Backyard Birds Alabama

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Post on Feb 21, 2025

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Backyard Birds of Alabama: A Complete Guide for Birdwatchers

Alabama boasts a rich diversity of avian life, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. From vibrant warblers to majestic raptors, your backyard can become a haven for a variety of feathered friends. This comprehensive guide will explore the common backyard birds of Alabama, offering tips on attracting and identifying them.

Common Backyard Birds in Alabama

Alabama's diverse habitats, ranging from forests and wetlands to urban areas, support a wide array of bird species. Some of the most frequently spotted backyard birds include:

Northern Cardinal:

• Identification: A striking bird with vibrant red plumage (males) and a crested head. Females are a more subdued reddish-brown. Their song is a clear, whistled "cheer, cheer, cheer."
• Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, gardens, and even urban parks.
• Attracting Cardinals: Plant native shrubs and trees, offer sunflower seeds and cracked corn in feeders.

American Robin:

• Identification: A large, thrush-like bird with a reddish-orange breast and a grayish-brown back.
• Habitat: Adaptable and found in various habitats, including lawns, parks, and gardens.
• Attracting Robins: Provide a source of water and offer mealworms or berries.

Carolina Chickadee:

• Identification: A small, active bird with a black cap and bib, gray back, and white cheeks. Their call is a high-pitched "chick-a-dee-dee-dee."
• Habitat: Prefers wooded areas, but is often found in suburban gardens with trees.
• Attracting Chickadees: Use suet feeders and offer black oil sunflower seeds.

Downy Woodpecker:

• Identification: The smallest woodpecker in North America, with black and white plumage and a distinctive black stripe down the back.
• Habitat: Found in woodlands and suburban areas with trees.
• Attracting Downy Woodpeckers: Offer suet feeders and insect-attracting plants.

Blue Jay:

• Identification: A large, boisterous bird with bright blue, white, and black plumage. Known for their distinctive calls and mimicry.
• Habitat: Adaptable and found in a variety of habitats, including forests, parks, and residential areas.
• Attracting Blue Jays: Offer peanuts in the shell and sunflower seeds.

Mourning Dove:

• Identification: A slender, gray bird with a long, pointed tail. Known for its soft, mournful cooing.
• Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, grasslands, and urban areas.
• Attracting Mourning Doves: Provide millet and cracked corn.

Attracting Birds to Your Alabama Backyard

Creating a bird-friendly backyard requires careful planning and consistent effort. Here are some key strategies:

Provide Food Sources:

• Bird feeders: Offer a variety of seeds, suet, and nuts to attract different species.
• Plants: Native plants provide natural food sources like berries and insects. Consider planting sunflowers, viburnum, and dogwood.

Offer Water:

• Bird bath: A shallow dish of fresh water is essential, especially during hot weather.
• Dripper: The sound of running water can attract birds.

Provide Shelter:

• Trees and shrubs: Dense vegetation offers protection from predators and harsh weather.
• Birdhouses: Provide nesting sites for cavity-nesting birds. Choose houses appropriate to the size of the birds you wish to attract.

Maintain a Clean Environment:

• Remove cat waste: Cats can be a significant threat to birds.
• Keep feeders clean: Regularly clean feeders to prevent the spread of disease.

Identifying Alabama Birds: Resources and Tools

Beyond this guide, several resources can help you identify the birds in your Alabama backyard:

• Alabama Audubon Society: A great source of information about Alabama birds and conservation efforts.
• Merlin Bird ID App: A user-friendly app that helps you identify birds based on their appearance, location, and song.
• eBird: A citizen science project where you can record your bird sightings and contribute to ornithological research.

By following these tips and utilizing available resources, you can transform your Alabama backyard into a vibrant avian sanctuary, enriching your outdoor experience and contributing to bird conservation. Remember, patience is key; it may take time to attract a diverse range of birds to your yard. Enjoy the process of discovering the fascinating world of Alabama's backyard birds!