Get ready to discover the beautiful array of birds that call Washington State home! “A Guide to the Common Backyard Birds of Washington State” is your go-to resource for identifying and attracting these feathered friends to your own backyard. With real data collected from the citizen science program eBird, you can trust that this article provides the most accurate information on the most common bird species in Washington State. Packed with stunning pictures, helpful tips, and comprehensive species accounts, this guide is perfect for bird enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, you’ll find valuable information on birding in Washington State, choosing the right binoculars, and exploring local bird groups.
American Robin
Description
The American Robin is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 10 inches in length. It has a plump body with a grayish-brown back and a reddish-orange breast. The robin has a white belly and undertail coverts, with a dark gray head and a distinctive white eye ring. Its legs are black and its bill is yellow and slender.
Size
The American Robin is approximately 10 inches in length with a wingspan of about 16 inches.
Shape
The American Robin has a plump body with a relatively long tail and short wings. Its shape is compact and well-suited for hopping around on the ground.
Bill Type
The bill of the American Robin is slender and yellow in color. It is designed for capturing and eating insects, worms, and fruits.
Color
The American Robin has a grayish-brown back, reddish-orange breast, and white belly. Its head is dark gray with a white eye ring.
Habitat
American Robins can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, parks, and suburban areas. They prefer areas with open spaces, trees for nesting, and access to insects and berries.
Range
The American Robin is a common bird throughout North America, including Washington State. It can be found year-round in most parts of the state.
Behavior
American Robins are known for their distinctive song, which is a series of melodious whistles. They are often seen hopping on the ground, searching for insects and worms. During breeding season, males defend their territories by singing loudly and performing courtship displays.
Food Preferences
The American Robin has a varied diet consisting of insects, worms, and fruits. They are especially fond of earthworms and will often be seen pulling them out of the ground. In the summer, they also feed on berries and fruits.
Northern Flicker
Description
The Northern Flicker is a large woodpecker, measuring about 12 inches in length. It has a brown body with black bars on its back and a distinctive black crescent on its chest. The flicker has a white rump patch and a red patch on the nape of its neck. Its wings and tail are black with white spots, and its bill is straight and pointed.
Size
The Northern Flicker is approximately 12 inches in length with a wingspan of about 20 inches.
Shape
The Northern Flicker has a compact and streamlined body, designed for swift and agile flight. Its wings are pointed and its tail is long and stiff, providing stability during flight.
Bill Type
The bill of the Northern Flicker is straight and pointed, which is ideal for drilling into trees to find insects and extract sap.
Color
The Northern Flicker has a brown body with black bars on its back. It has a black crescent on its chest and a red patch on the nape of its neck. Its wings and tail are black with white spots, and its belly is white.
Habitat
Northern Flickers can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, open fields, and suburban areas. They prefer areas with mature trees and open spaces where they can forage for insects.
Range
The Northern Flicker can be found in Washington State year-round. It is a common bird throughout North America.
Behavior
Northern Flickers are known for their distinctive call, which sounds like a loud, repetitive “wick-a-wick-a-wick”. They spend a lot of time on the ground, foraging for ants and beetles, but also feed on fruits and berries. They are often seen drumming on trees or other surfaces, both for territorial purposes and to attract mates.
Food Preferences
The Northern Flicker primarily feeds on insects, particularly ants and beetles. It uses its strong bill to dig into the ground or drill into tree bark to find its prey. In addition to insects, flickers also eat fruits and berries when available.
Black-capped Chickadee
Description
The Black-capped Chickadee is a small bird, measuring about 5 inches in length. It has a plump body with a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and gray wings and back. The chickadee has a short black bill and a white belly.
Size
The Black-capped Chickadee is approximately 5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 7 inches.
Shape
The Black-capped Chickadee has a compact body with short wings and a short tail. Its shape is ideal for maneuvering among branches and foliage.
Bill Type
The bill of the Black-capped Chickadee is short and black. It is designed for cracking open seeds and extracting insects from crevices.
Color
The Black-capped Chickadee has a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and gray wings and back. Its belly is white.
Habitat
Black-capped Chickadees can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. They prefer areas with a mix of trees and shrubs, where they can find insects, seeds, and berries.
Range
The Black-capped Chickadee is a common bird throughout Washington State. It can be found year-round in most parts of the state.
Behavior
Black-capped Chickadees are highly social birds and are often seen in small flocks. They have a variety of calls, including their distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” song. Chickadees are known for their curiosity and will readily investigate bird feeders and other objects in their territory.
Food Preferences
Black-capped Chickadees have a varied diet consisting of insects, seeds, and berries. They are adept at finding insects hiding in tree bark and crevices. They also feed on seeds and berries, especially during the winter when insects are less abundant.
House Finch
Description
The House Finch is a small bird, measuring about 6 inches in length. It has a relatively long, slightly curved bill and a plump body. The male House Finch has a red or orange-red head, breast, and rump, while the female has a more subdued brown coloration throughout its body.
Size
The House Finch is approximately 6 inches in length with a wingspan of about 9 inches.
Shape
The House Finch has a compact body with short wings and a short tail. Its shape allows for agile flight and maneuverability among branches.
Bill Type
The bill of the House Finch is relatively long and slightly curved. It is ideal for cracking open seeds and eating fruits and berries.
Color
The male House Finch has a red or orange-red head, breast, and rump, while the female has a more subdued brown coloration throughout its body. Both have streaked brown wings and a white belly.
Habitat
House Finches can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, urban and suburban areas, and open fields. They are adaptable birds and can thrive in a wide range of environments.
Range
The House Finch can be found in Washington State year-round. It is a common bird throughout North America.
Behavior
House Finches are highly social birds and are often seen in small flocks. They have a variety of calls, including a pleasant warbling song. During breeding season, males will sing to attract mates and defend their territories.
Food Preferences
House Finches primarily feed on seeds and fruits. They have a preference for small seeds, such as those found in grasses and weeds. They also eat fruits and berries when available.
