This article is a valuable resource for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers in Michigan. With information compiled from the citizen science program eBird, it offers a comprehensive guide to 32 common backyard birds found in the state. Accuracy is ensured, as the data is gathered from real bird watching lists. Along with detailed descriptions of each species, the article includes photographs to aid in identification. Additionally, readers will find tips on attracting these birds to their own backyards, as well as information on bird watching in Michigan. With recommended products and resources for bird identification, this article is a must-read for anyone interested in the fascinating world of Michigan’s backyard birds.
Black-capped Chickadee
Description
The Black-capped Chickadee is a small, friendly bird that is easily recognized by its black cap and bib, white cheeks, and gray back. It has a short body and a long tail, with a size of about 5 to 6 inches. This lively bird is known for its distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call.
Habitat
The Black-capped Chickadee is a common bird in Michigan, and it can be found in a variety of habitats such as forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. It prefers to live in areas with mature trees and dense vegetation, as it provides the necessary shelter and food sources.
Behavior
These birds are highly sociable and often seen in small flocks. They have a curious and acrobatic nature, often hanging upside down on branches or tree trunks as they search for insects and seeds. Black-capped Chickadees are also known for their agility in catching insects in mid-air.
How to attract to your backyard
To attract Black-capped Chickadees to your backyard, it is important to provide a suitable habitat. Planting a variety of trees and shrubs will offer them shelter and food sources. They are particularly fond of sunflower seeds, suet, and peanuts, so having a bird feeder with these options will attract them. Providing a water source, such as a birdbath, will also encourage these birds to visit your backyard.
American Robin
Description
The American Robin is a medium-sized bird that is easily identifiable by its orange-red breast, gray back, and white belly. It has a sleek body with a length of about 9 to 11 inches. The male and female robins have similar appearances.
Habitat
American Robins are commonly found throughout Michigan in a variety of habitats including open woodlands, gardens, and suburban areas. They prefer areas with mature trees and shrubs, as well as open spaces where they can search for worms and insects.
Behavior
These birds are known for their beautiful and melodious song, often heard during the early morning hours. They have a hopping gait when on the ground and are skilled at finding and extracting earthworms from the soil. American Robins are also known to breed in Michigan and often build their nests in trees, shrubs, and even on man-made structures.
How to attract to your backyard
To attract American Robins to your backyard, it is important to provide a suitable habitat. Planting trees and shrubs that produce berries, such as holly or mountain ash, will attract them. They also enjoy mealworms, suet, and berries, so offering these food options in a bird feeder will entice them to visit. Providing a shallow water source, such as a birdbath, will also encourage these birds to frequent your backyard.
Blue Jay
Description
The Blue Jay is a striking bird, known for its vibrant blue feathers on its head, wings, and tail. It has a white chest and underparts, with black markings on its face and neck. Blue Jays have a robust body, measuring about 9 to 12 inches in length.
Habitat
Blue Jays are common residents of Michigan and can be found in a variety of habitats including woodlands, parks, and suburban areas. They are often seen in areas with oak or beech trees, as they rely on these trees for nesting and food sources.
Behavior
These birds are known for their bold and assertive behavior. They have a loud and distinctive call and are often seen hopping and flying between trees. Blue Jays are also skilled at mimicking the calls of other birds. They are primarily omnivorous and eat a wide range of foods, including acorns, seeds, insects, and even small vertebrates.
How to attract to your backyard
To attract Blue Jays to your backyard, providing a suitable habitat is important. Planting oak or beech trees will provide them with nesting sites and a natural food source. They are also fond of peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet, so having a bird feeder with these options will attract them. Offering a fresh water source, such as a birdbath, will also entice Blue Jays to visit your backyard.
Northern Cardinal
Description
The Northern Cardinal is a medium-sized songbird that is easily recognizable by its vibrant red plumage. The male Cardinal has a bright red body, crest, and face, while the female has a more subdued coloration with a grayish-red hue. These birds have a robust body and measure about 8 to 9 inches in length.
Habitat
Northern Cardinals are common birds in Michigan and can be found in a variety of habitats including woodlands, gardens, and suburban areas. They prefer areas with thick vegetation, such as shrubs and thickets, as it provides them with ample cover.
Behavior
These birds are known for their beautiful and melodious song, often heard throughout the day. Northern Cardinals are monogamous and form strong pair bonds. They are seed-eaters and primarily feed on sunflower seeds, berries, and insects.
How to attract to your backyard
To attract Northern Cardinals to your backyard, it is important to provide a suitable habitat. Having dense shrubs and trees will offer them the necessary cover. They are particularly fond of sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and millet, so having a bird feeder with these options will attract them. Providing a water source, such as a birdbath, will also encourage these birds to visit your backyard.
Red-winged Blackbird
Description
The Red-winged Blackbird is a medium-sized blackbird that is easily identified by the bright red patches on its shoulders, known as epaulets. The male Red-winged Blackbird has a glossy black body with red and yellow epaulets, while the female has a more subdued coloration with dark brown feathers. They have a size of about 8 to 9 inches in length.
Habitat
Red-winged Blackbirds are common in Michigan and can be found in a variety of wetland habitats including marshes, swamps, and along the edges of lakes and ponds. They prefer areas with tall grasses and cattails, as they provide nesting sites and food sources.
Behavior
These birds are known for their distinctive “konk-a-ree” call, frequently heard in their territories during the breeding season. Male Red-winged Blackbirds are highly territorial and defend their nesting sites vigorously. Red-winged Blackbirds feed on a variety of foods including insects, seeds, and berries.
How to attract to your backyard
To attract Red-winged Blackbirds to your backyard, it is important to provide a suitable habitat. Planting cattails or tall grasses near water sources will attract them. They are particularly fond of seeds, such as sunflower seeds and millet, so having a bird feeder with these options will entice them. Providing a water source, such as a birdbath or shallow pond, will also encourage these birds to visit your backyard.
Downy Woodpecker
Description
The Downy Woodpecker is a small woodpecker with a black and white plumage pattern. It has a white belly and back, with black wings and a white spot on its back. The male Downy Woodpecker has a small red patch on the back of its head, while the female lacks this feature. They have a size of about 5 to 6 inches in length.
Habitat
Downy Woodpeckers are common in Michigan and can be found in a variety of wooded habitats including forests, woodlands, and backyard trees. They prefer areas with a mix of trees, as they rely on them for nesting sites and food sources.
Behavior
These birds are known for their drumming behavior, where they tap on trees to communicate and establish territories. Downy Woodpeckers have a diet that consists mainly of insects, but they also eat seeds and berries. They have a unique ability to cling to tree trunks in various positions as they search for food.
How to attract to your backyard
To attract Downy Woodpeckers to your backyard, it is important to provide a suitable habitat. Having a mix of trees, especially those with softwood, will offer them nesting sites and food sources. They are particularly fond of suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds, so having a bird feeder with these options will attract them. Providing a water source, such as a birdbath, will also encourage these birds to visit your backyard.
American Goldfinch
Description
The American Goldfinch is a small songbird with a bright yellow plumage. The male Goldfinch has a vibrant yellow body and black wings with white markings, while the female has a more muted yellow coloration. They have a small size, measuring about 4 to 5 inches in length.
Habitat
American Goldfinches are common in Michigan and can be found in a variety of habitats including fields, meadows, and suburban areas. They prefer areas with a mix of open space and trees, as they rely on them for food and nesting sites.
Behavior
These birds are known for their beautiful and distinctive song, often heard during the breeding season. American Goldfinches are primarily seed-eaters and feed on a variety of seeds such as thistle, dandelion, and sunflower. They are particularly known for their preference for thistle seeds.
How to attract to your backyard
To attract American Goldfinches to your backyard, providing a suitable habitat is important. Planting native wildflowers, such as coneflowers and sunflowers, will offer them ample food sources. They are particularly fond of nyjer (thistle) seeds, so having a specialized nyjer feeder will attract them. Providing a water source, such as a birdbath, will also encourage these birds to frequent your backyard.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Description
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a unique combination of colors. It has a pale gray face, a black and white back, and a red cap on its head. Contrary to its name, the red belly is often hidden and not easily visible. They have a size of about 9 to 10 inches in length.
Habitat
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are common in Michigan and can be found in a variety of wooded habitats including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. They prefer areas with a mix of trees, as they rely on them for nesting sites and food sources.
Behavior
These birds are known for their drumming behavior, where they tap on trees to communicate and establish territories. Red-bellied Woodpeckers have a varied diet that includes insects, nuts, fruits, and seeds. They have a unique ability to cling to tree trunks in various positions as they search for food.
How to attract to your backyard
To attract Red-bellied Woodpeckers to your backyard, it is important to provide a suitable habitat. Having a mix of trees, especially those with softwood, will offer them nesting sites and food sources. They are particularly fond of suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds, so having a bird feeder with these options will attract them. Providing a water source, such as a birdbath, will also encourage these birds to visit your backyard.
House Finch
Description
The House Finch is a small songbird with a bright red or orange plumage on its head, breast, and rump. The male House Finch has a vibrant red coloration, while the female has a more muted color with brown streaks. They have a size of about 5 to 6 inches in length.
Habitat
House Finches are common in Michigan and can be found in a variety of habitats including urban areas, parks, and gardens. They have adapted well to human habitats and are often seen nesting in houses, hence their name.
Behavior
These birds are known for their melodious song, often heard throughout the day. House Finches primarily feed on seeds and fruits, and they are particularly fond of sunflower seeds. They are social birds and are often seen in small flocks.
How to attract to your backyard
To attract House Finches to your backyard, providing a suitable habitat is important. Planting a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers will offer them ample food sources. They are particularly fond of sunflower seeds, nyjer (thistle) seeds, and fruits, so having a bird feeder with these options will attract them. Providing a water source, such as a birdbath, will also encourage these birds to frequent your backyard.
Hairy Woodpecker
Description
The Hairy Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a black and white plumage pattern. It resembles the Downy Woodpecker in appearance, but it is slightly larger and has a longer bill. The male and female Hairy Woodpeckers look similar and have a size of about 7 to 9 inches in length.
Habitat
Hairy Woodpeckers are common in Michigan and can be found in a variety of wooded habitats including forests, woodlands, and backyard trees. They prefer areas with a mix of trees, as they rely on them for nesting sites and food sources.
Behavior
These birds are known for their drumming behavior, where they tap on trees to communicate and establish territories. Hairy Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects, but they also eat seeds and berries. They have a unique ability to cling to tree trunks in various positions as they search for food.
How to attract to your backyard
To attract Hairy Woodpeckers to your backyard, it is important to provide a suitable habitat. Having a mix of trees, especially those with softwood, will offer them nesting sites and food sources. They are particularly fond of suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds, so having a bird feeder with these options will attract them. Providing a water source, such as a birdbath, will also encourage these birds to visit your backyard.
