51 Small Birds Of Illinois

Illinois is one of the midwestern states where diverse bird species can be found throughout its diverse habitats ranging from wetlands to forests, urban parks and gardens, and even along coastlines.

The state has an abundance of small bird species, which are often admired and appreciated for their colorful appearance, beautiful songs, and lively behavior.

Small birds in Illinois are a diverse group, with some being year-round residents while others are migratory, nesting or stopping over briefly on their way to their breeding grounds further north.

This article will introduce the most common small birds in Illinois, their characteristics, habitat preferences, and what makes them so special.

1. Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is a beautiful bird, easily identified by its bright red plumage. It can be found in the eastern United States from Maine to Minnesota and south through Mexico and Belize.

Along with its striking colouration, it has a distinctive crest on its head and sharp black facial markings around the eyes.

Despite their small size (measuring 7-9 inches) they are very vocal birds – males sing persistently throughout springtime to attract mates or proclaim their territory.

They typically feed on insects, seeds and fruits but also enjoy suet at backyard bird feeders.

The female is less brightly coloured than her mate but still stands out among other songbirds due to her warm brownish-red feathers.

Cardinals pair for life so you may often see them together in your garden or neighbourhood park.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Cardinalidae
Genus	Cardinalis
Species	C. cardinalis

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2. American Goldfinch

The American goldfinch is a small North American bird in the finch family. Males are vibrant yellow with black wings and tail, while females are duller in colouration.

It migrates from mid-Alberta to North Carolina during breeding season, south of Canada–United States border to Mexico for its wintering grounds.

The only finch which undergoes complete molt every year, it displays sexual dichromatism where males have brighter colours than their female counterparts.

They feed mainly on seeds but also eat insects such as aphids and caterpillars when raising youngs; they often occur near thistles or other plants that produce viable seed heads.

Their call consists of an array of chirps and trills making them quite conspicuous.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Fringillidae
Subfamily	Carduelinae
Genus	Spinus
Species	S. tristis

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3. Black-Capped Chickadee

The black-capped chickadee is a small and cheerful songbird found in deciduous and mixed forests across North America. It has an iconic black cap, white cheeks, gray back and wings with whitish bars on them.

The underparts are usually light colored or greyish brown. This species is well adapted to cold winters as it can reduce its body temperature by up to 8°C while roosting at night; this helps save energy during the colder months of the year.

It feeds mainly on insects but also eats seeds, fruits and suet from bird feeders when available.

Black-capped chickadees are popular birds among backyard visitors due to their sociable nature – they often establish lifelong partnerships with one another for breeding purposes.

Furthermore, they have been designated as state birds of Massachusetts and Maine in USA plus New Brunswick in Canada – a testament to how beloved these little avian friends truly are.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Paridae
Genus	Poecile
Species	P. atricapillus

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4. Wrens

Wrens are a family of small brown passerine birds found mainly in the Americas. They are considered one of the most abundant bird species, with 88 known varieties divided into 19 genera.

The Eurasian wren is the only type that inhabits Europe and other parts of the Old World, where it’s commonly referred to simply as “wren.”

This species has been given its name due to similar-looking unrelated birds living elsewhere such as New Zealand wrasses.

Wrens have tiny bodies with thin bills and long tails which they often hold upright for hours at a time while singing their loud cheery songs from treetops or low shrubs.

Their diet consists mostly of insects but can also include fruits and seeds depending on availability in their habitat range.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Superfamily	Certhioidea
Family	Troglodytidae Swainson, 1832

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5. Eastern Bluebird

The Eastern bluebird is a small migratory thrush that can be found in open woodlands, farms and orchards across North America.

The male has bright-blue breeding plumage which makes it easily recognizable by birders.

It produces melodious songs such as jeew, chir-wi and chiti WEEW wewidoo.

This popular species was declared the state bird of Missouri back in 1927 due to its beauty and charm.

In addition to being beautiful, these birds are also beneficial for farmers because they eat insects like grasshoppers and beetles which damage crops.

They nest in cavities so providing nesting boxes helps them thrive even more.

With their vibrant colors, sweet melodies and helpful nature it’s easy to see why the Eastern Bluebird is beloved worldwide.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Turdidae
Genus	Sialia
Species	S. sialis

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6. Baltimore Oriole

The Baltimore Oriole is a small, blackbird-like bird found in eastern North America. It’s named for the resemblance of its male colors to those on Lord Baltimore’s coat-of-arms from 17th century.

These birds migrate and breed during springtime and are quite common in their habitats.

Studies have shown that this species interbreeds with western Bullock’s orioles, leading both to be classified as a single species – Icterus galbula.

The males typically have orange feathers along the chest, back, wings and tail while females display tan or yellowish shades instead of bright orange ones like males do.

Both sexes share white wing bars and dark brown eyes which makes them easily distinguishable among other birds.

They can often be seen flitting around trees feeding off nectar buds or insects such as grasshoppers & caterpillars they catch while flying around.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Icteridae
Genus	Icterus
Species	I. galbula

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7. Northern Bobwhite

The Northern bobwhite is a ground-dwelling bird native to parts of the Americas, with introduced populations elsewhere in the world.

It belongs to the New World quail family and has a distinctive call that can be heard during mating season or when their territory is threatened.

They have mottled brown plumage which helps them blend into their natural habitats such as grasslands, wooded areas and open fields.

The male birds are slightly larger than females and they feed on small insects, seeds and plants.

These birds form monogamous breeding pairs that stay together throughout most of the year raising several broods each year until migrating south for winter months.

Though declining due to habitat loss, these resilient little birds can still be found living in many places across North America.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Galliformes
Family	Odontophoridae
Genus	Colinus
Species	C. virginianus

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8. New World Warblers

New World warblers are an incredibly diverse family of small birds found only in the Americas. They range in size from tiny hummingbirds to large thrushes, and come in a variety of vibrant colors.

All have thin bills made for eating insects which form their main diet. Most species live predominantly arboreal lives, meaning they spend most of their time among trees or bushes searching for food.

However some members such as ovenbirds and waterthrushes prefer more terrestrial habitats like forest floors where they can scavenge for bugs on the ground instead.

Warblers provide a great source of entertainment with their beautiful songs often filling up woodlands during mornings and evenings throughout springtime.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Superfamily	Emberizoidea
Family	Parulidae Wetmore et al., 1947

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9. Downy Woodpecker

The downy woodpecker is a small species of woodpecker found in North America. Growing up to 7 inches long, it can be identified by its white belly and spotted wings.

It inhabits forests throughout the United States and Canada, with the exception of deserts in the southwest and northern tundra.

This bird nests in tree cavities and feeds mostly on insects but will supplement its diet with fruit or nuts when available.

The Downy Woodpecker has an unmistakable call that sounds like a loud ‘pik-er’, similar to other members of its family such as the Hairy Woodpecker.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Piciformes
Family	Picidae
Genus	Dryobates
Species	D. pubescens

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10. House Sparrow

The house sparrow is a small bird of the Passeridae family. It has an average length of 16 cm and weighs 24-39.5 gm.

Females have dull brown and grey plumage, whereas males are brighter, with black, white and brown markings on their wings and back feathers.

This species is one among 25 different kinds in its genus Passer .These birds are found all around the world mainly near human dwellings where they feed off food scraps from garbage bins or gardens etc..

They also make nests close to houses which makes them even more visible to people living nearby.

House sparrows can be seen hopping around yards looking for food during daytime hours but usually hide in colonies at night time.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Passeridae
Genus	Passer
Species	P. domesticus

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11. House Finch

The House Finch is a species of finch native to western North America and has been introduced in the eastern half of the continent as well as Hawaii.

It’s an average-sized finch with adults measuring 12.5 – 15 cm (5 – 6 inches) long and having wingspans between 20 – 25 cm (8 – 10 inches).

The upperparts are brown, while its underparts range from pale grayish white to yellow depending on subspecies.

Its face is streaked or spotted with reddish coloration; males typically have brighter plumage than females due to sexual dimorphism.

They’re mostly found near human habitations such as farms and gardens where they feed on grains, fruits, insects etc., making them very popular among birders who want something colorful for their backyard.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Fringillidae
Subfamily	Carduelinae
Genus	Haemorhous
Species	H. mexicanus

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12. Dark-Eyed Junco

The Dark-eyed Junco is a species of small, grayish sparrows that are found across much of temperate North America and in the Arctic during summer.

It was formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1766, who named it after its distinctive dark eyes.

This bird has a very variable appearance due to the many different subspecies it contains, making its systematics difficult to unravel.

The plumage varies from white or light gray on their underparts with slate grey backs and wings; black heads with white outer tail feathers; brown head stripes; yellow bills; pink legs and feet; as well as various shades between all these colours.

They also have considerable sexual dimorphism where males tend to be more colourful than females but share similar characteristics such as short tails and rounded bodies – both sexes being around 16 cm long when fully grown.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Passerellidae
Genus	Junco
Species	J. hyemalis

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13. Common Starling

The Common Starling is a medium-sized passerine bird that belongs to the starling family. It has glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen, and in certain times of year it can be speckled with white.

The bill and legs are typically pink or black depending on the season, while its length measures about 8 inches long.

Its diet consists mainly of insects but also includes small fruits and seeds as well as some human food waste.

They live in large flocks which provides protection against predators, although they can become quite aggressive when defending their nesting sites during breeding seasons.

Overall, this species is highly adaptable and widely distributed across many parts of Europe making them one of the most successful birds in the region today.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Sturnidae
Genus	Sturnus
Species	S. vulgaris

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14. Mourning Dove

The Mourning Dove is a breathtakingly beautiful bird. It has stunning gray and brown feathers with white tipped wings, giving it an elegant appearance. Its long tail also adds to its graceful look in flight.

A symbol of peace and serenity, they are abundant across North America and can be found in gardens or open fields throughout the year.

As well as being popular game birds for hunters, they feed on grains such as wheat and millet providing important food sources for wildlife species including foxes, coyotes, skunks and raccoons.

These doves have a distinctive cooing sound that can often be heard echoing through woodlands during summer evenings making them one of nature’s greatest treasures.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Genus	Zenaida
Species	Z. macroura

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15. Tufted Titmouse

The Tufted Titmouse is a small, cheerful songbird found in North America. It’s part of the tit and chickadee family (Paridae).

It has distinctive white feathers around its eyes, grey-brown wings and upper body, with a pale tan underside.

Its most notable feature is the black crest on top of its head that gives it an inquisitive look. The male also sports a pinkish breast which can be seen.

When singing from high perches during the spring months. This bird loves to eat sunflower seeds or suet at backyard feeders as well as insects in summertime.

You may even see them poking into crevices and bark looking for food.

They are quite social birds too, being often spotted in mixed flocks alongside other species such as nuthatches and woodpeckers all year round.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Paridae
Genus	Baeolophus
Species	B. bicolor

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16. White-Breasted Nuthatch

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a medium-sized bird belonging to the nuthatch family Sittidae. It measures around 15.5 cm in length and its colour varies throughout its range.

Males have a light blue-grey upperpart, with black crown and nape whereas females have a dark grey crown instead of black one.

The underparts are whitish, with reddish tinge on sides and flanks while the bill is short and stout with pale base near eyes which can be yellow or white depending upon geographic location..

This species feeds mainly on insects but will also eat seeds, nuts and berries when available.

They prefer open woodlands where they often climb trees searching for food along trunks as well as branches underneath bark crevices creating their nest there too.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Sittidae
Genus	Sitta
Species	S. carolinensis

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17. Red-Winged Blackbird

The red-winged blackbird is a beautiful bird found in most of North America and Central America.

Its distinct features include a glossy black body, with white shoulder patches and bright red wing coverts year round.

It prefers wetland habitats such as marshes, ponds, lakeshores and agricultural fields. During breeding season they inhabit grassy areas near water then move south for the winter months.

For food they mainly eat insects but also consume wild fruit or grains.

They are very social birds often seen in large flocks during migration times when their unmistakable “conk-la-ree” call can be heard echoing across the sky.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Icteridae
Genus	Agelaius
Species	A. phoeniceus

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18. Brown-Headed Cowbird

The Brown-headed Cowbird is a small, obligate brood parasitic icterid native to temperate and subtropical North America. It has a brown head with glossy black plumage on the body, wings and tail feathers.

During summer months it can be found in prairies, grasslands as well as open wooded areas but during winter they migrate southwards towards the United States of Mexico for warmer climate.

They are mainly insectivorous birds which feed on insects like caterpillars or beetles but also consume some grains too.

The female bird lays its eggs in nests of other species who then incubates them until hatching time thus leaving their own chicks uncared for by themselves.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Icteridae
Genus	Molothrus
Species	M. ater

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19. American White Pelican

The American White Pelican is a majestic bird from the Pelecaniformes order, known for its impressive size and ability to soar gracefully in the sky.

It breeds during summer months in North America and migrates southwards towards Central and South America during winter.

The species was first described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin back in 1789 as part of his updated version of Carl Linnaeus’ work.

This large aquatic bird has an all-white plumage with black primary flight feathers on its wings, while its beak features a characteristic yellowish colouration at the base near the face.

Its diet mainly consists of fish which it typically catches after dipping into water using its long bill; yet sometimes they can be seen stealing food items from other birds such as cormorants or gulls.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Pelecaniformes
Family	Pelecanidae
Genus	Pelecanus
Species	P. erythrorhynchos

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20. Gray Catbird

The Gray Catbird is a medium-sized bird native to North and Central America. It is the only species in its genus, Dumetella, which makes it unique among other perching birds of the Mimidae family.

Its plumage features shades of gray with some brownish tones on top and lighter grey below.

The underside of its tail has white feathers that contrast against their otherwise monochromatic coloration; this feature gives them their name as they often flick their tails when alarmed or excited like cats do.

They are omnivorous but mainly feed on insects such as caterpillars, grasshoppers, and beetles while also eating fruits like berries or cherries during summer months.

Despite being commonly seen alone or in pairs these birds will flock together at times for protection from predators like hawks who are drawn to their dark colouration against green foliage making them harder to spot.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Mimidae
Genus	Dumetella C.T. Wood, 1837
Species	D. carolinensis

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21. Common Grackle

The Common Grackle is a large icterid bird commonly found in North America. It has an iridescent head and pale yellow eyes, which are framed by its long dark bill and long tail.

Males typically have more vivid colors on their heads than females do. These birds can be seen across much of the continent, in fields, forests, wetlands – even urban areas.

They form huge flocks to search for food such as grains or insects that they catch with their bills.

The grackles may also scavenge from human sources like garbage dumps or picnic tables if available. With its colorful plumage and distinct call it’s easy to spot this species amongst other birds.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Icteridae
Genus	Quiscalus
Species	Q. quiscula

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22. Cuckoos

Cuckoos are fascinating birds belonging to the Cuculidae family, which is the only taxon in the order of Cuculiformes.

There are many different species within this family such as common or European cuckoo, roadrunners, koels, malkohas, couas and anis.

Some of these species may even be identified as separate families – Centropodidae and Crotophagidae respectively.

These birds have been known for their unique features such as loud calls heard consistently during certain times of day and night.

They also exhibit behavior like brood parasitism where they lay eggs in other nests so that their chicks can get more food from host parents than its own.

All these traits make them one-of-a-kind creatures worth admiring.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Clade	Otidimorphae
Order	Cuculiformes Wagler, 1830
Family	Cuculidae Leach, 1820

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23. White-Winged Dove

The White-winged Dove is an impressive bird with a large body and wingspan. Its distinctive feature is the white edge on its wings, which makes it easily recognizable when in flight.

It has blue eyerings, red eyes and gray plumage, while juveniles are duller in coloration than adults.

This dove species inhabits areas from Southwestern United States through Mexico to Central America as well as Caribbean islands.

They usually live close to human settlements or cities but can also be found in agricultural fields feeding on grains like corn or wheat seeds left by farmers after harvest season ends.

In their natural habitat they feed primarily on insects, fruits and small plants such as certain cacti species.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Genus	Zenaida
Species	Z. asiatica

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24. Loggerhead Shrike

The Loggerhead Shrike is a carnivorous bird found only in North America. It belongs to the family Laniidae and is known as the “butcherbird” because of its habit of catching prey, such as amphibians, insects, lizards and small mammals.

The shrike has a black mask around its eyes and grey wings with white patches on them.

Its back is black with white spots that resemble stars or snowflakes; some individuals may have brown feathers instead of black ones.

This species feeds mainly by perching from elevated locations like bushes or trees where it can spot potential meals below it before diving down for capture.

Interestingly enough, these birds are also known to store their food by impaling it onto thorns which they use later when hungry.

With less than 2 million estimated population left in wild today this species needs our help so we should do whatever we can to protect them better.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Laniidae
Genus	Lanius
Species	L. ludovicianus

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25. Red-Breasted Nuthatch

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a beautiful and vocal songbird that can be found in coniferous forests across Canada, Alaska, the northeastern United States and western US.

This small bird has blue-grey upperparts with cinnamon underparts, a white throat and face with black eye stripe, straight grey bill and black crown.

Its call sounds like a tin trumpet; it’s high-pitched yet nasal.

During mating season they form monogamous pairs to build their nest near tree trunks or branches at low heights off the ground where they lay 2 – 8 eggs at once.

They are very active little birds who love clinging to trees while searching for insect larvae or seeds within the bark of trees which helps control pest populations.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Sittidae
Genus	Sitta
Species	S. canadensis

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26. Cardinal

Cardinalidae is a family of passerine birds endemic to the New World that includes cardinals, grosbeaks and buntings.

This large group has great diversity in its members which range from tanager-like Piranga to warbler-like Granatellus.

They are usually distinguished by their bright plumage with reds, oranges and yellows being common among them.

Their strong bills enable them to feed on seeds, fruits and insects as well as other small prey items like lizards or frogs depending upon species.

Cardinals also have loud calls often used for territorial defense and courtship purposes while some can even imitate sounds made by other animals.

These adaptable birds inhabit a variety of habitats across North America making them an important part of many ecosystems there.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Superfamily	Emberizoidea
Family	Cardinalidae Ridgway, 1901

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27. Song Sparrow

The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a small, yet abundant bird found in North America.

They have brown upperparts with dark streaks and are white underneath, complete with a distinct dark brown spot on the breast.

Their cap is also brown and long roughed feathers can be seen sprouting from their neck area.

This sparrow species is highly variable and adaptable to many different environments including dry brush land, wetlands or open fields.

It has been noted that adult song sparrows will sing even during winter months when other birds remain quiet.

These energetic little animals make for great backyard companions as they flit about singing their lovely melodies.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Passerellidae
Genus	Melospiza
Species	M. melodia

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28. Black Vulture

The black vulture is a common and widespread species of New World Vultures, found in the northeastern United States all the way to Peru, Central Chile and Uruguay.

It’s distinctive appearance has earned it many nicknames such as zopilote, urubu or gallinazo.

This medium-sized bird has mainly black plumage with some white markings on its wings and head; also featuring a long bill for scavenging carrion from carcasses.

Despite being able to fly up high due to its broad wingspan, it prefers keeping close to ground level when searching for food items like dead fish or small mammals that are available near human settlements.

As an apex predator they play an important role in nature by helping keep their environment clean while providing other animals with sustenance through their leftovers.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Cathartidae
Genus	Coragyps
Species	C. atratus

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29. Carolina Chickadee

The Carolina Chickadee is a small passerine bird found in the tit family Paridae. It stands out for its distinct black and white, grey-brown feathers with an offwhite underside.

This species can be spotted by its call: “chick-a-dee”. The American Ornithologists’ Union has classified them into their own genus called Poecile as they differ from other tits due to both genetic data and morphology.

These birds are found all over North America, living in wooded areas near open fields or water sources.

They feed on insects such as caterpillars but also have been known to eat suet at backyard feeders during winter months when food is scarce.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Paridae
Genus	Poecile
Species	P. carolinensis

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30. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a species of hummingbird that has an impressive migration pattern, spending the winter in Central America, Mexico and Florida before flying to Canada and other parts of Eastern North America for breeding season.

It’s by far the most common type seen east of the Mississippi River in North America.

Formally described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758, this tiny bird has bright metallic green upperparts with white underparts, a small black bill and a red throat patch which gives it its name; they measure around 3 inches long on average.

They feed primarily on nectar from flowers but also eat insects such as flies or mosquitoes for extra protein during their migrations or when raising young chicks.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Apodiformes
Family	Trochilidae
Genus	Archilochus
Species	A. colubris

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31. Ruby-Crowned Kinglet

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a small passerine bird native to North America. It has olive green plumage, white wing bars and an eye-ring as well as a distinctive red crown patch on the males.

Juveniles look similar to adults with no distinguishing features other than size.

They are usually found in coniferous forests or woodlands where they spend much of their time searching for insects among foliage and branches while constantly flitting from place to place.

These birds have incredible energy levels that allow them to travel long distances during migration season without getting exhausted too quickly, making them one of nature’s most resilient species.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Regulidae
Genus	Corthylio Cabanis, 1853
Species	C. calendula

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32. Indigo Bunting

The Indigo Bunting is a small bird in the cardinal family, found throughout North and South America.

It has an unmistakable bright blue plumage that stands out against its natural habitat of farmland, brush areas and open woodland.

During breeding season it can be seen from southern Canada to northern Florida while during winter months it migrates south towards Central and Northern South America.

The Indigo Bunting prefers to migrate at night using the stars as navigation aids.

This species feeds on insects and seeds which they find near the ground or catch mid-flight with their agile wingspan.

An iconic sight for many farmers across both continents, these birds are a welcome addition to any backyard oasis or wildflower meadow.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Cardinalidae
Genus	Passerina
Species	P. cyanea

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33. Eastern Screech Owl

The Eastern screech owl is a small nocturnal bird native to most wooded areas in Mexico and Canada. It has adapted well to human development, making it relatively common in East North America.

This species is known for its unique call which often sounds like a horse whinnying or an electronic beep.

Its feathers are mainly grey with brown bars, but they can also range from red-brown to blackish-grey depending on the individual bird’s location.

They feed primarily on insects and other small animals such as mice and lizards that live near their nest sites at night.

The eastern screech owl is an amazing creature adapting well to humans while still managing to stay hidden under cover of darkness.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Strigiformes
Family	Strigidae
Genus	Megascops
Species	M. asio

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34. House Wren

The House Wren is a small bird of the wren family found from Canada to South America. It’s quite common in suburban areas and is one of the most widely distributed native birds in North and South America.

Its taxonomy can be complicated, with some subspecies groups considered separate species.

The House Wren has a brown back, grey head, white eyebrow stripes, light chestnut belly and buffy flanks.

They often inhabit old or abandoned buildings as well as shrublands near fields or open woods for nesting sites.

During breeding season they are highly territorial so make sure you create an inviting environment if you wish to invite them into your yard.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Troglodytidae
Genus	Troglodytes
Species	T. aedon

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35. Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is a beautiful small songbird native to North America. It has a length of 10–13 cm (3.9–5.1 in), wingspan of 6.3 in (16 cm) and weighs only 5–7 g (0.18–0.25 oz).

Males have blue-gray upperparts with white underparts, slender dark bill, and long black tail edged in white; females are less vibrant but still eye catching.

Juveniles are brownish gray overall but may show some hints of the adult colouration around their tails or shoulders as they mature into adulthood.

Their diet consists mainly of insects which they catch while flitting through air like tiny darts.

This stunning species can be found anywhere from woodlands to urban parks so keep your eyes peeled for these delightful creatures on your next outdoor adventure.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Polioptilidae
Genus	Polioptila
Species	P. caerulea

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36. Brown Creeper

The Brown Creeper is a small songbird belonging to the Certhiidae family and is native to North America. It has brown upperparts with light spotting that resembles tree bark, as well as white underparts.

Its bill is long and thin with a slight downward curve while its tail is also long yet stiff; this helps it creep up trees.

This bird feeds mainly on insects which can be found in crevices of barks or dead plants, thanks to its curved bill which allows it access these hard-to-reach places.

When searching for food they move diagonally upwards around trunks so their camouflage blends in perfectly with the background making them difficult to spot.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Certhiidae
Genus	Certhia
Species	C. americana

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37. Eastern Wood Pewee

The Eastern Wood Pewee (Contopus virens) is an iconic bird of North America, easily identified by its distinctive call.

It was formerly considered a single species with the Western Wood Pewee until Mathurin Jacques Brisson included it in his 1760 description as two distinct birds.

The Eastern and Western varieties share almost identical appearances but can be differentiated most clearly through their calls – the former’s being more musical with higher pitched notes than that of its counterpart.

Its diet consists mainly of insects caught mid-flight or from foliage perches; however, it will also consume some fruits during breeding season to supplement this nutrition.

Overall, they make a beautiful addition to any backyard habitat.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Tyrannidae
Genus	Contopus
Species	C. virens

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38. Northern Saw-Whet Owl

The Northern saw-whet owl is a small species of bird native to North America. It can be found in dense thickets, either at eye level or up to 20 feet high.

These owls are among the smallest species of their kind on the continent and have sharp claws for hunting prey such as rodents and other birds.

Due to its size, it often falls victim to predators like larger hawks and eagles which hunt them down relentlessly.

Fortunately, they camouflage well with their brown feathers that blend into trees easily giving them some protection from these hunters while they search for food during night time hours when most predators are asleep.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Strigiformes
Family	Strigidae
Genus	Aegolius
Species	A. acadicus

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39. Double-Crested Cormorant

The double-crested cormorant is a majestic bird with an impressive wingspan, found across North America from the Aleutian Islands all the way down to Mexico.

Its black plumage stands out against its bright orange-yellow facial skin and some extended patches of white feathers on each side of its throat.

It measures between 28 – 35 inches in length and has webbed feet that enable it to swim gracefully through rivers and lakes, as well as coastal areas.

These birds are known for their voracious appetite for fish, sometimes diving over 100 ft deep into water looking for food.

Despite this reputation they also feed on crustaceans, amphibians and insects when available.

Cormorants have been part of many cultures throughout history due to their remarkable ability to fly long distances making them valued messengers or companions during fishing expeditions at sea.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Suliformes
Family	Phalacrocoracidae
Genus	Nannopterum
Species	N. auritum

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40. American Tree Sparrow

The American tree sparrow, also known as the winter sparrow, is a medium-sized New World bird. It has an attractive rusty cap and grey underparts with a small dark spot on its chest.

Its back is rust colored and striped with lighter shades of brown while its wings have various shades of browns.

These birds are usually found in open areas such as grasslands or marshland during spring migration and can form large flocks when seeking food sources like seeds, insects or berries.

They nest in shrubs or trees near water sources but rarely do so far away from human settlements due to their dependence on supplementary foods provided by humans.

The American Tree Sparrow is a delightful sight for any nature enthusiast.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Passerellidae
Genus	Spizelloides Slager & Klicka, 2014
Species	S. arborea

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41. Tree Swallow

The Tree Swallow is a migratory bird of the Hirundinidae family, first described by French ornithologist Louis Vieillot in 1807. It has glossy blue-green upperparts, and white underparts with iridescent violet on its throat and breast.

Its wings are blackish above with pale grey below, while its tail feathers are blackish-blue with white edges.

During breeding season they build cup shaped nests out of grasses or twigs which are lined with animal hair or fur found near their nesting sites.

They feed mainly on insects such as flies and beetles that they catch while flying over fields or water surfaces during summer months when food is abundant for them to survive migration back southward in winter time.

The tree swallow is an important part of our environment both aesthetically and ecologically due to it’s insectivorous diet helping keep pest populations low in certain areas where agricultural crops may otherwise be damaged without these birds around.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Hirundinidae
Genus	Tachycineta
Species	T. bicolor

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42. Black-Backed Woodpecker

The Black-backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) is a medium sized bird found in the forests of North America. It has black upperparts and white underparts, with three toes on each foot.

The species was first described by English naturalist William John Swainson in 1832 from a specimen collected near the source of the Athabasca River on its eastern slopes. Its diet consists mainly of insects, larvae, and carrion.

They are often seen searching for food while clinging to tree trunks or branches like other woodpeckers do; they also excavate cavities in dead trees which provide them shelter during cold weathers as well as nesting sites for their young ones.

These birds have adapted to survive even at temperatures below zero degrees Celsius due to their thick feather coat which keeps them warm despite extreme weather conditions that occur in higher elevation areas where these birds typically reside.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Piciformes
Family	Picidae
Genus	Picoides
Species	P. arcticus

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43. Rock Wren

The Rock Wren is a small bird of the wren family, native to western North America, Mexico and Central America.

It features distinct grey-brown upperparts speckled with black and white spots, as well as pale grey underparts featuring a light brown rump.

This species also has an eye line that’s lightly gray in color. Additionally, it sports a long slender bill curved slightly downwards at the tip.

The wings are short but broad and rounded off with buffy or whitish colored feathers along their edges.

Its habitat includes rocky areas such as cliffsides or boulders for nesting purposes where these birds can be seen singing loud melodic songs throughout the day.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Troglodytidae
Genus	Salpinctes Cabanis, 1847
Species	S. obsoletus

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44. Common Yellowthroat

The Common Yellowthroat is a small, New World Warbler found throughout North America. It has distinctive yellow and black plumage that earned it the nickname “Yellow Bandit” in the Midwest United States.

This species is highly adaptable and can be found inhabiting wetlands, grasslands, shrub-land habitats, as well as suburban areas.

The genus of this bird’s scientific name translates to mean ‘ground’ and ‘small bird’, which are fitting characteristics for such an elusive yet common little creature.

Its diet consists predominantly of insects but may also include other invertebrates like spiders or worms.

Overall the Common Yellowthroat makes an excellent addition to any backyard with its cheerful song.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Parulidae
Genus	Geothlypis
Species	G. trichas

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45. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a large, brightly coloured bird belonging to the Cardinal family. Males have black heads and wings, with white breasts boasting a bright rose patch.

Females are more muted in colouring being mostly buffy brown or greyish overall but still featuring the distinctive rose breast patch.The two sexes also exhibit marked sexual dimorphism.

These birds inhabit open woodlands across North America where they feed on seeds gleaned from foliage as well as fruits such as cherries and blueberries during their breeding season which runs from April through August each year.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Cardinalidae
Genus	Pheucticus
Species	P. ludovicianus

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46. Northern Parula

The Northern Parula is a small, migratory warbler native to North America. It measures between 4.3 and 4.9 inches in length and has a wingspan of 6.3-7.1 inches wide.

Its plumage consists mainly of yellowish green upper parts with an orange patch on its chest as well as blue crowns for males during the breeding season.

Females have duller colors than their male counterparts overall but are still quite striking from afar.

This species breeds primarily in eastern Canada down through Florida, though some northern populations may migrate southward come wintertime while others stick around year round depending on the weather conditions they face each year – truly amazing adaptability set them apart from other birds in this region.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Parulidae
Genus	Setophaga
Species	S. americana

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47. Horned Lark

The Horned Lark, known as the Shore Lark in Europe and North America, is a species of lark belonging to the family Alaudidae.

It can be found across the northern hemisphere and has been classified under its Latin name Eremophila alpestris which means “of high mountains”, referring to its prevalence in mountainous areas like the Alps.

This bird is distinguished by two black tufts or ‘horns’ on either side of its head. Its size varies from 11-13 cm long with brown upperparts and pale whitish underparts sporting darker streaks throughout them both.

With an adaptation for ground nesting, it builds nests out of grasses lined with feathers near open fields where food sources are abundant such as insects, grains and seeds giving this species great potential for survival even when conditions may become harsh during winter months.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Alaudidae
Genus	Eremophila
Species	E. alpestris

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48. Virginia Rail

The Virginia Rail is a small waterbird which belongs to the Rallidae family. It remains fairly common in spite of habitat loss, but it’s difficult to spot since they tend to be quite secretive and their calls can often be heard more than them being seen.

They are also sometimes hunted for sport, however this does not happen very often. The Ecuadorian rail is considered by some authorities as its own species separate from the Virginia Rail, although others classify it as a subspecies.

These birds have dull coloured plumage with brownish-grey upperparts and whitish underparts; males have a reddish throat patch during breeding season while females do not possess one at all times.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Gruiformes
Family	Rallidae
Genus	Rallus
Species	R. limicola

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49. Black Rail

The Black Rail is a small species of bird belonging to the Rallidae family. It can be found in both North and South America, and was formally described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789 as part of his revised edition of Carl Linnaeus’s Systema Naturae.

This tiny rail has dull black feathers on its back with white spots covering its sides, while the underside is completely grayish-white.

Its wings are short but powerful enough for it to take flight when threatened or disturbed.

The diet mainly consists of insects, crustaceans and seeds which they search for amongst vegetation along wetlands habitats such as marshes, bogs and swamps.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Gruiformes
Family	Rallidae
Genus	Laterallus
Species	L. jamaicensis

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50. American Kestrel

The American kestrel, also known as the sparrow hawk, is a popular falcon species in North America. It is the smallest falcon and can come in different sizes based on subspecies and sex.

Its weight ranges from that of a blue jay to a mourning dove. In addition to North America, this bird species is also found in South America.

There are 17 subspecies of American kestrels, each adapted to different environments.

Although small in size, the American kestrel is a fierce predator, often preying on insects, rodents, and other small birds.

Its impressive hunting skills and stunning coloration make it a favorite among birdwatchers and falconers alike.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Falconiformes
Family	Falconidae
Genus	Falco
Species	F. sparverius

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51. Sora

The Sora bird, a member of the rail family Rallidae, can be found throughout much of North America. Its genus name Porzana is derived from Venetian terms for small rails, while its specific name carolina refers to the Carolina Colony.

The common name “Sora” is likely taken from a Native American language. Soras are small waterbirds, sometimes called sora rails or sora crakes. These birds are characterized by their brownish-gray plumage and short, straight bills.

They can be found in marshes, wetlands, and other waterlogged areas, where they typically feed on seeds and insects.

Despite their small size, soras are migratory birds and travel long distances during their seasonal migrations.

Overall, the Sora bird is an interesting and important member of the North American avian community.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Gruiformes
Family	Rallidae
Genus	Porzana
Species	P. carolina

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