A variety of wild birds may be found in Arizona. We’ll take a look at some of Arizona’s most well-known and well-known birds, particularly those that may be found near home, in this article. Some of the species are only migratory part-time residents, while others stay in Arizona all year. So, let’s learn a bit about each species by looking at 28 backyard birds in Arizona.
I’ll teach you how to attract them to your yard, give you a crash course in the 10 distinct sorts of bird feeders that may be used to do so, and even recommend a few birdwatching hotspots and organizations in Arizona after that.
How many different species of wild birds are in Arizona?
It’s impossible to say precisely how many bird species live in North America, the United States, or even Arizona. You can find a lot of species that cross the border from time to time but do not establish residence in the United States, particularly in a state like Arizona that shares a border with Mexico. Yet, according to Wikipedia, the official state list includes at least 562 species.
According to one source, North America contains 2,059 species; according to another, just 914. As a result, I’m uncertain how much confidence I have in these numbers when it comes to informing us about the number of species.
We’re going to look at a few of our favorite backyard animals found in Arizona for the purpose of this article.
28 BACKYARD BIRDS IN ARIZONA
We’ll take a look at 28 species of Arizona backyard birds, some of which live year-round and others that don’t. These are some of the more well-known and recognized Arizona backyard birds, many of which you may see at your bird feeders, but they are far from all of the species in the state. Let’s get started!
1. 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 both the eastern and western parts of the nation, the House Finch is a frequent backyard bird. They usually appear in groups at your feeders if you attract them, which is relatively simple. Males are brown in color, with red on the head and chest, while females are brown throughout.
Year-round residents of Arizona include House Finches.
House finches, like other finches, are fond of thistle feeders. They’re more common than Goldfinches at seed feeders, so offer them some black sunflower seeds if you want to attract them.
2. MOURNING DOVE
Scientific name: Zenaida macroura
Length: 9.1-13.4 in
Weight: 3.0-6.0 oz
Wingspan: 17.7 in
Doves are small birds that may be found in gardens and sit perched on power lines or in groups in trees. They are about the size of a pigeon. They’re often seen walking around on the ground, rather than being seen on my tray feeder. Gray doves with black markings on top, a light peachy hue below, and pink legs make up the majority of mourning doves.
Mourning doves may be found throughout Arizona, both in the summer and winter.
Dove feeders are often visited, but scouring the earth for fallen seeds is their preferred method of seed gathering. Place some seeds on the ground or use a ground feeder with a mixed seed blend.
3. 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 they have since occupied the whole country. They invade other birds’ nests, murdering their offspring and blocking access to food sources for other species. They have yellow beaks and feet and are mostly all dark with white specks on their backs and wings. Starlings may also be a purple and green iridescent hue, and they can be quite lovely when seen in the right light.
Unfortunately, this invasive species may be found in every state in the lower 48 throughout the year.
Anything goes for European Starlings. We recommend not trying to attract them since they are an invasive species that will appear anyway.
4. VERDIN
Scientific name: Auriparus flaviceps
Length: 3.5-4.3 in
Weight: 0.2-0.3 oz
The pattern of a verdint is simple to recognize. The body of these tiny birds is light gray, with a yellow head and a reddish-brown patch on the wing’s summit. They are typically more active in the morning and become tranquil in the heat of the day to deal with their living in hot, arid regions. When hunting for insects and spiders, they are quick and agile. By inserting their head into the blossom or piercing the base of the flower, they may also sip nectar from flowers.
In the southern and western parts of Arizona, verdins are year-round residents, but they are uncommon or absent in the northern and eastern parts.
Verdins will occasionally visit hummingbird nectar feeders, despite the fact that they don’t consume seed. Blooming shrubs have the added benefit of attracting them.
5. 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
Within its range, white-breasted nuthatches are a prevalent feeder species. Nuthatches are named after their habits of stuffing nuts and seeds beneath tree bark, then cracking the shell with their razor-sharp beaks. In addition, these birds are masters of tree climbing vertically than most other species. White-breasted nuthatches have a white head with a black stripe on top and sides, as well as on their bellies. Gray and black are the most common colors of their wings.
White-breasted nuthatches may be scarce or absent along the western and southern frontiers of Arizona, as they are year-round across much of the state.
Most seed feeders will be visited by nuthatches, who will provide them with a variety of seed mixtures, black sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet. They usually like to seize a seed and fly away as soon as possible, caching it in a nearby tree or devouring it right away.
6. GILA WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Melanerpes uropygialis
Length: 8.7-9.4 in
Weight: 1.8-2.8 oz
Wingspan: 15.8-16.5 in
As long as there are Saguaro cactus to live in, the gila woodpecker is an expert at surviving treeless deserts. Before moving in, the gila digs a hole in the top of the cactus and guards it for a few days until it dries out. With bold black and white barring on the wings and tail, Gilas have a tan head and belly. The forehead of males is red, but not for females.
In the southern part of Arizona, gila woodpeckers stay year-round in deserts.
They may come to your backyard feeders, especially if you offer corn, suet, and nuts, if you live near their habitat.
7. 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 often viewed as pests. In addition to legal starling trapping and slaughter, there are other options. They were brought to New York in the 1800s, and since then, they have spread like wildfire across the United States. Their wings and buffy chest are streaked with black and brown, and they are generally brown in color. They are typically aggressive towards other birds, particularly around nests.
Arizona is home to a variety of House Sparrows throughout the year.
House sparrows, like the European starling, are invasive and pose a danger to native birds. Almost anything will fill their stomachs.
8. LESSER GOLDFINCH
Scientific name: Spinus psaltria
Length: 3.5-4.3 in
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz
Wingspan: 5.9-7.9 in
As illustrated above, the male Lesser Goldfinch has black head, yellow belly, and white markings on its dark wings. In Arizona, where they may seem a dark glossy black all over their head and back, there is also another plumage variation that may be present. Females have yellow below, with a olive-colored head and back. These goldfinches, house finches, and sparrows are frequently found in a mixed flock.
Sunflower seeds and nyjer (thistle) seed are favorite foods of Lesser Goldfinches.
9. CURVE-BILLED THRASHER
Scientific name: Toxostoma curvirostre
Length: 10.6-11.0 in
Weight: 2.1-3.3oz
Wingspan: 13.4-13.6 in
With a pale throat and speckled belly, the curve-billed thrasher is a dull gray-brown. Their beak is black and their eye is yellow-orange, and they have a robust beak. Because of the way they sweep their beak back and forth through leaf litter looking for insects, I assume they’re called thrashers. Fruit, seeds, and even flowers are also eaten by them. Their whistle-like sound is likened to that of a cab driver hailing a cab.
The southern half of Arizona is home to curve-billed thrashers all year.
Thrashers, especially curve-billed thrashers, are seldom seen at bird feeders, although they may acquire seeds on the ground or from huge platform feeders. Cracked corn, sunflower seeds, and millet are available. Providing water can also help you attract them.
10. COMMON RAVEN
Scientific name: Corvus corax
Length: 22.1-27.2 in
Weight: 24.3-57.3 oz
Wingspan: 45.7-46.5 in
Solid black in color and rather huge in size, Common Ravens are a common sight. Like their relative the crow, they are also recognized for their sharp intellects when solving problems. Living alongside human activity, or in complete isolation, they appear to be equally at ease. Ravens may produce a variety of different noises, the most prevalent of which is a series of croaks.
Throughout Arizona, ravens may be seen year-round.
Omnivorous common Ravens are enormous, and they seldom visit birdfeeders. However, keep an eye on your trash and pet food outside.
11. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
Scientific name: Agelaius phoeniceus
Length: 6.7-9.1 in
Weight: 1.1-2.7 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
Male red-winged blackbirds are among the most common birds in North America, with their red and yellow shoulders standing out against their dark bodies. The females, on the other hand, are mostly brown with light streaks and look quite different than the males. Males will have up to 15 distinct females that they are mating with, making them a polygynous species. Unfortunately, they arrive at feeders in groups and devour the seed quickly.
Arizona is home to the red-winged blackbird, which may be seen all year.
Most seed types as well as suet are eaten by red-winged blackbirds, who frequent most feeders.
12. WHITE-WINGED DOVE
Scientific name: Zenaida asiatica
Weight: 4.4-6.6 oz
Wingspan: 18.9-22.8 in
White-winged doves, like their mourning relatives, peck around on the ground for food rather than at bird feeders. The majority of these doves have white-tipped tails and white inner wings, with black outer wings. They are mostly pale brown in color. Around their eyes, they have a bright blue ring. While white-winged doves may be found in the Sonoran Desert, they prefer to feed on saguaro cactus fruits.
During the spring and summer breeding season, White-winged Doves may be found across southern Arizona, with the majority of them residing along the western border.
Seed feeders are seldom visited by white-winged doves, although they will pick up trash on the ground.
13. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW
Scientific name: Zonotrichia leucophrys
Length: 5.9-6.3 in
Weight: 0.9-1.0 oz
Wingspan: 8.3-9.4 in
White-crowned sparrows move back and forth across the United States throughout the winter, spending most of their time in Canada and Alaska during the summer. White-crowned sparrows have a prominent black and white striped head, with the rest of their face, chest, and belly remaining a basic buffy brown-gray. In fields, along road and trail borders, and in other places where they can forage. Sparrows will visit bird feeders, but are more likely to pick up spilled seed on the ground.
Only during the fall and winter are these sparrows found across Arizona.
Feeders are visited by white-crowned sparrows, who like to collect fallen seed below feeders. Sunflower, millet, and mixed seed blends are available.
14. NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
Scientific name: Mimus polyglottos
Length: 8.3-10.2 in
Weight: 1.6-2.0 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-13.8 in
The ability of mockingbirds to imitate the songs of other bird species earned them their name. A male mockingbird may remember up to 200 distinct songs throughout its lifetime, according to estimates. The somewhat long tail feathers distinguish these medium-sized backyard birds, which are mostly gray and white in color. They are frequently encountered in tall bushes and may be aggressive towards invading birds.
Northern Mockingbirds are present throughout Arizona throughout the year, although they are most visible during the breeding season in northern and eastern areas of the state.
Northern Mockingbirds are common in backyards, but they don’t often visit birdfeeders. Some of the other suggestions below, such as fruit-bearing bushes or a bird bath, may entice them to your yard.
15. YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER
Scientific name: Setophaga coronata
Length: 4.7-5.5 in
Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 in
The Yellow-rumped warbler’s color pattern changes depending on where it lives. The Audubon’s variety, which bears vivid yellow on the neck, rump, and sides, is most common in Arizona. On top of their head, you may even see a little dash of yellow. The pattern of females is the same as that of males, although the brightness may be less and the distinctions may be less clear. In the spring, their colors will be the most vivid and vibrant, and over the winter, they will fade considerably. Like other warblers, their colors will change throughout the year.
Throughout the winter, yellow-rumped warblers may be seen in Arizona, however during the breeding season, they may be seen in parts of the state’s central and southwestern regions.
Bird feeders are occasionally visited by Yellow-rumped Warblers. Sunflower seeds, suet, and raisins are all good options for attracting them.
16. BLACK PHOEBE
Scientific name: Sayornis nigricans
Length: 6.3 in
Weight: 0.5-0.8 oz
Except for their white belly, black phoebe’s are sooty and dark all over. They have a small black beak, and their skull looks to be peaked on the top. The diet of black phoebe is predominantly insects like flies, beetles, spiders, bees, and grasshoppers, as the name implies. They are part of the flycatcher family. They’re often seen sitting low to the ground, pumping their tail up and down.
Black phoebes aren’t interested in birdseed feeders since they’re insect eaters. Offering mealworms or having indigenous plants that encourage insects may help you attract them.
17. GAMBLE’S QUAIL
Scientific name: Callipepla gambelii
Length: 9.8 in
Weight: 5.6-7.0 oz
Wingspan: 13.4-14.2 in
In shrubby or thorny places where they like to forage in large groups, look for Gambel’s quail in the morning or late afternoon. They are able to fly, although they prefer to move across the ground. The body of both sexes is gray, with chestnut-brown wings striped with white, a black comma-shaped crest that hangs down from the head, and a brown belly. A brown headgear, a black face, and a black bellly patch are also worn by males. They may be found practically everywhere in Arizona, from western honey mesquite to wild honey mesquite.
Gambel’s stick, which is mostly located in the western and southern regions of the state, stays in Arizona all year within its preferred environment.
If you have scattered seed around the yard, such as corn, millet, milo, and sunflower, Gambel’s quails will come to visit.
18. GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE
Scientific name: Quiscalus mexicanus
Length: 15.0-18.1 in
Weight: 3.7-6.7 oz
Wingspan: 18.9-22.8 in
When seen in the right light, great-tailed grackles seem black, however blue, green, and purple hues may be seen. They may roost alongside other blackbirds and be seen in huge numbers, sometimes numbering in the millions of birds. The solid coloring, long narrow body, and yellow ringed eye of males distinguish them from females. Females are a dark brown above and paler brown below, whereas males are about half the size of females and possess the yellow eye.
All year, these grackles may be found throughout Arizona.
Great-tailed grackles are considered pests since they chase away smaller birds and are foragers who will eat practically anything. They will eat anything that falls to the ground and use platform feeders, however they are often too large for traditional bird feeders.
19. EURASIAN COLLARD-DOVE
Scientific name: Streptopelia decaocto
Length: 11.4-11.8 in
Weight: 4.9-6.3 oz
Wingspan: 13.8 in
The Eurasian collared dove is a native of Europe and Asia, as you might expect from its name. Several of them arrived in Florida in the 1970s after escaping from a Bahamas pet store. These released birds, as well as others placed in the south Caribbean on Guadeloupe, are said to have started the colonization of the United States. They can now be found in most of the United States. Throughout the world, including Mexico. They have a chunkier body and a longer tail than a mourning dove. They have a plain back with a black stripe down the back of their neck, rather than the black markings on their backs that a mourning dove possesses.
Arizona is home to the Eurasian collared dove all year.
Eurasian collared doves, which eat seeds and grain from platform feeders or scattered on the ground, will visit backyards to eat. Millet is especially appealing to them.
20. 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 recognized and prevalent backyard birds in North America are Northern Cardinals. Females have duller colors and are more pale brown with some reddish coloring, while males have bright red feathers and a black mask. The characteristic mohawks and reddish orange beaks of both sexes make them easy to identify.
The northern Cardinals are more prevalent in the state’s central and southern regions, and remain in Arizona throughout the year.
Most seed feeders will be visited by the Cardinals, who will provide them with mixed seed blends and black sunflower seeds.]
21. PYRRHULOXIA
Scientific name: Cardinalis sinuatus
Length: 8.3 in
Weight: 0.8-1.5 oz
The pyrrhuloxia is a hot-desert species that is related to the northern cardinal, although it is only found in the southwest. Gray bodies, fat yellow beaks, and red highlights characterize them. The face and chest of males are red, whereas females lack this coloration. During the breeding season, they are territorial, but in the winter, they form enormous flocks.
The southwestern section of Arizona is home to the majority of Pyrrhuloxias.
Pyrrhuloxias may prefer to feed from the ground or platforms, rather than from backyard feeders. Sunflower seeds are one of their favorites.
22. ABERT’S TOWHEE
Scientific name: Melozone aberti
Length: 8.3-9.1 in
Weight: 1.5-1.9 oz
Wingspan: 10.4-11.6 in
The Abert’s towhee gets along well with its Sonoran desert habitat. Males and females have a sandy brown coloration on their heads and under their tails, with a thin beak and warm reddish-brown skin. They prefer to spend their time near cottonwoods and willows, and they like to spend it in brushy environments. Like other towhees, this towhee eats mainly insects discovered in leaf litter or loose soil.
The towhee is a year-round resident of Arizona, with the majority of its sightings in the state’s southern and western regions.
By presenting water, native plants, and seed spread on the ground or on a low platform feeder, you may entice Albert’s towhee to your yard.
23. NORTHERN FLICKER
Scientific name: Colaptes auratus
Length: 11.0-12.2 in
Weight: 3.9-5.6 oz
Wingspan: 16.5-20.1 in
In backyards throughout the United States, these medium to large-sized woodpeckers are rather widespread, but not particularly frequent. They’re also one of the most beautiful birds in North America, in my opinion. Unlike other woodpeckers, Flickers prefer to find insects on the ground rather than in trees and feed mainly on them. The black spots on their bellies, solid black bib, barred black and gray wings, and brown face on a gray head will help you identify them. Females do not have a red mustache, but males do. They have brilliant red feathers on the bottom of their wings and tail, and you get the “red-shafted” kind in Arizona.
Throughout the bulk of Arizona, Northern Flickers can be found all year, however they may only be seen in the southern section of the state during the winter.
While other woodpecker species may not feed as often, Northern Flickers will visit suet feeders. You may observe them digging around for insects if you have some leaf mounds in the yard.
24. RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET
Scientific name: Regulus calendula
Length: 3.5-4.3 in
Weight: 0.2-0.3 oz
Wingspan: 6.3-7.1 in
The wing bars, yellow-edged wing feathers, and a white eye ring are all olive green on this little kinglet. When excited, the male may display a little patch of bright red feathers on top of his skull, but these are generally covered. They’re frequently darting through shrubs and trees, flicking their wings, and filling their energy reserves. Wing-flicking is a consistent feature that may help with identification. They can lay up to 12 eggs at a time, despite their small size.
The ruby-crowned kinglet is a winter migrant in most of Arizona. However, in the northern and eastern sections of the state, some people may remain year-round.
Bird feeders attract Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Sunflower chips, suet, peanut pieces, and mealworms are all good ways to attract them.
25. PINE SISKIN
Scientific name: Spinus pinus
Length: 4.3-5.5 in
Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-8.7 in
The little finch family includes pine siskins, with pointed beaks that are tiny. They have a brown and white streaked appearance and may even resemble female house finches. The pine siskin, on the other hand, will have bright yellow feathers on its wings and sides of their tails at all times. They are considered nomads and move about each winter after excellent seed crops, with conifer seeds as their preferred food source. As a result, you may witness a lot of them during one winter and little during another.
Most places of Arizona year-round have pine siskins, however they are more frequent in the winter just in the southeast.
Nyjer (thistle) feeders are highly attractive to Pine Siskins, who may also eat millet or hulled sunflower.
26. LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Dryobates scalaris
Length: 6.3-7.1 inches
Weight: 0.7-1.7 ounces
Wingspan: 13.0 inches
Dense forests, with deep trees, are most likely what you think of when you hear the term woodpeckers. The Ladder-back, on the other hand, has evolved to dwell in the rough desert terrain of the south. They may be found in deserts and scrubland, having been dubbed the “cactus woodpecker.” They adore untamed scrubland with mesquite and prickly pear cactus in Arizona. The horizontal stripes on their backs look like “rungs on a ladder,” and they are named for this.
Except for the northeastern corner of Arizona, ladder-backed woodpeckers may be found all year. The most habitat is found in the state’s western and southern regions.
If you live in the vicinity of their habitat, ladder-backed Woodpeckers may visit feeders. They will eat suet, and may even visit nectar feeders, like many woodpeckers.
27. 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
Because they spend their summers in Canada, juncos are often referred to as winter birds in the United States. Across the United States, there are various subspecies. The color variations are somewhat different. The pink-sided, gray-headed, red-backed, and cassiar kinds of Oregon may be seen in Arizona, as well as others. They should be able to be distinguished using a decent bird ID book. The pale pink beak and roundish body form of dark-eyed junco’s are two positive features to seek out when identifying them on all varieties. In addition, the head and back are generally darker, while the belly is lighter.
Throughout the winter months, Dark-eyed Juncos are only common in Arizona, although some may stay throughout the year in the state’s northeastern corner.
Juncos will feeders from time to time, although they prefer to eat seed buried beneath your feeders, like other birds do. Mixed seeds are something they appreciate.
28. CACTUS WREN
Scientific name: Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
Length: 7.1-8.7 in
Weight: 1.1-1.7 oz
The cactus wren has a heavily streaked brown back with a round body. The throat and belly are light with dark speckles, and the tail is barred. Their beak is tall and has a somewhat downward turn, as does that of other wrens, and they have a conspicuous white eyebrow. They’re constantly moving and may be heard fanning their tail as well as being noisy. They make their nests in the vicinity of cholla or prickly-pear cacti, and you may always find them there. To call, they like to perch atop cacti.
Throughout the southern half of Arizona, the cactus wren may be seen year-round.
Hulled sunflower or suet may attract this wren if you are near their habitat. Another way to attract them to the yard is to plant native cactus.
HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR YARD
Want to get a few of these birds to your property? Consider these five basic guidelines, starting with the most obvious.
1. PUT OUT BIRD FEEDERS
A bird feeder or two is the most effective and apparent technique to enliven your yard with birds. A basic tube feeder, hopper feeder, platform feeder, or window feeder are all good options to start with. For each of the following, there are ideas.
2. ADD A WATER SOURCE
You may utilize a terra cotta flower pot saucer, such as the one shown on Amazon, for a pedestal birdbath-style like this one. Birds need water not only to splash in, but also to drink, so adding a water feature to your yard will significantly increase your chance of attracting them. Furthermore, since moving water attracts the birds to come to the pool even more, consider adding a solar fountain.
3. OFFER BIRDHOUSES
If placed in the proper location at the proper time of year, several species of birds will readily take up residence in birdhouses. Among the most popular birds sought after by bird enthusiasts are Eastern Bluebirds. A mating pair of bluebirds was checking out my birdhouse in my yard the same day I put it up, which was a surprise to me.
4. PROVIDE SHELTER
When the birds sense danger, make sure your yard has trees, bushes, and shrubs for them to dart back and forth between. Predators are kept at bay by this primary defense. Do your best to add some landscaping features that will allow 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 these things. Moreover, since most songbirds feed insects to their hatchlings, native plants support caterpillars and other insects that feed many birds and foster nesting birds. Invasive and non-native plants may damage the ecosystem by competing with native plants. Try to minimize their presence.
10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIRD FEEDERS
In the yards of most people, the following are 10 of the most popular bird feeders.
- Hopper feeders are called hopper feeders because they have a hopper in the center, which holds the bird seed. Birds may land on and eat from the perches on each side. To keep the seed dry, many hopper feeders are shaped like a house and have a covering on top. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. It’s squirrel-proof, so it’s one of my favorite hopper feeders.
- Platform feeders are open on top and can be hung from a tree or hook, or pole-mounted. They’re also known as tray feeders. They’re simple to setup and ideal for feeding a wide range of birds. Every animal in your yard that can reach them will devour them since they are completely open. For this type of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a blend of birdseed. I have a platform feeder in my yard right now, and I’m enjoying it.
- Tube feeders are transparent plastic tube-shaped bird feeders that you might use for a variety of birds. They may vary in size from holding a few pounds of seed to multiples thereof. They’re excellent since they enable you to refill your seed simply by keeping it fresh and dry at the same time. Tube feeders are used by a variety of birds. In tube feeders, you can use black sunflower seeds and mixes. This one is great, and it’s squirrel proof, so Squirrel Buster makes some of the best tube feeders on the market.
- Window feeders are tiny bird feeders that use suction cups to attach to a glass window. They’re similar to tray feeders in that you pour seed into the tray area to refill them, and they’re open on top. These feeders are ideal for people who don’t have huge yards and are popular with a variety of different bird species. They’re extremely simple to get started with. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This is, without a doubt, the most popular bird feeder on Amazon, and maybe the entire internet.
- Small bird feeders that attach to a glass window using suction cups are known as window feeders. They’re open on top and you pour seed into the tray area to replenish them, similar to tray feeders. These feeders are fantastic for people who don’t have huge yards and are popular with a variety of different types of birds. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This is, without a doubt, the most popular window feeder on Amazon, and maybe the entire bird feeder category.
- Thistle feeders, often known as Nyjer feeders, are specialized bird feeders designed for thistle seed. Birds in the finch family, which includes the American Goldfinch and House Finch, are among the main types of birds that thistle feeders attract. Thistle feeders have tiny holes all along the sides of the tube, which allows birds to pick thistle out of them. They are often in a tube shape. Droll Yankees has a fantastic 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 kinds of ground animals, will especially enjoy them. For this type of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This recycled plastic ground feeder might appeal to you.
- Another kind of specialized feeder for almost one sort of bird, orioles, is the oriole feeder. The feeder is usually orange in color and features tiny plastic or glass containers for holding jelly, which orioles adore. Another food that orioles enjoy is orange halves, which you may stick to the feeder. This is a feeder for orange halves that has four jelly trays.
- Hummingbird feeders, also known as nectar feeders, are designed to extract sugar water from hummingbirds. I regularly observe Downy Woodpeckers at my feeder, even though they are intended for hummbsowers. They also like that lovely nectar. For instructions on how to make hummingbird nectar without boiling the water, see this article. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on a hummingbird feeder since they’re so simple and cheap.
- Peanut feeders are tube-shaped and typically made of metal wire mesh material, similar to thistle feeders. To allow for whole unshelled or shelled peanuts to pass through the holes, the holes in the wire mesh are only a few centimeters apart. These should be filled with peanuts and attract birds like Blue Jays. Squirrel Buster is your best option for keeping squirrels out of your peanut feeder. This basic one will suffice.
BIRD WATCHING IN ARIZONA
If you want to expand your hobby beyond your own yard, Arizona has plenty of options. If you’re interested in getting a little more involved with the Arizona Audubon Society, there are meetups, workshops, field trips, and birding tours available.
Take a look at this list I’ve put together of some popular birding sites in Arizona if you’re an Arizona resident who’d want to add some new species to your life list.
ARIZONA BIRDING LOCATIONS
From birdwatchersdigest.org, you can learn more about the various habitats in these areas.
- Patagonia Lake State Park
- Sweetwater Wetlands Park
- San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge
- Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch
- Lake Cochise
- Pena Blanca Lake