Many different species of wild birds may be found in Kentucky. We’ll take a look at some of the state’s most well-known and well-known birds in this article. Some of the animals are migratory and spend only part of the year in Kentucky, while others are permanent residents. We’ll investigate 27 backyard birds in Kentucky and learn about each species in this essay.
I’ll then demonstrate how to attract them to your yard, give you a crash course in the ten different types of bird feeders that you may utilize to do so, and even recommend a few Kentucky birdwatching spots after that.
How many different species of wild birds are in Kentucky?
It’s impossible to say precisely how many bird species live in North America, the United States, or even in Kentucky. However, the state of Kentucky is home to at least 390 different types of birds, according to Wikipedia. According to one source, North America contains 2,059 species; according to another, just 914. As a result, I’m not sure how much I believe in these numbers when it comes to the number of species.
We’re just going to look at a few of Kentucky’s most commonly seen (particularly in your garden) species for the purposes of this article.
27 BACKYARD BIRDS IN KENTUCKY
We’ll take a look at 27 species of Kentucky birds, some of which are permanent residents and others that aren’t. These are just a few of Kentucky’s most well-known and recognized backyard birds, but they are nonetheless some of the more common. Let’s have a look right away, without any more delay.
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 Northern Cardinals are one of North America’s most well-known and widely seen backyard birds. Kentucky’s state bird is actually a cardinal! Females have duller colors and are more pale tawny brown with some reddish coloring, while males have brilliant red feathers and a black mask. The presence of mohawks and reddish orange beaks distinguishes both sexes and ages.
Throughout the year, Northern Cardinals can be found all over Kentucky.
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
In the area of their range, these small birds are very frequent on feeders and in yards. Like Cardinals, they have a tiny crest (the “mohawk”) that distinguishes them from other birds. Titmice have a black patch just above their beaks, and both male and female Titmice are silver-gray on top and lighter on bottom.
Throughout Kentucky, the Tufted Titmouse can be found year-round.
Most seed feeders are easily accessible to titmice, who will gladly accept both mixed seed blends and black sunflower seeds.
3. CAROLINA CHICKADEE
Scientific name: Poecile carolinensis
Length: 3.9-4.7 in
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz
Wingspan: 5.9-7.9 in
Due to their “black cap” and black bib, chickadees are tiny little birds that are exceedingly easy to identify. Their underbodies are puffy and whitish, and their cheeks are solid white. Their wings and backs are blackish gray.
Carolina Chickadees may be found all throughout Kentucky, unlike their near relatives to the north, Black-Capped Chickadees. These are rather frequent at bird feeders, where they may be seen darting back and forth from one to the other to cover. When I first observe new feeders in my yard, chickadees are usually among the first birds I see.
Most seed feeders will be visited by chickadees, who will offer black sunflower seeds and mixed seed blends.
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 American robin. The Blue Jay is the moniker of this guy. Their crests are huge, with predominantly blue feathers on top and white feathers on the bottom. Their necks are also adorned with a black ring that resembles a necklace. White, blue, and black stripes run down their wings. Their chirps may have a metallic quality to them and may be quite loud. Imitating hawk calls is another skill they have.
Another year-round resident of Kentucky is the Blue Jays. In backyards and feeders, they’re common.
Platform feeders, peanut feeders, and feeders with large perches are popular with Blue Jays. Black sunflower seeds, mixed seeds, and peanuts should be offered to them.
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 rusty-reddish-orange bellies and are blue on top. They are true to their name. Although the females’ colors are duller and more faded, particularly the blues, they share the same coloration as males. They’re among the most sought-after birdhouse tenants in the United States. The bluebird house business is booming as a result. Backyards, but not feeders, are overrun with them. I was able to attract a mating pair with this birdhouse, which I put up on Amazon.
Bluebirds do migrate in certain regions of North America, but not in Kentucky. Year-round, the Eastern Bluebird may be seen here.
Feeding seed to bluebirds is unusual, but mealworms on a tray feeder or in a dish may entice them to visit.
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
In most backyards within their range, White-breasted Nuthatches are very common feeder birds. The birds get their name from the fact that they use their sharp beaks to hatch nuts and seeds that have been stuffed beneath tree bark. They seem to be better than most other species of birds at climbing vertically on trees. Their heads are striped with a thick black stripe, and their bellies are striped with white on each side. Gray and black are the dominant colors of their wings.
In Kentucky, white-breasted nuthatches may be seen all year.
Most seed feeders are visited by nuthatches, who deliver mixed seed blends, black sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet. They usually like to grab a seed and fly away as soon as possible, either eating or caching it in a nearby tree.
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 most often observed hopping about the grass, hunting for worms and other invertebrates. They are very widespread in backyards. They do not eat seeds and will occasionally visit bird feeders. They’re readily recognized due to their vivid red bellies and yellow beaks.
While you may not see Robins as frequently in your yard during the winter, they live all year in Kentucky.
Mealworms, native fruit-bearing plants, leaf-litter for foraging, or a bird bath are all good ways to attract American Robins to 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 small enough to sit perched on telephone wires or in groups in trees and are very common in backyards. I occasionally see them on my tray feeder, but they prefer to congregate underneath feeders and collect the fallen seeds. Mourning Doves have a light peachy color below and are mostly gray with black markings on top. The eye ring is light blueish-grey, while the legs are pink.
All year round, Kentucky is home to Mourning Doves.
Dove feeders are common, but seed-gatherers prefer to scour the earth for fallen seeds. Sprinkle some seeds on the ground or try 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 now colonized the whole country. They’ll raid other birds’ nests, murdering their offspring, and will shove feeders so that no one else can get any of the food you leave out. They feature yellow beaks and feet and are generally dark with white specks on their backs and wings. While starlings seem to be black, they are iridescent and have lovely purple and green plumage in the right light.
Unfortunately, despite the fact that starlings may be found year-round in every state except Kentucky,
Almost anything can be eaten by European Starlings, but suet is especially popular. We recommend that you do not try to attract them, as they are an invasive species.
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 bright yellow feathers of goldfinches are in the spring and summer, they are among my favorite birds to watch at feeders. Breeding males turn mostly yellow, or “gold,” with black-tipped wings and a black head during this time. The black cap is missing from females and juveniles. They are not as bright yellow. They’ll molt in the winter, losing their bright colors and settling for a more drab brownish or olive hue. The black on their wings and beaks, as well as their finch-like beaks, are always visible no matter what time of year it is.
Kentucky is home to a variety of goldfinches throughout the year.
Sunflower chips are an option for goldfinches, but a thistle feeder is the best way to attract them.
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 Kentucky, the House Finch is yet another common backyard bird. They are not as despised as House Sparrows, and do not cause the problems that the sparrows do, despite being invasive in the eastern United States. They may appear in huge flocks and clog your feeders if you attract them, which is fairly simple to do. Females are uniformly brown, but males are streaked brown with crimson on the head and chest.
Throughout Kentucky, House Finches are found throughout the year.
House Finches are frequent visitors to thistle feeders, as are other finches. They’re more common than Goldfinches at seed feeders, so feel free to offer them some black sunflower 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
Houses Sparrows are the sole other wild bird species in the United States, and they are often considered pests. Apart for starlings, which you may legally capture and kill humanely. They, like starlings, were brought to the United States. They were first seen in New York in the 1800s and have since burned through our nation. Their wings and buffy chest are streaked with black and brown, respectively. They are generally brown in color. They are often aggressive with other birds, especially when they’re around nests. Other birds nesting in birdhouses are known to be evicted by them.
House Sparrows can be found all throughout Kentucky, particularly near human habitation. House Sparrows are often seen hanging out around commercial areas, building nests inside display windows and nesting in drab brown birds.
House Sparrows, like European Starlings, are invasive and endanger native species. They’ll eat just about anything they can get their hands on.
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
A delightful species of backyard bird, the Eastern Towhee is always a treat to observe. With white wing markings, orange sides, and a white belly, both sexes have a dark head and back. Males, on the other hand, have a dark color of black, whereas females have a brown color. During the spring and summer months, they have a lovely song that has a familiar sound in the woods. Towhees look for insects, seeds, and berries among the leaves and plants of their environment. Leave some brushy edges and leaf litter along your yard line if you want a greater chance of drawing towhees to your yard.
Throughout Kentucky, eastern towhees may be found year-round.
In my experience, Eastern Towhees don’t eat from bird feeders very often, but I occasionally see them hopping around the ground beneath my feeders. In a similar manner, towhee feeders may draw them in.
14. CAROLINA WREN
Scientific name: Thryothorus ludovicianus
Length: 4.7-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-0.8 oz
Wingspan: 11.4 in
Little, stocky birds called Carolina Wrens They have a prominent white stripe that runs down their whole head above the eye, and their wings are chestnut brown with a lighter buffy chest. They sit with their tail cocked upwards frequently. In shrubs and thickets, where they blend in easily and are difficult to detect, they prefer to forage for food. Little birds sing a lot and loudly for their size, despite their tiny size.
Kentucky is home to the Carolina Wrens, who can be found year-round.
The Carolina Wrens prefer suet and will visit suet feeders, but they are not often seen at your feeder for seed.
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
The back and wings of these sparrows are brown, while the breast is white with heavy brown streaks. Song Sparrows have a wide range of plumage, which varies somewhat depending on where they are found in North America. The male of this species sings both to attract females and to protect his area.
In Kentucky, year-round Song Sparrows may be seen.
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 general, at feeders and in backyards, these medium-sized woodpeckers are rather common. The brilliant red stripe down the back of their heads is the first thing you’ll notice about them, despite their name. Their breast is white, although there is a pink patch lower down in their “belly” region that is normally not visible. With the white and black barring on their wings, they are readily identified.
In Kentucky, red-bellied woodpeckers can be found year-round.
While they will occasionally eat at seed feeders if you offer sunflowers and 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
These are common backyard birds that flock to bird feeders and are often seen. They’re one of the first species I see at a new bird feeder, and they’re the smallest woodpeckers in North America. The red spot on the back of their heads (in males, females have no red) and their all-white underbodies, black wings with white dots, black and white striped heads. They’re smaller than the Hairy woodpecker, and they resemble it nearly but not quite.
Throughout Kentucky, the Downy Woodpeckers may be found year-round.
In most types of bird feeders, Downy Woodpeckers are plentiful. Mixed seed, black sunflower seed, and suet should be offered.
18. COMMON GRACKLE
Scientific name: Quiscalus quiscula
Length: 11.0-13.4 in
Weight: 2.6-5.0 oz
Wingspan: 14.2-18.1 in
Grackles are also rather lovely in the right light, despite being classified as bully birds like the starling. Their iridescent feathers make them even more so. They will roost with other kinds of blackbirds, sometimes in massive flocks numbering in the millions of birds, and they appear mostly black in color. Their bright color, yellow ringed eye, makes them immediately distinguishable.
In Kentucky, grackles can be found all year.
Grackles are often considered pests because they are foragers and will eat practically anything.
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 magnificent buntings go up from their wintering grounds in Mexico and southern Florida at night, traveling up. Males are brilliant blue all over with indications of black on their wings, while females are mostly brown with just hints of blue. The color is produced by the way their feathers shine rather than blue pigment. Look for them in the summer, when they sing beside the fields and forests’ edge.
Throughout the spring and summer, Indigo Buntings may be found across Kentucky.
They’ll come if you offer mixed seed and nyjer, but they’re not as common 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 Juncos spend their summers up in Canada, many Americans associate them with winter birds. Their heads are black, and their entire bodies are dark slate-gray above, although lighter grayish white below. Their beaks are light pink. Females and immature specimens may have a more buffy brown color. They can frequently be seen hopping around on the ground in forests and wooded areas.
Only in the late fall and winter do Dark-eyed Juncos visit Kentucky.
Juncos will visit feeders on occasion, but prefer to eat seeds on the ground. Under bird feeders, you’ll regularly notice them picking up the scattered seeds.
21. NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
Scientific name: Icterus galbula
Length: 6.7-7.5 in
Weight: 1.1-1.4 oz
Wingspan: 9.1-11.8 in
They have a grayer color on the back and lighter chest than other medium-sized birds. Although they are not particularly apparent unless the bird’s wings are expanded or it is flying, they have a strong white stripe on each wing and the tail’s outside edges. They are well-known for their tunes, which they perform by mocking or imitating the tunes of various birds. They generally do a series of bird songs in a long string.
Throughout the year, Northern Mockingbirds can be found in Kentucky.
Bird feeders are not often visited by mockingbirds. By planting fruiting trees and shrubs in your garden, you may help to attract them. They’re frequently spotted leaping around on the grass, or perched on high bushes and poles.
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
Though only common in the eastern half of the United States, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most abundant species of hummingbirds in the country. They are also the only breeding species of hummingbird found in the Eastern U.S. They get their name because males have a bright ruby-red throat. Ruby-throated Hummers are emerald-green on their backs, wings, and heads with white under-parts. Females lack the red throat feathers.
Beginning in mid-April and lasting until late summer, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive in Kentucky.
If you set out nectar feeders, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are common in the backyards.
23. BROWN THRASHER
Scientific name: Toxostoma rufum
Length: 9.1-11.8 in
Weight: 2.1-3.1 oz
Wingspan: 11.4-12.6 in
With a heavily streaked breast and belly, the brown thrasher is a warm brown. Their black beak and yellow eye make them look strong. Because of the way they thrash through fallen leaves looking for bugs, I assume they’re called thrashers. The Brown Thrashers are accomplished song birds, with over 1100 different songs, including those of other bird species.
Anytime of year, brown thrashers may be found in Kentucky, however they are only present in the state’s northeastern region during the summer.
Bird feeders are seldom visited by Brown Thrashers, who instead pick up seeds on the ground. They look for bugs and other invertebrates by digging through leaves and sticks.
24. 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
Because of the males’ color and their tendency to travel in huge flocks (sometimes mixed with actual blackbirds), brown-headed cowbirds are frequently classified as “blackbirds.” The iridescent black body of males contrasts with the dark brown head. The whole body of females is lighter brown.
Cowbirds, on the other hand, are “nest parasites,” and by laying their eggs in the nests of other birds, they reduce the number of other species. They may sneak in and lay one egg among the others, or they may kick other eggs out of the nest to make room for their own. The imposter egg is detected by several birds, who treat the chick as their own.
In Kentucky, you may see cowbirds year-round.
Feeders are attractive to brown-headed cowbirds, who may be seen in big groups. They’ll devour anything from mixed seed to pure grass.
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 the United States, these medium to huge woodpeckers are rather prevalent around backyards, but they’re not particularly common at feeders. They are colorful birds, in my opinion, and among some of the most colorful in North America. Flickers prefer insects and are less frequent at feeders than the other woodpecker species on this list, however you may still see them in your yard if you know where to look. Their black bib, solid black bib, red patch on the back of their necks, and barred black and gray wings will help you identify them. The yellow-shafted variety of Kentucky birds has bright yellow feathers on the underside of their wings, and you get them in the wild.
Throughout Kentucky, northern flickers may be found all year.
A suet feeder will be visited by Northern Flickers, but they will often find their own food. They frequently look for prey on the ground, unlike other woodpeckers. If you do have a bird bath, they will visit it.
26. CHIPPING SPARROW
Scientific name: Spizella passerina
Length: 4.7-5.9 in
Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz
Wingspan: 8.3 in
With a buffy gray breast, brown and tan streaked wings, rusty red cap, and a black line through the eye with white above, chipping sparrows have their most crisp feathers in the summer. Their designs may seem less obvious in the winter, and their color might become more buffy-brown. Sparrows that prefer to feed on open ground are common Sparrows.
Only in the spring and summer months do Chipping Sparrows become native to Kentucky.
Backyard feeders attract Chipping Sparrows, who like to stay on the ground and pick up what has fallen. Sunflower and mixed seed, especially scattered on the ground, attract them.
27. 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
White-throated sparrows may be found across most of the United States. They migrate to Canada in the summer to breed during the winter. Their bold facial pattern of black and white stripe with yellow dots between the eyes, as well as their white throat patch, help them to stand out among sparrows. Females prefer to nest in secluded spots of thick flora and brush, where they may be found on or just above the ground.
Throughout Kentucky, white-throated sparrows may be found virtually throughout the year, however only during the winter.
Feeders attract white-throated sparrows, who like to collect fallen seeds below feeders. Sunflower, millet, and mixed seed blends are available.
HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR YARD
Interested in attracting some of these birds to your yard? Starting with the most obvious, take a look at these 5 simple tips.
1. PUT OUT BIRD FEEDERS
By setting out a bird feeder or two, you’ll get the greatest and most apparent way to draw birds to your yard. A basic tube feeder, hopper feeder, platform feeder, or window feeder are all good places to start. For further ideas on each, see the section below.
2. ADD A WATER SOURCE
You can use a terra cotta flower pot saucer, like this one, or something similar like a pedestal birdbath on Amazon.com. Birds need water not only to wash in, but also to drink, and adding a water feature to your yard will only increase your chances of attracting birds. Also, since moving water attracts more birds to the water, consider adding a solar fountain.
3. OFFER BIRDHOUSES
If placed in the correct location at the correct time of year, several types of birds will readily adopt to birdhouses. Among the most popular birds sought after for birdhouses are those of the Eastern Bluebirds. The same day I put up this birdhouse, a mating pair of bluebirds came to check it out.
4. PROVIDE SHELTER
When the birds sense danger, ensure that your yard has trees, shrubs, and bushes where they can dart back and forth. Predators are their primary defense mechanism. Do your best to add some landscaping features that will allow birds to look at 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 these things. While non-native plants might be harmful to indigenous birds that are not familiar with them, try to avoid them.
10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIRD FEEDERS
In the yards of ten people, here are the most popular bird feeders.
- Hopper feeders are named after the hopper, which is a compartment in the middle that holds bird seed. Birds may rest on the edges and eat from them. To keep the seed dry, many hopper feeders are shaped like a house and covered on top. For this type of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or mixed birdseed. This is one of my favorite hopper feeders, and it’s squirrel-proof.
- Platform feeders are open on the top and may be hung from a tree or hook, or pole-mounted. They are also known as tray feeders. They’re simple to put up and ideal for feeding a wide range of birds. Every animal in your yard that can reach them will eat from them, despite the fact that they are totally open. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. In my backyard, I’m currently using this platform feeder.
- Tube feeders are clear plastic tube-shaped bird feeders that serve as tube feeders. They might hold a few seeds or up to 5 pounds of seed and are available in a variety of sizes. They’re wonderful since they let you seed whenever it’s necessary while also keeping your seed viable and dry. Tube feeders are used by a variety of birds. In tube feeders, you can use black sunflower seeds or a combination of seeds. This squirrel-proof tube feeder is made by Squirrel Buster, and it’s one of their best models on the market.
- Suet feeders are used to feed suet cakes to a particular kind of bird. They’re a very basic design, typically constructed of a metal wire cage with a tail-prop for bigger birds. Suet feeders are often used by woodpeckers throughout the winter since they are high-fat foods that birds seek out. I recommend obtaining a long-tailed suet feeder to attract larger woodpeckers, such as the Pileated and Northern Flicker.
- Window feeders are tiny bird feeders that use suction cups to stick to a glass window. They’re open on top and you pour the seed into the tray area to refill them, similar to tray feeders. These feeders are great for individuals who don’t have huge yards because they are attractive to a variety of species and extremely simple to set up. For this sort of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This is, without a doubt, the most well-liked bird feeder on Amazon, and possibly the whole internet.
- Thistle feeders, sometimes known as Nyjer feeders, are specialized bird feeders designed specifically for thistle seed. Birds in the finch family, including the American Goldfinch and House Finch, are among the most common species of birds that thistle feeders attract. The holes along the sides of thistle feeders, which are small, allow birds to pick out the thistle. Thistle feeders are often in a tube shape. Droll Yankees have a fantastic thistle feeder.
- Ground feeders are tray feeders that sit on the ground surface. Birds like Mourning Doves, Juncos, and Squirrels, as well as raccoons and other ground creatures will love them. For this style of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This recycled plastic ground feeder looks like something you’d enjoy.
- Another kind of specialized feeder for just one type of bird, orioles, is the oriole feeder. Little plastic or glass dishes designed for holding jelly, which orioles adore, are commonly seen on the feeder itself. Another food that orioles prefer is orange halves, which you may put on the feeder. Here’s an orange feeder that holds four jelly trays for easy oriole feeding.
- Hummingbird feeders are specialized nectar feeders that extract sugar water from hummingbirds. I often see Downy Woodpeckers at my feeder who also enjoy that sweet nectar, despite the fact that they are meant for hummingbirds. How to make hummingbird nectar without boiling the water can be found in this article. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on a hummingbird feeder since they are simple and cost-effective.
- Peanut feeders are tube-shaped and typically made of metal wire mesh material, much like thistle feeders. To allow for either whole unshelled or shelled peanuts to pass through the holes, the holes in the wire mesh are much further apart. These feeders should be filled with peanuts and attract birds such as Blue Jays. This one from Squirrel Buster is your best option if you want to keep squirrels out of your peanut feeder. This basic version will suffice in most cases.
BIRD WATCHING IN KENTUCKY
If you want to go birding in Kentucky, it is a fantastic state to do so. If you’re interested in getting more involved with the Kentucky Ornithological Society, there are chapters across the state where you can meetup, learn about birds, or go on a birding trip.
Take a look at this list I’ve put together of some popular birding sites in Kentucky if you’re a Kentucky resident who’d want to add some new species to your life list.
KENTUCKY BIRDING LOCATIONS
- Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge
- Peabody Wildlife Management Area
- Sloughs Wildlife Management Area
- Land Between the Lakes Rec Area
- Ballard Wildlife Management Area