In “The Most Common Backyard Birds in Virginia,” you will find a comprehensive guide to the birds you are most likely to encounter in your own backyard. Drawing on data from the reliable citizen science program eBird, this article offers a more accurate list of species than many others. Along with vivid pictures and descriptions, you’ll discover tips on how to attract these birds to your backyard. We start with the ever-popular Northern Cardinal, Virginia’s most frequently seen bird, and explore a range of other species found in the state. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, this article has everything you need, from tips on binocular selection to detailed accounts of each bird’s size, shape, bill type, color, and behavior. Don’t miss this fantastic resource for bird identification and bird watching in Virginia.

Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is one of the most common and recognizable birds you’ll find in Virginia. With its vibrant red plumage and distinctive crest, the male cardinal is hard to miss. The female cardinal is a bit more subdued, with a grayish-brown coloration and hints of red on its wings and crest. Both males and females have a striking black mask around their eyes.

Northern Cardinals can be found throughout Virginia, from the mountains to the coast. They are a year-round resident, so you can enjoy their presence in your backyard all year long. They are especially fond of deciduous forests, but can also be found in urban areas, suburban gardens, and parks.

When it comes to behavior, Northern Cardinals are known for their distinctive songs. The male cardinal is particularly vocal, and its song is a melodic series of whistles. They are also known to interact with their own reflections, often mistaking their reflection for another male bird and engaging in territorial disputes.

If you want to attract Northern Cardinals to your backyard, there are a few things you can do. Cardinals are ground feeders, so providing them with a well-stocked bird feeder filled with sunflower seeds and safflower seeds will be attractive to them. They are also attracted to water features, so consider adding a birdbath or small fountain to your yard. Providing dense shrubs and trees will give them a place to nest and feel safe.

Below are some pictures of the beautiful Northern Cardinal:

[insert pictures of Northern Cardinal]

Eastern Bluebird

The Eastern Bluebird is a small and strikingly beautiful bird that can be found in Virginia. They are known for their bright blue backs, rusty orange breasts, and white bellies. The male and female bluebirds have similar coloration, although the male’s blue is more vibrant. They also have a distinctive white eyering.

Eastern Bluebirds can be found throughout much of Virginia, but they are most commonly found in open areas with plenty of trees and grassland. They like to perch on fences and telephone wires, from where they can spot insects and other small prey. Bluebirds are migratory birds, so they typically breed in Virginia during the summer months and then migrate south for the winter.

Eastern Bluebirds are cavity nesters, meaning they seek out holes in trees or nest boxes to build their nests. If you want to attract bluebirds to your backyard, providing a nest box specifically designed for them is a great way to do so. Make sure the entrance hole is the right size for bluebirds and place the nest box in an open area away from dense vegetation.

Here are some pictures of the stunning Eastern Bluebird:

[insert pictures of Eastern Bluebird]

American Robin

The American Robin is a familiar sight in neighborhoods across Virginia. This medium-sized bird has a grayish-brown back, a reddish-orange breast, and a white belly. The male and female robins have similar coloration, although the male’s breast may be slightly darker. They also have a distinctive white eyering.

American Robins can be found throughout most of Virginia, from forests to suburban areas. They are a common sight on lawns, where they can be seen hopping across the grass in search of worms and insects. Robins are known for their beautiful, melodic song, which is often one of the first signs of spring.

Interestingly, American Robins are known for their behavior of “flocking” during the winter months. Instead of migrating south like many other bird species, robins will stay in the area but gather in large flocks. This behavior is thought to help them find food more easily when the ground is frozen or covered in snow.

If you want to attract American Robins to your backyard, providing them with a source of water and an open, grassy area will be appealing to them. Robins are also attracted to fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, so consider planting some in your yard. Keep in mind that robins prefer open spaces rather than dense vegetation.

Here are some pictures of the charming American Robin:

[insert pictures of American Robin]

Carolina Chickadee

The Carolina Chickadee is a small, energetic bird that can be found in Virginia. It has a grayish back and wings, a whitish belly, and a black cap on its head. It also has distinctive black and white markings on its face, with a small black bib under its beak.

Carolina Chickadees can be found throughout most of Virginia, from forests to residential areas. They are particularly fond of deciduous forests and can often be seen flitting through the trees in search of insects and seeds. Chickadees are also known for their acrobatic behavior, hanging upside down from branches and tree trunks.

Carolina Chickadees are cavity nesters, meaning they seek out holes in trees or nest boxes to build their nests. If you want to attract chickadees to your backyard, providing a nest box specifically designed for them is a great way to do so. Make sure the entrance hole is the right size for chickadees and place the nest box in a quiet, shaded area.

Chickadees are attracted to a variety of bird feeders, but they particularly enjoy suet feeders. You can also provide them with sunflower seeds and nyjer seeds. Chickadees are very friendly and will often come close to humans, so you can enjoy their company even if you’re just sitting on your porch.

Here are some pictures of the lively Carolina Chickadee:

[insert pictures of Carolina Chickadee]

Tufted Titmouse

The Tufted Titmouse is a playful and friendly bird that can be found in Virginia. It has a gray back, a whitish belly, and a distinctive small crest on its head. It also has a black forehead and a black eyeline that extends to its black bill.

Tufted Titmice can be found throughout most of Virginia, from forests to suburban areas. They are often seen in small flocks, hopping from branch to branch in search of insects, seeds, and berries. Titmice are known for their curious and fearless behavior and are often one of the first birds to visit a new bird feeder in the area.

Tufted Titmice are cavity nesters, meaning they seek out holes in trees or nest boxes to build their nests. If you want to attract titmice to your backyard, providing a nest box specifically designed for them is a great way to do so. Make sure the entrance hole is the right size for titmice and place the nest box in a quiet, shaded area.

Titmice are attracted to a variety of bird feeders, including sunflower seeds, suet, and peanut butter. They are also known to cache food for later, so providing them with a small dish of mealworms or other treats will be appreciated. Titmice are very friendly and will often come close to humans, so you can enjoy their company even if you’re just sitting on your porch.

Here are some pictures of the adorable Tufted Titmouse:

[insert pictures of Tufted Titmouse]

Mourning Dove

The Mourning Dove is a gentle and peaceful bird that can be found in Virginia. It has a plump body, a long tail, and a small head. Its overall coloration is a soft grayish-brown, with a hint of pink on its breast. It also has a distinctive black spot on its cheek.

Mourning Doves can be found throughout most of Virginia, from forests to urban areas. They are often seen in pairs or small groups, perching on wires, rooftops, or branches. Doves are known for their soft and mournful cooing sounds, which can be heard throughout the day.

Mourning Doves are primarily seed eaters, so providing them with a well-stocked bird feeder filled with millet, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds will be attractive to them. They are ground feeders, so make sure your feeder is at ground level or close to it. Doves also enjoy bathing, so consider providing them with a shallow birdbath or low dish of water.

Doves are known to nest on horizontal branches or other flat surfaces, so providing them with a platform nest in your yard will be appreciated. Keep in mind that doves are ground nesters, so it’s important to have plenty of low bushes or shrubs where they can feel safe and protected.

Here are some pictures of the gentle Mourning Dove:

[insert pictures of Mourning Dove]

American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch is a small and vibrant bird that can be found in Virginia. It has a bright yellow back and a contrasting black cap on its head. The male goldfinch is particularly striking during the breeding season when its feathers turn a brilliant yellow. In the winter, both males and females have a more muted coloration.

American Goldfinches can be found throughout most of Virginia, from forests to open fields. They are often seen in small flocks, flying in a characteristic undulating pattern from tree to tree. Goldfinches are known for their beautiful, trilling song, which is often compared to a canary’s song.

Goldfinches are primarily seed eaters, so providing them with a well-stocked bird feeder filled with nyjer seeds and sunflower seeds will be attractive to them. They are particularly attracted to thistle or nyjer feeders, which are specifically designed for their small beaks. Goldfinches also enjoy bathing, so consider providing them with a shallow birdbath or low dish of water.

To attract goldfinches to your backyard, it’s also important to provide them with a variety of flowering plants. They are particularly fond of sunflowers, coneflowers, and other plants that produce small seeds. Goldfinches will often eat the seeds directly from the flower heads, so make sure to leave the seed heads intact during the fall and winter months.

Here are some pictures of the colorful American Goldfinch:

[insert pictures of American Goldfinch]

House Finch

The House Finch is a small and charming bird that can be found in Virginia. It has a reddish-orange back and a whitish belly. The male house finch has a distinctive red coloration on its head, breast, and shoulders, while the female has a more muted appearance with brown streaks.

House Finches can be found throughout most of Virginia, from forests to urban areas. They are often seen in small flocks, perching on tree branches, wires, or building ledges. House Finches are known for their cheerful and melodic song, which can be heard throughout the day.

House Finches are primarily seed eaters, so providing them with a well-stocked bird feeder filled with sunflower seeds and safflower seeds will be attractive to them. They are ground feeders, so make sure your feeder is at ground level or close to it. Finches also enjoy eating small fruits, so consider planting some berry-producing shrubs or trees in your yard.

To attract house finches to your backyard, it’s also important to provide them with nesting opportunities. They are cavity nesters, so providing them with a nest box specifically designed for finches is a great way to do so. Make sure the entrance hole is the right size for finches and place the nest box in a quiet, shaded area.

Here are some pictures of the delightful House Finch:

[insert pictures of House Finch]

Chipping Sparrow

The Chipping Sparrow is a small and cheerful bird that can be found in Virginia. It has a grayish-brown back, a whitish belly, and a reddish-brown cap on its head. It also has a distinctive black eyeline that extends to its bill.

Chipping Sparrows can be found throughout most of Virginia, from forests to residential areas. They are often seen hopping on the ground or perching on tree branches, where they can feed on insects and seeds. Chipping Sparrows are known for their sweet and repetitive song, which can be heard throughout the day.

Chipping Sparrows are primarily seed eaters, so providing them with a well-stocked bird feeder filled with millet, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds will be attractive to them. They are ground feeders, so make sure your feeder is at ground level or close to it. Sparrows are also attracted to water features, so consider adding a birdbath or small fountain to your yard.

To attract chipping sparrows to your backyard, it’s also important to provide them with nesting opportunities. They are ground nesters, so having a patch of low grass or shrubs will be appealing to them. Chipping Sparrows prefer open areas rather than dense vegetation, so keep this in mind when arranging your yard.

Here are some pictures of the cheerful Chipping Sparrow:

[insert pictures of Chipping Sparrow]

Additional Bird Species in Virginia

In addition to the birds mentioned above, there are several other species that can be found in Virginia. Some of these birds are common residents, while others are migratory and can be seen during specific seasons.

Common Grackle

The Common Grackle is a medium-sized blackbird with a glossy black plumage and a long, keel-shaped tail. The male grackle has a striking iridescent blue or purple coloration on its head and neck, while the female has a more subdued appearance. Grackles are known for their loud and varied calls, which can be reminiscent of the sounds made by rusty gates or rusty hinges.

Common Grackles can be found throughout Virginia, but they are most commonly seen in open areas such as fields, meadows, and urban areas. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats. Grackles are omnivorous and will eat a wide range of food, including insects, grains, fruits, and even small vertebrates.

If you want to attract Common Grackles to your backyard, providing them with a well-stocked bird feeder filled with a variety of foods will be appealing to them. Grackles are particularly fond of suet, cracked corn, and mealworms. They are also attracted to water sources, so consider adding a birdbath or small fountain to your yard.

Here are some pictures of the striking Common Grackle:

[insert pictures of Common Grackle]

Carolina Wren

The Carolina Wren is a small but vocal bird that can be found in Virginia. It has a reddish-brown back, a whitish belly, and a long, upward-curving tail. The male and female wrens have similar coloration, although the male’s plumage may be slightly brighter. Wrens also have a distinctive white eyebrow stripe.

Carolina Wrens can be found throughout most of Virginia, from forests to urban areas. They are often seen hopping on the ground or perching on shrubs or low tree branches, where they can search for insects and small prey. Wrens are known for their loud and melodious songs, which can be heard throughout the day.

Carolina Wrens are insectivorous, so providing them with a well-stocked bird feeder filled with mealworms, suet, or other insects will be attractive to them. They are also attracted to water sources, so consider adding a birdbath or small fountain to your yard. Wrens are cavity nesters, so providing them with a nest box specifically designed for wrens is a great way to attract them to your backyard.

Here are some pictures of the charming Carolina Wren:

[insert pictures of Carolina Wren]

Blue Jay

The Blue Jay is a striking and intelligent bird that can be found in Virginia. It has a blue back, a whitish belly, and a black crest on its head. The male and female jays have similar coloration, although the male’s plumage may be slightly brighter. Jays also have a distinctive blue and black pattern on their wings and tail.

Blue Jays can be found throughout most of Virginia, from forests to residential areas. They are often seen perching on tree branches, where they can scan the surroundings for food. Jays are known for their loud and varied calls, including their iconic “jay” call and mimicry of other bird species.

Blue Jays are omnivorous and will eat a wide range of food. They are particularly fond of acorns, nuts, berries, and insects. Providing them with a well-stocked bird feeder filled with a variety of foods will be attractive to them. Jays are also attracted to water sources, so consider adding a birdbath or small fountain to your yard.

Here are some pictures of the striking Blue Jay:

[insert pictures of Blue Jay]

Northern Mockingbird

The Northern Mockingbird is a highly vocal and intelligent bird that can be found in Virginia. It has a gray back, a whitish belly, and long tail feathers. The male and female mockingbirds have similar coloration. Mockingbirds also have distinctive white patches on their wings and a white flash on their underwings, which is visible when they fly.

Northern Mockingbirds can be found throughout most of Virginia, from forests to residential areas. They are often seen perching on tree branches, where they can scan the surroundings for food. Mockingbirds are known for their incredible ability to mimic the songs of other bird species and other sounds in their environment.

Mockingbirds are omnivorous and will eat a wide range of food, including insects, fruits, berries, and even small vertebrates. Providing them with a well-stocked bird feeder filled with a variety of foods will be attractive to them. Mockingbirds are also attracted to water sources, so consider adding a birdbath or small fountain to your yard.

Here are some pictures of the talented Northern Mockingbird:

[insert pictures of Northern Mockingbird]

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a small and colorful bird that can be found in Virginia. It has a green back, a whitish belly, and a long, slender bill. The male hummingbird has a vibrant red throat patch, which can be seen when it flashes in the sunlight. The female has a white throat and a more muted appearance overall.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can be found throughout most of Virginia, but they are typically seen during the summer months when they breed in the area. They are often seen hovering in mid-air or perching on branches or feeders. Hummingbirds are known for their rapid wingbeats and their ability to hover and fly in any direction.

Hummingbirds are nectar feeders, so providing them with a well-stocked hummingbird feeder filled with a sugar water solution will be attractive to them. The solution can be made by mixing one part white granulated sugar with four parts water. It’s important to clean the feeder regularly to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.

To attract hummingbirds to your backyard, it’s also important to provide them with a variety of flowering plants with tubular-shaped flowers, as these are their preferred food source. Hummingbirds are particularly fond of red or orange flowers, so consider planting some tubular flowers such as bee balm, cardinal flower, or trumpet vine.

Here are some pictures of the beautiful Ruby-throated Hummingbird:

[insert pictures of Ruby-throated Hummingbird]