Wild birds may be seen in Kansas in a variety of habitats. We’ll look at some of Kansas’ most well-known and well-known birds, particularly those that may be found close to home, in this essay. Several of these species are migratory, part-time residents who spend the entire year in Kansas. So, let’s look at Kansas’ 26 backyard birds and learn a little about each one.
I’ll demonstrate you how to attract them to your yard, provide you with a 101-point overview of the ten various sorts of bird feeders available to attract them, and even recommend a few birdwatching hotspots and groups in Kansas afterwards.
How many different species of wild birds are in Kansas?
It’s difficult to say precisely how many bird species may be found in North America, the United States, or even Kansas. Nonetheless, as of 2021, the official state list included 479 species, according to the Kansas Ornithological Society.
According to one source, North America is home to 2,059 species; according to another, 914. So, I’m not sure how much faith I put in these statistics since they only give us a sense of the number of species.
We’re going to look at a few of our favorite Kansas backyard animals for the purpose of this article.
26 BACKYARD BIRDS IN KANSAS
We’ll take a look at 26 species of Kansas backyard birds, some of which are permanent residents and others that aren’t, in the following section. They are some of Kansas’ most well-known and identifiable backyard birds, many of which can be seen at your bird feeders, despite the fact that they aren’t all of the species in the state. Let’s get started right away!
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
The North American North Woods are home to one of the most well-known and ubiquitous backyard birds: 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. Their mohawks and reddish orange beaks distinguish both sexes and sexes readily.
Throughout the year, Northern Cardinals may be found around Kansas.
Most seed feeders will be visited by Cardinals, who will provide them with mixed seed blends and black sunflower 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
Within its range, these small birds are abundant at feeders and in gardens. Like cardinals, they have a little mohawk on their head that distinguishes them from other birds. Titmice have a black patch above their beaks and are silvery-gray on top with a lighter bottom.
Throughout eastern Kansas year-round, the tufted titmouse can be found, however it may be uncommon or missing in the western part of the state.
Most seed feeders will be visited by titmice, who will offer them a combination of black sunflower seeds.
3. BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE
Scientific name: Poecile atricapillus
Length: 4.7-5.9 in
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz
Wingspan: 6.3-8.3 in
Because of their black cap and black bib, black-capped chickadees are small birds with rounded bodies that are readily identified. Their underbodies are fluffy and light, and their cheeks are solid white. Their wings and backs are blackish gray.
They’re frequently seen darting back and forth from a feeder to cover and uncover it for more food, which they’re quite common at. Chickadees, who are tiny in size, are often among the first birds I see at my house when I bring out a fresh feeding station.
Throughout Kansas year-round, black-capped chickadees may be present or scarce around the southern border.
Most seed feeders will be visited by chickadees, who will provide 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 red-breasted merganser. The Blue Jay is the name of the bird. Their back and belly are covered in white feathers, while their crest is large and blue. They have mostly blue feathers on top of their heads. They have black stripes on their wings and tail. Their necks are also ringed with a black necklace-like accessory. They are among the first to notify all the birds in an area of a predator like a hawk, and they emit several loud, metallic-sounding cries.
The entire state of Kansas is home to the Blue Jays, who are year-round residents.
Platform feeders, peanut feeders, and feeders with enormous perches are popular with Blue Jays. Black sunflower seeds, mixed seeds, and peanuts are all available.
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 have a royal blue head with a rusty reddish-orange chest and white belly, as their name implies. The females’ colors, particularly the blues, are considerably duller and more faded than those of the males. In the United States, they are perhaps the most coveted birdhouse tenants. The bluebird house business is really booming right now. Backyards, despite the fact that feeders are less common, are plentiful. I was able to attract a mating pair with this birdhouse, which I found on Amazon.
Throughout the year, Kansas is home to the eastern bluebird.
Although bluebirds aren’t seed eaters, they may be persuaded to visit feeders with mealworms on a tray feeder or in a dish.
6. 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 halves of the nation, the House Finch is a common backyard bird, although populations may be patchy in the center, such as Kansas. They often arrive in groups at your feeders if you attract them, which is rather simple to do. Femen are all brown, with males being mostly streaked brown in color with red on the head and chest.
House Finches, who are currently found across the state all year, are likely to expand their range in the future.
House Finches, like other finches, are fond of thistle feeders. They’re more noticeable than Goldfinches at seed feeders, so offer them some black sunflower seeds to entice them.
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
Robin are generally observed hopping around the grass, hunting for worms and other invertebrates, which is a very typical sight in backyards. They do not normally eat seeds, but they may visit bird feeders on occasion. They’re easily identified by their vivid red bellies and yellow beaks.
Year-round, you may see robins in Kansas.
Attract American Robins to a bird feeder with meal worms, indigenous fruit-bearing plants, or a bird bath. They are not big fans of 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 common sight in backyards, where they sit perched on telephone wires or in groups in trees. They are roughly the size of a robin. They’re occasionally seen on my tray feeder, but more often than not, they’re seen wandering about on the ground. Mourning doves have pink legs and are mostly gray with black markings on top.
The whole state of Kansas is home to mourning doves all year.
Doves are fond of scouring the ground for fallen seeds, but they often visit seed feeders. Sprinkle 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, 100 starlings were released in New York, and they have since displaced all other birds. They’ll over power feeders, destroying other birds’ nests and killing their offspring. They’ll even overtake you at your bird feeders, preventing others from getting any of the food. They have yellow beaks and feet and are mostly black 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.
Unfortunately, this invasive species can be found across the country year-round, including Kansas.
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 anyway appear.
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 birdwatching experiences. Males have a black cap on top of their heads during this time, and they are usually yellow or “gold” with black-tipped wings. Their bright yellow turns brownish or olive in tone during winter, and they molt. The black on their wings and finch-like beaks will always distinguish them from any other species.
In Kansas, you can find goldfinches all year.
Sunflower chips are good for attracting goldfinches, but a thistle feeder is your best option.
11. 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
Nuthatches, which include White-breasted Nuthatches, are common feeder birds seen in most backyards. Nuthatches are named after the way they stuff nuts and seeds under tree bark, then use their razor-sharp beaks to crack the shell open. In addition to being able to walk on trees better than most other birds, these birds have the ability to do so. White-breasted Nuthatches have a white stripe on top of their heads, with white on either side and throughout their bellies. Gray and black are the dominant colors of their wings.
The majority of Kansas is home to White-breasted Nuthatches all year.
Most seed feeders are visited by nuthatches, who offer black sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet in exchange for mixed seed blends. They prefer to grab a seed and flee, either eating it or caching it in a nearby tree as soon as possible.
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
Houses sparrows are the only other wild bird species in the United States, and they are often seen as pests. In addition to legal starlings, you can humanely kill them. They were first seen in New York in the 1800s, and like starlings, they have since spread across the United States. Their wings and chest are streaked with black and brown, and they are mostly brown in color. Other birds, particularly those near nests, are attacked on a regular basis.
Throughout Kansas, House Sparrows can be found year-round.
House sparrows, like the European starling, are invasive and pose a danger to native wildlife. They’ll devour practically anything they can get their hands on.
13. 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 numerous birds in North America, with their crimson and yellow shoulders standing out against their black backs. Females of this species, on the other hand, are brown with light streaks and look significantly different. Male have up to 15 different females that they are mating with, which makes them a polygynous species. Sadly, in flocks, they have been known to arrive at feeders and devour the seed.
In Kansas, you may see red-winged blackbirds at any time of year.
Most types of feeders are visited by red-winged blackbirds, who will eat seed and suet.
14. BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD
Scientific name: Molothrus ater
Length: 7.5 – 8.7 in
Weight: 1.5 – 1.8 oz
Wingspan: 12.6 – 15.0 in
Brown-headed cowbirds are often classified as blackbirds because of the color of the males and their propensity to flock in enormous groups (sometimes mixed with actual blackbirds). The body of a male is iridescent black, with a dark brown head. Females have a lighter brown coloration throughout their bodies.
Cowbirds, on the other hand, are “nest parasites,” and by laying their eggs in other birds’ nests, they diminish the number of individuals in those groups. They may occasionally sneak an egg among the others and push other eggs out of the nest to make room for their own. Several birds will raise the chick as their own, despite the fact that it is an imposter egg.
Throughout the middle, southern, and eastern sections of Kansas, but only in the northern and western sections of the state, cowbirds may be seen year-round.
Feeders attract brown-headed cowbirds, who may be seen in large numbers. Any kind of mixed seed will do for them.
15. 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. In the United States, there are several subspecies. Several variants in color may visit Kansas for the winter, and they’ll be arriving soon. Slate-colored is the most frequent color choices in the state. The pale pink beak and roundish body form of dark-eyed junco’s are two positive features to identify when identifying them on all types. The head and back are generally darker, while the belly is normally lighter. They can often be found hopping around on the ground in forests and wooded areas.
During the winter months, only Dark-eyed Juncos may be found in Kansas.
Juncos will visit feeders on occasion, but instead of eating seed that other birds drop, they prefer to eat seed from the ground underneath your feeders. Mixed seeds are something they appreciate.
16. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Melanerpes carolinus
Length: 9.4 in
Weight: 2.0-3.2 oz
Wingspan: 13.0-16.5 in
At feeders and in backyards in general, these medium-sized woodpeckers are quite common. You may notice the bright red stripe down the back of their heads, despite the fact that they’re labeled as “red-bellied.” They have a simple white break that isn’t always visible because to a patch of pinkish red towards the bottom of their belly. The white and black barring on their wings is what really distinguishes them, making them easy to identify.
In Kansas, red-bellied woodpeckers may be scarce or absent in the state’s western half during the winter.
While they will occasionally eat at seed feeders, especially if peanuts are offered, 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
These friendly backyard birds love to visit bird feeders and are often seen. They’re one of the first birds I notice on a new bird feeder, and they’re the tiniest woodpeckers in North America. Their underbodies are completely white, their wings have white dots, their heads are black and white striped, and they have a red patch on the back of their heads (males have no red). Downy’s are smaller than the Hairy Woodpecker, despite their similarities.
Throughout Kansas, you may find Downy Woodpeckers year-round.
At most kinds of bird feeding, the Downy Woodpecker is a common sight. Mixed seed, black sunflower seed, and suet are available.
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 stunning in the right light with their iridescent feathers, despite the fact that they belong to the bully bird category like the starling does. They’re typically black in hue, although you may see blue, green, brown, and purple colors when they’re in the sunshine. Grackles may roost alongside other blackbirds, and they may be seen in huge numbers in massive flocks. Their solid color, long slender body, and tail with a yellow ringed eye make them easy to distinguish.
Grackles may be found throughout the year in Kansas, however only during the spring and summer in western regions.
Grackles are often considered pests because they are foragers who will eat practically anything.
19. BARN SWALLOW
Scientific name: Hirundo rustica
Length: 5.9-7.5 in
Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz
Wingspan: 11.4-12.6 in
Birds in the open field, such as barn swallows. The back of these gorgeous birds is dark blue, with orange around the eyes and neck. Their breasts and bellies range in color from light tawny to brilliant orange. Their long, deeply forked tail is one of their trademarks. They’re nimble flying insects that swoop and cruise over water, fields, farms, and meadows collecting bugs. Cup-shaped nests, which are frequently found in the eaves of barns, gazebos, covered pavilions, and under bridges, are made out of mud and grass.
The swallows that live in Australia migrate to the United States. Throughout the spring and summer, you can find them throughout Kansas, trying to breed.
Barn Swallows don’t go to a bird feeder because they eat flying insects. If you have a barn, outbuilding, or gazebo, you may try to entice them by placing up a nestbox.
20. 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 small birds is reddish-brown, while the bottom is a lighter orangish color. They have a long, somewhat bent beak and a prominent white “eyebrow.” They prefer to conceal in thick brush, making them difficult to locate, however their distinctive “teakettle-teakettle” cry is unmistakable.
All year, Carolina wrens may be seen across Kansas, but they may be more common in the state’s eastern reaches.
The Carolina Wrens, as seen in the photograph above, are rather frequent in backyards and frequently visit suet feeders.
21. 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 all over the United States, these medium to big sized woodpeckers are common, although not particularly common at feeders. These are, in my opinion, among North America’s most colorful birds. Flickers, unlike most woodpeckers, prefer to hunt insects on the ground rather than in trees. The black patches on their bellies, thick black bib, crimson patch on the back of their necks, and barred black and grey wings help you identify them. A black beard is seen on males. They have brilliant yellow feathers on the underside of their wings and tail, and they get the “yellow-shafted” kind of variety in Kansas.
Throughout Kansas, northern flickers can be found all year.
Despite the fact that northern flickers don’t visit feeders as often as other woodpecker species, they will nevertheless eat suet. You may observe them digging around for insects if you have some leaf piles in your yard.
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
Solid black in hue, and big in size, American crows are a sight to behold. Like their cousin the raven, they are also well-known for their problem-solving abilities. Crows will gather in large numbers on the upper branches of trees to take in a birds-eye perspective of everything below. The roost will shout out and notify everyone that there is danger nearby if an owl or hawk appears.
All year long, crows may be found in Kansas.
Crows are too big to visit bird feeders, thus they are omnivorous and seldom eat seed.
23. EURASIAN COLLARED 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 European and Asian native, as its name suggests. Several of them flew to Florida in the 1970s after escaping from a Bahamas pet store. These liberated birds, as well as some that were set free on Guadeloupe in the south Caribbean, are said to have started the American colonization. They can now be found in most of the United States. Mexico and the United States are also included. With a chunkier body and a longer tail, they resemble a mourning dove. Their back is plain, with a black stripe across the back of their neck, unlike that of a mourning dove, which has black spots on its back.
Kansas is home to the Eurasian collared dove, which comes year-round.
Backyard feeders or scattered seeds and grain are favorite foods of Eurasian collared doves, which they eat on the ground. Millet is one of their favorite grains.
24. BALTIMORE ORIOLE
Scientific name: Icterus galbula
Length: 6.7-7.5 in
Weight: 1.1-1.4 oz
Wingspan: 9.1-11.8 in
Fruit-eating birds, the Orioles prefer dark berries and fruits. You’ll have a good chance of attracting Baltimore orioles if your backyard has native fruit-bearing trees and plants. Males have brilliant orange on their breasts and underbodies, as well as a black hood over their full head. They have black backs with white stripes on their wings. An orange rump and tail feathers are also visible. Females come in a variety of colors. With gray wings, they appear to be a duller yellow-orange, or with a brown head and wings, they appear to be lighter. The females, on the other hand, have a duller orange and a glossy black that is less bright.
Only during the breeding season in most of the country, including Kansas, do Baltimore Orioles migrate. Look for them in the spring and summer, if you can.
When the Orioles are in town, offer them jelly and orange halves to attract them with an oriole feeder.
25. BROWN THRASHER
Scientific name: Toxostoma rufum
Length: 9.1-11.8 in
Weight: 2.1-3.1 oz
Wingspan: 11.4-12.6 in
The breast and belly of the brown thrasher are heavily streaked. Their beak is black, and their eye is yellow. Because of the way they thrash through fallen leaves hunting for bugs, I assume they’re called thrashers. Don’t quote me on that though. Brown thrashers are considered to have over 1100 different songs, including those of other bird species, and are accomplished songbirds.
Only during the spring and summer breeding season do brown thrashers appear in Kansas.
The brown Thrasher is more prone to picking up seeds on the ground than visiting birdfeeders. They look for bug with leaves and sticks while digging through the ground.
26. 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 fly north from their wintering grounds in Mexico and Florida at night, arriving in the morning. Males are bright blue all over with some black on their wings, while females are generally brown with just hints of blue. Instead of blue pigment, these feathers reflect light in a different way. Look for them in the summer, singing amid the fields and forests’ borders.
During the spring and summer, Indigo buntings may be found across Kansas.
They may come to feeders if you offer mixed seed and nyjer, but they are less frequent than feeders.
HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR YARD
Interested in attracting some of these birds to your backyard? Take a look at these 5 simple tips, starting with the most obvious.
1. PUT OUT BIRD FEEDERS
A bird feeder or two is the best and simplest way to entice birds to your yard. A basic tube feeder, hopper feeder, platform feeder, or window feeder are all good options to get started. For further ideas, see the sections below.
2. ADD A WATER SOURCE
This Amazon product, like the one shown, is a terrific pedestal birdbath, but you may also utilize a terra cotta flower pot saucer. Birds need water to both bathe in and drink, so adding a water feature to your yard will only increase your chances of attracting birds. Since moving water will attract even more birds to visit the pond, consider adding a solar fountain.
3. OFFER BIRDHOUSES
If placed in the proper location at the proper time of year, several bird species will readily take up residence in birdhouses. Among the most popular bird species to attract to birdhouses are Eastern Bluebirds. A mating pair of bluebirds checked out my birdhouse the same day I put it in, and I have it in my front yard.
4. PROVIDE SHELTER
Make sure there are trees, plants, and shrubs in your yard that the birds can fly back and forth to when they sense danger. Predators are kept at bay by this. Do your utmost to include landscaping features that will enable 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 provide nuts, berries, and seeds will simply help your efforts to attract more birds for numerous birds that eat these foods. Moreover, since most songbirds feed insects to their hatchlings, native plants help caterpillars and other insects support many birds and help nesting birds. Avoiding invasive and non-native plants that replace native flora that support a healthy ecosystem is one way to protect the environment.
10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIRD FEEDERS
In the yards of many homeowners, there are 10 most popular bird feeders.
- Hopper feeders are called that because they have a compartment in the middle, the hopper, where the bird seed is kept. Birds can land on the sides and eat from the perches. To maintain the seed dry, many hopper feeders are shaped like a home and have a covering on top. For this type of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a mixture of birdseed. This is a squirrel-proof hopper feeder that I love.
- Platform feeders have an open top and may be mounted from a tree or hook, or pole-mounted. They are often known as tray feeders. They’re simple to set up and ideal for feeding a wide range of birds. Every creature in your yard that may access them will devour them, despite the fact that they are fairly open. For this type of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or mixed birdseed. In my garden right now, I’m using this platform feeder.
- Tube feeders are clear plastic tube-shaped bird feeders that do not require a lot of maintenance. They may hold a few cups of seed or up to 5 pounds of seed, and they come in a variety of sizes. They’re terrific since they preserve your seed fresh and dry, while at the same time allowing you to replenish it when necessary. Tube feeders are used by many different kinds of birds. In tube feeders, you can use both black sunflower seeds and mixed seeds. This is a fantastic tube feeder, and it’s squirrel proof, so you can’t go wrong with Squirrel Buster.
- Suet feeders are used to feed one sort of bird meal, suet cakes. They are a fairly basic design, often consisting of nothing more than a metal wire cage with a tail-prop for bigger birds. Suet feeders are often visited by woodpeckers throughout the winter since they provide high-fat foods to birds. I recommend a Pileated and Northern Flicker feeder with a long tail prop, which will draw bigger woodpeckers like Suet.
- Small bird feeders called window feeders, which utilise suction cups to attach to a glass window, are available. They’re open on top and you simply dump seed into the tray section to replenish them, similar to tray feeders. Many different types of birds prefer these feeders, and they’re simple to set up. They’re also great for people who don’t have huge yards. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a mixture of birdseed. This is, by far, the most popular bird feeder on Amazon, as well as possibly the most popular window feeder.
- Thistle feeders, sometimes known as Nyjer feeders, are specifically designed bird feeders for thistle seed. Birds in the finch family, which includes both the American Goldfinch and the House Finch, are among the main types of birds that thistle feeders attract. Thistle feeders are commonly fashioned in the form of a tube with tiny holes along the tube’s walls for birds to pick thistle from. Droll Yankees has a fantastic thistle feeder.
- Tray feeders that sit on the ground level are known as ground feeders. Mourning Doves and Juncos, as well as squirrels, raccoons, and any other kind of ground creature, will love them. This type of feeder can be filled with black sunflower seeds or mixed birdseed. This recycled plastic ground feeder is a cool idea.
- Another form of specialty feeder for one kind of bird, orioles, is the oriole feeder. Little plastic or glass dishes for holding jelly, which orioles adore, are frequently used as feeders. They are typically orange in color. Another treat that orioles love is orange halves, which you may place on the feeder. Here’s a 4-Jelly Tray Oriole Feeder that’ll hold orange halves.
- Hummingbird feeders are created specifically for hummingbirds to extract sugar water from nectar. They’re also known as hummingbird feeders. I frequently see Downy Woodpeckers at mine, despite the fact that they are meant for hummingbirds. I’ve observed them drink that sweet liquid as well. Hummingbird nectar can be made without boiling the water, as described in this article. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on a hummingbird feeder since they’re simple and cost-effective.
- Peanut feeders are tube-shaped and generally made of metal wire mesh materials, similar to thistle feeders. To allow for whole unshelled or shelled peanuts to pass through the holes, the holes in the wire mesh are merely much further apart. These feeders should be filled with peanuts and attract birds like Blue Jays. Squirrel Buster is the best option for keeping squirrels out of your peanut feeder. This basic version will suffice for the time being.
BIRD WATCHING IN KANSAS
If you want to expand your horizons outside of your own neighborhood, Kansas has plenty of options. If you’re interested in getting more engaged with the Kansas Audubon Society, there are meetups, workshops, field excursions, and birding excursions available.
Take a look at this list I’ve compiled of popular birding sites in Kansas if you’re a Kansas resident who’d want to add some new species to your life list.
KANSAS BIRDING LOCATIONS
Some of Kansas’ most well-known birding hot spots are shown here.
- Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area
- Quivira NWR — Big Salt Marsh
- Neosho Wildlife Area
- Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge
- Cimarron National Grassland