Backyard Birds Of Pennsylvania

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Post on Jan 31, 2025

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Backyard Birds of Pennsylvania: A Comprehensive Guide

Pennsylvania boasts a vibrant avian population, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. This guide explores common backyard birds found throughout the Keystone State, offering tips for attracting them to your own garden. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting out, discovering the feathered friends in your backyard is a rewarding experience.

Common Backyard Birds in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's diverse habitats, from forests and fields to suburban gardens, support a wide array of bird species. Here are some of the most frequently sighted backyard birds:

1. Northern Cardinal ( Cardinalis cardinalis)

The Northern Cardinal is arguably Pennsylvania's most iconic backyard bird. Its vibrant red plumage (males) and cheerful song are instantly recognizable. They are year-round residents, readily visiting feeders for sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and suet. Attracting cardinals involves providing dense shrubs for cover and a reliable food source.

2. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)

These tiny, bright yellow birds are a welcome sight in Pennsylvania backyards. American Goldfinches are particularly fond of thistle seeds, which should be offered in specialized feeders. Their breeding plumage is striking, making them a joy to observe. Planting native sunflowers and other seed-bearing plants will also attract these beautiful birds.

3. Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)

The smallest woodpecker in eastern North America, the Downy Woodpecker is a regular visitor to backyard feeders. They readily consume suet, peanut butter, and nuts. Providing trees with insect infestations will help attract them naturally. They're acrobatic feeders, often clinging to tree trunks and branches.

4. House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

With their streaky brown bodies and cheerful songs, House Finches are common throughout Pennsylvania. They are attracted to sunflower seeds and cracked corn at feeders. They are also known to forage on the ground.

5. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

The boisterous Blue Jay is a striking bird with its bright blue, white, and black plumage. They are intelligent and adaptable, frequenting feeders for sunflower seeds and nuts. Offering a variety of food options will increase your chances of attracting them.

6. Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)

These tiny, energetic birds are year-round residents and a favorite among birdwatchers. Black-capped Chickadees are highly adaptable and will visit feeders for sunflower seeds, suet, and peanut butter. They're also known to cache food, making them fascinating to observe.

7. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

The Mourning Dove is a gentle and graceful bird with a soft, mournful coo. They are ground feeders, preferring spilled seeds and grains. Providing a clean, sandy area for dusting will also attract them.

Attracting Birds to Your Pennsylvania Backyard

Creating a bird-friendly backyard requires a multifaceted approach:

• Food Sources: Offer a variety of feeders with different types of seeds, suet, and nuts.
• Water Source: Provide a birdbath, ensuring it's cleaned regularly. A dripping water source is even more attractive.
• Shelter: Plant native shrubs and trees to provide cover and nesting sites. Evergreen trees offer winter protection.
• Avoid Pesticides: Chemical pesticides can harm birds and their food sources. Opt for organic gardening practices.

Beyond the Basics: Pennsylvania Birdwatching Resources

To further enhance your birdwatching experience in Pennsylvania, consider these resources:

• Pennsylvania Game Commission: Offers valuable information on bird conservation and habitats.
• Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania: Provides local birdwatching events and resources.
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology: A vast online resource with bird identification tools and more.

By following these tips and utilizing the available resources, you can transform your Pennsylvania backyard into a thriving avian sanctuary, teeming with fascinating and beautiful birds. Happy birdwatching!