Backyard Birds of Vermont: 25+ Most Common Species (Free Guide + Photos 2025)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

Vermont’s backyard birds offer a delightful mix of year-round residents and seasonal visitors.

You’ll spot Black-capped Chickadees, American Robins, and Tufted Titmice no matter the season.

Keep an eye out for the Red-bellied Woodpecker, a year-round resident with a splash of color.

Over 25 species frequent backyards, including the colorful American Goldfinch and the majestic Blue Jay.

Forest ecosystems near Burlington support a variety of birds, and you’ll find chickadees and nuthatches in the mountains.

Vermont’s diverse habitats attract an array of feathered friends, from wetlands to urban landscapes.

Keep reading for tips on attracting these beautiful birds to your yard and discovering the best birdwatching spots.

Backyard Bird Identification

You’ll find it easy to identify Vermont’s backyard birds when you focus on their basic features like size, shape, and distinctive color patterns.

Whether you’re watching a tiny Black-capped Chickadee at your feeder or spotting a Northern Cardinal’s bright red plumage, you’ll quickly learn to recognize these feathered visitors using simple observation skills.

Bird Size and Shape

Like fitting pieces in a puzzle, identifying Vermont birds starts with understanding their basic structure.

Understanding bird identification by size is essential for accurately categorizing the various species found in Vermont’s backyards, and learning about bird identification by size can be very helpful.

Color Patterns and Behavior

Watching Vermont bird species reveal their true colors can transform your backyard birding experience.

You’ll notice dramatic plumage variation between seasons, with some birds sporting vibrant breeding colors that later fade to subtle winter tones.

Pay attention to flocking behavior and courtship displays to understand feather coloration patterns better.

Understanding bird species identification techniques is essential for recognizing the various species that visit your backyard.

Behavior Type	Color Signal
Territorial	Bright chest flash
Courtship	Wing pattern display
Social Flock	Matching head marks

Habitat and Distribution

Now that you can spot your feathered friends, let’s talk about where they hang out.

Vermont’s backyard birds thrive across diverse settings – from forest ecosystems near Burlington to rural habitats in the Northeast Kingdom.

You’ll find chickadees and nuthatches in mountain regions, while wetland areas attract red-winged blackbirds.

Urban landscapes draw house finches and sparrows, especially where native plants flourish.

Common Vermont Birds

You’ll find over 25 common bird species in Vermont’s backyards, from the year-round resident Black-capped Chickadee to seasonal visitors like the American Robin.

Whether you’re watching from your kitchen window or sitting on your porch, you’ll spot these feathered neighbors at your feeders, in your trees, and hopping across your lawn throughout the changing seasons, which includes the American Robin.

Year-Round Residents

Through Vermont’s ever-changing seasons, resident species like the Tufted Titmouse and Red-bellied Woodpecker maintain their nesting sites year-round.

In your backyard birding adventures, you’ll find the hardy Bicknell’s Thrush, Spruce Grouse, and Black-backed Woodpecker establishing permanent territories and feeding patterns.

These year-round birds adapt their habits to Vermont’s distinct seasonal rhythms, from summer’s abundance to winter’s challenges.

To better understand and attract these species, consider consulting a Vermont bird guide for personalized advice on creating an inviting environment.

Seasonal Visitors

Beyond your regular backyard birds, seasonal visitors add a fresh layer of excitement to bird watching.

Dead Creek WMA showcases spectacular flocking behavior, with over 40,000 migratory birds spanning 120 different species.

You’ll find diverse visitor species throughout the seasons, from summer’s wading herons to massive flocks of Canada geese during migration patterns.

Bird habitats like Little Otter Creek welcome seasonal feeding gatherings of bitterns and ducks.

Birds of Prey

You’ll find sharp-shinned hawks darting near your feeders, hunting songbirds with impressive speed.

Red-tailed hawks often perch on fence posts, while great horned owls nest in your wooded areas.

These backyard birds of prey in Vermont create quite a show – from bald eagles soaring overhead to the silent swoop of owls at dusk.

Their presence means your yard’s ecosystem is thriving.

Understanding the unique birds of prey characteristics can help you better appreciate these amazing creatures.

Waterbirds

Along backyard ponds and waterways, you’ll spot elegant diving ducks like the Common Merganser with its dark green head and salmon-tinged body.

Year-round residents include Mallards and American Black Ducks, while Wood Ducks grace your yard between March and October.

During migration season, you might catch Buffleheads and Ring-necked Ducks taking a rest in your pond.

Attracting Birds to Yards

You’ll discover how to transform your backyard into a bustling bird sanctuary using the right combination of feeders, water features, and native plants.

With these proven techniques for attracting Vermont’s diverse bird species, you’ll soon welcome frequent visits from chickadees, cardinals, woodpeckers, and many other feathered friends.

Bird Feeders and Seed

Start your backyard birds journey with black-oil sunflower seeds – they’re like nature’s universal currency, attracting everything from chickadees to cardinals.

Mix up your feeding strategies with different vermont bird feeders: tube feeders for finches, platform feeders for jays, and ground trays for sparrows.

Using the right Bird Seed Feeders can substantially enhance the bird watching experience.

Store bird seed in airtight containers, and you’ll create a bustling feeding station that keeps backyard birds coming back for seconds.

Birdbaths and Water Features

Moving water draws Vermont backyard birds like a magnet.

Set up a shallow birdbath with gently sloping sides, and add a simple dripper or pump to create enticing ripples.

Vermont wildlife birds love the sight and sound of running water .

Effective birdbath pumps are essential for maintaining water quality.

Place your water feature near protective cover, and remember to heat it during freezing winters.

Weekly cleaning keeps the water fresh and inviting.

Native Plants and Trees

Your backyard birds need more than just water – they’ll thrive with native plants and trees that mirror their natural Vermont habitats.

They will benefit from specific types of trees, such as oak trees and mulberries, which can support up to 500 bird species.

Adding flowering shrubs like buttonbush and wild blue phlox for natural shelter, and incorporating native grasses and local nursery selections, can create bird-friendly spaces that need less care and water.

Suet and Peanut Feeders

While your native plants attract Vermont bird species year-round, suet and peanut feeders bring in an extra crowd.

You’ll want to mount your feeders away from shrubs to deter unwanted visitors.

For woodpeckers and nuthatches, install upside-down suet feeders.

Using bird suet cake feeders can be an effective way to attract these birds.

Remember to clean your bird feeders regularly and only offer suet in winter months to avoid attracting bears.

Birding in Vermont

You’ll find over 25 common bird species in Vermont’s backyards, including year-round residents like the Black-capped Chickadee and seasonal visitors like the American Robin.

Whether you’re watching from your kitchen window or exploring local hotspots like the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll discover why Vermont’s diverse landscapes make it a prime location for bird observation.

Prime Birdwatching Spots

You’ll find prime birdwatching spots in Vermont at Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge and Dead Creek, featuring scenic routes, nature trails, and bird sanctuaries.

These locations are perfect for spotting Vermont bird species along wildlife refuges and Vermont birding trails.

Bird Species Counts

Vermont is a birder’s paradise, boasting a diverse avian population.

As of March 2024, the state recorded nearly 400 bird species, including vagrants and rarities.

This number varies seasonally, with around 260 species occupying habitats from Lake Champlain to Mount Mansfield.

The Natural Heritage Database holds data on 88 rare or at-risk species, helping us understand Vermont’s bird population trends and species diversity.

Notable Birds in Vermont

Some Vermont bird species stand out from the rest.

The Black-capped Chickadee, for instance, is easily recognizable with its black cap and cheerful "chick-a-dee-dee" call.

The American Goldfinch, a vibrant yellow bird, visits feeders and brightens up gardens.

Keep an eye out for the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, a tiny, colorful gem that migrates through Vermont.

These feathered friends offer a delightful show of nature’s beauty and diversity.

Conservation Efforts

Vermont’s birds are lucky to have a dedicated team looking out for them.

Audubon Vermont, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, and the Vermont Center for Ecostudies are the dynamic trio protecting birds and their habitats.

Their efforts are about more than just the birds—they’re about maintaining ecosystem balance.

• Habitat Preservation: Audubon Vermont safeguards forests, farms, and fields, benefiting birds and the rural economy.
• Wildlife Protection: They monitor and protect species like the Upland Sandpiper and Golden-winged Warbler.
• Species Research: The Bird and Bee Friendly Farming initiative supports bird-friendly agricultural practices.

Now, let’s turn our attention to some prime birdwatching spots in Vermont.

Creating Bird-Friendly Yards

Creating a bird-friendly yard is an enjoyable project that yields beautiful results.

You can attract a variety of birds to your backyard by offering diverse habitats, food sources, and water features, and we’ll show you how.

Choosing Right Plants

Choosing the right plants is key to creating a bird-friendly yard.

Vermont birds have specific preferences regarding flora, and selecting native plant species will attract a variety of feathered friends.

Opt for a mix of local trees, shrubs, and flowers that offer food and shelter.

This provides natural bird habitats, enhancing your yard’s appeal to these creatures.

Bird habitats in Vermont benefit from native plants that offer sustenance and cover, so get planting with native plant species.

Building Birdbaths or Ponds

Adding a birdbath or pond to your yard is a surefire way to attract feathered friends and create a soothing oasis.

When designing your birdbath, consider using birdbath kits to make the process easier and more efficient.

Reducing Pesticide Use

Pesticides can be harmful to your backyard birds, so it’s essential to opt for eco-friendly pest control methods.

These chemicals can poison birds directly, and they can also kill the insects that birds rely on for food.

Neonicotinoids and glyphosate are particularly harmful, affecting the food chain and the environment.

Reducing pesticide use is a key part of Vermont bird conservation efforts.

Explore organic gardening and sustainable methods to protect bird habitats in Vermont.

By adopting bird friendly practices, homeowners can substantially contribute to the well-being of local bird populations.

Providing Food and Shelter

While cutting back on pesticides is a big step, it’s just one part of the puzzle.

The next piece? Ensuring consistent food sources and shelter for your feathered friends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)