Wild birds may be found in West Virginia in abundance. We’ll look at some of the most well-known and well-known West Virginia birds, particularly those that may be seen in your own yard, in this article. Some of these species are migratory and only spend part of the year in West Virginia, while others live there all year. Let’s explore 27 West Virginia backyard birds and learn a little about each one.
I’ll then teach you how to attract them to your yard, give you a crash course in the ten different types of bird feeders available, and even recommend a few birdwatching hotspots in West Virginia after that.
How many different species of wild birds are in West Virginia?
It’s tough to say precisely how numerous bird species exist in North America, the United States, or even West Virginia. However, as of 2020, the official state list included 352 species, according to the West Virginia Bird Records Committee.
According to one source, North America has 2,059 species; according to another, just 914. So I’m not sure how much I believe in these statistics, but they do provide a rough estimate of the number of species.
We’re going to concentrate on a few of Virginia’s most popular outdoor species for the purposes of this article.
27 BACKYARD BIRDS IN WEST VIRGINIA
In this section, we’ll explore 27 species of West Virginia backyard birds, some of which are permanent residents and others that aren’t. While they aren’t all of the state’s species, they are some of the most well-known and identifiable backyard birds, many of which may be seen on your bird feeders. Let’s get started right now!
1. NORTHERN CARDINAL
Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis
Length: 8.3-9.1 in
Weight: 1.5-1.7 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 in
Among the most well-known and widespread bird species in North America are Northern Cardinals. Females have duller hues and are more pale brown with some reddish tinge, while males have bright red feathers and a black mask. The mohawks and reddish orange beaks of both sexes are readily recognizable.
Since cardinals do not migrate, Northern Cardinals can be found throughout West Virginia year-round.
Most seed feeders will be visited by the Cardinals, who will offer them a combination of black sunflower seeds and other seeds.
2. TUFTED TITMOUSE
Scientific name: Baeolophus bicolor
Length: 5.5-6.3 in
Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-10.2 in
In the areas where they live, these small birds are very frequent at feeders and backyards. They, like Cardinals, have a little mohawk crest that distinguishes them from other birds. With a black patch just above their beaks, titmice are silver-gray on top and lighter on the bottom.
Throughout the year, the Tufted Titmouse can be found in West Virginia.
Most seed feeders will receive titmice, who will provide them with a combination of black sunflower seeds.
3. CHICKADEES
Scientific name: Poecile atricapillus (Black-Capped), Poecile carolinensis (Carolina)
Length: 4.7-5.9 in (Black-Capped), 3.9-4.7 in (Carolina)
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (Black-Capped), 0.3-0.4 oz (Carolina)
Wingspan: 6.3-8.3 in (Black-Capped), 5.9-7.9 in (Carolina)
The “black cap” and black bib of chickadees distinguish them from other small birds. Their underbodies are fluffy and light, with solid white cheeks and gray wings and backs.
Black-capped Chickadees and Carolina Chickadees are two varieties of Chickadees that may be found in the east. They appear similar. They can usually tell which one they’re looking at based on where they are. Both chickadees, on the other hand, can be found in West Virginia. They’re quite frequent around bird feeders, where they dart back and forth from one to another to cover and uncover.
In West Virginia, Carolina chickadees are more common, however both species of chickadee may be found all year.
Most seed feeders will be visited by chickadees, who will offer mixed seed blends and black sunflower seeds.
4. BLUE JAY
Scientific name: Cyanocitta cristata
Length: 9.8-11.8 in
Weight: 2.5-3.5 oz
Wingspan: 13.4-16.9 in
In North America and the United States, another well-known bird species is the black-billed magpie. The Blue Jay is the one who does it. Their heads are topped with a huge blue crest, while their backs and wings are covered in mostly blue feathers. Their neck is black, and their breast and belly are white underneath it. Black stripes and barring cover their wings and tail. The same coloration is seen in both sexes. The Blue Jays are among the first to inform all the birds in the area of a nearby threat, such as a hawk, and they have several loud, metallic-sounding alarms.
Another year-round resident of West Virginia is the Blue Jays. Backyards and feeders are good places to find them.
Platform feeders, peanut feeders, and feeders with large perches are favorites of the Blue Jays. Black sunflower seeds, mixed seeds, and peanuts are all good choices.
5. EASTERN BLUEBIRD
Scientific name: Sialia sialis
Length: 6.3-8.3 in
Weight: 1.0-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-12.6 in
The underside is blue while the top is rusty reddish-orange. They are what they claim to be. Females’ hues appear duller and more faded, particularly the blue, however the hues of males and females are similar. In the United States, they are among the most desired birds. The company has seen substantial growth in the field of bluebird houses. Backyards, not feeders, are where they grow most often. With this birdhouse, which I put on Amazon, I was able to attract a mating pair.
Bluebirds do migrate in certain regions of North America, however not in Virginia. Throughout the year, you may see the Eastern Bluebird.
Feeders with mealworms on a tray feeder or in a dish are occasionally enticing bluebirds to eat seeds.
6. SONG SPARROW
Scientific name: Melospiza melodia
Length: 4.7-6.7 in
Weight: 0.4-1.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-9.4 in
Most of North America’s Song Sparrows have variable plumage, which varies from area to area. These sparrows have a black chest and a white belly in the east, with brown streaks on their backs and wings. Their chest streaks often merge in a conspicuous brown patch, which assists with identification. In addition to attracting females and defending his territory, the male of the species uses his song.
The Song Sparrows, on the other hand, are permanent residents of West Virginia.
Bird feeders are visited by Song Sparrows on occasion, who enjoy mixed seeds and sunflower seeds.
7. AMERICAN ROBIN
Scientific name: Turdus migratorius
Length: 7.9-11.0 in
Weight: 2.7-3.0 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
Robins are typically seen hopping around the grass in search of worms and other invertebrates, which is a common sight in backyards. They do not usually eat seeds, but they will occasionally visit bird feeders. They are easily identified by their bright red, spherical bellies and yellow beaks. During the winter, they retreat to the woods in many places, and until spring, they don’t return to yards. They seem to be leaving the state, but in reality they remain through the winter in most cases.
Throughout West Virginia, you’ll see robins all year.
Feed meal worms, native fruit-bearing plants, or a bird bath to attract American Robins since they don’t often visit bird feeders.
8. MOURNING DOVE
Scientific name: Zenaida macroura
Length: 9.1-13.4 in
Weight: 3.0-6.0 oz
Wingspan: 17.7 in
Doves are a ubiquitous sight in backyards, perched on telephone lines or in clusters in trees, and are about the size of a robin. I frequently observe them on my tray feeder, although they’re more often seen wandering about on the ground. Gray with black markings on the top, a paler peachy color below, and pink legs, Mourning Doves are mostly gray.
Throughout the whole state of West Virginia, Mourning Doves may be found year-round.
Dove feeders are popular, but falling seeds are preferred over seed feeders. Try scattering seeds on the ground or using a ground feeder with a mixed seed blend.
9. EUROPEAN STARLING
Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris
Length: 7.9-9.1 in
Weight: 2.1-3.4 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
In the 1890s, 100 starlings were released in New York and have since overrun the nation. They will overrun feeders, destroying other birds’ nests and killing their offspring. They will also sabotage other birds’ nests by overthrowing them. They have yellow beaks and feet and are mostly dark with white specks on their backs and wings. In the right light, starlings may also be a purple and green iridescent color that is quite lovely.
Sadly, this destructive species can be found year-round in every state except West Virginia.
Almost anything can be eaten by European Starlings. We recommend that you do not try to attract them, since they are an invasive species and will appear anyway.
10. AMERICAN GOLDFINCH
Scientific name: Spinus tristis
Length: 4.3-5.1 in
Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in
In the spring and summer, seeing goldfinches at feeders is one of my favorite pastimes. Their gleaming yellow feathers are particularly beautiful. Males have a black cap on top of their heads during this time, and they are mostly yellow or “gold” with black-tipped wings. Their vibrant yellow color fades to a dull brownish or olive hue throughout the winter, and they molt. The black on their wings and beaks, as well as their finch-like behavior, are always identifiable.
Throughout West Virginia, goldfinches may be found year-round.
Sunflower chips are a good option for goldfinches, but a thistle feeder is your best bet for attracting them.
11. CAROLINA WREN
Scientific name: Thryothorus ludovicianus
Length: 4.7-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-0.8 oz
Wingspan: 11.4 in
The top of these little birds is reddish-brown, while the bottom is pale orangish. They’ve got a long, somewhat bent beak with a white “eyebrow” that’s bold. They prefer to hide in the bushes, making them difficult to locate, but their loud “teakettle-teakettle” cry is unmistakable.
Throughout West Virginia and the southern United States, Carolina Wrens may be seen year-round.
In our yard, we observed a Carolina Wren visiting a suet feeder, as shown in the photograph above. They are quite frequent in backyards and frequently seen at suet feeders.
12. DARK-EYED JUNCO
Scientific name: Junco hyemalis
Length: 5.5-6.3 in
Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-9.8 in
Since they spend their summers in Canada, juncos are often considered winter birds by people in the United States. Colorations vary greatly across the United States. They have a black head, chest, back, wings, and tail in the eastern United States. They have a white belly that extends all the way down to their tail. Females may appear buffy brown rather than gray and may resemble males. The pale pink beak and rounded form of the junco are two excellent features to look for when determining if it’s a junco. These are most often seen hopping around on the ground in forests and wooded regions.
During the autumn and winter months, dark-eyed Juncos are most common in West Virginia, although they may stay year-round in the northeast corner of the state.
Juncos spend time at feeders, but instead of eating seed from the ground beneath your feeders, they prefer to eat seed dropped by other birds. They favor a combination of seeds.
13. HOUSE FINCH
Scientific name: Haemorhous mexicanus
Length: 5.1-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in
In West Virginia, the House Finch is another common backyard bird. They aren’t as despised as other invasive birds such as House Sparrows or European Starlings, despite the fact that they’re invasive in the eastern United States. They may appear in huge flocks and mob your feeders if you attract them, which is quite simple to do. Females are all brown, but males are streaked brown with some red on the head and chest.
Throughout West Virginia, House Finches may be seen all year.
House Finches eat thistle seeds, as do other finches. They’re more common at seed feeders than Goldfinches, so give them a try with some black sunflower seeds.
14. GRAY CATBIRD
Scientific name: Dumetella carolinensis
Length: 8.3-9.4 in
Weight: 0.8-2.0 oz
Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 in
Catbirds are little robins with a black head and a long tail. They have dark slate gray coloration all over. A brownish-red patch appears near their tails, which is often unnoticed. Attract catbirds with native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, since they love to eat fruit. Their cries, which sound like those of a meowing cat, earned them the moniker catbird.
Only during the spring and summer months do Gray Catbirds exist throughout West Virginia.
If you provide some fruits, berries, and sweet delicacies, catbirds may be enticed to visit you, however they prefer to hunt for food on the ground or in shrubs.
15. CHIPPING SPARROW
Scientific name: Spizella passerina
Length: 4.7-5.9 in
Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz
Wingspan: 8.3 in
With a buffy gray breast, brown and tan streaked wings, a rusty red hat, and a black line through the eye with white above, chipping sparrows have their most crisp feathers in the summer. Their markings may become less apparent in the winter, and their color may become more buffy-brown. These are typical sparrows that feed on the ground and prefer open areas.
Throughout the spring and summer, Chipping Sparrows may be found all throughout West Virginia.
At feeders in the backyard, Chipping Sparrows are frequent, and they prefer to stay on the ground and collect what has fallen. Sunflower and mixed seed, especially scattered on the ground, attract them.
16. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Melanerpes carolinus
Length: 9.4 in
Weight: 2.0-3.2 oz
Wingspan: 13.0-16.5 in
In the eastern United States, these medium-sized woodpeckers are frequently found around feeders and gardens. You may initially notice the bright red stripe down the back of their heads, despite being labeled as “red-bellied.” They have a basic white break with a pinkish red patch in their belly region that is typically not seen. The white and black barring on their wings makes them exceedingly easy to identify.
All year long, red-bellied woodpeckers may be found in West Virginia.
The whole state of West Virginia is home to red-bellied woodpeckers, who spend the year there.
While they will occasionally eat at seed feeders, particularly if peanuts are available, attract Red-bellied Woodpeckers with a suet feeder.
17. DOWNY WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Picoides pubescens
Length: 5.5-6.7 in
Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in
Little birds called downy’s are common backyard birds that visit bird feeders. They’re one of the first birds I see at a new bird feeder, and they’re the tiniest woodpeckers in North America. The red patch on the back of their heads (in males, females have no red) and their pure white underbodies, black wings with white dots, black and white striped heads distinguish them easily. Downy’s are smaller than Hairy Woodpeckers, although they closely resemble them.
In West Virginia, the Downy Woodpecker can be seen all year.
Most types of bird feeders attract Downy Woodpeckers. Mixed seed, black sunflower seed, and suet should be offered.
18. COMMON GRACKLE
Scientific name: Quiscalus quiscula
Length: 11.0-13.4 in
Weight: 2.6-5.0 oz
Wingspan: 14.2-18.1 in
Grackles are also lovely in the right light, with their iridescent feathers, despite being classified as a bully bird like the starling. They’re commonly dark in color, although blue, green, brown, and purple hues may be visible under the right conditions. Grackles may roost with other kinds of blackbirds and form enormous flocks with millions of birds. Their solid coloring, short, slender body, and yellow ringed eye distinguish them immediately.
Throughout the year, Grackles can be found across West Virginia.
Grackles are often referred to as pests because they forage and eat practically anything.
19. WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
Scientific name: Sitta carolinensis
Length: 5.1-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-10.6 in
Throughout their range, White-breasted Nuthatches are a frequent feeder species in suburban backyards. Nuthatches are named after the way they stuff nuts and seeds inside tree bark, then use their razor-sharp beaks to crack the shell open. In addition to having the best vertical climbing skills of any other kind of bird, these birds may also walk upright on trees. White-breasted Nuthatches have a white head with a black stripe above it, as well as white on their flanks and bellies. Gray and black are the most common colors of their wings.
Throughout West Virginia, White-breasted Nuthatches may be found year-round.
Most seed feeders are visited by nuthatches, who bring black sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet with them. They usually like to grab a seed and fly away, eating it or caching it in a nearby tree as quickly as possible.
20. RED-EYED VIREO
Scientific name: Vireo olivaceus
Length: 4.7 – 5.1 in
Weight: 0.4 – 0.9 oz
Wingspan: 9.1 – 9.8 in
One of the most frequent eastern U.S. birds is the red-eyed vireo. Summer is the season for birds. They come to the United States after spending winters in South America. During breeding season, they are available. Their olive-colored backs and tails are paired with a lighter breast and belly.
Their eye has a black stripe, their brow is white, and their head is black. While it may be challenging to see, and their eye appears black in the shadows, they have a crimson eye-ring. They aren’t often seen unless you are looking for them, despite how common they are.
They seldom come down from the treetops, therefore this is the case. Keep an eye on your yard’s trees. The Red-eye Vireo is a bird I frequently see moving high up near the top, and when I get my binoculars, I can see it. Also, since these vireos are known for “talking” all day, listen for their song and calls in the summer. Once you learn to recognize them, you’ll probably start hearing them everywhere.
In the spring and summer, red-eyed vireos may be seen across West Virginia.
When they are in the United States, red-eyed Vireos eat mostly insects. Don’t visit bird feeders during the summer. Native deciduous trees and insect-supporting plants, on the other hand, may entice them to your yard.
21. WHITE-THROATED SPARROW
Scientific name: Zonotrichia albicollis
Length: 6.3-7.1 in
Weight: 0.8-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 in
Throughout most of the United States, white-throated sparrows are abundant. They migrate to Canada in the summer to breed after spending the winter in Mexico. Their bold facial pattern of black and white stripe with yellow spots between the eyes, in addition to their white throat patch, makes them easier to identify among sparrows. Females prefer to nest in secluded regions of thick shrub and vegetation, where they can be found on or just above the ground.
Throughout West Virginia, white-throated sparrows may be found year-round, but only in the winter.
Feeders are visited by white-throated sparrows, who prefer to pick up seed that has fallen below feeders. Sunflower, millet, and mixed seed mixes are available.
22. AMERICAN CROW
Scientific name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
Length: 15.8-20.9 in
Weight: 11.2-21.9 oz
Wingspan: 33.5-39.4 in
Crows are black in color and have a large size. Like their cousin the raven, they are also well-known for their intelligence as problem solvers. At big gatherings, crows will perch higher up in the tree tops and have a birds-eye view of everything below. The roost will yell out and alert everyone present that there is risk nearby if an owl or hawk appears.
Throughout the year, crows may be found all over West Virginia.
Crows are too huge to visit bird feeders, so they’re omnivorous and don’t go there.
23. EASTERN TOWHEE
Scientific name: Pipilo erythrophthalmus
Length: 6.8-8.2 in
Weight: 1.1-1.8 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-11.0 in
The Eastern Towhee is a beloved backyard bird that is frequently seen and a joy to watch. The head and back of both sexes are black, with white wing patches, orange sides, and a white belly. Males have a dark color, whereas females have a brown color. In the woods throughout spring and summer, they sing a lovely song with a distinctive sound. Towhees, master foragers, look for insects, seeds, and berries among the leaf litter and plants.
Throughout the year, eastern Towhees dwell in the southern half of West Virginia, while only during the spring and summer do they dwell in the northern part.
In my experience, Eastern Towhees seldom consume food off of birdfeeders, although I regularly observe them hopping around the ground below my feeders. In a similar way, towhees might be drawn to bird feeders.
24. INDIGO BUNTING
Scientific name: Passerina cyanea
Length: 4.7-5.1 in
Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in
These magnificent buntings leave their wintering grounds in Mexico and southern Florida at night and head north. Males are bright blue all over, with black on their wings, while females are mostly brown with just hints of blue. Instead of blue pigment, their feathers reflect light in a different way. In the summer, listen for them singing in the fields and forests.
Throughout the spring and summer, Indigo Buntings may be found all throughout West Virginia.
They may visit you even if you give mixed seed and nyjer, though they are less common at feeders.
25. HOUSE SPARROW
Scientific name: Passer domesticus
Length: 5.9-6.7 in
Weight: 0.9-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 in
Houses Sparrows are the only other wild bird species in the United States, and they are generally viewed as pests. You can trap and kill starlings in a humane manner, as well as other birds. They were imported in New York around the 1800s, and like starlings, they have exploded across the United States. Their wings and buffy chest are streaked with black and brown, and they are generally brown in color. When it comes to other birds, they are generally aggressive.
West Virginia is home to house Sparrows.
House Sparrows, like European Starlings, are invasive and pose a danger to indigenous wildlife. Almost anything will satisfy them.
26. RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
Length: 2.8-3.5 in
Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz
Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 in
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most common species of hummingbird in the United States, although they are only found in the east. The Eastern United States is home to the only breeding hummingbird species. Males have a vivid scarlet neck, hence the name. The backs, wings, and heads of Ruby-throated Hummers are emerald green, with white underparts. The red throat feathers are missing from female birds.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most common hummingbirds in West Virginia, and there may be a few less common species seen on occasion. From spring to fall, they can be found all across the state.
If you set out nectar feeders, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will be present in the backyards in large numbers. These should be done in April or May.
27. CEDAR WAXWING
Scientific name: Bombycilla cedrorum
Length: 5.5-6.7 in
Weight: 1.1 oz
Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 in
The distinctive coloring of Cedar Waxwings is extremely easy to see. The tawny brown head and breast, yellow belly, dark gray wings, and yellow tipped short tail of these medium-sized birds. They have a huge fluffly brown crest and a dramatic black eye mask rimmed in white. Little, red waxy nubs at the ends of their wings give the term waxwing its name.
They may be difficult to detect and no one understands what they are for. They may help you find a spouse. Cedar waxwings are one of just a few North American birds that can subsist on fruit for many months, and they adore fruit. Insects and other foods are added to their diet, but they may eat a lot more fruit than other birds.
year-round residents of West Virginia may see Cedar Waxwings.
Seed feeders are not welcome at Cedar Waxwing nests. Native trees and shrubs that produce tiny fruits and berries may entice them to your yard.
HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR YARD
Are you interested in bringing some of these birds to your property? Take a look at the five easy steps, starting with the simplest.
1. PUT OUT BIRD FEEDERS
A bird feeder or two is the best and simplest way to draw birds to your yard. A basic tube feeder, hopper feeder, platform feeder, or window feeder are all good choices to begin with. For each of the following, there are some options.
2. ADD A WATER SOURCE
You can use a simple terra cotta flower pot saucer, like this one, instead of a pedestal birdbath like the one on Amazon. Birds need water not only to splash in, but also to drink and wash, so adding a water feature to your yard will substantially increase your chances of attracting them. Also, since moving water attracts birds to visit the water more, consider adding a solar fountain.
3. OFFER BIRDHOUSES
If placed in the proper location at the proper time of year, many species of birds will readily take up residence in birdhouses. Among the most popular birds to attract to birdhouses are Eastern Bluebirds. A mating pair of bluebirds was investigating this birdhouse in my estate the same day I put it up.
4. PROVIDE SHELTER
Make sure to include trees, shrubs, and bushes in your yard that the birds may spring back and forth from when they sense danger. Predators are kept at bay by this. Do your best to add some landscaping elements that will enable birds to view your yard as safe if your yard is in a new development with no mature trees.
5. ADD NATIVE PLANTS
Having native plants that produce nuts, berries, and seeds will only help your efforts to attract more birds for many birds that eat them. Moreover, since most songbirds feed insects to their hatchlings, native plants support caterpillars and other insects that feed many birds and support nesting birds. Out-compete the native plants that help to maintain a healthy ecosystem, avoid invasive and non-native plants.
10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIRD FEEDERS
10 of the most popular bird feeders in people’s yards are shown here.
- Hopper feeders are named after the compartment in the middle, the hopper, which accommodates the bird seed. Birds may perch on the sides and eat from the perches. To keep the seed dry, many hopper feeders are shaped like a house and covered on top. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This is a squirrel-proof hopper feeder that I really like.
- Platform feeders are open on top and may be hung from a tree or hook, pole-mounted, or attached to a pole. They’re simple to put up and are ideal for feeding a wide range of birds. Every animal in your yard that can access them will eat from them, despite the fact that they are completely open. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. I have it set up in my yard right now, using this platform feeder.
- Tube feeders are simply transparent plastic tube-shaped bird feeders that you put out for birds. They may hold from a few cups of seed to 5 pounds or more, and they come in a variety of sizes. They’re great because they allow you to easily seed when it needs to be refilled, while also keeping your seed fresh and dry. Tube feeders are used by many types of birds. In tube feeders, you can mix black sunflower seeds with other seeds. This is a great squirrel proof tube feeder from Squirrel Buster, one of the best on the market.
- Suet feeders, also known as suet cake feeders, are used by one kind of bird. They are a rather basic design, generally consisting of a metal wire cage with a tail-prop for bigger birds. Suet feeders are common during the winter, when woodpeckers come to visit and birds are seeking high-fat foods. I suggest getting a suet feeder with a long tail prop to attract larger woodpeckers, such as the Pileated and Northern Flicker.
- Window feeders are small bird feeders that use suction cups to mount onto a glass window. Tray feeders are open on top and you simply pour seed into the tray to refill them, so they’re comparable. These feeders are preferred by a wide range of species, are simple to set up, and ideal for anyone with small gardens. For this sort of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This is, by far, the most popular bird feeder on Amazon, as well as the most popular window feeder.
- Thistle feeders, sometimes known as Nyjer feeders, are specialized bird feeders designed for thistle seed. Birds belonging to the finch family, which includes the American Goldfinch and House Finch, are among the most common types of birds attracted to thistle feeders. Thistle feeders are usually tube-shaped and include tiny holes along the tube’s circumference that allow birds to eat the thistle. Droll Yankees has a great thistle feeder.
- Tray feeders that sit on the ground level are known as ground feeders. Birds like Mourning Doves and Juncos, as well as squirrels, raccoons, and other ground animals will love them. For this type of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This ground feeder made of recycled plastic is a great choice.
- Another kind of specialized feeder for just one species of bird, orioles, is the oriole feeder. Little plastic or glass dishes designed for holding jelly, which orioles adore, are frequently used as feeders. Another food that orioles enjoy is orange halves, which they can stick onto the feeder. With four jelly trays, this simple oriole feeder can hold orange halves.
- Hummingbird feeders are sugar water extractors that are specifically designed for hummingbirds. I frequently see Downy Woodpeckers at mine, even though they are meant for hummingbirds, and they love that sweet nectar as much as I do. Learn how to make hummingbird nectar without boiling the water by reading this article. There is no need to pay a lot of money for a hummingbird feeder since they are so simple and cheap. Here’s one I’ve personally used and liked.
- Peanut feeders are tube-shaped and usually made of metal wire mesh material, similar to thistle feeders. To allow for either whole unshelled or shelled peanuts to pass through the holes, the holes in the wire mesh are spaced much farther apart. These feeders should be filled with peanuts and attract birds such as Blue Jays. Squirrel Buster’s peanut feeder is the best way to keep squirrels out if you want to do so. This basic one will suffice.
BIRD WATCHING IN WEST VIRGINIA
If you want to go out and bird in West Virginia, it’s a fantastic place to do so. If you’re interested in getting more engaged, the Mountaineer Audubon Group and Potomac Valley Audubon Society host meetups, seminars, field excursions, and birding trips.
Take a look at this list I’ve created of popular birding spots in West Virginia if you’re a resident (or simply visiting) and want to add some new species to your life list.
WEST VIRGINIA BIRDING LOCATIONS
(and local birding events) See what each of these destinations has to offer
- Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area
- Pricketts Fork State Park
- McClintic Wildlife Management Area
- Robert C. Byrd Locks and Dam