Tag Archives: Backyard Birds

Common Backyard Birds of the Midwest (United States)

Backyard bird watching is a huge hobby all across North America. People love being able to look out their windows and see all of the different species coming to partake in the feast. One of the most exciting things about backyard bird watching is being able to identify the plethora of different birds that reside in backyards and distinguish them from one another. If you’d like to learn about some of the common species you might be seeing in your yard, then this is the post for you. Here are 15 common backyard birds of the Midwestern United States.

American Goldfinch

American Goldfinch

American Goldfinches can light up a yard with their bright coloration and cheerful songs. During their breeding season, goldfinches can be identified by the yellow that covers their body as well as the black on their head and wings. During non-breeding season their colors are more subdued. American Goldfinches can be found in every state in the continental United States at one point of the year or another. They follow a south to north migratory pattern wintering in the southern states and northern Mexico and and breeding farther north in the United States and southern Canada. If you want to attract goldfinches to your yard, putting up seed feeders, especially thistle and sunflower seeds can be a great way to draw them in. Once American Goldfinches find a reliable food source they will often stick around, content to feed with other backyard birds, especially other finches.

Mourning Dove

Mourning Dove

Mourning Doves are plump, gray and peach colored birds widespread across North America. They are slightly darker on the back and wings and lighter on the underside. They also have noticeably pink feet. Mourning Doves are year-round residents in most parts of the continental United States and move north into southern Canada in the summer. Look for this species perched on power lines, rooftops, and tree branches in or near your yard. Another place to look for Mourning Doves is along the ground where they are well camouflaged against the earth and leaf litter. You don’t have to do much to attract these birds as they are quite numerous and will feed at platform feeders and under other types of feeders.

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpeckers are petite looking woodpeckers identified by their small bill, white underside, black and white wings and back and red spot on the head of the males. They look very similar to the slightly larger Hairy Woodpecker, you can check out the link in the description below for more info on how to differentiate these two species. Downy Woodpeckers are year round residents throughout most of the U.S. with the exception of some of the southeastern states. They can be seen climbing up and down tree trunks and branches looking for food in bark and excavating insects and larvae that live under the wood. If you want to attract Downy Woodpeckers to your yard, putting up suet is a great way to do so. Suet will also bring in other types of woodpeckers, nuthatches, and more.

House Sparrow

House Sparrow
House Sparrow

House Sparrows are probably one of the most familiar bird species in the United States due to the fact that they are extremely common in cities and around human habitation. Males have a gray underside, a brown mottled back, a gray cap, and a chestnut marking by the eye. Females have the same gray underside and a similar mottled back, but far less extravagant facial features. There is a lot of debate about House Sparrows as they are actually a non-native species in the United States and have been known to cause problems for some of the native bird species, especially cavity nesters like bluebirds. Realistically, House Sparrows have been in the country so long that they won’t be going anywhere anytime soon and tend to hang out in groups near bird feeders and buildings. They will eat a wide variety of seeds and are also fond of cracked corn. Check out some of our other videos about House Sparrows including how to dissuade them from visiting your bird feeders.

Red-winged Blackbird

Red-winged Blackbird

Red-winged Blackbirds are aptly named as the males are a shiny black color with a distinctive red and orange colored patch on each of their wings. Females look drastically different as they are a mixture of brown and tan and have a noticeable eyebrow stripe as well as striping on the underside. For many people in North America, Red-winged Blackbirds are a species that marks the beginning of spring as they are among the earlier arriving migratory birds to move north. While they can sometimes show up in low numbers, more often than not, they travel and feed in large groups. These flocks are not always just composed of Red-winged Blackbirds but also many other blackbird species including grackles and cowbirds among others. Chances are you’ll hear these loud birds before you see them, as they have one of the most recognizable calls in the country.

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

One of the brightest backyard birds in the eastern United States, Blue Jays not only have a beautiful color and pattern, but also have loads of personality. Like most jays, these intelligent birds are very social and inquisitive. They make a variety of sounds including their typical squawking noise, various alarm calls, and even an imitation Red-tailed Hawk call good enough to fool Merlins sound ID feature. Given their large size and somewhat aggressive nature, Blue Jays can cause a commotion when they visit feeders although they typically don’t stay very long but prefer to grab a food item and fly off with it. Some things they are particularly fond of are walnuts and peanuts, but these omnivores eat many different things.

American Robin

American Robin

Known by many as a harbinger of spring, robins are among the earlier arriving migratory birds in the north each year. However, not all of them migrate and some stay in the northern parts of the country as long as they can find enough food. Easily identified by their grayish colored back and orangey chest and underside, these members of the thrush family can be seen more often hopping around the yard than at a traditional bird feeder. American Robins diets change depending on the time of year and the food that’s available. During the warmer months, robins feed on insects and other invertebrates, most notably worms which they pull straight from the ground. During the colder months of the year and in areas where the ground is frozen and no insects are around, American Robins feed mostly on fruits including berries and crabapples.

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatches are extremely entertaining to watch around bird feeding stations. These acrobatic birds hop up and down trees, hang upside down, and make their distinctive laughing call. White-breasted Nuthatches have a grayish-blue back and wings, black head, and white underside making them fairly easy to differentiate from other birds that climb up and down trees such as woodpeckers and Brown Creepers.  These spunky birds eat many different types of food including seeds, which they will typically nab from feeders and take to a perch to eat or store for later. They will also eat from suet feeders as well. White-breasted Nuthatches can be found in places with deciduous trees and are less frequent in coniferous areas. They live all across the continental United States and are generally nonmigratory although they do have regional movements in some parts of the country.

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

Known by many as the epitome of a “snowbird” due to the fact that they move south into the continental United States in the winter, dark eyed Juncos are among the most numerous birds in North America. They come in many different subspecies but all have a somewhat similar appearance with either gray or brown on their back and wings and a light colored underside. Some subspecies such as the Oregon subspecies have a dark colored hood. Members of the sparrow family, Dark-eyed Juncos are very common around bird feeders and have a pension for feeding along the ground oftentimes with other species such as American Tree Sparrows. These winter birds can be identified quickly by looking for the white edges on their tail which are extremely visible in flight.

Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinal

One of the most well-known and beloved birds in Eastern North America, the Northern Cardinal is easily identified by the male’s bright red color and black mask. Females are much more dull, sporting a grayish tan color but still showing red on their crest, wings, and tail. Away from backyards and bird feeders, cardinals prefer habitats with dense cover and tangled branches, however, males can sometimes be seen out in the open singing. Around bird feeders, cardinals can be fairly skittish and are among the species that will feed latest in the evening, often showing up after the sun has already set. If you live in areas near deciduous forests or even shrubs and other cover, Northern Cardinals will most likely find your bird feeder.

House Finch

House Finch

House Finches were originally native to the western half of the United States and Mexico. They were released in New York after trying to sell them in the pet trade. Affectionately known as the Hollywood Finch, they now inhabit the majority of the United States adding color to the backyard birding scene with the males bright red on their head and chest as well as darker streaking on the sides. Females are more drab, lacking the red, but still sporting the same dark streaking. House Finches can often be seen at seed feeders eating alongside other backyard bird species. They will also eat fruits, especially during the colder months where they frequent berry bushes and other sorts of fruiting trees. 

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

One of the friendliest and most curious birds in the region, Black-capped Chickadees are a very common site in backyards and around bird feeders. Identified by their gray back and wings, tan wash on their sides, and black cap and throat, these birds make a variety of songs and calls including their springtime “cheeseburger” call and namesake chickadee call. Black-capped Chickadees are abundant in forests, parks, and other areas with at least some trees and vegetation. These cheerful birds eat many different food items including insects, berries, suet, and seeds. Around bird feeders, Black-capped Chickadees will usually take a seed and fly to a nearby perch to consume it. As mentioned, these birds can be incredibly friendly toward humans and can even be trained to take seeds directly from their hands.

Common Grackle

Common Grackle

In the midwest, Common Grackles typically arrive in early spring where they can quickly monopolize bird feeders along with other blackbird species. These medium sized birds are dark bodied but have an iridescent sheen along with a blue head. For much of the year, Common Grackles consume mostly seeds, but when available they will also eat different animals ranging from small invertebrates to larger creatures like amphibians and even small mammals. Keep an eye out for these birds during migration as they can sometimes show up in some impressively large flocks making their loud and noisy calls.

European Starling

European Starling

European Starlings are a common site in cities as well as agricultural areas. These birds were not originally native to the United States but were brought over around the same time that other European species such as the House Sparrow first made their appearance in the new world. Starlings are very appealing looking with their plumage ranging from silky black with iridescent purple and green to speckled with white depending on where they are in their molt cycle. Starlings can dominate backyard feeders as they show up in large groups and eat a variety of different seeds. Speaking of large groups, starlings are known for their undulating flocks called murmurations which are quite the spectacle to see.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

One of the smallest backyard birds, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is by far the most common hummingbird in the eastern United States. Males have a shiny green back, wings, and head along with a brilliant red throat. Females lack this red throat but have the same green color as the male. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are common sites around backyards in the midwest in spring and summer where they quickly buzz in to feed on flowers. If you have a flower garden, you can plant specific flowers that these birds love or put out a hummingbird feeder.

Summary

Feeding backyard birds can certainly be a fun and enjoyable experience. Getting to know the species visiting your yard can make it even better! We hope you found this video helpful and if you’d like to learn more about a particular bird species or the birds of a different region, let us know in the comments below. Thanks for watching, we’ll see you next time, on Badgerland Birding.

How to Prevent Hawks and Falcons from Killing Backyard Birds

The typically peaceful bird feeder breaks into commotion as a large, fast shape flies past the window. The typical birds of the yard scatter and for a while, the feeders are empty and quiet.

Hawks and falcons are predatory birds that frequently take advantage of bird feeding stations as a source of concentrated prey. Some people love to see hawks in their yard as they are an important part of the ecosystem and a key link in the food chain. However, there are others who can’t stand hawks because they kill the backyard birds that they have cared for and loved to watch.

If you feed birds, hawks will certainly be a potential problem for your backyard birds. While there is no way to prevent them coming to your yard, there are some things you can do to help the birds at your feeders survive a visit from a hawk or falcon. Here are some things you can do to prevent hawks and falcons from killing your backyard birds.

Provide cover from above

Hawks and falcons have incredible eyesight and often spot prey while flying or perched high up in trees. To keep birds out of the sight of hawks, put feeders under something covered. Whether it’s a tree, an awning, or a structure built specifically for feeder cover, something to conceal the birds from predators flying above can be very helpful in mitigating the number of casualties at your bird feeder.

Provide ground cover

Another way to help out backyard birds is by providing low cover near bird feeders. If hawks and falcons do visit, it’s helpful for birds to have an easy escape route. Shrubs, bushes, and thick trees can all serve as places for small birds to conceal themselves in the event of a hawk or falcon attack. Combining high cover and low cover can definitely go a long way in giving backyard birds a fighting chance.

Black-capped Chickadee

Put up window decals

Hawks and falcons have learned to take advantage of the panic that ensues when they dive bomb a bird feeder. Often times, birds are in such a hurry to escape that they fly right into windows. The birds that hit the window end up stunned or deceased, making them significantly easier to catch. Some sources say that this is an intentional practice learned by hawks in particular, but it may also be coincidence. To help prevent birds from hitting the windows while a predatory bird is around, placing decals on the windows can show birds that the path is not clear and steer them in a direction where they can actually escape.

Take down feeders

If a predatory bird finds a feeding station and thus an easy source of food, they will often come back time and time again to hunt. Taking down bird feeders for one to two weeks can be an effective way of breaking the pattern. The downside to this method is that the birds typically visiting the feeder will also need to find a different food source while the feeders are down. While many of them will eventually come back, this could be hard on the birds if they are accustomed to the easy food source (especially in winter when food is far less plentiful). Nevertheless, it is a way to persuade a predatory bird to move on from your bird feeder.

Cooper’s Hawk

Do nothing

Hawks and falcons are natural parts of the bird world and while their presence can be saddening for those that feed birds, predatory birds are actually helpful to have around. They aid in the preventing certain species from overpopulating an area and they eat other types of animals that can be pests such as mice. While trying to fight back against predatory birds (metaphorically speaking) has been the norm for many backyard bird watchers, sometimes accepting their presence can actually be the best thing to do.

Seeing birds of prey taking backyard birds from your bird feeder can certainly be distressing, but by using these tips, you can give your backyard birds the best chance possible to escape unharmed. However, as stated previously, sometimes the best thing to do is to learn to live with these natural predators and enjoy the circle of life taking place in your own backyard.

5 Common Backyard Birds You WANT at Your Bird Feeder

Bird feeding is a gigantic industry in the United States with billions of dollars going toward making sure backyard birds are happy and fed each year. In North America there are tons of different species that visit bird feeders, but there are some that are especially nice to have around. Whether it’s due to their coloration or personality, here are five birds that you absolutely want to come visit your bird feeders.

Please note that these birds are specific to North America and some have a limited range. Even so, most of them have similar counterparts in other parts of the continent. Also note that this is a subjective list and some people may have totally different thoughts on the birds they love to see most at their feeders. Put your favorites in the comments below and be respectul of others opinions. Without further ado, here is the list.

5. Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinal – Photo by Bill Grossmeyer

Kicking off the list at number 5 is the Northern Cardinal. The Northern Cardinal is one of the most recognizable and beloved bird species in North America. Males have a red body and crest, black by their bright orange bill, and slightly darker colorations on their wings and tail. Females are grayish brown with the same bright orange bill and a duller black mask. They have hints of red on their crest, wings, and tail. 

Northern cardinals are native to the Eastern United States as well as some of the southwestern states and Mexico, so to all of you in the northwestern US watching…sorry about this one, but you have plenty of other cool species that the Eastern half of the country doesn’t get. 

Cardinals are adored for a variety of reasons including the long-held belief by many that they bring good luck. At bird feeders, cardinals are fairly skittish and like to stay hidden in tangled branches. They will however come out in the open to feed adding a nice splash of color. Another interesting thing about Northern Cardinals is that they are extremely late feeders, often being some of the last birds to be eating, and even staying out in the twilight hours. The reason they aren’t higher up is due to the fact that their limited range prevents feeder watchers in the northwestern states from being able to see this bird regularly. Even so, these relatively peaceful birds can be an uplifting sight to see at a bird feeder and for that reason, the Northern Cardinal has earned a spot on the list.

4. Tufted Titmouse

Tufted Titmouse – Photo by Mark Goad

At number four is another bird with a crest, the Tufted Titmouse. The Tufted Titmouse is a cute and charismatic species of the Eastern United States. Not to fear if you live in the Western United States however, as many other similar looking and similar acting titmouse species live there including the black-crested, the juniper, and the oak. The Tufted Titmouse gets the spot on the list because it has a larger range than the other titmouse species in the Untied States. The Tufted Titmouse is in the same family as chickadees, and observing one for even just a short amount of time will make the similarities easy to see as both species are incredibly acrobatic and personable. 

This species can be identified by its gray back, wings and crest, white underside, black marking near the bill, and peach sides. They are quite fun to watch at bird feeders as they are quick moving and rarely sit still. Tufted Titmice often frequent bird feeders when food is less plentiful such as in the winter months, and have been known to actually store food during the fall. During these months they will visit more often and can even be seen stashing seeds away for later consumption.

Even though Tufted Titmice are only found in the Eastern United States, the fact that they have comparable western counter parts elevates them on this list, and their fun personalities make them far too entertaining to leave off.

3. American Goldfinch

American Goldfinch

At number three is a species that plays nice with other birds, the Americn Goldfinch. During the breeding months, these birds are extremely colorful, with males having bright yellow covering most of their bodies, a black cap on their head, and black wings, as well as a black partially forked tail. In non breeding plumage, American Goldfinches are more dull with brownish bodies, a yellowish head, and black wings with white wing bars. Females in breeding plumage are still bright yellow but not to the same degree as the males,  they also have less black on the top of their head. 

American Goldfinshes can be found throughout most of the United States with the species following a typical migratior path of traveling south in winter and north into Canada to breed in summer. They are also found year round in many of the Midwestern, Northeastern, and Northwestern states. American Goldfinches typically feed in flocks (with some flocks becoming quite large) and will also feed alongside other finch species such as Common Redpolls, and Pine Siskins. These flocks of mixed finches can be quite fun to watch and it can be entertaining to try and pick out the different species in the groups.

For people in the Southwestern United states, another species, the Lesser Goldfinch plays a similar role to that of the American Goldfinch in the North. Male Lesser Goldfinches have a yellow underside and darker colored backs ranging from greenish to black depending on the region. They also have a white marking on their wings as opposed to the white wingbars of the American Goldfinch. Females are more dull overall. Both the Lesser Goldfinch and the American Goldfinch bring a lot of energy to a bird feeder but the American Goldfinch is more widespread giving them the nod over the lesser goldfinch and the less common Lawrence’s Goldfinch which also inhabits some parts of the Western United States.

The fact that American Goldfinches are so colorful and energetic, mixed with the fact that they are a great species for a community of birds in a yard, land them a spot in the top three. 

2. White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Out of all of the birds that visit bird feeders, some of the goofiest are nuthatches. Out of the four nuthatch species that are typically found in the United States, the White-breasted Nuthatch is the most widespread with most of the lower 48 states having them year round. These hilarious birds can be identified by their blue-gray back and wings, white face and underside, and black stripe on the top of their head from their back to their bill. White-breasted Nuthatches are entertaining acrobats that cling to trees, hopping up and down, often scouring branches for insects. They come and go from bird feeders quite quickly, usually taking a seed and either eating it away from the feeder or hammering it into a tree crevice to save for later.

Another nuthatch species fairly common at bird feeders in the United States is the Red-breasted Nuthatch. These birds, described by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s all about birds site as “an internse bundle of energy at your feeder” reside in the northern and western United States year round, and many of the more southern states in winter. They have white and black striped heads, blueish gray backs and wings, and a namesake reddish orange chest and underside. Like the Whte-breasted Nuthatch, Red-Breasted Nuthatches are very fun to watch, they are always moving and even when not in sight can be identified by their distinctive laughing call.

Nuthatch species in general are quite entertaining, and in addition to the White-breasted and the Red breasted, there are two other species in the U.S. that sometimes come to feeders, the Brown-headed Nuthatch and the Pygmy Nuthatch. Bown-headed Nuthatches live in the southeastern part of the United States while the Pygmy Nuthatch lives in parts of the western U.S. (typically areas with long needled pine trees). Both of these species are less frequent in backyards and at bird feeders but can be lured in with suet.

The entertainment value associated with having White-breasted Nuthatches visiting your bird feeder combined with the fact that they live throughout the United States put them at number two on the list.

1. Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Taking the top spot on the list is the fan favorite, Black-capped Chickadee. Black-capped chickadees are extremely recognizable with a very small stature, back head and throat, gray wings, and light tan wash on their sides. Black cappd chickadees inhabit north america year round and are one of the most common birds to find in forests and at bird feeders in the winter time. While Black-capped Chickadees aren’t typically found in many of the southern states in the U.S. Other Chickadee species are, including the Mountain Chickadee, the Mexican Chickadee, and the very similar looking Carolina chickadee. In the northern parts of the U.S. and Canada there is also another chickadee species, the Boreal Chickadee which is a bit more shy than the black-capped but also comes to bird feeders. 

Black-capped Chickadees are great to have around for a variety of reasons. First, they aren’t normally aggressive toward other birds and can happily get along with most species. They don’t stick around at the feeders very long, preferring to come in to grab a seed and then crack it open on a neary perch. Black-capped Chickadees certainly bring a lot of energy with their constant moving around, and they can also be comfortable enough around humans to be fed by hand. Overall, they are a great species to have around in addition to other chickadee species across North America, and find themselves as the top bird species you absolutely want at your bird feeder.

Summary

Check out the video version of this post on the Badgerland Birding YouTube Channel

With so many different bird species in the world, everyone has a different opinion on which they prefer to see at their feeders. That being said, there is something fun and special about these five. Whether due to their color, energy, or personality, these are five birds you absolutely want at your feeders. Do you agree with our list? Let us know in the comments below. And as always, thanks for watching, we’ll see you next time, on Badgerland Birding

5 Common Backyard Birds you DON’T want at your bird feeder

Bird feeding is an absolutely massive industry in the United States, and why wouldn’t it be? The hobby of feeding birds offers people the chance to get up close looks at a wide variety of species ranging from cute to extremely bright. While there are plenty of amazing birds to play host to, there are also some that you really don’t want making themselves at home at your bird feeder. Whther it’s due to their gregarious nature, or the way they bully other birds, here are 5 birds you don’t want visiting your bird feeder. 

Before we get started, keep in mind that this is a subjective list and some people may adore these particular species and welcome them to their yard and at their bird feeders. We aren’t saying any of these birds are necessarily bad, but rather that they may be problematic for other species in the yard.

Common Grackle

Common Grackle

Kicking off the countdown is a large blackbird species wide spread across much of the United States: the Common Grackle. Common Grackles live in Eastern North America with their summer range expanding north into Canada and west as far as Idaho. They are actually quite sleek in appearance with a long tail, jet black body,  iridescent head, and bright yellow eye. While they are a native species and therefor not a huge problem from an invasive standpoint, they can still pose problems due to the way they behave around the feeders. With a larger size than most other backyard birds, Common Grackles tend to take over and can become bullies. Additionally, they tend to flock with other black bird species, meaning there will probably be an all out onslaught of activity at the feeder when they are around, thus preventing other birds from getting seeds. 

European Starling

European Starling

The first invasive species on our list; European Starlings are native to Europe and Asia but were released into the united states, eventually spreading across the country. To be fair, starlings are actually quite beautiful birds with many different colors shining from their feathers, but the problem is that where there is one, many are sure to follow as these flocking birds gather together in large groups. If starlings find a bird feeder, they often dominate the space, and prevent other more timid bird species from approaching. Additionally, European Starlings are cavity nesters, and will occupy bird houses and other suitable nesting sites, preventing native species from using them. In sum, European Starlings can have a negative impact on the biodiversity of a yard, but they aren’t nearly as destructive as other species on this list.

Cooper’s Hawk

Cooper’s Hawk

Where there is an abundance of prey items, there are sure to be predators. One of the biggest natural threats to backyard birds are raptors such as Cooper’s Hawks. Other species that could occupy a spot on the list for a similar reason are Sharp-shinned Hawks and Merlins. Out of these birds, the Cooper’s Hawks gets the nod due to the fact that their range encompasses most of North America, and because they seem to often be found loitering around bird feeders. These large yet streamlined raptors feed mostly on medium sized birds such as Robins, Mourning Doves, and Woodpeckers, but have been known to catch smaller birds as well. Cooper’s Hawks are native to North America and are an important part of the ecosystem, but it’s understandable why feeder watches don’t want the birds they care for and become familiar with killed by anything, even another bird.  These predators are extremely good at what they do, landing them a spot at number three on the list, but keep in mind that their presence could actually be a sign of a healthy ecosystem.

Brown-headed Cowbird

Brown-headed Cowbird

Although Brown-headed Cowbirds are native to North America and are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, most people dislike them because they are brood parasites. This means that rather than raising their own young, they lay their eggs in the nests of other birds. The young often outcompete or kill the other nestlings and can sometimes be seen being fed by their different species parents. Cowbirds often flock with other blackbirds and can show up in very large numbers, not only preventing other species from getting food but most likely also parasatizing their nests. It’s also worth noting that the Brown-headed Cowbird is extremely wide spread in the United States, meaning that people in almost every state have most likely encountered them at some point. The fact that Brown-headed Cowbirds being in a yard means that other species have less of a chance to raise young makes them one of the most despised species by backyard bird lovers, and puts them at number two on our list. 

House Sparrow

House Sparrow

Coming in at number one is a species that anyone living in a city is probably familiar with: the House Sparrow. Some people enjoy having House Sparrows at their feeders, and they are pretty humorous to watch with their constant bickering. However, there are even more people who completely detest them. The reason for this is because much like the European Starling, House Sparrows are not originally native to North America and spread like wildfire across the country upon their release into the New World. Not only are they numerous, but they are also extremely territorial and aggressive, often outcompeting other species. In addition to their antics at bird feeders, House Sparrows have been known to kill cavity nesting birds such as Eastern Bluebirds, and anyone who has ever had to deal with them invading a bird house knows the horror that they can inflict on more passive species. If House Sparrows take up residence near a bird feeder, they are hard to get rid of and have posed major problems ever since they were first introduced to North America, earning them the title of the number one common backyard bird, that you don’t want visiting your bird feeder. 

Do you agree with our list? Are there species you would add or remove? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you enjoyed this post, please like and subscribe as it helps our channel continue to grow. Thanks for watching, we’ll see you next time, on Badgerland Birding.