Top 35 Backyard Birds in California with Pictures
What birds will you see in your backyards in California? This article will help you identify the most common backyard birds in California.
Which backyard birds of California 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 California 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 700 bird species in California. The most-seen backyard birds in California are Orange-crowned Warblers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Western Kingbirds, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Lewis’s Woodpeckers, Swainson’s Thrush, Bushtit, Western Tanager, Pine Siskins, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Northern Flickers, Lesser Goldfinch, American Robins, Anna’s Hummingbirds, and Mourning Doves.
The official state bird of California is the California Quail since 1931. It is known for its beauty and represents the state’s diverse wildlife. They are adaptable to many environments and are found all over California.
For more birdwatching in California, see our article on woodpeckers.
1. dark-eyed juncos
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 California 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
2. 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 California, you will see the yellow-rumped warbler in winter during the non-breeding season as the breed in the north. They like open areas, such as parks, woodland pine forests, dunes, and residential areas.
Song And Call
3. 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
The white-crowned sparrow loves scrubs up to 10 feet tall and you will see them hopping from the ground to the shrubs. During winter you will mainly see them in weedy fields, thickets, farms, and in backyards.
You will see White-Crowned Sparrows during the winter, the non-breeding season, in California.
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.
4. Anna’s hummingbird
Scientific Name: Calypte anna Size: 3.9-4.3 inches
Description And Field Marks
Anna’s Hummingbirds have long, straight bills that are perfectly adapted for probing into flowers to extract nectar. Their tails are relatively short compared to some other hummingbird species, with the outer feathers being slightly rounded.
Males have striking iridescent plumage with a vibrant, metallic green back and crown. The throat, also known as the gorget, is a stunning magenta or rose-red color, which sparkles in the sunlight. The rest of their underparts are a pale grayish-white. The outer tail feathers are dark, while the inner ones are white. Females have similar plumage but with muted colors, primarily featuring green, gray, and white, and they lack the brilliant throat patch.
Nesting
Female Anna’s Hummingbirds typically lay two eggs per clutch about the size of a small pea.
The female incubates the eggs for about 14 to 19 days, keeping them warm and ensuring their development until they are ready to hatch. She also provides care to the nestlings for about 20 to 25 days until they can leave the nest and she will continue to help care for them until they are totally on their own.
Diet
Their primary diet consists of nectar from a wide range of flowering plants, including tubular-shaped flowers that are well-suited for their long bills. In addition to nectar, they also consume small insects and spiders for essential proteins and nutrients.
Habitat
These birds are known for their agile and acrobatic flight, capable of hovering in mid-air and darting quickly from one location to another.
Anna’s Hummingbirds are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, gardens, parks, and wooded canyons. They are native to the western parts of North America, ranging from southern Alaska to Baja California in Mexico.
In California, Anna’s Hummingbirds can be found year-round as they are one of the few hummingbird species that do not migrate long distances.
Call and Wingbeat
5. red-winged blackbird
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 California 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.
6. black phoebe
Scientific Name: Sayornis nigricans Size: 6 to 7 inches
Description And Field Marks
As the name suggests, their plumage is predominantly black. They have a glossy black head, back, and wings. The underparts are mostly white, with a sharply defined transition between the black and white areas. The bill and legs are black. Juvenile birds may have slightly browner plumage than adults, but they still exhibit the black-and-white contrast.
The Black Phoebe has a relatively long and squared-off tail, which is often held at a slight downward angle. When in flight, a pair of white wing bars are visible on the black wings, which is a useful identification feature.
Nesting
Black Phoebes build cup-shaped nests made of mud and plant materials, which they attach to walls, cliffs, bridges, or other stable structures. They often return to the same nesting site year after year. The female lays a clutch of 2 to 5 eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks. Both parents are involved in feeding and caring for the chicks once they hatch.
Diet
As flycatchers, Black Phoebes primarily feed on flying insects, such as flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects. They perch on branches, rocks, or man-made structures and sally forth to catch insects mid-air. After catching their prey, they return to their perch to consume it. They are agile and adept fliers, making them effective insect hunters.
Habitat
These birds are known for their habit of frequently pumping their tails up and down, which is a characteristic behavior seen in many flycatcher species.
Black Phoebes can be found in a variety of habitats, including open areas near water sources, such as streams, ponds, rivers, and marshes. They are also common in urban and suburban areas, especially around man-made structures like bridges, buildings, and parks. Their range extends from the southwestern United States down through Mexico, Central America, and into parts of South America.
Black Phoebes are common and year-round residents in California, especially in the southern part of the state.
Call and Song
7. 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.
8. California scrub-jay
Scientific Name: Aphelocoma californica Size: 11-12 inches
Description And Field Marks
The plumage of the California scrub jay is predominantly blue, with a bluish-gray back, wings, and tail. Its underparts are a paler shade of gray-blue. The head is slightly darker blue, and it features a prominent crest on the forehead, which can be raised or lowered depending on the bird’s mood or alertness. The feathers around the throat and upper breast are pale gray, and the face has a distinct black mask that extends from the bill to the eye.
Nesting
California scrub jays construct cup-shaped nests made primarily of twigs and small branches. The female California scrub jay lays between 2 to 6 pale greenish or bluish eggs with darker speckles. The female incubates the eggs for about 16 to 18 days.
Both the male and female scrub-jays are involved in caring for the young. They take turns feeding and protecting the nest. The chicks remain in the nest for 17 to 21 days.
Diet
Their diet primarily consists of insects, spiders, small vertebrates, eggs, fruits, seeds, nuts, and occasionally even small reptiles or nestlings of other birds.
Habitat
California scrub jays are known for their bold and curious nature. These jays are often found in open woodlands, scrublands, parks, and gardens throughout California and parts of Oregon and Baja California. They are skilled fliers and can be seen gliding between trees or hopping on the ground. You can see them in California all year long.
call and song
California scrub jays produce a variety of harsh, raspy sounds, including squawks, rattles, and chattering noises.
9. 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 year-round in California.
Song And Call
They are very early-morning singers. Listen for their call
10. 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. Eastern crows are the ones you will see in California throughout the year and are larger than what you will see on the west coast. In Florida, the American Crow is smaller but has large feet. And the Northwestern Crow once thought to be a different species is smaller with a deeper voice.
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
11. northern mockingbird
Scientific Name: Mimus polyglottos Size: 10 inches
Description And Field Marks
Mockingbird bodies are grayish brown with white wing bars, (2 on each wing). Their breasts are slightly paler (may look whiteish) than their bodies. Mockingbirds have small heads, long legs, and long thin bills.
Nesting
The male builds several nests in trees and shrubs usually 3 to 10 feet but could go higher. The female will choose which nest she will lay her eggs.
Northern Mockingbirds lay 2 to 6 eggs which are pale blue or white in color with spots of red or brown. The incubation period is around 2 weeks and the young will remain in the nest for about 2 weeks.
They have between 2 to 3 broods a mating season and the male will continue to feed the young from the first brood when the female will lay eggs for the second brood, which she will choose enough nest for.
Diet
Northern Mockingbirds will eat insects during the summertime and will switch to fruit and berries during the fall and winter.
Habitat
Mockingbirds are very common in California. They can be found all over the state. Common places to see them are along your fence, in trees, on scrubs, and on utility lines.
Song And Call
12. mourning doves
Scientific Name: Zenaida mactoura Size: 9.1-13.4 inches
Description And Field Marks
The Mourning Dove is a medium-sized bird from the dove family. It has a rusty brown color and a few black spots above the wings. They can reach up to 12 inches in body length while their wingspan can be up to 18 inches.
Nesting
The pair of Mourning Doves is monogamous and they usually mate for life. They use old nests of other birds or build their own nest on top of a post, tree branch, or even on the ground.
Mourning Doves lay two white eggs and incubate them for 13 days. The male also feeds her during this time. The young will leave the nest after 15-16 days.
Diet
Mourning Doves eat seeds and grains that are found in the backyard. They also eat insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles.
Mourning Doves are one of the vacuums of the bird world, so they don’t eat from feeders but from what falls on the ground when other birds use your feeder.
Habitat
The Mourning Dove is frequent in most parts of the United States.
Song And Call
13. house sparrow
Scientific Name: Passer domesticus Size: 5.9-6.7 inches
Description And Field Marks
The House Sparrow differs from another American Sparrow as they are not related. They have a rounder head and are chunkier, with a bigger chest, short tails, and thicker bills.
Like most other female birds, she is duller than the male, brown with dirty gray and brown underparts with striped backs in brown, black, and buff.
Male House Sparrows are chunky with a round head, stout bill, and full breasts. Colors include gray crowns, dark brown necks, white cheeks, black bibs, and gray crowns.
Nesting
House sparrows nest in cavities and use a variety of materials to build their nests. They are not known for being picky about where they nest, so if you have a birdhouse or an old nest box in your yard, it might attract house sparrows. House sparrows nest in cavities in trees or buildings.
The female lays 3-8 eggs. The incubation period is 10-14 days and the young stay in the nest for 10 to 14 days.
Diet
They eat seeds, grains, and insects. Sparrows will definitely be at your feeder eating birdseed, sunflower seeds, millet, and milo.
Habitat
The House Sparrow lives where people live. You will find them in cities and towns, in backyards and parks.
Song And Call
14. 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.
The Northern Flicker is a common bird in California and can be seen all year long.
Call And Drumming
15. California towhee
Scientific Name: Melozone crissalis Size: 8 to 10 inches
Description And Field Marks
California Towhees are medium-sized birds primarily found in California. They have a predominantly plain brownish-gray plumage, which helps them blend in well with their surroundings. The upperparts are mostly brown with subtle streaking, while the underparts are lighter gray or buff, with a white throat and chest. The wings are reddish-brown, and the tail is long and rounded.
Nesting
California Towhees build cup-shaped nests low to the ground, often hidden in dense shrubs or vegetation. The female lays a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks. Both parents take turns feeding and caring for the chicks once they hatch.
Diet
As ground-foraging birds, California Towhees mainly feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. They scratch the ground with their feet to uncover food items hidden beneath the vegetation and soil. Their diet can vary depending on the season, with more insect consumption during the breeding season and a focus on seeds and fruits in the colder months.
Habitat
California Towhees prefer habitats with dense shrubs, chaparral, woodlands, and gardens. They are commonly found in a range of habitats, from coastal areas to foothills and valleys, and can often be seen in suburban neighborhoods with suitable vegetation.
Whether you’re exploring coastal areas, hiking in the foothills, or spending time in urban parks and gardens, you have a good chance of spotting California Towhees in California any time of the year.
call and song
16. ruby-crowned kinglet
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 California during the nonbreeding season as they fly south in the winter. Look for the constant movement in their wings as they like dense bushes, as well as parks and backyards.
During the breeding season, they will stay in dense pine forests in the western United States and throughout Canada.
Song And Call
17. chestnut-backed chickadees
Scientific Name: Poecile rufescens Size: 4.5-5.1 inches
Description And Field Marks
The upper parts of the Chestniut-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 California 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. song sparrow
Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia Size: 4.7-6.7inches
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 California that can be found all over the state.
Song And Call
19. White-breasted nuthatch
Scientific Name: Sitta carolinensis Size: 5.1-5.5 inches
Description And Field Marks
The White-breasted Nuthatch gets its name from the fact that it stuffs nuts and seeds under tree bark, then uses its sharp beaks to hatch the seed from the shell. The White-breasted Nuthatch has a black cap on top of their heads, with white on either side and on their bellies.
Plump little birds, larger and heavier-bodied than Red-breasted Nuthatch. Nuthatches always start at the top of the tree and work their way down to the ground.
Nesting
They make their nets in tree cavities or holes made by woodpeckers at least 15 feet above the ground. Females build their nests out of grasses, twigs, mosses, and bark fibers.
They only have one brood per year consisting of 5 to 9 eggs. The eggs are white with reddish-brown spots. The eggs are incubated by the females. The males feed them during that time.
Both the male and female feed their young which leave the nest at any point from 14 to 26 days.
Diet
The White-breasted Nuthatch will visit most seed feeders and like mixed seed blends, black sunflower seeds, peanut butter, peanuts, or suet. They usually like to grab and run, taking a seed and immediately flying off to eat it or cache it in a nearby tree.
Habitat
It is a small bird that is the largest nuthatch in North America. The White-breasted Nuthatch is found year-round throughout California and is a common backyard bird.
Song And Call
Their call sounds like a squeaky wheel.
20. house finches
Scientific Name: Haemorhous mexicanus Size: 5.1-5.5 inches
Description And Field Marks
The House Finch is a small bird with a length of 7.5 inches and a weight of 5 ounces. The male House Finch has a brown back, wings, tail, and head with white underparts and varying shades of red around the head while the female is grayish-brown all over.
Nesting
House Finches build their nest anyway as long as it’s 12 to 15 feet above the ground usually in buildings and trees. Nests are made of grass, weeds, twigs, and leaves. The female builds the nest while the male will feed her during this time and incubation.
The eggs are pale blue with lavender and black dots and consist of 2 to 6 eggs. The incubation period is 13 to 14 days. Both the male and female feed their young for the 12 to 15 days they remain in the nest.
House Finches usually have 3 broods each year.
Diet
House Finches like to eat small worms, insects, seeds of small plants, and berries of some plants as well. They will visit the bird feeders often and really love sunflower seeds. They will also visit your Hummingbird feeders for the sugar water.
Habitat
Seen throughout North America, the House Finch is a very social bird and is usually seen in flocks except during mating season. You will find them in cities, suburban towns, and farmland. They love lawns, weedy areas, and trees but not dense forests.
Bird Notes
If the bird you’re looking for has a raspberry or light pink body check to see if it’s a purple finch.
Song And Call
The House Finch has a high-pitched sound that the male House Finch mostly uses to attract the female for breeding.
21. lesser goldfinch
Scientific Name: Spinus psaltria Size: 4-4.3 inches
Description And Field Marks
Lesser Goldfinches are small birds with white wing bars that are noticeable during flight and bill that is black and short. The male has a glossy black cap extending from the forehead to the nape of the neck. The upper parts are bright yellow, extending from the throat to the belly.
The female has a dark olive-green or grayish-green crown and nape. The underparts are yellow, but paler than those of the male.
Nesting
The female Lesser Goldfinch is responsible for constructing the nest. She builds a small, cup-shaped nest using a variety of plant materials, including grasses, plant fibers, moss, and sometimes incorporating bits of leaves or twigs.
She lays a clutch of 3 to 6 pale bluish-white eggs with darker speckles and incubates the eggs alone for about 12 to 14 days. During this period, the male may assist in feeding the female while she incubates.
Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the nestlings once they hatch. They bring small insects and seeds to the nest to provide nourishment to the growing chicks. The nestlings typically fledge and leave the nest around 12 to 17 days after hatching.
Diet
Seeds make up a significant portion of the Lesser Goldfinch’s diet. They feed on a variety of seeds from different plant species, including grasses, flowers, and weeds. Also sunflower and thistle seeds.
Lesser Goldfinches also consume insects, especially during the breeding season when protein-rich food is essential for their young.
Habitat
Lesser Goldfinches are commonly found in a range of habitats, including open woodlands, scrublands, riparian areas, shrubby habitats, and even urban and suburban environments. They are often associated with areas where there is a mix of shrubs, trees, and open spaces.
In California, you will see the Lesser Goldfinch year-round.
Call And Song
22. Allen’s Hummingbird
Scientific Name: Selasphorus sasin Size: 3.5-4 inches
Description And Field Marks
The bright orange-red gorget on the throat is a key identifying feature for male Allen’s Hummingbirds. In certain lighting conditions, it can appear almost entirely red, while in other angles, it may show a mix of orange and red hues. The upperparts are primarily bright green, which extends from the back to the crown.
Females have similar green upperparts but with more muted colors, featuring a combination of green, gray, and white. Their underparts are also paler than males, with white and greenish-gray tones.
Nesting
During the breeding season, male Allen’s Hummingbirds perform impressive aerial displays to attract females. They fly in U-shaped patterns, creating a distinctive buzzing sound using their tail feathers. After mating, the female builds a small cup-shaped nest made of plant materials and spider silk, which she lines with soft materials. The female lays two pea-sized eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the chicks once they hatch.
Diet
Like all hummingbirds, Allen’s Hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, especially those with tubular-shaped flowers that can accommodate their long bills. They are also known to catch insects and spiders, providing them with essential proteins and nutrients.
Habitat
Allen’s Hummingbirds can be found along the Pacific coast of North America, from Oregon to California and down into parts of Baja California in Mexico. They prefer a variety of habitats, including coastal scrublands, gardens, parks, and woodlands.
call and Wingbeat
23. barn swallow
Scientific Name: Hirundo rustica Size: 5.9-7.5 inches
Description And Field Marks
The Barn Shallow is the size of a sparrow but what stands out about them are their long, pointed wings and long, forked tail. The color on their face and back is cobalt blue and tawny on their underparts. Its throat and chin are rusty to orange. Males are more brightly colored than females.
The barn swallow is the most common swallow in the world. They are known for flying very low over the ground and water.
Nesting
Both the male and the female build their nests by making cup shapes of mud on rafters, eaves, and cross beams of barns and sheds, or even bridges. They sometimes use nests from previous years too.
Barn Shallows have 1 to 2 broods per season with 3 to 7 cream-pinkish eggs with brown, lavender, and gray spots. The incubation period is 12 to 17 days with the nesting period being between 15 to 27 days.
Diet
Barn Shallow diet consists of all types of flying insects including flies, needs, and moths. They caption most of their food while flying. They will also eat eggshells and oyster shells from the ground when humans put them out.
Habitat
Barn Swallow likes to be in open areas such as fields, parks, and roadways. You will also see them in marsh areas, along coastal waters, ponds, and meadows. They breed in the United States and Southern Canada and fly south would for the winter.
You will see them in California during the spring and summer months.
Bird Notes
To attach them to your backyard leave eggshells and oyster shells on the ground or build platform feeders. Also by building platforms for nesting. If you have outbuildings on your property such as barns and sheds you can leave the doors and windows open so the barn swallows can build their nests inside. Having some mud around also helps them build their nests.
Song And Call
24. 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 California year-round.
Call And Song
They are known for their loud and harsh calls, which can be heard throughout the forest.
25. 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.
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.
26. western bluebird
Scientific Name: Sialia Mexicana Size: 6-7 inches
Description And Field Marks
The Western Bluebird is a small, brightly colored bird that is found in the western United States, Mexico, and parts of Canada. They have a bright blue head, back, and wings, with a rusty-red breast and a gray-blue belly. The blue coloration may appear more subdued in females and juveniles. They also have a white eye ring and a small, thin bill.
Nesting
Western Bluebirds typically choose nest sites that are sheltered and hidden from view, such as tree cavities, nest boxes, or birdhouses. They prefer sites that are at least 5-6 feet above the ground and have a clear flight path to the entrance hole.
The female does most of the nest building, with the male occasionally bringing in nesting materials as well. She lays 4 to 6 light blue or white eggs and incubates them for 14 days. The male will bring her food during this time.
The young will leave the nest in 17 to 21 days however the parents will continue to care for them for several weeks by providing food and protection.
Western Bluebirds are known to use artificial nest boxes or birdhouses, so providing suitable nesting sites can be a great way to attract them to your yard or property.
Diet
The Western Bluebird feeds primarily on insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, as well as spiders and other arthropods. They also eat some fruits and berries, especially during the winter months when insect prey is less abundant.
They may consume small amounts of seeds or nectar, especially during the winter months. Even visit hummingbird feeders for nectar, and may also eat fruits such as elderberries and grapes.
Habitat
The Western Bluebird is found in a variety of habitats across its range, including open woodlands, oak savannas, pine forests, and sagebrush steppe. They prefer areas with scattered trees and shrubs, as well as open grassy or meadow areas.
They can be found in California year-round.
Call And Song
The Western Bluebird is quiet and unobtrusive compared to some other bird species, but may occasionally give a soft “chur” or “chirp”.
27. Bushtit
Scientific Name: Psaltriparus minimus Size: about 4 inches
Description And Field Marks
The American Bushtit, also known as the Bushtit, is a small bird (smaller than a chickadee) found in North America and parts of Mexico and Guatemala. It lives in open woodlands, parks, and gardens. It is gray-brown in color with a large head, short neck, long tail, and a short, stubby bill. Additionally, the male has dark eyes while the adult female has yellow eyes.
Nesting
The American Bushtit builds an impressive, woven, hanging basket nest that is up to a foot long. Both the male and female contribute to building the nest, which is firmly attached to twigs and branches. The nest is made of spider webs, moss, lichen, and other plant material, and is lined with plant down, fur, and feathers.
The American Bushtit raises two broods a year and both parents incubate the 4-10 eggs for 12-13 days. The young leave the nest at about 18 days.
Diet
The American Bushtit feeds on small insects and spiders found in its habitat, as well as small seeds from fruits. They forage in mixed-species feeding flocks, which can contain species such as chickadees and warblers.
Bushtits are known to visit suet feeders, especially when they are positioned near a tree.
Habitat
American Bushtits are especially common in areas with dense shrubs, such as coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. They can also be found in desert scrub, oak woodlands, and coniferous forests. They are generally absent from open grasslands and agricultural areas.
The American Bushtit is not a migrant bird. It is a year-round resident of the western United States including California.
Call And Song
28. Orange-crowned Warbler
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 California during both its breeding season and winter migration.
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.
29. Spotted Towhee
Scientific Name: Pipilo maculatus Size: 6.7-8.3 inches
Description And Field Marks
The Spotted Towhee is roughly the same size as a robin, with a long, dark, fan-shaped tail with white corners on the end, and a round body with bright red eyes and dull pink legs.
Males have jet-black heads, throats, backs, and tails, while females are dark brown or grayish-black. Juvenile birds are mostly brown with brown streaking and tarnish spots. They have red eyes, pinkish legs, and thick, dark, pointed beaks.
Nesting
Spotted towhees breed during the spring and summer, typically laying 3 to 5 eggs per brood. The female builds the nest on the ground or low in bushes, often concealed by adjacent plants but not typically inside thickets. The nest is made of leaves, strips of bark, twigs, forb stalks, and grasses, lined with pine needles, shredded bark, grass, and sometimes hair.
The eggs are grayish or creamy-white with reddish-brown spots and are incubated by the female alone for 12 to 14 days. Once hatched, both parents feed the chicks, which leave the nest at 10 to 12 days but remain with their parents until 30 days of age.
Diet
The Spotted Towhee is an omnivore that primarily feeds on seeds, plants, acorns, and berries during the winter. However, during the breeding season, they mainly eat insects such as beetles, weevils, crickets, grasshoppers, moths, spiders, millipedes, snails, and wasps.
They are ground foragers and use a two-footed scratching method to locate food under the litter. The Spotted Towhee frequents brushy areas and is common at bird feeders wherever seed is scattered on the ground.
Habitat
The Spotted Towhee is found in shrubby habitats in forested lowlands throughout Washington and in open forests, brushy fields, and chaparrals across western North America.
They often use shrubby thickets in residential areas, on clear-cuts, and around wetlands. Towhees prefer to forage in areas with a thick layer of leaf litter and a screen of foliage and twigs low to the ground.
The Spotted Towhee is a common bird species found in California and can be seen year-round.
Call And Song
30. Oak Titmouse
Scientific Name: Baeolophus inornatus Size: 5.5-6inches
Description And Field Marks
Like other titmice species, the Oak Titmouse has a small crest on the top of its head, which can be slightly raised or lowered depending on the bird’s mood. They have a relatively plain and subdued plumage. The upperparts are mostly grayish-brown, with a slightly lighter gray color on the underparts. The wings and tail are a mix of darker and lighter gray, and they often have a pale eye-ring.
Nesting
During the breeding season, Oak Titmice build cup-shaped nests made of plant materials, such as grass, moss, and bark strips, which they often line with feathers. They typically place their nests in natural tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes. 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
Oak Titmice are energetic and agile birds, often seen hopping and climbing among branches and foliage as they search for insects, spiders, seeds, and fruits. They have strong legs and feet, which allow them to cling to vertical surfaces and easily forage on the bark of trees.
Habitat
As their name suggests, Oak Titmice are closely associated with oak woodlands and oak-dominated habitats. They are widespread throughout the western United States, from southern Oregon and California to Baja California in Mexico. They are also found in other habitats, including riparian areas, scrublands, and urban parks and gardens.
You can see Oak Titmice in California throughout the year, as they are resident birds in the state.
Call and Song
These birds are known for their varied and melodious songs. They have a wide repertoire of musical notes, including whistles, trills, and chattering calls.
31. Nuttall’s woodpecker
Scientific Name: Picoides nuttallii Size: 6 to 7 inches
Description And Field Marks
Nuttall’s Woodpecker is a small to medium-sized woodpecker species found in the western parts of the United States. They have a compact body shape with a relatively short tail and a sturdy bill. They are agile climbers and frequently move up and down tree trunks in a vertical pattern.
The upper parts of Nuttall’s Woodpecker are primarily black, including the back, wings, and tail. The face, throat, and underparts are mostly white. They have a distinctive black patch around the eye, extending towards the nape of the neck and the male has a small red patch on the back of its head.
Nuttall’s Woodpeckers have white patches on the wings that are visible both in flight and the tail is black with white outer tail feathers, which create a noticeable white outer edge.
Nesting
Both the male and female participate in the excavation of the nest cavity. They use their bills to peck and chip away at the wood, creating a rounded cavity shape nest that takes several weeks to complete.
The female Nuttall’s Woodpecker lays a clutch of 4 to 6 white eggs. Both the male and female take turns incubating the eggs for 12 to 14 days. Both parents also participate in caring for the young feeding them a diet consisting primarily of insects. The nestlings remain in the nest for 25 to 30 days before they fledge.
Diet
Nuttall’s Woodpeckers are insectivorous and feed on a wide range of insects. They use their strong bills to drill into tree bark and probe for insects hiding within. Their diet includes beetles, ants, caterpillars, termites, and other small arthropods. They also consume tree sap.
Habitat
Nuttall’s Woodpeckers are year-round residents in California. They are more common in the central and southern parts of the state compared to the northern regions. Look for Nuttall’s Woodpeckers in oak woodlands, oak savannas, oak-pine forests, and riparian corridors. They tend to prefer habitats with mature trees and a mix of open spaces.
They can be found in various counties, including but not limited to: Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Kern, Fresno, and parts of the Central Valley.
Call And Drumming
Their vocalizations include a sharp, high-pitched “peek” or “peenk” call, often repeated rapidly.
32. Eurasian Collared-Dove
Scientific Name: Streptopelia decaocto Size: 11.4-11.8 inches
Description And Field Marks
Bigger and heavier than the mourning dove, the Eurasian collared dove has plump bodies and long tails that are squared off at the tip. Their size is between a robin and a crow.
The Eurasian collared dove is brownish to gray in color with white on its tail. They have a black narrow patch around the nape of the neck. When you see them flying their wingtips are darker than the rest of the wings.
Nesting
Males pick the nest sites and gather the materials while females build the nest about 10 feet off the ground. It’s a simple platform-style nest and will use this nest for many broods (from 3 to 6) during the breeding season. In warm areas such as Florida, the doves will nest year-round.
Each brood has 1 to 2 white eggs with an incubation period of 14 to 19 days and a nesting period of 17 days.
Diet
The Eurasian Collared Dove mostly eats seeds and grains such as millet, wheat, corn, and sunflowers. They will eat seeds from your birdfeeders.
Habitat
They live in urban and suburban areas where they can access birdfeeders. They prefer warmer climates and you can see them in California year-round.
Song And Call
33. American Goldfinch
Scientific Name: Spinus tristis Size: 4.3-5.1 inches
Description And Field Marks
The American Goldfinch is a small, sparrow-sized bird with a short, notched tail.
In Spring and Summer, the male has a bright yellow body, black wings with wing bars, and a heavy, finch-like bill, while the female is less boldly colored. In winter both males and females become dull green-gray and look like female House Finches.
Goldfinches are very social birds and often travel in flocks. They fly in a rolling up-and-down pattern, and their song is high-pitched and mellifluous.
Nesting
Nesting later than most birds in this area (late June), the American Goldfinch hides its nests in thick brushes and shrubs making them very hard to see. The nests look like cup-like structures made of grasses, seeds, and soft materials on top of the twigs in the brushes.
The female lays 2 to 7 eggs which take 12 to 14 days to hatch. The young are fed by the male and stay in the nest for 11 to 17 days. Depending on how late the pair mates, they can mate again having two broods in a season.
Diet
They love Nyjer and sunflower seeds year-round, but will also eat a finch seed blend. Finch feeders have very small openings and can be either rigid feeders or disposable nylon socks.
Habitat
They are year-round residents and are found in most areas of North America. However, those that breed in Canada and the Midwest migrate to the southern US States for winter.
American Goldfinches are spotted in California year-round, but their numbers increase during the breeding season. Breeding usually starts in late April or early May.
Bird Note
In winter, check your finch feeder for Pine Siskins, which look like sparrows with yellowish accents.
Song And Call
34. Bewick’s Wren
Scientific Name: Thryomanes bewickii Size: 4.7-5.1 inches
Description And Field Marks
The Bewick’s Wren’s upper parts are primarily brown, with a darker back and wings featuring fine black barring. The underparts are pale grayish-white, with warm brown flanks and a buffy or orange wash on the belly. The tail is long and often held upright, showing the dark barring on the feathers.
One of the most noticeable features of the Bewick’s Wren is the white eyebrow stripe that runs from above the eye to the nape of the neck. This stripe contrasts with the warm colors of the head and body.
Nesting
During the breeding season, Bewick’s Wrens build cup-shaped nests made of twigs, grass, and other plant materials, usually tucked into vegetation or tree branches. The female lays a clutch of 5 to 7 eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks. Both parents are involved in feeding and caring for the chicks once they hatch.
Diet
Bewick’s Wrens are highly active and agile birds, often seen hopping and climbing through vegetation and using their long tails for balance. They are skilled at gleaning insects and spiders from foliage and crevices, and they may also feed on seeds and fruits.
Habitat
Bewick’s Wrens are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, shrublands, parks, gardens, and urban areas. They can be seen year-round in California.
call and song
Bewick’s Wrens are known for their complex and melodious songs. They have a wide repertoire of musical phrases and can mimic the songs of other birds.
35. Say’s Phoebe
Scientific Name: Sayornis saya Size: 6.5-7 inches
Description And Field Marks
The plumage of the Say’s Phoebe is a brownish-gray upper body, including the head, back, and wings. The underparts are pale yellowish to off-white, with a slight buff or peachy tinge on the breast and belly. The undertail coverts are pale buff. The bird has a distinctive pale gray to whitish throat and chin, which contrasts with the darker brownish-gray head.
The wings of the Say’s Phoebe are dark brown with two prominent white wing bars, one near the base of the primaries and another closer to the wing’s middle. The tail is brownish-gray, and the outer tail feathers may have faint pale edges.
Nesting
Say’s Phoebes cup-shaped nests are often placed against vertical surfaces, such as a wall or cliff face, utilizing the shelter and support they provide. The female takes the primary responsibility for nest building while the male assists by providing materials.
Say’s Phoebes lay a clutch of 3 to 6 creamy-white eggs with light brown or purple spots. The female incubates the eggs for 14 to 17 days while the male provides food to the female. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the nestlings for 16 to 20 days or until the young leave the nest.
Diet
The diet of Say’s Phoebes primarily consists of insects. They are insectivorous birds and feed on a variety of flying and terrestrial insects.
The Say’s Phoebe is known for its characteristic flycatcher behavior. It perches on exposed branches, fences, or other prominent perches and sallies out to catch flying insects. After catching its prey, it often returns to the same perch. The pumping or wagging tail is a notable behavior.
Habitat
Say’s Phoebes are frequently found in grasslands, including both shortgrass and mixed-grass prairies. They are also found in desert habitats, including arid scrublands and desert grasslands.
Say’s Phoebes readily adapt to human-altered landscapes, and they can be seen in agricultural areas such as farmlands, pastures, and orchards. They may utilize structures like barns, sheds, and fences for nesting.
You can see them in California all year long but are more common during winter.
Call And Song
The vocalizations of the Say’s Phoebe are typically a soft and nasal “phee-bee” or “fee-bee” call, which is often repeated in quick succession.
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 California. If you want more information on any of these birds or numerous other birds that you can see in California, check out the California Audubon.
Happy birdwatching!
