Backyard Birds in Western US
The western United States offers unique birding opportunities with species adapted to deserts, mountains, and Pacific coastal habitats. Many common backyard birds have western counterparts with distinct characteristics.
15 species found in Western US
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.