Refer to this guide for identifying birds in your region.
Birds significantly contribute to environmental health through various means. Certain types aid in flower pollination, assist with seed dispersal which fosters new vegetation growth, and serve as an organic way to manage pests in gardens. Beyond their importance for ecosystem diversity, these feathered creatures provide delightful viewing opportunities. Should you be curious about spotting birds in your garden or nearby areas during summertime, the variety largely hinges upon where you reside.
“Throughout summer in various parts of North America, one can easily observe both local and migrating bird species; however, which specific types you spot depends largely on where you are geographically and the kind of environment around you—whether it be forests, gardens, urban streets, farmlands, beaches, lakes, or marshes,” explains Noah Perlut, PhD, an ornithologist and professor within the School of Marine and Environmental Programs at the University of New England.
Refer to the professional guide below to discover which birds you can anticipate observing this summer depending on where you live.
Meet the Experts
-
Noah Perlut
, Ph.D., who specializes in bird biology and teaches within the School of Marine and Environmental Programs at the University of New England -
Maren Gimpel
, serving as the associate director at Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory located at Washington College
Bird Species Spotable in the Northeastern Area
The northeastern part of the U.S. encompasses states like Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Should you live in one of these areas, here are some delightful bird species you might encounter during the summertime:
Black-Capped Chickadees
Perlut mentions that small black-capped chickadees are frequently spotted in the Northeast area. Measuring between 4.75″ and 5.75″, these adorable creatures feature a noticeable black “cap” atop their head which runs down past their eyes. They boast a light gray hue across their backs and wings, complemented by contrasting white borders along the edges of their wings.
Black-capped chickadees consume insects, seeds, berries, and nuts. Typically, they build their nests in natural tree hollows; however, you can attract them to make their home in your garden by setting up a birdhouse for them.
Chipping Sparrows
The chipping sparrow stands out as one of the tiniest species among sparrows, typically ranging from 4.75″ to 5.5″ inches in length and tipping the scales at under 0.6 ounces. Known for their cheerful nature, these petite birds sport a reddish-brown crest atop their heads and a distinct dark stripe running across each eye. According to Perlut, you can often spot them engaging in feeding, nesting, and communal activities in backyards, public green spaces, and woodlands.
House sparrows consume various types of seeds, insects, and tiny fruits. As these birds tend to be sociable, you often find them searching for food together on the ground.
Eastern Bluebirds
Male Eastern Bluebirds have striking blue plumage along with a reddish patch on their throat and breast. In contrast, the females display a more subdued appearance, showcasing the vibrant blue tones primarily on their wings and tails.
If you possess a nesting box and reside in an appropriate environment, you stand a good probability of attracting bluebirds,” explains Maren Gimpel, who serves as the associate director at Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory at Washington College. “These birds prefer rural areas with mixed landscapes featuring both open spaces and wooded zones—imagine settings like golf courses. Additionally, since they’re not very timid, observing them can be quite rewarding.
Chimney Swifts
These distinctive birds feature a dark grayish-brown plumage with bodies resembling cigars. Renowned for their exceptional aerial maneuvers, they snatch and consume insects mid-flight. According to Gimpel, Chimney Swifts typically inhabit urban environments where they roost inside chimneys. These swifts frequently glide overhead in cityscapes and possess an unusual chirping vocalization.
“Sometimes at dusk, you can see a whole flock of them swirling around before descending into their chimneys for the night,” she says.
Great Blue Heron
These graceful creatures have a slate blue-gray hue and elongated necks that curve into an “S” shape. Standing as tall as 4 feet with a wingspan spanning from 6 to 7 feet, they are impressive avian beings. Their diet consists of a broad range of food sources including fish, insects, and reptiles.
Gimpel mentions that the great blue heron is simple to observe, making it ideal for novice photographers. Their large size means they’re simpler to track, plus they won’t vanish from view before you manage to get a proper look at them.
Northern Cardinals
One remarkable aspect of northern cardinals is that they remain visible throughout every season. The males are well-known for their vibrant red feathers and distinctive crests resembling mohawks atop their heads. Females, on the other hand, feature predominantly gray-brown tones accented with patches of reddish-orange on their wings, tails, and crests.
Their courtship is charming, with the male seen feeding the female, giving the appearance of them sharing a kiss. These birds primarily eat seeds, insects, and fruits. Unlike some species, cardinals prefer not to use nesting boxes or birdhouses; instead, they typically construct their nests within thick foliage found in trees and bushes.
Bird Species Spotable in the Southeastern Area
The southeastern region of the United States generally encompasses states such as Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. If you reside in or are traveling through this area of the U.S., be sure to keep an eye out for these stunning birds throughout the summertime.
Carolina Wrens
In the hotter seasons, you might spot Carolina Wrens protecting your garden as they sing their distinct melody. The male’s call consists of multiple quick whistling notes repeated consecutively (which many interpret as sounding akin to repeating “tea kettle”). These charming small birds possess a rounded form and appear like brown eggs cloaked in rust-colored plumage. Their diet mainly comprises insects but also includes seeds, fruits, and berries for snacking.
Carolina wrens show considerable adaptability when choosing their habitat and can build nests in locations like brush piles, trees, shrubs, among others.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is an impressive small avian species adorned with lustrous emerald-green feathers and a vibrant ruby-red patch of color on its throat. According to Perlut, these birds frequently dart through residential areas and public spaces throughout the summertime as they search for their next sugary meal.
They consume different types of insects and also feed on flower pollen. To draw them to your space, you can
putting hummingbird feeders out.
Ensure you utilize appropriate birdfeed and routinely cleanse your feeders to avoid causing harm to the birds.
Black Vultures
It’s unfortunate that these birds suffer from a negative reputation since they are truly remarkable animals. Indeed, they form lifelong bonds, remaining monogamous, and show great dedication towards their young ones. These are sizable birds featuring black feathers; standing as tall as 2.5 feet, with impressive wingspans extending up to 5 feet. Additionally, they can enjoy lengthy lifespans, living between 5 years in the wild and potentially reaching 30 years when kept in captivity.
Perlut mentions that black vultures can be observed soaring in groups called kettles above the sky, gathering at sizable constructions for roosting, or scavenging for carrion on roadsides.
Blue Jays
This summertime, one frequent visitor to your garden will likely be the blue jay. Despite their reputation for being domineering pests at local birdfeeders, these avian visitors make quite an impressive show. Adorned with vibrant azure feathers accented by dark patterns and a pristine white underbelly, they stand out. Measuring from about 11 inches to 12 inches in length, they are notably sizable creatures.
Their extensive menu includes insects, grains, seeds, berries, fruit, and various leftovers they come across. Typically, they construct their nests in the peripheral branches or forks of trees positioned at heights ranging from 8 to 30 feet above the ground.
American Robins
Seeing American robins in your garden is a clear indication that spring has arrived, though you’ll spot them throughout the entire summer season as well. These birds are often seen searching the soil for worms and insects to feast upon. Additionally, their diet includes wild berries and tiny seeds.
Robins are recognized by their strikingreddish-orange breasts and vibrantyellow bills. These birds can build nests in multiple spots like trees and bushes, as well as protected sections of structures including window ledges and verandas.
Bird Species Spotable in the Central U.S. Region
The Midwestern part of the U.S. encompasses states such as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. If you reside in this area, here are some striking avian species you might delight in observing during the summertime:
Eastern Meadowlarks
In the heartland of America, where expansive prairies, pastures, and hayfields dominate the landscape, farming communities resonate with the melodies of the strikingly bright yellow eastern meadowlarks,” explains Perlut. These robust birds boast a distinctive black ‘V’ marking on their chests and possess elongated, sharp beaks. Their diet consists of an array of seeds, berries, along with insects like grasshoppers, spiders, crickets, among others.
When it comes to their habitat, Eastern Meadowlarks construct their nests on the ground within grassy regions like pastures and fields. Therefore, if your land includes these types of environments, you might spot them foraging and breeding throughout the summertime.
Bobolinks
Perlut indicates that you can revel in the lively confusion of medium-sized bobolinks found in the Midwest area; these birds often visit pastures and hayfields as well. Male bobolinks boast black and white feathers adorned with a distinctive yellow spot atop their heads. Additionally, these petite songsters build their nests on the ground amidst herbaceous vegetation.
They feed on various food sources like grains, seeds, and insects. It’s possible to spot them sitting atop plants as they eat their meal.
Mourning Doves
These birds might be somewhat nervous, yet according to Perlut, they continue to visit residential neighborhoods and remain active in constructing nests and caring for hatchlings throughout the summertime. They generally prefer expansive spaces such as backyards, agricultural lands, and cultivated fields. Mourning doves exhibit a light brown and pale gray plumage with distinct black markings on their wings. Their gentle “coo” call often has a tranquilizing effect on listeners.
Because they mostly eat seeds, you can attract them to your yard for close observation by placing some birdseed outside.
Downy Woodpeckers
Perlut mentions that if you notice quick knocking sounds close by, it might be a downy woodpecker looking for bugs inside the tree bark. They are indeed the tiniest woodpeckers in America, ranging from 5.5 inches to 7.1 inches in length. You can identify the males by their striking combination of white and black plumage along with a distinct crimson spot at the rear of their heads.
These small birds drill cavities into dead or rotting trees for nesting purposes. While they favor open deciduous woods, they can often be found in woodlands, parks, and residential areas with various types of trees available.
Bird Species Spotable in the Western and Southwestern Areas
The southwestern and western areas encompass states like Oregon, California, Washington, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. During your visit these regions offer an array of distinctive avian species for you to spot this season, including:
Yellow-Rumped Warblers
This charming small bird needs no further introduction. The yellow-rumped warbler is affectionately referred to as “butter butts” due to the striking patch of yellow on its rear end. These diminutive creatures boast an array of hues in their feathers—black, white, gray, and vibrant yellow. According to Perlut, they populate our woodlands and forest boundaries with their brilliant coloration.
These tiny avians consume a variety of items, ranging from berries to multiple insect types like gnats, grasshoppers, and wasps. To lure them into your garden area, you could place some sunflower seeds along with fruits for their consumption.
Golden Eagles
Boasting an impressive wingspan ranging from 6 to 7 feet, spotting a regal golden eagle soaring through the sky becomes quite easy. As Perlut notes, these magnificent birds glide over various terrains—both wooded areas and wide-open spaces in the West—in search of small animals to hunt. The golden eagle features striking dark brown feathers, with a distinctive gold tint adorning the top of its head and the back of its neck.
These magnificent birds build their nests on cliff edges, in lofty robust trees, and sometimes atop structures like observation towers. The nests of golden eagles are quite large, typically spanning about 5 to 6 feet in width and around 2 feet in depth.
Steller’s Jays
The Steller’s jay is kin to the well-known blue jay, yet inhabits the Western region of the U.S. Instead of featuring white and blue plumage, they sport a black crest with a blue underside. “Coastal areas see big blue and black Steller’s jays roaming around, whether it be in residential yards or deep within ancient woodlands,” explains Perlut.
These creatures feed on an assortment of seeds, insects, berries, and nuts like acorns. They form monogamous pairs and utilize mud to secure their nests, usually constructed from leaves, twigs, and moss.
Acorn Woodpeckers
According to Perlut, acorn woodpeckers store acorns across various woodland areas, hiding them within the bark of ancient trees.
Birdnote.org
Some trees used for storage might contain up to 50,000 acorns. Despite their preference for acorns, these active birds also feed on insects, seeds, and certain fruits.
Their stark black-and-white plumage paired with their vibrant red crest makes them quite noticeable when spotted correctly. Should your property boast an oak tree, you stand a better chance of sighting them as they often find their preferred food source there.
Ways to Entice Birds to Your Garden
Here are several actions you could take to
assist in luring different species of birds
To your yard so you can relish observing them from your window or porch. Gimpel mentions that one of the finest actions you can take is incorporating native plants bearing fruits and seeds into your yard to provide them with sustenance.
You might want to include bright red blooms to lure hummingbirds. Additionally, she recommends installing birdhouses nearby to offer a secure place for birds such as bluebirds, wrens, swallows, and chickadees to build their nests.
“She suggests leaving your yard slightly untidy,” she explains. “It’s also helpful to keep cats indoors; otherwise, birds will avoid the area when a predator is present.”
Related:
Best Locations for Your Bird Bath to Attract Happier Birds
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