A variety of wild birds may be found in Minnesota. We’ll look at some of Minnesota’s most well-known and well-known birds, particularly those that may be found near to you, in this essay. Several of these species are only partial-time residents, while others may be found throughout the year in Minnesota. So, let’s have a look at 26 Minnesota backyard birds and get to know a little about each one.
After that, I’ll demonstrate you how to attract birds to your yard by giving you a crash course in the 10 distinct sorts of bird feeders that you may utilize, as well as describing a few birdwatching hotspots and organizations in Minnesota.
How many different species of wild birds are in Minnesota?
It’s difficult to calculate an precise number of distinct bird species that may be found in North America, the United States, or even Minnesota. Nonetheless, as of 2020, the official state list includes 446 species, according to Wikipedia.
There are 2,059 species in North America, according to one source, while just 914 species according to another. So I’m not sure how much faith I put in these statistics, but they do provide a ballpark estimate of the number of species. Between a bird that enters a location by accident versus one that frequents the location on a regular basis, there may be a significant difference.
We’ll just examine a few of our favorite, widespread Minnesota backyard species for the purposes of this article.
26 BACKYARD BIRDS IN MINNESOTA
In Minnesota, there are 26 different species of backyard birds, some of which are year-round residents and others that aren’t. While they aren’t all of the species in Minnesota, these are some of the more notable and recognizable backyard birds, many of which you may see at your bird feeders. Let’s 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
In North America, the Northern Cardinals are one of the most recognizable and ubiquitous backyard birds. Females have duller hues and are more pale brown with some reddish tint, whereas males have brilliant red feathers and a black mask. The mohawks and reddish orange beaks of both sexes are easy to identify.
Throughout Minnesota’s southern half, the Northern Cardinals can be found year-round.
Most seed feeders will be visited by the Cardinals, who will offer them mixed seed blends and black sunflower seeds.
2. 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 patterns and coloration may become more buffy-brown in the winter, when they don’t appear as distinct. These are common sparrows that prefer to feed in open areas.
During the spring-summer season, Chipping Sparrows can be found across Minnesota.
Backyard feeders are home to Chipping Sparrows, who prefer to remain on the ground and collect what has fallen. Sunflower and mixed seed, especially scattered on the ground, attract them.
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 easily identified. Their underbodies are fluffy and light, with white cheeks and blackish gray wings and backs.
They’re typically seen darting back and forth from a feeder to cover and repeat for more, which they do at bird feeders all the time. Chickadees are typically among the first birds I notice at my yard’s new feeder, and they may be quite brave for their size!
Throughout Minnesota, black-capped chickadees may be seen at any time of year.
Most seed feeders will be visited by chickadees, who will offer them a mix of 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 American Goldfinch. The Blue Jay (also known as Blue Jays) They have a white breast and belly, with a huge blue crest on top of their skulls and mostly blue feathers down their backs. Black stripes run down their wings and tail. They have a necklace-like black ring around their necks. They’re among the first to alert all the birds in the area of a predator like a hawk, and they emit several loud, metallic-sounding calls.
The entire state of Minnesota is home to the Blue Jays all year.
Platform feeders, peanut feeders, and feeders with large perches are popular among Blue Jays. Give them black sunflower seeds, peanuts, and mixed seeds.
5. 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 plumage of song Sparrows varies greatly depending on where in North America they are found. These sparrows are brown on the back and wings, with extensive brown streaks on their chest and a white belly in the east. Their chest stripes frequently merge in a conspicuous brown patch, which aids in identification. The male of the species sings to attract females and defend his area, both of which roles he plays.
During the spring and summer, Song Sparrows may be found in central and northern Minnesota, but during the winter, they are mostly seen in the south.
Song Sparrows will snack on mixed seeds and sunflower seeds at bird feeders from time to time.
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, but in the middle, including Minnesota, their numbers may be patchy. They typically appear at your feeders in groups if you attract them, which is rather simple to do. Females are brown, while males are streaked brown with occasional red on the head and chest.
House Finches are likely to expand north in the future, as they are year-round residents of southern parts of the state.
House Finches are fond of thistle feeders, as are other finches. They’re more common at seed feeders than Goldfinches, so try scattering some black sunflower seeds around to attract 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
Robins are most often seen hopping around the grass, looking for worms and other invertebrates to eat. They are quite common in backyards. They do not usually eat seeds, although they will occasionally visit bird feeders. They’re easy to identify because of their vivid red, circular bellies and yellow beaks.
Throughout most of Minnesota, robins can be found year-round, but in the northern sections of the state, they may only be seen during the spring and summer.
Attract them with meal worms, native fruit-bearing plants, or a bird bath if they don’t visit bird feeders 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 little smaller than robins and may often be seen perched on telephone lines or in clusters in trees. They’re often spotted wandering around on the ground, especially on my tray feeder. Gray with black markings on top, a light peachy hue below, and pink legs, mourning doves are mostly gray.
Throughout southern Minnesota, mourning doves can be found all year, but in the central and northern parts of the state, they are only spring and summer residents.
Seed feeders are visited by doves, but they search the ground for fallen seeds. Try scattering some seeds on the ground or using a ground feeder with a mixed seed blend.
9. EUROPEAN STARLING
Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris
Length: 7.9-9.1 in
Weight: 2.1-3.4 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
In the 1890s, 100 starlings were released in New York, and they have since ruled the United States. They interfere with feeders, spoiling other birds’ nests and murdering their chicks. They may also obstruct other birds from getting the food you provide. They have yellow beaks and feet, and are mostly all dark with white specs on their backs and wings. Starlings may also be a purple and green iridescent hue, and they can be quite lovely in the right light.
Unfortunately, this invasive species may be found anywhere in the United States throughout the year.
Anything is eaten by European Starlings. We recommend that you do not try to attract them since they are an invasive species and will turn up.
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 brilliant yellow feathers in the spring and summer, they are one of my favorite birds to watch at feeders. Males have a black cap on top of their heads during this time, and females are yellow or “gold” with black-tipped wings. Their bright yellow turns a dull brownish or olive color during the winter, and they molt. The black on their wings and their finch-like beaks will always distinguish them from any other birds.
Throughout the southern half of Minnesota, goldfinches may be found all year, however they are only spring and summer visitors in the northern part of the state.
Thistle feeders are preferred by goldfinches, and you have the best chance to attract them if you use a thistle feeder.
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
In most backyards within their range, White-breasted Nuthatches are a frequent feeder bird. Nuthatches are named after their habit of cramming nuts and seeds beneath tree bark and then cracking the shell with their razor-sharp beaks. In addition to being able to walk vertically on trees better than most other species, these birds have the ability. White-breasted nuthatches have a white head with a thick black stripe on top, as well as white on the sides and belly. Gray and black are the most common colors of their wings.
In Minnesota, White-breasted Nuthatches may be found all year.
Most seed feeders are visited by nuthatches, who give them black sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet as a snack. They often like to rush up to a seed, grasp it in their hands, and sprint away to devour or store it in a nearby tree.
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 commonly seen as pests. In addition to starlings, you may legally capture and humanely dispose of. They, too, were imported in the 1800s and have since spread like wildfire across the United States. Their wings and buffy chest are streaked with black and brown, with the majority of them being brown in color. Other birds, especially around nests and bird houses, are typically attacked aggressively.
All year, Minnesota is home to House Sparrows.
House sparrows, like the european starling, are invasive and endanger indigenous species. Almost anything will tempt them.
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 especially noticeable for their crimson and yellow “shoulders,” which stand out against their black bodies among the most common birds in North America. Females, on the other hand, are brown with light streaks and look quite different from males. Male polygynous species have up to 15 different females that they are mating with, hence the name polygynous. Sadly, in flocks, they may be found at seed feeders and devour the seed quickly.
Throughout the year, red-winged blackbirds may be found throughout southern Minnesota, although they are more commonly seen in the spring and summer months throughout central and northern Minnesota.
Most types of feeders are visited by red-winged blackbirds, who will eat seed as well as 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
Because of the males’ color and the fact that they travel in huge flocks (sometimes mixed with actual blackbirds), brown-headed cowbirds are often grouped together as “blackbirds.” The iridescent black body of males contrasts with the dark brown head. Females have a lighter brown coloration overall.
Cowbirds, on the other hand, are “nest parasites,” laying their eggs in the nests of other birds, reducing the total number of birds. They sometimes sneak one egg into the nest among the others, and they occasionally kick other eggs out to make room for their own. Many birds will raise the chick as their own, despite the fact that it is an imposter egg.
In Minnesota, you may encounter cowbirds during the spring and summer.
Feeders are regularly visited by brown-headed cowbirds, who may be seen in large numbers. They’ll devour just about any combination of seeds.
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 commonly referred to as winter birds in the United States. Throughout the United States, there are a variety of subspecies. The color variations are somewhat different. The pale pink beak and roundish body shape of dark-eyed junco’s are two important features to look for when identifying them on all types. The head and back are usually darker, while the belly is usually lighter. These can be found hopping around on the ground in forests and wooded regions, where they are most common.
Only in the autumn and winter do Dark-eyed Juncos occur in Minnesota, however they may hang around all year in the far north.
Juncos prefer to eat the seed beneath your feeders that other birds are dropping, and will occasionally perch on feeders. Mixed seeds are something they enjoy.
16. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Melanerpes carolinus
Length: 9.4 in
Weight: 2.0-3.2 oz
Wingspan: 13.0-16.5 in
Around feeders and in backyards in general, these medium-sized woodpeckers are rather frequent. You may notice the bright red stripe down the back of their heads, despite what they’re called as being “red-bellied.” Their white break is simple, with a pinkish red patch below their belly patch that is usually not seen. With the white and black barring on their wings, they are extremely easy to identify.
While they will 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 common backyard birds enjoy visiting bird feeders and are very fond of them. They’re one of the first species I see at a new bird feeder because they’re the tiniest woodpeckers in North America. Their white underbodies, black wings with white markings, black and white striped heads, and a red spot on the rear of their skulls (males have no red in females) are unmistakable. Downy’s are smaller than hairy woodpeckers, which are also mentioned here.
Throughout Minnesota, the downy woodpecker may be seen at any time of the year.
Most bird feeders include Downy Woodpeckers. Mixed seed, black sunflower seed, and suet are all options.
18. COMMON GRACKLE
Scientific name: Quiscalus quiscula
Length: 11.0-13.4 in
Weight: 2.6-5.0 oz
Wingspan: 14.2-18.1 in
Grackles are also lovely in the right light, with their iridescent feathers, despite being a bully bird like the starling. They are generally black in hue, although under certain lights, blue, green, brown, and purple hues may be visible. Grackles may roost alongside other types of blackbirds, and millions of birds may be seen in huge flocks. Their solid coloring, long narrow body, and yellow ringed eye make them easy to identify.
Grackles are present all year along Minnesota’s southern border, but they are only active during the breeding season in the spring and summer.
Grackles are often considered as pests because they forage and 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 of the open field, such as barn swallows. The back of these gorgeous birds is dark blue, with orange around the eyes and neck. They may have a light tawny hue on their breasts and belly, or they may be orange. Their long, deeply forked tail is one of their trademarks. They’re extremely acrobatic insects that fly through water, fields, farms, and meadows, catching bugs in the air. Cup-shaped nests, which are often seen in the eaves of barns, gazebos, covered pavilions, and under bridges, are made out of mud and grass.
The migratory patterns of barn swallows in the United States During the spring and summer, you may see them breeding all throughout Minnesota.
Barn swallows won’t come to a bird feeder since they eat flying insects. If you have a barn, outbuilding, or gazebo, you can try to draw them in by placing up a nestbox.
20. HOUSE WREN
Scientific name: Troglodytes aeon
Length: 4.3-5.1 in
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz
Wingspan: 5.9 in
The little brown bird with a tremendous voice is the house wren. They are found all throughout the United States, and will nest in practically any tiny space that they believe is suitable, including shoes and ancient cans. Birds houses are likely to be examined at the very least, if not chosen to utilize them. These are the birds that have spent the most time in my birdhouses. House wrens’ drab color and small size make them easy to overlook, but they are most likely zipping around among the shrubs in your yard catching insects. Their wings and tail are black, with white bordered below and above them.
During the breeding season in Minnesota, house wrens can be found all over the state.
House Wrens don’t feed on birds because they eat almost entirely insects and spiders. Nonetheless, having insect-supporting vegetation in the garden or a birdhouse will draw them in.
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 throughout the United States, these medium to large-sized woodpeckers are common, but not as common at feeders. In my opinion, they are among the most colorful birds in North America. Flickers prefer to locate insects on the ground rather than in trees, and unlike other woodpeckers, they often do. The black marks on their bellies, solid black bib, red patch on the back of their necks, and barred black and gray wings will help you identify them. A black mustache is found on males. The yellow-shafted variety of Minnesota birds features bright yellow feathers on the underside of their wings and tail.
Year-round, you can find Northern Flickers in Minnesota.
A suet feeder is visited by Northern Flickers on occasion, although they are more likely to find food on their own. If you have a bird bath, they will stop by to visit.
22. 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
Much of the United States is home to white-throated sparrows. They migrate to Canada in the summer to breed during the winter. Their bold facial pattern of black and white stripe with yellow spots between the eyes makes them easier to identify among sparrows, as well as their white throat patch. Females prefer to nest in secluded places of thick foliage and brush, typically on or just above the ground.
During the spring and summer, white-throated sparrows may be found in Minnesota’s northeastern region. During spring and autumn migration, you may see them passing through the remainder of the state.
Feeders are visited by white-throated sparrows, who like to collect fallen seed beneath feeders. Sunflower, millet, and combinations of both seed are available.
23. GRAY CATBIRD
Scientific name: Dumetella carolinensis
Length: 8.3-9.4 in
Weight: 0.8-2.0 oz
Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 in
Catbirds are robin-like birds with a black head and a long tail. They have dark slate gray coloring all over. A rusty red patch can be seen just beneath their tails, but it is often missed. Native fruit-bearing trees and bushes are magnets for catbirds, so bring them home. Their cries sound like that of a meowing cat, which gives them the moniker catbird.
In the spring and summer, Gray Catbirds may be found in Minnesota and most of the United States.
If you offer some fruits, berries, and other sweet items, catbirds may be attracted to you, but they prefer to forage on the ground or in bushes for food.
24. COMMON YELLOWTHROAT
Scientific name: Geothlypis trichas
Length: 4.3-5.1 in
Weight: 0.3 oz
Wingspan: 5.9-7.5 in
One of the most common warblers in the United States is the common yellowthroat. They only spend the breeding season here before heading south for the winter, for the most part. Males have a black face mask and a bright yellow throat. They have a 0livestock-brown back and tail. Females are similarly dark, but lack the black mask. Brushy fields and near-water habitats like swamps and marshes are favorites of theirs. When hiking near a big lake or marsh, I often run into these fellas.
In the spring and summer, you may find the common yellowthroat throughout Minnesota.
They will not eat bird feeders since they mostly eat insects, but if you have plenty of low-grasses and thick vegetation in your garden, they may come.
25. HAIRY WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Leuconotopicus villosus
Length: 7.1-10.2 in
Weight: 1.4-3.4 oz
Wingspan: 13.0-16.1 in
Hairy woodpeckers and downy woodpeckers don’t have much in common. Some minor differences differentiate hairy from non-hairy, such as a bigger beak and a longer head. Both have identical patterns and are typically discovered in the same geographical locations as each other. While researching this, I discovered that the hairy woodpecker visits bird feeders less frequently than Downy’s.
All year, the state of Minnesota is home to Hairy Woodpeckers.
Hairy Woodpeckers may be found visiting suet and seed feeders, as well as Downy Woodpeckers.
26. 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
Yellow-rumped warblers come in a variety of colors, depending on their location. The Myrtle variety is most common in Minnesota. Males have a black mask, white eyebrows, and a bright yellow top of the head, sides, and above the tail. They are streaked black and gray. Females are lighter in color and more tan than gray, but they have the same color pattern. The dark face mask and yellow on the head are also missing. They will be the most vivid and brilliant in the spring, then fade throughout the winter, as do other warblers.
During the spring and summer, these warblers can be found in Minnesota’s northeastern region. During spring and fall migration, you may observe them passing through the remainder of the state.
Bird feeders are occasionally visited by Yellow-rumped Warblers. Sunflower seeds, suet, and raisins are all good ways to attract them.
HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR YARD
Want to attract some of these birds to your yard? The first of these five simple techniques is the most obvious.
1. PUT OUT BIRD FEEDERS
Putting out a bird feeder or two is the best and most obvious way to attract birds to your yard. I recommend a window feeder, a basic tube feeder, a hopper feeder, or a platform feeder as the first step. Some alternatives for each are listed below.
2. ADD A WATER SOURCE
You can use a simple terra cotta flower pot saucer, like this one, instead of a pedestal birdbath, which is what I did on Amazon. Birds need water to drink, and adding a water feature to your yard will only improve your likelihood of attracting birds. Also, since moving water attracts the birds to visit the pond even more, consider installing a solar fountain.
3. OFFER BIRDHOUSES
If set up in the appropriate location at the proper time of year, several species of birds will readily take up residence in birdhouses. Among the most common birds sought after for birdhouses are Eastern Bluebirds. A mating pair of bluebirds paid my birdhouse a visit the same day I put it up, and they were checking it out.
4. PROVIDE SHELTER
Make sure there are trees, shrubs, and bushes in your yard that the birds can use to flee danger when they sense it. Predators are kept at bay by this. Do your best to include some landscaping characteristics that will allow birds to gaze at your yard as safe if your yard is in a new development with no mature trees.
5. ADD NATIVE PLANTS
Having native plants that generate nuts, berries, and seeds will merely help your efforts to attract more birds for many birds that eat nuts, berries, and seeds. Moreover, since most songbirds feed insects to their hatchlings, native plants help caterpillars and other insects that feed many birds and support nest-building. Out-compete the native flora that promotes a healthy ecosystem, avoid invasive and non-native flora.
10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIRD FEEDERS
The most popular bird feeders that people set up in their yards are shown here.
- Hopper feeders are named because they feature a hopper in the center, which holds the bird seed. Birds can land on and eat from the perches located on both sides. To keep the seed dry, several hopper feeders are shaped like a house and covered on top. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. It’s squirrel-proof, as well as one of my favorite hopper feeders.
- Platform feeders are open on top and may be hung from a tree or hook, or pole-mounted. They are also known as tray feeders. These are simple to set up and great for feeding a wide range of birds. Every animal in your yard can access them, so they are completely open. For this type of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. In my yard right now, I’m using this platform feeder.
- Tube feeders are essentially clear plastic tube-shaped bird feeders, and they’re just about as basic. They may hold a few cups of seed or up to 5 pounds of seed. They’re fantastic since they allow you to refill your seed quickly while keeping it fresh and dry. A tube feeder will be used by several types of birds. In tube feeders, you may use black sunflower seeds as well as mixed seeds. This tube feeder is fantastic, and of course it’s squirrel proof, so Squirrel Buster makes some of the greatest on the market.
- Suet feeders are used to feed one kind of bird food, suet cakes. They are a very basic design, generally consisting of just a metal wire cage with a tail-prop for bigger birds, although they may be more complex. When birds are seeking high-fat foods in the winter and woodpeckers are frequent visitors, suet feeders are popular. To attract bigger woodpeckers, such as the Pileated and Northern Flicker, I recommend purchasing a suet feeder with a long tail prop.
- Small bird feeders that mount right to a glass window by way of suction cups are known as window feeders. They’re open on top and you just dump seed into the tray compartment to replenish them, similar to tray feeders. Several distinct species of birds like these feeders, which are simple to start with and ideal for people with small yards. 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.com, and probably the most popular window feeder.
- Thistle feeders, also known as Nyjer feeders, are specialized bird feeders created 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 feature little holes along the tube’s edges, allowing birds to remove the thistle. They are frequently tube-shaped. Droll Yankees has a fantastic thistle feeder.
- Ground feeders are tray feeders that sit on the ground rather than on a higher level. Birds like Mourning Doves and Juncos, as well as squirrels, raccoons, and other types of ground animal will love them. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. The recycled plastic ground feeder is a nice item to have.
- Another kind of specialized feeder for one species of bird, the oriole, is the oriole feeder. The feeder is often orange in hue, and tiny plastic or glass cups designed for holding jelly, which orioles adore, are frequently placed on top. Another treat that orioles like is sticking orange halves onto the feeder. With four jelly trays, this oriole feeder is easy to put together.
- Hummingbird feeders, often known as hummingbird feeders, are invented to extract sugar water from nectar. I often see Downy Woodpeckers at mine, despite the fact that they’re meant for hummingbirds, and they love that sweet juice as much as I do. To learn how to make hummingbird nectar without boiling the water, read this article. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on a hummingbird feeder since they’re so simple and cheap. I’ve personally used and liked this one.
- Peanut feeders are tube-shaped and usually 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 slightly farther 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 MINNESOTA
If you want to expand your horizons, Minnesota has plenty of options. If you want to get more involved, the Minnesota Audubon Society has numerous local chapters with meetups, seminars, field excursions, and bird watching trips.
Take a look at this list of popular birding spots in Minnesota if you’re a Minnesota resident and want to add some new species to your life list.
MINNESOTA BIRDING LOCATIONS
- McGregor Marsh
- Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge
- Sax-Zim Bog
- Blue Mounds State Park
- Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve