Backyard Birds of New Hampshire: Identify, Attract & Enjoy Feathered Friends (2024)

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Discover the beauty of backyard birds in New Hampshire! You’ll find the cheerful Black-capped Chickadee, vibrant American Goldfinch, regal Blue Jay, and more frequent visitors like the American Crow and Tufted Titmouse [Citation:8][Citation:7][Citation:4].

These birds enhance your garden with their songs and colorful presence. Keen on more? Spot sought-after species like Loons and Warblers at top birding spots such as Great Bay Wildlife National Refuge and Hampton Beach State Park [Citation:8].

Master bird identification through their appearance and behavior—think of the Song Sparrow or the Red-winged Blackbird [Citation:3].

Learn how to attract these feathered friends and turn your backyard into a wildlife haven [Citation:6].

Common Backyard Birds in New Hampshire

You’ll frequently encounter the cheerful black-capped chickadee, the boisterous blue jay, the bright yellow American goldfinch, the familiar American crow, and the tufted titmouse with its distinctive crest at your backyard feeders and birdbaths in New Hampshire. These common backyard birds are a delight to observe and can provide endless enjoyment with their lively antics and beautiful plumages.

Black-capped Chickadee

You’ve likely spotted the black-capped chickadee’s distinctive black cap and bib at your winter feeder. These acrobatic birds flock to backyard feeders, delighting with their cheerful "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" calls. Encourage nesting by providing a birdhouse, and enjoy observing their lively behavior year-round—a true New Hampshire backyard favorite!

Blue Jay

You’ll often spot the raucous blue jay, with its striking blue crest and black necklace. These boisterous birds nest in tree cavities, devouring seeds, nuts, and berries. Their iconic harsh calls announce their presence, while their beauty rewards patient observers. Keep an eye out for these familiar backyard visitors mobbing hawks or raiding feeders.

American Goldfinch

You’re likely familiar with the vibrant American Goldfinch – a striking little bird adorned with bright yellow feathers. As summer fades, watch their plumage molt into a more subdued olive-brown. Catch them flitting from feeder to feeder, favoring thistle and nyjer seed. Their joyful presence and lively "potato-chip" calls enliven any backyard.

American Crow

You’ll likely hear the American crow’s raucous "caw caw" before spotting it. These intelligent birds are common year-round, with their sleek black feathers and sturdy beaks. Watch for their distinctive flapping wings as they forage for food scraps, insects, and seeds—sometimes stirring up a noisy commotion with other crows nearby.

Tufted Titmouse

Keep an eye out for the perky tufted titmouse with its gray crest and rust-colored flanks. These acrobatic birds flit from feeder to tree, snatching seeds while hanging upside down. Their whistled "peter-peter-peter" call is a quintessential backyard sound. Attract them with suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts – they’re bold visitors that bring lively energy to any yard.

Sought-after Bird Species in New Hampshire

While birding in New Hampshire, you may have the opportunity to observe and appreciate some highly sought-after species.

Such as the majestic loons gliding across serene lakes, the elegant egrets wading in coastal marshes, the uniquely patterned scoters offshore.

The vibrant warblers flitting among the trees during migration, and the powerful hawks soaring high above.

Spotting these remarkable birds in their natural habitats can be a thrilling and rewarding experience for any avid birdwatcher exploring the diverse landscapes of the Granite State.

Loons

Loons are a sought-after species in New Hampshire, appreciated for their distinct calls and striking appearance. They thrive in large lakes, where their diets primarily include fish. Migrating south in winter, you might hear their eerie calls resonating through the evening air.

• Habitat: Large lakes and ponds
• Feeding: Primarily fish
• Migration: Southward in winter

Egrets

Egrets are sought-after in New Hampshire, particularly for their striking white plumage and elegant feeding habits. These birds often nest in colonies near water, making estuaries and wetlands their prime habitat. Egrets migrate seasonally, offering birders a unique sight during these periods. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitats, ensuring sustainable populations among New Hampshire’s diverse bird species .

Scoters

Scoters, primarily found in New Hampshire, display distinctive black and white plumage. Their migration patterns span large distances. Breeding habits include nesting in secluded northern regions, often near freshwater. Feeding behavior involves diving for mollusks and crustaceans. Identifying them can be tricky due to similar species and seasonal plumage changes.

1. Observe in winter.
2. Note plumage differences.
3. Visit coastal areas.
4. Use bird guides.

Scoters, primarily found in New Hampshire, display distinctive black and white plumage. Their migration patterns span vast distances, indicating their adaptability. Breeding mainly occurs in secluded northern regions, typically around freshwater bodies. Their feeding behavior involves diving for mollusks and crustaceans. Identifying them can be tricky due to their similar appearance to other species and seasonal plumage changes.

1. Observe in winter for best sightings.
2. Note subtle differences in plumage.
3. Visit coastal areas for higher chances.
4. To improve your backyard birding skills, familiarize yourself with bird anatomy and behavior basics, which can help you better understand their unique characteristics. Utilize detailed bird guides for accurate identification.

Their distinctive black and white plumage makes Scoters a sight to see in New Hampshire’s coastal areas during winter. Their extensive migration patterns highlight their adaptability. Breeding mostly takes place in secluded, freshwater northern regions. They dive for crustaceans and mollusks. Identifying Scoters is challenging due to seasonal plumage changes and similarities amongst species.

1. Observe during winter.
2. Look for subtle plumage differences.
3. Explore coastal regions.
4. Use detailed bird guides for accurate identification.

Warblers

Warblers are lively and engaging during their migration, filling the air with unique songs. Identifying them by their vibrant colors and distinctive patterns can be a rewarding challenge. Warblers nest in various habitats, including forests and shrubs, and conservation efforts safeguard their continued presence. Enjoy these delightful birds’ melodic tunes and spirited movements this season .

Hawks

While warblers enchant with their color and song, hawks bring a dramatic flair to New Hampshire skies. You can spot these raptors, particularly during migration seasons.

• Migration: Witness the impressive journey of hawks across the state.
• Identification: Look for Red-tailed, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper’s Hawks.
• Conservation: Support efforts to protect their habitats.
• Hunting Techniques: Observe their swift dives and aerial prowess.

Birding Hotspots in New Hampshire

Explore birding hotspots in New Hampshire, including Great Bay Wildlife National Refuge, Hampton Beach State Park, and Odiorne Point State Park. These diverse locations offer unique opportunities to observe a wide array of bird species throughout the year, appealing to both casual birdwatchers and avid ornithologists alike .

Great Bay Wildlife National Refuge

Great Bay Wildlife National Refuge offers diverse habitats attracting numerous bird species. Enjoy bird banding programs and observe conservation initiatives aimed at protecting species diversity. The refuge’s rich wetlands and forests make it a prime spot for birdwatching, drawing birding enthusiasts to witness the thriving avian population in this important sanctuary .

Hampton Beach State Park

At Hampton Beach State Park, you’ll experience exceptional beach birding. The park’s dunes and coastal areas are perfect for spotting shorebirds and other coastal species. It serves as an important migratory stopover, making it a must-visit for birders looking to observe a wide variety of birds in their natural habitats (Source).

Odiorne Point State Park

Odiorne Point State Park is a birdwatcher’s haven featuring scenic views and a diverse coastal habitat. Explore:

1. Birdwatching: Spot loons, egrets, and warblers.
2. Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic coastal vistas.
3. Fishing: Ideal spots for catching local fish species.
4. Camping: Perfect for an overnight nature immersion.

Discover why this park is a must-visit for bird enthusiasts .

Identifying Birds by Appearance and Behavior

To identify and appreciate the diverse bird species in your New Hampshire backyard, pay attention to the distinguishing characteristics and behavior of the Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-winged Blackbird, and Gray Catbird.

Notice the melodious song of the Song Sparrow, the signature dark hood of the Dark-eyed Junco, the downy feathers and unique pecking patterns of the Hairy Woodpecker, the vibrant red patches on the wings of the Red-winged Blackbird, and the gray plumage and distinct mewing calls of the Gray Catbird.

Song Sparrow

Spotting a Song Sparrow enchants any birder. These birds display intricate songs and frequent open, scrubby habitats. Recognize them by their streaked brown plumage and dark central breast spot. They migrate southward for winter. Their diet includes insects, seeds, and fruit. Nesting close to the ground, Song Sparrows use grasses and leaves for their neat, cup-shaped nests .

Dark-eyed Junco

You’re likely familiar with the Dark-eyed Junco, a common winter visitor to New Hampshire backyards. This sleek, dark-gray bird with a distinctive white outer tail feather is a winter abundance phenomenon. Note its habitat preference for coniferous forests and migration patterns during the breeding season.

• Its dark hood and white belly create a striking contrast.
• It’s a ground-foraging bird, often seen scratching in leaf litter.
• In the breeding season, males establish territories in coniferous forests.

Hairy Woodpecker

The Hairy Woodpecker is a fascinating bird to spot. Known for its distinguishable black and white plumage, it prefers mature forests. Here’s a quick guide:

Feature	Details
Diet Preference	Insects, seeds, fruit
Nest Site	Tree cavities, dead wood
Conservation Status	Stable, but watch urbanization effects

Keep your eyes peeled for them in your backyard! .

Red-winged Blackbird

Following the Hairy Woodpecker, the Red-winged Blackbird is an unmistakable backyard visitor. These birds, characterized by their striking red and yellow shoulder patches, exhibit unique behaviors:

• Mating Behavior: Males sing loudly to defend territories and attract females .
• Nesting Preferences: Prefer cattails or shrubs over water .
• Diet Composition: Eat insects, seeds, and grains .

Enjoy spotting their vibrant plumage!

Gray Catbird

Gray catbirds, recognized for their gray plumage and distinctive song mimicking a mewing cat, frequent dense shrubs and thickets. They’re omnivorous, feeding on insects and fruit (Source). Listen for their melodious, varied song in spring and summer . During nesting, they construct cups of twigs and grasses, often concealing them in dense vegetation .

Feeding and Nesting Habits of Common Birds

Explore the feeding and nesting habits of backyard birds such as the Eastern Phoebe, House Finch, Canada Goose, Eastern Bluebird, and Chipping Sparrow to attract and support these species in New Hampshire. Understanding these behaviors helps in creating a bird-friendly environment, ensuring they’re well-fed and have safe nesting sites.

Eastern Phoebe

The Eastern Phoebe, known for its insect diet, is often seen around water due to its feeding habits . It builds nests under bridges and eaves for protection . You’ll recognize its song—a chip followed by a twitter . Meeting its habitat requirements guarantees successful breeding in your backyard .

House Finch

Shifting focus to the House Finch, you’ll notice their distinct red plumage. House Finches prefer feasting on seeds and fruits. When nesting, they choose cozy, sheltered spots. To identify them, look for:

• Conical bills for seed eating
• Red foreheads and throats in males
• Streaked brown plumage in females
• Common backyard presence.

Canada Goose

Shifting from the House Finch, the Canada Goose exhibits distinctive feeding and nesting behaviors. You’ll encounter these geese nesting near water bodies, often constructing their nests using grasses and reeds . They migrate in V-formation during spring and fall, feeding primarily on aquatic plants and grains . Their habitats encompass wetlands, ponds, and fields .

Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebirds brighten your backyard with vibrant feathers and cheerful tunes. These cavity nesters prefer bluebird nest boxes, lay striking bluebird eggs, and are often seen during bluebird migration seasons. Supporting bluebird conservation efforts can boost their numbers. Enjoy their melodic bluebird songs while providing proper nesting sites to safeguard their thriving in your garden .

Chipping Sparrow

The Chipping Sparrow, recognized by its eye-catching chestnut cap, migrates across North America seasonally. You’ll find them nesting in shrubs from June to August, crafting nests from grasses. Their diet includes seeds and insects. Listen for their distinctive trilling calls. They’re prevalent across diverse habitats, adapting to suburban backyards as well as open forests .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)