Sparrows are known for their sweet and varied songs, which can vary among individuals.

To attract Song Sparrows to your backyard, offer them a diverse range of foods and a comfortable habitat. They enjoy eating a variety of seeds, including millet, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn. Providing dense shrubs or bushes will give them cover for nesting and protection. A brush pile or low vegetation can also serve as a suitable habitat for Song Sparrows, attracting them to your yard.

Tufted Titmouse

The Tufted Titmouse is a small, lively bird known for its characteristic tufted crest and inquisitive nature. This bird has a gray coat, with a black forehead, white underparts, and rusty-colored flanks. Tufted Titmouses are often seen hanging upside-down or sideways as they search for insects and seeds.

Attracting Tufted Titmouses to your backyard can be done by offering them a diverse range of foods. They are particularly fond of suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. Providing a variety of feeders, including suet feeders and tube feeders, will cater to their feeding preferences. Additionally, offering nesting boxes or natural cavities will encourage them to consider your yard as a potential nesting site.

Carolina Wren

The Carolina Wren is a small, round-bodied bird with a long tail and a reddish-brown back. It has a distinctive white eyebrow stripe and a rich song that often sounds like it’s saying “tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle.” Carolina Wrens are known for their enthusiastic singing and their ability to adapt to a variety of habitats.

To attract Carolina Wrens to your backyard, provide them with a mix of insect and seed-based foods. They enjoy foraging for insects, spiders, and caterpillars, which are essential for their diet. Offering mealworms, suet, and a variety of seeds such as sunflower seeds and cracked corn will also encourage their presence. Providing birdhouses or nest boxes will attract Carolina Wrens, as they prefer nesting in enclosed spaces.

House Sparrow

The House Sparrow is a small, grayish-brown bird with a plump body and a conical bill. Males have a black throat, chestnut-colored nape, and gray crown, while females are mainly brown with streaked underparts. House Sparrows are adaptive birds that are commonly found in urban and suburban areas.

Attracting House Sparrows to your backyard is relatively easy, as they are not picky eaters. They enjoy a variety of seeds, including millet, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn. Providing ground feeders or platform feeders will accommodate their feeding preferences. House Sparrows are comfortable nesting in cavities, so offering birdhouses or creating brush piles can entice them to make your yard their home.

Eastern Bluebird

The Eastern Bluebird is a small, striking bird known for its beautiful blue plumage and cheerful song. Males have vibrant blue feathers on their heads, backs, and wings, while females have a duller combination of blue and gray. Eastern Bluebirds are cavity-nesting birds, often seen perched on fence posts or branches as they hunt for insects.

Attracting Eastern Bluebirds to your backyard can be achieved by providing them with suitable nesting sites and a diverse range of foods. They primarily feed on insects, such as beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers. Offering mealworms, suet, and a variety of berries will also entice them. Providing nest boxes with appropriate specifications, including an entrance hole diameter of about 1.5 inches, will further encourage these beautiful birds to make your yard their nest site.

Downy Woodpecker

The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest and most common woodpecker in North America. It has a black-and-white body pattern, with a white belly, black wings with white spots, and a black-and-white striped head. Downy Woodpeckers are known for their distinctive drumming sound, which they use to communicate and establish territory.

Attracting Downy Woodpeckers to your backyard can be achieved by providing them with a variety of foods and suitable habitat. They feed primarily on insects, including beetles, ants, and grubs. Offering suet, mealworms, and peanut butter will attract these woodpeckers to your feeders. Planting trees, such as oaks and maples, will provide them with natural foraging opportunities and potential nesting sites.

Baltimore Oriole

The Baltimore Oriole is a vibrant and striking bird known for its bright orange plumage and beautiful song. Males have a black head with a large orange patch on their chest, while females have a more subdued combination of orange and gray. Baltimore Orioles are primarily found in deciduous forests, but they also frequent backyards with ample food and cover.

Attracting Baltimore Orioles to your backyard can be achieved by providing them with their favorite foods. They have a sweet tooth and are particularly fond of nectar, fruit, and jelly. Offering sliced oranges, grape jelly, and hummingbird feeders with sugar water will entice these colorful birds. Hanging nesting materials, such as yarn or string, can also attract Baltimore Orioles as they construct their intricate hanging nests.

American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch is a small, lively bird with brilliant yellow plumage, contrasted by black wings and a black cap. In the winter, their coloration shifts to a more muted olive brown. American Goldfinches are often seen perching atop flowers and feeders, enjoying the abundance of seeds available to them.

Attracting American Goldfinches to your backyard is relatively easy, as they have a strong preference for seeds. They are particularly fond of nyjer seeds, sunflower seeds, and dandelion seeds. Offering tube feeders or mesh feeders filled with these seeds will draw them in. Planting native flowers, such as coneflowers and sunflowers, will also provide them with a natural food source and enhance their presence in your yard.

White-breasted Nuthatch

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a small, compact bird known for its unique head-first climbing and hopping behavior. It has a bluish-gray back, a white face, and a distinctive black stripe on its head. White-breasted Nuthatches are often seen spiraling down tree trunks in search of insects and seeds.

Attracting White-breasted Nuthatches to your backyard can be achieved by providing a variety of foods and suitable habitat. They primarily feed on insects, including beetles, ants, and caterpillars. Offering suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds will entice them to visit your feeders. Planting large, mature trees will provide them with natural foraging opportunities and potential nesting sites.

Chipping Sparrow

The Chipping Sparrow is a small, sociable bird known for its distinctive chipping sound, which gave it its name. It has a plain brown back with a rusty cap and white eyebrows. Chipping Sparrows are often seen foraging on the ground or perching on tree branches, actively searching for seeds and insects.

Attracting Chipping Sparrows to your backyard can be done by offering them a variety of foods and appropriate cover. They have a diverse diet that includes seeds, insects, and berries. Providing millet, sunflower seeds, and fruits such as strawberries and raspberries will entice these birds to visit. Offering dense shrubs or evergreen trees will give them cover for nesting and protection.

Gray Catbird

The Gray Catbird is a medium-sized songbird named for its cat-like “mewing” call. It has a plain gray body, a black cap, and a rusty patch under its tail. Gray Catbirds are known for their secretive behavior, often hiding in dense vegetation and shrubs.

Attracting Gray Catbirds to your backyard can be achieved by providing them with a variety of foods and dense cover. They feed primarily on insects, berries, and fruit. Offering a mixture of suet, mealworms, and fruit such as grapes or cherries will attract these Catbirds. Providing shrubs and bushes with thick foliage will give them the cover they need to feel safe and secure.

Northern Mockingbird

The Northern Mockingbird is a medium-sized songbird known for its incredible vocal range and ability to mimic other bird songs. It has a gray body, long tail, and white patches on its wings. Northern Mockingbirds are often seen perched on treetops, fences, or rooftops, where they showcase their impressive repertoire of songs.

Attracting Northern Mockingbirds to your backyard can be done by offering them a mix of foods and suitable cover. They have an omnivorous diet that includes insects, fruits, and berries. Providing mealworms, suet, and a variety of fruits will entice them to visit your yard. Offering dense shrubs or evergreen trees will provide them with nesting sites and protection.

Rock Pigeon

The Rock Pigeon, also known as the Common Pigeon, is a familiar bird found in both urban and rural areas. It has a plump body, small head, and iridescent feathers that range in color from gray to white. Rock Pigeons are often seen perched on buildings, ledges, or city squares, where they forage for food.

Attracting Rock Pigeons to your backyard is relatively easy, as they are highly adaptable and have diverse dietary preferences. They enjoy a variety of seeds, such as cracked corn, millet, and sunflower seeds. Providing ground feeders or platform feeders will accommodate their feeding preferences. Offering bird baths or shallow pools of water will also attract them.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a small and fascinating bird known for its remarkable agility, iridescent feathers, and ability to hover mid-air. Males have a vibrant ruby-red throat, while females have a white throat and greenish body. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are primarily found in gardens and wooded areas with ample nectar sources.

Attracting Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to your backyard is a delightful task. Planting a variety of nectar-rich flowers, such as trumpet vines, honeysuckles, and bee balms, will provide them with a natural food source. Additionally, offering hummingbird feeders filled with a mixture of four parts water to one part white granulated sugar will attract these marvelous birds. It is essential to maintain clean feeders and change the nectar regularly, as hummingbirds are susceptible to mold and bacterial growth.

Indigo Bunting

The Indigo Bunting is a small, vibrant bird known for its brilliant blue plumage. Males have a deep blue body and head, while females have a duller combination of brown and blue. Indigo Buntings are often seen perched on branches or foraging on the ground, where they search for seeds and insects.

Attracting Indigo Buntings to your backyard can be done by providing them with a variety of foods and suitable habitat. They primarily feed on seeds, such as millet, sunflower seeds, and thistle seeds. Offering tube feeders or mesh feeders filled with these seeds will draw them in. Planting native flowers and shrubs, such as coneflowers and black-eyed Susans, will also provide them with a natural food source and enhance their presence in your yard.

American Crow

The American Crow is a large, highly intelligent bird known for its distinctive “caw” call. It has all-black feathers, a sturdy bill, and a strong, sturdy build. American Crows are often seen in flocks, foraging for food in open areas or perched on tree branches.

Attracting American Crows to your backyard is not difficult, as they are highly opportunistic and will eat a variety of foods. They have a diverse diet that includes insects, small mammals, fruits, and even garbage. Offering suet, peanuts, and cracked corn will attract these birds to your feeders. Providing tall trees where they can perch and observe their surroundings will also enhance their presence.

Common Grackle

The Common Grackle is a medium-sized bird known for its iridescent black plumage and bright yellow eyes. Males have an elongated, keel-shaped tail, while females have a shorter, rounded tail. Common Grackles are often seen foraging in open areas, including lawns, fields, and wetlands.

Attracting Common Grackles to your backyard can be achieved by offering them a mix of foods and suitable habitat. They have an omnivorous diet, feeding on insects, fruits, berries, and even small vertebrates. Providing mealworms, suet, and a variety of seeds will entice them to visit your feeders. Offering bird baths or shallow pools of water will also attract them.

Brown-headed Cowbird

The Brown-headed Cowbird is a small blackbird known for its unique breeding strategy. It has an all-black body, with a brown head on the males and a duller combination of gray and brown on the females. Brown-headed Cowbirds are often seen foraging on the ground or perched on tree branches.

Attracting Brown-headed Cowbirds to your backyard can be achieved by providing them with a variety of foods and suitable habitat. They primarily feed on seeds, insects, and berries. Offering millet, cracked corn, and suet will entice them to visit your feeders. Providing low vegetation, such as shrubs or hedges, will give them cover for nesting and protection.

Eastern Towhee

The Eastern Towhee is a medium-sized bird known for its distinctive “drink-your-tea” song and striking black, white, and rusty plumage. Males have a black head, back, and tail, with rusty sides, while females have a more subdued combination of gray and brown. Eastern Towhees are often seen foraging on the ground, kicking leaves and debris to uncover insects and seeds.

Attracting Eastern Towhees to your backyard can be achieved by offering them a variety of foods and suitable cover. They primarily feed on insects, seeds, and berries. Providing cracked corn, sunflower seeds, and suet will attract them to your feeders. Offering dense shrubs or evergreen trees will give them the cover they need to feel safe and secure.

Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing is a medium-sized bird known for its sleek, silky plumage and unique markings. It has a pale yellow belly, a grayish-brown body, and distinct black masking on its eyes. Cedar Waxwings are often seen perched on treetops or flying in loose flocks, feeding on fruits and berries.

Attracting Cedar Waxwings to your backyard can be achieved by planting fruit-bearing trees and shrubs. They particularly enjoy eating berries such as cherries, mulberries, and juniper berries. Offering a shallow bird bath or water feature can also attract these birds, as they rely on water sources for drinking and bathing.

Hooded Merganser

The Hooded Merganser is a small, striking diving duck known for its distinct black-and-white plumage and elaborate crest. Males have a black fan-shaped crest bordered with white, while females have a smaller crest and a reddish-brown head. Hooded Mergansers are often seen swimming and diving in freshwater ponds, lakes, and rivers.

Attracting Hooded Mergansers to your backyard is a more challenging task, as they prefer larger bodies of water. However, if you have a pond or lake nearby, providing nest boxes on tree trunks or near the water can encourage them to breed in your area. Offering a suitable habitat with ample fish and insects will also attract these beautiful ducks.

Yellow Warbler

The Yellow Warbler is a small, vibrant bird known for its bright yellow plumage and sweet song. Males have a rusty-red streaked breast, while females have a duller combination of yellow and gray. Yellow Warblers are often seen perched on tree branches or foraging in shrubs and vegetation, where they search for insects and caterpillars.

Attracting Yellow Warblers to your backyard can be achieved by providing them with a variety of foods and suitable cover. They primarily feed on insects, including beetles, spiders, and caterpillars. Offering mealworms, suet, and a variety of fruits will entice them to visit your yard. Providing dense shrubs or evergreen trees will give them the cover they need for nesting and protection.

Tree Swallow

The Tree Swallow is a small, agile bird known for its swift, acrobatic flight and iridescent plumage. It has a deep blue body with blackish wings and a white belly. Tree Swallows are often seen perched on tree branches or flying in groups, foraging for insects in mid-air.

Attracting Tree Swallows to your backyard can be achieved by providing them with suitable nesting sites and a diverse range of insects. They primarily feed on flying insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and beetles. Offering birdhouses or nest boxes with an entrance hole diameter of about 1.5 inches will attract these swallows. Planting native flowers and shrubs will provide nesting materials and attract a variety of insects for them to feed on.

Eastern Phoebe

The Eastern Phoebe is a small, unassuming bird known for its distinctive “phoe-be” call and tail-bobbing behavior. It has a dull grayish-brown back, a pale belly, and a white throat. Eastern Phoebes are often seen perched on low branches or rock ledges, where they actively hunt for insects.

Attracting Eastern Phoebes to your backyard can be achieved by offering them a variety of insects and suitable nesting sites. They primarily feed on flying insects, such as flies, mosquitoes, and moths. Providing suet, mealworms, and a birdbath will attract them to your yard. Offering nesting platforms near your house or shed can also entice these birds to breed in your area.

Blue Jay

The Blue Jay is a large, charismatic bird known for its vibrant blue plumage, crest, and noisy calls. It has a blue body with white underparts, black markings on its face, and a black collar around its neck. Blue Jays are often seen perched on tree branches or flying in small family groups, foraging for acorns and seeds.

Attracting Blue Jays to your backyard can be achieved by offering them a variety of foods and suitable cover. They have a diverse diet that includes acorns, nuts, insects, and berries. Offering peanuts, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds will attract them to your feeders. Providing dense trees or bushes will give them cover for nesting and protection.

Importance of Habitat for Attracting Birds

Creating a bird-friendly habitat in your backyard is essential for attracting and supporting a diverse range of bird species. By providing the right elements, you can create an environment that meets the specific needs of birds, including shelter, food sources, and water.

Creating Bird-Friendly Habitats

1. Native Plants: Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers is crucial for attracting birds. Native plants provide food in the form of seeds, fruits, and nectar, while also offering nesting sites and cover. They have evolved alongside local bird species and are better suited to their needs. Research the native plants of Delaware and incorporate them into your landscape.

2. Shelter and Cover: Birds need places to hide, nest, and seek protection from predators and harsh weather conditions. Provide diverse vegetation, including trees, shrubs, and grasses, to create a layered landscape that offers different levels of cover. Dense shrubs and evergreen trees are particularly valuable for nesting and refuge.

3. Water Sources: Birds require water for drinking and bathing. Install a bird bath or shallow water feature in your yard to provide a source of clean water. Be sure to keep the water fresh and clean, changing it regularly to prevent the spread of disease. Adding rocks, pebbles, or twigs to the water feature can also provide perches for birds.

4. Nest Boxes and Birdhouses: Installing nest boxes and birdhouses can provide additional nesting opportunities for cavity-nesting birds. Research the specific requirements of different bird species and construct or purchase appropriate structures. Place the nest boxes in suitable locations, away from predators and at the appropriate height.

5. Avoid Chemicals: Limit or eliminate the use of pesticides and herbicides in your yard. These chemicals can be harmful to birds and other wildlife. Instead, focus on natural pest control methods and organic gardening practices.

Native Plants for Bird Attraction

In Delaware, there are several native plants that can help attract birds to your backyard. These plants provide food in the form of seeds, berries, nectar, and insects. Here are a few examples:

1. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): This evergreen tree produces small blue berries that are a favorite food source for a variety of bird species, including Cedar Waxwings and American Robins.

2. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): The Eastern Redbud is a small tree with pink flowers in early spring. Its seeds are attractive to birds such as American Goldfinches and Pine Warblers.

3. Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia): Virginia Creeper is a climbing vine that produces dark blue berries in the fall. These berries are highly sought after by birds, including Eastern Bluebirds and Northern Mockingbirds.

4. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): As a native milkweed species, Butterfly Weed provides nectar for butterflies and attracts hummingbirds with its vibrant orange flowers.

5. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Black-eyed Susans are cheerful yellow flowers that produce seeds that attract Goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.

Researching and incorporating native plants into your landscape will not only attract birds but also support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity.

Water Sources for Birds

Providing water sources in your backyard is crucial for attracting and supporting birds. Water is essential for their survival, as they rely on it for drinking, bathing, and maintaining their plumage. Here are some tips for creating a bird-friendly water feature:

1. Birdbaths: Birdbaths are a popular and effective water feature for birds. Choose a shallow basin with gradually sloping edges to accommodate birds of different sizes. Place the birdbath in an open area, away from dense vegetation where predators may hide. Clean and refill the birdbath regularly to ensure the water remains fresh and free of debris.

2. Misting or Dripping Water: Many bird species are attracted to the sound and movement of dripping or misting water. Install a drip system or misting nozzle near your birdbath or on a tree branch. This mimics the sound of rain and can be particularly enticing to birds.

3. Bubbling or Cascading Water: A small fountain or water feature that produces a bubbly or cascading effect can also attract birds. The sound and movement of the water will catch their attention, making it an attractive place to drink and bathe.

4. Natural Ponds or Water Gardens: If space permits, creating a natural pond or water garden can provide a more extensive water source for birds. Incorporate plants, rocks, and logs to create multiple perching and bathing areas. Native aquatic plants can also provide additional food sources and cover for birds.

Remember to monitor the water feature regularly, especially during dry spells, and ensure it remains accessible and safe for birds. Providing a reliable source of water will not only attract birds but also contribute to their overall well-being.

In conclusion, Delaware offers a diverse array of bird species, each with its own unique characteristics and preferences. By creating a bird-friendly habitat in your backyard, you can attract and support a wide variety of birds. Incorporate native plants, provide food, water, and shelter, and you’ll soon find yourself with a vibrant and lively backyard filled with the beauty of birds. Happy birdwatching!