“The Most Common Backyard Birds in Alabama” is an article that offers valuable insights into the avian residents that frequently grace the backyards of Alabama. Through a compilation of data from the citizen science program eBird, readers are introduced to a list of the most common birds found in this southern state. Alongside vivid pictures, each bird species is accompanied by tips on attracting them to one’s backyard. From the beloved Northern Cardinal, which occupies the top spot in Alabama, to the Mourning Dove, Northern Mockingbird, Carolina Wren, Blue Jay, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, and Carolina Chickadee, this article provides a comprehensive guide to the feathered friends commonly encountered in Alabama. Additionally, bird watching and identification tips are offered, along with the suggestion to explore state-specific bird lists on eBird and participate in local bird groups to further enrich one’s knowledge.
Northern Cardinal
Description
The Northern Cardinal is one of the most common backyard birds in Alabama. Known for its vibrant red plumage, the male Northern Cardinal is easily recognizable. The female, on the other hand, has a more muted appearance with a grayish-brown color. Both genders have distinctive crests on their heads. These birds are medium-sized, measuring around 8 to 9 inches in length. Their strong beaks are perfect for cracking open seeds and fruits.
Habitat
Northern Cardinals can be found throughout Alabama, from urban areas to wooded regions. They are primarily found in thickets, shrubs, gardens, and forests. These birds are known to adapt well to a variety of habitats and can often be spotted near bird feeders in residential areas.
Attracting to Your Backyard
To attract Northern Cardinals to your backyard, consider providing them with a variety of food sources. Bird feeders with sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and nyjer seeds are excellent options. Additionally, planting shrubs and trees like dogwood, holly, and raspberry can provide them with natural food sources. Offering a water source such as a birdbath or shallow dish will also help attract these colorful birds.
Mourning Dove
Description
The Mourning Dove is another common sight in Alabama’s backyards. This bird is known for its soft cooing sound, which lends a peaceful ambiance to any outdoor space. Mourning Doves have a plump body with a long, tapered tail. They have a grayish-brown color with a lighter underside, and their heads are marked by a small, elegant crest.
Habitat
Mourning Doves can be found throughout Alabama, making their homes in a diverse range of habitats. They are frequently seen in backyards, parks, open fields, and agricultural areas. Tall trees and shrubs provide them with suitable nesting spots.
Attracting to Your Backyard
Creating a backyard environment that appeals to Mourning Doves involves offering a variety of food options. These birds mainly feed on seeds, so providing a tray feeder or platform feeder with a mix of seeds like millet, corn, and sunflower seeds will entice them. They are also ground feeders, so scattering seeds on the ground or using a ground feeder can be effective. Providing perches or platforms near feeding areas will give them a sense of security.
Northern Mockingbird
Description
The Northern Mockingbird is a highly vocal and clever bird that can mimic the sounds of other birds and even other animals. They have a grayish-brown body with white patches on their wings, and their long tail is adorned with white feathers on the outer edges. The male and female look alike, making it hard to distinguish between the two.
Habitat
Northern Mockingbirds can be found in a variety of habitats across Alabama, including urban areas, forests, parks, and gardens. They are clever in adapting to different environments and are often seen perched atop trees or shrubs, singing melodiously.
Attracting to Your Backyard
Attracting Northern Mockingbirds to your backyard can be achieved by providing food sources that mimic their natural diet. They primarily feed on insects, fruits, and berries. Berry-producing trees and shrubs like holly, mulberry, and wild grape are excellent choices. Offering mealworms or suet at bird feeders can also attract them. It’s important to note that Northern Mockingbirds are territorial, so providing a variety of perching spots and maintaining separate feeding areas can help accommodate multiple individuals.
Carolina Wren
Description
The Carolina Wren is a small, reddish-brown bird with a distinctive white eyebrow stripe above its eye. They have a compact body with a slightly curved bill. Their tails are often held upright, contributing to their rather perky and alert appearance.
Habitat
Carolina Wrens can be found in various habitats throughout Alabama, including woodlands, forests, gardens, and parks. They are generally associated with dense vegetation and are commonly seen hopping on the ground or exploring shrubbery.
Attracting to Your Backyard
To attract Carolina Wrens, provide a mix of food options that cater to their preferences. These birds primarily feed on insects, so offering mealworms, suet, or live food like crickets can be effective. They are also known to visit bird feeders with sunflower seeds, millet, or cracked corn. Incorporating shrubs, thickets, and brush piles into your backyard landscaping will create suitable shelter and nesting opportunities for them.
Blue Jay
Description
The Blue Jay is a relatively large bird with striking blue plumage on its upper body and a white underside. It has a crest on its head that can be raised or lowered depending on its mood. Blue Jays are known for their distinct calls, which can range from loud and harsh to softer, more melodic sounds.
Habitat
Blue Jays can be found in various habitats throughout Alabama, including forests, woodlands, parks, and suburban areas. They are often seen hopping and foraging on the ground or perched on tree branches.
Attracting to Your Backyard
Attracting Blue Jays to your backyard can be achieved by providing a mix of food sources that mimic their natural diet. They are known to eat a variety of foods, including insects, acorns, nuts, and seeds. Offering peanuts, suet, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn in bird feeders can help entice them. Additionally, providing a water source and dense vegetation for nesting and hiding will make your backyard more appealing to these vibrant birds.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Description
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a speckled black and white back. Contrary to its name, its belly is actually a pale or dull red color, while the male has a red crown on top of its head. The distinctive call of these birds is often a series of nasal “queer” or “churr” notes.
Habitat
Red-bellied Woodpeckers can be found in a wide range of habitats in Alabama, including forests, woodlands, parks, and suburban areas. They are most commonly seen perched on tree trunks, using their strong beaks to drum or peck at the wood in search of insects.
Attracting to Your Backyard
To attract Red-bellied Woodpeckers to your backyard, consider providing a variety of food sources. They primarily feed on insects, so offering suet feeders is a great option. Additionally, they are known to eat seeds, nuts, and fruits. Providing bird feeders with sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and peanuts can help attract them. Offering dead trees or snags in your yard can also create natural nesting spots and foraging opportunities.
Tufted Titmouse
Description
The Tufted Titmouse is a small, active bird with a distinctive crest, black forehead, and rust-colored flanks. They have a grayish-white color on their underside, and their wings and tail are a grayish-brown. These birds are known for their lively and cheerful nature.
Habitat
Tufted Titmice can be found in a variety of habitats throughout Alabama, including forests, woodlands, suburban areas, and parks. They are often seen hopping and flitting from branch to branch, foraging for insects and seeds.
Attracting to Your Backyard
To attract Tufted Titmice to your backyard, provide a variety of food sources that cater to their feeding preferences. They primarily feed on insects, seeds, and nuts. Offering suet, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and mealworms in bird feeders can be effective. Providing dense foliage and brush piles will create a sense of security and nesting opportunities for these small birds.
Carolina Chickadee
Description
The Carolina Chickadee is a small bird with a plump body, black cap, and white cheeks. It has a grayish-brown color on its upper body and a lighter gray color on its underside. These birds are known for their energetic and acrobatic behavior.
Habitat
Carolina Chickadees can be found in a variety of habitats across Alabama, including forests, woodlands, suburban areas, and parks. They are often seen clinging to tree branches and trunks, foraging for insects and seeds.
Attracting to Your Backyard
To attract Carolina Chickadees to your backyard, provide a variety of food sources that cater to their preferences. They primarily feed on insects, seeds, and berries. Offering suet, sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and mealworms at bird feeders can be effective. Planting native trees and shrubs like oak, pine, and dogwood can also create natural food sources for these small birds. They are known to use nest boxes, so providing appropriate nesting spots can also be beneficial.
Tips on Bird Watching in Alabama
Choosing the Right Binoculars
When birdwatching in Alabama, it’s important to have a good pair of binoculars. Opt for binoculars with a magnification power ranging from 8x to 10x and an objective lens size of 32mm to 42mm. This will provide a balance between magnification and field of view, allowing you to observe birds in detail without sacrificing a wide range of vision.
Identifying Birds by Sight and Call
To successfully identify birds in Alabama, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with their appearance and vocalizations. Study field guides or online resources that showcase the common bird species in the area. Pay attention to distinctive markings, patterns, and behaviors. Additionally, learn to recognize their calls, as birds often communicate through various vocalizations.
Learning Bird Behaviors
Understanding bird behaviors can enhance your birdwatching experience in Alabama. Some birds may migrate during certain seasons, while others may have specific feeding or nesting habits. By learning about these behaviors, you can plan your birdwatching outings accordingly and increase your chances of spotting different species. Observe their feeding patterns, flight behaviors, and interactions with other birds to gain a deeper understanding of their natural behaviors.
State-Specific Bird Lists
Accessing Alabama’s Bird Checklist on eBird
For a comprehensive list of bird species in Alabama, you can access the state-specific bird checklist on eBird. This citizen science program allows birdwatchers to contribute their observations and data, creating an extensive database of bird sightings. The checklist provides valuable information on the abundance, distribution, and status of various bird species in Alabama. It can be a useful resource for planning birdwatching trips and adding new species to your backyard birdwatching list.
Joining Local Bird Groups for More Information
For additional information and insights into birdwatching in Alabama, consider joining local bird groups or organizations. These groups often organize birdwatching outings, workshops, and educational events. By connecting with fellow birdwatchers in your area, you can learn from their experiences, receive tips on birding hotspots, and expand your knowledge of Alabama’s bird species. It’s also a great way to contribute to conservation efforts and raise awareness about the importance of protecting birds and their habitats.