Welcome to Garden Acres! This scenic garden is home to many birds of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re a fan of small finches, large raptors, or anything, you’ll find something to admire in Garden Acres.
The variety of birds that call this garden home is truly remarkable. You’ll find something to capture your attention, from colorful hummingbirds to majestic bald eagles.
Whether you want to watch, photograph, or learn more about the birds here, Garden Acres has something for everyone. So come and explore the world of birds in Garden Acres!
14 Birds to Watch in Garden Acres
A haven of natural beauty where birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers alike can indulge in the serene melodies and captivating sights of avian life.
Situated amidst lush foliage and vibrant blooms, Garden Acres offers a picturesque setting that beckons various bird species throughout the year.
Here are 14 Birds to Watch in Garden Acres.
1. Eurasian Blue Tit
The Eurasian blue tit is a small bird belonging to the tit family, Paridae. It is found across Europe and parts of western and central Asia. Its defining features are its blue and yellow plumage and its small size.
The bird is only 12 cm long, with a short tail and a small bill. Its wings are rounded, and its feet are short and robust. The blue tit has a bright yellow belly and breast and is blue on its head, wings, and tail.
The blue on the wings and tail is a deep shade, while the blue on the head is a lighter shade.
The bird’s eyes are black, and its bill is black or grey. The Eurasian blue tit is an adaptable bird and can be found in a wide variety of habitats, such as woods, parks, gardens, and hedgerows.
It is an omnivorous bird, feeding insects, seeds, berries, and other small invertebrates.
It is a social species, often found in small flocks. The Eurasian blue tit is an essential species for conservation, as it is a common garden bird, providing pollination, pest control, and food for other species.
It is also a famous bird in birdwatching, as its bright colors and small size make it easy to spot.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Cyanistes |
| Species | C. caeruleus |
2. Woodpigeon
The standard wood pigeon is a large bird native to the western Palearctic region. It belongs to the dove and pigeon family and is part of the genus Columba. This genus includes other species, such as the rock dove, closely related to the standard wood pigeon.
The standard wood pigeon has many habitats, from urban areas to woodlands, and is a common sight in many countries.
Its size, more significant than most doves, makes it an easily recognizable species. The wood pigeon is a famous game bird hunted for food.
Its diet consists mainly of seeds and fruits, making it an essential part of the ecosystem. The standard wood pigeon is an important species, and its conservation is necessary for the health of its environment and the lives of those who interact with it.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. palumbus |
3. Long-Tailed Tit
The long-tailed tit is a species of bird found across Europe and the Palearctic. It is a common bird and is also known as the long-tailed bushtit.
The genus name of the long-tailed tit is Aegithalos, which was first used by the Greek philosopher Aristotle to refer to some European tits, including the long-tailed tit.
This bird species is characterized by its long tail feathers, which are often more than twice the size of its body. The long-tailed tit is a small bird, measuring around 13.5 cm in length and weighing 8–11 g.
It is mainly gray, with a white head and pale yellow patches on its cheeks and wings. The long-tailed tit is an agile bird, and it feeds primarily on insects and spiders, which it catches by hovering in the air.
It builds its nest in cavities of trees or shrubs, and the female lays around 8-15 eggs. The long-tailed tit is a social species and is often seen in large flocks, even in the winter months.
It is a beneficial bird for people, as it helps control insect populations and provides food for other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Aegithalidae |
| Genus | Aegithalos |
| Species | A. caudatus |
4. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird species belonging to the valid thrush genus and the wider thrush family, Turdidae. It is named after the European robin due to its striking reddish-orange breast. Despite its namesake, the two species are not closely related.
The European robin belongs to the Old World flycatcher family. American robins are found throughout North America and can be seen year-round in many regions. They are often seen in backyards and parks and are known for their melodic songs.
They are medium-sized birds, approximately 22-28 cm long, with a 33-36 cm wingspan. The upper parts of the bird are dark gray or brownish-gray, while the underside is pale buff or orange-brown.
The distinctive breast of the American robin is a bright reddish-orange color, with a dark head and tail. Robins feed primarily on insects, fruits, and berries and can often be seen hopping along the ground in search of food.
They are important seed dispersers, aiding in the spread of plants across their range. They also help control insect populations, which can benefit agriculture. American robins are a beloved species in many parts of the United States.
They signify spring for many people returning to their breeding grounds in late February or early March. They are a common sight in parks, backyards, and other open areas, and their bright colors and cheerful songs are a welcome sight after a long winter.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
5. Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal is a songbird species commonly found in the United States and parts of Mexico. It is known by many names, including redbird, common cardinal, red cardinal, or simply cardinal.
This bird is easily recognizable by its bright red feathers, black face mask, and prominent red crest. The northern cardinal is part of the genus Cardinalis, a group of birds that includes both cardinals and grosbeaks.
These birds are mainly found in wooded areas and feed on various seeds, fruits, and insects. They are also quite vocal, with various chirps, calls, and whistles that can be heard throughout the year.
They are also quite territorial and have been known to fight off other birds or animals who come too close. The northern cardinal is a beloved sight throughout the United States, and its bright red feathers have long been associated with luck and good fortune.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Cardinalis |
| Species | C. cardinalis |
6. Red-Bellied Woodpecker
The red-bellied woodpecker is a mid-sized bird of the Picidae family, which includes all woodpeckers. This particular species is mainly found in the eastern United States, as far south as Florida and north as Canada.
The red-bellied woodpecker is a common sight in the heavily wooded forests of the eastern United States, where they are often seen hunting for food on tree trunks or cavities in the bark.
They typically feed on insects that they find in the bark’s crevices or decaying wood, but they also eat fruits, nuts, and other small animals. These birds are often found in pairs or small groups and usually make their homes in dead trees or tree cavities.
The red-bellied woodpecker is an integral part of the local ecosystem, as it helps keep insect populations in check and disperses the seeds of the fruits and nuts they eat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. carolinus |
7. Red-Winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is found in various habitats throughout North America and Central America. It belongs to the family Icteridae, a group of birds characterized by their distinctive coloring and loud song.
Red-winged blackbirds are usually black with a bright red patch on their shoulders and a yellow stripe on their wings.
They can be seen in open fields, marshes, wetlands, or gardens near human habitations. They are exceptionally social birds, often seen in flocks of up to hundreds of individuals. Red-winged blackbirds feed on a variety of insects, seeds, and berries.
They also have a distinctive call, sounding like a “conk-la-re” or “o-ka-lee.”
During mating season, males are known for their loud and complex songs as they attempt to attract a mate. The red-winged blackbird is an essential species in the ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and providing food for various predators.
It also serves as an important indicator species, indicating the environment’s health and other species’ presence. As a result, conservation efforts are needed to protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
8. Wrens
The Wren is a small brown bird in the Troglodytidae family. This family is native to the New World and contains a total of 88 species that are divided into 19 separate genera.
The only species of the Wren family found in the Old World is the Eurasian Wren. This species is more commonly called the “wren” in English-speaking regions due to its origins.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Troglodytidae |
9. Blue Jay
The blue jay is a type of bird that is part of the Corvidae family and is native to eastern North America. It is found in a large area of the United States, stretching from the east coast to the central part of the country.
Some eastern populations may migrate during certain seasons, while others remain in the same area all year round. Additionally, blue jays are in Newfoundland, Canada, and breeding populations are found across southern Canada.
Blue jays are known for their vibrant blue and white feathers. They are also quite vocal, with a wide range of sounds they use to communicate. They feed on various food sources, including insects, fruits, and nuts.
Blue jays typically live in small flocks, a common sight in many backyard bird feeders. Blue jays are essential to the environment because they help disperse seeds and pollen, which helps to promote the growth of different plants.
They are also crucial in controlling the populations of certain insects. For these reasons, protecting blue jays and their habitats is essential.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. cristata |
10. Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s hawk is a species native to the North American continent. This species of hawk is medium-sized and can be found in a wide range of habitats from southern Canada down to Mexico.
It is a mighty and agile hunter known for its ability to maneuver through dense vegetation quickly in pursuit of its prey. Cooper’s hawk is a raptor, which means it is a carnivorous bird of prey that is adapted to hunting and catching other animals.
Its diet mainly comprises small mammals and birds, but it may also feed on other small animals, such as insects, reptiles, and amphibians. Due to its wide range, Cooper’s hawk is one of North America’s most commonly seen hawks.
It is typically found in wooded areas but is also a common sight in parks and suburban areas. Its presence is noted by its loud call, which is a series of sharp, loud cries.
Cooper’s hawk is an essential species in the ecosystem as it helps to regulate the populations of small mammals and birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Accipiter |
| Species | A. cooperii |
11. Bluebirds
Bluebirds are a type of songbird from North America that are usually medium-sized with a diet consisting mainly of insects but can also include small animals and some fruits and vegetables.
They belong to the Passerines order of birds, which consists of over half of all living bird species, and to the Sialia genus of the thrush family, one of the few genera native to the Americas.
Bluebirds lay an average of 4 to 6 eggs in a single clutch, usually blue-green or light brown. The female typically incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days and the male and female feed the chicks after hatching until they are ready to fledge.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
12. Song Sparrow
The song sparrow is a small bird from the New World sparrow family. It is found in North America, where it is one of the most abundant species of native sparrows. The song sparrow has a wide range of habitats due to its adaptability.
It can be found in various habitats, from open plains to woodlands and urban areas. The song sparrow is also quite variable, with different subspecies throughout the continent.
For example, the song Sparrow found in California distinctly differs from the one found in the Midwest.
This variability allows the song sparrow to take advantage of different environmental conditions in other areas, allowing it to survive and thrive in various habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Melospiza |
| Species | M. melodia |
13. Eastern Kingbird
The eastern kingbird is a large species of flycatcher that is native to the Americas and is easily recognizable due to its distinctive plumage. It has a dark gray upper body, white underbelly, and pointed wings.
They are conspicuous birds and can often be seen perched on trees and bushes in open areas, where they search for insects. These open areas are frequently scattered with trees and bushes, providing the birds plenty of opportunities to find food and rest.
Eastern kingbirds are highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats, from grasslands and forests to wetlands and even suburban areas. They are also highly territorial and can be aggressive when defending their nests and foraging territories.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Tyrannus |
| Species | T. tyrannus |
14. Wood Thrush
The wood thrush is a species of bird native to North America. It is a type of passerine, a bird known for its ability to perch and move around on branches and trees.
It is closely related to other thrushes, such as the American robin, and is found in various habitats across North America. During winter, the wood thrush migrates to Central America and southern Mexico.
It is the official bird of the District of Columbia, which is a testament to its beauty and importance in the area. The wood thrush is a unique species, and it is essential to understand and appreciate its place in the natural world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Hylocichla |
| Species | H. mustelina |
Conclusion
Birds play an essential role in the Garden Acres ecosystem. They provide food for other animals, help disperse the seeds of plants, pollinate flowers, and entertain us all.
While some birds may be a nuisance, most birds greatly benefit the environment and are an integral part of Garden Acres.