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Large, glossy-black bird with a wedge-shaped tail. Larger than a crow with a longer, thicker bill. Distinctive shape in flight, with rather long, swept-back wings and long tail. Note smoother, steadier wingbeats compared with faster, choppier wingbeats of crows. Extensive range throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Found in a wide variety of habitats, including desert, coniferous forest, coastlines, sagebrush, tundra, and grasslands. Often solitary or in pairs, but can gather in small groups. Typical call is a loud, guttural croak, but makes an astonishing variety of other strange noises. Compare with Chihuahuan Raven in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.

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Large, striking, long-tailed sparrow of western North America, from Canada to Guatemala. Black above with white spots on wings and back, bright rufous sides, and white belly. Eye is staring red. In flight, note white corners on tail. Also note females are grayer than males. Most similar to Eastern Towhee. Spotted shows more extensive white wing markings than Eastern, but note Spotted never shows the single bold white patch seen on the folded wing of Eastern. Hybridizes with Eastern Towhee in central North America; hybrids usually show intermediate wing pattern. Some populations in Mexico have olive tones on the upperparts and also hybridize with Collared Towhee. Inhabits scrubby areas and forest edges with thickets. Forages primarily by hopping along ground, scraping away leaf litter. Males sing from atop shrubs and low trees. Visits feeders.

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Among the largest birds in North America. The large-bodied, long-legged and small-headed look of a turkey is distinctive. Appears dark from a distance. Often seen in small groups in open fields near woods. Gobbling often audible in the spring and early summer.

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Plainest swallow in North America. Plain brown above with indistinct brown wash across throat and breast. Wings are relatively broad; tail is short and square (or slightly notched). Juveniles have rusty wingbars. “Ridgway’s” subspecies, mainly found on the Yucatan peninsula, is larger and lankier, almost recalling a martin. Look for the deeper notch in the tail and dark-tipped undertail coverts. Often seen near water, sometimes in mixed flocks with other swallows. Breeds in holes and crevices, often along riverbanks or under a bridge. Not a colonial nester like Bank Swallow. Call is a low, grating buzz that rises slightly in pitch. Compare with Bank Swallow, which has a contrasting dark chest band. Also very similar to Southern Rough-winged Swallow, which overlaps in Central America. Southern Rough-winged has a brighter tawny throat and paler rump.

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Adult males are stunning: completely electric turquoise blue with limited white belly. Females are gray with blue wings and tail; some can show a rufous wash on breast. Also note thin bill and even longer wings compared with other bluebirds. Forages in open habitats with few trees. Can form large flocks in winter. Frequently perches on wires or fence posts. Nests in cavities.

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Gray with whitish underparts and long tail. In flight, it becomes much flashier with large white patches on the black wings and tail. Pale eye. Found in a variety of habitats with bushes and trees, from neighborhoods to desert scrub and old pastures. Mimics birds, car alarms, slamming doors, and other noises in its song, repeating a phrase 5-7 times before switching to next set of notes.

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Beefy, big-headed, large-billed bunting. Male is deep cobalt blue with rufous wingbars. Females are warm brown with rufous or buffy wingbars. Always look for enormous bill to separate from other buntings; also note unstreaked underparts and slightly longer tail. Swishes tail like other buntings. Fairly common in overgrown fields with hedgerows and bushes. Breeds mostly in the southern half of the U.S. and northern Mexico; winters throughout Central America. Often gathers in flocks in the winter.

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True to its name, prefers rocky areas, especially rocky slopes. Often perches conspicuously and bobs up and down. Pale grayish wren with whitish throat, buffy sides, and long, slightly decurved bill. Tiny speckles on back and wings like grains of sand. Undertail coverts barred black and white. Paler overall than Canyon Wren with a pale, buffy belly. Listen for its ringing vocalization. Sexes alike.

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Large finch, nearly twice the size of a goldfinch. Stocky with strong, thick, pale bill and short, notched tail. Males are stunning with dark head fading to bright yellow underparts, and mostly black wings with bright white secondaries. Females are overall gray with some white on the wing. Flocks often come to feeders for sunflower seeds. Found in forested regions especially at higher elevations. Populations declining dramatically.

Males are black-and-orange like an oriole, but stockier with a very thick bill. Nonbreeding males, females, and immatures typically have an orangey wash across breast with fine dark streaking on sides. Underwing coverts are always yellow. Bill usually looks bicolored, darker above and paler below. Fairly common in a variety of woodlands including mountain forests, thickets along desert streams, and backyards. Winters in Mexico. Regularly visits feeders. Listen for sweet robinlike song and squeaky call. Compare females and immatures with extremely similar Rose-breasted Grosbeak, which is usually identifiable by range. Black-headed usually has sparser and finer streaking on the underparts and more orange tones.

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A medium-sized sparrow with crisp patterning. Slightly smaller than Song Sparrow, with finer streaking on breast (like a pen-and-ink drawing vs. an oil painting). Also note thin pale eyering, bright buffy breast that contrasts with white throat and belly, and often peaked crown. Breeds in thickets and shrubby clearings, usually within mixed or coniferous forests. Can be found in any brushy or weedy habitat in migration and winter. Beware of juvenile Song Sparrows in late summer, which can look buffy and show finer streaks than adults.

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Adult males are stunning: completely electric turquoise blue with limited white belly. Females are gray with blue wings and tail; some can show a rufous wash on breast. Also note thin bill and even longer wings compared with other bluebirds. Forages in open habitats with few trees. Can form large flocks in winter. Frequently perches on wires or fence posts. Nests in cavities.

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Small, brown, streaked finch. Some show yellow in the wing and tail. Sharply pointed bill. Short, notched tail and long wings. Often visits feeders in areas with conifers. Irruptive in many areas; can move south in only small numbers some years, large numbers in other years. Often joins flocks of goldfinches. Can be quite vocal; listen for distinctive rising buzz like a zipper being zipped.

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Large finch, nearly twice the size of a goldfinch. Stocky with strong, thick, pale bill and short, notched tail. Males are stunning with dark head fading to bright yellow underparts, and mostly black wings with bright white secondaries. Females are overall gray with some white on the wing. Flocks often come to feeders for sunflower seeds. Found in forested regions especially at higher elevations. Populations declining dramatically.

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Large, long-tailed sparrow. Usually shows a bold head pattern and contrasting white throat. Two morphs with different head colors: white-striped and tan-striped. Both morphs show a yellow patch in front of the eye, but it is more obvious on white-striped birds. Adults have a fairly plain gray-brown breast without bold streaks, but immatures can be quite streaky. Note the grayish bill, unlike White-crowned Sparrow. Breeds in coniferous or mixed forests, often near clearings. In migration and winter, can be found in woods, forest edge, thickets and shrubby fields. Whistled song often transcribed as "Old Sam Peabody" or "O Sweet Canada." Visits feeders.

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Small hummingbird found in a variety of woodland and brushy habitats. Male distinctive with purple-and-black throat. Female has whitish underparts with almost no buffy tones (perhaps a very light wash on flanks). Tends to pump its tail more than other hummingbirds. Readily comes to sugar water feeders and flower gardens. Common in summer over much of the western U.S., barely into Canada. Winter range extends just south of Mexico City, and increasingly regular on the Gulf Coast of the U.S. Very difficult to distinguish from Ruby-throated Hummingbird, especially females and young males; thankfully limited range overlap. Black-chinned averages somewhat dingier green above, longer-billed with a slight droop, and has slightly broader, more club-shaped outer wing

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Tiny, compact hummingbird with short tail. Males are distinctive with streaked magenta throat. Females very similar to several other hummingbird species, especially Broad-tailed. Note small size, short tail with almost no rusty color, finely spotted throat, and thin white line above base of bill. Generally uncommon. Breeds near clearings and edges in mountainous regions. Migrates south to Mexico and descends to lower elevations in winter. Visits sugar water feeders.

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Fairly large flycatcher of arid habitats. Extremely similar to other Myiarchus flycatchers and most easily identified by voice: listen for low, rough calls and flat “pip.” Also note overall pale appearance, especially the whitish throat and very pale yellow belly. Compare with the nearly identical Nutting’s Flycatcher (especially in Mexico) and larger-billed Brown-crested Flycatcher. Fairly common but unobtrusive in brushy woodlands and thickets in dry regions of western U.S. and Mexico, as far south as Honduras.

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Dull gray vireo with bold white spectacles. Relatively thick bill and slower movements help separate this bird from other small songbirds. Combination of white spectacles and plain gray color distinguish Plumbeous from other vireos. Only sometimes shows a faint yellowish wash on the sides. Resident populations in northern Central America are brighter (much like Cassin's Vireo), but not as bright and contrasty as Blue-headed Vireo, which occurs there in winter. Found in coniferous and mixed forests.

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Gray with whitish underparts and long tail. In flight, it becomes much flashier with large white patches on the black wings and tail. Pale eye. Found in a variety of habitats with bushes and trees, from neighborhoods to desert scrub and old pastures. Mimics birds, car alarms, slamming doors, and other noises in its song, repeating a phrase 5-7 times before switching to next set of notes.

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Gray with whitish underparts and long tail. In flight, it becomes much flashier with large white patches on the black wings and tail. Pale eye. Found in a variety of habitats with bushes and trees, from neighborhoods to desert scrub and old pastures. Mimics birds, car alarms, slamming doors, and other noises in its song, repeating a phrase 5-7 times before switching to next set of notes.

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Breeding males are entirely blue with a slightly darker head. Females are plain brown with a whitish throat, bluish tail, and faint streaks on the underparts. Breeds in shrubby areas at the edge of forests and fields. Males often sing from a high exposed perch. Winters mainly in Middle America and the Caribbean, where it frequently gathers in flocks in weedy fields. Females can be very difficult to distinguish from Lazuli Bunting, although their range doesn't overlap much. Indigo usually shows more streaking on the underparts; also note fainter wingbars, duller breast, and more contrasting whitish throat.

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Breeding males are unmistakable: bright cerulean above with bold white wingbars, white belly, and orange breast. Females are plain buffy brown with paler wingbars and slightly brighter orangey breast. Breeds on shrubby hillsides and other semiopen habitats in western North America. Males often sing from a high exposed perch. Winters mainly in Mexico, where it frequently gathers in flocks in weedy fields. Females can be very difficult to distinguish from Indigo Bunting, although their range doesn't overlap much. Lazuli never shows streaks below like female Indigo Bunting often does; also note bolder wingbars, brighter breast, and less contrasting pale throat.

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A medium-sized, sooty-black flycatcher. Marked geographic variation: most North American birds have dull wings and a clean white belly, while South American birds have bright white edging on wing feathers and much more limited white on the belly. Typically seen singly or in pairs, usually sitting conspicuously on a low perch. Frequently pumps tail up and down. Often near water; especially tied to fast-flowing, rocky streams in South America.

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Males are black-and-orange like an oriole, but stockier with a very thick bill. Nonbreeding males, females, and immatures typically have an orangey wash across breast with fine dark streaking on sides. Underwing coverts are always yellow. Bill usually looks bicolored, darker above and paler below. Fairly common in a variety of woodlands including mountain forests, thickets along desert streams, and backyards. Winters in Mexico. Regularly visits feeders. Listen for sweet robinlike song and squeaky call. Compare females and immatures with extremely similar Rose-breasted Grosbeak, which is usually identifiable by range. Black-headed usually has sparser and finer streaking on the underparts and more orange tones.

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A medium-sized, sooty-black flycatcher. Marked geographic variation: most North American birds have dull wings and a clean white belly, while South American birds have bright white edging on wing feathers and much more limited white on the belly. Typically seen singly or in pairs, usually sitting conspicuously on a low perch. Frequently pumps tail up and down. Often near water; especially tied to fast-flowing, rocky streams in South America.

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Tiny gray insectivore of scrubby areas in the southwest U.S. and northern Mexico. Breeding males show a black cap with a thin white eyering; nonbreeding males have a thin black line over the eye. Females lack any black on the head. Note tail pattern from below: mostly black with bold white spots. Prefers dry, scrubby habitats such as desert washes, where pairs flit around in the low bushes. Listen for harsh scolding calls. Compare with Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, but note Black-tailed often looks drabber brownish-gray, and has much more black on the underside of the tail.

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Fairly large yellow-bellied flycatcher of the southwest U.S. and western Mexico. Dark gray head contrasts with white mustache. Also note blackish tail with white tip (but this can be difficult to see, especially when worn). Found in open, arid habitats with tall shrubs and trees, sometimes venturing up into clearings and meadows in mountains. Most similar to Western Kingbird, which is paler and less contrasting on the head. Listen for burry “ch-breer” calls.

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White stripe above the eye separates it from other chickadees. Otherwise, much like other chickadees: grayish overall with a big head, tiny bill, and black cap and throat. Tends to be in high-elevation mountainous areas with dry, coniferous forests. Active and aerobatic. Often in flocks with nuthatches and kinglets. Visits feeders.

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Small, cute, energetic nuthatch. Distinctive with bold black-and-white head pattern, blue-gray upperparts, and orangey belly. Males are brighter than females. Typically found in coniferous or mixed forests, often in mixed flocks with other songbirds. Creeps along tree trunks and branches, often upside-down. Nomadic; they sometimes move south in large numbers in fall and winter. Visits feeders. Listen for nasal calls.

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Large, glossy-black bird with a wedge-shaped tail. Larger than a crow with a longer, thicker bill. Distinctive shape in flight, with rather long, swept-back wings and long tail. Note smoother, steadier wingbeats compared with faster, choppier wingbeats of crows. Extensive range throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Found in a wide variety of habitats, including desert, coniferous forest, coastlines, sagebrush, tundra, and grasslands. Often solitary or in pairs, but can gather in small groups. Typical call is a loud, guttural croak, but makes an astonishing variety of other strange noises. Compare with Chihuahuan Raven in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.

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Adult males have dark blue head, back, and wings. Breast and sides are deep orange with orange sometimes bleeding onto back. Females are grayer overall with orange on breast, blue usually restricted to wings and tail. Favors fields with some trees and open woods. Often in small groups. Frequently perches on wires or fence posts. Nests in cavities. Range barely overlaps Eastern Bluebird, but note orange on back of males and grayer belly and sides of neck on female.

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Possibly the plainest bird in North America—medium gray overall with no patterning. Despite dull plumage it is undeniably cute with a large eye and plain face. Crest is distinctive. Aptly named, they are found in dry juniper woodlands (and occasionally seen away from junipers). Visits bird feeders in the correct habitat.

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Large finch, nearly twice the size of a goldfinch. Stocky with strong, thick, pale bill and short, notched tail. Males are stunning with dark head fading to bright yellow underparts, and mostly black wings with bright white secondaries. Females are overall gray with some white on the wing. Flocks often come to feeders for sunflower seeds. Found in forested regions especially at higher elevations. Populations declining dramatically.

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Adult males are stunning: completely electric turquoise blue with limited white belly. Females are gray with blue wings and tail; some can show a rufous wash on breast. Also note thin bill and even longer wings compared with other bluebirds. Forages in open habitats with few trees. Can form large flocks in winter. Frequently perches on wires or fence posts. Nests in cavities.

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Unique sparrow with incredible variation between populations. Generally patterned with gray, white, and shades of tan. All have pinkish bills and white outer tail feathers. Juveniles are streaky. Breeds in a variety of forested habitats, especially with conifers. Found in any wooded habitat in the winter, often in flocks. Usually forages on the ground for seeds, but also fond of brushy thickets or weedy fields. Visits feeders. Subspecies include: Slate-colored (widespread), Oregon (West), Pink-sided (Rockies), Gray-headed (Rockies and southwest U.S. to Mexico), Red-backed (central Arizona and New Mexico), and White-winged (breeds in Black Hills, winters mainly Colorado).

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Uncommon thrush-sized bird found in open and patchy habitats across much of northern North America and northeastern Asia. Adults are pale gray above with a black mask, black wings with small white patch at base of primaries, often with faint grayish barring on underparts. Young birds are browner and more heavily barred than adults, with reduced white in wing and more diffuse dark mask. Breeds in open shrubby forest and willow thickets; in winter can be found in dunes, brushy fields, or hedgerows in agricultural areas. Usually seen singly, often perched conspicuously on a snag or powerline. In North America, may overlap with Loggerhead Shrike in winter. Northern is slightly larger, paler, and shows more white around the eye. Carnivorous habits make shrikes unique among passerines; they feed on rodents and small birds. Undulating flight; watch for white patches in

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Large finch, nearly twice the size of a goldfinch. Stocky with strong, thick, pale bill and short, notched tail. Males are stunning with dark head fading to bright yellow underparts, and mostly black wings with bright white secondaries. Females are overall gray with some white on the wing. Flocks often come to feeders for sunflower seeds. Found in forested regions especially at higher elevations. Populations declining dramatically.

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Large finch, nearly twice the size of a goldfinch. Stocky with strong, thick, pale bill and short, notched tail. Males are stunning with dark head fading to bright yellow underparts, and mostly black wings with bright white secondaries. Females are overall gray with some white on the wing. Flocks often come to feeders for sunflower seeds. Found in forested regions especially at higher elevations. Populations declining dramatically.

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A tiny, long-tailed, fluffy gray ball of a bird. Distinctly drab brownish-gray with a stubby dark bill. Multiple populations differ slightly: eye color ranges from dark to pale, and some have black cheeks. Constantly in motion; active, twittering flocks move quickly through bushes and trees. Listen for their high-pitched, scratchy calls. Found in brushy woodlands and pine-oak forests in western North American, south to Guatemala.

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Unique sparrow with incredible variation between populations. Generally patterned with gray, white, and shades of tan. All have pinkish bills and white outer tail feathers. Juveniles are streaky. Breeds in a variety of forested habitats, especially with conifers. Found in any wooded habitat in the winter, often in flocks. Usually forages on the ground for seeds, but also fond of brushy thickets or weedy fields. Visits feeders. Subspecies include: Slate-colored (widespread), Oregon (West), Pink-sided (Rockies), Gray-headed (Rockies and southwest U.S. to Mexico), Red-backed (central Arizona and New Mexico), and White-winged (breeds in Black Hills, winters mainly Colorado).

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Attractive jay of oak woodlands and piñon-juniper forests. Royal blue above with gray-brown back and dirty grayish underparts. Flight style is often distinctive, a series of quick wingbeats followed by a stiff glide. Typically in small groups. Listen for scratchy, nasal calls. Regularly visits backyards and feeders. Most similar to California Scrub-Jay (and once considered the same species), but usually separable by range. Also note Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay is paler and more washed-out, with only a diffuse blue breast band. Population in central Mexico, often called Sumichrast’s Scrub-Jay, is darker and more contrasty than a typical Woodhouse’s, and might be a separate species.

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This relative of jays and crows is pale gray with a whitish face and black wings. Sexes are similar; juveniles are browner than adults. Found almost exclusively in coniferous forests at high elevations; feeds on pine cone seeds and stashes thousands of them in various places to eat later in the winter. Often found in flocks. Sometimes visits feeders. Similar in color to Canada Jay, but especially note bill shape: long, slender, and sharply pointed.

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Large finch, nearly twice the size of a goldfinch. Stocky with strong, thick, pale bill and short, notched tail. Males are stunning with dark head fading to bright yellow underparts, and mostly black wings with bright white secondaries. Females are overall gray with some white on the wing. Flocks often come to feeders for sunflower seeds. Found in forested regions especially at higher elevations. Populations declining dramatically.

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Attractive jay of oak woodlands and piñon-juniper forests. Royal blue above with gray-brown back and dirty grayish underparts. Flight style is often distinctive, a series of quick wingbeats followed by a stiff glide. Typically in small groups. Listen for scratchy, nasal calls. Regularly visits backyards and feeders. Most similar to California Scrub-Jay (and once considered the same species), but usually separable by range. Also note Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay is paler and more washed-out, with only a diffuse blue breast band. Population in central Mexico, often called Sumichrast’s Scrub-Jay, is darker and more contrasty than a typical Woodhouse’s, and might be a separate species.

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Common hummingbird of high elevations. Breeds in open woodland with meadows and scrub. In winter, found at lower elevations. Male is distinctive in range with beautiful rosy-red throat and glistening green upperparts. Female is duller with buffy sides and speckled throat. Note broadly rounded tail feathers with restricted rufous. Feeds on nectar and small insects. Visits feeders.

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Typically yellow overall, but some immatures can be almost completely gray. Some have reddish-brown streaks below. Always looks uniform and plain-faced. Forages for insects in wooded and shrubby areas, often fairly low to the ground. Favors riparian habitats, edges of ponds, marshes, and woods, particularly where willows are present. Winters in Central America.

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Medium-sized flycatcher with distinctive salmon-orange wash on the belly. Otherwise grayish-brown with a contrasting black tail. Also watch for frequent tail-wagging. Widespread and fairly common in western North America. Breeds as far north as Alaska, and winters to southern Mexico. Always in open habitats, usually on a conspicuous low perch.

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Jumbo-sized, long-tailed warbler with thick bill; almost a mix between a warbler and tanager. Bright yellow throat and breast, contrasting white spectacles, and dull olive-green upperparts. Known for its skulking habits. Often difficult to see in dense thickets, shrubby areas, and field edges. In breeding season, however, males sit on conspicuous perches to sing. Song is variable series of slow whistles, hoots, and chatters. Feeds mainly on insects; also fruit in winter.

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Smaller than Baltimore Oriole with smaller, slightly decurved bill. Adult males are rich chestnut brown with black head. Females are dull yellow-green with white wingbars. Immature males similar to females, but with black throat. Prefers open woodlands, river edges, pastures with scattered trees, and orchards. Visits feeders with nectar and fruits. Departs breeding grounds early and heads to wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.

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Tiny yellowish finch. Blackish conical bill is stout, but sharply pointed. Long wings are black with one white wingbar and large white patch at the base of the primaries. Small head. Short notched tail. Adult males have either green or black (Texas to South America) back. Regularly visits feeders. Females similar to American Goldfinch; note bill shape and color, usually more yellowish undertail coverts, less distinct wingbars, and more obvious white patch at base of primaries.

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Typically yellow overall, but some immatures can be almost completely gray. Some have reddish-brown streaks below. Always looks uniform and plain-faced. Forages for insects in wooded and shrubby areas, often fairly low to the ground. Favors riparian habitats, edges of ponds, marshes, and woods, particularly where willows are present. Winters in Central America.

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 Large long-tailed sparrow. Look for black stripes bordering yellow crown, especially obvious on breeding adults. Immatures are browner but still show yellow in the center of the crown. Often looks scruffy and not as crisp as White-crowned Sparrow. Breeds in low, shrubby areas of tundra or at edges of boreal forest. Frequents forest edges, backyards, and scrubby areas in winter and migration. Often in flocks with White-crowned Sparrow. Forages on the ground and in low vegetation for seeds and insects. Visits feeders.

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Medium brown above with contrasting reddish tail. Dark spots on breast do not continue all the way down belly like Wood Thrush. Found in wooded areas; often hops on the ground or skulks in dense patches of shrubbery. Winters further north than other thrushes; many stay in the U.S. Listen for its beautiful song that is higher pitched than other thrushes with a steady introductory note; also gives low "chup" call note.

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Typically yellow overall, but some immatures can be almost completely gray. Some have reddish-brown streaks below. Always looks uniform and plain-faced. Forages for insects in wooded and shrubby areas, often fairly low to the ground. Favors riparian habitats, edges of ponds, marshes, and woods, particularly where willows are present. Winters in Central America.

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Stout bill. Short tail and stocky body. Males are glossy black with chocolate brown head. Females are gray-brown overall, without bold streaks, but slightly paler throat. Juveniles streaked brown. Found in open woods, farmland, and stockyards. Forages by walking on the ground. Often in flocks with other blackbirds in winter. Visits feeders. Unpopular due to their parasitic habit of laying eggs in nests of other birds.

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Drab grayish-brown flycatcher found in deciduous and mixed forests and edges. Nondescript overall with two pale wingbars; bill is usually mostly dark with only limited orange at the base. Note very long wings and larger size than Empidonax flycatchers. Typically seen on a high perch, occasionally sallying out to snatch an insect. Essentially identical to Eastern Wood-Pewee; averages darker overall with weaker upper wingbar, but reliably distinguished only by voice. Listen for buzzy tones, especially the “BREeerr” song.

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This medium-sized passerine is brown overall with a pale yellow wash on the belly. It is named for the waxy red tips on some of the wing feathers. Also look for the yellow-tipped tail, sleek crest, short bill, and black mask and throat bordered by white. Thin, high-pitched call is distinctive. Usually in flocks in open woods and edges of woodlands. Often perches in tops of leafless trees. Shifts diet from insects to primarily berries in the fall and winter.

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Medium-sized songbird, smaller than a robin, with a smooth gray body, black cap, and rusty-red undertail. Sometimes mimics other species in complex, jumbled song. Prefers dense shrubs and small trees in forest edges, streamside thickets, and old fields. Occasionally feeds on suet.

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Fairly large flycatcher, barely smaller than a robin. Favors open habitats with tall shrubs and trees. Usually seen on an obvious perch. Most similar to Cassin's Kingbird, with a gray head and yellow belly. Cassin's is not as widespread. Western is separated by paler gray head that fades to whiter throat and breast. Also note black tail with white edges (white stripe along vertical edge of outer tail feathers).

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Familiar but stunning jay found year-round throughout most of eastern North America. Bright blue above and pale gray below with a fluffy crest. Also look for black necklace and black and white markings on the wings and tail. Pairs or small groups travel through mature deciduous or coniferous woodlands, often revealing their presence with loud, harsh “jay” calls. Frequently visits bird feeders, where it is often aggressive towards other birds.

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One of the most common and widespread warblers. Breeds in forested areas with at least some conifers. Found in open woods and shrubby areas during migration and winter, including coastal vegetation, parks, and residential areas. Forages for insects, often sallying out to snatch them in midair. Also eats berries in winter. Often travels in large flocks. Two subspecies: "Audubon's" in the West and "Myrtle" in the East. "Audubon's" has a yellow throat in all plumages. "Myrtle" has whitish throat. Most abundant wintering warbler in the U.S.

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At home in suburbs, parks, rural farmland, and other open areas with thick tangles. In the breeding season, it is often singing its effervescent song from the top of a bush or fence post. Plumage doesn't show much contrast: plain brown overall, slightly paler below, with some dark barring on the wings and tail. Lacks white eyebrow. In winter they are more secretive, preferring brushy tangles, thickets, and hedgerows.

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Lanky, fierce-looking, glossy blackbird. A bit larger than a jay; smaller, proportionally longer-tailed and shorter-winged than a crow. Staring yellow eye and long heavy bill (compared to Red-winged Blackbird). Often in flocks with other blackbirds in winter. Forages in fields, scrubby areas, and open woods. Visits feeders.

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Medium-sized flycatcher with distinctive salmon-orange wash on the belly. Otherwise grayish-brown with a contrasting black tail. Also watch for frequent tail-wagging. Widespread and fairly common in western North America. Breeds as far north as Alaska, and winters to southern Mexico. Always in open habitats, usually on a conspicuous low perch.

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Medium-sized flycatcher with distinctive salmon-orange wash on the belly. Otherwise grayish-brown with a contrasting black tail. Also watch for frequent tail-wagging. Widespread and fairly common in western North America. Breeds as far north as Alaska, and winters to southern Mexico. Always in open habitats, usually on a conspicuous low perch.

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Large, long-tailed sparrow with striking head pattern. Adults have black and white stripes on the head, while immatures show brown and tan. Underparts are plain grayish without streaks. Bill color varies from yellow to pink, but always brighter than White-throated Sparrow. Breeds in brushy areas or thickets in open forest, often with conifers. In migration and winter, can be found in any brushy or weedy areas, often hopping on the ground. Visits feeders.

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Small finch. Sharply pointed bill is pink in summer, grayish-brown in winter. Small head, long wings, and short, notched tail. Adult males in spring and summer are bright yellow with black forehead and wings. Females are dull yellow below and olive above with two distinct wingbars. In winter, they are drab, buffy-brown. Active and acrobatic. Sometimes in large numbers at feeders or on ground below. Found in weedy fields, cultivated areas, roadsides, orchards, and backyards.

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Common hummingbird of high elevations. Breeds in open woodland with meadows and scrub. In winter, found at lower elevations. Male is distinctive in range with beautiful rosy-red throat and glistening green upperparts. Female is duller with buffy sides and speckled throat. Note broadly rounded tail feathers with restricted rufous. Feeds on nectar and small insects. Visits feeders.

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Large, long-tailed sparrow with striking head pattern. Adults have black and white stripes on the head, while immatures show brown and tan. Underparts are plain grayish without streaks. Bill color varies from yellow to pink, but always brighter than White-throated Sparrow. Breeds in brushy areas or thickets in open forest, often with conifers. In migration and winter, can be found in any brushy or weedy areas, often hopping on the ground. Visits feeders.

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Slender and drab songbird of open country. Usually grayish above and streaked below, but some lack streaks in breeding season. Distinguished from similar-looking (unrelated) sparrows by thin bill and lanky appearance with long legs. Walks on the ground with jerky motions and frequently bobs tail. Flocks are often heard as they pass overhead or flush from a barren field. Look for flashing white outer tail feathers in flight.

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All-dark passerine that inhabits only fast-moving rocky streams in the West, from Alaska to Panama. Slaty gray overall with browner head. Forages for invertebrates by walking underwater. Unique shape, behavior, and strict habitat preferences make dipper unlikely to be confused with other species. Often nests under bridges.

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All-dark passerine that inhabits only fast-moving rocky streams in the West, from Alaska to Panama. Slaty gray overall with browner head. Forages for invertebrates by walking underwater. Unique shape, behavior, and strict habitat preferences make dipper unlikely to be confused with other species. Often nests under bridges.

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Exceptionally long, pointed tail sets pheasant apart from other chicken-like birds. Males beautifully patterned in orange, gold, and gray. Red facial skin and white ring around neck obvious on male. Females duller buffy-brown. Inhabits fields, hedgerows, and brushy areas. Introduced to many areas from Eurasia.

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This relative of jays and crows is pale gray with a whitish face and black wings. Sexes are similar; juveniles are browner than adults. Found almost exclusively in coniferous forests at high elevations; feeds on pine cone seeds and stashes thousands of them in various places to eat later in the winter. Often found in flocks. Sometimes visits feeders. Similar in color to Canada Jay, but especially note bill shape: long, slender, and sharply pointed.

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Half black, half blue. Long, black crest. Found in evergreen forests of western United States south through Mexico to Nicaragua. Larger than a robin, smaller than a crow. Populations in the Interior have more white above eye than Pacific populations. Often in flocks and calling frequently. Regularly visits feeders, campgrounds and picnic areas.

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Robin-sized bird; pale gray overall with black mask. Breeds in open forests and shrubby areas in far northern Canada and Alaska; moves south in winter. Found in open areas with prominent perches, including power lines and short treetops that offer perfect vantages for shrikes to spot their prey. Carnivorous habits make shrikes unique among passerines. In flight, watch for white patches in the wings. Feeds on rodents and small birds.

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Large, glossy-black bird with a wedge-shaped tail. Larger than a crow with a longer, thicker bill. Distinctive shape in flight, with rather long, swept-back wings and long tail. Note smoother, steadier wingbeats compared with faster, choppier wingbeats of crows. Extensive range throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Found in a wide variety of habitats, including desert, coniferous forest, coastlines, sagebrush, tundra, and grasslands. Often solitary or in pairs, but can gather in small groups. Typical call is a loud, guttural croak, but makes an astonishing variety of other strange noises. Compare with Chihuahuan Raven in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.

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Small finch. Sharply pointed bill is pink in summer, grayish-brown in winter. Small head, long wings, and short, notched tail. Adult males in spring and summer are bright yellow with black forehead and wings. Females are dull yellow below and olive above with two distinct wingbars. In winter, they are drab, buffy-brown. Active and acrobatic. Sometimes in large numbers at feeders or on ground below. Found in weedy fields, cultivated areas, roadsides, orchards, and backyards.

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Small finch. Sharply pointed bill is pink in summer, grayish-brown in winter. Small head, long wings, and short, notched tail. Adult males in spring and summer are bright yellow with black forehead and wings. Females are dull yellow below and olive above with two distinct wingbars. In winter, they are drab, buffy-brown. Active and acrobatic. Sometimes in large numbers at feeders or on ground below. Found in weedy fields, cultivated areas, roadsides, orchards, and backyards.

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This medium-sized passerine is brown overall with a pale yellow wash on the belly. It is named for the waxy red tips on some of the wing feathers. Also look for the yellow-tipped tail, sleek crest, short bill, and black mask and throat bordered by white. Thin, high-pitched call is distinctive. Usually in flocks in open woods and edges of woodlands. Often perches in tops of leafless trees. Shifts diet from insects to primarily berries in the fall and winter.

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Jumbo-sized, long-tailed warbler with thick bill; almost a mix between a warbler and tanager. Bright yellow throat and breast, contrasting white spectacles, and dull olive-green upperparts. Known for its skulking habits. Often difficult to see in dense thickets, shrubby areas, and field edges. In breeding season, however, males sit on conspicuous perches to sing. Song is variable series of slow whistles, hoots, and chatters. Feeds mainly on insects; also fruit in winter.

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Jumbo-sized, long-tailed warbler with thick bill; almost a mix between a warbler and tanager. Bright yellow throat and breast, contrasting white spectacles, and dull olive-green upperparts. Known for its skulking habits. Often difficult to see in dense thickets, shrubby areas, and field edges. In breeding season, however, males sit on conspicuous perches to sing. Song is variable series of slow whistles, hoots, and chatters. Feeds mainly on insects; also fruit in winter.

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Large sparrow with unique color pattern: gray body, fairly bright greenish wings and tail, rufous crown, and white throat. Forages on the ground or in dense shrubs primarily for seeds and insects. Favors disturbed areas in montane forest and open slopes for breeding. In winter, they join mixed species flocks in dense mesquite areas of desert washes. Rarely visits feeders. Nasal call note is unique.

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Common hummingbird of high elevations. Breeds in open woodland with meadows and scrub. In winter, found at lower elevations. Male is distinctive in range with beautiful rosy-red throat and glistening green upperparts. Female is duller with buffy sides and speckled throat. Note broadly rounded tail feathers with restricted rufous. Feeds on nectar and small insects. Visits feeders.

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Common hummingbird of high elevations. Breeds in open woodland with meadows and scrub. In winter, found at lower elevations. Male is distinctive in range with beautiful rosy-red throat and glistening green upperparts. Female is duller with buffy sides and speckled throat. Note broadly rounded tail feathers with restricted rufous. Feeds on nectar and small insects. Visits feeders.

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Tiny. Widespread and familiar woodland resident and backyard visitor. Its black-and-white plumage is nearly identical to larger Hairy Woodpecker, but note short bill (shorter than the head) and black markings on white outer tail feathers. Readily visits feeders, especially for suet. Nests in cavities.

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Typically yellow overall, but some immatures can be almost completely gray. Some have reddish-brown streaks below. Always looks uniform and plain-faced. Forages for insects in wooded and shrubby areas, often fairly low to the ground. Favors riparian habitats, edges of ponds, marshes, and woods, particularly where willows are present. Winters in Central America.

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At home in suburbs, parks, rural farmland, and other open areas with thick tangles. In the breeding season, it is often singing its effervescent song from the top of a bush or fence post. Plumage doesn't show much contrast: plain brown overall, slightly paler below, with some dark barring on the wings and tail. Lacks white eyebrow. In winter they are more secretive, preferring brushy tangles, thickets, and hedgerows.

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Runs along ground in open areas, often barren ground with little to no vegetation. Sand, dirt, gravel flats are home, unlike preferences of most songbirds. Appears squatty with short legs and low profile body. Unique black and yellow markings on head. Short black horns occasionally visible. Plain brown above, whitish below. Often in flocks, sometimes with pipits or longspurs.

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Adult males are bright orange with black restricted to the back, throat, and crown. Prominent white wing patch. Females have yellow-orange head and grayish back. Immature males similar to females, but with black throat. Breeds in riparian corridors and open woods. Visits feeders with nectar and fruits. Sometimes hybridizes with Baltimore Oriole.

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Large, drab, streaky sparrow of grasslands, second growth, and bare ground. Most distinctive in flight, when it flashes white outer tail feathers. Also note the thin white eyering and rufous shoulder (often hidden). Forages mainly on the ground. Song usually starts with a couple clear introductory notes, followed by a series of trills and chips.

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Stocky and dark overall. Short tail, triangular wings, and long, pointed bill. Close look reveals beautiful plumage. In breeding season, shows purple and green iridescence on body with yellow bill. In winter, bold white spots cover the entire body. Native to Europe; introduced to North America and other regions worldwide, where it is now abundant. Often in large flocks. Makes variety of squeaky vocalizations, and mimics other species. Visits feeders, and is often aggressive.

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Common and conspicuous, this flashy, long-tailed crow relative is unmistakable, and its loud chattering calls are a familiar sound in many areas. Found in open and semiopen areas from farmland and open woodland to towns and gardens, singly or more often in pairs or groups. Bulky stick nest often conspicuous in tall tree or hedgerow. Boldly pied plumage is distinctive, with white belly, white back, and white wing patches. Wings show blue-green gloss in good light.

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Small, short-tailed, flat-headed sparrow found in weedy grasslands. Warm buffy coloration with clean unstreaked breast. Thin white eyering and yellow patch above eye. Back and wings are patterned with gray and rufous. Easy to see when singing atop a shrub, but can be very secretive much of the year. Best detected by its dry, insect like trill preceded by a few introductory notes. Typically not in flocks.

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Medium-sized songbird, smaller than a robin, with a smooth gray body, black cap, and rusty-red undertail. Sometimes mimics other species in complex, jumbled song. Prefers dense shrubs and small trees in forest edges, streamside thickets, and old fields. Occasionally feeds on suet.

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Medium-sized songbird, smaller than a robin, with a smooth gray body, black cap, and rusty-red undertail. Sometimes mimics other species in complex, jumbled song. Prefers dense shrubs and small trees in forest edges, streamside thickets, and old fields. Occasionally feeds on suet.

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Larger version of similar Indigo Bunting, with thicker bill. Adult males are dark blue with rufous wingbars. Females are rich plain brown. Found in overgrown fields with hedgerows and bushy areas. Occasionally visits feeders.

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Adult males are stunning: completely electric turquoise blue with limited white belly. Females are gray with blue wings and tail; some can show a rufous wash on breast. Also note thin bill and even longer wings compared with other bluebirds. Forages in open habitats with few trees. Can form large flocks in winter. Frequently perches on wires or fence posts. Nests in cavities.

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Half black, half blue. Long, black crest. Found in evergreen forests of western United States south through Mexico to Nicaragua. Larger than a robin, smaller than a crow. Populations in the Interior have more white above eye than Pacific populations. Often in flocks and calling frequently. Regularly visits feeders, campgrounds and picnic areas.

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Exceptionally long, pointed tail sets pheasant apart from other chicken-like birds. Males beautifully patterned in orange, gold, and gray. Red facial skin and white ring around neck obvious on male. Females duller buffy-brown. Inhabits fields, hedgerows, and brushy areas. Introduced to many areas from Eurasia.

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Half black, half blue. Long, black crest. Found in evergreen forests of western United States south through Mexico to Nicaragua. Larger than a robin, smaller than a crow. Populations in the Interior have more white above eye than Pacific populations. Often in flocks and calling frequently. Regularly visits feeders, campgrounds and picnic areas.

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Fairly large flycatcher, barely smaller than a robin. Favors open habitats with tall shrubs and trees. Usually seen on an obvious perch. Most similar to Cassin's Kingbird, with a gray head and yellow belly. Cassin's is not as widespread. Western is separated by paler gray head that fades to whiter throat and breast. Also note black tail with white edges (white stripe along vertical edge of outer tail feathers).

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Males are black with red shoulder patch that is sometimes concealed. Males have rusty feather edges in the winter. Females are streaked brown and often confused with sparrows. Look for long, sharply pointed bill. Often in flocks, especially in winter. Visits feeders. Breeds in marshes and scrubby, wet fields. Distinctive song, especially as migrants arrive in early spring.

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Smaller than Baltimore Oriole with smaller, slightly decurved bill. Adult males are rich chestnut brown with black head. Females are dull yellow-green with white wingbars. Immature males similar to females, but with black throat. Prefers open woodlands, river edges, pastures with scattered trees, and orchards. Visits feeders with nectar and fruits. Departs breeding grounds early and heads to wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.

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One of the most common and widespread warblers. Breeds in forested areas with at least some conifers. Found in open woods and shrubby areas during migration and winter, including coastal vegetation, parks, and residential areas. Forages for insects, often sallying out to snatch them in midair. Also eats berries in winter. Often travels in large flocks. Two subspecies: "Audubon's" in the West and "Myrtle" in the East. "Audubon's" has a yellow throat in all plumages. "Myrtle" has whitish throat. Most abundant wintering warbler in the U.S.

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Purple and green back (dark in poor light), white below. Females and immatures are duller on the back, can be dusky gray. Smaller and shorter-tailed than Tree Swallow; also note the extensive white cheek wrapping above the eye and white on rump sides. Often found near water. Nests in cavities.

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Fairly dull vireo, grayish overall, but with dull yellow flanks and greenish back. Note white spectacles contrasting with gray head and two whitish wingbars. Relatively thick bill and slower movements separates this vireo from other small songbirds. Breeds in dry forests and mixed coniferous forests, especially in mountainous areas.

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Attractive jay of oak woodlands and piñon-juniper forests. Royal blue above with gray-brown back and dirty grayish underparts. Flight style is often distinctive, a series of quick wingbeats followed by a stiff glide. Typically in small groups. Listen for their scratchy, nasal calls. Regularly visits backyards and feeders. Western Scrub-Jay was split into two species: Woodhouse's and California Scrub-Jay. California Scrub-Jay, which is brighter and more contrasty is found west of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada.

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Common and conspicuous, this flashy, long-tailed crow relative is unmistakable, and its loud chattering calls are a familiar sound in many areas. Found in open and semiopen areas from farmland and open woodland to towns and gardens, singly or more often in pairs or groups. Bulky stick nest often conspicuous in tall tree or hedgerow. Boldly pied plumage is distinctive, with white belly, white back, and white wing patches. Wings show blue-green gloss in good light.

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Plump, camouflaged shorebird that blends into wet meadows and marshy areas. Similar in shape to American Woodcock but much darker, with brown markings on underparts and striped face. Exceptionally long bill is used for probing into mud. On breeding grounds, watch and listen for aerial flight display, which includes a rapid series of hoot-like noises produced by the outer tail feathers.

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Streaked brown above with distinctive black "V" on breast and yellow below. In flight, short wings and spiky tail with white outer edges are apparent. Bill is as long as the length of head. Beautiful song rings throughout grasslands in summer. Duller plumage in winter, blending into grasses even more. Similar to Eastern Meadowlark. Where ranges overlap in summer, listen for different song and look for yellow malar (more yellow on throat) on Western. In winter, Western is more likely to be in flocks and areas with shorter grass (less pristine, extensive grasslands). Western also has less contrasting head pattern.

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Adult males are stunning: completely electric turquoise blue with limited white belly. Females are gray with blue wings and tail; some can show a rufous wash on breast. Also note thin bill and even longer wings compared with other bluebirds. Forages in open habitats with few trees. Can form large flocks in winter. Frequently perches on wires or fence posts. Nests in cavities.

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Adult males are stunning: completely electric turquoise blue with limited white belly. Females are gray with blue wings and tail; some can show a rufous wash on breast. Also note thin bill and even longer wings compared with other bluebirds. Forages in open habitats with few trees. Can form large flocks in winter. Frequently perches on wires or fence posts. Nests in cavities.

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Frequents suburban settings across North America, along with open woods, brushy field edges, and deserts. Males vary in shades and intensity of red. Some males are yellow or orange. Females are drab gray-brown overall with plain faces and blurry streaks on underparts. Similar to Purple and Cassin's Finch, but House Finch males are more orangey-red with color equally bright on crown, throat, and breast. Red color is mostly restricted to head and upper chest, contrasting with cold gray-brown nape, back, and wings. Pale sides show distinct brown streaks, lacking red tones. Females lack bold face pattern and have more diffuse patterning overall. Often sings loudly in neighborhoods and visits feeders.

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This medium-sized passerine is brown overall with a pale yellow wash on the belly. It is named for the waxy red tips on some of the wing feathers. Also look for the yellow-tipped tail, sleek crest, short bill, and black mask and throat bordered by white. Thin, high-pitched call is distinctive. Usually in flocks in open woods and edges of woodlands. Often perches in tops of leafless trees. Shifts diet from insects to primarily berries in the fall and winter.

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Streaked brown above with distinctive black "V" on breast and yellow below. In flight, short wings and spiky tail with white outer edges are apparent. Bill is as long as the length of head. Beautiful song rings throughout grasslands in summer. Duller plumage in winter, blending into grasses even more. Similar to Eastern Meadowlark. Where ranges overlap in summer, listen for different song and look for yellow malar (more yellow on throat) on Western. In winter, Western is more likely to be in flocks and areas with shorter grass (less pristine, extensive grasslands). Western also has less contrasting head pattern.

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Smaller than White-breasted Nuthatch with bold black-and-white head stripes and reddish-orange underparts (males are brighter than females). Creeps along tree trunks and branches, often upside down. Prefers coniferous forests. Nomadic; their numbers fluctuate from year to year. Visits feeders.

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Adult males are stunning: completely electric turquoise blue with limited white belly. Females are gray with blue wings and tail; some can show a rufous wash on breast. Also note thin bill and even longer wings compared with other bluebirds. Forages in open habitats with few trees. Can form large flocks in winter. Frequently perches on wires or fence posts. Nests in cavities.

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Sleek songbird, a bit smaller than robin and much slimmer. Overall plain medium-gray with short bill, rather long tail, white eyering, and buff patches in wings. Note upright posture and white eyering. Found at higher elevations in the breeding season. Drops into lowlands in the winter. Loves juniper. Song is complex; call is a single, ringing, bell-like note.

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Breeding males are bright blue above with bold white wingbars, white belly, and orange breast. Sing from tops of shrubs during the breeding season. Females are plain buffy brown with faint wingbars and slightly brighter breast. Never shows faint streaks below like female Indigo Bunting often does; throat not as contrastingly white. Found in shrubby, sometimes arid habitats, favoring bushy hillsides and slopes. Occasionally visits feeders.

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Plain olive with uneven white eyering and white wingbars. Males have red crown patch, but it's often hidden. Breeds in tall, dense conifer forests. Found in shrubby habitats, deciduous forests, parks, and suburbs during migration and winter. Gives off an energetic vibe as it moves extremely quickly and flicks its wings. Similar in plumage to Hutton's Vireo, but note tiny bill.

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Adult males are stunning: completely electric turquoise blue with limited white belly. Females are gray with blue wings and tail; some can show a rufous wash on breast. Also note thin bill and even longer wings compared with other bluebirds. Forages in open habitats with few trees. Can form large flocks in winter. Frequently perches on wires or fence posts. Nests in cavities.

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Among the largest birds in North America. The large-bodied, long-legged and small-headed look of a turkey is distinctive. Appears dark from a distance. Often seen in small groups in open fields near woods. Gobbling often audible in the spring and early summer.

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Widespread and abundant in cities, neighborhoods and farms. Avoids dense woods. Flocks cluster in dense bushes, bustling around and chattering to one another. Males have smart black bibs, bright rufous napes, and stunningly patterned wings with brilliant buffs and browns. Underparts are pale pearly-gray. Females are plain brown with cute face and lighter eyebrow. Native to Eurasia; introduced to much of the rest of the world.

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Large, long-tailed sparrow. Breast is plain gray without streaks. Bill color varies from yellow to pink, but always brighter than White-throated Sparrow. Adults have bold black-and-white head pattern and are gray from throat to belly. Immatures are browner. Often in brushy areas, hopping on ground or in low shrubs. Visits feeders.

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Sparrow with incredible variation between populations. All have short pink bills and white outer tail feathers. Often in flocks in winter, foraging on the ground for seeds. Visits feeders. Subspecies include: Slate-colored (widespread), Oregon (West), Pink-sided (Rockies), Gray-headed (Rockies), Red-backed (central Arizona and New Mexico), and White-winged (Colorado in winter).

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Frequents backyards, parks, and suburbs; favors mature deciduous trees. White face contrasts with black cap and blue-gray upperparts; belly is slightly grayer with brown on the undertail. Creeps along tree trunks and branches, often upside down, in search of seeds and insects. Small, roughly sparrow-sized with large head, no neck, and long, slightly upturned bill. Listen for insistent nasal yammering. Visits feeders.

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Runs along ground in open areas, often barren ground with little to no vegetation. Sand, dirt, gravel flats are home, unlike preferences of most songbirds. Appears squatty with short legs and low profile body. Unique black and yellow markings on head. Short black horns occasionally visible. Plain brown above, whitish below. Often in flocks, sometimes with pipits or longspurs.

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Adult males are stunning: completely electric turquoise blue with limited white belly. Females are gray with blue wings and tail; some can show a rufous wash on breast. Also note thin bill and even longer wings compared with other bluebirds. Forages in open habitats with few trees. Can form large flocks in winter. Frequently perches on wires or fence posts. Nests in cavities.

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Sparrow with incredible variation between populations. All have short pink bills and white outer tail feathers. Often in flocks in winter, foraging on the ground for seeds. Visits feeders. Subspecies include: Slate-colored (widespread), Oregon (West), Pink-sided (Rockies), Gray-headed (Rockies), Red-backed (central Arizona and New Mexico), and White-winged (Colorado in winter).

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Adult males are stunning: completely electric turquoise blue with limited white belly. Females are gray with blue wings and tail; some can show a rufous wash on breast. Also note thin bill and even longer wings compared with other bluebirds. Forages in open habitats with few trees. Can form large flocks in winter. Frequently perches on wires or fence posts. Nests in cavities.

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Among the largest birds in North America. The large-bodied, long-legged and small-headed look of a turkey is distinctive. Appears dark from a distance. Often seen in small groups in open fields near woods. Gobbling often audible in the spring and early summer.

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One of the most common and widespread warblers. Breeds in forested areas with at least some conifers. Found in open woods and shrubby areas during migration and winter, including coastal vegetation, parks, and residential areas. Forages for insects, often sallying out to snatch them in midair. Also eats berries in winter. Often travels in large flocks. Two subspecies: "Audubon's" in the West and "Myrtle" in the East. "Audubon's" has a yellow throat in all plumages. "Myrtle" has whitish throat. Most abundant wintering warbler in the U.S.

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Small warbler, olive above with intense yellow throat. Adult males have black masks. Forages for insects, typically in shrubby, wet areas, including marshes, forest edges, and fallow fields. Often hides in thick vegetation. Listen for its ringing "witchity-witchity-witchity" song in spring and summer. Very short, rounded wings, which equates to it being a short-distance migrant: some winter in southern U.S.

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Gray-bodied, black-masked bandit of open areas, both rural and suburban. Power lines and tops of bushes offer the perfect perches for shrikes to spot their prey. Carnivorous habits make shrikes unique among passerines. In flight, watch for white patches in the wings. Feeds on large insects, rodents and small birds. About the size of a robin.

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Information provided by Merlin Bird I.Dtriking, long-tailed sparrow of western North America, from Canada to Mexico. Black above with white spots on wings and back, bright rufous sides, and white belly. Eye is staring red. In flight, note white corners on tail. Forages primarily by hopping along ground, scraping away leaf litter. Inhabits scrubby areas and forest edges with thickets. Males sing from atop shrubs and low trees. Visits feeders.

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Adult males are stunning: completely electric turquoise blue with limited white belly. Females are gray with blue wings and tail; some can show a rufous wash on breast. Also note thin bill and even longer wings compared with other bluebirds. Forages in open habitats with few trees. Can form large flocks in winter. Frequently perches on wires or fence posts. Nests in cavities.

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One of the most common and widespread warblers. Breeds in forested areas with at least some conifers. Found in open woods and shrubby areas during migration and winter, including coastal vegetation, parks, and residential areas. Forages for insects, often sallying out to snatch them in midair. Also eats berries in winter. Often travels in large flocks. Two subspecies: "Audubon's" in the West and "Myrtle" in the East. "Audubon's" has a yellow throat in all plumages. "Myrtle" has whitish throat. Most abundant wintering warbler in the U.S.

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Lanky, fierce-looking, glossy blackbird. A bit larger than a jay; smaller, proportionally longer-tailed and shorter-winged than a crow. Staring yellow eye and long heavy bill (compared to Red-winged Blackbird). Often in flocks with other blackbirds in winter. Forages in fields, scrubby areas, and open woods. Visits feeders.

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Stocky and dark overall. Short tail, triangular wings, and long, pointed bill. Close look reveals beautiful plumage. In breeding season, shows purple and green iridescence on body with yellow bill. In winter, bold white spots cover the entire body. Native to Europe; introduced to North America and other regions worldwide, where it is now abundant. Often in large flocks. Makes variety of squeaky vocalizations, and mimics other species. Visits feeders, and is often aggressive.

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Blue above, light gray below. Black and white markings on wings and tail. Larger than a robin, smaller than a crow. Crest and long tail. Noisy and conspicuous in areas with large trees. Regularly visits feeders.

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Common and conspicuous, this flashy, long-tailed crow relative is unmistakable, and its loud chattering calls are a familiar sound in many areas. Found in open and semiopen areas from farmland and open woodland to towns and gardens, singly or more often in pairs or groups. Bulky stick nest often conspicuous in tall tree or hedgerow. Boldly pied plumage is distinctive, with white belly, white back, and white wing patches. Wings show blue-green gloss in good light.

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Stocky and dark overall. Short tail, triangular wings, and long, pointed bill. Close look reveals beautiful plumage. In breeding season, shows purple and green iridescence on body with yellow bill. In winter, bold white spots cover the entire body. Native to Europe; introduced to North America and other regions worldwide, where it is now abundant. Often in large flocks. Makes variety of squeaky vocalizations, and mimics other species. Visits feeders, and is often aggressive.

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Tiny, long-tailed, fluffy gray balls that are constantly in motion. Active, twittering flocks move quickly through landscapes with low bushes. Distinctly drab gray-brown, always scruffy. In flocks, except when building their nest, a hanging clump of mossy vegetation. Short, black bill. There are multiple populations that differ slightly: eye color ranges from dark to pale, and some have black cheek.

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Small warbler, olive above with intense yellow throat. Adult males have black masks. Forages for insects, typically in shrubby, wet areas, including marshes, forest edges, and fallow fields. Often hides in thick vegetation. Listen for its ringing "witchity-witchity-witchity" song in spring and summer. Very short, rounded wings, which equates to it being a short-distance migrant: some winter in southern U.S.

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Common and conspicuous, this flashy, long-tailed crow relative is unmistakable, and its loud chattering calls are a familiar sound in many areas. Found in open and semiopen areas from farmland and open woodland to towns and gardens, singly or more often in pairs or groups. Bulky stick nest often conspicuous in tall tree or hedgerow. Boldly pied plumage is distinctive, with white belly, white back, and white wing patches. Wings show blue-green gloss in good light.

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Medium-sized woodpecker that breeds in montane forests, often in aspens or willows. Much like Yellow-bellied Sapsucker of the east, but little range overlap. Bold white slash on the wing separates from other woodpeckers; bold black, white, and red face pattern and white mottling on back separates from Red-breasted Sapsucker. Drills neat rows of shallow holes into bark for sap; mostly forages for small insects. Nests in cavities.

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Small warbler, olive above with intense yellow throat. Adult males have black masks. Forages for insects, typically in shrubby, wet areas, including marshes, forest edges, and fallow fields. Often hides in thick vegetation. Listen for its ringing "witchity-witchity-witchity" song in spring and summer. Very short, rounded wings, which equates to it being a short-distance migrant: some winter in southern U.S.

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Nondescript warbler, generally olive overall, but different populations vary from grayer to brighter yellow. Overall very plain, but note darkish line through eye and thin pale eye arcs. Forages for insects in scrubby areas at edges of woods or low, thick shrubs. Bill is more sharply pointed than most other warblers. More common in the western U.S. and Mexico, where populations are brighter yellow-green. Birds in the eastern U.S. are scarcer and drabber gray. Bright yellow undertail coverts help separate it from similarly drab Tennessee Warbler. Winters in southern U.S. through Central America.

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True to its name, prefers rocky areas, especially rocky slopes. Often perches conspicuously and bobs up and down. Pale grayish wren with whitish throat, buffy sides, and long, slightly decurved bill. Tiny speckles on back and wings like grains of sand. Undertail coverts barred black and white. Paler overall than Canyon Wren with a pale, buffy belly. Listen for its ringing vocalization. Sexes alike.

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Medium-sized woodpecker that breeds in montane forests, often in aspens or willows. Much like Yellow-bellied Sapsucker of the east, but little range overlap. Bold white slash on the wing separates from other woodpeckers; bold black, white, and red face pattern and white mottling on back separates from Red-breasted Sapsucker. Drills neat rows of shallow holes into bark for sap; mostly forages for small insects. Nests in cavities.

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Tiny, plump-bodied, big-headed bird is a familiar woodland resident and backyard visitor in the northern U.S. and Canada. Gray overall with buffy flanks and a contrasting head pattern: black cap, white cheek, and black throat. Short, stubby bill is used for hammering open seeds. Often the core of mixed flocks of songbirds. Visits feeders. Nearly identical to Carolina Chickadee, but note voice and range.

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Gray-bodied, black-masked bandit of open areas, both rural and suburban. Power lines and tops of bushes offer the perfect perches for shrikes to spot their prey. Carnivorous habits make shrikes unique among passerines. In flight, watch for white patches in the wings. Feeds on large insects, rodents and small birds. About the size of a robin.

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The smallest thrasher; crisp black streaking on underparts unlike most other western thrashers. Grayish brown with buffy wash on belly and sides and thin white wingbars. Long tail. Small, slightly downcurved bill. In flight, look for white corners on tail. True to its name, shows a strong affinity for sagebrush. Singing males perch conspicuously, otherwise furtive, running around on the ground in search of insects. Song is a long, loose series of musical chirps and whistles.

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Recognizable even at a distance by its extremely long forked tail and dark rump. Spends a lot of time in flight, zipping over fields and ponds in search of insects. Appears dark above (navy blue in good light) and buffy to white below. Typically nests near people, in barns, under docks and other structures.

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Chunky, thick-billed sparrow that prefers shortgrass prairie. Breeding males are black with a bold white wing patch. Thick blue-gray bill. Nonbreeding males and females are overall streaky brown, but still show white wing patch. Found in open areas from grassland to desert to agricultural areas. Feeds on insects and seeds. Often gathers in huge flocks in winter. Usually seen on or near the ground.

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Chunky, thick-billed sparrow that prefers shortgrass prairie. Breeding males are black with a bold white wing patch. Thick blue-gray bill. Nonbreeding males and females are overall streaky brown, but still show white wing patch. Found in open areas from grassland to desert to agricultural areas. Feeds on insects and seeds. Often gathers in huge flocks in winter. Usually seen on or near the ground.

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Tiny. Widespread and familiar woodland resident and backyard visitor. Its black-and-white plumage is nearly identical to larger Hairy Woodpecker, but note short bill (shorter than the head) and black markings on white outer tail feathers. Readily visits feeders, especially for suet. Nests in cavities.

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Dark brown to black above and clean white below. White tail tip. Flycatcher about the size of a robin. Perches out in the open; often seen on tops of tall trees, snags on forest edges, fences, and utility lines. Watches for large insects and makes quick flights to snatch them. Unique, metallic twittering song often heard in summer. Winters in South America.

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Fairly large songbird with round body, long legs, and longish tail. Gray above with warm orange underparts and blackish head. Hops across lawns and stands erect with its bill often tilted upward. In fall and winter, forms large flocks and gathers in trees to roost or eat berries. Common across North America in gardens, parks, yards, golf courses, fields, pastures, and many other wooded habitats.

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Robin-sized bird; pale gray overall with black mask. Breeds in open forests and shrubby areas in far northern Canada and Alaska; moves south in winter. Found in open areas with prominent perches, including power lines and short treetops that offer perfect vantages for shrikes to spot their prey. Carnivorous habits make shrikes unique among passerines. In flight, watch for white patches in the wings. Feeds on rodents and small birds.

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Stout bill. Short tail and stocky body. Males are glossy black with chocolate brown head. Females are gray-brown overall, without bold streaks, but slightly paler throat. Juveniles streaked brown. Found in open woods, farmland, and stockyards. Forages by walking on the ground. Often in flocks with other blackbirds in winter. Visits feeders. Unpopular due to their parasitic habit of laying eggs in nests of other birds.

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Adult males are bright yellow with black back and red head. Females are dull yellow with grayish wings and two yellow wingbars. Breeds mainly in coniferous forests at higher elevation. Often high in trees; listen for male's burry song. Winters in Central America.

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At home in suburbs, parks, rural farmland, and other open areas with thick tangles. In the breeding season, it is often singing its effervescent song from the top of a bush or fence post. Plumage doesn't show much contrast: plain brown overall, slightly paler below, with some dark barring on the wings and tail. Lacks white eyebrow. In winter they are more secretive, preferring brushy tangles, thickets, and hedgerows.

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Medium-sized songbird, smaller than a robin, with a smooth gray body, black cap, and rusty-red undertail. Sometimes mimics other species in complex, jumbled song. Prefers dense shrubs and small trees in forest edges, streamside thickets, and old fields. Occasionally feeds on suet.

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Frequents suburban settings across North America, along with open woods, brushy field edges, and deserts. Males vary in shades and intensity of red. Some males are yellow or orange. Females are drab gray-brown overall with plain faces and blurry streaks on underparts. Similar to Purple and Cassin's Finch, but House Finch males are more orangey-red with color equally bright on crown, throat, and breast. Red color is mostly restricted to head and upper chest, contrasting with cold gray-brown nape, back, and wings. Pale sides show distinct brown streaks, lacking red tones. Females lack bold face pattern and have more diffuse patterning overall. Often sings loudly in neighborhoods and visits feeders.

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This medium-sized passerine is brown overall with a pale yellow wash on the belly. It is named for the waxy red tips on some of the wing feathers. Also look for the yellow-tipped tail, sleek crest, short bill, and black mask and throat bordered by white. Thin, high-pitched call is distinctive. Usually in flocks in open woods and edges of woodlands. Often perches in tops of leafless trees. Shifts diet from insects to primarily berries in the fall and winter.

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Drab grayish flycatcher found in forested areas and edges. Usually seen on a high perch as it watches for prey, then sallies out to snatch insects. After these short flights, it often (but not always) returns to the same perch. Nondescript plumage with dull wingbars. Note the song, which is a buzzy, descending "BREeerr." Looks nearly identical to Eastern Wood-Pewee, but separated by range.

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One of the most common and widespread sparrows. Found in a variety of scrubby habitats both near and far from human development. Significant variation in plumage geographically. Look for thick brown streaks on whitish breast. Larger, longer-tailed and more rusty than Savannah Sparrow. Frequently visits feeders.

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Runs along ground in open areas, often barren ground with little to no vegetation. Sand, dirt, gravel flats are home, unlike preferences of most songbirds. Appears squatty with short legs and low profile body. Unique black and yellow markings on head. Short black horns occasionally visible. Plain brown above, whitish below. Often in flocks, sometimes with pipits or longspurs.

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At home in suburbs, parks, rural farmland, and other open areas with thick tangles. In the breeding season, it is often singing its effervescent song from the top of a bush or fence post. Plumage doesn't show much contrast: plain brown overall, slightly paler below, with some dark barring on the wings and tail. Lacks white eyebrow. In winter they are more secretive, preferring brushy tangles, thickets, and hedgerows.

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Common hummingbird of high elevations. Breeds in open woodland with meadows and scrub. In winter, found at lower elevations. Male is distinctive in range with beautiful rosy-red throat and glistening green upperparts. Female is duller with buffy sides and speckled throat. Note broadly rounded tail feathers with restricted rufous. Feeds on nectar and small insects. Visits feeders.

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Tiny, plump-bodied, big-headed bird is a familiar woodland resident and backyard visitor in the northern U.S. and Canada. Gray overall with buffy flanks and a contrasting head pattern: black cap, white cheek, and black throat. Short, stubby bill is used for hammering open seeds. Often the core of mixed flocks of songbirds. Visits feeders. Nearly identical to Carolina Chickadee, but note voice and range.

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Tiny. Widespread and familiar woodland resident and backyard visitor. Its black-and-white plumage is nearly identical to larger Hairy Woodpecker, but note short bill (shorter than the head) and black markings on white outer tail feathers. Readily visits feeders, especially for suet. Nests in cavities.

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Widespread and familiar woodland resident and backyard visitor. Its black-and-white plumage is nearly identical to the smaller Downy Woodpecker, but note longer bill (about the length of the head) and clean white outer tail feathers. Readily visits feeders, especially suet. Nests in cavities.

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Large, brown woodpecker with black barring on the back and black spots on the belly. Easily recognized in flight by its bright white rump. Also note large black crescent-shaped mark on breast. Underwings are yellow or red, depending on the subspecies. Generally "Yellow-shafted" is found in eastern and northern North America, and "Red-shafted" in the West south through Mexico. Often seen feeding on the ground in lawns, where they eat lots of ants and worms. Nests in cavities.

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Sparrow with incredible variation between populations. All have short pink bills and white outer tail feathers. Often in flocks in winter, foraging on the ground for seeds. Visits feeders. Subspecies include: Slate-colored (widespread), Oregon (West), Pink-sided (Rockies), Gray-headed (Rockies), Red-backed (central Arizona and New Mexico), and White-winged (Colorado in winter).

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Medium-sized songbird, smaller than a robin, with a smooth gray body, black cap, and rusty-red undertail. Sometimes mimics other species in complex, jumbled song. Prefers dense shrubs and small trees in forest edges, streamside thickets, and old fields. Occasionally feeds on suet.

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One of the most common and widespread warblers. Breeds in forested areas with at least some conifers. Found in open woods and shrubby areas during migration and winter, including coastal vegetation, parks, and residential areas. Forages for insects, often sallying out to snatch them in midair. Also eats berries in winter. Often travels in large flocks. Two subspecies: "Audubon's" in the West and "Myrtle" in the East. "Audubon's" has a yellow throat in all plumages. "Myrtle" has whitish throat. Most abundant wintering warbler in the U.S.

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Adult males are almost entirely orange with bright white chest and some green on the back (can be solid green like Allen's Hummingbird). Throat is iridescent, and depending on the light, can look anywhere from red to orange to yellow to lime green. On females and immatures, look for orange on sides and tail to separate from Anna's and Black-chinned. Found in a variety of wooded habitats; more common in migration in suburbs, meadows, and other brushier areas. Feeds on nectar and tiny insects.

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Adult males are stunning: completely electric turquoise blue with limited white belly. Females are gray with blue wings and tail; some can show a rufous wash on breast. Also note thin bill and even longer wings compared with other bluebirds. Forages in open habitats with few trees. Can form large flocks in winter. Frequently perches on wires or fence posts. Nests in cavities.

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At home in suburbs, parks, rural farmland, and other open areas with thick tangles. In the breeding season, it is often singing its effervescent song from the top of a bush or fence post. Plumage doesn't show much contrast: plain brown overall, slightly paler below, with some dark barring on the wings and tail. Lacks white eyebrow. In winter they are more secretive, preferring brushy tangles, thickets, and hedgerows.

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Adult males have dark blue head, back, and wings. Breast and sides are deep orange with orange sometimes bleeding onto back. Females are grayer overall with orange on breast, blue usually restricted to wings and tail. Favors fields with some trees and open woods. Often in small groups. Frequently perches on wires or fence posts. Nests in cavities. Range barely overlaps Eastern Bluebird, but note orange on back of males and grayer belly and sides of neck on female.

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Common hummingbird of high elevations. Breeds in open woodland with meadows and scrub. In winter, found at lower elevations. Male is distinctive in range with beautiful rosy-red throat and glistening green upperparts. Female is duller with buffy sides and speckled throat. Note broadly rounded tail feathers with restricted rufous. Feeds on nectar and small insects. Visits feeders.

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Half black, half blue. Long, black crest. Found in evergreen forests of western United States south through Mexico to Nicaragua. Larger than a robin, smaller than a crow. Populations in the Interior have more white above eye than Pacific populations. Often in flocks and calling frequently. Regularly visits feeders, campgrounds and picnic areas.

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Adult males are bright orange with black restricted to the back, throat, and crown. Prominent white wing patch. Females have yellow-orange head and grayish back. Immature males similar to females, but with black throat. Breeds in riparian corridors and open woods. Visits feeders with nectar and fruits. Sometimes hybridizes with Baltimore Oriole.

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Blue above, light gray below. Black and white markings on wings and tail. Larger than a robin, smaller than a crow. Crest and long tail. Noisy and conspicuous in areas with large trees. Regularly visits feeders.

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Adult males are bright orange with black restricted to the back, throat, and crown. Prominent white wing patch. Females have yellow-orange head and grayish back. Immature males similar to females, but with black throat. Breeds in riparian corridors and open woods. Visits feeders with nectar and fruits. Sometimes hybridizes with Baltimore Oriole.

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Stout bill. Short tail and stocky body. Males are glossy black with chocolate brown head. Females are gray-brown overall, without bold streaks, but slightly paler throat. Juveniles streaked brown. Found in open woods, farmland, and stockyards. Forages by walking on the ground. Often in flocks with other blackbirds in winter. Visits feeders. Unpopular due to their parasitic habit of laying eggs in nests of other birds.

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Lanky, fierce-looking, glossy blackbird. A bit larger than a jay; smaller, proportionally longer-tailed and shorter-winged than a crow. Staring yellow eye and long heavy bill (compared to Red-winged Blackbird). Often in flocks with other blackbirds in winter. Forages in fields, scrubby areas, and open woods. Visits feeders.

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Larger version of similar Indigo Bunting, with thicker bill. Adult males are dark blue with rufous wingbars. Females are rich plain brown. Found in overgrown fields with hedgerows and bushy areas. Occasionally visits feeders.

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Fairly large flycatcher, barely smaller than a robin. Favors open habitats with tall shrubs and trees. Usually seen on an obvious perch. Most similar to Cassin's Kingbird, with a gray head and yellow belly. Cassin's is not as widespread. Western is separated by paler gray head that fades to whiter throat and breast. Also note black tail with white edges (white stripe along vertical edge of outer tail feathers).

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Purple and green back (dark in poor light), white below. Females and immatures are duller on the back, can be dusky gray. Smaller and shorter-tailed than Tree Swallow; also note the extensive white cheek wrapping above the eye and white on rump sides. Often found near water. Nests in cavities.

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Runs along ground in open areas, often barren ground with little to no vegetation. Sand, dirt, gravel flats are home, unlike preferences of most songbirds. Appears squatty with short legs and low profile body. Unique black and yellow markings on head. Short black horns occasionally visible. Plain brown above, whitish below. Often in flocks, sometimes with pipits or longspurs.

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The smallest thrasher; crisp black streaking on underparts unlike most other western thrashers. Grayish brown with buffy wash on belly and sides and thin white wingbars. Long tail. Small, slightly downcurved bill. In flight, look for white corners on tail. True to its name, shows a strong affinity for sagebrush. Singing males perch conspicuously, otherwise furtive, running around on the ground in search of insects. Song is a long, loose series of musical chirps and whistles.

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Jumbo-sized, long-tailed warbler with thick bill; almost a mix between a warbler and tanager. Bright yellow throat and breast, contrasting white spectacles, and dull olive-green upperparts. Known for its skulking habits. Often difficult to see in dense thickets, shrubby areas, and field edges. In breeding season, however, males sit on conspicuous perches to sing. Song is variable series of slow whistles, hoots, and chatters. Feeds mainly on insects; also fruit in winter.

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Large sparrow with unique color pattern: gray body, fairly bright greenish wings and tail, rufous crown, and white throat. Forages on the ground or in dense shrubs primarily for seeds and insects. Favors disturbed areas in montane forest and open slopes for breeding. In winter, they join mixed species flocks in dense mesquite areas of desert washes. Rarely visits feeders. Nasal call note is unique.

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Large sparrow with unique color pattern: gray body, fairly bright greenish wings and tail, rufous crown, and white throat. Forages on the ground or in dense shrubs primarily for seeds and insects. Favors disturbed areas in montane forest and open slopes for breeding. In winter, they join mixed species flocks in dense mesquite areas of desert washes. Rarely visits feeders. Nasal call note is unique.

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Tiny, long-tailed, with a thin bill. Soft blue-gray upperparts and slightly paler underparts. Note the thin white eyering. Males have black forehead. Forages for insects with diverse songbird flocks in a variety of wooded or brushy habitats. Active and twitchy; tail often seems loose. When separating from Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, try to confirm tail pattern from below: nearly all white, not black.

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Breeding males are bright blue above with bold white wingbars, white belly, and orange breast. Sing from tops of shrubs during the breeding season. Females are plain buffy brown with faint wingbars and slightly brighter breast. Never shows faint streaks below like female Indigo Bunting often does; throat not as contrastingly white. Found in shrubby, sometimes arid habitats, favoring bushy hillsides and slopes. Occasionally visits feeders.

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Tiny yellowish finch. Blackish conical bill is stout, but sharply pointed. Long wings are black with one white wingbar and large white patch at the base of the primaries. Small head. Short notched tail. Adult males have either green or black (Texas to South America) back. Regularly visits feeders. Females similar to American Goldfinch; note bill shape and color, usually more yellowish undertail coverts, less distinct wingbars, and more obvious white patch at base of primaries.

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Compact swallow with a short tail. Looks slightly rounder winged than other swallows. Nests under bridges, overpasses, and culverts. Often sticks out among a flock of other swallows with its pale orangey rump. Cave Swallow also has a pale rump, but note Cliff's darker throat, white forehead, and different range.

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Typically yellow overall, but some immatures can be almost completely gray. Some have reddish-brown streaks below. Always looks uniform and plain-faced. Forages for insects in wooded and shrubby areas, often fairly low to the ground. Favors riparian habitats, edges of ponds, marshes, and woods, particularly where willows are present. Winters in Central America.

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Frequents suburban settings across North America, along with open woods, brushy field edges, and deserts. Males vary in shades and intensity of red. Some males are yellow or orange. Females are drab gray-brown overall with plain faces and blurry streaks on underparts. Similar to Purple and Cassin's Finch, but House Finch males are more orangey-red with color equally bright on crown, throat, and breast. Red color is mostly restricted to head and upper chest, contrasting with cold gray-brown nape, back, and wings. Pale sides show distinct brown streaks, lacking red tones. Females lack bold face pattern and have more diffuse patterning overall. Often sings loudly in neighborhoods and visits feeders.

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Adult males are bright orange with black restricted to the back, throat, and crown. Prominent white wing patch. Females have yellow-orange head and grayish back. Immature males similar to females, but with black throat. Breeds in riparian corridors and open woods. Visits feeders with nectar and fruits. Sometimes hybridizes with Baltimore Oriole.

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Medium-sized songbird, smaller than a robin, with a smooth gray body, black cap, and rusty-red undertail. Sometimes mimics other species in complex, jumbled song. Prefers dense shrubs and small trees in forest edges, streamside thickets, and old fields. Occasionally feeds on suet.

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Adult males are bright orange with black restricted to the back, throat, and crown. Prominent white wing patch. Females have yellow-orange head and grayish back. Immature males similar to females, but with black throat. Breeds in riparian corridors and open woods. Visits feeders with nectar and fruits. Sometimes hybridizes with Baltimore Oriole.

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Males are black with red shoulder patch that is sometimes concealed. Males have rusty feather edges in the winter. Females are streaked brown and often confused with sparrows. Look for long, sharply pointed bill. Often in flocks, especially in winter. Visits feeders. Breeds in marshes and scrubby, wet fields. Distinctive song, especially as migrants arrive in early spring.

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Larger version of similar Indigo Bunting, with thicker bill. Adult males are dark blue with rufous wingbars. Females are rich plain brown. Found in overgrown fields with hedgerows and bushy areas. Occasionally visits feeders.

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Medium-sized flycatcher, smaller than a robin. Found in various open habitats. Plumage separates this bird from other flycatchers; head and upperparts are gray, but lower belly is warm salmon-color and tail is black.

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Recognizable even at a distance by its extremely long forked tail and dark rump. Spends a lot of time in flight, zipping over fields and ponds in search of insects. Appears dark above (navy blue in good light) and buffy to white below. Typically nests near people, in barns, under docks and other structures.

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Smaller than Baltimore Oriole with smaller, slightly decurved bill. Adult males are rich chestnut brown with black head. Females are dull yellow-green with white wingbars. Immature males similar to females, but with black throat. Prefers open woodlands, river edges, pastures with scattered trees, and orchards. Visits feeders with nectar and fruits. Departs breeding grounds early and heads to wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.

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Very common, widespread dove. Almost half the size of Rock Pigeon. Chunky body, small head and pointed tail. Brown with dark spots on wings. Pinkish-beige belly is slightly paler than wings. Found in a variety of habitats with some shrubs and trees; loves suburbs. Avoids dense forest, but found on forest edges.

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Adult males are bright orange with black restricted to the back, throat, and crown. Prominent white wing patch. Females have yellow-orange head and grayish back. Immature males similar to females, but with black throat. Breeds in riparian corridors and open woods. Visits feeders with nectar and fruits. Sometimes hybridizes with Baltimore Oriole.

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Large and boldly patterned sparrow. Look for unique black, white, and rufous face pattern, brighter on adults and duller on immatures. Favors open areas with scattered trees when breeding; often forms flocks in brushy areas in winter. Usually feeds on the ground and flies up into trees when disturbed. In flight, notice long tail with broad white corners.

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Typically yellow overall, but some immatures can be almost completely gray. Some have reddish-brown streaks below. Always looks uniform and plain-faced. Forages for insects in wooded and shrubby areas, often fairly low to the ground. Favors riparian habitats, edges of ponds, marshes, and woods, particularly where willows are present. Winters in Central America.

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Medium-sized songbird, smaller than a robin, with a smooth gray body, black cap, and rusty-red undertail. Sometimes mimics other species in complex, jumbled song. Prefers dense shrubs and small trees in forest edges, streamside thickets, and old fields. Occasionally feeds on suet.

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Typically yellow overall, but some immatures can be almost completely gray. Some have reddish-brown streaks below. Always looks uniform and plain-faced. Forages for insects in wooded and shrubby areas, often fairly low to the ground. Favors riparian habitats, edges of ponds, marshes, and woods, particularly where willows are present. Winters in Central America.

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Medium-sized songbird, smaller than a robin, with a smooth gray body, black cap, and rusty-red undertail. Sometimes mimics other species in complex, jumbled song. Prefers dense shrubs and small trees in forest edges, streamside thickets, and old fields. Occasionally feeds on suet.

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Fairly large flycatcher, barely smaller than a robin. Favors open habitats with tall shrubs and trees. Usually seen on an obvious perch. Most similar to Cassin's Kingbird, with a gray head and yellow belly. Cassin's is not as widespread. Western is separated by paler gray head that fades to whiter throat and breast. Also note black tail with white edges (white stripe along vertical edge of outer tail feathers).

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Dark brown to black above and clean white below. White tail tip. Flycatcher about the size of a robin. Perches out in the open; often seen on tops of tall trees, snags on forest edges, fences, and utility lines. Watches for large insects and makes quick flights to snatch them. Unique, metallic twittering song often heard in summer. Winters in South America.

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Large and boldly patterned sparrow. Look for unique black, white, and rufous face pattern, brighter on adults and duller on immatures. Favors open areas with scattered trees when breeding; often forms flocks in brushy areas in winter. Usually feeds on the ground and flies up into trees when disturbed. In flight, notice long tail with broad white corners.

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Adult males are bright orange with black restricted to the back, throat, and crown. Prominent white wing patch. Females have yellow-orange head and grayish back. Immature males similar to females, but with black throat. Breeds in riparian corridors and open woods. Visits feeders with nectar and fruits. Sometimes hybridizes with Baltimore Oriole.

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Recognizable even at a distance by its extremely long forked tail and dark rump. Spends a lot of time in flight, zipping over fields and ponds in search of insects. Appears dark above (navy blue in good light) and buffy to white below. Typically nests near people, in barns, under docks and other structures.

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Males are black with red shoulder patch that is sometimes concealed. Males have rusty feather edges in the winter. Females are streaked brown and often confused with sparrows. Look for long, sharply pointed bill. Often in flocks, especially in winter. Visits feeders. Breeds in marshes and scrubby, wet fields. Distinctive song, especially as migrants arrive in early spring.

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Dark brown to black above and clean white below. White tail tip. Flycatcher about the size of a robin. Perches out in the open; often seen on tops of tall trees, snags on forest edges, fences, and utility lines. Watches for large insects and makes quick flights to snatch them. Unique, metallic twittering song often heard in summer. Winters in South America.

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Among the largest birds in North America. The large-bodied, long-legged and small-headed look of a turkey is distinctive. Appears dark from a distance. Often seen in small groups in open fields near woods. Gobbling often audible in the spring and early summer.

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Common hummingbird of high elevations. Breeds in open woodland with meadows and scrub. In winter, found at lower elevations. Male is distinctive in range with beautiful rosy-red throat and glistening green upperparts. Female is duller with buffy sides and speckled throat. Note broadly rounded tail feathers with restricted rufous. Feeds on nectar and small insects. Visits feeders.

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Blue above, light gray below. Black and white markings on wings and tail. Larger than a robin, smaller than a crow. Crest and long tail. Noisy and conspicuous in areas with large trees. Regularly visits feeders.

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Large dove common in cities, farmland, and on grain elevators around the world. Wild birds often nest on cliffs, while the feral variety has readily adapted to nest on tall structures including skyscrapers and bridges. Wide array of feral and domestic color varieties; most are gray but can be completely black, white, or orangey-brown.

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Among the largest birds in North America. The large-bodied, long-legged and small-headed look of a turkey is distinctive. Appears dark from a distance. Often seen in small groups in open fields near woods. Gobbling often audible in the spring and early summer.

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Streaked brown above with distinctive black "V" on breast and yellow below. In flight, short wings and spiky tail with white outer edges are apparent. Bill is as long as the length of head. Beautiful song rings throughout grasslands in summer. Duller plumage in winter, blending into grasses even more. Similar to Eastern Meadowlark. Where ranges overlap in summer, listen for different song and look for yellow malar (more yellow on throat) on Western. In winter, Western is more likely to be in flocks and areas with shorter grass (less pristine, extensive grasslands). Western also has less contrasting head pattern.

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Large, brown woodpecker with black barring on the back and black spots on the belly. Easily recognized in flight by its bright white rump. Also note large black crescent-shaped mark on breast. Underwings are yellow or red, depending on the subspecies. Generally "Yellow-shafted" is found in eastern and northern North America, and "Red-shafted" in the West south through Mexico. Often seen feeding on the ground in lawns, where they eat lots of ants and worms. Nests in cavities.

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Medium-sized songbird, smaller than a robin, with a smooth gray body, black cap, and rusty-red undertail. Sometimes mimics other species in complex, jumbled song. Prefers dense shrubs and small trees in forest edges, streamside thickets, and old fields. Occasionally feeds on suet.

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Among the largest birds in North America. The large-bodied, long-legged and small-headed look of a turkey is distinctive. Appears dark from a distance. Often seen in small groups in open fields near woods. Gobbling often audible in the spring and early summer.

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Lanky, fierce-looking, glossy blackbird. A bit larger than a jay; smaller, proportionally longer-tailed and shorter-winged than a crow. Staring yellow eye and long heavy bill (compared to Red-winged Blackbird). Often in flocks with other blackbirds in winter. Forages in fields, scrubby areas, and open woods. Visits feeders

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Exceptionally long, pointed tail sets pheasant apart from other chicken-like birds. Males beautifully patterned in orange, gold, and gray. Red facial skin and white ring around neck obvious on male. Females duller buffy-brown. Inhabits fields, hedgerows, and brushy areas. Introduced to many areas from Eurasia.

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Males are black with red shoulder patch that is sometimes concealed. Males have rusty feather edges in the winter. Females are streaked brown and often confused with sparrows. Look for long, sharply pointed bill. Often in flocks, especially in winter. Visits feeders. Breeds in marshes and scrubby, wet fields. Distinctive song, especially as migrants arrive in early spring.

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Stout bill. Short tail and stocky body. Males are glossy black with chocolate brown head. Females are gray-brown overall, without bold streaks, but slightly paler throat. Juveniles streaked brown. Found in open woods, farmland, and stockyards. Forages by walking on the ground. Often in flocks with other blackbirds in winter. Visits feeders. Unpopular due to their parasitic habit of laying eggs in nests of other birds.

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Small finch. Sharply pointed bill is pink in summer, grayish-brown in winter. Small head, long wings, and short, notched tail. Adult males in spring and summer are bright yellow with black forehead and wings. Females are dull yellow below and olive above with two distinct wingbars. In winter, they are drab, buffy-brown. Active and acrobatic. Sometimes in large numbers at feeders or on ground below. Found in weedy fields, cultivated areas, roadsides, orchards, and backyards.

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Small finch. Sharply pointed bill is pink in summer, grayish-brown in winter. Small head, long wings, and short, notched tail. Adult males in spring and summer are bright yellow with black forehead and wings. Females are dull yellow below and olive above with two distinct wingbars. In winter, they are drab, buffy-brown. Active and acrobatic. Sometimes in large numbers at feeders or on ground below. Found in weedy fields, cultivated areas, roadsides, orchards, and backyards.

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Lanky, fierce-looking, glossy blackbird. A bit larger than a jay; smaller, proportionally longer-tailed and shorter-winged than a crow. Staring yellow eye and long heavy bill (compared to Red-winged Blackbird). Often in flocks with other blackbirds in winter. Forages in fields, scrubby areas, and open woods. Visits feeders

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Fairly large songbird with round body, long legs, and longish tail. Gray above with warm orange underparts and blackish head. Hops across lawns and stands erect with its bill often tilted upward. In fall and winter, forms large flocks and gathers in trees to roost or eat berries. Common across North America in gardens, parks, yards, golf courses, fields, pastures, and many other wooded habitats.

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Exceptionally long, pointed tail sets pheasant apart from other chicken-like birds. Males beautifully patterned in orange, gold, and gray. Red facial skin and white ring around neck obvious on male. Females duller buffy-brown. Inhabits fields, hedgerows, and brushy areas. Introduced to many areas from Eurasia.

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Exceptionally long, pointed tail sets pheasant apart from other chicken-like birds. Males beautifully patterned in orange, gold, and gray. Red facial skin and white ring around neck obvious on male. Females duller buffy-brown. Inhabits fields, hedgerows, and brushy areas. Introduced to many areas from Eurasia.

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Small finch. Sharply pointed bill is pink in summer, grayish-brown in winter. Small head, long wings, and short, notched tail. Adult males in spring and summer are bright yellow with black forehead and wings. Females are dull yellow below and olive above with two distinct wingbars. In winter, they are drab, buffy-brown. Active and acrobatic. Sometimes in large numbers at feeders or on ground below. Found in weedy fields, cultivated areas, roadsides, orchards, and backyards.

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Fairly large songbird with round body, long legs, and longish tail. Gray above with warm orange underparts and blackish head. Hops across lawns and stands erect with its bill often tilted upward. In fall and winter, forms large flocks and gathers in trees to roost or eat berries. Common across North America in gardens, parks, yards, golf courses, fields, pastures, and many other wooded habitats.

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Larger version of similar Indigo Bunting, with thicker bill. Adult males are dark blue with rufous wingbars. Females are rich plain brown. Found in overgrown fields with hedgerows and bushy areas. Occasionally visits feeders.

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Small finch. Sharply pointed bill is pink in summer, grayish-brown in winter. Small head, long wings, and short, notched tail. Adult males in spring and summer are bright yellow with black forehead and wings. Females are dull yellow below and olive above with two distinct wingbars. In winter, they are drab, buffy-brown. Active and acrobatic. Sometimes in large numbers at feeders or on ground below. Found in weedy fields, cultivated areas, roadsides, orchards, and backyards.

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Frequents suburban settings across North America, along with open woods, brushy field edges, and deserts. Males vary in shades and intensity of red. Some males are yellow or orange. Females are drab gray-brown overall with plain faces and blurry streaks on underparts. Similar to Purple and Cassin's Finch, but House Finch males are more orangey-red with color equally bright on crown, throat, and breast. Red color is mostly restricted to head and upper chest, contrasting with cold gray-brown nape, back, and wings. Pale sides show distinct brown streaks, lacking red tones. Females lack bold face pattern and have more diffuse patterning overall. Often sings loudly in neighborhoods and visits feeders.

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At home in suburbs, parks, rural farmland, and other open areas with thick tangles. In the breeding season, it is often singing its effervescent song from the top of a bush or fence post. Plumage doesn't show much contrast: plain brown overall, slightly paler below, with some dark barring on the wings and tail. Lacks white eyebrow. In winter they are more secretive, preferring brushy tangles, thickets, and hedgerows.

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Fairly large flycatcher, barely smaller than a robin. Favors open habitats with tall shrubs and trees. Usually seen on an obvious perch. Most similar to Cassin's Kingbird, with a gray head and yellow belly. Cassin's is not as widespread. Western is separated by paler gray head that fades to whiter throat and breast. Also note black tail with white edges (white stripe along vertical edge of outer tail feathers).

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Common and conspicuous, this flashy, long-tailed crow relative is unmistakable, and its loud chattering calls are a familiar sound in many areas. Found in open and semiopen areas from farmland and open woodland to towns and gardens, singly or more often in pairs or groups. Bulky stick nest often conspicuous in tall tree or hedgerow. Boldly pied plumage is distinctive, with white belly, white back, and white wing patches. Wings show blue-green gloss in good light.

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Fairly large songbird with round body, long legs, and longish tail. Gray above with warm orange underparts and blackish head. Hops across lawns and stands erect with its bill often tilted upward. In fall and winter, forms large flocks and gathers in trees to roost or eat berries. Common across North America in gardens, parks, yards, golf courses, fields, pastures, and many other wooded habitats.

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Robin-sized bird; pale gray overall with black mask. Breeds in open forests and shrubby areas in far northern Canada and Alaska; moves south in winter. Found in open areas with prominent perches, including power lines and short treetops that offer perfect vantages for shrikes to spot their prey. Carnivorous habits make shrikes unique among passerines. In flight, watch for white patches in the wings. Feeds on rodents and small birds.

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Common hummingbird of high elevations. Breeds in open woodland with meadows and scrub. In winter, found at lower elevations. Male is distinctive in range with beautiful rosy-red throat and glistening green upperparts. Female is duller with buffy sides and speckled throat. Note broadly rounded tail feathers with restricted rufous. Feeds on nectar and small insects. Visits feeders.

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Common hummingbird of high elevations. Breeds in open woodland with meadows and scrub. In winter, found at lower elevations. Male is distinctive in range with beautiful rosy-red throat and glistening green upperparts. Female is duller with buffy sides and speckled throat. Note broadly rounded tail feathers with restricted rufous. Feeds on nectar and small insects. Visits feeders.

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Recognizable even at a distance by its extremely long forked tail and dark rump. Spends a lot of time in flight, zipping over fields and ponds in search of insects. Appears dark above (navy blue in good light) and buffy to white below. Typically nests near people, in barns, under docks and other structures.

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Large, brown woodpecker with black barring on the back and black spots on the belly. Easily recognized in flight by its bright white rump. Also note large black crescent-shaped mark on breast. Underwings are yellow or red, depending on the subspecies. Generally "Yellow-shafted" is found in eastern and northern North America, and "Red-shafted" in the West south through Mexico. Often seen feeding on the ground in lawns, where they eat lots of ants and worms. Nests in cavities.

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Tiny yellowish finch. Blackish conical bill is stout, but sharply pointed. Long wings are black with one white wingbar and large white patch at the base of the primaries. Small head. Short notched tail. Adult males have either green or black (Texas to South America) back. Regularly visits feeders. Females similar to American Goldfinch; note bill shape and color, usually more yellowish undertail coverts, less distinct wingbars, and more obvious white patch at base of primaries.

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Stocky and large-headed with a shaggy crest. Bill is long, straight, thick, and pointed. Powder blue above with white underparts and blue breast band. Females have additional rusty band across belly. Almost always solitary, perched along edges of streams, lakes, and estuaries. Flies along rivers and shorelines giving loud rattling calls. Hunts for fish by plunging headfirst into the water, either directly from a perch or hovering.

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One of the most common and widespread sparrows. Found in a variety of scrubby habitats both near and far from human development. Significant variation in plumage geographically. Look for thick brown streaks on whitish breast. Larger, longer-tailed and more rusty than Savannah Sparrow. Frequently visits feeders.

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Adult males are bright orange with black restricted to the back, throat, and crown. Prominent white wing patch. Females have yellow-orange head and grayish back. Immature males similar to females, but with black throat. Breeds in riparian corridors and open woods. Visits feeders with nectar and fruits. Sometimes hybridizes with Baltimore Oriole.

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Stocky and large-headed with a shaggy crest. Bill is long, straight, thick, and pointed. Powder blue above with white underparts and blue breast band. Females have additional rusty band across belly. Almost always solitary, perched along edges of streams, lakes, and estuaries. Flies along rivers and shorelines giving loud rattling calls. Hunts for fish by plunging headfirst into the water, either directly from a perch or hovering.

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Common hummingbird of high elevations. Breeds in open woodland with meadows and scrub. In winter, found at lower elevations. Male is distinctive in range with beautiful rosy-red throat and glistening green upperparts. Female is duller with buffy sides and speckled throat. Note broadly rounded tail feathers with restricted rufous. Feeds on nectar and small insects. Visits feeders.

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Streaked brown above with distinctive black "V" on breast and yellow below. In flight, short wings and spiky tail with white outer edges are apparent. Bill is as long as the length of head. Beautiful song rings throughout grasslands in summer. Duller plumage in winter, blending into grasses even more. Similar to Eastern Meadowlark. Where ranges overlap in summer, listen for different song and look for yellow malar (more yellow on throat) on Western. In winter, Western is more likely to be in flocks and areas with shorter grass (less pristine, extensive grasslands). Western also has less contrasting head pattern.

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Medium-sized songbird, smaller than a robin, with a smooth gray body, black cap, and rusty-red undertail. Sometimes mimics other species in complex, jumbled song. Prefers dense shrubs and small trees in forest edges, streamside thickets, and old fields. Occasionally feeds on suet.

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Typically yellow overall, but some immatures can be almost completely gray. Some have reddish-brown streaks below. Always looks uniform and plain-faced. Forages for insects in wooded and shrubby areas, often fairly low to the ground. Favors riparian habitats, edges of ponds, marshes, and woods, particularly where willows are present. Winters in Central America.

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Blue above, light gray below. Black and white markings on wings and tail. Larger than a robin, smaller than a crow. Crest and long tail. Noisy and conspicuous in areas with large trees. Regularly visits feeders.

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Purple and green back (dark in poor light), white below. Females and immatures are duller on the back, can be dusky gray. Smaller and shorter-tailed than Tree Swallow; also note the extensive white cheek wrapping above the eye and white on rump sides. Often found near water. Nests in cavities.

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Frequents backyards, parks, and suburbs; favors mature deciduous trees. White face contrasts with black cap and blue-gray upperparts; belly is slightly grayer with brown on the undertail. Creeps along tree trunks and branches, often upside down, in search of seeds and insects. Small, roughly sparrow-sized with large head, no neck, and long, slightly upturned bill. Listen for insistent nasal yammering. Visits feeders.

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Runs along ground in open areas, often barren ground with little to no vegetation. Sand, dirt, gravel flats are home, unlike preferences of most songbirds. Appears squatty with short legs and low profile body. Unique black and yellow markings on head. Short black horns occasionally visible. Plain brown above, whitish below. Often in flocks, sometimes with pipits or longspurs.

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Stout bill. Short tail and stocky body. Males are glossy black with chocolate brown head. Females are gray-brown overall, without bold streaks, but slightly paler throat. Juveniles streaked brown. Found in open woods, farmland, and stockyards. Forages by walking on the ground. Often in flocks with other blackbirds in winter. Visits feeders. Unpopular due to their parasitic habit of laying eggs in nests of other birds

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Frequents suburban settings across North America, along with open woods, brushy field edges, and deserts. Males vary in shades and intensity of red. Some males are yellow or orange. Females are drab gray-brown overall with plain faces and blurry streaks on underparts. Similar to Purple and Cassin's Finch, but House Finch males are more orangey-red with color equally bright on crown, throat, and breast. Red color is mostly restricted to head and upper chest, contrasting with cold gray-brown nape, back, and wings. Pale sides show distinct brown streaks, lacking red tones. Females lack bold face pattern and have more diffuse patterning overall. Often sings loudly in neighborhoods and visits feeders.

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Males black with yellow head and white patch on the wing. Females all dark brown with some yellow on head and breast. Breeds in marshes. Often in flocks with other blackbirds in winter, foraging on the ground. Grating, mechanical song.

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Dark brown to black above and clean white below. White tail tip. Flycatcher about the size of a robin. Perches out in the open; often seen on tops of tall trees, snags on forest edges, fences, and utility lines. Watches for large insects and makes quick flights to snatch them. Unique, metallic twittering song often heard in summer. Winters in South America.

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Adult males are bright orange with black restricted to the back, throat, and crown. Prominent white wing patch. Females have yellow-orange head and grayish back. Immature males similar to females, but with black throat. Breeds in riparian corridors and open woods. Visits feeders with nectar and fruits. Sometimes hybridizes with Baltimore Oriole.

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Fairly large songbird with round body, long legs, and longish tail. Gray above with warm orange underparts and blackish head. Hops across lawns and stands erect with its bill often tilted upward. In fall and winter, forms large flocks and gathers in trees to roost or eat berries. Common across North America in gardens, parks, yards, golf courses, fields, pastures, and many other wooded habitats.

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Typically yellow overall, but some immatures can be almost completely gray. Some have reddish-brown streaks below. Always looks uniform and plain-faced. Forages for insects in wooded and shrubby areas, often fairly low to the ground. Favors riparian habitats, edges of ponds, marshes, and woods, particularly where willows are present. Winters in Central America.

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Recognizable even at a distance by its extremely long forked tail and dark rump. Spends a lot of time in flight, zipping over fields and ponds in search of insects. Appears dark above (navy blue in good light) and buffy to white below. Typically nests near people, in barns, under docks and other structures.

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Typically yellow overall, but some immatures can be almost completely gray. Some have reddish-brown streaks below. Always looks uniform and plain-faced. Forages for insects in wooded and shrubby areas, often fairly low to the ground. Favors riparian habitats, edges of ponds, marshes, and woods, particularly where willows are present. Winters in Central America.

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Medium-sized songbird, smaller than a robin, with a smooth gray body, black cap, and rusty-red undertail. Sometimes mimics other species in complex, jumbled song. Prefers dense shrubs and small trees in forest edges, streamside thickets, and old fields. Occasionally feeds on suet.

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A medium-sized passerine is brown overall with a pale yellow wash on the belly. It is named for the waxy red tips on some of the wing feathers. Also look for the yellow-tipped tail, sleek crest, short bill, and black mask and throat bordered by white. Thin, high-pitched call is distinctive. Usually in flocks in open woods and edges of woodlands. Often perches in tops of leafless trees. Shifts diet from insects to primarily berries in the fall and winter.

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Medium-sized songbird, smaller than a robin, with a smooth gray body, black cap, and rusty-red undertail. Sometimes mimics other species in complex, jumbled song. Prefers dense shrubs and small trees in forest edges, streamside thickets, and old fields. Occasionally feeds on suet.

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Typically yellow overall, but some immatures can be almost completely gray. Some have reddish-brown streaks below. Always looks uniform and plain-faced. Forages for insects in wooded and shrubby areas, often fairly low to the ground. Favors riparian habitats, edges of ponds, marshes, and woods, particularly where willows are present. Winters in Central America.

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Males are black with red shoulder patch that is sometimes concealed. Males have rusty feather edges in the winter. Females are streaked brown and often confused with sparrows. Look for long, sharply pointed bill. Often in flocks, especially in winter. Visits feeders. Breeds in marshes and scrubby, wet fields. Distinctive song, especially as migrants arrive in early spring.

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Blue above, light gray below. Black and white markings on wings and tail. Larger than a robin, smaller than a crow. Crest and long tail. Noisy and conspicuous in areas with large trees. Regularly visits feeders.

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Adult males are stunning: completely electric turquoise blue with limited white belly. Females are gray with blue wings and tail; some can show a rufous wash on breast. Also note thin bill and even longer wings compared with other bluebirds. Forages in open habitats with few trees. Can form large flocks in winter. Frequently perches on wires or fence posts. Nests in cavities.

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Drab grayish flycatcher found in forested areas and edges. Usually seen on a high perch as it watches for prey, then sallies out to snatch insects. After these short flights, it often (but not always) returns to the same perch. Nondescript plumage with dull wingbars. Note the song, which is a buzzy, descending "BREeerr." Looks nearly identical to Eastern Wood-Pewee, but separated by range.

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Medium-sized woodpecker that breeds in montane forests, often in aspens or willows. Much like Yellow-bellied Sapsucker of the east, but little range overlap. Bold white slash on the wing separates from other woodpeckers; bold black, white, and red face pattern and white mottling on back separates from Red-breasted Sapsucker. Drills neat rows of shallow holes into bark for sap; mostly forages for small insects. Nests in cavities.

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Males are black with red shoulder patch that is sometimes concealed. Males have rusty feather edges in the winter. Females are streaked brown and often confused with sparrows. Look for long, sharply pointed bill. Often in flocks, especially in winter. Visits feeders. Breeds in marshes and scrubby, wet fields. Distinctive song, especially as migrants arrive in early spring.

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Common hummingbird of high elevations. Breeds in open woodland with meadows and scrub. In winter, found at lower elevations. Male is distinctive in range with beautiful rosy-red throat and glistening green upperparts. Female is duller with buffy sides and speckled throat. Note broadly rounded tail feathers with restricted rufous. Feeds on nectar and small insects. Visits feeders.

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Common hummingbird of high elevations. Breeds in open woodland with meadows and scrub. In winter, found at lower elevations. Male is distinctive in range with beautiful rosy-red throat and glistening green upperparts. Female is duller with buffy sides and speckled throat. Note broadly rounded tail feathers with restricted rufous. Feeds on nectar and small insects. Visits feeders.

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Medium-sized songbird, smaller than a robin, with a smooth gray body, black cap, and rusty-red undertail. Sometimes mimics other species in complex, jumbled song. Prefers dense shrubs and small trees in forest edges, streamside thickets, and old fields. Occasionally feeds on suet.

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Plump, camouflaged shorebird that blends into wet meadows and marshy areas. Similar in shape to American Woodcock but much darker, with brown markings on underparts and striped face. Exceptionally long bill is used for probing into mud. On breeding grounds, watch and listen for aerial flight display, which includes a rapid series of hoot-like noises produced by the outer tail feathers.

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Males black with yellow head and white patch on the wing. Females all dark brown with some yellow on head and breast. Breeds in marshes. Often in flocks with other blackbirds in winter, foraging on the ground. Grating, mechanical song.

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Common hummingbird of high elevations. Breeds in open woodland with meadows and scrub. In winter, found at lower elevations. Male is distinctive in range with beautiful rosy-red throat and glistening green upperparts. Female is duller with buffy sides and speckled throat. Note broadly rounded tail feathers with restricted rufous. Feeds on nectar and small insects. Visits feeders.

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Males black with yellow head and white patch on the wing. Females all dark brown with some yellow on head and breast. Breeds in marshes. Often in flocks with other blackbirds in winter, foraging on the ground. Grating, mechanical song.

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Common and conspicuous, this flashy, long-tailed crow relative is unmistakable, and its loud chattering calls are a familiar sound in many areas. Found in open and semiopen areas from farmland and open woodland to towns and gardens, singly or more often in pairs or groups. Bulky stick nest often conspicuous in tall tree or hedgerow. Boldly pied plumage is distinctive, with white belly, white back, and white wing patches. Wings show blue-green gloss in good light.

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This medium-sized passerine is brown overall with a pale yellow wash on the belly. It is named for the waxy red tips on some of the wing feathers. Also look for the yellow-tipped tail, sleek crest, short bill, and black mask and throat bordered by white. Thin, high-pitched call is distinctive. Usually in flocks in open woods and edges of woodlands. Often perches in tops of leafless trees. Shifts diet from insects to primarily berries in the fall and winter.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D

This medium-sized passerine is brown overall with a pale yellow wash on the belly. It is named for the waxy red tips on some of the wing feathers. Also look for the yellow-tipped tail, sleek crest, short bill, and black mask and throat bordered by white. Thin, high-pitched call is distinctive. Usually in flocks in open woods and edges of woodlands. Often perches in tops of leafless trees. Shifts diet from insects to primarily berries in the fall and winter.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D

Plump, camouflaged shorebird that blends into wet meadows and marshy areas. Similar in shape to American Woodcock but much darker, with brown markings on underparts and striped face. Exceptionally long bill is used for probing into mud. On breeding grounds, watch and listen for aerial flight display, which includes a rapid series of hoot-like noises produced by the outer tail feathers.

Information provided by Merlin Bird I.D

One of the most common and widespread warblers. Breeds in forested areas with at least some conifers. Found in open woods and shrubby areas during migration and winter, including coastal vegetation, parks, and residential areas. Forages for insects, often sallying out to snatch them in midair. Also eats berries in winter. Often travels in large flocks. Two subspecies: "Audubon's" in the West and "Myrtle" in the East. "Audubon's" has a yellow throat in all plumages. "Myrtle" has whitish throat. Most abundant wintering warbler in the U.S.

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Large, striking, long-tailed sparrow of western North America, from Canada to Mexico. Black above with white spots on wings and back, bright rufous sides, and white belly. Eye is staring red. In flight, note white corners on tail. Forages primarily by hopping along ground, scraping away leaf litter. Inhabits scrubby areas and forest edges with thickets. Males sing from atop shrubs and low trees. Visits feeders.

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Exceptionally long, pointed tail sets pheasant apart from other chicken-like birds. Males beautifully patterned in orange, gold, and gray. Red facial skin and white ring around neck obvious on male. Females duller buffy-brown. Inhabits fields, hedgerows, and brushy areas. Introduced to many areas from Eurasia.