Many species of birds may be found in Indiana, the Hoosier state. Some of these species are migratory and only spend the summer or winter in Indiana, while others live here all year. We’ll investigate 26 of Indiana’s most typical backyard birds and learn about each one in this article.
I’ll then demonstrate how to attract them to your property, as well as a crash course in the 10 distinct sorts of bird feeders. Finally, I’ll share some great local birding organizations and recommend a few birdwatching hotspots in Indiana.
How many different species of wild birds are in Indiana?
Getting an precise number of bird species in North America, the United States, or even in the state of Indiana is difficult. In fact, the state of Indiana is home to at least 422 species of birds, according to Wikipedia. There are 2,059 species in North America, according to one source, while just 914 species according to another. These numbers provide us with a broad idea of the number of species, but I’m not sure how much I trust them.
We’re going to focus on a few of the species that people commonly encounter in Indiana, particularly in backyards, for the purposes of this article.
26 COMMON BACKYARD BIRDS IN INDIANA
In this section, we’ll take a look at 26 different species of backyard birds, including some migrants. These are just a few of the birds that are most likely to frequent backyards in Indiana, and they aren’t all of the species in the state, or even close to it. It’s time to get started!
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 recognized and widespread backyard birds in North America are Northern Cardinals. Females have duller hues and are more tawny brown with some reddish tinting, while males have brilliant red feathers and a black mask. The crests, which resemble mohawks on top of their heads and reddish orange beaks, are easy to identify both sexes.
Throughout the year, Northern Cardinals may be found around Indiana.
Most seed feeders will be visited, and they will be given 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 feeders and in backyards within their range, these little birds are common. They have a little mohawk, much like cardinals, that distinguishes them from other birds. Titmice have a black patch just above their beaks and are silver-gray on top and lighter on bottom. On their side beneath the wing, an orange patch may be noticed.
All year, the Tufted Titmouse can be found in Indiana.
Most seed feeders will get titmice, who will provide them with a variety of seed mixtures and 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)
Because of their black cap and black bib, chickadees are tiny little birds that are very easy to identify. Their underbodies are fluffy and light, and their cheeks are solid white. Their wings and backs are gray. Around bird feeders, they are quick and inquisitive birds who seem to be quite daring with humans.
Black-capped Chickadees and Carolina Chickadees are the two types of Chickadees that live in the east, and they look almost similar. Depending on the state you’re in, you may be able to tell which one is which. Both species are found in Indiana, however.
All year, both species are in a condition. The southern half of the state is home to Carolina chickadees, whereas the northern part is home to Black-capped Chickadees.
Most seed feeders will be visited by chickadees, who will provide them a variety of seed mixtures 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 very well-known bird species is the American robin. The Blue Jay is what it’s called in the film. They have a huge blue crest with mainly blue feathers on top and white feathers on the bottom, which is topped by a large blue crest. They also wear a necklace-like black ring around their necks. White, blue, and black are the colors of their wings. The coloration of both sexes is the same.
Another year-round resident of Indiana is the Blue Jays. In backyards and feeders, they’re ubiquitous.
Platform feeders, peanut feeders, and large perch feeders are popular among Blue Jays. Black sunflower seeds, blended seeds, and peanuts are all good options.
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
Bluebirds are blue on top with a rusty crimson orange belly, as their name suggests. The colors of females and males are identical, although females’ colors, particularly the blues, appear duller and faded. In the United States, they are perhaps the most coveted occupants of birdhouses. The bluebird house business is booming as a result of this. Backyards are home to a lot of them, but feeders aren’t as common. I was able to attract a mating pair with this birdhouse on Amazon, so I recommend putting up a birdhouse and trying your luck.
Bluebirds do migrate through parts of North America, however not Indiana. The Eastern Bluebird can be seen here all year. To learn more about the Indiana Bluebird Society, check out their website.
Seed-eating bluebirds may be tempted to visit feeders with mealworms on a tray feeder or in a dish, although they don’t usually eat seeds.
6. 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
The feeder birds of White-breasted Nuthatches are found in most backyards within their range. They use their razor-sharp beaks to hatch nuts and seeds that have been hidden beneath tree bark. In addition to several other species of birds, these birds have the capacity to walk vertically on trees. The top of the heads of white-breasted nuthatches are striped with black, and the sides are likewise striped with white. They have a chisel-like beak that is longer than most other feeder birds, and their wings are mostly gray and black.
Throughout Indiana, white-breasted nuthatches may be found all year.
Most seed feeders are visited by nuthatches, who provide black sunflower seeds or peanuts in exchange for mixed seed blends. They also adore suet, and they’re quite good at clinging to it.
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 widespread in backyards and spend most of their time hopping around the grass, searching for worms and other invertebrates. Throughout the winter, they often go into the woods, then in the spring, they re-emerge in open areas, giving the appearance that they have left the area. They do not typically eat seeds, although they may visit bird feeders on occasion. They’re easy to spot because of their vivid orange spherical bellies, yellow beaks, and bigger size.
Throughout Indiana, robins live throughout the year.
Attract seed-feeding birds with meal worms, native fruit-bearing bushes, or a bird bath if they don’t visit often.
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 common sight in backyards and will sit perched on telephone wires or in groups in trees, which is about the size of a robin. They’re frequently seen walking around on the ground beneath hanging bird feeders, but I’ve noticed them on my tray feeder on occasion. Mourning Doves have a light peachy color below and pink legs, with gray feathers on top. Males and femen appear to be the same.
Mourning Doves may be seen throughout the year in Indiana.
Doves often visit seed feeders, but prefer to search for falling seeds on the ground. Place some seeds on the ground or use 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, a hundred starlings were released in New York, and they have since overrun the United States. They may assault feeders, destroying the nests of other birds and murdering their offspring. They may also overtake you as you put out food for other birds. They have yellow beaks and feet with dark feathers on their backs and wings. In the right light, starlings may also appear to be quite lovely, with a purple and green iridescent color.
Every state in the lower 48 has starlings, including Indiana.
Almost anything will be eaten by European Starlings. We recommend that you do not seek to attract them because they are an invasive species and will appear no matter what.
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
When the goldfinches have their bright yellow feathers in the spring and summer, they are among my favorite birds to see at feeders. They had black-tipped wings at the time and were mostly yellow, or “gold.” Males, like females, wear a black headgear. They’ll molt during the winter, turning brown or olive in color and losing their bright colors. In the winter, they are frequently mistaken for a different species due to their distinct looks. Their black wings with white bars, as well as their finch-like beaks, are always visible to identify them at any time of year.
Throughout Indiana, goldfinches may be found year-round.
Thistle (nyjer) feeders are preferred by goldfinches. Sunflower chips are another option, but your best bet is to attract them with a thistle feeder.
11. 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 Indiana, the House Finch is another frequent backyard bird. While they are invasive in the east, they are not as despised as House Sparrows and do not cause the same problems. They might appear in huge flocks and mob your feeders if you draw them, which is rather simple to do. The males and females are both brown with abundant white streaking. The head, chest, and back of the male are splashed with red.
House Finches are common throughout all of Indiana any time of year.
Black sunflower or mixed seed is a favorite of House Finches, who will eat it. House Finches, like other finches, will eat thistle seeds.
12. HOUSE SPARROW
Scientific name: Passer domesticus
Length: 5.9-6.7 in
Weight: 0.9-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 in
House Sparrows are the only other wild bird species in the United States, and they are often considered pests. In addition to the starlings that may be trapped and killed humanely, They were first imported in New York in the 1800s, and since then they have spread like wildfire as an invasive species throughout the United States. Their wings and buffy chest are speckled with black and brown streaks, and they’re mostly brown in hue. With a black mask and chest, males are frequently visible. They are hostile to other birds in general, particularly those around nests and birdhouses.
In all areas of Indiana, House Sparrows can be found year-round.
House Sparrows, like European Starlings, are invasive and pose a danger to indigenous creatures. They have a wide range of seed types that they consume.
13. 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 pleasant bird that is always a pleasure to observe in the backyard. With white wing patches, orange sides, and a white belly, both sexes have a dark head and back. Males have a black complexion, whereas females have a brown complexion. In the woods during spring and summer, they have a beautiful song that is a familiar sound. Towhees are master foragers who look for insects, seeds, and berries among leaf litter and vegetation. Leave some brushy edges and leaf litter along your yard line if you want a better chance of attracting towhees to your yard.
During the breeding season (spring and summer), eastern Towhees migrate to northern Indiana. Several will continue to live in the state’s southern half all year.
In my experience, eastern Towhees seldom eat from bird feeders on a regular basis, although I regularly observe them hopping about the ground beneath my feeders. In that regard, bird feeders may entice towhees.
14. 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 quite lovely in the right light with their iridescent feathers, though they belong to the bully bird family like the starling does. They’re mostly black in color, although blue, green, brown, and purple hues may be visible in the right light. These blackbirds may roost alongside other kinds of blackbirds and form massive flocks numbering in the millions. The solid coloring, long narrow body, and yellow ringed eye help to distinguish them.
All year, grackles may be found throughout Indiana.
Grackles are considered pests because they are foragers and will consume virtually anything.
15. 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 is covered in song Sparrows, with plumage that varies depending on the area. These brown sparrows with large brown streaks on their breast and a white belly are mostly found in the east. Their chest stripes frequently merge in a conspicuous brown patch, making identification easier. The male of this species uses his song to woo females and secure his territory.
Song Sparrows, on the other hand, migrate throughout the country but remain in Indiana all year.
Bird feeders are occasionally visited by Song Sparrows, who enjoy mixed seeds and sunflower seeds.
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 fairly common at feeders and yards. Their bright red stripe along the back of their heads is what you’ll notice first, despite their description as “red-bellied.” They have a basic white breast with a pinkish-red patch lower down in their belly patch, which is generally not seen. The white and black barring on their wings are what makes them so simple to recognize.
In Indiana, red-bellied woodpeckers can be found year-round.
While they will eat at seed feeders, particularly if you provide combinations including peanuts, 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
The Downy’s, a common backyard bird, likes to feed at birdfeeders. They’re one of the first species I see at a new bird feeder, and they’re the tiniest woodpeckers in North America. Their white underbodies, black wings with white dots, black and white striped heads, and the red patch on the backs of their skulls (in males, females have no red) make them easy to distinguish. Downy’s are smaller with shorter beaks than the Hairy Woodpecker, despite their resemblance.
All year long, the state of Indiana is home to the Downy Woodpeckers.
With most sort of bird feeders, Downy Woodpeckers are abundant. Mixed seed, black sunflower seed, and suet should be offered to them.
18. 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 tiny birds is usually reddish-brown, while the bottom is pale orangish. Their large, somewhat bent beak and prominent white “eyebrow” are excellent identifiers. They like to hide in brush, making it difficult to see them, but their loud “teakettle-teakettle” cry is undoubtedly one that you would recognize.
Throughout the year, Carolina Wrens can be found in Indiana.
In backyards, Carolina Wrens are frequently seen visiting suet feeders.
19. 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 gorgeous buntings fly north from their wintering grounds in Mexico and southern Florida at night. Males are bright blue all over with some black on their wings, while females are mostly brown with just hints of blue. Rather than blue pigment, these birds’ feathers reflect light in a different way. Summer is the season to watch for them, singing beside the fields and forests’ edges.
In the spring and summer, Indigo Buntings may be found all across Indiana.
They may visit you especially if you provide mixed seed and nyjer, although they are not as popular at feeders.
20. 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 mistaken for winter birds in the United States. They have a wide range of colors across the country. In the eastern United States, The slate-colored variety is very popular. The head, chest, back, wings, and tail are all dark gray. They have a white belly from the base of their tail all the way to the bottom.
Females have a buffy brown color instead of a gray color. The pale pink beak and roundish body shape of junco are two things to look for when identifying them. They’re most frequent in wooded regions and forests, where you may frequently see them hopping around on the ground.
Only during the winter months will Dark-eyed Juncos be found in Indiana.
Juncos will visit feeders on occasion, but generally prefer to eat seed that has been dropped by other birds on the ground beneath your feeders. Mixed seeds are a favorite of theirs.
21. HOUSE WREN
Scientific name: Troglodytes aeon
Length: 4.3-5.1 in
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz
Wingspan: 5.9 in
A little brown bird with a strong voice, the House Wren They are widespread across the United States, and they will nest in practically any tiny crevice that they choose, even shoes or discarded cans. Birds houses are likely to be inspected at the very least, if not adopted, by anybody who puts them up. These are the birds that have chosen my bird houses for their homes. House Wrens have a drab color and are tiny, so they’re difficult to notice amid the foliage in your yard. They’re most likely zipping around after insects. Their wings and tail are black-barbed, with a dark bottom and a bright top.
Throughout the spring and summer, House Wrens can be found across Indiana.
Because House Wrens are primarily insectivorous, they will not be at a bird feeder. Insect-supporting plants or a bird house in the yard, on the other hand, are likely to draw them.
22. 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 kind of hummingbird in the United States, although they are only found in the east. Hummingbirds are also the only ones found in the Eastern United States who breed. Males have a vivid ruby-red throat, which is why they are called that. The backs, wings, and heads of Ruby-throated Hummers are emerald-green, with white underparts. The red throat feathers are missing from the females.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most common hummingbirds in Indiana, and you might occasionally encounter a couple of uncommon migrating species. From spring to autumn, they can be found all across the state.
If you put out nectar feeders, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are very likely to visit your yard in April or May.
23. 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 much of the United States, white-throated sparrows They migrate to Canada in the summer to breed throughout the winter. Their bold facial pattern of black and white stripe with yellow spots between the eyes, as well as their white throat patch, makes them easier to identify among sparrows. Females often nest in secret areas of thick foliage and vegetation, on or just above the ground.
Throughout the winter months, white-throated sparrows can be found across Indiana.
Feeders attract white-throated sparrows, who like to collect fallen seed beneath them. Sunflower, millet, and mixed seed blends are available.
24. AMERICAN TREE SPARROW
Scientific name: Spizelloides arborea
Length: 5.5 in
Weight: 0.5-1.0 oz
Wingspan: 9.4 in
During the winter, American Tree sparrows migrate to the northern part of the United States, where they breed in the far northern tundras. The rusty cap, brown streak across the eye, and bicolored beak denote this tiny sparrow with a somewhat spherical body shape, a rusty top half and a yellow bottom half. Their chests are plain and buffy, frequently with a single dark spot in the center, and their wings are heavily streaked with browns, whites, and blacks. These field-foraging sparrows are experts at shaking seeds loose from dried vegetation. They’ll eat grass and herbs in your yard, as well as at backyard feeders and food.
Only during the winter months can tree sparrows be found in Indiana.
Attract tree sparrows with mixed seeds, millet, and sunflower seed on bird feeders and the surrounding ground.
25. 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 big woodpeckers are common, but not especially frequent at feeders. They’re also among the most gorgeous birds in North America, in my opinion. Unlike other woodpeckers, which prefer to eat insects in the trees, flickers prefer to hunt them on the ground. The black patches on their bellies, firm black bib, crimson patch on the back of their necks, and barred black and gray wings can be used to identify them. A black moustache appears on males. You can find yellow-shafted birds in Indiana, and their feathers on the underside of their wings and tail are bright yellow.
Throughout the year, Indiana’s Northern Flickers are common.
Although Northern Flickers do not visit suet feeders as often as other woodpecker species, they will still come. You may see them digging for insects if you have leaf piles in your yard.
26. 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 huge stature, comparable to those of a Raven. Like their cousin the raven, they are also recognized for their ability to solve complex issues. Crows will gather in large numbers on tree tops, where they can see everything that is going on below from a birds-eye perspective. The roost will shout out if an owl or hawk arrives, alerting everyone that there is a threat in the area.
Maryland is home to the Carolina Wren, which can be found all year.
Crows are too big to fit into bird feeders and are omnivorous, so they seldom visit.
HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR YARD
Want to bring some of these birds into your yard? See if you can figure out which of these five easy steps is the most basic.
1. PUT OUT BIRD FEEDERS
A bird feeder or two is the finest and simplest way to entice birds to your yard. A basic tube feeder, hopper feeder, platform feeder, or window feeder may be used as a starting point. For each of the suggestions below, see the section.
2. ADD A WATER SOURCE
You may utilize a basic terra cotta flower pot saucer, such as this one, instead of a pedestal birdbath like the one on Amazon. Birds need water not only for bathing, but for drinking as well, and adding a water feature to your yard will simply increase your chance of attracting birds. Also, since moving water attracts birds to come visit the pond more, a solar fountain might be added.
3. OFFER BIRDHOUSES
If placed in the proper place at the proper time of year, several bird species will readily take up residence in birdhouses. Among the most popular birds to attract to birdhouses are Eastern Bluebirds. The same day I put up the birdhouse, a pair of bluebirds were investigating it in my back yard.
4. PROVIDE SHELTER
Birds will be able to hide and reappear quickly in your yard if you have trees, shrubs, and bushes. Predators are kept at bay by this. Try to add some landscaping elements that will allow birds to view your yard as safe if your yard is in a new subdivision 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. Try to avoid non-native and invasive plants that may crowd out the native flora that support a healthy ecosystem.
10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIRD FEEDERS
In the yards of thousands of people, there are 10 of the most popular bird feeders.
- Hopper feeders have a hopper in the center, which holds the bird seed, and they are called hopper feeders because of this. Birds can land on the sides of the perches and eat from them. To keep the seed dry, many hopper feeders are shaped like a house and have a cover on top. For this type of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a mix of birdseed. This is one of my favorite squirrel-proof hopper feeders.
- Platform feeders are open on top and may be hung from a tree or hook, or pole-mounted. They are sometimes referred to as tray feeders. They’re simple to set up and provide a great meal for most types of birds. Every animal in your yard that can reach them will devour them, despite the fact that they are completely open. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. At the moment, I’m employing this as a platform feeder for my garden.
- Tube feeders are simply clear plastic tube-shaped bird feeders that are used to feed birds. They may hold a few seeds or 5 pounds or more of seed, and they may be anywhere from small to huge. They’re terrific since they protect your seed from drying out while also allowing you to refill it when it’s time. Tube feeders are used by various kinds of birds. In tube feeders, you can use black sunflower seeds and mixes. This Squirrel Buster tube feeder is fantastic, and it’s squirrel-resistant, so it’s one of the best on the market.
- Suet feeders are used to feed suet cakes to one kind of bird. They are a very basic idea, generally constructed of a metal wire cage with a tail-prop for bigger birds and occasionally with an air tube. In the winter, as birds search for high-fat foods and are often visited by woodpeckers, suet feeders are popular. To attract larger woodpeckers, such as the Pileated and Northern Flicker, I recommend purchasing a suet feeder with a long tail prop.
- Window feeders are tiny bird feeders that use suction cups to mount onto a glass window. They’re open on top and you pour the seed into the tray region to replenish them, similar to tray feeders. These feeders are popular with a wide range of birds and are perfect for individuals that don’t have large yards because they’re so simple to set up. This kind of feeder may be made with black sunflower seeds or mixed birdseed. This is, without a doubt, the most popular bird feeder on Amazon, and maybe the entire Internet.
- Thistle seed feeders (also known as Nyjer seed feeders) are specialized bird feeders that are especially designed for thistle seeds. Birds in the finch family, which includes the American Goldfinch and House Finch, are among the most common birds attracted to thistle feeders. Thistle feeders have tiny holes all around the tube’s sides, allowing birds to pick thistle out of it. They’re often shaped in a tube shape. Droll Yankees has a great thistle feeder for sale.
- Ground feeders are tray feeders that sit on the ground surface. Birds such as Mourning Doves and Juncos, as well as squirrels, raccoons, and other types of ground animals, will adore them. For this style of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This recycled plastic ground feeder is a great option for you.
- Another sort of specialty feeder for one species of bird, orioles, is the oriole feeder. The feeder is usually orange in color and comes with little plastic or glass jelly holders, which orioles adore. Another treat that orioles enjoy is orange halves, which you may place onto the feeder. Here’s an easy oriole feeder that holds four jelly trays, each capable of holding orange halves.
- Hummingbird feeders, also known as hummingbird feeders, are created specifically for hummers to drain sugar water from flowers. I often see Downy Woodpeckers at mine, even though they are meant for hummingbirds, and they love that sweet nectar as much as I do. For instructions on how to make hummingbird nectar without boiling the water, check out this article. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on a hummingbird feeder, as this one is simple and inexpensive.
- Peanut feeders are tube-shaped and generally 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 little further apart. These feeders should be filled with peanuts and attract birds like Blue Jays. This one by Squirrel Buster is your best bet if you want to keep squirrels out of your peanut feeder. Instead, this basic one will suffice.
BIRD WATCHING IN INDIANA
If you want to go birding outside of your own neighborhood, Indiana is a fantastic state to visit. If you’re interested in getting a little more engaged, the Indiana Audubon Society hosts meetups, seminars, field excursions, and birding tours on a regular basis.
Take a look at this list of popular birding sites in Indiana if you’re an Indiana resident who’d like to add some new species to your life list.
INDIANA BIRDING LOCATIONS
- Pigeon River State Fish & Wildlife Area
- Indiana Dunes National Lake Shore
- Willow Slough State Fish & Wildlife Area
- Kankakee State Fish & Wildlife Area
- Jasper-Pulaski State Fish & Wildlife Area
- Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge
Audubon’s Indiana Important Bird Areas provide even more hotspots.