Backyard Birds of Iowa: a Guide to Feathered Friends in Your Backyard (2024)

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You’re in luck if you’re interested in backyard birds of Iowa!

Common visitors include the American Goldfinch, state bird known for its bright yellow plumage.

The Black-capped Chickadee with its iconic chick-a-dee call is another common visitor.

Dark-eyed Juncos frequent winter feeders.

Red-winged Blackbirds flaunt distinctive red epaulets.

Attract these feathered friends by offering birdbaths, native plants, and a varied diet of seeds, suet, and fruits.

Different species have unique nesting preferences from cavities to shrubs and trees.

To discover more about identifying, attracting, and supporting Iowa’s backyard avian residents, read on.

Common Backyard Birds

The jovial American Goldfinch, with its luminous yellow plumage, is a year-round inhabitant.

The Black-capped Chickadee’s congenial chick-a-dee-dee-dee call is a pleasant sound.

The Dark-eyed Junco, with its slate-gray back and white belly, might visit your feeders in the winter.

The intrepid Red-winged Blackbird’s distinctive epaulets facilitate its identification.

And who can overlook the boisterous Blue Jay, renowned for its intelligence and adaptability in urban and suburban areas?

Regarding commonly occurring backyard birds in Iowa, you are likely to observe a variety of well-known feathered companions.

Bird Nesting Habits

You’ll find that some backyard birds in Iowa build their nests on the ground, like the Dark-eyed Junco. Others, such as the Black-capped Chickadee, prefer cavities in trees or man-made nest boxes, carefully lining them with soft materials. Additionally, shrubs and tree branches provide support for cup-shaped nests constructed by species like the American Goldfinch and Blue Jay.

Ground Nesting Birds

Some Iowa birds, like the Dark-eyed Junco, build their nests directly on the ground, nestled in dense vegetation for camouflage. This risky nesting strategy leaves their eggs and chicks vulnerable to predators like foxes and crows. Providing native plants, a water source, and feeders with sunflower seeds can help support ground-nesting birds like Juncos in your backyard.

Cavity Nesting Birds

For cavity nesters like white-breasted nuthatches, northern flickers, tufted titmice, and black-capped chickadees, finding the appropriate nest site is essential. These birds search for natural cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes, competing aggressively for limited options. Providing well-designed nest boxes can enhance their opportunities for successful breeding and nestling survival. Cavity adaptation is vital to their survival in Iowa’s backyard ecosystems.

Shrub and Tree Nesting

For birds that prefer nesting in shrubs and trees, the process involves carefully constructing a sturdy home. These species may use:

1. Twigs, grass, and moss to build a cup-shaped nest in the branches.
2. Natural cavities or holes in trees to create a protected, enclosed space.
3. Dense foliage and branches to conceal a nest and provide shelter.
4. Native plants that offer the ideal nesting materials and habitat.

Backyard Bird Diets

You’ll find that backyard birds have diverse diets catering to their unique needs. Seed eaters like finches and sparrows relish sunflower seeds and nyjer, while insect eaters such as warblers and woodpeckers feast on caterpillars and beetles; fruit and berry enthusiasts, including orioles and robins, savor suet, oranges, and berries.

Seed Eaters

Seed-eating backyard birds in Iowa, like House Finches and American Goldfinches, thrive on a diet of nyjer and sunflower seeds. Place feeders filled with these high-energy treats in open areas away from windows to attract these colorful visitors. During winter, supplement their diet with safflower seeds to help them survive the cold months.

Insect Eaters

While seed-eaters are a common sight at backyard feeders, insect-eating birds play a crucial role in your Iowa yard. Species like chickadees, warblers, and woodpeckers scour trees and shrubs for caterpillars, beetles, and other pests, helping to control garden insects. Providing native plants and avoiding pesticides can attract these beneficial bug-eaters to your backyard habitat.

Fruit and Berry Eaters

Many backyard birds in Iowa love to feast on juicy berries and sweet fruits. These feathered foragers include:

1. Blue Jays – Enjoy acorns, nuts, and berries from trees and shrubs.
2. Cedar Waxwings – Flock to crabapple, serviceberry, and juniper trees for their favorite fruits.
3. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks – Relish mulberries, cherries, and other soft morsels.
4. American Robins and Baltimore Orioles – Seek out strawberries, raspberries, and other backyard bounty.

Planting fruit-bearing plants is a great way to attract these colorful, berry-loving birds to your Iowa yard.

Attracting Birds to Your Yard

To attract a variety of birds to your Iowa backyard, you’ll need to provide food, water, and shelter. Install bird feeders with a mix of seeds, suet, and nuts; add a birdbath or other water source; and plant native shrubs and trees for nesting sites and cover from predators.

Bird Feeders

Placing bird feeders strategically around your yard is key to attracting a variety of feathered friends. Offer a mix of seed types like sunflower and nyjer to cater to different species’ preferences. Proper storage and regular cleaning of feeders will keep your backyard birds healthy and coming back. With the right setup, you’ll soon have a lively avian community in your Iowa oasis.

Feeder Type	Attracts
Platform	Northern Cardinals, Red-bellied Woodpeckers
Tube	Chipping Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds
Suet	Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Chickadees
Hopper	Finches, Juncos, Sparrows
Window	Hummingbirds, Orioles, Warblers

Water Sources

Supplying a dependable water source is essential for drawing diverse backyard birds in Iowa.

Place birdbaths in protected areas near shrubs and trees.

Consider a heated model to prevent water from freezing during winter.

Regularly clean and replenish birdbaths to ensure cleanliness.

Solar-powered or dripper-style baths can also attract thirsty visitors like pine siskins, red-winged blackbirds, and house sparrows.

Nesting Boxes

Nesting boxes provide birds with safe, sheltered spaces to raise their young. When selecting a nesting box, consider the:

1. Nesting materials – Provide shredded paper, cotton, or natural fibers to line the box.
2. Placement location – Hang boxes 5-10 feet high, facing east or north, and away from feeders.
3. Winter nesting – Leave boxes up year-round for birds like wrens, bluebirds, and chickadees.

Remember to clean out nesting boxes in the fall to prepare for next season’s residents.

Landscaping for Birds

To attract more birds to your Iowa backyard, focus on providing the essentials – food, water, and shelter. Install bird baths and feeders, plant native shrubs and trees that offer berries and seeds, and put up birdhouses. Try fun birdwatching games like the Great Backyard Bird Count to engage the whole family. With the right habitat, you’ll soon have a vibrant community of feathered friends visiting your yard.

Bird Feeders	Native Plants	Bird Houses
Offer a variety of seed types to attract different species like white-breasted nuthatches and hairy woodpeckers.	Choose plants that provide food and cover for birds, such as serviceberry, chokecherry, and native grasses.	Install birdhouses of the appropriate size and placement to attract cavity-nesters like eastern bluebirds and white-throated sparrows.

Iowa’s State Bird

As you work to attract more feathered friends to your Iowa backyard, don’t forget about the state’s official avian ambassador – the American Goldfinch. Declared the state bird in 1933, this cheerful yellow finch with black wings and tail is a year-round resident, delighting Iowans with its melodious song. Here are three fascinating facts about this beloved state symbol:

1. The American Goldfinch is the only finch in North America that molts twice a year, changing from drab olive to vibrant yellow.
2. These social birds often forage in flocks, adding a splash of color to your backyard.
3. Goldfinches play an important role in Iowa’s ecosystem, helping to disperse native plant seeds.

Identifying Iowa Birds

To identify backyard birds in Iowa, pay close attention to their distinctive songs and calls, which can often reveal their presence before you spot them visually. Carefully observe the bird’s plumage, noting details like color patterns, markings, and distinctive features that can help pinpoint the species, along with its overall size and body shape compared to familiar birds.

Bird Songs and Calls

Tune your ears to the sounds of Iowa’s backyard birds. The red-breasted nuthatch’s nasal yank-yank echoes through the trees, while the Cooper’s hawk’s sharp cak-cak-cak warns of danger. Learn to decipher their unique vocalizations – from the goldfinch’s lilting song to the blue jay’s raucous calls. Mastering bird language is key to attracting feathered friends to your yard.

Plumage and Markings

Once you’ve learned to recognize common bird songs, look closely at the birds’ plumage and markings to aid identification.

Observe their feather patterns, beak shapes, eye colors, and wingspans – these physical traits can provide valuable clues.

For example, the bright yellow feathers of the American Goldfinch are unmistakable, while the dark cap and white cheeks of the Black-capped Chickadee are distinctive.

Pay attention to these visual cues to confidently identify the backyard birds in your Iowa neighborhood.

Size and Shape

Beyond just color and pattern, the size and shape of a bird can be key clues for identification.

Look for variations in wingspan, beak size, and overall body proportions.

A small, stocky bird with a short, thick beak may be a finch.

While a large raptor with broad wings and a hooked beak is likely a hawk or eagle.

Pay attention to these physical details to narrow down the species you’re observing.

Bird Watching in Iowa

You’ll find some of Iowa’s best birding locations at Saylorville Reservoir, Otter Creek Marsh Wildlife Area, and Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. Birdwatching events and local birding organizations like the Iowa Audubon Society and Iowa Ornithologists’ Union provide opportunities to connect with other enthusiasts and enhance your skills.

Best Birding Locations

Iowa offers a wealth of prime birding locations to spot your feathered friends. Head to Saylorville Reservoir to witness seasonal waterfowl migrations, or explore Lacey-Keosauqua State Park’s wooded trails for nesting warblers and tanagers. Don’t forget your binoculars – you might even catch a glimpse of a banded bird or hear the sweet songs of backyard birds.

Bird Watching Events

Immerse yourself in Iowa’s vibrant birding community by attending local events. Join birdwatching clubs for guided tours, where experts share their knowledge and help you spot elusive species. Attend annual bird festivals to learn about conservation efforts and enjoy live raptor demonstrations. Utilize birding apps to identify birds and track your sightings. Remember to observe ethical practices when birdwatching.

Event	Location	Date
Pelican Festival	Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area, Oxford	August
High Trestle Hawk Watch	High Trestle Trail, Madrid	October
Great Backyard Bird Count	Statewide	February
Iowa Young Birders Field Trips	Various Locations	Year-Round

Birding Organizations

As an Iowa birder, you’ll find a welcoming community of like-minded enthusiasts through local birding organizations. Join the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union to connect with experts, attend field trips, and learn about bird conservation efforts. The Iowa Audubon Society offers educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy for protecting important bird habitats. These groups foster a sense of belonging and empower you to make a difference for Iowa’s feathered friends.

• Discover your local birding club – a supportive community of passionate birders.
• Volunteer with conservation groups to protect essential bird habitats.
• Attend birding festivals and workshops to hone your identification skills.
• Advocate for ethical birding practices that minimize disturbance to birds.

Backyard Bird Feeding

To attract a wide variety of backyard birds, offer a range of seed types such as sunflower, nyjer, safflower, and mixed seeds. Utilize different feeder types like hopper, tube, suet, and platform feeders, and consider squirrel-proof designs to deter unwanted visitors.

Seed Types

Regarding the nourishment of your backyard birds in Iowa, you’ll want to provide a range of seeds to entice a diverse collection of avian companions.

Black oil sunflower seeds remain a persistent favorite, while nyjer and safflower seeds hold appeal for finches.

Perform regular cleaning of feeders and store seeds in containers that prevent air from entering to maintain freshness and allure.

Deterring squirrels can pose a challenge, but with an appropriate feeder design and placement, you can ensure that your birds obtain their sustenance.

Feeder Types

Regarding the nourishment of your avian companions in Iowa, you possess a multitude of alternatives!

Hopper feeders excel in attracting a diverse array of birds such as cardinals and chickadees.

Whereas platform feeders accommodate species that reside on the ground.

Tube feeders are ideally suited for finches.

And suet feeders will entice woodpeckers.

To obtain close-up observations, experiment with a window feeder.

Squirrel-Proof Feeders

Squirrel-proof bird feeders are a game-changer for backyard birding in Iowa. Look for designs with weight-activated mechanisms that block access for squirrels while allowing smaller birds to feed. Stable feeder poles and seed spillage prevention features also deter pests. With the right squirrel-proof setup, you can enjoy uninterrupted bird watching all season long.

• Weight-activated mechanisms
• Stable feeder pole designs
• Seed spillage prevention
• Pest-resistant materials

Nesting Box Plans

To provide suitable nesting sites for cavity-nesting birds like chickadees, bluebirds, and woodpeckers, you can construct simple wooden birdhouses with the proper dimensions and entry hole sizes. Use untreated wood and mount the boxes securely on trees or posts, ideally facing away from prevailing winds and avoiding areas with high predator activity.

Box Dimensions

Concerning nesting boxes, the size is critical for attracting the appropriate birds. For chickadees and titmice, a 4 x 4 base with an 8 height and a 1 1/8 entry hole is optimal. Bluebirds favor a 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 base with a 1 1/2 hole 6 above the floor. Proper box dimensions, nesting materials, and placement are essential for providing secure, comfortable homes for your backyard birds.

Materials Needed

To build a bird nesting box, you’ll need just a few basic materials:

• Rot-resistant wood like cedar or pine
• Wood glue
• Screws or nails
• Drill and saw
• Wood shavings or other natural nesting material

With these simple supplies, you can create a cozy home that will attract a variety of backyard birds, from chickadees to bluebirds. Get ready to enjoy the sights and sounds of your feathered friends!

Mounting Instructions

When mounting your nesting box, choose a location away from high-traffic areas and at least 5 feet off the ground.

Face the entrance hole away from prevailing winds and direct sunlight.

Install predator guards like metal cones or baffles to deter squirrels, raccoons, and cats.

Monitor the box regularly and clean it out after each nesting season to prepare for new residents.

Backyard Bird Photography

To capture stunning images of backyard birds, you’ll need a camera with a decent optical zoom lens and fast shutter speeds to freeze motion. Pay close attention to lighting conditions, background, and bird behavior – being patient and observant will lead to the most rewarding shots.

Camera Gear

For successful backyard bird photography, your camera equipment is pivotal. Consider a DSLR or mirrorless camera equipped with a long-range lens, preferably 300mm or greater. Adjust your aperture, shutter speed, and ISO parameters to obtain crisp, well-illuminated images. A stable tripod can also assist in steadying your camera for sharper pictures. With the appropriate gear, you’ll be well on your way to capturing breathtaking backyard bird shots.

• Invest in a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens.
• Experiment with aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to achieve optimal exposure.
• Utilize a tripod to stabilize your camera and obtain pristine, clear shots.

Composition Tips

When composing your backyard bird photos, pay close attention to the bird’s behavior and natural environment.

Capture the bird’s movements and interactions with its surroundings to tell a story.

Consider the bird’s migration patterns and seasonal changes in plumage.

Experiment with different angles and perspectives to highlight the bird’s unique anatomy and evolutionary adaptations.

With thoughtful composition, you can create compelling images that inspire admiration for the feathered friends in your yard.

Editing Techniques

Once you’ve captured stunning backyard bird photos, editing can elevate them even further. Experiment with adjusting exposure, contrast, and color to make your subjects pop. Careful cropping can remove distractions and focus the viewer’s eye. Mastering basic photo editing skills will help you create professional-looking bird images to share with family and friends. Happy editing!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)