Birds may be seen in a wide range of colors and sizes throughout New Mexico. We’ll examine several of the most popular and well-known birds in New Mexico, particularly those that may be seen in your own yard, in this article. A few of these animals reside in New Mexico throughout the year, while others migrate in and out. So, let’s learn a little about each species by looking at 28 backyard birds in New Mexico.
After that, I’ll demonstrate you how to draw them to your property, teach you a crash course in the many kinds of bird feeders that may be used to attract birds, and even provide some suggestions on local birdwatching clubs and organizations.
How many different species of wild birds are in New Mexico?
It’s impossible to say precisely how many bird species live in North America or the United States, or even in a single state. You may get a lot of species that cross the border from time to time, but may not remain in the United States, particularly in a state like New Mexico that shares a boundary with Mexico. Yet, the official state list includes at least 549 species, according to Wikipedia.
According to one source, North America is home to 2,059 species; according to another, there are only 914. So I’m not sure how much I should trust these statistics since they only give us a rough estimate of the number of species.
We’re only going to look at a few of our favorite backyard species from New Mexico for the purposes of this article.
28 BACKYARD BIRDS IN NEW MEXICO
In New Mexico, we’ll take a closer look at 28 species of backyard birds, some of which are permanent residents and others that aren’t. These are some of the more prominent and identifiable New Mexico backyard birds, many of which you can view at your bird feeders, none of which are all of the species in the state. Let’s get started!
1. HOUSE FINCH
Scientific name: Haemorhous mexicanus
Length: 5.1-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in
In both the eastern and western regions of the United States, the House Finch is a common backyard bird. They frequently appear in groups at your feeders if you attract them, which is quite simple. Males are streaked brown, with red on the head and breast, while females are streaked brown throughout.
Throughout New Mexico, House Finches are year-round residents.
House finches, like other finches, are fond of thistle feeders. They’re more common than Goldfinches at seed feeders, so offer them some black sunflower seeds to attract them.
2. MOURNING DOVE
Scientific name: Zenaida macroura
Length: 9.1-13.4 in
Weight: 3.0-6.0 oz
Wingspan: 17.7 in
Doves are a little pigeon-sized bird that frequents backyards and sits perched on power lines or in clusters in trees. They’re often seen walking around on the ground, rather than on my tray feeder. Gray with black spots on top, a pale peachy color below, and pink legs, mourning doves are mostly gray.
Throughout the whole state of New Mexico, mourning doves can be found year-round.
Seed feeders are often visited by doves, but they prefer to search the earth for fallen seeds. Sprinkle some seeds on the ground or use a ground feeder with a mixed seed blend.
3. EUROPEAN STARLING
Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris
Length: 7.9-9.1 in
Weight: 2.1-3.4 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
In the 1890s, 100 starlings were released in New York, and they have since overrun the United States. They attack other birds’ nests, murdering their eggs, and they’ll push past feeders so that no one else may get any of the food you provide. They have yellow beaks and feet, and are mostly dark with white specks on their backs and wings. In the right light, starlings may also be a purple and green iridescent hue that is quite lovely.
Unfortunately, this destructive species may be found year-round in every of the lower 48 states, including New Mexico.
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.
4. WESTERN BLUEBIRD
Scientific name: Sialia mexicana
Length: 6.3-7.5 in
Weight: 0.8-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 11.4-13.4 in
The head, throat, wings, and tail of male western bluebirds are all stunning blues. Their breast is a rusty orange, which descends their flanks and extends across their wings to the back of their neck. Females lack any blue on their neck and will seem duller, occasionally significantly duller. In the United States, they are perhaps the most coveted birds of nests. The bluebird house business has become quite popular. While they’re not as prevalent at feeders, they’re popular in backyards. Try to attract a mating pair by putting up a birdhouse.
All year, Western Bluebirds may be found in most of New Mexico. They may, however, be missing from the northeast corner and only seen during the winter along the southern border.
Feeding seed to bluebirds is uncommon, but they may be persuaded to visit a tray feeder or a dish with mealworms.
5. WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
Scientific name: Sitta carolinensis
Length: 5.1-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-10.6 in
In most backyards within their range, white-breasted nuthatches are a common feeder bird. The name “nut hatching” comes from the fact that nuthatches stuff nuts and seeds beneath tree bark, then use their razor-sharp beaks to crack them open. In addition, these birds are better able to walk vertically on trees than many other species. White-breasted nuthatches have a white top stripe on their heads, with white on either side and in the tummy. Gray and black are the most common colors of their wings.
White-breasted nuthatches may be scarce or missing in the southern part of New Mexico throughout the year.
Most seed feeders are visited by nuthatches, who provide black sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet. They generally like to pick up a seed and fly away immediately, either caching it in a nearby tree or eating it.
6. BEWICK’S WREN
Scientific name: Thryomanes bewickii
Length: 5.1 in
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz
The brown back and light chest of Bewick’s Wren create a rounded appearance. Its bill is long and has a slightly downward curve, similar to that of other wrens. The wings and tail have black barring, while the head has a large white eyebrow. They may range from a warm brown to a more gray-brown in humid areas and drier areas. They’re constantly dashing from limb to limb, flicking their tail up and down occasionally. Males are tiny singers who may recall up to 22 different songs. They are loud singers at birth.
Bewick’s wrens may be found throughout New Mexico year-round, with the exception of the extreme southeastern corner of the state, where they may be scarce or absent.
Hulled sunflower, suet, or mealworms may attract this wren at feeders, although they are not particularly common. Another technique to entice them into the yard is to plant native shrubs and keep brush piles.
7. HOUSE SPARROW
Scientific name: Passer domesticus
Length: 5.9-6.7 in
Weight: 0.9-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 in
Houses sparrows are the only other wild bird species in the United States, and they are often considered pests. besides legal starlings, which can be trapped and killed humanely. They were first brought to New York in the 1800s, and since then, they have spread like wildfire across the United States. Their wings and buffy chest are speckled with black and brown streaks, and they’re generally brown in color. They’re generally hostile to other birds, especially those near nests.
Throughout New Mexico, House Sparrows can be found year-round.
House sparrows, like their European counterparts, are invasive and endanger native species. Almost anything will satisfy them.
8. LESSER GOLDFINCH
Scientific name: Spinus psaltria
Length: 3.5-4.3 in
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz
Wingspan: 5.9-7.9 in
As seen above, the male lesser goldfinch has a black head, yellow belly, and white wing patches. In New Mexico, where they may seem a dark glossy black throughout their whole head and back, there is also another plumage variation that might exist at times. Females have a yellow underbelly with an olive-colored head and back. In a mixed flock alongside other goldfinches, house finches, and sparrows, these finches are commonly seen.
Throughout central and southern New Mexico, the lesser goldfinch may be found year-round, but they are most abundant in the northern half of the state during the breeding season.
Sunflower seeds and nyjer (thistle) seed are favorite foods of Lesser Goldfinches, who frequent bird feeders.
9. CURVE-BILLED THRASHER
Scientific name: Toxostoma curvirostre
Length: 10.6-11.0 in
Weight: 2.1-3.3oz
Wingspan: 13.4-13.6 in
With a thin throat and dotted belly, the curve-billed thrasher is a dull gray-brown. Their black beak is strong, and their eyes are yellow-orange. Since they sweep their beak back and forth through leaf litter hunting for bugs, I assume they’re referred to as thrashers. Fruits, seeds, and even flowers are also eaten. The whistle sound someone makes when hailing a cab is described as sounding similar to their call.
Throughout the year, curve-billed thrashers may be found in all of New Mexico’s southern and eastern regions.
Curve-billed thrashers may acquire seeds on the ground or from huge platform feeders, but they seldom visit bird feeders. Cracked corn, sunflower seeds, and millet are all available. Providing water is another way to attract them.
10. AMERICAN CROW
Scientific name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
Length: 15.8-20.9 in
Weight: 11.2-21.9 oz
Wingspan: 33.5-39.4 in
The color of American Crows is solid black, and they are quite big. Like their cousin the Raven, they are also well-known for their problem-solving skills. Crows will gather in large numbers on top of the trees, where they can see everything below from a birds-eye view. The roost will alert everyone if an owl or hawk appears, letting everyone know there is a threat nearby.
Crows are ubiquitous throughout New Mexico during the year, but they are notably scarce near the state’s southern and eastern borders.
Because of their size, American Crows are primarily omnivorous and do not use bird feeders.
11. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
Scientific name: Agelaius phoeniceus
Length: 6.7-9.1 in
Weight: 1.1-2.7 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
Male red-winged blackbirds are among the most common birds in North America, with their crimson and yellow shoulders standing out against their black bodies. The ladies of this species, on the other hand, are mostly brown with light streaks and appear quite different. Males will have up to 15 different females that they are mating with, making them a polygynous species. Unfortunately, they arrive at feeders in droves and devour seed rapidly.
Throughout New Mexico, red-winged blackbirds are seen every year.
Most feeders are visited by red-winged blackbirds, who will eat both seed and suet.
12. WHITE-WINGED DOVE
Scientific name: Zenaida asiatica
Weight: 4.4-6.6 oz
Wingspan: 18.9-22.8 in
White-winged doves are often seen pecking about on the ground for food rather than at bird feeders, much like their cousins the mourning doves. The inner wings are white, with black outer wings. The doves are mostly pale-brown on the inside, but have white-tipped tails. Their eyes are also ringed in a bright blue. White-winged doves, however, are more likely to be seen in the Sonoran Desert, where they feast on saguaro cactus fruits.
Southern New Mexico is home to the white-winged dove.
Seed feeders are not frequented by white-winged doves, although they may pick up debris on the ground.
13. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW
Scientific name: Zonotrichia leucophrys
Length: 5.9-6.3 in
Weight: 0.9-1.0 oz
Wingspan: 8.3-9.4 in
During the summer, white-crowned sparrows live in Canada and Alaska, then return to the United States during the winter. White-crowned sparrows have a bold black and white striped head, with the remainder of their face, chest, and belly remaining plain buffy brown-gray. One of the easier sparrows to identify. Fields, along road and trail borders, are where they like to forage. These sparrows will seek out bird feeders, but they’ll most likely pick up spilled seed by the roadside rather than on the feeder.
Throughout the fall and winter, these sparrows may be found across New Mexico.
Feeders are visited by white-crowned sparrows, who like to collect fallen seed below them. Sunflower, millet, and blended seed blends are available.
14. 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 is a common sight in gardens, where it hops about looking for worms and other invertebrates. They do not usually eat seeds and will sometimes visit bird feeders. They are easily recognized due to their bright red bellies and yellow beaks. During the winter, they retreat to the woods in many places, and until spring, they don’t return to yards. In most cases, they stick around through the winter, giving the illusion that they are migrating out of the state.
Robins may be seen throughout most of New Mexico all year, however they are more common in the state’s southwestern corner during the non-breeding season.
Meal worms, native fruit-bearing plants, or a bird bath are all good ways to attract American Robins to bird feeders.
15. YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER
Scientific name: Setophaga coronata
Length: 4.7-5.5 in
Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 in
The Yellow-rumped warbler’s color pattern varies depending on where it is found. The Audubon variety, which features brilliant yellow on the neck, rump, and flanks, is most common in New Mexico. On top of their head, you may see a little yellow. The colors of females are the same, although they may appear duller and the patterns less distinct than males. In the spring, their plumage will be most vivid and brilliant, and over the winter, it will fade significantly. Like other warblers, this is true of them.
During the winter, yellow-rumped warblers are common in New Mexico, however during the breeding season, they may be seen in parts of the state south of Albuquerque.
Bird feeders are visited by Yellow-rumped Warblers on occasion. Sunflower seeds, suet, and raisins are all good ways to attract them.
16. DOWNY WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Picoides pubescens
Length: 5.5-6.7 in
Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in
Birds that like to visit bird feeders are often called upy’s. They’re one of the first species I notice on a new bird feeder, and they’re the tiniest woodpeckers in North America. Their white underbodies, black wings with white specks, black and white striped heads, and a red spot on the back of their heads (males have no red) distinguish them immediately. Although Downy’s are smaller than the Hairy Woodpecker, they look a lot like it.
Except in the far south of the state, New Mexico is home to Downy Woodpeckers all year.
At most kinds of bird feeders, the Downy Woodpeckers are ubiquitous. Mixed seed, black sunflower seed, and suet should be offered.
17. BUSHTIT
Scientific name: Psaltriparus minimus
Length: 2.8-3.1 in
Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz
Bushtits are a fat, spherical little bird. Their coloration may vary widely depending on the region, but they are generally a buffy brownish-gray with a somewhat lighter neck, as seen in California. They are common, but difficult to detect due to their plain coloring and tiny size. In shrubs and thickets, look for them moving from branch to branch. They’re typically found in a group and move around a lot, preventing them from sitting still for long periods of time.
In New Mexico, year-round you may spot Bushtits.
Insects are preferred by Bushtits, so they don’t go to feeders. Attracting the insects you want to your yard may be helped by planting native shrubs and trees that nourish them.
18. SPOTTED TOWHEE
Scientific name: Pipilo maculatus
Length: 6.7-8.3 in
Weight: 1.2-1.7 oz
Wingspan: 11.0 in
The Spotted Towhee is a wonderful backyard bird that is always a treat to watch. With white wing patches, rusty edges, and a white belly, both sexes have a black head, back, wings, and tail. Males have a black skin tone, while females have a brown tone. Towhees forage for insects, seeds, and berries among the leaves and vegetation of master foragers. It’s entertaining to watch them scratch at the ground and move brush with a doubled-footed backward hops motion. Leave some brushy edges and leaf litter along your yard line if you want a better chance of attracting towhees to your yard.
Most of New Mexico is home to Spotted Towhees all year, but they are only winter visitors along the state’s eastern border.
Spotted Towhees rarely eat from bird feeders, although they will scour the ground for seeds if one is available. scatter seed on the ground or maintain some shrubby vegetation in the yard to attract them, instead of spreading seed.
19. EURASIAN COLLARD-DOVE
Scientific name: Streptopelia decaocto
Length: 11.4-11.8 in
Weight: 4.9-6.3 oz
Wingspan: 13.8 in
The Eurasian collared dove is native to Europe and Asia, as you might expect from its name. Several of them fled to Florida in the 1970s after escaping from a Bahamas pet store. These liberated birds, as well as others released on Guadeloupe in the south Caribbean, are thought to have started the US colonization. These may now be found in most of the United States. Mexico and the rest of the world. They have a chunkier body and a longer tail than a mourning dove, but they are similar. They have a plain back with a black stripe across the back of their neck, unlike mourning doves, who have black spots on their backs.
New Mexico is home to the Eurasian collared dove year-round.
In returnyards, Eurasian collared doves will eat seeds and grains from platform feeders or on the ground. Millet is one of their favorite foods.
20. 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 across the United States, these medium to big sized woodpeckers may be seen at feeders, but not very often. They’re also one of the most gorgeous birds in North America, in my opinion. Unlike other woodpeckers, flickers prefer to find insects on the ground rather than in trees, and they feed mostly on them. The black patches on their bellies, solid black bib, barred black and gray wings, and brown face with a gray head will help you identify them. Males and females differ in the color of their mustaches. The red-shafted variety is found in New Mexico, with crimson feathers on the underside of their wings and tail.
Throughout the bulk of New Mexico, Northern Flickers may be found all year, however in the southeastern section of the state, they are only present throughout the winter.
While other woodpecker species may feed at feeders more often, Northern Flickers will visit suet feeders on occasion. You may observe them digging around for insects if you have some leaf mounds in the yard.
21. PINE SISKIN
Scientific name: Spinus pinus
Length: 4.3-5.5 in
Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-8.7 in
With sharply pointed beaks, pine siskins are small members of the finch family. These birds are brown and white with streaks on their feathers, which makes them resemble female house finches. The wings and sides of the pine siskin’s tail will always be yellow (of varying brightness). During favorable seed harvests, they are regarded as nomads, and during winter afternoons following such good harvests, they prefer conifer seeds. As a result, you may witness a lot of them during some winters and none at all during others.
All year, pine siskins can be found in western and central New Mexico. They are just winter visitors to the rest of the state.
Nyjer (thistle) feeders are attractive to Pine Siskins, who may also eat millet or hulled sunflower.
22. LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Dryobates scalaris
Length: 6.3-7.1 inches
Weight: 0.7-1.7 ounces
Wingspan: 13.0 inches
Dense woodlands with tall trees are most likely the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word woodpeckers. However, the Ladder-back has evolved to thrive in the arid desert regions of the south. They may be discovered in deserts and scrubland, and were once dubbed the “cactus woodpecker.” They adore wild scrubland with mesquite and prickly pear cactus in New Mexico. Their name comes from the pattern of horizontal stripes on their back that resembles “rungs on a ladder.”
Except for the regions along the western and northern frontiers, ladder-backed woodpeckers can be found throughout New Mexico all year.
If you live in the area, ladder-backed Woodpeckers may feed at your feeder. They will eat suet, and they may even visit nectar feeders, like many woodpeckers.
23. 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 up in Canada, juncos are often seen as winter birds in the United States. Throughout the United States, there exist numerous sub-species. Variations in color that are minor. Among the varieties you can find in New Mexico are pink-sided Oregon, gray-headed Oregon, and red-backed Oregon. They should be distinguished by a good bird identification book. The pale pink beak and roundish body shape of dark-eyed juncos are two good characteristics to look for when identifying them on all types. The head and back are often darker, while the belly is often lighter.
During the winter months, Dark-eyed Juncos are only seen in New Mexico, however some may remain throughout the year in the state’s northwestern corner.
Juncos will sometimes visit feeders, although they usually prefer to eat ground seed beneath your feeders rather than seeds that other birds drop. Mixed seeds are preferred by them.
24. MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE
Scientific name: Poecile gambeli
Length: 4.3-5.5 in
Weight: 0.4 oz
Because of their black head and neck, chickadees are small little birds with rounded bodies that are very easy to identify. Their underbodies are fluffy and light, with solid white cheeks and gray wings and backs. Black-capped chickadees may be seen in northern New Mexico, but only the mountain chickadee possesses the eye stripe above its eye, making it simple to identify. Evergreen woods in hilly regions are their preferred environment.
In New Mexico, mountain chickadees can be found all year.
Most seed feeders will be visited by chickadees, who will offer black sunflower seeds and mixed seed blends. Throughout the winter, they’ll frequently eat suet.
25. WOODHOUSE’S SCRUB JAY
Scientific name: Aphelocoma woodhouseii
Length: 11.0-11.8 in
Weight: 2.5-3.5 oz
These huge birds have a lengthy and thin structure, much bigger than a robin. The head, wings, and tail are blue, with a gray back. The throat is covered with shaggy white feathers, and the chest and belly are light gray. Pinon-juniper and oak-pinyon woodlands are where they prefer to dwell. These scrub jays will visit golf courses, parks, and suburbs where they are quite comfortable around people.
Sunflower seeds, peanuts, and other nuts are available in the yard for Woodhouse’s scrub jay. Since their diet changes to incorporate more insects in the summer, they may come more often throughout the winter.
26. CANYON TOWHEE
Scientific name: Melozone fusca
Length: 8.3-9.8 in
Weight: 1.3-1.9 oz
Wingspan: 11.5 in
The Canyon towhee, which has longer legs and a longer tail than the typical sparrow, is part of the sparrow family. Their color is described as “dirt” brown with a warm brown patch on the underside of the tail, which is an excellent way to describe it. Because they spend their time on the ground and beneath shrubs in their desert habitat, this coloring helps them blend in nicely.
Insects, seeds, and berries are sought out by towhees through leaf litter and vegetation. It’s entertaining to observe them scratch at the ground and maneuver aside brush with a doubled-footed backwards hop motion.
Canyon towhees will seek seed on the ground beneath feeders, but they will probably not eat from a hanging feeder. scatter seed on the ground, use a ground platform feeder, or maintain some brushy vegetation in the area to attract them.
27. JUNIPER TITMOUSE
Scientific name: Baeolophus ridgwayi
Titmice have a tiny crest (mohawk) that distinguishes them from other birds, much as cardinals do. The little gray crest of the juniper titmouse is no exception. The bill and eye of juniper titmice are short and slightly thick, with a silvery-gray coloration. They aren’t gaudy, but in the pinyon-juniper woodlands where they live, it’s simple to hear them chattering.
Throughout most of New Mexico, the juniper titmouse may be found year-round, although it is more common in the state’s northeastern region.
Most seed feeders will be visited by titmice, who will offer them a variety of seed mixtures and black sunflower seeds.
28. CASSIN’S FINCH
Scientific name: Haemorhous cassinii
Length: 6.3 in
Weight: 0.8-1.2 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-10.6 in
The aspen and evergreen woods near the highwest’s mountains are where this lovely rosy finch likes to hang out. The darkest red is on the little crest at the front of their head, and males have a raspberry red wash on their head, chest, and back. They have a buffy, plain belly. The back of females is brown, but they lack any read color. They have heavy brown streaking on their chest and belly.
The house finch and the purple finch are commonly mistaken with Cassin’s finch. Cassin’s finch has streaks on its belly that a house finch does not, and its head is smaller and has a little peak, which distinguishes it from the smoothly rounded and highly colored head of the purple finch.
Most of New Mexico is visited by Cassin’s finch during the winter, however some may remain year-round along the state’s far northern border.
HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR YARD
Are you interested in bringing some of these birds to your property? Take a look at the five basic steps, starting with the most obvious.
1. PUT OUT BIRD FEEDERS
Putting out a bird feeder or two is the best and simplest way to bring birds to your garden. A basic tube feeder, hopper feeder, platform feeder, or window feeder are good places to start. For each of them, there are some below.
2. ADD A WATER SOURCE
This Amazon A pedestal birdbath is really cool, but you may also utilize a terra cotta flower pot saucer, such as this one. Birds need water to both bathe in and drink, so adding a pond to your yard is only going to increase your likelihood of attracting them. Also, since moving water will attract the birds to visit the pond even more, consider adding a solar fountain.
3. OFFER BIRDHOUSES
If placed in the proper location at the proper time of year, several varieties of birds will readily take up residence in birdhouses. Among the most popular birds sought after for birdhouses are Eastern Bluebirds. The same day I put up the birdhouse, a mating pair of bluebirds came to check it out.
4. PROVIDE SHELTER
Make sure there are trees, shrubs, and bushes in your yard that the birds may use to retreat and flee when they feel threatened. Predators are kept at bay by this. Do your best to install some landscaping elements that will allow birds to view your yard as safe if your yard is in a freshly developed neighborhood with no mature trees.
5. ADD NATIVE PLANTS
Having native plants that produce nuts, berries, and seeds will merely help your efforts to attract additional birds for numerous birds that consume these items. Moreover, since most songbirds feed insects to their hatchlings, native plants support caterpillars and other insects that feed many birds and help nesting birds. Native plants that support a healthy ecosystem should be avoided, as should invasive and non-native plants.
10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIRD FEEDERS
A number of the most popular bird feeders in yards are shown below.
- The term “hopper feeder” refers to a type of bird feeder that contains a hopper, which holds the seed. Birds may perch on the edges 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 kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination 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, pole-mounted, or hung from a pole. They’re simple to install and ideal for feeding a variety of birds. Every animal in your yard that can reach them will consume from them, despite the fact that they are fully exposed. For this sort of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. In my own garden, I’m presently using this platform feeder.
- Tube feeders are simple plastic tube-shaped bird feeders that you can purchase at any store. They might hold a few pots of seed or up to 5 pounds of seed. These are fantastic since they preserve your seed at a perfect moisture and dryness level, while also allowing you to refill it when needed. Tube feeders are used by many types of birds. Tube feeders can accommodate both black sunflower seeds and mixed seeds. This Squirrel Buster tube feeder is absolutely amazing, and it’s squirrel proof, which is especially important.
- Suet feeders are used for suet cakes, which are one kind of bird food. They’re a very basic design, generally consisting of a metal wire cage with a tail-prop for bigger birds and sometimes also a tail-prop. Suet feeders are ubiquitous at woodpecker time of year since they provide high-fat foods to birds when they’re seeking them out. I recommend the Pileated and Northern Flicker as large woodpeckers to attract with a suet feeder with a long tail prop.
- Window feeders are tiny bird feeders that use suction cups to attach to a glass window. They’re comparable to tray feeders in that you simply pour seed into the tray area to replenish them, like with a tray feeder. Several different species of birds find these feeders appealing, they are simple to use, and they are ideal for anybody who has small gardens. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This is, without a doubt, the most popular window feeder on Amazon, and maybe the entire bird feeder category.
- Thistle feeders, also known as Nyjer feeders, are specialized thistle seed bird feeders. Birds in the finch family, which includes the American Goldfinch and House Finch, are among the main types of birds that thistle feeders attract. Thistle feeders have tiny holes along the sides of the tube, allowing the birds to pick out the thistle. They are commonly in a tube shape. Droll Yankees has a nice thistle feeder.
- Ground feeders are tray feeders that sit on the ground floor. Birds such as Mourning Doves and Juncos, as well as squirrels, raccoons, and other ground animals will enjoy them. For this feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This recycled plastic ground feeder might be something you’d like.
- Oriole feeders are yet another kind of specialized feeder for one species of birds, the orioles. The feeder is usually orange in hue and has tiny plastic or glass dishes designed for holding jelly, which orioles adore. Another food that orioles enjoy is orange halves, which you can place on the feeder. This feeder for orange halves is a basic oriole feeder with four jelly trays.
- Peanut feeders are tube-shaped devices with a metal wire mesh material that are used to feed peanuts. To allow for whole unshelled or shelled peanuts to pass through the holes, the wires in the wire mesh are spaced much farther apart. These should be filled with peanuts and attract birds such as Blue Jays. This Squirrel Buster squirrel feeder is the best way to keep squirrels out of your peanut feeder. This simple one will suffice.
- Peanut feeders are tube-shaped and commonly made of metal wire mesh material. They are similar to thistle feeders in appearance. To permit for whole unshelled or shelled peanuts to pass through the openings, the openings in the wire mesh are spaced considerably farther apart. These 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. This basic one will suffice in most cases.
BIRD WATCHING IN NEW MEXICO
If you want to expand your hobby beyond your own neighborhood, New Mexico has plenty of options. If you want to get a little more engaged, the New Mexico Audubon Society and the New Mexico Ornithological Society host meetups, workshops, field excursions, and birding excursions.
Take a look at this list I’ve compiled of popular birding sites in New Mexico if you’re a New Mexico resident who’d like to add some new species to your life list.
NEW MEXICO BIRDING LOCATIONS
From birdwatchersdigest.org, you may learn more about the various special features of each location.
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Chaco Cultural National Historical Park
- Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge
- Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
- Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge