Backyard Birds of Virginia – Identify Common Species With Expert Tips (2024)

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If you’re a backyard birdwatcher in Virginia, you’re in luck!

From the brilliant red Northern Cardinal to the sassy Carolina Wren, a diverse array of feathered friends awaits your observation.

Keep an eye out for woodpeckers like the Red-bellied and Downy, raptors such as the majestic Red-tailed Hawk, and a variety of cheerful songbirds, including the iconic Eastern Bluebird.

With the right approach, your backyard can become a haven for these winged wonders.

But to truly explore the intricacies of Virginia’s backyard birds, let’s examine them further.

Common Backyard Birds

You’re in for a treat if you enjoy backyard bird watching! Virginia’s diverse habitats host a remarkable array of common feathered friends.

From the brilliant red Northern Cardinal to the cheery Carolina Wren, these delightful backyard birds will quickly become familiar sights and sounds.

The American Robin‘s melodious song heralds spring, while the Mourning Dove’s soothing coo provides a calming backdrop.

With some basic identification skills and bird-friendly landscaping, you can attract and enjoy these charismatic species right in your own yard.

Raptors in Virginia

While observing birds in your Virginia backyard, keep an eye out for the swift and agile Sharp-shinned Hawk, as well as the larger Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks that soar overhead. You may also spot the distinctive Great Horned Owl with its ear tufts or the stocky Barred Owl with its distinctive "Who cooks for you?" call.

Sharp-shinned Hawk

The sharp-shinned hawk, a fierce predator, frequents Virginia’s backyards in search of small birds. You may spot this agile hunter:

• Darting through trees with lightning speed
• Perching motionless, watching for prey
• Stooping down to seize a songbird in mid-air
• Nesting in dense foliage, hidden from view
• Migrating south for winter, a seasonal visitor

Despite their hunting prowess, these hawks face habitat loss, so sustaining their natural environment is critical.

Red-shouldered Hawk

You’ve likely spotted the Red-shouldered Hawk perched on a tree branch, scanning for prey with its keen eyesight. These medium-sized raptors hunt small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians in wooded areas and suburban neighborhoods. Their distinctive red shoulders and barred reddish-orange breast make them easy to identify. Provide nest boxes to attract these beneficial hawks that help control rodent populations.

Red-tailed Hawk

You’ll often spot the red-tailed hawk soaring high above, thanks to its:

1. Distinctive reddish tail
2. Large size (up to 26 inches long)
3. Keen eyesight for hunting small mammals and birds

These powerful birds prefer open areas like fields and suburban backyards, where they perch on trees or utility poles, scanning for prey. Their haunting cries add a wild touch to your neighborhood.

Great Horned Owl

Speaking of raptors, you might spot the majestic Great Horned Owl silently gliding through your backyard at night. With superb night vision and powerful talons, this nocturnal predator hunts a wide range of prey from rodents to skunks. Listen for its deep hoots and look for its distinctive ear tufts perched high atop trees.

Barred Owl

You may have heard the distinctive "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?" call of the Barred Owl in your backyard. This raptor is:

1. Easily recognized by its vertical brown streaks and horizontal white bars
2. A proficient hunter of small mammals, birds, and amphibians
3. Often found in mature forests near water sources

Its adaptations for night hunting, like silent flight and excellent hearing, make the Barred Owl a formidable backyard predator.

Woodpeckers in Virginia

Virginia’s woodpecker population includes six commonly seen backyard species:

The Red-bellied Woodpecker, identifiable by its pale belly and distinctive rolling call.

The smaller Downy Woodpecker, recognized by its black-and-white striped back and tendency to hitch up tree trunks and branches.

Other notable woodpeckers in the state include:

The striking Red-headed Woodpecker with its bright crimson head and black-and-white body.

The striking Pileated Woodpecker with its flaming crest and echoing drumming.

The migratory Yellow-bellied Sapsucker known for its neat rows of sap wells on tree bark.

The Hairy Woodpecker, a larger cousin of the Downy that shares a similar black-and-white pattern.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

You’ll easily identify the red-bellied woodpecker by its distinctive black-and-white striped back, pale red belly, and red nape.

Listen for its rolling "churr" call as it drums on trees, excavating insects from bark crevices.

These birds nest in cavities, favoring mature woods and urban parks with tall trees.

Offering suet, nuts, and black oil sunflower seeds will attract them to your backyard feeders.

Red-headed Woodpecker

The Red-headed Woodpecker’s striking crimson head and white body make it unmistakable. You’ll spot this year-round Virginia resident:

1. Clinging to tree trunks, hammering for insects
2. Catching insects mid-air with acrobatic maneuvers
3. Stashing food in bark crevices for lean times
4. Nesting in dead trees, its nestling behavior fascinating

Despite habitat loss, embrace opportunities to welcome and conserve this spectacular backyard visitor.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a peculiar woodpecker species you’ll encounter pecking neat rows of holes in your trees. Don’t confuse their sap-seeking behavior for harmful tree damage – sapsuckers feed on the flowing sap and insects attracted to it. Listen for their distinctive drumming during breeding season as males advertise territory. These migratory birds depart for boreal forests after nesting.

Downy Woodpecker

The downy woodpecker’s friendly "pik" calls and tiny rat-a-tat-tat drumming announce its presence in your backyard trees. At just 6-7 inches long, these black-and-white cuties creep along branches, jabbing into bark crevices for insects. Look for their distinctive smaller size, shorter beak, and black-spotted white outer tail feathers at your suet feeders.

Hairy Woodpecker

The larger cousin of the Downy Woodpecker, the Hairy Woodpecker, frequents your backyard too. Watch for its white-streaked black back and bold white belly as it hitches up tree trunks, tapping for insects. Listen for its loud "peek" call echoing through the woods. These birds nest in cavities they excavate themselves, preferring mature forests.

Pileated Woodpecker

You’ve likely heard the loud, jackhammer-like call of the Pileated Woodpecker in your backyard. This striking bird, with its red crest and black body, is hard to miss. As the largest woodpecker in North America, it thrives in mature forests, where it:

1. Drills rectangular holes in dead trees
2. Feeds on carpenter ants and wood-boring beetle larvae
3. Nests in cavities it excavates in decaying trees
4. Plays an essential role in forest ecosystems

Songbirds in Virginia

Songbirds like the Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, Carolina wren, eastern bluebird, and American robin are common backyard visitors in Virginia. These lively, vocal birds add delightful melodies to yards and gardens, often nesting and raising their young near human habitats.

Carolina Chickadee

The Carolina chickadee‘s cheerful chant is a delight for backyard birdwatchers. These petite songbirds forage for insects and seeds, often visiting feeders. Listen for their distinctive "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call as they flit among tree branches. Offering nest boxes attracts these cavity nesters, allowing you to observe their fascinating parenting routines up close.

Tufted Titmouse

You’ve likely seen the tufted titmouse, a lively gray bird with a distinct crest. Here are some fun facts:

1. They’re cavity nesters, using natural tree holes or nest boxes.
2. Their diet includes insects, seeds, and even suet from backyard feeders.
3. Listen for their loud, whistled "peter-peter-peter" song.
4. These acrobatic birds flit through trees, clinging to bark in search of food.

These endearing songbirds bring constant activity to yards across their range.

Carolina Wren

The Carolina Wren’s loud, cheerful song is a delightful addition to any backyard. These energetic songbirds nest in cavities, brush piles, and even hanging plants. Watch them forage for insects and spiders on the ground and in shrubs. With their sassy tails constantly upright, Carolina Wrens add charm to suburban gardens and woodlands alike.

Eastern Bluebird

You’ll often spot the brilliant azure-blue plumage of the Eastern Bluebird as it perches on trees, fences, or nest boxes. These cavity-nesters thrive in open woodlands, parks, and suburban areas with scattered trees and plenty of insects and berries. Listen for their cheerful, warbling song—a treat indicating spring’s arrival.

American Robin

You’ll often spot the American robin hopping across your lawn, foraging for worms and insects with its distinctive orange breast and gray back. These songbirds are known for:

1. Building sturdy mud nests in trees or on structures.
2. Aggressive territorial behavior during breeding season.
3. Flocking to backyard feeding stations in winter months.

The robin’s cheerful song and summer migration make it a beloved backyard visitor.

Sparrows in Virginia

You’ll frequently encounter several sparrow species in Virginia’s backyards, including the American Tree Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, and White-crowned Sparrow. These small, seed-eating birds display distinct markings, behaviors, and vocalizations that aid in their identification, making them an excellent subject for backyard birding enthusiasts.

American Tree Sparrow

You’ll often spot the American Tree Sparrow in winter, hopping about in backyards and brushy areas. This seasonal visitor breeds far north but migrates to Virginia when temperatures drop. Easily identified by its rusty cap, crisp breast spot, and buzzy trill, this perky sparrow frequents feeders filled with small seeds.

Appearance	Rusty crown, gray face, black spot on breast
Size	5-6 inches long
Voice	Buzzy trill and chip notes
Habitat	Brush, fields, yards with cover
Status	Winter visitor, not threatened

Field Sparrow

You’ll recognize the Field Sparrow by its rusty cap, pinkish bill, and streaked breast. Look for it in open fields and pastures, where it feeds on seeds and insects. Listen for its distinctive bouncing song of trills and buzzy notes. These backyard birds nest in dense shrubs or on the ground, raising several broods each summer.

Song Sparrow

The ubiquitous song sparrow‘s melodic trill enlivens lawns and brushy areas. Streaked brown with a gray breast and rust-colored stripes on its head, you’ll spot this persistent songster scratching the ground for seeds and insects. Nesting in dense shrubbery, their cup-shaped nests cradle greenish-white eggs, hatching fuzzy youngsters in spring. Providing cover aids their breeding success.

White-throated Sparrow

The white-throated sparrow, with its distinctive white throat patch and bright yellow lores, is a sought-after winter visitor in Virginia. These sparrows breed in northern forests and tundra before migrating south, frequenting backyard feeders with their crisp whistle-like song. Providing dense shrubs and native plants aids conservation of this handsome sparrow’s breeding habitat.

White-crowned Sparrow

If you spot a sparrow with bold black-and-white stripes on its head, you’re likely admiring the White-crowned Sparrow. These dapper birds breed in the boreal forests of Canada and winter across much of the U.S., including Virginia’s backyards. Listen for their whistled song and watch for their distinctive head pattern as they forage on the ground.

Other Backyard Birds

In your Virginia backyard, you’ll frequently encounter the distinctive mourning dove with its soft cooing and plump, grayish-brown body.

As well as the striking Northern flicker, a woodpecker species known for its black-scalloped plumage and red nape.

Two other ubiquitous backyard residents are the raucous blue jay, recognizable by its brilliant blue crest and contrasting black and white markings.

And the ever-present American crow, a large black bird with a distinctive cawing call.

Mourning Dove

You’re likely familiar with the soft cooing of the mourning dove. These plump, grayish-brown birds are common sights, perched on wires or foraging on the ground. Mourning doves thrive in suburban areas, nesting on platforms or tree branches. They feed primarily on seeds, favoring those from grasses and weeds. Their wings produce a distinctive whistling sound in flight.

Northern Flicker

You may spot the Northern flicker, a striking woodpecker, foraging for ants and beetles on your lawn. Identifiable by its dapper black-and-white pattern, red nape, and loud "kee-yer" call, this cavity-nester courts mates with amusing courtship displays. Offer nest boxes and let fallen trees decay to attract this charismatic bird.

Blue Jay

You’ll recognize the boisterous blue jay by its vibrant blue crest and contrasting black, white, and gray plumage. These intelligent birds thrive in backyard settings, caching food and mimicking hawk calls to deter predators. Listen for their iconic rusty gate call amid deciduous forests and residential areas. Blue jays actively defend territories year-round in Virginia.

American Crow

You’ve likely heard the raucous call of the American Crow, a ubiquitous backyard bird. These intelligent and social corvids:

• Exhibit complex behavior, using tools and forming "crow families"
• Migrate in large flocks to warmer regions during winter
• Build sturdy stick nests high in trees for their young
• Have a repertoire of distinctive caws and calls

Their adaptability and problem-solving make crows fascinating urban neighbors.

Seasonal Backyard Birds

Many songbirds visit Virginia’s backyards seasonally, adding vibrant colors and melodic sounds to the state’s natural landscape. In summer, residents can spot Indigo Buntings with their brilliant blue plumage, raucous Common Grackles, Gray Catbirds with their distinctive calls, graceful Barn Swallows, and energetic Chipping Sparrows darting about.

Summer Visitors

As summer graces your backyard, you’ll be serenaded by vibrant migrants like the Indigo Bunting, its vivid blue plumage a breathtaking sight. The charismatic Gray Catbird, with its mewing call, and the graceful Barn Swallow, deftly snatching insects mid-air, enliven the warmer months. Learn their songs, observe their nesting habits—the joys of summer birdwatching await!

Winter Visitors

During winter, you’ll spot hardy visitors like the White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, and Yellow-rumped Warbler at your feeders. Make certain you:

• Provide high-energy foods like suet and nyjer seed
• Keep bird baths free of ice for drinking water
• Insulate birdhouses for roosting on cold nights

Observing these resilient winter birds foraging is a treat on crisp, snowy days.

Attracting Birds to Yards

You can attract a wide variety of birds to your backyard in Virginia by providing the essential elements they need for survival.

Setting up bird feeders with different types of seed.

Installing a water feature like a birdbath or shallow pool.

Growing native plants that offer food and shelter are effective strategies to make your yard a haven for feathered friends.

Bird Feeders

To attract backyard birds, you’ll want to provide several bird feeders with different types of birdseed. Place them at various heights and locations around your yard for improved visibility. Regularly clean feeders to prevent disease spread. However, be cautious of bears or other wildlife that may raid the feeders—take precautions if needed.

Water Features

You’ll attract more birds by providing a water feature like a bird bath or shallow pond.

Make sure it has sloping sides for easy access and a rough surface for perching.

Frequently refresh the water to keep it clean and appealing, especially during dry spells when natural sources are scarce.

Strategically placing it near dense shrubbery offers protection while allowing birds to bathe and drink safely.

Native Plants

You’ll attract more birds by growing native plants. They provide food and shelter that birds need. Here are some tips:

• Choose plants with berries, nuts, or seeds
• Plant native flowers for nectar sources
• Use native shrubs and trees for nesting sites
• Guarantee diversity by having plants that bloom at different times

Native plants are low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and support local ecosystems. With the right selection, your yard becomes an inviting habitat.

Grass Length

In addition to native plants, allowing your grass to grow a bit taller provides food and shelter for many birds. Here’s a simple guide:

Grass Length	Benefits
3-6 inches	Insects, seeds for sparrows, finches
6-12 inches	Nesting cover for doves, thrushes
Over 12 inches	Habitat for meadowlarks, buntings

You’ll attract more birds by embracing a slightly wild, overgrown look.

Brush Piles

As an extra attractant, leave a brush pile in a quiet corner of your yard. Brush piles make excellent shelters for birds and small mammals. Here are some tips:

• Use natural materials like branches, logs, and leaves
• Build the pile 3-5 feet high and wide
• Leave entry/exit points for wildlife access
• Maintain it by adding new materials annually

Brush piles provide nesting sites, protective cover, and foraging areas, increasing the biodiversity of your backyard habitat.

Bird Identification Tips

To accurately identify backyard birds in Virginia, carefully observe their size and shape. Note distinctive features like long or short beaks, crests, or tails.

Examine color patterns, behaviors, and the habitat in which the bird is found. These clues provide valuable insights into the species.

Smartphone apps like Merlin Bird ID can assist in narrowing down possibilities based on your observations.

Size and Shape

One key identifying factor is a bird’s size and shape.

Observe whether it’s small like a sparrow or large like a hawk.

Its overall body structure – slim or plump – can distinguish species.

Habitat also offers clues; raptors have broad wings for soaring, while songbirds are more compact for agile movements.

Consider migratory patterns too, as certain sizes suit different migration strategies.

Color Patterns

When identifying birds, take note of their color patterns – the distinct markings and shades of coloration. Look for bold hues contrasting with muted tones, streaks, spots, eye-rings, wing bars, and other feathered pigments. Observing hue variations provides key clues for proper species recognition.

Behavior

You’ll want to observe a bird’s behavior closely for clues to its identity. Listen for distinctive bird songs or watch for mating displays like courtship dances. Nesting habits and foraging techniques can be telling, as can migratory patterns for seasonal visitors. Behavior often provides the final piece of the identification puzzle.

Habitat

When identifying birds, pay close attention to their habitat. Different species thrive in various habitat types:

1. Woodlands attract woodpeckers, hawks, and songbirds.
2. Meadows and fields draw sparrows, bluebirds, and meadowlarks.
3. Wetlands host herons, egrets, and waterfowl.

Identification Apps

You can also use a bird identification app to help identify backyard birds. These apps often have features to identify birds by location, size, color, and even bird calls. Some popular apps include Merlin Bird ID, eBird, and BirdNet. They provide detailed species information, range maps, and recordings to aid your bird watching experience ethically and responsibly.

App	Features
Merlin Bird ID	AI-powered visual ID, bird sounds, regional packs
eBird	Checklist sharing, hotspot maps, species distribution data
BirdNet	Sound identification, visualizations of vocalizations
Audubon Bird Guide	Detailed species accounts, photo galleries, news
BirdsEye	AR bird identification, life lists, sighting maps

Bird-Friendly Gardening

By creating a bird-friendly garden, you’ll attract a variety of species to your backyard.

Plant native flowering plants, trees, and shrubs that provide shelter and food sources like berries and seeds.

Leave some areas unkempt with leaf litter and brush piles for nesting materials.

Install a water feature like a bird bath, which helps birds drink and bathe.

Consider participating in bird banding programs or monitoring migration patterns to contribute to conservation efforts.

Analyze bird songs to identify species and appreciate their unique vocalizations.

Creating an inviting habitat transforms your yard into a thriving sanctuary for feathered friends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)