In this informative article, readers can uncover the fascinating world of 27 backyard birds in New Hampshire. From the striking Northern Cardinal to the charming Tufted Titmouse and the playful Blue Jay, a variety of common bird species are introduced. Whether they can be spotted year-round or only during certain seasons, the colorful roster of birds promises to captivate birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With insightful tips on attracting these feathered friends to one’s own backyard, as well as recommendations for bird feeders and popular birdwatching spots, this article serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their birdwatching experience in New Hampshire. Additionally, the article sheds light on the estimated number of bird species in New Hampshire, along with detailed descriptions of the unique characteristics and behaviors exhibited by each bird.
Northern Cardinal
Appearance
The Northern Cardinal is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive crest on its head. The male has vibrant red plumage, while the female is more dull in color, with a reddish hue. Both sexes have a black mask around their eyes and a sturdy orange beak.
Habitat
The Northern Cardinal is a common backyard visitor in New Hampshire. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, shrublands, and gardens. They are also known to nest in thickets and dense vegetation.
Feeding
Northern Cardinals primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. They have strong beaks that can crack open seeds and nuts. They are attracted to bird feeders that offer sunflower seeds and suet.
Behavior
Northern Cardinals are known for their beautiful songs, especially during the breeding season. They are non-migratory birds and can be seen in New Hampshire throughout the year. They are often seen perched on branches or hopping on the ground in search of food.
Tufted Titmouse
Appearance
The Tufted Titmouse is a small bird with a round body and a distinctive pointed crest on its head. Its plumage is gray on the upper body and white on the belly. It has black markings on its forehead, eyes, and chin.
Habitat
Tufted Titmice are common residents of woodlands and forests in New Hampshire. They are also found in suburban areas with mature trees. They build their nests in tree cavities or birdhouses.
Feeding
These birds have a varied diet that includes insects, seeds, berries, and nuts. They are known to stash food for later consumption. Tufted Titmice are frequent visitors to feeders that offer sunflower seeds and suet.
Behavior
Tufted Titmice are active and acrobatic birds. They are known for their quick movements and agile flight. These birds are often seen hopping on branches and tree trunks in search of food. They are social birds and can be found in small flocks.
Black-capped Chickadee
Appearance
The Black-capped Chickadee is a small bird with a round body and a large head. It has a black cap and bib, which contrasts with its white cheeks and belly. Its back is grayish-brown, and its wings and tail are darker in color.
Habitat
Black-capped Chickadees are common residents of deciduous and coniferous forests in New Hampshire. They are adaptable and can also be found in suburban areas with trees and shrubs. They build their nests in tree cavities or birdhouses.
Feeding
These birds have a diverse diet that includes insects, seeds, berries, and nuts. They are known to cache food for the winter. Black-capped Chickadees are frequent visitors to feeders that offer sunflower seeds and suet.
Behavior
Black-capped Chickadees are active and curious birds. They are known for their distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” song. These birds are often seen hanging upside down from branches and pecking at insects or seeds. They are social birds and can be found in small flocks.
Blue Jay
Appearance
The Blue Jay is a medium-sized bird with a bold and striking appearance. It has a blue body with white underparts and a black collar around its neck. It has a crest on its head, which can be raised or lowered depending on its mood.
Habitat
Blue Jays are common residents of forests, woodlands, and suburban areas in New Hampshire. They are adaptable and can also be found in parks and gardens. They build their nests in trees or shrubs.
Feeding
These birds have a varied diet that includes insects, acorns, fruits, and seeds. They are known to hoard food for the winter. Blue Jays are frequent visitors to feeders that offer peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet.
Behavior
Blue Jays are intelligent and vocal birds. They are known for their loud and distinctive calls. These birds are often seen hopping on the ground in search of food or perching on branches. They are territorial and will defend their nesting area.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Appearance
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a small and colorful bird. The male has vibrant green plumage with a ruby-colored throat, while the female has a more dull green plumage and a white throat.
Habitat
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, woodlands, and meadows. They are known to nest in shrubs or trees. They migrate to New Hampshire in the summer months.
Feeding
These birds have a unique feeding method. They hover in mid-air and extend their long, slender beaks into flowers to extract nectar. They also eat small insects and spiders. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are attracted to nectar feeders filled with a sugar-water solution.
Behavior
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are agile and fast flyers. They are capable of hovering, flying forward and backward, and even flying upside down. They are highly territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas. Their high-pitched chirping is a common sound in New Hampshire during the summer months.
American Goldfinch
Appearance
The American Goldfinch is a small bird with a conical bill and a slender body. The male has bright yellow plumage during the breeding season, while the female is more dull in color, with a mixture of yellow and brown feathers.
Habitat
American Goldfinches can be found in open fields, meadows, and gardens in New Hampshire. They are also common visitors to suburban areas with trees and shrubs. They build their nests in shrubs or trees.
Feeding
These birds have a diet that mainly consists of seeds, especially those from thistles and sunflowers. They are known to feed upside down on seedheads. American Goldfinches are attracted to feeders that offer thistle or nyjer seeds.
Behavior
American Goldfinches are social birds and are often seen in small flocks. They have a distinctive bouncing flight pattern. They are known for their cheerful song and can be heard singing throughout the day. These birds molt in the late summer, changing their bright yellow plumage to a duller olive color.
White-breasted Nuthatch
Appearance
The White-breasted Nuthatch is a small bird with a compact body and a long, pointed beak. It has blue-gray upperparts and a white face and underparts. It has a black cap that extends from its forehead to the back of its neck.
Habitat
White-breasted Nuthatches can be found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous and coniferous forests. They are also common visitors to suburban areas with mature trees. They build their nests in tree cavities.
Feeding
These birds have a diet that mainly consists of insects, nuts, and seeds. They are known to wedge larger items in tree bark and hammer them open with their beak. White-breasted Nuthatches are frequent visitors to feeders that offer suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.
Behavior
White-breasted Nuthatches are agile climbers and are often seen moving head-first down tree trunks in search of food. They have a distinct nasal call that sounds like “yank-yank.” These birds are non-migratory and can be seen in New Hampshire throughout the year.
Eastern Bluebird
Appearance
The Eastern Bluebird is a small thrush with a stocky build and a round head. The male has bright blue plumage on its head, back, and wings, while the female has a more dull blue color. Both sexes have a reddish-brown breast and belly.
Habitat
Eastern Bluebirds can be found in open fields, meadows, and orchards in New Hampshire. They are cavity nesters and rely on natural tree cavities or man-made nest boxes.
Feeding
These birds have a diet that mainly consists of insects and fruits. They are skilled at catching insects in mid-air. Eastern Bluebirds are attracted to feeders that offer mealworms and suet.
Behavior
Eastern Bluebirds are social birds and are often seen in small family groups. They have a melodious song that is a common sound in open fields. These birds are non-migratory and can be seen in New Hampshire throughout the year.
Mourning Dove
Appearance
The Mourning Dove is a medium-sized bird with a sleek body and a long, tapered tail. It has soft, grayish-brown plumage with darker markings on its wings. It has a small head and a delicate beak.
Habitat
Mourning Doves can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, fields, and suburban areas in New Hampshire. They build their nests in trees or on ledges.
Feeding
These birds have a diet that mainly consists of seeds, especially those from grasses and weeds. They are known to feed on the ground. Mourning Doves are frequent visitors to feeders that offer millet, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds.
Behavior
Mourning Doves are gentle and peaceful birds. They are often seen perched on wires or foraging on the ground. These birds have a distinctive mournful cooing call that is a familiar sound in New Hampshire.
Eastern Phoebe
Appearance
The Eastern Phoebe is a small bird with a plump body and a long, narrow tail. It has grayish-brown upperparts and a pale belly. It has a white throat and a dark eyestripe.
Habitat
Eastern Phoebes can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, and suburban areas in New Hampshire. They build their nests on ledges, bridges, or in the corners of buildings.
Feeding
These birds have a diet that mainly consists of insects, especially flies and beetles. They are known to perch on branches or other structures and fly out to catch insects in mid-air. Eastern Phoebes are attracted to open areas with flying insects.
Behavior
Eastern Phoebes are perching birds and can be seen sitting on branches or wires, wagging their tails. They have a distinctive call that sounds like “fee-bee.” These birds are non-migratory and can be seen in New Hampshire throughout the year.
With their diverse appearances, habitats, feeding habits, and behaviors, these ten bird species contribute to the rich avian diversity of New Hampshire. Whether it’s the vibrant red plumage of the Northern Cardinal, the acrobatic movements of the Tufted Titmouse, or the melodious song of the Eastern Bluebird, each bird brings its own unique charm to the backyard.
To attract these beautiful birds to your yard, providing a variety of food sources is key. Bird feeders with different types of seeds, such as sunflower seeds, thistle seeds, and peanuts, can help attract a wide range of bird species. Adding suet to the feeders can also attract insect-eating birds like the White-breasted Nuthatch and the Black-capped Chickadee.
Creating a bird-friendly habitat is equally important. Planting native trees and shrubs, providing fresh water sources like birdbaths or small ponds, and leaving dead trees or fallen logs for nesting and foraging can all help create an inviting environment for birds.
For those interested in birdwatching, New Hampshire offers a variety of hotspots. Places like Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge, Odiorne Point State Park, and White Mountain National Forest are known for their diverse bird populations. Grab your binoculars, a field guide, and enjoy observing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
While this article highlighted only ten bird species found in New Hampshire, there are many more to discover. Birdwatching is a delightful pastime that allows us to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the avian world. So, next time you step outside, take a moment to look up and listen to the songs of the birds that share our world.