This article is all about the fascinating world of forest bird species. With a focus on 15 different birds that call the forests their home, readers will discover interesting facts about each species. From the melodious tunes of the Wood Thrush to the striking red plumage of the Scarlet Tanager, there is something captivating about each of these birds. Plus, for those who enjoy birdwatching from the comfort of their own backyard, some of these species can even be attracted to backyard feeders. So get ready to embark on a journey through the trees and discover the beauty and diversity of forest bird species.
Wood Thrush
The Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) is a beautiful bird species commonly found in forests across eastern North America. Known for its melodious song, the Wood Thrush is a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. With its warm brown upperparts, spotted white breast, and distinctive white eye ring, this thrush is easily recognizable. During the breeding season, the Wood Thrush builds its nest on the forest floor, utilizing twigs, leaves, and mud. It feeds primarily on insects, earthworms, and berries, making it an important player in maintaining the ecological balance of its habitat.
Attracting the Wood Thrush to Backyard Feeders
While the Wood Thrush is typically found in undisturbed forests, with the right approach, you can also attract these fascinating birds to your backyard feeders. Creating a natural and inviting habitat is key, so consider planting native trees and shrubs that provide food and shelter. Offering a variety of food sources, such as mealworms, fruits, and suet, can also entice Wood Thrushes to visit your feeder. Additionally, providing a shallow bird bath or water feature will attract these birds, as they enjoy bathing and drinking water.
Scarlet Tanager
The Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) is a stunning bird species known for its vibrant red plumage and black wings. Males sport this striking coloration during the breeding season, while females have a more subdued olive-green appearance. These tanagers are largely found in deciduous and mixed forests in eastern North America during the summer months. Scarlet Tanagers are skilled insect catchers, using their sharp beaks to snatch prey from treetops. They also feed on fruits and occasionally visit feeders for suet or jelly.
Encouraging Scarlet Tanagers to Visit Your Backyard
Attracting Scarlet Tanagers to your backyard requires creating an appealing habitat. Planting a variety of fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, such as elderberry, wild cherry, and serviceberry, will provide an enticing food source. Offering grape jelly or fresh fruits like orange slices can also attract these tanagers to your feeders. Additionally, maintaining a safe and quiet environment will make your backyard more attractive to these shy birds.
Barred Owl
Among the most iconic forest dwellers is the Barred Owl (Strix varia), a nocturnal bird known for its distinctive hooting call. With their rounded heads and dark eyes, Barred Owls have a wise and enigmatic appearance. They can be found in both mature and disturbed forests across North America. These carnivorous birds mainly feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, using their keen eyesight and sharp talons to hunt their prey. Barred Owls also nest in tree cavities, making use of abandoned nests or natural hollows.
Inviting Barred Owls into Your Backyard
While attracting Barred Owls to your backyard might be challenging, it is not impossible. Providing suitable nesting sites, such as owl boxes or nesting platforms, can encourage these owls to stay and raise their young in your area. Since they are primarily nocturnal, installing motion-activated lights or recording and playing their hooting calls can help pique their curiosity. It’s important to note that attracting owls may require a more extensive approach and should be done with caution, respecting the owl’s natural habitat and needs.
Eastern Whip-poor-will
The Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) is a bird species known for its distinctive call, which resembles its name. These nocturnal birds are masters of camouflage, perfectly blending with their surroundings during the day. Found in the eastern parts of the United States and southeastern Canada, Eastern Whip-poor-wills reside in forested habitats with sandy soil. Insects, particularly moths, make up the majority of their diet. Though they do not typically visit feeders, providing suitable habitats and planting native flowering plants can support their food sources.
Creating a Whimsical Environment for Eastern Whip-poor-wills
Since Eastern Whip-poor-wills are primarily active at night, attracting them to your backyard requires creating suitable habitats. Maintaining open spaces with sandy soil, as well as leaving leaf litter for them to blend in, can help attract these birds. Providing a variety of night-blooming flowers such as evening primroses or flowering tobacco can also attract moths, which in turn will be more likely to draw Eastern Whip-poor-wills. Patience and understanding their nocturnal nature are key when trying to invite these intriguing birds to your backyard.
Pileated Woodpecker
The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is one of the largest woodpecker species in North America. With its striking red crest, black body, and white stripes, this bird is a sight to behold. Found in mature forest habitats across the continent, the Pileated Woodpecker relies on dead trees for nesting and foraging purposes. These woodpeckers have a powerful bill that allows them to excavate large cavities in search of insects and their larvae. They also feed on fruits, nuts, and occasionally visit backyard feeders for suet.
Drawing Pileated Woodpeckers to Your Backyard
Attracting Pileated Woodpeckers to backyard feeders can be challenging, but not impossible. Offering suet feeders specifically designed for larger woodpeckers is a good starting point. Providing a variety of native trees, especially those with soft or decaying wood, will create a habitat that is attractive to these woodpeckers. It’s important to note that they require large territories, so maintaining a mostly undisturbed and natural backyard environment will increase your chances of hosting a Pileated Woodpecker.
Red-breasted Sapsucker
The Red-breasted Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber) is a medium-sized woodpecker species with a unique appearance. Males have a black head, white stripes, and a bright red throat and breast, while females feature a yellowish throat and breast. These sapsuckers can be found in coniferous forests across western North America. As their name suggests, sapsuckers feed on sap by drilling small holes in tree bark. They also consume insects and will visit feeders that offer suet or fruit.
Welcoming Red-breasted Sapsuckers to Your Backyard
Creating an enticing environment for Red-breasted Sapsuckers can be achieved by installing a sapsucker-friendly tree, such as a birch or maple. These trees will provide a natural source of sap for these woodpeckers. Offering a suet feeder and providing fresh fruits like oranges or apples can also attract Red-breasted Sapsuckers to your backyard. By mimicking their natural feeding behavior and providing suitable perching options, you can increase your chances of spotting these colorful woodpeckers.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
The Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) is a small but agile bird of prey that can be found across North America. Known for its sharp talons and swift flight, this hawk is an excellent hunter. With its blue-gray back, barred underparts, and reddish-brown barring on its tail, the Sharp-shinned Hawk is well adapted for blending in with the forest canopy. These hawks primarily feed on birds and small mammals and will occasionally visit backyard feeders in pursuit of their prey.
Attracting Sharp-shinned Hawks to Your Backyard
Attracting Sharp-shinned Hawks to your backyard often involves enticing their prey. Offering food sources such as birdseed, suet, or live prey like mice or small birds can increase the chances of attracting these hawks. It’s important to note that attracting hawks may not be suitable for everyone, as they can pose a threat to smaller birds visiting your feeders. However, creating a natural, bird-friendly environment with perching options and dense vegetation can still attract these magnificent hunters to your area.
Brown Creeper
The Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) is a small, inconspicuous bird known for its distinctive feeding behavior. As its name suggests, the Brown Creeper creeps along tree trunks in a spiral fashion, using its specially adapted curved bill to pry insects from the bark. These birds have a mottled brown plumage that allows them to blend in seamlessly with tree bark, making them challenging to spot. Brown Creepers are found in forested habitats throughout North America and are an important part of the ecosystem due to their crucial role in insect control.
Enticing Brown Creepers to Your Backyard
Attracting Brown Creepers to your backyard requires creating suitable habitats that mimic their natural environment. Providing a variety of large trees with textured bark, such as oak or pine, will offer ideal foraging surfaces for these birds. Offering suet feeders placed near tree trunks will also attract Brown Creepers, as they often supplement their insect diet with suet during colder months. Creating a tranquil and natural space with plenty of hiding spots will make your backyard more inviting to these elusive birds.
Veery
The Veery (Catharus fuscescens) is a small migratory thrush species that breeds in deciduous and mixed forests across eastern North America. Known for its ethereal and flute-like song, the Veery has a rusty brown upper body and a creamy white underbody with dark spots. These thrushes forage on the forest floor, primarily feasting on insects and berries. The Veery plays an important role in seed dispersal and insect control, making it a valuable member of forest ecosystems.
Encouraging Veerys to Visit Your Backyard
While Veerys are not commonly found in backyard settings, creating a suitable habitat can attract these enchanting thrushes. Planting native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, such as dogwood or serviceberry, can provide a valuable food source for Veerys. Offering water sources, such as a bird bath or small pond, along with a sheltered area for them to rest, can also make your backyard more attractive to these migratory birds. Creating a quiet and tranquil environment will help mimic their natural forest habitat, increasing the chances of spotting these elusive thrushes.
Ovenbird
The Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) is a small migratory warbler that can be found in forests across eastern North America. Its distinct song, which resembles the phrase “teacher, teacher, teacher,” is one of the recognizable features of this bird. With its olive-brown upperparts, streaked underparts, and bold black stripes on its head, the Ovenbird is easily identified. These warblers build their nests on the forest floor, creating a domed structure that resembles an old-fashioned outdoor oven. Ovenbirds feed on insects and spiders, foraging on the ground and in the lower vegetation.
Attracting Ovenbirds to Your Backyard
While attracting Ovenbirds to your backyard might be challenging, creating a suitable environment can increase your chances of spotting these warblers. Providing dense shrubs and thick understory vegetation will offer suitable cover for Ovenbirds. Planting native trees and offering a variety of insects, such as mealworms, will attract these birds to your backyard. It’s important to keep in mind that Ovenbirds are ground foragers, so eliminating pesticide use and maintaining a natural and insect-friendly environment is crucial to their well-being.
In conclusion, the forests of North America are home to a diverse range of bird species, each with its unique characteristics and habits. While attracting some of these birds to backyard feeders may require specific approaches, creating a natural and inviting habitat will increase the chances of spotting these fascinating creatures. Remember to respect the birds’ natural needs and maintain a safe and healthy environment for them to thrive. Happy birdwatching!