35 Backyard Birds in Alaska with Pictures & Audio
What birds will you see in your backyards in Alaska? This article will help you identify the most common backyard birds in Alaska.
Which backyard birds of Alaska can you spot on your birdfeeders and what kind of birds should you look for on the ground? What kind of birdseed should you be using? All these questions will be answered.
This article will help you to identify common backyard birds in Alaska for all seasons. We will explain what to look for by color, shape, and size. We will also include a picture so you can refer to this guide when you can’t identify a bird in your backyard.
Depending on the time of year it is, there are over 560 bird species in Alaska. The most-seen backyard birds in Alaska are Dark-eyed Junos, Black-capped Chickadees, Song Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Orange-crowned Warblers, Pine Siskins, Rufous Hummingbirds, Fox Sparrows, Varied Thrush, Yellow Warbler, Bohemian Waxwing, and White-crowned Sparrows.
The Willow Ptarmigan is the official state bird of Alaska since 1960 and the only place you will see it in the United States is in Alaska. The people of Alaska choose this bird because of its ability to camouflage itself. During the winter its colors are white while during the summer it takes on red and brown colors.
For other birdwatching in Alaska see our article on woodpeckers.
1. black-capped chickadees
Scientific Name: Poecile atricapillus Size: 4.7-5.9 inches
Description And Field Marks
The Black-capped Chickadee belongs to the Chickadee family. They are small birds with black caps, clear breasts, and rusty to rufous sides. They are mostly black and white in color with gray on their wings. The male is slightly different from the female and has less weight and a smaller size than the female with a larger bib.
Nesting
They nest in holes that are either natural or made by woodpeckers. They will make the hole bigger and then fill it with moss and grass and other soft materials forming them into a cap-like structure.
The female lays 6-8 eggs which are white or light cream in color with brownish or reddish speckles. The female warms the eggs while the male protects the nest and brings food to the female.
Diet
The Black-capped Chickadee likes eating small insects, nuts, seeds of small bushes, and berries. Chickadees are naturally curious, so they will get close while you refill those feeders and may eventually take seed from your hand. They love black-oil sunflower seeds, suet, and peanut butter.
Habitat
You can see the black-capped chickadee in many areas throughout the United States as they are found in the northern states including Alaska as well as southern Canadian. You can see them in Alaska all year long.
Bird Note
They are the town criers of the bird world, announcing everything from a crow or hawk coming to dinner.
Song And Call
2. dark-eyed junco
Scientific Name: Junco hyemalis Size: 5.5-6.3 inches
Description And Field Marks
The dark-eyed juncos are little birds that are slated gray in color. They are known as medium size sparrows with long tails, round faces, and white on their belly. They also have bright white markings on its tail.
Dark-eyed junco has a population of over 600 million making it one of the most common birds in the United States and Canada.
Nesting
The Dark-eyed Juncos lay three to six eggs. They are cream-colored with brown spots. The eggs are usually laid in a tree hole or on the ground.
Diet
The Dark-eyed Junco eats seeds, berries, and insects. They can be found in bushes and trees. Juncos LOVE feeders! They will eat whatever you put out black-oil sunflower seeds, suet, peanut butter, or generic wild bird food. They are not picky.
Habitat
When Juncos appear, Winter is near. You can see them in Canada and the western mountains during the spring and summer months. These birds flew south to North America for the winter months.
Look for them on deciduous forest floors and on the grass in your backyard. They can be found in bushes and trees all over Alaska all year long.
This is another bird that can travel in mixed flocks, so you never know who else will turn up at your feeder alongside the Juncos.
Song And Call
3. downy woodpeckers
Scientific Name: Dryobates pubescens Size: 5.5-6.7 inches
Description And Field Marks
The Downy Woodpecker is bigger than a junco or House Finch but smaller than a Red-winged Blackbird. It has a black-and-white striped head and black wings with white spots and a solid white back and white underparts. The Downy Woodpecker has a black tail with white outer tail feathers with black bars or spots. The male has a small red spot on the back of his head.
Nesting
Look for their nest in dead trees or live trees with dead areas. They carve out an area large enough for the eggs and the bird. They line the nest only with wood chips. The nest can take weeks to make and is done by both the male and female.
A Downy woodpecker only has one brood each year with 3 to 8 eggs which are white in color. The incubation period is around 12 days with both the male and female taking turns. The young will stay in the nest for around 30 days.
Diet
Mostly Downy Woodpeckers eat insects. The male tends to eat from the ground while the female likes to find insects from branches and in trees. They will also eat seeds, weeds, and fruit.
The Downy Woodpecker will visit your backyard feeders for suet and nuts.
Habitat
The Downy Woodpecker is a common bird found throughout Alaska and in seen mostly during winter. You will see them in residential areas, cities, farmland, and wooded areas.
Call And Drumming
4. black-billed magpie
Scientific Name: Pica [pica] hudsonia Size: 18-24 inches
Description And Field Marks
The black-billed magpie is a mid-sized bird the size of a crow with an extremely long tail. It is black and white with black areas on the wings and tail showing iridescent hints of blue or blue-green. It is one of only four North American songbirds whose tail makes up half or more of the total body length. The tail is made up of long, layered feathers, the middle pair of which protrudes farthest of all. Males and females look alike.
Nesting
Black-billed Magpies build their nests over 40-50 days, using sticks gathered by the male for the exterior and grass and other materials gathered by the female for the interior. The finished nest is a large, domed structure, usually around 30 inches high and 20 inches wide. The dome is constructed of sticks, with entrances on both sides. Inside the dome is a cup-shaped nest with a mud or manure base and a lining made from grass, rootlets, hair, and weeds.
Once the nest is finished, the female will lay up to nine eggs, with the typical clutch ranging from 6-7 eggs. The male will bring food while the female incubates the eggs, and both will feed the young once they have hatched. After 3-4 weeks the young will leave the nest, joining with other broods and being fed by their parents for an additional 3-4 weeks.
Diet
Black-billed Magpies eat a variety of food types. Their primary diet consists of insects and their larva, as well as the eggs and hatchlings of songbirds. They also eat fruit and grain crops, small mammals such as mice and meadow voles, carrion, seeds, grains, and nuts. Black-billed Magpies may also eat garbage and food that is left out for pets.
Habitat
It inhabits the western half of North America including western Canada and southern Alaska where you will see them year-round.
Song And Call
The black-billed magpie alarm call is known as a chatter, which is a ka-ka-ka-ka sound, sometimes preceded by a skah-skah. They also have a mag-mag-mag call, which they use to communicate with other birds.
5. hairy woodpeckers
Scientific Name: Leuconotopicus villosus Size: 7.1-10.2 inches
Description And Field Marks
Very similar to the Downy Woodpecker in color and looks except the Hairy Woodpecker is larger in size and has a longer bill.
Nesting
Hairy Woodpeckers make their nest in trees, especially diet trees. They lay 3-6 all-white eggs with an incubation period of 10 to 12 days. The young woodpeckers remain in the nest for about a month.
Diet
Their main source of food is insects that they find in trees and branches.
Habitat
Hairy Woodpeckers are year-round residents of Alaska. You can see them all over but especially in the western part of the state. If you don’t see them you will definitely hear them drumming on trees.
Call And Drumming
6. white-crowned sparrows
Scientific Name: Zonotrichia leucophrys Size: 5.9-6.3 inches
Description And Field Marks
On the larger size for a sparrow, the White-Crowned Sparrow was a long tail and a small bill and its head appears peaked. Its colors are a pale gray bird but the crown has a bold black and white stripe. You can also identify them from their bills which are pale pink east of the Rockies and yellow to orange bill west of the Rockies and along the Pacific Coast.
Nesting
The white-crowned sparrow mostly nests below 10 feet from the ground in shrubs. The female builds the nest out of twigs, grasses, hair, and leaves. It takes between 5 to 9 days to do this.
The female lays 3 to 7 greenish to blue-greenish eggs. The incubation period is 10 to 14 days with a nesting period of 8 to 10 days. The birds will have between 1 and 3 broods each breeding season.
The pair stays together for the breeding season but will winter separately. About 2/3 will find each other again the following season to breed.
Diet
The birds’ diet mainly consists of weeds and grasses but they will eat insects and caterpillars during the summer. They will also eat grains such as corn, and bailey and fruits such as blackberries and elderberries.
Habitat
During the breeding season, which typically occurs from late May to early September, you can find white-crowned sparrows in various habitats across northern Alaska. They prefer shrubby areas, meadows, and open woodlands.
Call And Song
Most of the time when you hear the White-Crowned Sparrow singing it’s the male. They learn to sing within the first few months of their lives, usually where they were born and will have different dialects. Some will be able to sing in more than one dialect.
7. American Robin
Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius Size: 7.9-11.0 inches
Description And Field Marks
The American Robins has a gray-brown back and wings, with white underparts. It also has a short tail and a pointed bill for catching insects in flight or on the ground. Males have a red patch on their breasts and a black head, throat, and upper chest. Females are duller looking than males with less contrast in colors.
They prefer an open country with scattered trees and shrubs. It is found in a variety of habitats, including farmland, grasslands, parks, yards, and gardens.
Nesting
The American Robin makes its nest in a tree or shrub, usually near water. The female Robin lays four to six eggs and both parents take turns sitting on them. The eggs are solid bright blue in color. The eggs hatch in about two weeks and the chicks leave the nest after another week or so.
Diet
They eat worms and insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and crickets. It also eats fruit and berries in the summer. They don’t do feeders but love to find bugs and worms in the grass all around your yard.
Habitat
The American Robin is found in eastern North America, from the Maritime Provinces of Canada to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is also found throughout the United States and southern parts of Canada, including most of Alaska.
The American Robin can be seen during the summer in Alaska.
Song And Call
They are very early-morning singers. Listen for their call
8. song sparrow
Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia Size: 4.7-6.7 inches
Description And Field Marks
The Song Sparrow is a medium size bulky sparrow. Their mostly brown body has streaks of white/light gray throughout. It has a long rounded tail and broad wings.
It’s larger than a chipping sparrow but smaller than a dark-eyed junco.
Nesting
The Song Sparrow nest is made of grass and twigs. They are also lined with hair, feathers, and wool. The nest is usually found in a bush or tree near water. They are not afraid of humans so can nest close to your home on lights or poles and in flower beds.
The Song Sparrows lays one to six eggs. The eggs are either, blue, blue-green, or gray-green with some brown spots on them. The incubation period is 12 to 15 days and the young spend another 9 to 12 days in the nest.
The Song Sparrow can have anywhere between 1 to 7 broods per year.
Diet
It eats insects, seeds, and berries. They will come to your feeders for any kind of seeds or suet.
Habitat
Song Sparrows are very common in Alaska that can be found all over the state all year long.
Song And Call
9. American crows
Scientific Name: Corvus brachyrhynchos Size: 15.8-20.9 inches
Description And Field Marks
The American Crow is not a crow at all. It is actually a raven, but it has been called the “American Crow” for many years. This all-black bird has shiny feathers. The bill is also black with a hook on the end. The male is slightly more glossy than the female.
The American crow is smaller than the fish crow.
Nesting
The American Crow doesn’t breed until it’s between 2 and 4 years old. The “family” stays together for years, so some of the “kids” will help raise the next year’s brood.
Their nests are in large trees mostly evergreens. Both the male and female will make the nest out of large twigs lined with pine needles. The nest is big around 15 inches across and 7 to 10 inches deep.
They usually lay 3 to 9 eggs which are bluish-green in color with gray and brown blotches at either end.
The incubation period is 16 to 18 days, and the young remain in the nest anywhere from 20 to 40 days.
Diet
The American Crow will eat just about anything including seeds, nuts, worms, and small animals such as mice. They will also steal and eat eggs from other birds like robins, sparrows, loons, jays, and eiders. They will even eat garbage from the dumps.
Habitat
The American Crow can be seen throughout the United States but differ in size by region. Western crows are the ones you will see in Oregon throughout the year and are smaller than what you will see on the east coast.
It is common to see them on lawns, open fields, woodlands, parking lots, and in towns as well as in cities.
Bird Notes
The American Crow is an aggressive bird that will chase many large birds like eagles and hawks. Many times you will see them in flocks of up to 1000 birds.
Song And Call
10. pine siskins
Scientific Name: Carduelis pinus Size: 4.3-5.5 inches
Description And Field Marks
Pine siskins are small finches with a thin, sharply pointed bill, a notched tail, two dusky wing bars that fade to white over time, flight feathers with yellow bases, brown upperparts, pale underparts with heavy streaks over their body, short, forked tails, conical beaks that are longer and more slender than other finches, and yellow patches on their tails and wings, with white streaks appearing on the wings as well. The male also has more vivid plumage than the female.
Nesting
The pine siskin typically builds its nest in a conifer, usually low in the tree, and lays 3 or 4 pale green eggs, lightly speckled with dark brown and black. The nest is a shallow saucer of bark, twigs, and moss lined with plant down and feathers.
The female will incubate the eggs for about 13 days and the young will leave the nest after 14-15 days.
Diet
Pine siskins are mostly granivorous, feeding mainly on small seeds such as those of thistle, red alder, birch, spruce, hemlock, pine, cedar, dandelions, chickweed, ragweed, and sunflower. They may also feed on insects, spiders, and larvae.
Pine Siskins feed readily at backyard feeders, preferring smaller seeds without tough shells like thistle and black-oil sunflower, but they will scavenge fragments of larger seeds left by heavier-billed birds, and will occasionally eat suet.
Habitat
Pine Siskins typically breed in coniferous forests in most of Canada, the northern and western parts of the United States, and Alaska.
In Alaska, you can find Pine Siskins year-round. During winter, Pine Siskins can be found in many types of semi-open areas, including forest edges and weedy fields.
Call And Song
The Pine Siskin has a range of song and calls notes, including a high-pitched, quick chitter, a distinctive, harsh “watch-winding” call, and a tuneful “sweeet” sound. When communicating with other siskins, the males make a sharper, high-pitched, elongated “zweeeee” sound. Females have a low-pitched, husky call that can be heard over long distances.
11. yellow-rumped warblers
Scientific Name: Setophaga coronata Size: 4.7-5.5 inches
Description And Field Marks
The males are dark gray, with white on their wings, and yellow on their faces, sides, and rump. The east coast male could have a white throat instead of the yellow one. The females are duller and could be brown instead of gray with less yellow.
Nesting
Females built their nests in pine trees with materials brought to them by the male. She lays 1 to 6 white-speckled eggs. The incubation period is 12 to 13 days with a nesting period of 10 to 14 days.
Diet
The yellow-rumped warblers eat insects during the summer.
Habitat
In Alaska, you will see the yellow-rumped warbler in the summer months. They like open areas, such as parks, woodland pine forests, dunes, and residential areas.
Song And Call
12. ruby-crowned kinglets
Scientific Name: Corthylio calendula Size: 3.5-4.3 inches
Description And Field Marks
These tiny songbirds flicker around bushes and shrubs in your backyard. Ruby-crowned Kinglets are olive green in color with white around the eyes and white wings with a black bar in the wings. They have small, thin tails and strong tiny bills.
The male Ruby-crowned Kinglet will show its “red crown” only when excited otherwise it is invisible.
Nesting
The female and male pair will stay together during the building of the nest to when the young leave the nest, about two months. The female builds the nest in tall trees usually over 100 feet high in dense forests.
The Ruby-crowned kinglets have one brood per breeding season with up to 12 eggs. The eggs are white with red-brown spots on the ends. The incubation period is 12 to 14 days and the young remain in the nest for an additional 16 to 18 days.
Diet
Ruby-crowned kinglets mostly eat insects including spiders, ants, beetles, and wasps. They will also eat seeds and fruit when available. They will come to your backyard feeders to eat seeds during the non-breeding season.
Habitat
The Ruby-Crowned Kinglet visits Alaska during the breeding season. Look for the constant movement in their wings as they like dense bushes, as well as parks and backyards.
Song And Call
13. red-breasted nuthatches
Scientific Name: Sitta canadensis Size: 4.3 inches
Description And Field Marks
The red-breasted nuthatch is a small bird, dark gray on top with a rusty color breast. It has a short tail and a sharp bill. The female is similar to the male except she has lighter gray on top and a paler rust color underneath.
Often found during fall and winter working their way down tree trunks. Smaller and slimmer than the White-breasted Nuthatch.
The red-breasted nuthatch is the only bird that can climb down a tree head first by using its tail as a brace. It does this to keep from falling off tree branches.
Nesting
The red-breasted nuthatch nest is a hole in a tree. The female lays eggs between April and June, with an average clutch size of 4 to 6 eggs. The young stay in the nest for about 11 days and then leave the nest.
Diet
The red-breasted nuthatch diet consists of insects and seeds. They love suet and peanut butter and peanuts, so they are big on winter feeders.
Habitat
It lives throughout the eastern United States and Canada. The red-breasted nuthatch is found in woodlands, mature forested areas, and large parks.
You can see them in Alaska during the winter.
Song And Call
14. steller’s jay
Scientific Name: Cyanocitta stelleri Size: 11.8-13.4 inches
The Steller’s Jay is a medium-sized bird songbird with a distinctive blue-black coloration on its head, neck, and upper body. They have a black crest on their head that can be raised or lowered depending on their mood. They also have a long, sturdy bill, and their eyes are dark with a faint white stripe above the eye. The wings and tail feathers are blue with black bars and white spots on the tips.
Nesting
The nest of a Steller’s Jay is typically a cup-shaped structure made of twigs, bark strips, moss, and grass. It’s placed in the crotch of a tree, on a horizontal branch, or in a coniferous tree. They may also build nests in shrubs, on utility poles, or in man-made structures.
The female is responsible for building the nest, while the male helps to gather materials. She lays 3 to 5 pale green or blue eggs with brown spots. The eggs are incubated for 16 to 18 days by the female, while the male brings her food. Both parents care for the young for 18 to 21 days when they leave the nest but will also continue to feed them for several more weeks.
Diet
The Steller’s Jays eat a wide variety of food including insects, nuts, seeds, fruits, and small vertebrates. They will also store food for later use.
Steller’s Jays are opportunistic and will eat almost anything including human food scraps, and pet food from campgrounds and picnic areas.
Habitat
The Steller’s Jay is native to the western part of North America, from Alaska to Mexico. They inhabit coniferous forests, oak woodlands, and other forested areas.
Steller’s Jays can be found in Alaska year-round.
Call And Song
They are known for their loud and harsh calls, which can be heard throughout the forest.
15. Tree Swallow
Scientific Name: Tachycineta bicolor Size: 5.5-6.7 inches
Description And Field Marks
Tree Swallows are medium-sized birds with distinctive iridescent plumage. The upper parts, including the back, wings, and tail, are a glossy and brilliant metallic blue-green color. The underparts are white, creating a striking contrast with the blue-green upperparts. In some lighting conditions, the white underparts may appear slightly buff-colored.
One of the key features of Tree Swallows is their deeply forked tail, which is a characteristic trait of swallows. This forked tail aids in their agile and maneuverable flight. Their wings are relatively short and rounded, allowing them to perform quick and precise aerial maneuvers as they catch insects on the wing.
Nesting
Tree Swallows are cavity-nesting birds. They build cup-shaped nests made of grasses, feathers, and other plant materials, usually inside natural tree cavities or man-made nest boxes. They are known for their communal nesting behavior, often nesting in colonies in suitable areas.
The female lays a clutch of 4 to 7 eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the chicks once they hatch.
Diet
These swallows are excellent aerial insect catchers. They are often seen flying gracefully through the air, darting and swooping as they catch insects on the wing. They have a distinctive flight pattern, with rapid wingbeats followed by short glides.
Habitat
Tree Swallows can be found in a variety of open habitats, including fields, meadows, marshes, wetlands, and bodies of water like lakes and ponds. They are particularly associated with areas near water where they can find insects to feed on.
Tree Swallows breed in the southern parts of Alaska during the short summer months, typically from late April to early August.
Call and Song
16. orange-crowned warblers
Scientific Name: Leiothlypis celata Size: 4.7-5.1 inches
Description And Field Marks
Orange-crowned Warbler’s most distinctive feature is a faint orange or yellowish-orange crown patch on the top of the head, which is often concealed and not always easily visible. However, this crown patch can be raised slightly, revealing the orange color when the bird is excited or singing. Overall, their plumage is primarily olive-green to grayish-olive on the upperparts, with paler underparts that may have a slight yellowish tinge.
Nesting
During the breeding season, Orange-crowned Warblers build cup-shaped nests made of grasses, moss, and other plant materials, usually placed in dense vegetation or shrubs. The female lays a clutch of 4 to 5 eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks. Both parents participate in caring for the chicks once they hatch.
Diet
These warblers are active and agile foragers, often seen hopping among branches and foliage while searching for insects, spiders, and small fruits. They are particularly adept at gleaning insects from leaves and twigs.
Habitat
Orange-crowned Warblers are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, shrublands, and even urban parks and gardens. They are migratory birds with a vast range that spans across North America. During the breeding season, they can be found in the western part of the continent, from Alaska to western Canada and down into the western United States. In the winter, they migrate to the southern United States and Mexico.
You will see them in Alaska during the breeding season.
Call And Song
While not as melodious as some other warbler species, the Orange-crowned Warbler has a pleasant, high-pitched, and buzzy song consisting of musical trills and chattering notes.
17. chestnut-backed chickadees
Scientific Name: Poecile rufescens Size: 4.5-5.1 inches
Description And Field Marks
The upper parts of the Chestnut-backed Chickadees are mostly a rich chestnut or reddish-brown color, which extends from the crown to the nape, back, and wings. The sides of the head and neck are black, with a distinctive white stripe above each eye and a white patch on the cheeks. The underparts are pale grayish-white, blending into the chestnut color of the flanks.
The black cap on the head and throat is a prominent feature that contrasts with the chestnut color, making the bird easily identifiable and a combination of a white stripe above the eye, a black line through the eye, and a white cheek patch creates a distinctive pattern on the face.
Nesting
Chestnut-backed chickadees build cup-shaped nests made of moss, plant fibers, and animal fur in tree cavities or natural crevices. The female lays a clutch of 5 to 9 eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks. Both parents are involved in caring for the chicks once they hatch.
Diet
Their diet includes a variety of insects, spiders, seeds, and berries. They are often observed hanging upside down while foraging for insects and insect eggs on the undersides of leaves and branches.
Habitat
Chestnut-backed Chickadees are primarily found in the coniferous and mixed forests of the Pacific Northwest, including areas with redwoods, Douglas firs, and other evergreen trees. They prefer habitats with dense vegetation and are often seen in the understory of forests.
Chestnut-backed Chickadees can be seen in Alaska year-round.
Call And Song
Chestnut-backed Chickadees are known for their pleasant and varied songs and calls. They have a distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call, which is similar to other chickadee species but can vary in rhythm and pitch.
18. pine grosbeaks
Scientific Name: Pinicola enucleator Size: 8-11 inches
Description And Field Marks
The Pine Grosbeak is in the finch family and is the size of a robin. It has a round head with a finch-like bill. The male is pale red and gray and the female is duller gray but does have some pink on her. Both have dark gray wings with white wing bars.
Nesting
They build their nests in pine trees near the trunks. The female lays 3 to 4 pale blue with dark spot eggs. The incubation period is 13-14 days with a nesting period of 13 to 20 days.
Diet
The Pine Grosbeak mostly eats seeds from pine trees and buds from flowers. They will visit feeders with black oil sunflower seeds and suet.
Habitat
They like pine forests that’s why they can be seen in Alaska all year round.
Song And Call
19. red-winged blackbirds
Scientific Name: Agelaius phoeniceus Size: 6.7-9.1 inches
Description And Field Marks
The male red-winged blackbird is a large blackbird with white underparts and red wings. It has an orange-red patch on its shoulder and long pointed wings. But not all Red-winged Blackbirds have red wings. Some may have yellow or orange epaulets on their wings.
The female red-winged blackbird is striped and brown-streaked in color.
Red-winged blackbirds are usually active during the day, but they may be seen at night near lights.
Nesting
A red-winged blackbird’s nest is usually in a marsh or near water, but they have also been found on flat roofs and even in chimneys.
Their nest is made of twigs, grasses, and hair. They are lined with finer grasses, rootlets, or horsehair. The female lays 4 to 6 eggs that are a pale blue-green color. They also have black, brown, and purple speckles all over them. They are incubated by both parents for about 12 days. The young leave the nest after 14 days.
Diet
They are known to eat insects and seeds, including corn, wheat, and other grains. They also eat berries from shrubs and trees like elderberry, mulberry, wild grape, or honeysuckle.
Habitat
The red-winged blackbird is seen in Alaska all year round and is very common in many of our backyards.
Bird Note
You’ve heard the expression “Birds of a feather flock together”? Always check flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds for Common Grackles, European Starlings, and Brown-headed Cowbirds. These birds are often found together in large flocks.
Song And Call
Red-winged blackbirds can often be heard singing from a perch high in a tree or on power lines.
They have a loud, clear whistle that sounds like “fee-bee” and make various cackling and chattering noises.
20. rufous hummingbird
Scientific Name: Selasphorus rufus Size:3.5-4 inches
Description And Field Marks
Rufous Hummingbirds are known for their aggressive and territorial nature, often chasing away larger birds and other hummingbirds from their feeding areas.
The male Rufous Hummingbird has striking and vibrant plumage. Their upperparts are a mix of bright coppery-orange, rufous, and green, which glitters in sunlight. The throat is a vivid iridescent orange-red color, making it a key identifying feature. The underparts are mostly white with a rufous wash on the sides and flanks. Females are less colorful, with greenish upperparts and a rufous-washed breast.
Nesting
Rufous Hummingbirds construct small, cup-shaped nests made of plant materials, spider webs, and lichens. The female lays two pea-sized eggs and incubates them for about two weeks. After hatching, the female continues to care for the chicks until they are ready to fledge, usually around three weeks after hatching.
Diet
Their primary diet consists of nectar from a variety of flowering plants. They also consume small insects and spiders.
Habitat
Rufous Hummingbirds breed in various habitats across western North America, including open woodlands, mountainous areas, and coastal regions.
One of the remarkable features of the Rufous Hummingbird is its long-distance migration. In the spring and summer, they breed in western North America, from southern Alaska to the Pacific Northwest and as far south as California. In the fall, they embark on a remarkable journey to their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America, sometimes covering thousands of miles during their migration.
Call And Song
21. European starling
Scientific Name: Sturnus vulgaris Size: 7.9-9.1 inches
Description And Field Marks
The European Starling is the size of a Robin and from a distance looks all black. However, they have a purplish-green iridescent color to them when you see them up close. Their yellow bill stands out and they have short tails.
You often see them in large flocks with blackbirds and grackles.
Nesting
Starlings will take other birds’ nests and use them as long as they are high off the ground, usually in trees, on streetlights, buildings, or nest boxes. The male will find these nests and will add twigs, pine needles, grasses, and feathers. Females will add greens to the nest before laying 3 to 6 eggs.
Both the male and female will incubate the eggs for a period of around 12 days. The egg color is bluish to greenish white. The young will stay in the nest for about 3 weeks.
Diet
European Starlings eat mostly insects but will also eat fruits. In addition, they will eat seeds, nectar, garbage, and livestock feed.
Habitat
They live where humans are, in towns and cities, and roost in trees and on buildings, also you will see them on wires. They like open fields and lawns and are not far from a water source.
Bird Notes
A fun fact about the European Starling is that all North American birds descended from 100 birds that in 1890 were intentionally released into Central Park in New York City. Today they have a population in North America of over 2 million.
Song And Call
The European starling is a highly sociable bird. It lives in flocks of up to 100 birds, and its calls include whistling and chattering noises.
22. Canada Jay aka Gray Jay
Scientific Name: Perisoreus canadensis Size: 10 to 12 inches
Description And Field Marks
Canada Jays are medium-sized birds with predominantly gray plumage, which gives them their alternate name, Gray Jay. The gray coloration is typically pale on the head and body, with darker gray wings and tail. Their rounded crest on the head is often held erect and gives them a distinctive appearance.
The crest on their head is a notable feature that they can raise or lower, depending on their mood and their bill is relatively stout and slightly hooked.
Nesting
Canada Jays are one of the few bird species that breed during the colder months. They construct cup-shaped nests made of twigs, grasses, and feathers, usually placed in conifer trees. They may also use old nests of other birds.
The female lays a clutch of 2 to 5 eggs, which she incubates while being fed by the male. Both parents participate in caring for the chicks once they hatch.
Diet
Canada Jays are omnivorous and have a varied diet that includes insects, small mammals, berries, seeds, and even human food scraps in some cases.
Habitat
Canada Jays are found in boreal forests and other cold northern habitats across North America. They are distributed from Alaska and Canada down through the western United States and into the Rocky Mountains.
In Alaska, Canada Jays can be observed year-round, making them a resident bird species and are particularly well-suited to Alaska’s environment.
call and song
Canada Jays have a wide range of vocalizations, including soft whistles, clicks, and harsh calls. They are known for their mimicking abilities and are capable of imitating the calls of other birds.
23. rock pigeon
Scientific Name: Columba livia Size: 11.8 to 14.2 inches
Description And Field Marks
The pigeons are between the size of a Robin and a Crow. They come in several colors but most commonly have gray plumage, black bars on their wings, and a bluish-gray head.
Nesting
The female makes the nest while the male brings her the materials. She will lay 1 to 3 white eggs and bother the male and the female will take turns during the incubation period which lasts around 18 days.
The young remain in the nest for about a month and both parents will take turns feeding and caring for them. Pigeons can have anywhere from 1 to 6 broods each year.
Diet
Pigeons will eat just about anything but most commonly eat seeds and fruits. They are usually fed bread crumbs in city parks and will eat out of garbage cans whatever they can find.
Habitat
Rock pigeons are a common urban bird found in many parts of the world, including Alaska. They are well adapted to living in human-populated areas and can be found in cities, towns, and even remote villages. In Alaska, you can find rock pigeons year-round, as they are not migratory birds.
Bird Notes
Pigeons are brilliant birds that can be released anywhere and navigate their way home. they use magnetic fields, smell, sound, and the sun to find their way.
They delivered messages for the US Army during World War I and II.
Song And Call
24. Golden-crowned Sparrow
Scientific Name: Zonotrichia atricapilla Size: 6.7-7.5 inches
Description And Field Marks
The Golden-crowned Sparrow has a striking and unique plumage pattern. The head is gray with a bold yellow crown at the center, extending from the beak to the back of the head. The cheeks are gray, and there is a black patch on the chin and throat. The upperparts are brown with dark streaks, while the underparts are grayish-white with brown streaking on the sides and flanks.
The bright yellow crown on the head is the most distinctive feature of this bird and serves as its namesake.
Nesting
During the breeding season, Golden-crowned Sparrows build nests on the ground, concealed under vegetation or low shrubs. The female lays a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks. Both parents participate in caring for the chicks until they fledge and become independent.
Diet
They are often seen foraging on the ground, scratching through leaf litter and soil in search of seeds, insects, and small invertebrates.
Habitat
Golden-crowned Sparrows breed in northern and coastal regions of western North America, including Alaska, western Canada, and parts of the Pacific Northwest. During the winter months, they migrate southwards to spend the season in the western United States, including California, Oregon, and Washington.
These sparrows prefer a mix of habitats, including shrublands, open woodlands, and brushy areas. They may also perch in low vegetation and bushes.
They are more commonly seen during the spring and fall migrations as they pass through Alaska on their way to and from their breeding and wintering grounds.
Call And Song
Golden-crowned Sparrows are known for their lovely and melodious songs. Their songs are often described as a series of clear, whistling notes, which are pleasant to the ears and add to their charm.
25. Common Redpoll
Scientific Name: Acanthis flammea Size: 4.7-5.5 inches
Description And Field Marks
In the finch family, Common Redpoll is a small songbird with small heads and bills and a short tail. They are brown and white with a small red patch on its head. The males have a pale red chest and upper flank.
Nesting
During the breeding season, Common Redpolls construct cup-shaped nests made of grass, moss, and feathers, usually placed in shrubs or trees. They typically breed in northern boreal forest habitats. The female lays a clutch of eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks. Both parents participate in caring for the chicks once they hatch.
Diet
Common Redpolls feed primarily on seeds, especially those from plants like birch and alder trees. They have adapted to their cold environments by developing specialized digestive systems that allow them to process the relatively low-nutrient seeds they consume. Will definitely eat from your backyard feeder during winter.
Habitat
Common Redpolls typically migrate southward to Alaska from their northern breeding areas during the winter. They can be found in open woodlands, shrubby areas, and areas with dense vegetation. They are often seen in flocks and are particularly attracted to locations with abundant food sources, such as birch and alder trees that produce small seeds.
Song And Call
Common Redpolls have a variety of calls and songs, including high-pitched chirps and trills. Their vocalizations are often heard in flight or while the birds are perched in groups.
26. Fox Sparrow
Scientific Name: Passerella iliaca Size:6.7-7.9 inches
Description And Field Marks
Fox Sparrows are relatively large sparrows with rich and varied plumage. They have a reddish-brown or rusty-colored back and wings, which can show subtle streaks and markings. The underparts are pale, ranging from buffy to white, with bold streaks that can vary in color from black to dark brown. The face often has a distinctive reddish-brown patch, and there is a prominent white eye-ring.
Nesting
Fox Sparrows construct their nests on or near the ground in well-hidden locations within dense vegetation. They often build their nests in areas with dense undergrowth or leaf litter, which helps further conceal the nest from predators and provides additional protection for the eggs and chicks.
The female Fox Sparrow typically lays a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs, which she usually incubates for about 12 to 14 days. After the eggs hatch, both parents are involved in caring for the chicks. They remain in the nest for about 9 to 12 days but continue to be cared for by their parents as they learn to forage and become more independent.
Diet
The diet of Fox Sparrows primarily consists of a variety of seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates.
Habitat
In Alaska, you can see them primarily during their migration periods.
Fox Sparrows migrate northward to their breeding grounds in Alaska during the spring. Look for them in a variety of habitats, including forests, shrubby areas, and even urban parks and gardens. They begin their southward migration in late summer or early fall. During this time, you can spot them as they make their way south from their breeding grounds.
Call and song
27. Bohemian Waxwing
Scientific Name: Bombycilla garrulus Size: 7-9 inches
Description And Field Marks
Bohemian Waxwings are medium-sized birds with distinctive plumage with a gray-brown body. Their most striking features include a black mask covering their eyes and a silky crest on the top of their head. The wings are adorned with waxy red tips on the secondary feathers and yellow tips on the tail feathers.
The crest on their head is a key identifying feature, often slightly raised and adding to their elegant appearance. The black mask across their eyes is another distinguishing trait, creating a sharp contrast with their lighter-colored plumage.
Nesting
During the breeding season, Bohemian Waxwings build cup-shaped nests made of twigs, grasses, and other plant materials, which they place in trees. They often choose coniferous trees for nesting. The female lays a clutch of eggs, and both parents participate in incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks once they hatch.
Diet
These waxwings are known for their sociable behavior and their tendency to form large flocks, especially during the winter when they gather to feed on fruit-bearing trees. They are particularly fond of berries and fruit, and their diet consists mainly of these food sources. They are excellent fliers and are often seen in graceful aerial displays as they move between trees to find food.
Habitat
In North America, they are common in Alaska during the winter months. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including boreal forests, mountainous regions, and areas with abundant fruit-bearing trees.
Bird Note
Bohemian Waxwings are closely related to the Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum), which shares a similar body shape and general appearance. However, the Bohemian Waxwing is larger, has more pronounced coloration, and lacks the Cedar Waxwing’s distinctive yellow belly and tail tips.
Call and song
Bohemian Waxwings have soft and musical calls, often heard as they communicate within their flocks. They may produce high-pitched whistles, trills, and other melodic notes.
28. Northern Flicker
Scientific Name: Colaptes auratus Size: 11.0-12.2 inches
Description And Field
The Northern Flicker male and female are similar in color. They both have a rounded head, the bill is curved down and the tail tapers to a long point.
Although the same bird their colors differ from the eastern United States (bright yellow wing and tail feathers) and the western US (red wing and tail feathers).
The Northern Flicker is also known as “the woodpecker that doesn’t peck wood.” Instead, it gleans insects from the bark of trees.
Nesting
It nests in holes excavated by other animals, such as squirrels and woodpeckers. It lays 5 to 8 eggs which are all white. They only have one brood per nesting season.
The incubation period is around 2 weeks and the young stay in the nest for about a month.
Diet
Northern Flickers mostly will eat insects that they get from the ground. They will “drum” at the ground as other woodpeckers drum in trees and wood. During the winter months, they will also eat fruits and seeds.
These are beautiful woodpeckers. They may also stop in at your suet and peanut feeders, but most likely you’ll see them nesting in old trees.
Habitat
You will see Northern Flickers in city parks and backyards in the suburbs. You will also find them in woodlands with open trees, burned forests, swamps, and marshes.
The Northern Flicker has a wide range of calls. It has a typical woodpecker-like “drum” and a more musical, gurgling call that is often mistaken for the song of the Red-winged Blackbird.
Northern Flickers visit Alaska during the summer months, then head back to the lower United States for the winter.
Call And Drumming
29. Varied Thrush
Scientific Name: Ixoreus naevius Size: 8.5-9.5 inches
Description And Field Marks
Varied Thrushes are medium-sized birds that a unique and eye-catching plumage. Males have bright orange breast and belly that contrasts with a deep blue-gray upper body, wings, and tail. Females have a slightly duller appearance with a more subdued orange hue on their underparts. Both sexes have bold white stripes on their face, which is a defining feature. The wings display bold white wing bars, visible both in flight and when perched.
Nesting
Varied Thrushes typically breed in the coniferous forests of their range. They build cup-shaped nests made of grasses, moss, and other plant materials, usually located in shrubs or low branches. The female lays a clutch of eggs, and both parents participate in incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks.
Diet
These thrushes are primarily ground foragers, searching for insects, spiders, and other invertebrates among leaf litter and vegetation. They may also feed on berries and fruits, especially during the winter when insects are less abundant.
Habitat
During the breeding season, Varied Thrushes are commonly found in forested areas, especially in the northern parts of Alaska. They prefer habitats with coniferous and mixed woodlands, often near streams and wet areas.
During the winter months, you might find them in a wider range of habitats, including urban areas, parks, gardens, and other locations where they can forage for berries and fruits. You can see Varied thrushes in Alaska year-round.
Call and song
Varied Thrushes have a melodious and flute-like song.
30. RED-CROSSBILL
Scientific Name: Loxia curvirostra Size: 5.5-6.7 inches
Description And Field Marks
Red Crossbills are small to medium-sized finches that have a streaked appearance with overall reddish or olive-green coloration. Males tend to be brighter in color than females. Their wings display a unique feature: the wings are shorter than the tail when folded, which helps them access conifer cones more easily.
The most distinctive feature of the Red Crossbill is its bill, which is crossed at the tips. This specialized bill adaptation allows them to pry open the scales of conifer cones to access the seeds inside.
Nesting
Red Crossbills do not have a strict breeding season, as their reproduction is often tied to the availability of cone crops. They typically build cup-shaped nests in conifer trees, using twigs, grasses, and other plant materials. The female lays a clutch of eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and chick-rearing.
Diet
As their name suggests, Red Crossbills have evolved a specialized bill that allows them to extract seeds from conifer cones. They insert their crossed bills between the scales of the cone, and then they use their tongues to remove the seeds. This behavior gives them access to a food source that is often unavailable to other bird species.
Habitat
Red Crossbills are found in coniferous forests across North America, Europe, and Asia. They inhabit a variety of forest types, including pine, spruce, and fir forests. Their distribution is influenced by the availability of cone-bearing trees, as their feeding behavior revolves around these trees.
Red Crossbills are often present in Alaska throughout the year, although their distribution can vary based on cone crop availability. They are known to breed and nest in Alaska’s coniferous forests.
Call and song
Red Crossbills are known for their distinct and often melodious calls.
31. Violet-Green Swallow
Scientific Name: Tachycineta thalassina Size: 4.7-5.5 inches
Description And Field Marks
The Violet-green Swallow is a small passerine bird found in North America. It’s a beautiful bird with shimmering green and violet plumage, a white underbelly, and a distinctive forked tail.
The head of the Violet-green Swallow displays a combination of violet and green colors. The crown and nape exhibit a glossy violet sheen, while the rest of the head is green. The bill is short and black, contrasting with the bird’s colorful plumage. The eyes are dark.
Nesting
Both male and female Violet-green Swallows participate in building the nest. They construct a cup-shaped nest using grasses, twigs, moss, feathers, and other plant materials. They are social birds and frequently form nesting colonies where multiple pairs build their nests in close proximity
The female lays a clutch of 4-6 white eggs with reddish-brown spots. Both the male and female take turns incubating the eggs for 14-16 days. Once the eggs hatch, both parents are involved in feeding and caring for the chicks until they flew which usually takes around 22-24 days.
Diet
The diet of Violet-green Swallows primarily consists of flying insects. They catch their prey while in flight, using their agile and acrobatic flying skills.
Violet-green Swallows may also drink water while in flight. They swoop low over water sources, such as lakes, ponds, or streams, and skim the surface to drink or even bathe briefly.
Habitat
Violet-green Swallows can be found in a range of habitats, including open woodlands, forests with mixed conifers and deciduous trees, riparian areas along rivers and streams, mountainous regions, and even urban and suburban areas.
Violet-green swallows are migratory birds that can be found in Alaska during the summer months when they are breeding.
Call And Song
32. Black-Headed Grosbeak
Scientific Name: Pheucticus melanocephalus Size: 7.5-8.5 inches
Description And Field Marks
The male has a striking black head and throat. The upper parts, including the back, wings, and tail, are warm cinnamon-brown. The underparts are a rich, deep orange to reddish-brown, with a prominent black bib extending down from the throat. The wings display prominent white patches that are visible in flight.
The female Black-headed Grosbeak has different coloration. The head, neck, and upper parts are warm brownish-gray. The underparts are pale with fine streaking on the breast and sides. The wings also have white patches visible in flight, though they may be less extensive than in males.
Both male and female Black-headed Grosbeaks have a stout, conical bill, which is pale pinkish or grayish. The eyes are dark brown, and the legs and feet are grayish.
Nesting
Black-headed Grosbeaks place their cup-shaped nests at varying heights within the canopy of trees.
The female lays 3 to 5 light blue or greenish-blue with dark blotches eggs. Then she incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days. Both parents are involved in feeding the nestlings insects and small fruits. The nestling period lasts 11 to 15 days.
Diet
Black-headed Grosbeaks are primarily seed-eaters but also feed on insects and fruits. They forage in trees and shrubs, gleaning insects from foliage or hopping on the ground to pick up fallen seeds. They can also be seen visiting bird feeders that offer seeds and fruits.
Habitat
Black-headed Grosbeaks can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, forest edges, riparian areas (along rivers and streams), and gardens. They prefer habitats with a mix of trees and shrubs, as well as areas where they can find insects, fruits, and seeds to feed on.
In Alaska, Black-headed Grosbeaks are more commonly found in the southeastern parts of the state, such as the coastal areas around Juneau and Sitka. The best time to see them in Alaska is during their breeding season, from May to August.
Call And Song
The Black-headed Grosbeak has a varied and melodious song. The male’s song consists of rich, musical phrases with whistling and trilling notes. The song is often described as a sweet, warbling series of musical phrases. The call is a sharp “chip” or “check.”
33. Bullock’s Oriole
Scientific Name: Icterus bullockii Size: 7 to 8 inches
Description And Field Marks
Bullock’s Orioles are brightly colored birds that are found in western North America, from the Great Plains to the Pacific coast. They are medium-sized birds with a relatively large, heavy bills and a distinctive head shape with a slightly crested appearance.
Male Bullock’s Orioles have striking plumage with bright orange-yellow underparts and a black back, wings, and tail. They also have a black mask around the eyes and a white wing patch that is visible in flight. Females have a more muted coloration, with duller yellow-orange underparts and a grayish-brown back, wings, and tail. They also have a whitish eyebrow stripe and a yellow wing patch.
Nesting
Bullock’s Orioles build hanging basket-like nests that are suspended from the tips of tree branches, typically in deciduous trees such as cottonwoods or willows. The female Bullock’s Oriole is primarily responsible for building the nest, although the male may assist with gathering materials.
The female will lay 3-5 eggs and incubate them for about 12-14 days. Both parents will feed and care for the chicks once they hatch, bringing them a diet of insects, fruit, and nectar. The young will fledge from the nest after about 12-14 days and will continue to be fed by the parents for several more weeks.
Diet
Bullock’s Orioles have a varied diet that includes insects, fruit, and nectar. They are known to feed on the nectar of a variety of flowers, including trumpet-shaped flowers such as honeysuckle and fuchsia.
Habitat
Bullock’s Orioles are found in a variety of open woodland habitats, including riparian areas, oak woodlands, and pine forests. They are often seen in trees and shrubs near water sources such as streams, rivers, and ponds.
Bullock’s Orioles can be found throughout Nevada during the breeding season from May to August. They are the most common oriole in the state.
Call And Song
They are also known for their distinctive liquid whistling song, which is often heard during the breeding season from May to July.
34. Chipping sparrow
Scientific Name: Spizella passerina Size: 4.7-5.9 inches+
Description And Field Marks
Chipping sparrows are small brown sparrows with plain breasts and long tails. There is a difference between breeding and non-breeding birds. The breeding birds have a reddish cap and a white brow with dark eye lines. The non-breeding has a brown cap, duller dirty gray breast, a dark eye line, and a grayish rump.
Usually found in trees around your property. You will hear them before you see them.
Nesting
The chipping sparrow nests in dense shrubs or small trees near the ground. It is often found nesting under bird feeders.
The female builds the nest out of grass and other plant material and then lines it with hair or fine grasses. The nest is usually built on a horizontal branch in dense shrubs or small trees.
The female lays 3 to 5 eggs at a time and the young hatch after 11 days of incubation. Both parents feed the chicks until they are ready to leave the nest, usually after about 12 days.
Diet
The chipping sparrow diet consists of seeds, insects, and spiders. Occasional visitors to your suet and black-oil sunflower seed feeder.
Habitat
Chipping sparrows can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, forest edges, grassy areas, gardens, and parks. They often prefer areas with scattered trees and shrubs where they can find both insects and seeds to feed on.
The best time to see chipping sparrows in Alaska is during their breeding season, from May to August.
Song And Call
The song is more of a rattle.
The chipping sparrow has two calls: a sharp chip and a long, high-pitched trill.
35. Yellow Warbler
Scientific Name: Setophaga petechia Size: 4.7-5.1 inches
Description And Field Marks
The yellow Warbler is a small bird with a round head, black eye, and yellow body. The main difference between the male and female is that the male has some brown stripes on his breast.
Nesting
Nests are built by the female usually 10 feet off the ground. Its eggs are greenish-gray in color and the female lays 1 to 7 eggs. The incubation period is 10 to 13 days with a 9 to 12 days nesting period.
Diet
Yellow Warblers eat small insects.
Habitat
Yellow warblers can be found in various habitats, including wetlands, shrubby areas, riparian zones (areas along rivers and streams), and forests with understory vegetation. They are often associated with areas near water sources, as they use these habitats for breeding and foraging. In Alaska, you can find yellow warblers in suitable habitats throughout the state.
The best time to see yellow warblers in Alaska is during their breeding season, from May to August.
Song And Call
What Are The Best Ways To Attract Backyard Birds?
1. Put Out Bird Feeders
There are many different types of bird feeders available on the market, each designed to attract different types of birds. The most popular bird feeders include tube feeders, hopper feeders, platform feeders, and window feeders.
Tube feeders are long and cylindrical in shape, with small holes near the top where birds can insert their beaks to reach the bird seed inside. Hopper feeders are similar in shape to tube feeders but have a large opening at the top where birds can perch and eat. Platform feeders are flat surfaces with raised edges, upon which birds can land and eat the bird seed placed there. Window feeders are designed to be attached to windows so that birds can eat right up close to your home.
The type of bird food you put inside your birdfeeder will also depend on the type of birds you want to attract. Bird food includes sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet. Some tips on how to put out your birdfeeder include using a squirrel-proof design and making sure that the feeder is level so that the seed does not spill out.
2. Add A Water Source
Adding a water source to your backyard is a great way to attract birds. Water is essential for birds, and they will be drawn to any backyard that has a water source. Birdhouses are also a great way to attract birds. Solar fountains are also a good option for attracting birds. These emit a gentle flow of water that will attract birds to your yard.
3. Offer Birdhouses
Building a birdhouse is a great way to attract birds to your yard. There are a few things to consider when building a birdhouse, such as the size and shape of the house, and what type of bird you want to attract.
The most important thing to remember when building a birdhouse is to make sure the entrance hole is the right size for the type of bird you want to attract. If the hole is too small, the bird will not be able to get inside, and if it is too large, predators will be able to get in.
Once you have decided on the size and shape of your birdhouse, you can start construction. It is important that the house is made out of sturdy materials that will withstand weathering and decay. Some good choices for materials include cedar or redwood for the exterior and plywood or pine for the interior.
After your birdhouse is built, you need to decide where to place it. The best location for a birdhouse is in an open area away from trees or other structures that could block access or provide perches for predators. Once you have found the perfect spot for your new house, simply mount it on a pole or post using screws or nails. Make sure that the house is secure so that it does not fall and hurt any birds.
4. Add Native Plants
Native plants are more effective in attracting backyard birds because they provide the birds with the type of food that these birds prefer. By adding native plants to your backyard, you can help promote a healthy ecosystem that supports both bird species and insects. Grow native plants that offer food, shelter, and fruit for the birds. Non-native plants can outcompete native plants and disrupt the ecosystem, so it’s important to select plants that will be beneficial to your backyard birds.
Conclusion
We just covered some of the many backyard birds in Alaska. If you want more information on any of these birds or numerous other birds that you can see in Alaska, check out the Alaska Audubon Society.
Happy birdwatching!