Wonderful ecosystems and national parks may be found in Wyoming. It’s no surprise that the state has a diverse array of wild bird species. We’ll examine a few of the most well-known and recognized birds in this article. A few of these species are permanent residents of Wyoming, while others migrate there for part of the year. In this article, we’ll learn a little about each of Wyoming’s 25 backyard birds and take a look at them.
I’ll then demonstrate how to attract them to your yard, give you a crash course in the 10 sorts of bird feeders that may be utilized to do so, and even recommend a few Wyoming birdwatching hotspots after that.
In Wyoming, how many different species of wild birds?
It’s tough to say how many bird species live in North America, the United States, or even Wyoming, because there are so many. The state of Wyoming, however, has at least 437 species of birds on the official list, according to Wikipedia. According to one source, North America has 2,059 species; according to another, just 914. So I’m unsure how much faith I put in these statistics since they provide a broad picture of the number of species.
We’re going to look at a few of Wyoming’s most common (particularly in your yard) species for the purposes of this article.
32 BACKYARD BIRDS IN WYOMING
We’ll take a look at 25 species of backyard birds in Wyoming, some of which are permanent residents and others that aren’t. These are just a few of Wyoming’s more well-known and identifiable backyard birds, but they are some of the most interesting and visible. Let’s get started right away!
1. 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 common birds in all of North America. Females of this species, on the other hand, are brown with light streaks and look significantly different. Males will have up to 15 separate females that they mate with, making them a polygynous species. Unfortunately, they occasionally appear in flocks and devour seed at an alarming rate.
All year long, Wyoming is home to Red-winged Blackbirds.
Most types of feeders attract Red-winged Blackbirds, who will eat seed and suet.
2. PINE SISKIN
Scientific name: Spinus pinus
Length: 4.3-5.5 in
Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-8.7 in
The little finch family Pine Siskins has a sharply pointed beak. They’re brown and white, and they may resemble female house finches in appearance. The wings and sides of the Pine Siskin’s tails, on the other hand, will always be yellow (of varying brightness). They are regarded as nomads and travel about each winter after excellent seed harvests, favoring conifer seeds as their primary food source. Other winters, you may observe a lot of them, and others, you may not. This is why.
Throughout the state’s western and southern regions, Pine Siskins may be seen year-round. During the winter, they are more frequently seen in Wyoming.
Nyjer (thistle) feeders are magnets for Pine Siskins, who may also eat millet or hulled sunflower if available.
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, chickadees are tiny little birds with rounded bodies that are extremely simple to identify. Their underbodies are fluffy and light, with solid white cheeks and blackish gray wings and backs.
They’re frequently seen darting back and forth from a feeder to cover and uncover themselves for more food at bird feeders. Chickadees are one of the first birds I notice approaching a new feeder in my yard, and they can be quite fearless for their size!
Throughout Wyoming, you may see black-capped chickadees all year.
Most seed feeders will be visited by Chickadees, who will offer a variety of seed blends and black sunflower seeds.
4. 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, barn swallows. The back is dark blue, the eyes are orange, and the throat is orange. These wonderfully colored birds Their breasts and bellies range in color from light tawny to vivid orange. Their long, deeply forked tail is one of their distinguishing traits. These agile flyers soar and swoop across water, fields, farms, and meadows, catching insects in the air with their razor-sharp beaks. Cup-shaped nests, which are frequently seen in the eaves of barns, gazebos, covered pavilions, and beneath bridges, are made out of mud and grass.
The United States is home to barn swallows. You may locate them throughout Wyoming in the spring and summer, if you want to breed them.
Barn Swallows don’t visit a bird feeder since they eat flying insects. If you have a barn, outbuilding, or gazebo, you can try to attract them by putting up a nestbox.
5. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH
Scientific name: Sitta canadensis
Length: 4.3 in
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 in
The back, chest, and belly of these small nuthatches are black, while the face is boldly striped. They range in color from boldly colorful to pale. These are small and energetic birds that spend the majority of their time hopping around beneath the bark on tree trunks and limbs. They may utilize outdoor nest boxes and breed in tree holes.
Throughout the year, red-breasted Nuthatches live in Wyoming, however during the winter when food (conifer seeds) is scarce, their population often migrates to other regions.
Feeders are frequented by red-breasted nuthatches. Sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet are all options.
6. 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 for winter. Wh
Throughout Wyoming, these sparrows can be found most of the year, but they are only present during the winter in the northeastern section of the state.
Feeders are often visited by white-crowned sparrows, who like to collect fallen seed. Sunflower, millet, and mixed seed blends are available.
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 mostly seen hopping around the grass looking for worms and other invertebrates to eat, and they are very common in backyards. They don’t normally eat seeds, but they’ll stop by bird feeders from time to time. They are easily identified due to their bright red bellies and yellow beaks.
While you may see robins less often in your yard throughout the winter, they live throughout Wyoming year-round.
Mealworms, native fruit-bearing plants, leaf-litter for foraging, or a bird bath are all excellent ways to attract American Robins to bird feeders.
8. MOURNING DOVE
Scientific name: Zenaida macroura
Length: 9.1-13.4 in
Weight: 3.0-6.0 oz
Wingspan: 17.7 in
Doves are fairly frequent in backyards, and will often sit perched on telephone wires or in clusters in trees, measuring about the size of a robin. They frequently hang out beneath feeders and pick up the seeds that fall to the ground, which I observe on my tray feeder. The top of mourning doves is gray, with black specks on top. The bottom is pale peachy. Their eyes are blueish-grey, and their legs are pink.
In Wyoming, Mourning Doves can be found at any time of the year.
Dove feeders are common, but they prefer to look for seeds that have fallen to the ground. Sprinkle some seeds on the ground or try a ground feeder with a mixed seed blend.
9. EUROPEAN STARLING
Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris
Length: 7.9-9.1 in
Weight: 2.1-3.4 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
In the 1890s, a hundred starlings were released in New York, and they have since overrun the nation. They will overrun feeders, destroying other birds’ nests, killing their offspring, and preventing other birds from getting any of the food you provide. They have yellow beaks and feet, and are mostly black with white specks on their backs and wings. While starlings appear black, they are iridescent and may have beautiful purple and green plumage when seen in the right light.
Despite this, starlings may be found all year round in every state except Wyoming.
Almost anything, but suet, attracts European Starlings. We recommend that you do not try to attract them since they are an invasive species and will always appear.
10. AMERICAN GOLDFINCH
Scientific name: Spinus tristis
Length: 4.3-5.1 in
Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in
In the spring and summer, when their vivid yellow feathers are present, goldfinches are among my favorite birds to observe at feeders. Breeding males turn golden, or “gold,” with black-tipped wings and a black hat on top of their heads during this time. The females and juveniles lack the black cap and are not as bright yellow. They will molt in the winter, dulling their gorgeous hues and acquiring more drab brownish or olive hues. The black on their wings and finch-like beaks distinguish them from other birds at all times of year.
Throughout Wyoming, goldfinches may be seen all year, however they may only be present along the state’s eastern border during the spring and summer.
Thistle feeders are preferred by goldfinches, although they may also eat sunflower chips. Therefore, thistle feeders are the most effective way to attract them.
11. HOUSE FINCH
Scientific name: Haemorhous mexicanus
Length: 5.1-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in
In Wyoming, the House Finch is a very frequent backyard bird. They are native to the western part of the nation and are now found all throughout the United States. They may appear in large flocks and mob your feeders if you attract them, which is rather simple to do. Females are mostly brown, and males are streaked brown with red on the head and chest.
Throughout Wyoming, House Finches are commonly seen, although they may be scarce around the eastern border.
House Finches are frequent visitors of thistle feeders, as are other finches. They’re more common at seed feeders than Goldfinches, so offer them some black sunflower seeds to attract them.
12. HOUSE SPARROW
Scientific name: Passer domesticus
Length: 5.9-6.7 in
Weight: 0.9-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 in
Houses Sparrows are the only other wild bird species in the United States, and they are often viewed as pests. In addition to legally trapping and humanely killing starlings, They, like starlings, were brought to the United States. They first appeared in New York in the 1800s, and they’ve since spread like wildfire across the United States. Their wings and buffy chest are streaked with black and brown, and they are mostly brown in color. In general, house sparrows are aggressive towards other birds, especially when they’re around nests. They’ve been known to drive away other birds that try to set up shop in birdhouses.
In Wyoming, house Sparrows may be found wherever people abound, especially near human activity. House Sparrows are often seen hanging out around commercial areas and nesting inside of shop windows.
House Sparrows, like European Starlings, are invasive and pose a danger to indigenous species. They’re almost certain to eat whatever you give them.
13. BREWER’S BLACKBIRD
Scientific name: Euphagus cyanocephalus
Length: 8.3-9.8 in male, 7.9-8.7 in female
Weight: 2.1-3.0 oz male, 1.8-2.4 oz female
Wingspan: 14.6 in
Western United States has these common birds. They’re often perched up in trees or on utility lines, or they’re wandering around the ground looking for food. Males are a dark color, and they appear black in bright light, although iridescent blue, purple, and green may be seen in strong light. The bill and eye-ring are both black. Females have a brown body with a black eye, which is muddled. These blackbirds live in colonies of 100 or more and are quite sociable, frequently appearing in small groups.
Throughout the year, Brewer’s blackbirds may be found on Wyoming’s far western border, but only during the spring and summer on the remainder of the state.
Brewers blackbirds will eat at bird feeders, however they are hampered by tiny perches due to their size. A platform feeder or seed scattered on the ground would be preferred. Seed mixes with sunflower, cracked corn, and millet should be sufficient, particularly in the spring.
14. 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 species that can be found across Europe and Asia, as one would expect from its name. Several of them flew to Florida in the 1970s after escaping from a Bahamas animal store. These fledged birds, as well as a few that were released in the south Caribbean on Guadeloupe, are thought to have started the colonization of the United States. They can now be found across the United States. The United States and Mexico are also listed. With a chunkier body and a longer tail, they resemble a mourning dove. They have a plain back with a black stripe across the back of their neck, unlike mourning doves, who have black spots on the back.
Throughout the year, Wyoming is home to the Eurasian collared dove.
Eurasian collared doves, which feed on seeds and grain from platform feeders or the ground, will visit residential gardens foraging for seeds. Millet is one of their favorite foods.
15. SONG SPARROW
Scientific name: Melospiza melodia
Length: 4.7-6.7 in
Weight: 0.4-1.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-9.4 in
The back and wings of these sparrows are brown, with a white breast that has heavy brown streaks. Song Sparrows have a wide range of plumage, which varies somewhat depending on where in North America you live. The male of the species employs his vocalization to both attract females and defend his area.
Year-round, most of Wyoming is covered with song sparrows, although the eastern half of the state is mostly covered with them during winter.
Song Sparrows will occasionally snack on mixed seeds and sunflower seeds from bird feeders.
16. BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE
Scientific name: Pica hudsonia
Length: 17.7-23.6 in
Weight: 5.1-7.4 oz
Wingspan: 22.1-24.0 in
The black-billed magpie is a jay-sized Crow with the appearance of a magpie. Metallic blue along their wings and a long tail, as well as black head, chest, and back. Fruit, grain, insects, small mammals, carrion, and eggs make up the majority of their diets. They’re also been spotted climbing onto the backs of huge animals like moose or deer, scanning their fur for ticks. These colorful birds are often seen perched on tree branches or on fenceposts, and they aren’t afraid. They may be especially loud in groups.
In Wyoming, black-billed magpies may be seen all year.
Black-billed magpies may visit backyards, despite their preference for open rangeland. On a platform feeder, with suet, or by leaving out fruit like orange halves, try to attract them with sunflower seeds and peanuts.
17. 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’s coloration is uniform throughout its entire body. Their back may be more of a darker, olive yellow, while their chest and head are usually brighter. Males have a reddish-brown pattern on their chest. Thickets and tiny trees around wetlands or streams are where they prefer to live.
Throughout the spring and summer, Yellow Warblers may be found across Wyoming.
Because they are insect eaters, yellow warblers will not feed at bird feeders. Plant little trees that caterpillars can feed on in an attempt to attract them.
18. MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD
Scientific name: Sialia currucoides
Length: 6.3-7.9 in
Weight: 1.1 oz
Wingspan: 11.0-14.2 in
The mountain bluebird ramps up the blue level even further. The head and back of males are brilliant, almost neon blue, while the chest is lighter. Females are more subdued and have little blue highlights on their gray coloring. You’ll find them in open woodlands, prairie, and meadows at elevations of up to 12,500 feet. Their name implies as much. They are fairly conspicuous in places where they dwell and appear to tolerate human activity. While I was in the Grand Teton National Park region, I witnessed a lot of them.
Throughout the spring and summer months, mountain bluebirds return to Wyoming.
You can put up nestboxes in your yard for mountain bluebirds, but they’re not likely to visit bird feeders.
19. 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 black color of American Crows is robust, and they are huge birds. Like their cousin the raven, they are also well-known for their intelligence as problem solving animals. Crows will gather in large numbers at the tree tops to spy on everything below them from a birds-eye perspective. The roost will notify everyone that there is danger nearby if an owl or hawk appears.
Every year, crows may be found in large numbers across Wyoming.
Crows are too huge to feed on birdfeeders and are largely omnivorous.
20. DARK-EYED JUNCO
Scientific name: Junco hyemalis
Length: 5.5-6.3 in
Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-9.8 in
Juncos, which have a light pink beak and are small birds with a wide range of plumage across the United States, are all around. Both the pink-sided and gray-headed varieties may be found in Wyoming. The head of the pink-headed male juncos is black, while the back and sides are pinkish-brown.
Males of the gray-headed junco have a chestnut brown patch on their upper back and are a lighter gray color throughout. Females are darker in color, but they share similar features. Juncos, which may frequently be observed hopping around on the ground, are most prevalent in wooded areas.
All year, dark-eyed Juncos stay in Wyoming. The gray-headed is more prevalent in the southern regions of the state, whereas pink-sided coloring is more frequent in the northwestern sections.
Juncos like to eat seeds on the ground rather than visit feeders. They’ll often come across the scattered seeds underneath bird feeding stations, where they’ll pick them up.
21. 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, a rusty red crown, and a black line through the eye with white above, chipping sparrows have their most crisp feathers in the summer. Their patterns may be less apparent in the winter and their hue might be more buffy-brown. Sparrows that prefer to feed on open areas are a common sight.
Only in the spring and summer do Chipping Sparrows exist throughout Wyoming.
Backyard feeders are home to Chipping Sparrows, who prefer to remain on the ground and collect what has fallen. Sunflower and mixed seed, which is scattered on the ground, are good attractants.
22. WESTERN TANAGER
Scientific name: Piranga Iudoviciana
Length: 6.3-7.5 in
Weight: 0.8-1.3 oz
A male western tanager is difficult to mistake for anything else. Their bright orange skin contrasts sharply with their black wings, and their brilliant yellow body and back. Females have gray wings and do not have an orange face, and they are generally less colorful than males. They’re found in most coniferous woodland, especially. They consume insects that are carefully plucked from the top of trees, and they eat mostly insects.
During the breeding season, western tanagers can be found across Wyoming.
Try to attract western tanagers with dried fruit or fresh oranges since they are rarely seen at seed feeders. They may be attracted to your yard by a bird bath or other water feature.
23. 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 classified as a bully bird like the starling. They’re frequently black in hue, but their colors range from blue to green to brown and purple in bright light.
They’ll roost alongside other sorts of blackbirds and form enormous flocks of millions of birds, sometimes roosting with other sorts. Grackles are distinguished by their solid coloring, long slender body, and yellow ringed eye. They have a blue tint to the head rather than purple and resemble the brewer’s blackbird, but are bigger with a longer tail.
Throughout Wyoming’s year, grackles can be found.
Grackles are often considered pests because they are foragers and will eat practically anything.
24. NORTHERN FLICKER
Scientific name: Colaptes auratus
Length: 11.0-12.2 in
Weight: 3.9-5.6 oz
Wingspan: 16.5-20.1 in
In the backyards of the United States, these medium to large woodpeckers are fairly frequent, but they are not particularly frequent at feeders. They are, in my opinion, some of the most beautiful birds in North America.
Flickers prefer to eat insects on the ground rather than in trees, and unlike other woodpeckers, they are often insectivorous. The black patches on their bellies, solid black bib, barred black and gray wings, and brown face on a gray head can be used to identify them.
Males have a red mustache that females lack. The red-shafted variety of Wyoming is distinguished by its bright red feathers on the underside of their wings and tail.
Throughout Wyoming, Northern Flickers may be found year-round.
While other woodpecker species will visit suet feeders more often, Northern Flickers will come to feeders on occasion. You may observe them digging for insects in your leaf piles if you have any.
25. WESTERN MEADOWLARK
Scientific name: Sturnella neglecta
Length: 6.3-10.2 in
Weight: 3.1-4.1 oz
Wingspan: 16.1 in
Wyoming’s state bird is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive appearance. Western meadowlarks have heavily streaked wings and a black bib, with a bright yellow chest, neck, and face. They are sexually mature breeders.
The yellow of immature and non-breeding birds is considerably lighter, and the black chest patch is usually missing. These birds are recognized for their lovely “flutelike” melody, which is frequently heard from fence posts. 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 can only be found in Wyoming.
They may come to your property for seed if you live in an open area. A platform feeder or a feed from the ground are more likely to be used. Hulled sunflower and broken corn are used.
26. Brown-headed Cowbird
The Brown-headed Cowbird is typically observed in Wyoming during its mating period, primarily between May and September, and can be seen in 15% of summer bird-watching logs. The majority are migratory, although a few remain through the winter.
Male Brown-headed Cowbirds tend to be larger than their female counterparts, boasting black bodies contrasted with brown heads and succinct tails. In contrast, females display an entirely brown plumage, subtly streaked.
Scientific Name: Molothrus ater
Dimensions: 7.6-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Weight: 1.3-1.8 ounces (42-50 g)
Wingspan: 14.2 inches (36 cm)
Year-round, the Brown-headed Cowbird can be found inhabiting the eastern and southern regions of the US as well as the Pacific Coast. However, those residing in the northern and western parts of the US, as well as Canada, typically migrate southward for the winter season.
Often perceived as troublesome, these birds are known to engage in brood parasitism, a behavior where they eliminate the eggs of smaller songbirds to lay their own. This act allows them to exploit the parenting efforts of the other birds to raise their offspring.
27. Chipping Sparrow
The Chipping Sparrow is a frequent sight in Wyoming during the breeding months, making appearances in 17% of the birding records from mid-April through October.
Chipping Sparrows exhibit a slim figure, elongated tails, and a belly of a grayish hue, while their backs flaunt brown and black streaks. Their heads are adorned with a rusty crown and a distinctive black line around their eyes. However, their colors tend to become less vibrant during the winter season.
Scientific Name: Spizella passerina
Size: 4.7-5.9 inches (12-15 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.6 ounces (11-16 g)
Wingspan: 8.3 inches (21 cm)
Chipping Sparrows commence their breeding season in the summer months in the US and Canada, subsequently migrating towards Mexico and Florida for the winter. Nonetheless, some decide to settle year-round in the southern states.
These sparrows can typically be found in small groups foraging on open grounds and are known to frequent backyards in search of various types of birdseed.
To entice Chipping Sparrows into your backyard, offer seeds or cracked corn on open feeding platforms, such as hoppers.
Brown-feathered birds might often be overlooked due to their humble hues. Still, once you start recognizing and appreciating a few, you’ll find yourself captivated. So, delve into the study of Wyoming’s diverse assortment of brown birds.
28. Mountain Chickadee
Mountain Chickadees are non-migratory inhabitants of Wyoming, being sighted in 10% of the state’s summer birding records and 14% of those in winter.
These compact creatures showcase heads painted with black-and-white patterns, while their bodies are uniformly covered in shades of gray, darker atop and lighter beneath.
Scientific Name: Poecile gambeli
Dimensions: 4.3-5.5 inches (11-14 cm)
Weight: 0.4 ounces (11 g)
Throughout the year, Mountain Chickadees reside in the western US mountain ranges, staying put and refraining from migration. During winter, they might descend to lower elevations.
Mountain Chickadees are often spotted in evergreen woodlands, particularly those populated with pine and conifer trees. Their diet comprises insects and spiders, various nuts, and seeds, and they are frequent visitors to backyard feeders. One interesting habit of theirs is to hoard food for future consumption, effectively creating a stash of provisions.
To entice Mountain Chickadees to your yard, consider installing nesting boxes. They are likely to frequent various feeders filled with black oil sunflower seeds, mealworms, nyjer, suet, or peanut butter.
It could be a fascinating endeavor to learn more about the other engaging and curious chickadees that Wyoming hosts.
29. Rock Pigeon
Rock Pigeons are year-round inhabitants of Wyoming, though their sightings are more common from November through mid-March. They feature in 5% of the summer birding records and 11% of those during winter in the state.
Displaying a bluish-gray plumage, Rock Pigeons are distinguishable by two black bands on their wings and black tips on their tails. Their throats shimmer with iridescent feathers, and their eyes are a striking orange.
Scientific Name: Columba livia
Size: 11.8-14.2 inches (30-36 cm)
Weight: 9.3-13.4 ounces (265-380 g)
Wingspan: 19.7-26.4 inches (50-67 cm)
As non-migratory birds, Rock Pigeons can be found across the entirety of the US, southern Canada, and along the Pacific Coast reaching up to Alaska.
Predominantly city-dwellers, these birds are known to frequent backyards, especially those offering birdseed on the ground. However, due to their perception as pests, some cities have enacted ordinances against feeding pigeons.
30. Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglets can be observed in western Wyoming during their breeding period and throughout the rest of the state during their migratory transit. They are primarily visible from April to October, appearing in approximately 16% of bird-watching records during this interval.
These petite songbirds are adorned in olive-green feathers. Male kinglets boast a vibrant red crest, which typically lies flat and thus can be challenging to spot.
Scientific Name: Corthylio calendula
Size: 3.5-4.3 inches (9-11 cm)
Weight: 0.2-0.3 ounces (5-10 g)
Wingspan: 6.3-7.1 inches (16-18 cm)
Ruby-crowned Kinglets commence their breeding phase in Canada and the mountainous western regions, subsequently migrating towards southern and southwestern states in the US and Mexico during the winter.
Owing to their rapid movements and quiet nature, Ruby-crowned Kinglets can be somewhat difficult to detect. They are often seen swiftly fluttering amidst the foliage of lower branches, shrubs, and trees in search of spiders and insects.
To draw Ruby-crowned Kinglets to your yard, consider using suet or platform feeders filled with hulled sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, and mealworms.
31. House Wren
House Wrens are typically found in Wyoming during their breeding season, featuring in 13% of the state’s summer bird-watching records. Their sightings are frequent from April to October, after which they migrate southward for the winter months.
These small birds have a rather unassuming brown appearance, characterized by darker barred wings and tails, coupled with a lighter throat.
Scientific Name: Troglodytes aedon
Size: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (10-12 g)
Wingspan: 5.9 inches (15 cm)
During the summer breeding period, House Wrens inhabit the US and southern Canada, subsequently migrating to the southern states and Mexico for the winter season.
House Wrens can often be seen in backyards, public parks, and open woods, foraging for insects and spiders. They are known for their lively movement, hopping through underbrush and low branches with their tails held high and often pausing to sing their heartening song.
Despite their petite size, House Wrens display fierce competition when it comes to securing prime nesting spots. They have been known to hassle larger birds and may even resort to removing eggs or fledglings from a nest they desire.
To attract House Wrens to your backyard, consider leaving brush piles or installing nest boxes.
Although wrens might often be overshadowed by more flamboyant birds, dedicating time to appreciate their appearance and melodious calls can lead to a deeper understanding of Wyoming’s diverse avian population.
32. Blue Jay
Blue Jays are frequent visitors in Wyoming throughout the year, particularly in the state’s eastern region. They make appearances in 3% of the summer bird-watching records and 5% of those during winter.
Blue Jays are large, commonly encountered songbirds, characterized by an upright blue crest, a back adorned in blue and black, and a white underside.
Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
Size: 9.8-11.8 inches (25-30 cm)
Weight: 2.5-3.5 ounces (70-100 g)
Wingspan: 13.4-16.9 inches (34-43 cm)
Blue Jays are year-round dwellers in the eastern US and southern Canada. Some individuals might migrate westward during winter, although such behavior is not very common.
Recognized for their noisy demeanor, these birds usually move around in family groups, primarily feeding on acorns when available.
They inhabit forests, particularly those abundant with oak trees due to their acorn diet. Backyards near feeders are also common haunts. Besides acorns, their diet includes insects, nuts, seeds, grains, and occasionally eggs or nestlings from other birds’ nests.
Being sizable birds, Blue Jays often swoop in to grab a peanut or sunflower seed, then quickly retreat to enjoy their meal. They show a preference for platform or tray feeders, which facilitate their quick exits.
To attract Blue Jays to your backyard, offer peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet on open tray feeders or hopper feeders stationed on a post. They are also fond of birdbaths.
HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR YARD
Want to attract some of these birds to your yard? Starting with the most evident, take a look at these five straightforward rules.
1. PUT OUT BIRD FEEDERS
A bird feeder or two is the finest and simplest way to invite birds to your property. A tube feeder, hopper feeder, platform feeder, or window feeder are all good starters. For more information, see the following pages.
2. ADD A WATER SOURCE
You can use a terra cotta flower pot saucer, such as this one, to create a pedestal birdbath-like this one on Amazon. Birds require water to drink, bathe in, and hence adding a water feature to your yard will only increase your odds of attracting birds. In addition, since moving water attracts the birds even more, consider adding a solar fountain.
3. OFFER BIRDHOUSES
If placed in the proper place at the proper time of year, several bird species will readily take up residence in birdhouses. Among the most common birds sought after by birdwatchers are Eastern Bluebirds. A mating pair of bluebirds were observed checking out my birdhouse the same day I put it up in my yard.
4. PROVIDE SHELTER
Make certain that the birds can hide back and forth between trees, bushes, and shrubs when they sense danger. Predators are the primary threat to them. If your yard is in a new development with no mature trees, try to add some landscaping aspects that will allow birds to view it as a safe place.
5. ADD NATIVE PLANTS
Having native plants that produce nuts, berries, and seeds will simply help your efforts to attract additional birds for several birds that eat them. Since foreign plants may be harmful to native birds that are not used to them, try to avoid them whenever possible.
10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIRD FEEDERS
In the yards of many individuals, ten of the most popular bird feeders are set up.
- Hopper feeders have a hopper in the center that holds the bird seed, hence their name. Birds can land on the perches and eat from them on the sides. To keep the seed dry, many hopper feeders are shaped like a house and covered on top. For this type of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or mixed birdseed. This is one of my favorite squirrel-proof hopper feeders.
- Platform feeders are open on top and may be hung from a tree or hook, or pole-mounted. They are sometimes referred to as tray feeders. They’re simple to set up and are ideal for feeding diverse kinds of birds. Every animal in your yard that can reach them will consume from them, despite the fact that they are completely exposed. For this kind 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 simple transparent tube-shaped bird feeders that are merely placed on tubes. They may hold from a few cups of seed to 5 pounds or more, and they may be as small as a shoestring. They’re terrific since they allow you to easily replenish your seed while keeping it fresh and dry. Tube feeders are used by a variety of birds. With tube feeders, you may utilize black sunflower seeds and mixed seeds. This squirrel proof tube feeder is made by Squirrel Buster, and it’s one of the best on the market.
- Suet cakes are the only kind of bird food that suet feeders are used for. They are a very basic design, generally consisting of just a metal wire cage with a tail-prop for bigger birds. In the winter, when birds are seeking for high-fat foods, suet feeders are common, and woodpeckers frequent them. I recommend obtaining a long-tailed suet feeder to entice bigger woodpeckers, such as the Pileated and Northern Flicker.
- Window feeders are small bird feeders that use suction cups to mount onto a glass window. They’re open on top and you simply dump seed into the tray region to fill them, similar to tray feeders. These feeders are popular with a wide range of species, are simple to set up, and is ideal for individuals who don’t have large yards. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This is, without a doubt, the most common window feeder on Amazon, and maybe the entire bird feeder category.
- Thistle seed feeders, sometimes known as Nyjer seed feeders, are unique birdfeeders designed 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 tiny holes along the sides of the tube, which allow birds to select thistle from the feeder. Droll Yankees has a great thistle feeder.
- Ground feeders are tray feeders that sit on the ground level. More or less, they are ground feeders. Birds like Mourning Doves and Juncos, as well as squirrels, raccoons, and other ground animals, will appreciate them. This kind of feeder can be used with black sunflower seeds or mixed birdseed. This recycled plastic ground feeder is a cool project.
- Another kind of specialty feeder for a single breed of birds, orioles, is the oriole feeder. The feeder is typically orange in hue and includes little plastic or glass vessels designed for holding jelly, which orioles adore. Another treat that orioles like is to put orange pieces on the feeder. Here’s a oriole feeder that holds four jelly trays and costs $20.
- Hummingbird feeders are specialized for hummingbirds to extract sugar water from nectar feeders, also known as hummingbird feeders. I frequently see Downy Woodpeckers at mine, despite the fact that they are meant for hummingbirds. They, too, adore that sweet nectar. For instructions on how to make hummingbird nectar without boiling the water, see this page. There is no need to spend a lot of money on a hummingbird feeder since they are so simple and cheap.
- Peanut feeders are tube-shaped devices that generally use a metal wire mesh material and are similar to thistle feeders. To allow for whole unshelled or shelled peanuts to pass through the holes, the wire mesh holes are only slightly farther apart. These should be filled with peanuts and attract birds like Blue Jays. This Squirrel Buster squirrel feeder is your best bet if you want to keep squirrels out of your peanuts. This basic one will suffice.