“The Most Common Backyard Birds in Montana: A Compilation from eBird Data” is a comprehensive article that brings together valuable information on the avian residents of Montana. Drawing on data from the renowned citizen science program eBird, this article highlights the most frequently spotted birds in the state’s backyards. Complete with picturesque images and practical advice on attracting these winged visitors to your own backyard, readers will encounter familiar names like the American Robin and Black-capped Chickadee, as well as discover lesser-known species such as the Black-billed Magpie and Northern Flicker. Additionally, this article serves as a beginner’s guide to bird watching in Montana, offering helpful resources for identifying and learning more about the diverse birdlife that graces the state.
Montana Backyard Birds
Montana is home to a diverse array of backyard birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, exploring the rich avian life in your own backyard can be a rewarding and educational experience. This article will introduce you to some of the most common backyard birds in Montana and provide tips on how to attract them to your own yard.
American Robin
The American Robin, known for its vibrant orange breast and cheerful song, is a familiar sight in backyards across Montana. These medium-sized birds are known for their distinctive hopping gait and are easily recognizable. American Robins can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, parks, and wooded areas.
American Robins are primarily insectivores, feeding on a wide range of invertebrates such as earthworms, beetles, and caterpillars. They are also known to enjoy fruits and berries, especially during the winter months when insects are scarce. By providing a variety of food sources such as mealworms, suet, and berries, you can attract American Robins to your backyard.
During the breeding season, American Robins build cup-shaped nests made of twigs, grass, and mud. They are known to be early nesters and can have multiple broods in a season. By offering nesting materials like twigs, grass, and mud, you can create an inviting habitat for these charming birds in your own backyard.
Fun fact: The American Robin is the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Black-billed Magpie
With its striking black and white plumage and long tail, the Black-billed Magpie is a bird that is hard to miss. Found throughout Montana, these intelligent and resourceful birds are known for their distinctive vocalizations and complex social behavior.
Black-billed Magpies can be found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, forests, and suburban areas. They are omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of food sources including insects, small mammals, berries, and even carrion. By providing a varied diet that includes suet, insects, and fruit, you can attract these charismatic birds to your backyard.
When it comes to nesting, Black-billed Magpies build large, sturdy nests made of twigs and lined with softer materials. They are known to be particularly protective of their nests and will defend them aggressively against any potential threats. By offering nesting materials such as twigs and soft nesting materials, you can encourage these intelligent birds to build their nests in your backyard.
Fun fact: Black-billed Magpies are highly adaptable and have been observed using tools, including sticks and rocks, to obtain food.
Black-capped Chickadee
Small and energetic, the Black-capped Chickadee is a favorite among birdwatchers in Montana. These charming birds are known for their distinctive black cap and bib, as well as their cheerful songs and calls.
Black-capped Chickadees can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and residential areas. They are highly adaptable and can be attracted to backyard feeders by offering a variety of foods, including seeds, suet, and insects. By providing a consistent food source throughout the year, you can encourage these delightful birds to visit your backyard regularly.
During the breeding season, Black-capped Chickadees build nests in tree cavities or bird boxes. They line their nests with soft materials such as moss, fur, and feathers. By providing nesting boxes or leaving dead trees with natural cavities in your yard, you can create a suitable nesting habitat for these cavity-nesting birds.
Fun fact: Black-capped Chickadee calls are highly complex and can communicate information about predator threats, food availability, and other important messages to other members of their flock.
Northern Flicker
With its unique coloring and distinctive “wick-a-wick-a-wick” call, the Northern Flicker is a bird that stands out in Montana’s backyard bird populations. These medium-sized woodpeckers are known for their striking plumage, which features a mix of brown, black, and white feathers.
Northern Flickers can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and open areas with trees. They are primarily insectivores, feeding on ants, beetles, and other insects found in trees and on the ground. By providing a mix of natural food sources such as dead trees and fallen logs, as well as suet and mealworms, you can attract Northern Flickers to your backyard.
When it comes to nesting, Northern Flickers excavate their own cavities in dead trees or use existing cavities. They line their nests with wood chips and other soft materials. By leaving dead trees with suitable cavities in your yard, you can create a welcoming habitat for these charismatic woodpeckers.
Fun fact: Northern Flickers are the only woodpecker species in North America that frequently feeds on the ground.
European Starling
Introduced to North America in the late 19th century, the European Starling has now become one of the most common backyard birds in Montana. Known for their iridescent plumage and mimicry skills, these birds are a delight to observe.
European Starlings can be found in a wide range of habitats, including urban areas, agricultural fields, and woodlands. They are highly adaptable and can feed on a variety of food sources, including insects, fruits, and grains. By offering a mix of suet, mealworms, and seeds, you can attract European Starlings to your backyard.
When it comes to nesting, European Starlings are cavity nesters and will readily use nest boxes. They build nests made of twigs, grass, and other plant materials. By providing suitable nesting boxes in your yard, you can encourage these sociable birds to breed in your backyard.
Fun fact: European Starlings are known for their ability to mimic a wide range of sounds, including the calls of other bird species, as well as human noises such as car alarms and cell phone ringtones.
Red-winged Blackbird
With its striking red-and-yellow shoulder patches and distinctive “conk-la-ree” call, the Red-winged Blackbird is a common sight in marshes, wetlands, and grassy areas across Montana. These medium-sized blackbirds are known for their territorial behavior and beautiful displays during the breeding season.
Red-winged Blackbirds can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including wetlands, marshes, and agricultural fields. They are primarily seed eaters, but also feed on insects, fruits, and small invertebrates. By offering a variety of food sources, including seeds, fruits, and mealworms, you can attract Red-winged Blackbirds to your backyard.
During the breeding season, male Red-winged Blackbirds defend their territory and attract mates by displaying their bright red shoulder patches and singing their distinctive songs. By providing suitable nesting habitat, such as tall grasses or shrubs near water sources, you can encourage these beautiful birds to breed in your backyard.
Fun fact: Red-winged Blackbirds form large winter roosts that can contain thousands of individuals.
House Sparrow
The House Sparrow, also known as the English Sparrow, is a small, sturdy bird that is commonly found in urban areas across Montana. These adaptable birds have spread widely throughout North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including cities, towns, and agricultural areas.
House Sparrows are primarily seed eaters, but also consume insects and other small invertebrates. They are opportunistic feeders and will readily take advantage of bird feeders with seeds and grains. By offering a mix of seeds, grains, and suet, you can attract House Sparrows to your backyard.
When it comes to nesting, House Sparrows are cavity nesters and will readily use nest boxes. They build nests made of grass, feathers, and other plant materials. By providing suitable nesting boxes in your yard, you can encourage these sociable birds to breed in your backyard.
Fun fact: House Sparrows are known for their ability to adapt to a wide range of environments and have successfully colonized cities across the world.
Bird Watching in Montana
Montana offers ample opportunities for bird watching, with its diverse habitats and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, exploring the state’s natural beauty can be a rewarding and educational experience. Here are some tips and resources to enhance your bird watching adventures in Montana.
Popular Bird Watching Locations
Montana is known for its stunning national parks, wildlife refuges, and natural areas, many of which are home to a wide variety of bird species. Some popular bird watching locations in Montana include:
- Glacier National Park: With its diverse range of habitats, including forests, alpine meadows, and lakes, Glacier National Park offers opportunities to see a wide variety of bird species, including raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds.
- Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument: This unique area along the Missouri River offers opportunities to see a variety of bird species, including nesting bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and migratory waterfowl.
- Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Located near Great Falls, this refuge provides habitat for a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and grassland birds. Visitors can explore the refuge’s network of trails and observation areas to view these birds in their natural habitat.
Best Times for Bird Watching
The best times for bird watching in Montana depend on the season and the species you are interested in observing. Spring and fall are particularly good times to see migratory birds passing through the state, while summer offers opportunities to see breeding birds and their fledglings. Winter can also be a rewarding time for bird watching, as many bird species remain in the state year-round.
Equipment and Essentials
To make the most of your bird watching adventures in Montana, it’s important to have the right equipment and essentials. Here are some items you may want to consider:
- Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars is essential for getting a closer look at birds in the field. Look for binoculars with a magnification of 8x or 10x and a wide field of view for optimal bird watching.
- Field Guide: A field guide specific to birds in Montana can help you identify the species you encounter. Look for a guide that includes detailed descriptions, range maps, and color illustrations.
- Camera: Bringing a camera allows you to capture images of the birds you observe, helping with identification and creating lasting memories of your bird watching experiences.
- Note-taking materials: Keeping a field notebook or a smartphone app where you can record your observations, including species, behavior, and habitat, can be a valuable tool for learning and documenting your bird sightings.
Bird Identification Resources
If you’re just starting out in bird watching, identifying bird species can be challenging. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you learn and improve your bird identification skills. Here are some recommended resources for identifying and learning about birds in Montana:
- Field Guides: Field guides specific to birds in Montana, such as “Birds of Montana Field Guide” by Stan Tekiela or “A Birder’s Guide to Montana” by Terry McEneaney, can provide detailed information on species, including range maps, field marks, and vocalizations.
- Online Resources: Websites such as eBird.org and AllAboutBirds.org offer extensive databases of bird species, including photos, sounds, and range maps. These resources can be especially helpful for identifying uncommon or rare bird species.
- Local Birding Groups: Joining a local birding group or participating in organized bird walks and field trips can provide opportunities to learn from experienced birders and discover new birding hotspots in your area.
By using these resources and exploring Montana’s diverse habitats, you can deepen your appreciation for the natural world and the incredible avian diversity that inhabits it.
In conclusion, Montana offers a wealth of opportunities for backyard birding and birdwatching in general. From the familiar American Robin to the striking Northern Flicker, the varied bird species found in Montana provide endless fascination and joy for bird enthusiasts. By following the tips for attracting backyard birds and utilizing the resources for bird identification and bird watching, you can create an inviting habitat and embark on unforgettable birding adventures in the beautiful state of Montana.
