This guide covers 28 bird species that regularly visit backyard feeders in the Provinces of The Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Use clear illustrations to identify males, females, and juveniles, and learn to recognize each species by its songs and calls. Beyond identification, each includes key aspects of the species’ natural history. With visual, audio, and ecological insights working together, this guide helps you identify birds more confidently and get more out of your backyard bird feeding and birding experience.
- Click on the links below to jump to a species account, or scroll down and navigate this guide.
- Identifying and Understanding Backyard Feeder Birds in The Northwest Territories and Nunavut Provinces
- 28 Birds that Regularly visit Backyard Feeders in the Provinces of The Northwest Territories and Nunavut
- SPARROWS, FINCHES, GROSBEAKS & ALLIES
- BLACKBIRDS, GRACKLES, ORIOLES
- STARLINGS
- JAYS & CROWS
- BLUEBIRDS & ROBINS
- WOODPECKERS
- CHICKADEES
- NUTHATCHES & CREEPERS
- WARBLERS
- KINGLETS
- How do I attract birds to my bird feeder in my province?
- What type of bird feeder should I get to attract birds in The Northwest Territories and Nunavut?
- Why Birds Visit—or Avoid—Your Feeders
Identifying and Understanding Backyard Feeder Birds in The Northwest Territories and Nunavut Provinces
Identifying the birds that visit your feeders can provide hours of enjoyment. This guide highlights key field marks to help you recognize males, females, juveniles, and harder-to-identify species, with illustrations pointing out what to look for.
This guide doesn’t just stop at identification through images. Each species’ account dives into their natural history, giving interesting facts and insights. Learn about their preferred foods and feeders, behavior, habitats, and natural history. It’s a win-win! Learn about the birds that visit your yard, while providing them with food.
The Northwest Territories and Nunavut backyard birders will find the guide useful as an identification and reference tool. This information can also be used to engage the local community in bird conservation efforts. Knowing which species visit your yard is not only rewarding—it can also support conservation. By reporting sightings to citizen science databases, backyard birders contribute valuable data for research.
Identification also helps you refine your feeding strategy. By noting which birds visit (and which don’t), you can choose the right foods and feeder types to attract your target species.
28 Birds that Regularly visit Backyard Feeders in the Provinces of The Northwest Territories and Nunavut
Most birds that visit backyard feeders in The Northwest Territories and Nunavut are widespread species. However, they represent only a small subset of the region’s overall bird diversity.
These feeder birds are primarily seed- and grain-eaters, along with species that have flexible, generalist diets that include insects and fruit. Equally important is their adaptability: these birds have learned to live near humans and take advantage of artificial food sources, unlike many species that do not visit feeders.
The breakdown is as follows:
Backyard Feeder Bird Species Categorization
| Group Name | Species Count | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Sparrows, Finches, Grosbeaks, and Allies | 11 | 39.29% |
| Woodpeckers | 4 | 14.29% |
| Bluebird and Robins | 3 | 10.71% |
| Jays & Crows | 2 | 7.14% |
| Chickadees and Titmice | 2 | 7.14% |
| Warblers | 2 | 7.14% |
| Blackbirds, Grackles, Orioles | 1 | 3.57% |
| Starlings | 1 | 3.57% |
| Nuthatches & Creeper | 1 | 3.57% |
| Kinglets | 1 | 3.57% |
SPARROWS, FINCHES, GROSBEAKS & ALLIES
In The Northwest Territories and Nunavut, sparrows, finches, and their allies make up the largest group of birds visiting backyard feeders. Most are ground-feeding species that readily use platform, hopper, and tube feeders.
These birds share heavy, conical bills adapted for crushing seeds, which are the primary foods offered at feeders. While seeds and grains dominate their diet for much of the year, many species shift to insects and other invertebrates during the breeding season before returning to seeds afterward.
White-winged Crossbill
Identification: The male White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera) is pink-red while the female is yellow-greenish. Both sexes have contrasting black wings with bold white bars. Usually in flocks. Hangs upside down on pine cones.
Food: Attract White-winged Crossbills with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, suet, and fruit.
Feeder: This crossbill readily takes to platform feeders, large and small hopper feeders and the ground.
Presence: The White-winged Crossbill is a year-round resident in Northwest Territories and Nunavut. This nomadic finch visits feeders sporadically throughout all months, especially during winter when coniferous seed crops are sparse.
Behavior: White-winged crossbills move about in flocks and can take over your feeder. They can be aggressive to other birds.
Backyard: This bird occurs in Boreal forest and semi open woodlands. It is more likely to visit backyards near its favorite habitat.
Nest: White-winged crossbills build a cup-shaped nest of twigs, grasses, and bark lined inside with roots, moss, hair and other soft materials.
Breeding season: It breeds throughout the year depending on seasonal availability of food.
Breeding period: The female lays 2-6 whitish with reddish spots eggs. It takes about 30 days from egg-laying (incubation period 14-16 days, nestling period 14-15 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: The white-winged crossbill lives at least 8 years (based on other crossbills of similar size.
Red Crossbill
Identification: The male Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) is red to pink-red while the female is yellow-greenish. Both sexes have dark wings, no wing bars and crossed bill tips. Usually in flocks. Hangs on pine cones.
Food: Attract red crossbills with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, suet, and fruit.
Feeder: This crossbill readily takes to platform feeders, large and small hopper feeders and the ground.
Presence: The Red Crossbill is a year-round resident in Northwest Territories. Known for its specialized beak, this species frequents backyard feeders during any month when local spruce cone crops fail.
Behavior: Moves about in flocks that can take over your feeders. They can be aggressive to other birds.
Backyard: Red crossbill are found in Boreal forest and semi open woodlands. It is more likely to visit backyards near its favorite habitat.
Nest: Red crossbills build a cup-shaped nest in dense foliage in open woodlands. Nests are placed high (30-70 ft) above the ground.
Breeding season: It breeds throughout the year depending on seasonal availability of food.
Breeding period: Female lays 2-6 whitish with reddish spots/blotches eggs. It takes about 30 days from egg-laying (incubation period 14-16 days, nestling period 14-15 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Red crossbills live at least 6 years .
Chipping Sparrow
Identification: The chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina) in breeding plumage is grayish below with a rusty cap and black eyeline. Birds in non-breeding plumage have a dusky-brown cap and darker brown plumage. Juveniles are gray-brown with black streaks below.
Food: Attract chipping sparrows with hulled sunflower seeds, nyjer, cracked corn, millet, and milo.
Feeder: It feeds mostly on the ground, eating birdseed spilled by elevated feeders. It also uses platform feeders.
Presence: The Chipping Sparrow is a summer resident in Northwest Territories. Arriving in mid-May and departing by September, it regularly visits tray feeders for seeds during these warmer months.
Behavior: Chipping sparrows are submissive to most other birds at feeders, even birds smaller in size.
Backyard: It favors semi-open habitats, often in suburban areas. Shrubs and small trees at the edges of your yard are used by chipping sparrows for hiding.
Nest: It builds a cup-shaped nest in dense foliage or the tip of a branch, usually within 15 feet above the ground, but sometimes higher.
Breeding season: Chipping sparrows breed in late March through late August.
Breeding period: Chipping sparrows lay 2-7 bluish eggs lightly streaked and spotted with dark gray. It takes about 24 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 d, nestling period 11 d) until fledging.
Lifespan: Chipping sparrows live at least 10 years and 11 months.
White-crowned Sparrow
Identification: The white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) has black and white stripes on the crown (adults). The head and breast areas are gray. It is a large and relatively long-tailed sparrow. Immature birds have tan and brown head stripes. The bill color varies from yellow-orange to pink.
Food: Attract white-crowned sparrows with black oil and hulled sunflower seeds, cracked corn, millet, and milo.
Feeder: White-crowned sparrows feed mainly on the ground but take platform feeders.
Presence: The White-crowned Sparrow is a summer resident in Northwest Territories. It typically arrives in early May and departs by late September, visiting ground-level feeders throughout its brief northern stay.
Behavior: Like other ground feeders, white-crowned sparrows interact peacefully with other ground feeders. They can be pushed aside from platform feeders by more aggressive birds.
Backyard: The white-crowned favors overgrown fields and brushy areas, particularly during migration. Yards that resemble this habitat type are likely to attract white-crowned sparrows.
Nest: White-crowned sparrows build a cup-shaped nest in shrubs or bushes at various heights (2-5 feet) from the ground. They can also nest on the ground where tall shrubs are not available.
Breeding season: The white-crowned sparrow’s breeding season varies regionally but is generally from May through mid-August.
Breeding period: The white-crowned sparrow lays 3-7 bluish to greenish eggs spotted with brown concentrated on the wide side of the egg. It takes about 22 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 9 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: White-crowned sparrows live at least 13 years and 4 months.
Fox Sparrow
Identification: The Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) has a characteristic rufous ear patch bordered by gray. The upper back is streaked with rufous. The underparts are whitish with streaks formed by arrow-head-like rows, which concentrate in the breast area, forming a cluster.
Food: Attract fox sparrows with black and hulled sunflower seeds, nyjer, cracked corn, millet, and milo.
Feeder: They generally feed on the ground under elevated feeders. They typically use hoppers or platform feeders.
Presence: The Fox Sparrow is a summer resident in Northwest Territories. Arriving in early May and departing in September, this large sparrow scratches for seeds at feeders during its northern breeding season.
Behavior: Like other ground feeders, fox sparrows interact peacefully with other ground feeders. They can be pushed aside from platform feeders by more aggressive birds.
Backyard: The Fox Sparrow is a bird that needs cover. They tend to visit feeders close to vegetative cover and are reluctant to visit feeders far away from it.
Nest: It builds a cup-shaped nest on the ground tucked under grasses or shrubs.
Breeding season: Fox sparrows breed in mid-May through late July.
Breeding period: Fox sparrows lay 2-5 bluish-green eggs with brown markings. It takes about 23 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 19 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Fox Sparrows live at least 10 years and 4 months.
American Tree Sparrow
Identification: The American tree sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) has a rusty back streaked with black. It has a rusty cap bordered by gray. The eyeline is rusty. The bill is bicolored. The underparts are pale brown with rusty sides of the breast.
Food: Attract American tree sparrows with hulled sunflower seeds, cracked corn, peanut hearts, millet, and milo.
Feeder: It usually feeds on the ground but can use large hoppers and platform feeders.
Presence: The American Tree Sparrow is a summer resident in Northwest Territories and Nunavut. It arrives in May and departs by late September, frequenting backyard feeders for millet and sunflower seeds during its stay.
Behavior: The American tree sparrow is not aggressive to other birds on the ground or at feeders. It may be submissive to other, even smaller birds.
Backyard: The American tree sparrow favors overgrown fields and brushy areas. Yards that resemble this habitat are likely to attract tree sparrows.
Nest: The American tree sparrow builds an open cup that the birds tuck in grass or shrubs on the ground.
Breeding season: American tree sparrows have a rather narrow breeding season starting in late mid-June through early August.
Breeding Period: American tree sparrows lay 4-6 white eggs with brown spots. It takes about 23 days from egg-laying (incubation period 15 days, nestling period 8 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: American tree sparrows live at least 10 years and 9 months.
Dark-eyed Junco
Identification: The male dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis) is slate gray and white. Females are a dull grayish-brown version of the male. Both sexes have pink bills and white outer tail feathers.
Food: Attract juncos with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, safflower, cracked corn, peanut hearts, millet, and milo.
Feeder: It feeds mostly on the ground, eating birdseed spilled by elevated feeders. It readily uses platform and hopper feeders.
Presence: The Dark-eyed Junco is a summer resident in Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Arriving in late April and departing by October, this species is a frequent visitor to ground feeders during the spring and fall.
Behavior: Not an aggressive bird that visits backyards often in flocks. Easily displaced by more aggressive birds.
Backyard: The dark-eyed junco forages in semi-open areas with some vegetation cover. Favors backyards that offer vegetation cover near the feeders.
Nest: The Dark-eyed junco builds a cup-shaped on sloping ground or similar structures, such as among the large roots of upturned trees.
Breeding season: The dark-eyed junco breeds from mid-April through late August.
Breeding period: Dark-eyed juncos lay 3-6 pale greenish spotted with brown eggs. It takes approximately 25 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 12 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Dark-eyed juncos live at least 11 years and four months.
Snow Bunting
Length 5.9″, Weight 1.3 oz
Identification: Breeding male: Pure white with black back, central tail, and wingtips. Breeding female: Streaky brown-gray back, dusky head, white underparts. Nonbreeding: Both sexes show rusty patches on head, breast, and shoulders; bill yellow. Juveniles: Gray body, streaked dark gray above, dark wings and tail.
Food: The Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) favors white proso millet, cracked corn, sunflower hearts, nyjer, small mixed seeds.
Feeder: Low platform feeders, tray feeders. Also feeds on ground.
Presence: The Snow Bunting is a transient and summer resident in Northwest Territories and Nunavut. It is most likely seen at feeders during migration in April and October before moving to high Arctic grounds.
Behavior: Highly social in flocks; bickering common. Males dominant over females; first-winter birds often dominant over same-sex adults.
Backyard: Snow buntings prefers wide, open spaces like fields or shorelines. Avoids dense trees, shrubs, and fences. Favors rural yards over suburban neighborhoods.
Nest: Thick cup of grass and moss, lined with fur and feathers. Built deep in rock crevices or cavities. Height: On ground.
Breeding Season: Late June through early August.
Breeding Period: Clutch: 2-7 eggs | Appearance: creamy white with variable brown spots and scrawls | Incubation: 10-14 days | Nestling: 9-12 days | Total to Fledging: ~22-30 days.
Lifespan: At least 8 years and nine months.
Pine Grosbeak
Identification: Males pine grosbeaks (Pinicola enucleator) are raspberry red and gray, with dark wings and white wing bars. Females and immature birds are mostly gray with yellow-brown heads and rumps.
Food: Attract pine grosbeaks with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, suet, and fruit.
Feeder: This grosbeak readily takes to platform feeders and the like, including large and small hopper ones.
Presence: The Pine Grosbeak is a year-round resident in Northwest Territories and Nunavut. This large, tame finch is a common sight at feeders from January through December, especially favoring black oil sunflower seeds.
Behavior: Pine grosbeak are unusually tame near people. They are not aggressive and may be displaced by even smaller but more aggressive birds.
Backyard: This bird occurs in Boreal forest and semi open woodlands. It is more likely to visit backyards near its favorite habitat.
Nest: Pine grosbeaks build a bulky nest made of coarse twigs on the base. The center has a cup lined with soft materials such as rootlets, hair or feathers.
Breeding season: The pine grosbeak has a short breeding season that goes from mid-May through mid to late July.
Breeding period: It lays 3-4 bluish eggs speckled with brown spots. It takes approximately 30 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 17 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: The pine grosbeak lives at least 9 years and 9 months.
Pine Siskin
Identification: The pine siskin (Spinus pinus) is a small finch, all brown and streaked with black. It has a pointed bill and a notched tail. Males show a variable amount of yellow on the wing.
Food: Attract pine siskins with small seeds such as thistle or nyjer, millet, and hulled sunflower seeds. They can also take peanut hearts and suet.
Feeder: Pine siskins tend to cling to vertical stems and also do so on bird feeders. They favor large tube, large hopper, and platform feeders.
Presence: The Pine Siskin is a summer resident in Northwest Territories. Arriving in May and departing by late September, this gregarious finch frequently visits thistle feeders in large, energetic flocks.
Behavior: A nomadic bird, pine siskins can visit feeders one year and disappear the next. Non-aggressive and displaced by larger birds. Thistle feeders exclude most other birds.
Backyard: It is attracted to yards with shrubs and plenty of weeds with small seeds.
Nest: Pine siskins build a cup-shaped nest concealed in dense foliage on overhanging branches. Several pairs may nest in close proximity.
Breeding season: This siskin breeds between March through August.
Breeding period: Pine siskins lay 3-5 greenish with light brown specks eggs. It takes approximately 28 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 15 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: They live at least nine years and 2 months.
Redpoll (Common Redpoll)
Identification: Male and female common redpolls (Acanthis flammea) are light gray streaked with black. They have a small red cap, as well as a black face and chin. Males can show pink wash on their breasts. It has a very small yellow bill, a plumb body, and a notched tail.
Food: Attract common redpolls with hulled sunflower seeds, nyjer, and black oil sunflower seeds.
Feeder: It usually feeds at small and large hopper feeders, tube feeders, and ground.
Presence: The Redpoll is a year-round resident in Northwest Territories and Nunavut. This hardy finch is a staple at winter feeders from October through April, often appearing in large, chattering flocks.
Behavior: This small siskin-like bird is not aggressive to other birds at feeders. It may be submissive to most birds at feeders.
Backyard: Favors semi-open and deciduous woodlands. Visits feeders located near its favorite habitat. Some years may become erratic and appear in unexpected places.
Nest: The common redpoll builds a neat cup lined inside with bird feathers, hair, and other fine material.
Breeding season: They breed in late May through late August.
Breeding Period: The common redpoll lays 2-6 bluish eggs spotted with brown. It takes about 24 days from egg-laying (incubation period 11 days, nestling period 13 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Common redpolls live at least 8 years.
BLACKBIRDS, GRACKLES, ORIOLES
In The Northwest Territories and Nunavut Provinces, blackbirds are represented by only one species. This group is made up of adaptable, generalist feeders that consume seeds, grains, fruit, insects, nectar, and other invertebrates. Blackbirds often arrive in flocks and will take advantage of almost any available food, sometimes dominating feeders.
Rusty Blackbird
Identification: Breeding male: Glossy black with faint greenish sheen; pale yellow eyes. Nonbreeding male: Rusty edges on black feathers. Female: Slate-gray, rusty-edged feathers; pale eyebrow. Nonbreeding female: Heavily rusted. Juveniles: Dull brownish-gray with dark eyes.
Food: The Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) favors Suet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, mealworms.
Feeder: Large hopper, platform feeders. Feeds primarily on ground near water.
Presence: The Rusty Blackbird is a summer resident in Northwest Territories. Arriving in May and departing by October, this declining species visits feeders for grain and suet during its brief northern breeding season.
Behavior: Subordinate to larger blackbirds and grackles. Quiet and less aggressive; often forages in small, shy groups.
Backyard: Favors wet, boggy areas, flooded woods, and pond edges. Prefers brushy cover near shallow water.
Nest: Bulky cup of twigs, grass, and lichens reinforced with wet muck. Built in dense conifers or shrubs. Height: 2-20 feet.
Breeding Season: May through July.
Breeding Period: Clutch: 3-6 eggs | Appearance: Pale blue-green, blotched brown and gray | Incubation: 14 days | Nestling: 11-13 days | Total to Fledging: ~25-27 days.
Lifespan: At least 8 years and 7 months.
STARLINGS
The European Starling is a common and well-established introduced species across North America, including The Northwest Territories and Nunavut Provinces. Starlings are highly adaptable, feeding on insects, fruits, and grains, and readily taking advantage of backyard feeders. They often arrive in noisy flocks and can dominate feeding areas, displacing smaller birds.
European Starling
Identification: European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) look dark. A close look reveals iridescent purple and green shades with creamy spots. Both the bill and wings are pointed. A juvenile bird is a plain gray color.
Food: European starlings like all types of bird food, including fruit and suet. Some backyard birders deter starlings from their feeders.
Feeder: It favors platform and large hopper feeders, but it is comfortable feeding on the ground.
Presence: The European Starling is a summer resident in Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Arriving in April and departing by October, this gregarious bird is commonly seen at bird feeders throughout the warmer months.
Behavior: Starlings are one of the most dominant and aggressive birds at backyard feeders. This is why backyard birders dislike them.
Backyard: Starlings favor all types of mainly human-created habitats, including urban and suburban ones.
Nest: The European starling builds a bulky and messy nest with a central cup. Nesting takes place in cavities, enclosures, or unused woodpecker cavities.
Breeding season: The European starling breeds in mid-April through early July.
Breeding period: Pairs lay 3-6 bluish or pale blue unmarked eggs. It takes about 33 days from egg-laying (incubation period 12 days, nestling period 21 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: European starlings live at least 15 years and 3 months.
JAYS & CROWS
Jays and crows, members of the Corvidae family, are among the most intelligent and adaptable birds, and several species are familiar visitors to backyards across The Northwest Territories and Nunavut Provinces. Corvids are true diet generalists, eating seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, and carrion. Jays are especially known for caching food—storing seeds and nuts for later use—which plays a role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration.
Canada Jay
Identification: Canada jays (Perisoreus canadensis) are mostly gray with a white head, throat, and breast and a dark nape. Juveniles are sooty-gray with a white mustache stripe, but this varies regionally.
Food: Attract Canada jays with just about any type of food. Black oil and hulled sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet, cracked corn and other seeds are sure to attract this bird.
Feeder: Canada jays are ground feeders but are flexible and take up to platform, hopper, and even tube feeders.
Presence: The Canada Jay is a year-round resident in Northwest Territories and Nunavut. This bold corvid is a constant presence, visiting bird feeders for suet and scraps during every month of the year.
Behavior: They generally move about in pairs and family groups. They can be aggressive to other birds and take over the feeders while in your yard.
Backyard: Canada jays semi-open areas and are flexible to just about any type of backyard types.
Nest: Canada jays build a bulky nest made of coarse twigs with a central cup lined with rootlets, animal fur, and feathers.
Breeding season: Canada jays breed from early March through late May.
Breeding period: It lays 2-5 greenish eggs speckled with reddish-brown spots. It takes approximately 41 days from egg-laying (incubation period 18 days, nestling period 23 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Canada jays live at least 17 years and 2 months.
Common Raven
Identification: The common raven (Corvus corax) is all black and nearly unmistakable. It is larger and has a longer and thicker bill than the similar American crow. Usually in pairs rather than in flocks.
Food: Common ravens will take just about any type of food offered to smaller birds.
Feeder: The common raven favors platform feeders and the ground.
Presence: The Common Raven is a year-round resident in Northwest Territories and Nunavut. This highly intelligent bird is ubiquitous and frequently visits bird feeders for scraps and suet during every month of the year.
Behavior: Aggressive and dominant over most other feeder birds. Takes over feeders when present.
Backyard: Favors open country, agricultural fields, and similar open habitats. Present in some suburban areas but not in others.
Nest: It builds a simple platform or accumulation of twigs in trees or tall shrubs10 to 70 above the ground.
Breeding season: Common ravens breed in mid-February through mid-July.
Breeding period: The common raven lays 3-6 olive-green or bluish eggs blotched with brown concentrated on the wide side of the egg. It takes about 58-60 days from egg-laying (incubation period 23 days, nestling period 35 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Common ravens live at least 22 years and seven months.
BLUEBIRDS & ROBINS
Robins, and other thrushes belong to the family Turdidae. Two species are occasional visitors to backyard feeders in The Northwest Territories and Nunavut, most notably the American Robin.
These birds feed primarily on insects during the breeding season, switching to a greater proportion of fruit in fall and winter. Unlike seed-eating birds, they are more selective at feeders, typically visiting those that offer mealworms, suet, or fruit. Thrushes are also known for their soft, melodious songs and foraging behavior, often seen hopping on lawns in search of insects and worms.
American Robin
Identification: The American robin (Turdus migratorius) is gray above with a blackish head and yellow-orange bill. Reddish-brown below. Colors are more saturated during the breeding season.
Food: Attract American robins with hulled sunflower seeds, suet, peanut hearts, fruit, and mealworms.
Feeder: It favors platform feeders and the ground.
Presence: The American Robin is a summer resident in Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Arriving in late April and departing by October, it visits feeders for fruit and mealworms during its northern breeding season.
Behavior: Non-aggressive at feeders. Usually feeds on the ground and jumps to platform feeders.
Backyard: Favors relatively open habitats and yards with feeders in open spaces.
Nest: It builds a well-shaped cup on forks or horizontal branches 5-25 feet above the ground. They can also nest on the ground, light fixtures, house ledges, and bridges.
Breeding season: American robins breed in April through mid-August.
Breeding period: The American Robin lays 3-5 distinctively blue eggs with no markings. It takes about 26 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 14 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: American robins live at least 13 years and 11 months.
Varied Thrush
Identification: The varied thrush (Ixoreus naevius) is boldly patterned with orange, gray, and black. The upper half of the head is black with a bold orange eyebrow. Colors are less saturated in young birds.
Food: Attract varied thrushes with hulled sunflower seeds, suet, and mealworms. They also like fruit.
Feeder: It favors the ground, but also uses platform feeders.
Presence: The Varied Thrush is a summer resident in Northwest Territories. Arriving in May and departing in September, it occasionally visits ground feeders for seeds and fruit during the short summer window.
Behavior: Non-aggressive to other birds on the ground. On a platform, it may interact aggressively with other birds.
Backyard: Favors relatively open habitats and yards with feeders in open spaces.
Nest: The varied thrush builds a cup-shaped nest, usually on a tree branch close to the trunk. The external part of the cup is made of twigs, grasses, and moss while the inside is lined with finer materials such as rootlets, hair, and feathers.
Breeding season: Broadly speaking the varied thrush breeds from early April through late July, it has regional variations.
Breeding period: The varied thrush lays 2-6 bluish eggs with brown markings. It takes about 26 days from egg-laying (incubation period 12 days, nestling period 14 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: The known record using mark and recapture indicates that they live at least 4 years. However, they are likely to live longer than that.
Hermit Thrush
Identification: The Adult Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) has brown upperparts, distinct reddish tail, white underparts with dark spotting on breast; white eye ring. Sexes similar; plumage stable year-round. Juvenile: Resembles adult but with buffy spots on back and wings.
Food: Suet, peanut hearts, hulled sunflower seeds, raisins, dried currants, grapes, mealworms.
Feeder: Platform feeders. Also feeds on ground.
Presence: The Hermit Thrush is a summer resident in Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Arriving in May and departing by late September, this shy bird may visit feeders for suet or berries during summer months.
Behavior: Hermit Thrushes are quiet and solitary; generally non-aggressive, easily displaced by robins, jays, or woodpeckers.
Backyard: The Hermit Thrush prefers wooded yards with dense undergrowth, leaf litter for foraging, and berry-producing shrubs or conifers for cover.
Nest: Compact cup of moss, leaves, and mud; lined with fine fibers. Typically on ground or low in conifers. Height: 0-10 feet.
Breeding season: April through August.
Breeding period: Clutch: 3-6 eggs | Appearance: Pale blue, occasionally flecked brown | Incubation: 11-13 days | Nestling: 10-15 days | Total to Fledging: ~25 days.
Lifespan: At least 10 years and 10 months.
WOODPECKERS
In The Northwest Territories and Nunavut, woodpeckers are regular visitors to backyard bird feeders. These birds are specialized for extracting food from bark and wood, feeding mainly on insects and other arthropods, but also consuming fruit, nectar, and seeds.
Woodpeckers are well adapted to clinging vertically and using their strong bills to probe crevices for food. Several species readily visit suet and peanut feeders, making them familiar backyard guests.
Downy Woodpecker
Identification: The downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is a tiny black and white woodpecker. Males have a red spot on the nape, which is missing in the female. Note the relatively short bill.
Food: Attract downy woodpeckers with suet, black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, peanuts, peanut hearts, and mealworms.
Feeder: Downy woodpeckers favor suet cages, large and small hopper, and platform feeders.
Presence: The Downy Woodpecker is a year-round resident in Northwest Territories. This small woodpecker is a common visitor to suet feeders throughout the year, particularly in the southern boreal forests.
Behavior: Generally non-aggressive but dominant over smaller birds and submissive to larger ones.
Backyard: Downy woodpeckers favors semi-open woodlands and wooded urban areas. They are more likely to visit backyard feeders located in or near these habitat types.
Nest: Downy woodpeckers nest in cavities they excavate in dead branches at variable heights from the ground.
Breeding season: Downy woodpeckers breed in early March through early July.
Breeding period: Downy woodpeckers lay 3-8 white round eggs. It takes about 31 days from egg-laying (incubation period 12 days, nestling period 19 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Downy woodpeckers live at least 11 years and 11 months.
Hairy Woodpecker
Identification: The hairy woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus) has a black and white head, back, wings, and white underparts. Adult males have a red nape patch, which is missing in females. It is larger and longer-billed than the downy woodpecker.
Food: Attract hairy woodpeckers with suet, peanut, and black oil sunflower.
Feeder: It favors suet cages, large hopper, and platform feeders.
Presence: The Hairy Woodpecker is a year-round resident in Northwest Territories. Larger than the Downy, this species is a frequent visitor to suet and sunflower feeders during every month of the year.
Behavior: Hairy woodpeckers are not aggressive at feeders. It is submissive to grackles, American robins, blue jays, and red-bellied woodpeckers. It is dominant over smaller birds.
Backyard: Like other woodpeckers, it favors wooded areas. It is more likely to visit feeders located in its favorite habitat.
Nest: Hairy woodpeckers excavate their cavities in dead wood. Nest cavities are approximately 10 in deep and typically have a slightly oblong entrance hole of about 2 in high and 1.5 in wide.
Breeding season: Hairy woodpeckers breed in mid-March through late July.
Breeding period: This woodpecker lays 3-6 white round eggs. It takes about 31 days from egg-laying (incubation period 12 days, nestling period 29 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Hairy woodpeckers live at least 15 years and 11 months.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Identification: The adult male Yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) has a black and white barred back, red crown and throat, yellowish belly. Female: similar to male, but with white throat. Juveniles: brownish-gray overall, lacks distinctive head pattern of adults but shows white wing patch.
Food: Suet, peanut butter, sugar water (nectar), grape jelly, fruit slices.
Feeder: The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker favors suet cages, bark-mimicking feeders, nectar feeders. Prefers vertical surfaces on tree trunks.
Presence: The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a summer resident in Northwest Territories. Arriving in May and departing in September, this woodpecker occasionally visits suet or fruit feeders during its breeding season.
Behavior: Subordinate to larger woodpeckers; often solitary. May defend sap wells from hummingbirds and other small birds.
Backyard: Deciduous and mixed forests. Attracted to yards with birch, maple, or fruit trees and water sources.
Nest: Cavity excavated in live trees, often infected with tinder fungus. Height: 6–60 feet above ground.
Breeding season: Mid-May through mid-July.
Breeding period: Clutch: 4–6 eggs | Appearance: White, smooth, slightly glossy | Incubation: 12–13 days | Nestling: 25–29 days | Total to Fledging: ~40 days.
Lifespan: At least 7 years and 9 months.
Northern Flicker
Identification: The northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) is one of the largest woodpeckers in the region. It is warm brown with black barring on the back and wings and large black spots on the belly. It has a conspicuous black crescent on the chest. Males have a black malar stripe, which is missing in the female.
Food: Attract Northern flickers with black oil sunflower seed, hulled sunflower seeds, and suet.
Feeder: Northern flickers favors suet cages, large hopper, and platform feeders.
Presence: The Northern Flicker is a common summer resident in Northwest Territories. Arriving in April and departing by October, it frequents backyard suet feeders throughout the warmer months.
Behavior: Northern flickers are not particularly aggressive to other birds at feeders but are dominant over smaller-sized birds.
Backyard: Favors semi-open habitats with plenty of open ground, including suburban areas.
Nest: The northern flicker nest in cavities it excavates in rotten wood.
Breeding season: The northern flicker breeds from May through early August.
Breeding period: The northern flicker lays 5-8 pure white and unmarked eggs. It takes about 37 days from egg-laying (incubation period 12 days, nestling period 25 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Northern flickers live at least 9 years and 2 months.
CHICKADEES
In The Northwest Territories and Nunavut, chickadees are among the most familiar and active backyard feeder birds. They feed primarily on insects during the warmer months, but readily switch to seeds, buds, and fruit when insects become scarce. As winter approaches, Chickadees often cache food, carrying seeds from feeders to hidden spots in trees or bark crevices for later use. These small birds are bold, agile, and highly vocal, frequently the first to discover new feeders and alerting other birds with their calls.
Black-capped Chickadee
Identification: The black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is bluish gray above and grayish-brown below with a pale center of the belly. It has a distinctive black cap and throat separated by broad white sides of the head.
Food: Attract black-capped chickadees with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, safflower, nyjer, suet, peanuts, peanut hearts, and mealworms.
Feeder: It favors Large and small tube feeders, suet cages, large hoppers, and platform feeders.
Presence: The Black-capped Chickadee is a year-round resident in Northwest Territories and Nunavut. This hardy species is a constant presence at bird feeders from January through December, regardless of the harsh subarctic winters.
Behavior: Non-aggressive at feeders. It usually takes one seed at a time and leaves to eat it or store it before it returns to the feeder for more. Submissive to most birds visiting feeders.
Backyard: Chickadees are birds of woodlands. Readily visit the feeder placed within its natural habitat.
Nest: It nests in cavities pairs excavate in rotten soft wood. I also use existing cavities, such as those excavated by woodpeckers.
Breeding season: Black-capped chickadees breed in late March through mid-September.
Breeding period: Black-capped chickadees lay 3-10 eggs, white with brown spots concentrated on the wide side of the egg. It takes about 27 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 14 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: The black-capped chickadee lives at least 10 years and 8 months.
Boreal Chickadee
Identification: The boreal chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) has a brown cap rather than the black or blackish brown cap of other chickadees. It also has rufous flanks and white edging on the tail feathers.
Food: Attract boreal chickadees with hulled sunflower seeds, black oil sunflower seed, nyjer, suet, peanuts, peanut hearts, and mealworms.
Feeder: It favors large and small tube feeders, suet cages, large hoppers, and platform feeders.
Presence: The Boreal Chickadee is a year-round resident in Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Found in coniferous forests, it visits bird feeders consistently from January to December, providing lively activity during the long winter.
Behavior: Non-aggressive at feeders. It usually takes one seed at a time and leaves to eat it or store it before it returns to the feeder for more. Submissive to most birds visiting backyard feeders.
Backyard: Chickadees are birds of woodlands. They readily visit feeders placed within its natural habitat.
Nest: Boreal chickadees nest in cavities that pairs excavate in rotten or soft wood. I also use existing cavities such as those excavated by woodpeckers.
Breeding season: Boreal chickadees breed in mid-May through mid-August.
Breeding period: Boreal chickadees lay 5-9 white eggs. It takes about 35 days from egg-laying (incubation period 16 days, nestling period 19 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Boreal chickadees live at least 6-10 years.
NUTHATCHES & CREEPERS
In The Northwest Territories and Nunavut, nuthatches and brown creepers are fascinating visitors to backyard feeders, especially in wooded or mature forest habitats. Although they share a similar lifestyle—searching for insects along tree trunks and branches—they are not closely related and belong to separate bird families. Their similarities make a classic example of convergent evolution.
Nuthatches are small, stocky birds with relatively long, pointed bills. They move in all directions along tree trunks, including headfirst downward, using only their strong legs and feet, unlike woodpeckers, which use their tails for support.
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Identification: The Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) has blue-gray upperparts and brown-orange underparts. It has a distinctive black-and-white head pattern. It typically creeps along tree trunks and branches.
Food: Attract red-breasted nuthatches with black oil and hulled sunflower seeds, suet, and mealworms.
Feeder: They typically feed on large and small tube feeders, suet cages, and hopper and platform feeders.
Presence: The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a year-round resident in Northwest Territories. This energetic bird is expected at suet and seed feeders from January through December, especially within mature spruce forests.
Behavior: Red-breasted nuthatches are feisty birds; they are not aggressive to others but stand their ground against similar-sized birds at feeders.
Backyard: The red-breasted nuthatch is a forest bird. It is more likely to visit feeders surrounded by woodlands or various types.
Nest: The red-breasted nuthatch excavate their nesting cavities in rotten wood or use existing woodpeckers or natural cavities.
Breeding season: They breed in late April through early August.
Breeding period: A female red-breasted nuthatch lays 2-8 pinkish-white eggs spotted with brown. It takes about 32 days from egg-laying (incubation period 12 days, nestling period 20 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Red-breasted nuthatches live at least 7 years and 6 months.
WARBLERS
In The Northwest Territories and Nunavut, warblers are only occasional visitors to backyard feeders, as most species prefer to forage naturally rather than rely on artificial food sources. These small, active birds feed primarily on insects and other invertebrates, gleaning them from leaves and branches, often high in the canopy.
During migration and in the non-breeding season, some warblers expand their diet to include fruit, nectar, and occasionally small seeds. A few species are more likely to visit feeders—especially those offering suet—making them notable exceptions in a group otherwise rarely seen at backyard feeding stations.
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Identification: The yellow-rumped warbler (Setophaga coronata) in winter plumage is grayish-brown with blackish streaks. The throat is whitish. The rump and sides of the breast and belly are yellow. It has two distinctive white wing bars.
Food: Attract yellow-rumped warbler with hulled sunflower seeds, suet, peanuts, peanut hearts, nectar, fruit, and mealworms.
Feeder: It favors large and small tube feeders, suet cage, large and small hopper feeders, fruit, and nectar feeders.
Presence: The Yellow-rumped Warbler is a summer resident in Northwest Territories. Arriving in May and departing in September, it may visit suet or mealworm feeders during the spring and summer months.
Behavior: A non-aggressive visitor to feeders. It is submissive to most other birds at feeders.
Backyard: Yellow-rumped warblers favor semi-open woodland and yards where it moves about in flocks.
Nest: It builds an open cup on horizontal branches in coniferous forests 4-50 feet above the ground.
Breeding season: The yellow-rumped warbler breeds in mid-May through late August.
Breeding Period: Yellow-rumped warblers lay 1-6 whitish eggs speckled with reddish-brown. It takes about 25 days from egg-laying (incubation period 12 day, nestling period 12 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Yellow-rumped warblers live at least 10 years.
Orange-crowned Warbler
Identification: The orange-crowned warbler (Leiothrypis celata) is a relatively nondescript bird. Four populations with slightly different plumages ranging from yellowish to yellowish-gray are involved. The image shows the most common plumages.
Food: Attract orange-crowned warblers with hulled sunflower seeds, suet, peanut hearts, nectar, fruit, and mealworms..
Feeder: It favors large and small tube feeders, suet cages, large and small hopper feeders, fruit and nectar feeders.
Presence: The Orange-crowned Warbler is a summer resident in Northwest Territories. This active warbler arrives in May and departs in September, occasionally visiting nectar or suet feeders during its northern stay.
Behavior: A non-aggressive visitor to feeders. It is submissive to most other birds at feeders.
Backyard: The orange-crowned warbler is a bird that favors semi-open woodlands.
Nest: It builds a cup-shaped nest on or near the ground.
Breeding season: The orange-crowned warbler breeds from April through mid-July.
Breeding period: It takes about 25 days from egg-laying (incubation period 12 days, nestling period 12 days) until fledging..
Lifespan: The orange-crowned warbler lives at least 8.5 years.
KINGLETS
Kinglets are small but energetic winter visitors, best known for their constant motion and delicate appearance. These tiny, mostly greenish-gray birds are among the smallest songbirds in North America and are often seen flitting restlessly through trees and shrubs.
Kinglets feed primarily on insects and spiders, which they pick from foliage or even hover briefly to capture at the tips of branches. During the breeding months in the Province of The Northwest Territories and Nunavut, they may take advantage of backyard feeders, especially those offering suet.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Identification: The ruby-crowned kinglet (Corthylio calendula) is tiny and hyperactive. It is plain yellow-olive and has an eye-ring. The ruby color in the crown is present in males only, and it is usually concealed except for occasions when the bird gets excited. Except for the ruby crown, males and females look alike.
Food: Attract ruby-crowned kinglets with suet, hulled sunflower seeds, peanuts, and mealworms.
Feeder: It favors suet cages, large hopper, and platform feeders.
Presence: The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a common summer resident in Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Arriving in May and departing by October, this tiny bird occasionally visits suet feeders before migrating south for the winter.
Behavior: Ruby-crowned kinglets are infrequent visitors to backyard bird feeders. Their tiny size makes them vulnerable to larger, more aggressive birds at feeders.
Backyard: The ruby-crowned kinglet favors wooded areas. It is more likely to visit feeders located in its favorite habitat.
Nest: Ruby-crowned kinglets build large nests with a central cup. The exterior of the nest is lined with moss and lichen. The interior is lined with fine fibers and hair.
Breeding season: Ruby-crowned kinglets breed in mid-May through early August.
Breeding period: The ruby-crowned kinglet lays 5-12 whitish eggs spotted with brown concentrated on the wide side of the egg. It takes about 30 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 17 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Ruby-crowned kinglets live at least 8 years and 8 months.
How do I attract birds to my bird feeder in my province?
Attracting birds to your bird feeders is as simple as putting up a feeder with food or simply spraying birdseed on the ground. Once one or two birds find the food source, other birds see them coming and going from your yard to the feeder and follow them.
It is very important to be consistent. Once you put birdseed out for the birds, they will make visiting your backyard a part of their daily routine. If food is unavailable for several days, they will drop your backyard as a reliable source of food and visit it only sporadically.
The time it takes for the birds to discover your feeders depends on the vegetation in your yard and around it. Bushes and trees attract birds, and more birds around are more likely to notice your feeders.
The bird feeder should be located in a place visible to the birds. As indicated above, I recommend spraying food on the ground and putting food on a platform feeder. If you have grass in your yard and food is unlikely to be seen by the birds, you can simply use a piece of plywood to place birdseed.
Once you have a few birds visiting your yard, you can implement a hopper or tube feeder. You can gradually move the bird feeder to a location in your yard where you can enjoy them from your home, for instance, outside the kitchen window.
What type of food do I need to attract birds in The Northwest Territories and Nunavut?
My preferred food for beginners is birdseed mixes available in stores. Bird seed mixes include several seeds and grains that appeal to a wider variety of birds.
Once you get birds coming to your feeders, you can begin to offer the type of food that is more likely to attract the birds you want to see in your feeders.
What type of bird feeder should I get to attract birds in The Northwest Territories and Nunavut?
The type of bird feeder to get in The Northwest Territories and Nunavut is a platform feeder or hopper feeder, particularly if one is starting to feed backyard birds.
I analyzed the type of feeder most used by backyard feeder birds. The results apply to The Northwest Territories , Nunavut and other provinces as these birds have wide ranges in North America.
According to the data analyzed, most (92.5%) birds use platform feeders, followed by large hopper feeders (64.8%). Many birds (32%) are comfortable feeding on the ground.
The analysis consisted of tallying bird species by bird feeder type used. The data comes from reports from folks that feed backyard birds in the region reported to the FeederWatch Project of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.
The table below shows the bird feeder types most frequently used by backyard birds in North America.
| Feeder Type | Number of Species that use it | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | 50 | 92.5 |
| Large Hopper | 35 | 64.8 |
| Ground | 32 | 59.2 |
| Large Tube | 20 | 37.0 |
| Suet Cage | 20 | 37.0 |
| Small Tube | 15 | 27.7 |
| Small Hopper | 9 | 16.6 |
Why Birds Visit—or Avoid—Your Feeders
In the Provinces of The Northwest Territories and Nunavut, bird activity at feeders can vary widely from day to day and across seasons. Understanding what attracts birds—or drives them away—can help you interpret these changes and manage your feeders more effectively.
Reasons Birds Visit Feeders
- Bad weather: Birds are more likely to visit feeders when the weather is poor.
- Winter season: While birds can visit year-round, there is a noticeable increase in activity during the winter months.
Reasons Birds Stop Visiting Feeders
- Presence of predators: This is often the most common reason birds suddenly disappear; species like the Cooper’s Hawk or Sharp-shinned Hawk may be hunting in the area.
- Abundance of natural food: Birds generally prefer natural food sources over bird feeders and will choose them if they are readily available.
- Seasonal diet changes: Bird shift their diet during the breeding season to focus on insects, spiders, and caterpillars. These protein-rich foods are essential for the rapid growth and development of their nestlings.
- Seasonality and mild weather: Changes in the seasons or periods where the weather is not particularly harsh can lead to a decrease in feeder visits.
- Stopover Visits: Birds often use backyard feeders as quick “refueling stations” to gain the necessary fat and protein to continue their flight. You may notice species that do not live in your area year-round appearing for just a few days or weeks during the spring and fall before moving on.
- Food quality: Birds may avoid feeders if the seed is no longer fresh.
- Feeder hygiene: If feeders are not cleaned regularly, birds may stop coming to them.
Final thoughts:
The identification guide to the 28 bird species that visit backyard feeders in the Provinces of The Northwest Territories and Nunavut is based on the concept of citizen science. The species included in this article were obtained from citizen reports from bird enthusiasts participating in the FeederWatch Project of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.
This guide helps you distinguish male, female, and juvenile plumages with clear illustrations. Familiarize yourself with these birds to become a bird expert and enhance your backyard birding experience.
References and Sources:
Information and bird-specific data used in this guide comes from various sources. The photographic material used as model and reference for a hybrid AI production of the illustrations comes from multiple sites and photos taken by the author. Sources include:
- eBird. (https://ebird.org/)
- Project Feederwatch (https://feederwatch.org/)
- Sibley, David, 2000, The Sibley Guide to Birds.
- Species Longevity Data: United States Geological Survey (https://www.usgs.gov/)
- Allaboutbirds.
- Voices: Personal recordings and xeno-canto.org
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