Wild birds may be found in South Dakota in a variety of habitats. We’ll investigate some of the most well-known and well-known birds in South Dakota, particularly those that may be seen close to home, in this article. Certain of these species are full-time residents of South Dakota, while others are only seasonal. So let’s take a look at South Dakota’s 26 backyard birds and learn about each of them.
After that, I’ll demonstrate you how to draw birds to your yard with the help of 10 distinct kinds of bird feeders, as well as some birdwatching hotspots and organizations in South Dakota.
How many different species of wild birds are in South Dakota?
Getting an precise number of bird species in North America, the United States, or even in the state of South Dakota is difficult. Yet, according to Wikipedia, the official state list includes approximately 438 species.
There are 2,059 species in North America, according to one source, and just 914, according to another. So I’m not sure how accurate these numbers are, but they do provide a rough estimate of the number of species. Between a bird that happens to stray into a place and one that stays in a place on a regular basis, there can be quite a variation.
We’re going to take a look at some of our favorite, frequently seen backyard creatures in South Dakota for the purposes of this article.
26 BACKYARD BIRDS IN SOUTH DAKOTA
In South Dakota, we’ll take a look at 26 species of backyard birds, some of which are year-round residents and others that aren’t. These are some of the more notable and recognizable South Dakota backyard birds, many of which you can see at your bird feeders, but they are far from all of the species in the state. It’s time to get started!
1. 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 during the summer. Their patterns may look less defined and the color of their winter coats may become more buffy-brown. Sparrows that prefer to feed on open terrain are quite common.
During the spring-summer season, Chipping Sparrows can be found throughout South Dakota.
At outdoor feeders, Chipping Sparrows are often found picking up spilled food on the ground. Sunflower and mixed seed, especially scattered on the ground, attract them.
2. 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 head and black bib, black-capped chickadees are small birds with rounded bodies that are immediately identifiable. Their underbodies are fluffy and light, and their cheeks are solid white. Their wings and backs are blackish gray.
They’re quite prevalent around bird feeders, where they swoop back and forth from one to the other to cover and uncover. Chickadees, for their size, are unusually bold and can be seen immediately after I add a new feeder in my yard.
Throughout South Dakota, black-capped chickadees may be found year-round.
Most seed feeders will be visited by chickadees, who will provide them with a variety of seed mixes.
3. 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 Canada Goose. The Blue Jay is the bird’s name. They have a white breast and belly with blue feathers along their back, and a huge blue crest on top of their heads. Black stripes run down their wings and tail. These also have a necklace-like black ring around their necks. They are frequently among the first to alert all the birds in the area of a predator like a hawk, and they make several loud, metallic-sounding calls.
The entire state of South Dakota is home to the Blue Jays, who live year-round.
Platform feeders, peanut feeders, and feeders with large perches are popular among Blue Jays. Black sunflower seeds, mixed seeds, and peanuts are offered to them.
4. 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 have a dark brown chest and belly with extensive black streaks on the back and wings in the east. Their chest stripes typically merge in a conspicuous brown patch, making them easier to identify. In addition to catching females, the male of this species uses his voice to establish his territory.
South Dakota is home to Song Sparrows. Winter visitors in the southwest, whereas summer or year-round visitors in the east.
Song Sparrows snack on mixed seeds and sunflower seeds at bird feeders on occasion.
5. HOUSE FINCH
Scientific name: Haemorhous mexicanus
Length: 5.1-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in
The House finch is a backyard ornamental throughout both eastern and western regions of the nation, although their populations may be uneven in the center, including South Dakota. They usually arrive at your feeders in clusters if you attract them, which is fairly simple to do. Females are all brown, while males are mostly streaked brown with some red on the head and chest.
Some parts of the state are home to year-round house finches, while their numbers are projected to expand and extend throughout the state in the future.
House finches, like other birds, eat thistle seeds. Try some black sunflower seeds to attract them as well, since they are more common at seed feeders than goldfinches.
6. 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 a common sight in backyards, where they hop about looking for worms and other invertebrates to eat. They do not commonly eat seeds and will often visit bird feeders. They are easily recognized by their vivid red bellies and yellow beaks.
In South Dakota, robins can be seen year-round.
Meal worms, native fruit-bearing plants, and a bird bath are all good options for attracting American robins to bird feeders.
7. MOURNING DOVE
Scientific name: Zenaida macroura
Length: 9.1-13.4 in
Weight: 3.0-6.0 oz
Wingspan: 17.7 in
Doves are distributed throughout gardens and often perched on utility lines or in clusters in trees, resembling the size of a robin. They are occasionally seen on my tray feeder, but they are more often seen wandering around on the ground. Gray with black markings on top, a light peachy hue below, and pink legs, mourning doves are primarily gray.
During the spring and summer breeding season, mourning doves may be seen across the state, but they may stay around all year along the southern border.
Doves prefer to scour the earth for fallen seeds, but they frequently visit seed feeders. Try scattering some seeds on the ground or using a ground feeder with a mixed seed blend.
8. EUROPEAN STARLING
Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris
Length: 7.9-9.1 in
Weight: 2.1-3.4 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
In the 1890s, a hundred starlings were released in New York and have since overrun the nation. They will overrun feeders, destroying other birds’ nests and killing their young. They will overtake you when you are not looking. They have yellow beaks and feet and are generally dark with white specks on their backs and wings. Starlings are also a vivid purple and green iridescent color that can be quite lovely in the right light.
Unfortunately, this invasive species lives all year long in every state except South Dakota.
Anything is fair game for European Starlings. We recommend against trying to attract them since they are an invasive species that will show up anyhow.
9. AMERICAN GOLDFINCH
Scientific name: Spinus tristis
Length: 4.3-5.1 in
Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in
In the spring and summer, seeing goldfinches at feeders is one of my favorite activities, especially when they’re wearing their bright yellow feathers. Males have a black cap on top of their heads and are predominantly yellow, or “gold,” during this time. Their bright yellow coloration darkens to a more drab brownish or olive hue throughout the winter. The black on their wings and beaks, as well as their finch-like beaks, may always identify them.
Except for the extreme southeast corner of the state, where they may reside all year, goldfinches are exclusively spring and summer visitors.
Sunflower chips are a good option for attracting goldfinches, but thistle feeders are the best way to do it.
10. 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
Most backyards in their range have white-breasted nuthatches as feeder birds. Nuthatches are known for hatching seeds from the shell using their sharp beaks after stuffing nuts and seeds beneath tree bark. In addition, these birds are better than most other species at climbing vertically on trees. A thick black stripe runs across the top of the heads of white-breasted nuthatches, with white on either side and in their bellies. Gray and black are their most common colors.
Throughout South Dakota, white-breasted nuthatches may be found year-round.
Most seed feeders will be visited by nuthatches, who will give them a variety of seed mixtures, black sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet. They usually like to pick up a seed and rush away, either eating it or caching it in a nearby tree.
11. 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 considered pests. In addition to legal starlings, you may humanely kill. They were first seen in New York in the 1800s, and like starlings, they have grown like wildfire across the United States. Their wings and buffy chest are streaked with black and brown, and they are generally brown in color. They are typically hostile to other birds, especially when they’re around nests or bird cages.
All year, South Dakota is home to House Sparrows.
House sparrows, like the European starling, are invasive and pose a danger to indigenous wildlife. They’ll devour practically anything they come across.
12. 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 have red and yellow “shoulders” that stand out against their black bodies, making them one of the most numerous birds in all of North America. Nonetheless, the females of this species are mostly brown with light streaks and look considerably different. Males of this species may have up to 15 different females that they are mating with, making them polygynous. Unfortunately, they gather in flocks and consume seed at a rapid pace at feeders.
Throughout most of South Dakota, red-winged blackbirds may be found year-round, however they are only present in the spring and summer in the northwestern part.
Most kinds of feeders attract Red-winged Blackbirds, who will devour seed as well as suet.
13. BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD
Scientific name: Molothrus ater
Length: 7.5 – 8.7 in
Weight: 1.5 – 1.8 oz
Wingspan: 12.6 – 15.0 in
Brown-headed cowbirds (sometimes mixed with actual blackbirds) travel in huge flocks and may mob your feeders, making them easy to mistake for blackbirds. The body of a male is iridescent black, and the head is dark brown. Females have a lighter brown coloration all over.
Unfortunately, cowbirds lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, reducing the number of species present. They may occasionally sneak one egg among the others, or kick other eggs out of the nest in order to make room for their own. The imposter egg is rejected by many birds, who treat the chick as if it were their own.
During South Dakota’s spring and summer, you may see cowbirds.
Feeders are frequently visited by brown-headed cowbirds, who arrive in large numbers. They’ll devour practically any combination of seeds.
14. 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 regarded as winter birds in the United States. Across the United States, there are several subspecies. Different color variations are seen on certain specimens. The pale pink beak and roundish body shape of dark-eyed junco’s are two excellent features to identify when identifying them on all types. On the head and back, they are often darker, while on the belly, they are lighter. These are most often seen hopping around on the ground in wooded and forested areas.
Only during the fall and winter is South Dakota home to dark-eyed Juncos.
Juncos prefer to eat the seed from the ground underneath your feeders, rather than feed on feeders. Mixed seeds are preferred by them.
15. 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 such as the downy are common household birds that enjoy visiting bird feeders. They’re one of the first birds I see at a new bird feeder, and they’re the tiniest woodpeckers in North America. Their red head spot (in males, females have no red) and black wings with white markings distinguish them from other species. Their underbodies are completely white, their heads are black and white striped, and their backs are red. Although they are similar to the hairy woodpecker, who is also mentioned here, Downy’s are smaller.
South Dakota is home to the Downy Woodpecker, which can be found all year.
Most types of bird feeders attract Downy Woodpeckers. Mixed seed, black sunflower seed, and suet are good options.
16. COMMON GRACKLE
Scientific name: Quiscalus quiscula
Length: 11.0-13.4 in
Weight: 2.6-5.0 oz
Wingspan: 14.2-18.1 in
Grackles are also quite attractive in the proper light with their iridescent feathers, despite falling into the bully bird category like the starling does. They are commonly black in hue, although blue, green, brown, and purple hues may be seen in the right light. Grackles may roost alongside other kinds of blackbirds and form huge flocks numbering in the billions of birds. Their solid coloring, long thin body, and yellow ringed eye make them easy to distinguish.
Grackles only visit South Dakota in the spring and summer, however they may stay year-round in the state’s southeastern corner.
Grackles are often referred to as pests because they forage and eat practically anything.
17. BARN SWALLOW
Scientific name: Hirundo rustica
Length: 5.9-7.5 in
Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz
Wingspan: 11.4-12.6 in
The open field birds, barn swallows. The plumage of these lovely birds is dark blue on the back, orange in the eyes, and orange on the neck. They can range from a light tawny color to a vivid orange in their breast and belly. Their long, deeply forked tail is one of their distinguishing features. They’re very acrobatic flying insects that swoop and cruise over water, fields, farms, and meadows collecting insects. Their cup-shaped nests, which are most often discovered in the eaves of barns, gazebos, covered pavilions, and beneath bridges, are made of mud and grass.
The United States is a destination for barn swallows. During the spring and summer, they can be found throughout South Dakota, especially in places like Brown County.
Barn Swallows will not go to a bird feeder because they eat flying insects. If you have a barn, outbuilding, or gazebo, you may attempt to attract them by erecting a nestbox.
18. HOUSE WREN
Scientific name: Troglodytes aeon
Length: 4.3-5.1 in
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz
Wingspan: 5.9 in
A little brown bird with a loud voice, the house wren is a tiny bird. These are found all over the United States, and they’ll nest in practically any tiny hole that they feel is suitable, shoe heels or empty cans. Bird houses are more likely to be inspected first, if not chosen, by people who put them up. These are the birds that nest most often in my birdhouses. House wrens have a drab appearance and are small in size, which makes them easy to overlook as they zip around through the bushes catching insects. Their wings and tail feature black banding, with the upper part being dark and the lower part being light.
During the breeding season, House wrens may be found in all of South Dakota.
House Wrens don’t go to bird feeders since they eat practically exclusively insects and spiders. Insect-attracting plants or a bird house in the yard, on the other hand, are likely to attract them.
19. 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 may be found, but they are less common at feeders. They’re also, in my opinion, among the most gorgeous birds in North America. Flickers prefer to locate insects on the ground rather than in the trees, unlike other woodpeckers. The black markings on their bellies, solid black bib, crimson patch on the back of their necks, and barred black and gray wings help you identify them. A black mustache covers the upper lip of men. They have brilliant yellow feathers on the underside of their wings and tail, and they come in two different colors in South Dakota: the yellow-shafted kind.
South Dakota is home to northern flickers all year.
A suet feeder is visited by Northern Flickers on occasion, but they find their own food more often than not. If you have a bird bath, they’ll stop by for a visit.
20. 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 look a lot alike. Hairy’s have a longer beak and a few other minor differences when compared to their head size. They have nearly identical patterns and are typically discovered in the same regions of the nation as one other. The hairy woodpecker, on the other hand, does not visit bird feeders as often as the Downy woodpecker does.
All year, the state of South Dakota is home to the Hairy Woodpeckers.
Hairy Woodpeckers will eat suet and seed feeders, in addition to Downy Woodpeckers.
21. WESTERN MEADOWLARK
Scientific name: Sturnella neglecta
Length: 6.3-10.2 in
Weight: 3.1-4.1 oz
Wingspan: 16.1 in
The wings and back of a breeding adult western meadowlark are boldly streaked, the breast, neck, and face are bright yellow, and the eyebrow is black. Immature and non-breeding birds lack the black chest patch and have a considerably lighter yellow. Their famous “flutelike” song, which is typically performed from perches on fence posts, has earned them a reputation. They feed on insects and seeds in grasslands, meadows, and pastures, and are usually found in flocks.
During the spring and summer months, western meadowlarks are only found in South Dakota.
They may come to your yard for seed if you live in an open area. A platform feeder or a feed from the ground is more likely to be used. Hulled sunflower and shattered corn make great additions.
22. AMERICAN CROW
Scientific name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
Length: 15.8-20.9 in
Weight: 11.2-21.9 oz
Wingspan: 33.5-39.4 in
The color of American Crows is black, and they are rather big. Like their cousin the raven, they are well-known for being clever problem solvers. In large groups, crows will roost higher up in the tree tops, allowing them to see everything below from a birds-eye perspective. The roost will alarm everyone if an owl or hawk appears, letting them know that there is a threat nearby.
All year, crows may be seen in South Dakota.
Crows are too big to visit bird feeders, and they are omnivorous. They don’t go near them.
23. YELLOW WARBLER
Scientific name: Setophaga petechia
Length: 4.7-5.1 in
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz
Wingspan: 6.3-7.9 in
The yellow warbler is a bright yellow bird with a bright yellow tail. Their back can be more of a darker, olive yellow, while their chest and head are brighter. Males have a reddish-brown chest streaked with streaks. Thickets and small trees near wetlands or streams are where they like to be.
During the spring and summer, yellow warblers may be found across South Dakota.
Because they are insect eaters, yellow warblers avoid bird feeders. Little trees that support caterpillars might be used to attract them.
24. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH
Scientific name: Sitta canadensis
Length: 4.3 in
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 in
The backs of these little nuthatches are dark gray, the chest and belly are rusty (slightly colorful to pale), and the face is boldly black and white striped. These birds are most often seen scurrying about on tree trunks and branches, hunting for insects beneath the bark. They’ll utilize outdoor nest boxes and make use of tree cavities as nests.
During the autumn and winter months in South Dakota, red-breasted nuthatches may be found, however their population is often affected by conifer seed availability, and year to year variations may occur depending on conifer seed availability.
Feeders are visited by red-breasted nuthatches. Sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet may be offered.
25. RING-NECKED PHEASANT
Scientific name: Phasianus colchicus
Length: 19.7-27.6 in
Weight: 17.6-105.8 oz
Wingspan: 22.1-33.9 in
These pheasants can be difficult to spot amid the tall grass of open fields, despite their huge bulk. Look for them near the weedy edges of dirt roads, zigzagging from field to field. They have tremendous muscles that enable them to spring up or run over 40 miles per hour in order to flee predators. Males have bright splashes of color on their iridescent and red head, while all brown females blend in perfectly with their surroundings.
Throughout South Dakota, the ring-necked pheasant may be found year-round.
Backyards are occasionally visited by ring-necked pheasants, particularly if you live near a field. They may utilize a huge platform feeder or prefer to eat seed from the ground beneath a feeder. Cracked corn and sunflower seeds are available.
26. EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE
Scientific name: Streptopelia decaocto
Length: 11.4-11.8 in
Weight: 4.9-6.3 oz
Wingspan: 13.8 in
The Eurasian collared dove is a European and Asian native, as one might expect from its name. Several of them flew to Florida in the 1970s after escaping from a Bahamian pet store. These freed birds are said to have started the colonization of the United States, as well as some that were set free in the south Caribbean on Guadeloupe. They can now be found across the United States. Mexico and the United States are also included. They have a chunkier body and a longer tail than a mourning dove. They have a plain back with a black stripe across the back of their neck, rather than the black splotches on the backs of mourning doves.
Throughout the year, South Dakota is home to the Eurasian collared dove.
Eurasian collared doves, which eat seeds and grain from platform feeders or on the ground, will visit backyards to eat. Millet is one of their favorite foods.
HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR YARD
Want to attract some of these birds to your yard? Starting with the most obvious, here are five easy ways to get started.
1. PUT OUT BIRD FEEDERS
A bird feeder or two is the finest and most apparent technique to attract birds to your yard. A simple tube feeder, hopper feeder, platform feeder, or window feeder would be a good place to start. For each one, there are several options 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 like the one on Amazon. Birds need water to drink and bathe in, so adding a water feature to your yard will increase your chances of attracting birds. Also, since moving water attracts the birds to come see the pond even more, include a solar fountain.
3. OFFER BIRDHOUSES
If placed in the proper location and time of year, many kinds of birds will readily take up residence in birdhouses. The most popular birds to attract to birdhouses are Eastern Bluebirds. A mating pair of bluebirds paid me a visit the same day I put up this birdhouse in my yard, and they were checking it out.
4. PROVIDE SHELTER
When the birds sense danger, make sure that your yard contains trees, bushes, and shrubs for them to dash back and forth. Predators are their primary threat, and this is how they defend themselves. Try to add some landscaping elements that will allow birds to view your yard as safe if your yard is in a new development with no mature trees.
5. ADD NATIVE PLANTS
Having native plants that produce nuts, berries, and seeds will help your efforts to attract more birds for many birds that eat them. Moreover, since most songbirds feed insects to their hatchlings, native plants help caterpillars and other bugs that feed many birds and support nesting birds. Try to prevent invasive and non-native species from crowding out native species that support a healthy ecosystem.
10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIRD FEEDERS
In their yards, people set up ten of the most popular bird feeders.
- Hopper feeders are named after the hopper compartment in the center, which holds the bird seed. Perches for birds to rest on and feed from are located on the sides. To keep the seed dry, many hopper feeders are shaped like a house and have a roof. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This is a squirrel-proof hopper feeder, one of my favorites.
- Platform feeders are open on top and may be hung from a tree or hook, or pole-mounted. They’re also known as tray feeders. They’re simple to set up and work well for feeding a wide range of birds. Every animal in your yard that can reach them will eat from them, though they are completely open. For this sort of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. Right now, I’m putting this platform feeder in my yard.
- Tube feeders are simple plastic tube-shaped bird feeders that come in a variety of shapes. They may hold from a few cups of seed to 5 pounds or more. They’re ideal since they allow you to seed whenever it’s necessary while also preserving your seed fresh and dry. Tube feeders are used by a variety of birds. In tube feeders, you may utilize black sunflower seeds and mixed seeds. This squirrel-proof tube feeder is one of Squirrel Buster’s bestsellers, and it’s also a great product.
- Suet feeders are used to feed suet cakes to one kind of bird. They’re a very basic design, usually comprised of a metal wire cage with a tail-prop for bigger birds, occasionally with a tail-prop. Suet feeders are often visited by woodpeckers during the winter months when birds are seeking high-fat foods. I recommend the Pileated and Northern Flicker, as well as a suet feeder with a long tail prop.
- Small bird feeders that mount directly to a glass window via suction cups are known as window feeders. They’re similar to tray feeders in that you pour seed into the tray area to refill them, rather than filling them from a bottle. These feeders are perfect for folks who don’t have huge yards since they are favored by a variety of species. They are simple to set up and ideal for newbies. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This is, by far, the most popular bird feeder on Amazon, and maybe on Amazon as a whole.
- Thistle feeders are specialized bird feeders designed expressly for thistle seed, also known as Nyjer feeders. Birds in the finch family, which includes the American Goldfinch and House Finch, are the most common types of birds that thistle feeders attract. Thistle feeders are often circular in shape and feature tiny holes along the circumference of the circle, enabling birds to remove the thistle. Droll Yankees created this excellent thistle feeder.
- More or less tray feeders that sit on the ground level are known as ground feeders. Birds like Mourning Doves, Juncos, and Squirrels; as well as raccoons and other ground animals, will find them very appealing. This kind of feeder is made using black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This recycled plastic ground feeder might appeal to you.
- Another kind of specialized feeder for one kind of bird, orioles, is the oriole feeder. Little plastic or glass dishes designed for holding jelly, which orioles adore, are commonly used as feeders. Another treat that orioles enjoy is sticking orange halves onto the feeder. Here’s an oriole feeder that holds orange halves in four jelly trays.
- Hummingbird feeders are nectar feeders that are created especially for hummingbirds to extract sugar water from the flowers. I often see Downy Woodpeckers at my feeder who also enjoy that sweet nectar, despite the fact that they are meant for hummingbirds. Learn how to make hummingbird nectar without boiling the water by reading 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 devices made of metal wire mesh that may be used to feed peanuts. To allow for whole unshelled or shelled peanuts to pass through the holes, the holes in the wire mesh are only slightly apart. These should be filled with peanuts, and they attract birds like Blue Jays. This one by Squirrel Buster is your best option for keeping squirrels out of your peanut feeder. This basic one will suffice, nevertheless.
BIRD WATCHING IN SOUTH DAKOTA
If you want to expand your hobby beyond your own neighborhood, South Dakota has a plethora of options. If you’re interested in getting more involved, Audubon Dakota has several local chapters with meetups, workshops, field excursions, and birdings.
Take a look at this list I’ve compiled of popular birding sites in South Dakota if you’re a resident of South Dakota and want to add some new species to your life list.
SOUTH DAKOTA BIRDING LOCATIONS
From birdwatchersdigest.org, you may learn more about the characteristics of each of these sites (and local birding events).
- Badlands National Park
- Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge
- Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve
- Newton Hills State Park
- Custer State Park
- Sica Hollow State Park