Jackson is home to various birds, making it a prime destination for birders. With the city’s numerous parks, wetlands, and woodlands, birders can observe multiple species in Jackson.
From songbirds to hawks, owls to waterfowl, Jackson offers a great birding experience for novice and experienced birders alike. Whether you’re a beginner just getting started or an experienced birder looking to add to your life list, Jackson has something for everyone.
So grab your binoculars and explore the avian wonders of Jackson!
24 Birds to Watch in Jackson
Jackson is a city where nature and urban life intertwine, offering bird enthusiasts a diverse array of species to observe and admire.
Amidst the picturesque landscapes of Mississippi, Jackson is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting an impressive variety of avian residents and migratory visitors.
Here are 24 Birds to Watch in Jackson.
1. Black-Capped Chickadee
The black-capped chickadee is a small songbird that is native to North America. It is a nonmigratory species, meaning it does not fly away to warmer climates during the winter. The black-capped chickadee lives in both deciduous and mixed forests.
It is a member of the tit family, otherwise known as the Paridae. Because of its popularity, the black-capped chickadee is the state bird of Massachusetts and Maine in the United States and the provincial bird of New Brunswick in Canada.
The black-capped chickadee is an essential species in a variety of ecosystems. It is a vital part of the food chain, as it feeds on insects and berries. It also helps to control insect populations, particularly those that may harm the forests in which they live.
Additionally, the black-capped chickadee is a pollinator, which helps ensure vegetation growth in its habitat. The black-capped chickadee is an interesting species of bird that plays a vital role in the health and balance of many ecosystems.
Its official state or provincial bird status speaks to its importance and popularity in many areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. atricapillus |
2. Brown-Headed Cowbird
The brown-headed cowbird is a species of icterid, a type of Blackbird, native to North American temperate and subtropical regions.
It is a permanent resident in the southern parts of its range, such as the United States and Mexico. At the same time, northern birds migrate south in the winter, typically returning to their summer habitats in March or April.
The brown-headed cowbird is a brood parasite, meaning it does not build its nests but instead lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, usually without the host species’ knowledge.
The cowbird ensures that the host species will raise the young birds and not its parents. This behavior is known as obligate brood parasitism because the cowbird relies on the host species for its survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. ater |
3. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a small bird from the finch family native to North America. During the breeding season, these birds travel from mid-Alberta to North Carolina. In the winter, they travel south of the Canada–United States border to Mexico.
This migration pattern allows the goldfinch to stay in a climate well-suited to its needs. The American goldfinch is a colorful bird with a bright yellow body and black and white wings.
Its diet consists mainly of seeds, though it occasionally eats other small insects or larvae. It builds its nest in low shrubs or trees, often near the ground. The female goldfinch is responsible for creating the nest, while the male helps to feed the young.
The American goldfinch is common in backyards and parks throughout North America. It has a distinctive chirping call that can be heard during the breeding season.
The American goldfinch is an integral part of the ecosystem, helping to disperse the seeds of various plants, which in turn helps to maintain healthy habitats for other species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
4. Dark-Eyed Junco
The dark-eyed junco is a small grayish sparrow native to North America. This species of bird can be found in temperate areas across the continent. It is particularly abundant during the summer when seen far into the Arctic Circle.
The dark-eyed junco is a very variable species, meaning it can have various colors and patterns. This is similar to the fox sparrow, another species closely related to the junco.
The exact classification of the species is still uncertain, and scientists are continuing to work to understand the dark-eyed junco better.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Junco |
| Species | J. hyemalis |
5. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird belonging to the genus Turdidae, part of the thrush family. This bird is named after the European robin because of its reddish-orange breast, although the two species are not closely related.
The European robin belongs to the Old World flycatcher family. The American robin is found in various habitats, from urban parks to woodlands and wetlands. It is a relatively large bird, measuring 8 to 11 inches long and weighing between 1.2 and 1.6 ounces.
The American robin has a gray-brown back, a white breast, and a reddish-orange breast. It is also distinguishable by its black head and yellow bill. The American robin is an omnivore which eats plant and animal matter.
Its diet includes fruits, berries, insects, worms, and other invertebrates. It is also known to feed on garbage, which is why it is often seen in urban areas. The American robin is a migratory bird that travels long distances during breeding and non-breeding seasons.
It migrates south in the winter and returns to the same area in the spring. It is an integral part of the North American avifauna, and its song is a familiar sound in gardens and parks.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
6. Northern Flicker
The northern flicker is a species of woodpecker found across a large portion of North America and parts of Central America. It is a medium-sized bird, usually ranging in size from 11 to 14 inches.
It has a distinctive, barred black and white pattern on its wings and back and a white rump. It has a red patch on its head, often used to help identify it. The northern flicker is found in various habitats, including woodlands, forests, and meadows.
It feeds on insects, fruits, and berries and is an integral part of the ecosystem in its range. It is one of the few species of woodpecker that migrates, which means it moves to different parts of its range throughout the year.
This helps it make use of different food sources as the seasons change. The northern flicker is an essential species in its range and is considered a species of most minor concern by the IUCN.
It is not currently threatened by habitat loss or other human activities. Still, it is essential to protect its habitat to ensure its long-term survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
7. Mountain Chickadee
The mountain chickadee is a small songbird belonging to the tit family Paridae. It is part of the Passeriformes order, also known as perching birds.
The mountain chickadee is native to the mountains of western North America, such as the Rocky Mountains and the Cascade Mountains. These birds have distinct black and white markings on their heads and wings and a greyish-brown body.
They are also known for their loud, cheerful ‘chick-a-dee-dee-dee’ call. Mountain chickadees primarily feed on seeds, nuts, insects, and berries. In the winter, they often flock together to find food and stay warm.
Mountain chickadees are highly social birds, often living in pairs or family groups. They are cavity nesters, meaning they make their nests in hollowed tree trunks or stumps.
Mountain chickadees are a famous backyard bird in North America, and many bird lovers enjoy watching them in their natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. gambeli |
8. Osprey
The osprey is a large bird of prey, known by several names, including sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk. It can be found throughout the world, usually in areas near water. It has a unique appearance: a brown upper body, predominantly greyish head, and underparts.
It is extensive, with a length of more than 60 cm and a wingspan of 180 cm. As a diurnal bird, it is active during the day and specializes in fish-eating. These birds are skilled hunters, using their sharp talons to snatch prey from the water.
Ospreys can also fly long distances and even migrate to different areas when the weather changes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Pandionidae |
| Genus | Pandion |
| Species | P. haliaetus |
9. Blue Jay
The blue jay is a type of bird that belongs to the Corvidae family and is native to eastern North America. It is found in most eastern and central states, and some of those populations may migrate seasonally.
In addition, it is also found in Newfoundland, Canada, and breeds in southern Canada. It is known for its distinctive blue feathering, loud calls, and intelligence.
The blue jay feeds on various items, from insects to fruits and nuts, and is an integral part of the ecosystem, helping control the insect population. It is also famous among birders and is often seen in parks and gardens.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. cristata |
10. Gray Catbird
The gray catbird is a species of perching bird native to North America and Central America. It is part of the family of birds known as mimids and is the only member of its genus, Dumetella.
Its grayish-brown plumage is striking compared to other birds, as it has a dark gray head, a slate gray back, and a rusty orange tail. The wings and tail have white edges, which makes the catbird even more distinguishable.
The bird is medium-sized, growing to a length of about nine inches, and has a wingspan of up to thirteen inches. The gray catbird has an exciting call, so it is named after a cat.
Its distinctive warbling sound has been likened to a cat’s meow, and it is known to mimic other birds and animals. It usually lives in wooded areas, such as thickets, and can sometimes be found in shrubbery and gardens.
The gray catbird is a predatory species, and its diet includes insects, spiders, and berries. Gray catbirds are known to form monogamous pairs and are very social birds. They are territorial and will aggressively defend their territory from any other birds.
They are also known to be vocal during the breeding season and will even join in a chorus with other species of birds to attract mates. The female catbird will build a cup-shaped nest from twigs and grasses, which she will line with softer materials such as moss and fur.
The gray catbird is an integral part of the ecosystem, as it helps to keep insect populations in check and serves as a food source for other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Dumetella |
| Species | D. carolinensis |
11. Yellow-Rumped Warbler
The yellow-rumped warbler is a species of bird that can be found in North America. It is a regular species, meaning it is a permanent continent resident and not just a seasonal or occasional visitor.
This bird is quite common and can be seen in various habitats, from open woodlands to wetlands and parks to gardens. It is a small bird with a short, thin bill, usually measuring between four and five inches in length.
The most distinctive feature of the yellow-rumped warbler is the yellow patch on its back, which is bordered with black feathers.
This species is known for its ability to thrive in northern and southern climates, and it can be seen in many areas of the United States and Canada.
During winter, the yellow-rumped warbler migrates south to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean and can sometimes be found as far south as Panama. It feeds mainly on insects but eats berries and fruit when available.
The yellow-rumped warbler is an integral part of the ecosystem, as it helps control insect populations and is also a popular species for birdwatchers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. coronata |
12. Chipping Sparrow
The chipping sparrow is a small bird species in North America and part of the Passerellidae family. It is widespread and relatively tame across the continent, making it a common sight in many areas.
The species is divided into two subspecies: the eastern chipping sparrow and the western chipping sparrow.
This division is based on differences in the birds’ habitat and behavior. The eastern chipping sparrow is found mainly in the east of the United States, while the western chipping sparrow is located primarily in the western parts of the continent.
Each subspecies is adapted to its particular range and may show different behaviors and be found in various habitats. For instance, the eastern chipping sparrow prefers coniferous forests and woodlands, while the western chipping sparrow prefers shrublands and grasslands.
The two subspecies of chipping sparrows have different plumage and song, further distinguishing them. The eastern chipping sparrow has gray-brown feathers, while the western chipping sparrow has a reddish-brown color.
The eastern chipping sparrow also has a distinct, two-note song, while the western chipping sparrow has a more complicated and varied song. Overall, the chipping sparrow is a bird species widespread in North America and divided into two distinct subspecies.
Each subspecies is adapted to its particular habitat and can be distinguished by its plumage and song. It is a reasonably tame bird, making it a common sight in many parts of North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Spizella |
| Species | S. passerina |
13. Cedar Waxwing
The cedar waxwing is a unique species of bird that belongs to the Bombycillidae family, also known as the waxwing family. This family comprises passerine birds found in various parts of the world.
The cedar waxwing is a medium-sized bird that is mainly brown, gray, and yellow. It is named for the wax-like tips on its wings that give it a distinct appearance. This bird is primarily found in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
It feeds on various fruits, insects, and berries, and its diet is primarily vegetarian. The cedar waxwing is a social bird that is often seen in flocks. It is known for its musical and complex songs composed of a combination of simple notes.
The cedar waxwing is also known to construct its nests in the hollows of trees. The cedar waxwing is an interesting bird species that adds beauty and charm to its natural environment.
It is a species that continues to captivate birdwatchers and ornithologists with its unique characteristics and behaviors.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Bombycillidae |
| Genus | Bombycilla |
| Species | B. cedrorum |
14. Woodpeckers
The bird family Picidae is a diverse group of birds that includes woodpeckers, piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers. This family of birds can be found on every continent except for Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, and the extreme polar regions.
Woodpeckers are the most well-known members of this family and are found in various habitats, including forests, cities, and parks. They are most easily identified by their strong, sharp beaks, which they use to peck at tree bark for food.
Piculets are much smaller than woodpeckers and have a more slender bill. Wrynecks are also small and known for their unusual courtship behavior.
Sapsuckers are similar in size to woodpeckers but have a longer bill and are adapted to feed on sap rather than insects. All of these birds play an essential role in the environment, helping to keep insect populations in check and spreading the seeds of plants.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
15. Downy Woodpecker
The downy woodpecker is a species found in North America and is the smallest. It measures between 14 and 18 cm in length.
This species is found in forested areas across the United States and Canada, except the southwestern deserts and the northern tundra.
Downy woodpeckers are generally found in deciduous or mixed forests, where they can feed on the insects that live in the bark of trees. They can also be found in areas of coniferous forest and in suburban and urban parks.
This species feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, and flies. It also eats berries, nuts, and other fruits. These woodpeckers are known for creating holes in trees, which provide them with nesting cavities. They also use these holes to store food.
Downy woodpeckers are monogamous, breeding between late winter and early summer. They typically have two to three broods a year, and the chicks depend on their parents for several weeks after hatching.
The downy woodpecker is an important species for maintaining healthy ecosystems in North America. Its presence helps to control insect populations, and its nest holes provide homes for other bird species.
This species is also an essential indicator of the health of forested ecosystems, as it is sensitive to environmental changes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. pubescens |
16. Brewer’s Blackbird
Brewer’s Blackbird is a species of bird native to the New World. It is a medium-sized blackbird, and it is named after the 19th-century ornithologist Thomas Mayo Brewer.
Brewer was a prominent figure in the field of ornithology, and he was known for his contributions to the study of American birds. He wrote several books on bird species from the United States and Canada, and his work helped to expand the field of bird study.
Brewer’s Blackbird is thought to have been named after him in recognition of his work. The species is found in parts of Canada, the United States, and Mexico and can also be found in some parts of Central America.
It tends to inhabit open areas like fields, pastures, and open woodlands. Its diet consists mainly of insects, but it will consume grains, fruits, and seeds.
Brewer’s Blackbird is of the minorest concern regarding conservation status, and its population is considered stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Euphagus |
| Species | E. cyanocephalus |
17. Wrens
Wrens are birds native to the New World belonging to the family Troglodytidae. There are 88 species of wrens in the family, divided into 19 genera.
The only species of wren in the Old World is the Eurasian wren, known as the “wren” in Anglophone regions. This is because the Eurasian wren originates from the name “wren.”
Wrens are generally brown and are known for their small size and active behavior. They are commonly found in gardens, parks, and wooded areas. Wrens are known for their cheerful songs and are popular with birdwatchers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Troglodytidae |
18. House Finch
The house finch is a species of finch that belongs to the family Fringillidae. It is native to western North America and can be found in areas such as California, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona.
It has also been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii, where it has become a fairly common bird. The house finch belongs to Haemorhous, and the other two are American rosefinches.
The house finch is a medium-sized finch, measuring about 5 to 6 inches long. Its plumage is primarily brown with streaks of black and white, and its head and breast are typically reddish.
The house finch is generally found in open areas such as grassy fields, gardens, and roadside shrubs. It is usually seen in flocks and foraging for seeds and insects.
The house finch is a sociable species and can often be observed perching on houses and buildings, making it a recognizable bird in many cities and towns.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
19. Black-Headed Grosbeak
The black-headed grosbeak is a species of bird belonging to the family Cardinalidae. It has a medium-sized body and feeds mainly on seeds.
The black-headed grosbeak is sometimes considered the same species as the rose-breasted grosbeak, which it hybridizes within the American Great Plains.
This means that the two species interbreed, producing offspring with characteristics from both the black-headed grosbeak and the rose-breasted grosbeak.
This hybridization is a common phenomenon in the Great Plains region and is thought to result from the two species occupying the same range.
The presence of the two species in the same environment creates an opportunity for them to interbreed, and the resulting hybridization can lead to the creation of new and unique genetic combinations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Pheucticus |
| Species | P. melanocephalus |
20. Pine Siskin
The pine siskin is a small North American bird belonging to the finch family. It is a migratory bird, meaning it spends part of the year in one area and part in another.
The pine siskin is unique compared to other migratory birds because its winter range is not consistent. It is highly erratic and can change from year to year, depending on the availability of food resources.
This means the pine siskin may not appear in the same places each winter. Even in areas where it is usually found, the number of pine siskins can vary significantly yearly.
Furthermore, the pine siskin can appear in unexpected locations, depending on available food resources. This makes it a fascinating bird to observe and study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. pinus |
21. White-Breasted Nuthatch
The White-breasted Nuthatch is a bird species belonging to the family Sittidae. It is a medium-sized bird, reaching an average length of 15.5 cm. This species is easily recognizable due to its distinctive white breast, black cap, and gray back.
The White-breasted Nuthatch is found in coniferous and deciduous woodlands across North America. It is an agile climber and is capable of descending tree trunks head-first.
It feeds mainly on insects and spiders, which it finds by probing the cracks and crevices of bark with its long, pointed bill. It will also feed on seeds, nuts, and berries. The White-breasted Nuthatch is a vocal bird, and its song is a loud, sharp “yank” call.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature considers this species to be of the slightest concern.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. carolinensis |
22. White-Crowned Sparrow
The white-crowned sparrow is a species of passerine bird native to North America. It is a medium-sized bird that belongs to the New World sparrow family. This species is known for its unique grey face and black and white streaking on the upper head.
This combination of colors makes the white-crowned sparrow stand out from other species of birds. The white-crowned sparrow is a ground-dwelling bird, preferring to stay close to the ground and forage for food.
They are found in many habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, shrublands, and urban areas. They can also be found in the Arctic tundra and coastal regions. These birds typically feed on insects, seeds, and berries.
During the winter months, they migrate south to warmer climates. They are social birds, often seen in flocks. The white-crowned sparrow is an integral part of the North American bird community and is a species of conservation concern.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Zonotrichia |
| Species | Z. leucophrys |
23. American Yellow Warbler
The yellow warbler is one of many New World warbler species. It is part of the genus Setophaga, a group of birds renowned for their bright colors and melodic songs.
The yellow warbler is especially noteworthy due to its impressive range; it breeds across almost all North America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. This makes it one of the world’s most widespread species of warblers and a common sight in many places.
The yellow warbler is a small bird, typically measuring 12-14 cm long. Its most distinguishing feature is its bright yellow plumage, which is the source of its name. It has a distinctive black or dark brown eye stripe from its bill to its neck.
Its wings and tail are darker in color, typically a blue-green hue. The yellow warbler’s song is a melodic trill, often compared to the sound of a bouncing ball.
The yellow warbler is a migratory species, with populations breeding in the northern parts of its range and moving south for the cold winter months.
It is adaptable in various habitats, including wetlands, deciduous and coniferous forests, and even suburban areas. It feeds mainly on insects and is sometimes supplemented with berries and other fruits.
The yellow warbler is an important species to many ecosystems, controlling insect populations and providing food for many predators.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. petechia |
24. Swallows
The Hirundinidae family of songbirds is known as swallows, martins, and saw-wings. They are found worldwide, except for Antarctica, as they prefer warmer climates.
Most of the species in this family are adapted to aerial feeding, requiring them to be light and agile to catch their prey. This adaptation is reflected in their unique physical features, such as their small size, long pointed wings, and forked tail.
Swallows, martins, and saw-wings usually have dark backs and pale bellies that allow them to blend in with their environment while hunting. They also travel in large flocks to maximize their chances of catching prey.
The Hirundinidae family of songbirds is a remarkable species that has evolved to become skilled aerial hunters.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
Conclusion
Birds in Jackson are a diverse and vibrant part of the local wildlife. From the majestic Bald Eagle to the colorful Warblers, birds offer a beautiful way to experience the nature of Jackson.
With careful stewardship and protection, these birds will continue to call Jackson home for many years.