3 min read
After the flowers have faded and the fall leaves have been raked up, there aren’t many sources of color and life in the winter landscape—until you start noticing the winged creatures in your yard. While some birds take flight for the season, others stick around in our yards and at our feeders. Catching a glimpse of a woodpecker’s red cap or a blue jay’s vivid feathers can be a real mood lifter during the long, cold months.
Here are a few common species to look out for this winter. Plus, how to attract more birds to your yard and help track bird populations.
Goldfinches
sandra standbridge//Getty Images
“Many backyard birds look completely different in winter than they do in summer,” explains Benjamin Haywood, the director of community science for the National Audubon Society. “The American Goldfinch is a prime example—those bright yellow birds molt into subdued olive-brown winter plumage. It’s not just about camouflage; these duller feathers actually require less energy to maintain, which is crucial when food is scarce and temperatures drop.”
Cardinals
Leola Durant//Getty Images
Catching a ruby-red cardinal against a backdrop of snow is one of winter’s most beautiful sights. Male birds are bright red, while female birds are a rosy shade of brown. “Even birds that don’t change as dramatically, like cardinals, may look slightly different as feather wear and lighting conditions change throughout the season,” says Haywood.
Woodpeckers
Fredrik Findahl / 500px//Getty Images
You might hear these birds before you see them. There are many varieties of woodpeckers, from the large pileated to the tiny downy woodpecker, and they all drill into wood with their beaks to find insects for food.
Nuthatches
Jean Landry//Getty Images
You might not know nuthatches by name, but you’ve surely seen them in your yard. These small birds have short tails and often have black markings on their heads. Another way to spot them: They’re the only bird who can walk headfirst down a tree.
Sparrows
stephen jarman / 500px//Getty Images
There are dozens of sparrows native to the United States, and the types you see in your yard will depend on where you live. Small and rounded, with short, pointy beaks, their feathers are often in shades of brown and gray. House sparrows, which have black caps and “masks” around their eyes, are commonly found throughout the country.
Hawks
Mathew Risley//Getty Images
You’re more likely to see a hawk gracefully circling in the sky than in your yard, but if you do see one up close, you’ll be amazed by the markings on their feathers. Red-tailed, sharp-shinned, and rough-legged hawks and Cooper’s hawks are all commonly spotted in the winter.
How to Attract More Winter Birds to Your Yard
Haywood says to focus on providing food sources and shelter. Keeping feeders stocked with high-energy foods like suet, black oil sunflower seeds, and nyjer will keep birds coming back. “But also pay attention to natural food sources like berry-producing shrubs and seed-bearing plants. Fall and early winter provide an ideal time to consider adding more native plants to your backyard or community,” he says. “And don’t underestimate the value of brush piles and evergreen cover, which provide crucial shelter from wind and predators.”
JamesBrey//Getty Images
Join Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count
Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count is an annual tradition that anyone can participate in. “It’s the longest-running bird count in the world—we’re talking over 125 years of data that has been instrumental in tracking bird population trends and informing conservation efforts,” says Haywood. “Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you can find a local count where you can join a team, learn from others, and contribute to this incredible dataset while enjoying winter birds.” The count runs December 14 to January 5.
Comments are closed.