This article presents a comprehensive list of the most frequent backyard birds in Idaho, drawing from data collected by the citizen science program eBird. With captivating pictures and identification information, readers will have no trouble recognizing these feathered friends. Additionally, the article offers helpful tips on how to attract these birds to your own backyard, turning it into a haven for avian admirers. Alongside these practical suggestions, readers will find an overview of birding in Idaho, including valuable resources and birdwatching clubs within the state. Bird species such as the American Robin, Black-billed Magpie, Northern Flicker, European Starling, House Finch, and Red-winged Blackbird are highlighted among the common sightings. Understanding their habitat and behavior is emphasized as crucial for accurate identification and effective attraction. Gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Idaho’s backyard birds and learn how to create a birdwatching paradise of your own.
Overview of Birding in Idaho
Idaho is a fantastic destination for birdwatchers, boasting diverse landscapes and an abundance of bird species. Whether you are a seasoned birder or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to observe and appreciate these feathered creatures in the Gem State. This article will provide an overview of birding in Idaho, as well as tips for attracting backyard birds and a list of common birds in the state.
Birdwatching clubs in Idaho
For birdwatchers who enjoy connecting with like-minded individuals, joining a birdwatching club can be a rewarding experience. Idaho has several birdwatching clubs that offer a sense of community and provide opportunities for organized birding outings and events. These clubs often host educational programs and field trips, allowing members to learn from experienced birders and explore new birding locations. Some of the popular birdwatching clubs in Idaho include the Idaho Birding Network and the Idaho Bird Observatory.
Resources for birdwatching in Idaho
If you are planning a birdwatching trip to Idaho, it’s essential to be well-prepared and equipped with the necessary resources. Luckily, there are various resources available to help birders make the most of their experience. Field guides specific to birds in Idaho can provide valuable information about species identification, behavior, and habitat. Online platforms like eBird and Birding Idaho offer birders the opportunity to share data, report sightings, and access up-to-date information about birding hotspots in the state. Additionally, local wildlife refuges and state parks often have visitor centers or websites where you can find maps, guides, and other helpful resources.
Tips for Attracting Backyard Birds
Attracting birds to your backyard can be a rewarding and enjoyable way to observe these magnificent creatures up close. By creating an inviting environment with suitable food, water sources, and habitat, you can attract a wide variety of bird species. Here are some tips to help you attract backyard birds in Idaho:
Provide food and water sources
Birds are attracted to yards that offer a reliable food and water source. Installing bird feeders and providing a variety of seed types can attract different bird species depending on their preferences. Black oil sunflower seeds, suet, and nyjer seeds are among the favorites of many backyard birds. Additionally, planting native plants that produce berries and fruits can provide natural food sources for birds. Don’t forget to provide fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing by setting up birdbaths or shallow dishes.
Create suitable habitats
Different bird species have different habitat requirements. By creating diverse habitats in your backyard, you can attract a wider range of birds. Planting a mix of trees, shrubs, and flowers will provide birds with shelter, nesting sites, and food sources. Leaving leaf litter and fallen branches can also create a natural habitat for birds to forage and find insects. Consider incorporating birdhouses or nesting boxes designed for specific species to encourage nesting and breeding.
Avoid the use of pesticides
Pesticides and insecticides can be harmful to birds and their food sources. Opt for organic gardening methods and avoid using pesticides that can linger on plants or contaminate water sources. By embracing natural pest control methods, you can create a healthier environment for birds and the entire ecosystem.
Keep feeders clean
Regularly cleaning your bird feeders is crucial for bird health and hygiene. Dirty feeders can harbor bacteria and spread diseases, potentially harming the birds you are trying to attract. Clean feeders with warm soapy water and rinse well before refilling them with fresh seed. Additionally, keeping the surrounding area clean and free of debris will help maintain a healthy and welcoming environment for birds.
By following these tips and showing a little patience, you will soon find your backyard filled with a diverse array of beautiful and fascinating bird species.
Common Backyard Birds in Idaho
Idaho is home to a wide variety of bird species, both resident and migratory. Whether you live in a rural area or an urban setting, you are likely to encounter many of these common backyard birds in Idaho. Here are some of the most frequently spotted birds in the state:
American Robin
The American Robin is a familiar sight in backyards across Idaho. With its distinctive reddish-orange breast, gray-brown back, and white belly, the American Robin is easily recognizable. These birds are known for their melodious song and can often be seen hopping on lawns, searching for worms and insects. American Robins are generally found in open woodlands, parks, and residential areas.
Black-billed Magpie
The Black-billed Magpie is a bold and intelligent bird that can be found in various habitats in Idaho, from grasslands to coniferous forests. With their striking black and white plumage, long tail, and iridescent blue-green wings, these birds are hard to miss. Black-billed Magpies are known for their raucous calls and impressive nest-building skills. They are highly adaptable and often seen foraging for food in open areas or perched on fence posts and trees.
Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker species commonly found in forests and residential areas across Idaho. These birds have a distinctive appearance, with their brownish-gray back, black bars on their wings, and a bold black crescent on their chest. Northern Flickers are known for their drumming behavior, using their bills to create loud sounds on trees or other resonant objects. They can often be spotted on the ground, searching for ants and other insects.
European Starling
Originally native to Europe, the European Starling has become widespread across the United States, including Idaho. These birds are known for their ability to mimic sounds and their exquisite singing abilities. European Starlings have glossy black feathers with metallic purple and green iridescence. They are often seen in large flocks, foraging for food in fields, lawns, and urban areas.
House Finch
The House Finch is a small songbird that is a common sight at backyard bird feeders throughout Idaho. Males have a vibrant red coloration on their head, chest, and upper body, while females have more muted colors. These finches are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats including trees, shrubs, and urban areas. They have a delightful song and can be seen perched or hopping on the ground in search of food.
Red-winged Blackbird
The Red-winged Blackbird is a familiar bird with its black plumage and distinctive red and yellow shoulder patches on males. Females are brown and mottled, providing excellent camouflage for nesting in marshes and wetlands. These birds are known for their loud and beautiful songs, often heard in wetland areas, reed beds, and agricultural fields across Idaho.
Dark-eyed Junco
The Dark-eyed Junco is a small sparrow-like bird that is commonly seen in Idaho, especially during the winter months. These birds have a distinct coloration pattern, with gray or brown upper bodies, white bellies, and a flash of white outer tail feathers. Dark-eyed Juncos are ground feeders and can often be seen foraging for seeds and insects on the forest floor or around backyard feeders.
Mountain Bluebird
The Mountain Bluebird is a stunning bird that can be found in open grasslands and mountainous areas of Idaho. Males are vibrant sky blue, while females are pale blue-gray. These birds are cavity nesters and are often seen around nest boxes. Mountain Bluebirds are skilled insect catchers and can be observed hovering over fields or perched on fences and power lines.
Spotted Towhee
The Spotted Towhee is a distinctive bird with its jet-black plumage, white belly, and bright red eyes. These birds are found in dense shrubs and woodland areas, where they forage for insects, seeds, and berries on the ground. Males have bold white spots on their wings and back, while females are more subtly marked. Their unique “tow-hee” song can often be heard in the forests and shrubby areas of Idaho.
Cedar Waxwing
The Cedar Waxwing is a social bird found in woodlands, orchards, and suburban areas of Idaho. With its sleek brown plumage, crest, and distinctive black mask, the Cedar Waxwing is a striking sight. These birds are often seen in large flocks, feeding on berries and flying in synchronized patterns. They have a sweet high-pitched song and can be observed perched high in trees or flying gracefully between branches.
American Robin
Identification
The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a medium-sized songbird that is widely recognized for its red-orange breast and vibrant song. Adult American Robins have a gray-brown back, a white belly, and a dark head with a prominent white eye ring. Juvenile robins have speckled breasts, which gradually become more orange as they mature.
Habitat and Behavior
American Robins have a diverse range of habitats. They can be found in forests, grasslands, parks, gardens, and even urban areas. These birds are most commonly seen running and hopping on lawns, pulling up earthworms and other invertebrates. They are known for their distinctive “tut-tut” call, which can be heard early in the morning as they establish their territories.
Attracting American Robins
If you want to attract American Robins to your backyard, there are a few key strategies you can employ. Firstly, providing a water source such as a birdbath will attract robins, as they enjoy bathing and drinking water. Additionally, planting fruit-bearing trees and shrubs like hawthorn, crabapple, or serviceberry can provide a natural food source that will entice robins to visit your yard. Finally, leaving leaf litter on the ground and minimizing the use of pesticides will create a welcoming habitat for robins to forage for earthworms and insects.
Black-billed Magpie
Identification
The Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) is a large and striking bird with its black and white plumage, long tail, and iridescent blue-green wings. These birds have a black bill, dark legs, and white patches on their wings and tail feathers. They have a relatively short, rounded wing shape and a long, graduated tail.
Habitat and Behavior
Black-billed Magpies can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, open woodlands, and even urban areas. They are highly adaptable birds and are often seen foraging for food in open areas or perched on fence posts and trees. Magpies are known for their intelligence and curious nature. They are skilled nest-builders, constructing large, domed nests made of twigs and other materials.
Attracting Black-billed Magpies
Black-billed Magpies are attracted to open spaces and areas with a variety of food sources. To attract these majestic birds, consider providing a platform feeder or scattering birdseed on the ground. They are omnivorous and will eat a wide range of food, including insects, small mammals, seeds, and fruits. Providing water sources such as birdbaths or shallow dishes will also entice magpies to visit your yard, as they enjoy bathing and drinking.
Northern Flicker
Identification
The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a medium-sized woodpecker species with a distinctive appearance. These birds have a brownish-gray back, black bars on their wings, and a bold black crescent on their chest. The undersides of their wings and tail are bright yellow, which is visible in flight. Males have a red patch on the back of their head, while females have a gray patch.
Habitat and Behavior
Northern Flickers can be found in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and even residential areas. They are often seen perched on tree trunks or flying to the ground to forage for ants and other insects. These woodpeckers are known for their drumming behavior, which is used to establish territories and attract mates. They create loud sounds by striking their bill against resonant objects such as trees or metal signs.
Attracting Northern Flickers
To attract Northern Flickers to your backyard, consider providing a suitable habitat. These woodpeckers are cavity nesters and can be enticed with the installation of nest boxes specifically designed for their size and needs. Additionally, creating a brush pile or leaving fallen logs and branches in your backyard can provide foraging opportunities as flickers search for ants and beetles. Planting native trees and shrubs that produce berries and fruits can also attract Northern Flickers by providing a natural food source.
European Starling
Identification
The European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a medium-sized songbird with a distinctive appearance. These birds have glossy black feathers with metallic purple and green iridescence. In the breeding season, adults develop small white spots on their body, which resemble stars and give them their name. European Starlings have a long, pointed yellow bill and dark legs.
Habitat and Behavior
Originally native to Europe, European Starlings have become widespread across North America, including Idaho. They are found in a variety of habitats, including fields, meadows, woodlands, and even urban areas. European Starlings are highly social birds and often form large flocks, especially during the non-breeding season. They are known for their ability to mimic sounds and their elaborate and melodic songs.
Attracting European Starlings
Attracting European Starlings can be as simple as providing a reliable food source. These birds are opportunistic feeders and will eat a wide variety of food, including insects, fruits, seeds, and scraps. Setting up multiple feeders and offering a mix of food types can help entice starlings to your backyard. While some people may consider European Starlings to be pests due to their flocking behavior, their stunning iridescent plumage and melodious songs make them a welcome addition to many birdwatchers’ yards.
House Finch
Identification
The House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) is a small songbird that is commonly seen at backyard bird feeders throughout Idaho. Male House Finches have a vibrant red coloration on their head, chest, and upper body, while females have more muted colors with brown streaks. Both males and females have brownish-gray backs and wings, along with streaked bellies.
Habitat and Behavior
House Finches are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including trees, shrubs, gardens, and urban areas. They have a delightful song that consists of a combination of jumbled warbles and trills. House Finches are social birds and often gather in flocks to forage for food. They are primarily seed eaters, but will also feed on insects when available.
Attracting House Finches
To attract House Finches to your backyard, offering a diverse range of food sources is key. House Finches love sunflower seeds, so placing a feeder with black oil sunflower seeds can entice them to visit. They are also attracted to nyjer (thistle) seed. Additionally, planting native plants that produce seeds and berries, such as coneflowers or raspberries, can provide a natural food source for House Finches. Providing a source of fresh water, such as a birdbath, will also help attract these colorful songbirds.
Red-winged Blackbird
Identification
The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a familiar sight in wetland areas, reed beds, and agricultural fields across Idaho. Male Red-winged Blackbirds have all-black plumage with distinctive red and yellow shoulder patches, known as epaulets. Females are brown and mottled, providing excellent camouflage for nesting in marshes and wetlands.
Habitat and Behavior
Red-winged Blackbirds prefer habitats that include marshes, wetlands, and areas with tall vegetation near water sources. They are highly territorial birds, with males often displaying their vibrant epaulets to defend their breeding territory. Red-winged Blackbirds are known for their loud and beautiful songs, which consist of a series of musical whistles and trills. They forage for insects, grains, and seeds by perching on cattails or grasses.
Attracting Red-winged Blackbirds
To attract Red-winged Blackbirds to your backyard, consider providing suitable habitat near water sources. Planting native cattails, bulrushes, or other tall vegetation can create the perfect environment for these blackbirds to nest and forage. Additionally, offering a mix of food sources, such as sunflower seeds and dried mealworms, can entice Red-winged Blackbirds to visit your bird feeders. It’s important to note that these birds are attracted to wetlands, so attracting them to urban or suburban backyards may be more challenging.
Cedar Waxwing
Identification
The Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is a social bird that can be found in woodlands, orchards, and suburban areas of Idaho. These birds have sleek brown plumage, a noticeable crest on their head, and a distinctive black mask that extends from their eyes to the back of their heads. Cedar Waxwings have a pale yellow belly and a yellow tail tip. They also have red wax-like tips on the secondary flight feathers, which become more pronounced in older birds.
Habitat and Behavior
Cedar Waxwings are typically found in flocks and are highly social birds. They are skilled insect catchers, often observed in mid-air as they capture insects on the wing. Cedar Waxwings are also known for their frugivorous diet, feeding on fruits such as juniper berries, cherries, and cedar berries. They have a sweet, high-pitched song and can often be observed perched high in trees or flying gracefully between branches.
Attracting Cedar Waxwings
To attract Cedar Waxwings to your backyard, providing a suitable food source is essential. Cedar Waxwings are primarily fruit eaters and are particularly attracted to fruit-bearing trees and shrubs. Planting native species such as serviceberry, dogwood, or hawthorn can provide a natural food source that will entice these beautiful birds to visit. Offering fresh water sources, such as a birdbath with a dripper or mister, can also attract Cedar Waxwings for bathing and drinking.
