Backyard Birds in Illinois
Illinois is home to a rich variety of backyard birds, from the brilliant Northern Cardinal (the state bird) to noisy Blue Jays and acrobatic chickadees. The state's mix of prairie, woodland, and suburban habitats supports a diverse avian population year-round.
25 species found in Illinois
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
One of the most recognizable backyard birds in North America. The male Northern Cardinal is a brilliant red with a pointed crest and black face mask. Females are warm brown with reddish tinges on the wings, tail, and crest.
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
A bold, intelligent, and strikingly beautiful bird with bright blue plumage, a white chest, and a distinctive crest. Blue Jays are known for their loud calls and complex social behavior.
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Perhaps the most familiar bird in North America, the American Robin is often considered a harbinger of spring. Known for its red-orange breast and cheerful song heard at dawn.
Black-capped Chickadee
Poecile atricapillus
A small, friendly, and curious bird easily recognized by its black cap and bib, white cheeks, and cheerful 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' call. One of the most beloved backyard birds.
House Finch
Haemorhous mexicanus
A familiar backyard bird with the male sporting a rosy-red head, breast, and rump. Originally from the western US, now found across the entire continent after being released in New York in the 1940s.
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
A small, delightful finch known for its bright yellow breeding plumage. Males in summer are vivid lemon-yellow with black wings and forehead. In winter, both sexes become dull olive-brown.
Downy Woodpecker
Dryobates pubescens
The smallest and most common woodpecker in North America. A frequent backyard visitor known for its gentle tapping on trees and suet feeders.
White-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta carolinensis
A compact, active bird often seen creeping headfirst down tree trunks — a feat unique among birds. Known for its nasal 'yank-yank' call.
Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura
A graceful, slender bird with a soft, mournful cooing call. One of the most abundant birds in North America with an estimated population of 350 million.
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
An introduced species from Europe, now one of the most widespread birds in the world. Males have a gray crown, black bib, and chestnut nape. Extremely adaptable to urban environments.
European Starling
Sturnus vulgaris
An introduced but striking bird. In breeding plumage, starlings are glossy black with iridescent purple and green sheens. In winter, they are covered in white speckles.
Tufted Titmouse
Baeolophus bicolor
A small, energetic bird with a perky gray crest, large dark eyes, and a rust-orange wash on the flanks. A frequent and bold visitor to backyard feeders.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinus
Despite its name, the most visible red is on its head, not its belly. A common and vocal woodpecker of eastern woodlands and backyards.
Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia
One of the most widespread and variable sparrows in North America. Named for the male's rich, musical song that begins with several clear notes followed by a trill.
Dark-eyed Junco
Junco hyemalis
Often called 'snowbirds,' these sparrows arrive at feeders in fall and stay through winter. The slate-gray and white coloring makes them easy to identify.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
The only breeding hummingbird in eastern North America. Males flash an iridescent ruby-red throat (gorget) that can appear black in certain light. Incredible aerial acrobats.
Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
One of the most abundant birds in North America. Males are jet black with brilliant red and yellow shoulder patches. Their 'conk-la-ree' song is a quintessential sound of marshes.
Carolina Wren
Thryothorus ludovicianus
A chunky, energetic wren with a loud, ringing 'tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle' song that belies its small size. Warm brown plumage with a bold white eyebrow stripe.
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
The ultimate mimic — capable of learning and reproducing over 200 different songs from other bird species and even mechanical sounds. Sings tirelessly, sometimes through the night.
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii
A medium-sized hawk and skilled aerial predator that specializes in catching birds — including those at your feeder. Increasingly common in suburban areas.
House Wren
Troglodytes aedon
A tiny, plain-looking bird with an enormous, bubbling song. House Wrens are one of the most widespread songbirds in the Western Hemisphere.
Northern Flicker
Colaptes auratus
A large, colorful woodpecker that spends much of its time on the ground, unlike most woodpeckers. Two color forms exist: yellow-shafted in the East and red-shafted in the West.
Eastern Bluebird
Sialia sialis
A beloved symbol of happiness, the Eastern Bluebird features stunning royal blue upperparts and a warm orange breast. Conservation efforts with nest boxes have helped their population recover.
Common Grackle
Quiscalus quiscula
A large, iridescent blackbird with a long keel-shaped tail and piercing yellow eyes. In good light, their plumage shimmers with purple, green, and bronze hues.
Brown-headed Cowbird
Molothrus ater
A brood parasite — females lay their eggs in other birds' nests, letting the host species raise their young. Males have glossy black bodies with chocolate-brown heads.