Backyard Feeder Birds in Alberta: The Definitive Guide

Here, I share my identification guide for the birds that visit backyard feeders in the Province of Alberta. I have prepared custom identification pictures and gathered information about the 27 species most frequently reported at feeders by folks that feed backyard birds in the Energy Province. In addition to the ID images, I have also included the songs and calls of each bird. Let’s see what I have put together!

• Click open the table (arrow) of contents below to jump to a species account, or scroll down and navigate this guide.

Backyard birders will find the guide to backyard feeder birds of Alberta useful as an identification and reference tool. 

Birds included in this guide are the twenty seven (27) most frequently reported species by enthusiasts in the region participating in Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Feederwatch Program. Each species account includes an identification plate, voice, preferred food and feeder, preferred backyard type, presence in the province, behavior at feeders, breeding biology, and lifespan.

Alberta Backyard Feeder Birds: The Definitive Guide

Most of the birds visiting backyard bird feeders in Alberta are widespread and occur in more than one province. A few occur in most of the United States and Canada.

Feeder birds in Alberta are primarily sparrows, finches, and their allies (8 species). This group also includes siskins, goldfinches, grosbeaks, and juncos. Other groups of note include crows and jays (5 species), Woodpeckers (4 species), and chickadees (3 species). All remaining groups of frequent backyard feeder visitors are represented by 1 or 2 species.

Bird groups and the number of species per group visiting bird feeders in the Province of Alberta.

• Sparrows, Finches, and their allies: 8 species.
• Jays and Crows: 5 species.
• Woodpeckers: 4 species.
• Chickadees: 3 species.
• Robins: 1 species.
• Doves & Pigeons: 2 species.
• Nuthatches: 2 species.
• Mockingbird: 1 species.
• Starling: 1 species.

Most backyard feeder birds have flexible diets and behavior

Birds that visit bird feeders are a small subset of the birds in the region. The Province of Alberta is home to many birds that eat insects. One would expect that insect-eating birds would make the largest group of birds visiting bird feeders. However, grain and seed-eating birds compose the largest group.

Birds visiting backyard feeders are also a subset that exhibit with flexible behaviors and diets. Regardless of their diets, these birds have not only learned to live near humans but also to take advantage of the food provided by them. There are many bird species that have not been able to break through either barrier. 

Identification pictures of species that come to backyard bird feeders in Alberta

Identifying backyard birds gives many hours of enjoyment to thousands of people. This guide will help you recognize male, female, and juvenile plumages, as well as the little brown ones. The illustrations point to birds’ markings to pay attention to.

Each species account includes aspects of the bird’s natural history, enhancing the backyard bird feeding experience.

Recognizing the species of birds visiting your backyard is not only rewarding but can also help them. Backyard birders can contribute to these birds’ study and conservation by submitting their sightings to databases for scientific research.

Knowing which birds come to your bird feeder can help you improve your feeding strategy! If you pay attention to the birds that visit your feeders and those that don’t, you can choose the right food and feeder type to attract and keep the desired birds coming back for more. So, it’s a win-win situation: you get to enjoy watching birds at home, and they get to enjoy a tasty meal.

Chickadees like hulled sunflower seeds, while pine siskins prefer nyjer or thistle seed.

List of birds that visit backyard feeders in the Province of Alberta

Birds visit backyard feeders at different rates and times of the year. This is because birds can be year-round residents or migratory.

Migratory species move from region to region in search of food, better breeding opportunities, or to avoid harsh weather conditions. This can explain why some birds visit your feeders for a few months or even weeks, and then disappear, while the resident species keep coming back year-round.

Reproductive stages also influence the rate of feeder visitations. Parents that are feeding young in the nest switch their diets to protein-rich foods such as insects. These birds visit feeders offering bird seeds less frequently. 

The following list includes the 27 most frequently reported backyard feeder birds in the Province of Alberta.

	Bird Name
#1	American Tree Sparrow
#2	Dark-eyed Junco
#3	Evening Grosbeak
#4	Pine Grosbeak
#5	Pine Siskin
#6	Common Redpoll
#7	Hoary Redpoll
#8	House Sparrow
#9	Eurasian Collared-Dove
#10	Rock or Feral Pigeon
#11	Northern Mockingbird
#12	European Starling
#13	Blue Jay
#14	Black-billed Magpie
#15	American Crow
#16	Common Raven
#17	Canada Jay
#18	American Robin
#19	Downy Woodpecker
#20	Hairy Woodpecker
#21	Northern Flicker
#22	Pileated Woodpecker
#23	Black-capped Chickadee
#24	Boreal Chickadee
#25	Mountain Chickadee
#26	Red-breasted Nuthatch
#27	White-breasted Nuthatch

SPARROWS, FINCHES, & ALLIES

In Alberta, sparrows, finches, and their allies constitute the largest group of backyard feeder birds. Most are ground-feeder birds that feed on platforms, hoppers, and tube feeders.

Birds in this group have heavy, conical, seed-crushing bills. Backyard feeders generally offer seeds and grains that sparrows, finches, grosbeaks, and buntings like. Some birds in this group take more insects and other invertebrates during the breeding season and switch to a large seed and grain diet during the rest of the year. 

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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 sparrows is a year-round resident en Alberta and can be expected at feeder any time of the year.
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 field 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 2 white 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.

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Dark-eyed Junco

Identification: The male dark-eyed junco (Melospiza melodia) 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 can be expected in most of Alberta as a Fall and Winter visitor.
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.

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Evening Grosbeak

Identification: The male evening grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) has a yellow forehead and dark head that fades to bright yellow underparts. The wings are mostly black with bright white secondaries. Females are overall gray with some white on the wings. Both sexes have thick pale bills and notched tails.
Food: Attract evening grosbeaks with its favorite food, oil sunflower seeds, and hulled sunflower seeds.
Feeder: It appears comfortable feeding on platform and hopper feeders.
Presence: The evening grosbeak can be expected at backyard bird feeders in Alberta throughout the year.
Behavior: This large grosbeak often travels in flocks and may temporarily overtake feeders driving other birds away.
Backyard: Favors forested and semi-open woodland and backyards with plenty of trees.
Nest: The evening grosbeak builds a relatively large nest made of twigs. It has a central cup lined with fine material.
Breeding season: They breed in late mid-May through early August.
Breeding Period: The evening grosbeak lays 2-5 bluish eggs with brown spots. It takes about 27 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 14 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: The evening grosbeak lives at least 16 years and 3 months.

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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: Pine grosbeaks are year-round visitors to bird feeders but are present in only part of Alberta. They are rare or absence in the southern part of the province.
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 simi open woodlands. It is more likely to visit backyards near its favorite habitat.
Nest: Pine grosbeaks build a bulky nest made of coarse twig 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.

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Pine Siskin

Identification: The pine siskin (Spinus spinus) 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: Pine siskins can be expected at backyard bird feeders year-round in most of the Province of Alberta.
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.

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Common Redpoll

Identification: Male and female common repolls (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: Common redpolls can be expected at backyard bird feeders in Alberta during the Fall and Winter.
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.

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Hoary Redpoll

Identification: The hoary redpoll is whitish gray with a red cap, and dark face and chin. Males show faint pink wash on their breasts. It is very similar to a common redpoll, which is darker.
Food: Attract hoary redpolls with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, and nyjer seeds.
Feeder: This redpoll feeds on the ground but takes to platform and hopper feeders. 
Presence: Hoary redpolls are Canadian birds. They can be expected at feeder during the Fall and Winter months in the Province of Alberta.
Behavior: Hoary redpoll feed mostly on the ground along with other ground feeders. They are  not aggressive at feeders.
Backyard: Hoary redpolls regularly forage in shrubs and scrub. Yards that meet similar conditions are likely to attract them. 
Nest: Hoary redpolls build an open cup type of nest in shrubs or scrub close to the ground.
Breeding season: Hoary redpolls nest from mid-May through late July.
Breeding period: The hoary redpoll lays 2-6 greenish eggs spotted with brown. It takes about 24 days from egg-laying (incubation period 11 days, nestling period 13 days) until fledging.

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House Sparrow

Identification: Males house sparrows (Passer domesticus) have rich-brown and patterned back, chestnut napes, and a black bib that varies with age. The forehead and underparts are gray. Females are brown with a patterned back. Immatures look like females. 
Food: House sparrows like black oil sunflower seed, hulled sunflower seed, cracked corn, peanut hearts, millet, and milo.
Feeder: They favor large tube, large hopper, and platform feeders. They also feed on the ground.
Presence: The house sparrow is a year-round resident in Alberta and can be expected at backyard bird feeders throughout the year.
Behavior: It can be aggressive to other birds at feeders. Dominant over same-sized and smaller birds.
Backyard: Favors open habitats, farmland, and urban areas. Visits all types of backyards. 
Nest: House sparrows build large, bulky, and messy-looking nests with a side entrance. It uses cavities, light fixtures, tangled vines, and just about any structure to place a nest.
Breeding season: House sparrows breed in early March through late September.
Breeding Period: House sparrows lay 1-8 variable whitish, bluish, or greenish eggs spotted with gray. It takes about 26 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 13 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: House sparrows live at least 15 years and nine months.

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DOVES AND PIGEONS

In Alberta, doves are represented by two species. Doves and pigeons are entirely vegetarian at all times of the year. They have a weak straight bill adapted to pick seeds and grains and swallow them whole. They are unable to crush seeds as finches and sparrows do. Some may take small berries. 

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Eurasian Collared-Dove

Identification: The Eurasian collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is buffy-brown with a black incomplete collar on the neck. It has a relatively long tail with a pale terminal band. Both sexes look alike.
Food: Attract Eurasian collared-doves with hulled sunflower seeds, cracked corn, peanut hearts, millet, oats, and milo.
Feeder: It usually feeds on the ground but can use large hopper and platform feeders.
Presence: The Eurasian collared-dove has expanded its range and is now a year-round resident in Alberta.
Behavior: This dove is not aggressive to other birds at feeders. It may be submissive to other, even smaller birds.
Backyard: Favors semi-open woodlands, farmland, and urban areas. Visits open yards, usually in pairs feeding on spilled seeds on the ground, below hanging feeders.
Nest: The Eurasian collared-dove builds a simple platform of twigs, usually at about 10 feet above the ground.
Breeding season: They breed in late March through mid-September.
Breeding Period: The Eurasian collared-dove lays 1-2 white unmarked eggs. It takes about 30 days from egg-laying (incubation period 16 days, nestling period 14 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Eurasian collared doves live at least 13 years and 8 months.

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Rock or Feral Pigeon

Identification: The rock or feral pigeon (columba livia) is fairly large with wild and feral populations globally. It has a variety of plumages including black, white, gray-blue, orange-brown and many combinations. Feral varieties are common in cities and farmland.
Food: Rock pigeons are attracted to just about any type of food. Large grains are perhaps preferred over small ones.
Feeder: It usually feeds on the ground but can use large hopper and platform feeders.
Presence: The rock or feral pigeon is present all year in the Province of Alberta.
Behavior: While not aggressive, its sheer size makes them a dominant bird at feeders.
Backyard: Favors semi-open woodlands, farmland, and urban areas. Visits open yards, usually in flocks feeding on spilled seeds on the ground, below hanging feeders.
Nest: The rock or feral pigeon builds a simple platform of twigs on any horizontal surface. They often nest in barns, buildings, and bridges.
Breeding season: They breed any time of the year but prefere the Spring and Summer.
Breeding Period: The rock or feral pigeon lays 2 white unmarked eggs. It takes about 31 days from egg-laying (incubation period 16 days, nestling period 15 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Rock or feral pigeons live at least 10 years.

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MOCKINGBIRDS, THRASHERS, & CATBIRDS

Mockingbirds and thrashers belong to the family Mimidae (Mimids). These birds delight Alberta backyard birders with not only their presence but also their songs. All are great songsters, and some are vocal mimics that incorporate parts of other local birds’ songs into their repertoire.

Mimids feed on insects and fruit. Thrashers use their bill to toss leaves and sticks or rake through leaf litter in search of food. They do something similar at bird feeders spilling over birdseed as they search for their favorite seed.

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Northern Mockingbird

Identification: The northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is gray above and whitish gray below. In flight, it flashes white patches on the wings and white streaks on the long tail. Note its pale eyes.
Food: Attract northern mockingbirds with hulled sunflower seeds, suet, peanut hearts, fruit, and mealworms.
Feeder: It favors platform feeders and the ground.
Presence: The northern mockingbird can be expected at feeder any time of the year in Alberta.
Behavior: Non-aggressive at feeders and submissive to most other birds.
Backyard: Northern mockingbirds do well in all vegetation types, including yards in urban areas with little vegetation.
Nest: The northern mockingbird builds an open cup-shaped nest in dense shrubs, usually 2-10 feet above the ground.
Breeding season: Northern mockingbirds breed in late February through mid-September.
Breeding period: Northern mockingbirds lay 2-6 bluish or greenish eggs blotched with brown. It takes about 25 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period: 12 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: The northern mockingbird lives at least 11 years and 7 months.

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STARLINGS

The European starling is an introduced bird now common and well-established in North America. Their general appearance in flight resembles that of cedar waxwings and purple martins. Starlings are often not welcome at bird feeders as they often come in flocks and bully other birds.

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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 can be expected at feeders any time of the year in Alberta.
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.

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JAYS & CROWS

Jays and crows are both members of the Corvidae family, known for their intelligence and adaptability. Jays are colorful birds found in forests and woodlands, known for their loud calls and distinctive crests. Crows are larger and more widespread, found in a variety of habitats across North America. Jays and crows are omnivorous and feed on a variety of foods, including insects, seeds, and small animals. They are highly social and form complex family groups with sophisticated communication systems.

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Blue Jay

Identification: The blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is blue and black above, with white markings. Below can be whitish to pale gray. It has a conspicuous crest and a black necklace.
Food: Attract blue jays with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, safflower, suet, cracked corn, suet, peanuts, peanut hearts, fruit, millet, milo, and mealworms.
Feeder: Blue jays favor large tube feeders, suet cages, large hopper feeders, platform feeders, and the ground.
Presence: Blue jays are year-round residents in Northern Alberta. They occur in the southern half of the Province as nonbreeding visitors, during the winter months.
Behavior: Aggressive and dominant at feeders. Submissive only to starlings, common grackles, red-bellied woodpeckers, and crows.
Backyard: Favors all yard conditions, including urban yards with sufficient trees.
Nest: Blue jays build a cup-shaped nest in various conditions 10-25 feet above the ground.
Breeding season: Blue jays breed in late March through late August.
Breeding period: Blue jays lay 2-7 bluish to brownish eggs with brown spots. It takes about 27 days from egg-laying (incubation period 18 days, nestling period 20 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Blue jays live at least 26 years and 11 months.

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Black-billed Magpie

Identification: The black-billed magpie (Pica hudsonia) is unmistakable black and white with a black bill and long tail. In flight it shows flashes of black and white. It is a tame and familiar bird.
Food: Black-billed magpies are food generalists and can be attracted with hulled sunflower seeds, peanuts, milo, suet, black oil sunflower seed or fruit.
Feeder: Black-billed magpies  favor platform and hopper feeders but do well feeding on the ground.
Presence: Black-billed magpies are year-round residents in the province of Alberta and can be expected any time of the year. 
Behavior: Aggressive at feeders. Submissive only to larger birds such as crows and ravens.
Backyard: Favors all yard conditions, including yards in low-density urban areas with vegetative coverage.
Nest: Black-billed magpies build large and bulky nests with a central cup that may have a rim of mud. The nest is placed in trees at heights of 10-25 feet above the ground.
Breeding season: The black-billed magpie breeds in late March through mid-june.
Breeding Period: It lays 2-8 brownish eggs with brown spots. It takes about 45 days from egg-laying (incubation period 18 days, nestling period 27 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: According to mark and recapture records black-billed magpies live at least 9 years, but are likely to live much longer. Blue jays live up to 26 years and magpies are likely to have a similar lifespan.

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American Crow

Identification: The American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is all black. It is large and social, moving about in flocks of various sizes. Juvenile birds have dull black plumages without the glossy appearance of the adult.
Food: Attract American crows with oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, safflower, nyjer, cracked corn, peanut hearts, fruit, millet, oats, and milo.
Feeder: The American crow favors platform feeders and the Ground.
Presence: American crows can be expected at feeders in Alberta any time 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 urban areas but not in others.
Nest: It builds a simple platform or accumulation of twigs in trees or tall shrubs 10 to 70 above the ground.
Breeding season: American crows breed in mid-March through late July.
Breeding period: The American crow lays 3-9 greenish-olive eggs blotched with brown concentrated on the wide side of the egg. It takes about 47 days from egg-laying (incubation period 17 days, nestling period 30 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: American crows live at least 17 years and five months.

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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 pair 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: Common ravens can be expected at feeders in Alberta any time 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 shrubs 10 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.

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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 Canda 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: Canada jays are year-round residents in the Province of Alberta and can be expected at feeders throughout 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.

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Thrushes & Robins

Bluebirds and Robins belong to the avian family Turdidae. In the Province of Alberta, bird feeder visitors in this family include the American robin and varied thrush.

Robins and bluebirds feed mostly on insects and little fruit during the breeding season. During the non-breeding season, their diet includes a greater proportion of fruit. They generally visit bird feeders that offer mealworms and suet.

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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 year-round resident in most of Alberta.
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.

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WOODPECKERS

Some species of Woodpeckers are regular visitors to backyard bird feeders in Alberta. Woodpeckers feed on insects, other arthropods, fruit, nectar, and seeds. Some woodpecker often takes seeds from feeders to cache elsewhere for later consumption.

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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 the entire Province of Alberta.
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.

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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 Alberta and can be expected at backyard bird feeders throughout 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.

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Northern Flicker

Identification: The northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) is one of the largest woodpeckers in the Province of Alberta. 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 year-round resident in Alberta.
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.

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Pileated Woodpecker

Identification: The pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is mostly black with white stripes on the head and neck. Males and females have red crests, but only the male shows a red malar stripe. In flight, the extended wings show white patches and white underneath.
Food: Attract pileated woodpeckers with black oil and hulled sunflower seed, suet, and mealworms.
Feeder: Suet cages are the preferred feeder type for pileated woodpeckers.
Presence: The pileated woodpecker is a year-round resident in Alberta and can be expected at backyard bird feeders throughout the year.
Behavior: Pileated woodpeckers’ size is enough to dominate the feeder when they visit one. They may be submissive only to crows or ravens.
Backyard: Favors wooded areas, including suburban areas that have enough trees.
Nest: Pileated woodpeckers can excavate a nesting cavity in 3-6 weeks. After excavating and using a cavity, it rarely reuses the same cavity after use for breeding.
Breeding season: Pileated woodpeckers breed in early March through mid-July.
Breeding period: The pileated woodpecker lays 3-5 white round eggs. It takes about 45 days from egg-laying (incubation period 17 days, nestling period 28 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Pileated woodpeckers live at least 12 years and 11 months.

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CHICKADEES

Titmice and chickadees belong to the avian family Paridae. They feed mostly on insects, but when these are scarce, they switch to seeds, buds, and fruit.

As the cold winter, months approach chickadee store food for later consumption. They are often observed taking food from feeders into the woods to consume or cache it in the bark of trees and holes.

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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 Alberta and can be expected at backyard bird feeders throughout the year.
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.

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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 throughout its range. I can be expected at bird feeders in Alberta throughout the year.
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.

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Mountain Chickadee

Identification: The mountain chickadee (Poecile gambeli) is very similar to the better known black-capped chickadee except for the white stripe above the eye. 
Food: Attract mountain 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 mountain chickadee is a year-round resident in the mountainous regions of Alberta. It may descend to lower elevations in parts of its range.
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: It nests in cavities that pairs excavate in rotten or soft wood. I also use existing cavities such as those excavated by woodpeckers.
Breeding season: Mountain chickadees breed in  mid-April through mid-August.
Breeding period: Mountain chickadees lay 5-9 white eggs. It takes about 33 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 20 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: The Mountain chickadee lives at least 10 years.

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NUTHATCHES

Nuthatches are small, agile birds with compact bodies and short tails. They are found in woodlands and forests across much of the world, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. Their unique ability to climb head-first down trees is a distinguishing characteristic. They have strong bills and are adept at extracting insects and seeds from crevices in bark. They are known for their distinctive calls, which vary by species. Overall, nuthatches are charming and fascinating birds that are a joy to observe in your backyard.

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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. The similar Pygmy Nuthatch has a brown head.
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 can be expected at backyard bird feeders in most of Alberta.
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.

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White-breasted Nuthatch

Identification: The white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) has white sides of the head, throat, and belly. It has a black narrow cap and a bluish-gray back. The lower belly is chestnut.
Food: Attract white-breasted nuthatch with peanut hearts, hulled sunflower seeds, and suet. It also takes millet.
Feeder: It clings, often head-down, to large tube, large hopper, and platform feeders.
Presence: The white-breasted nuthatch is a year-round resident in most of Alberta and can be expected at backyard bird feeders throughout the year.
Behavior: This small nuthatch can be feisty and aggressive toward other birds but loses to cardinals, woodpeckers, grackles, and blue jays.
Backyard: The white-breasted nuthatch is a bird of deciduous and semi-open woodlands. It tends to visit backyard feeders located in or near these habitat types.
Nest: Nesting pairs excavate cavities in decayed wood. They also use existing cavities excavated by woodpeckers.
Breeding season: The white-breasted nuthatch breeds in June through September.
Breeding period: The white-breasted nuthatch lays 5-9 creamy white speckled with light brown eggs. It takes approximately 39 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 26 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: The white-breasted nuthatch lives at least nine years and nine months.

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What type of bird feeder should I get to attract birds in the Province of Alberta?

The type of bird feeder to get in Alberta 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 Province of Alberta 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 Alberta.

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

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 Province of Alberta?

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.

Photo Credits:

The photographic material used in this guide was made available on various websites. Many thanks to Andrew Morffew, Mark Mochell, Elizabeth Milson, Duzan Brinkhuizen, Matt Weller, Troy Anderson, Dennis Church, Wendy Miller, Rick From Alabama, Carlos Sanchez, John Benson, Mick Thompson, Steve Guttman, Victor Espinoza, Kelly Colgan-Azar, Andy Reago, Chrissy McLaren, Garry C., Michael Janke, Cuatro77, Linda Fortuna, Vicky DeLoach, Paul Hurtado, Tom Murray, Tom Wilberding, Patricia Pierce, Kenneth Cole-Schneider, Doug Greenberg, Brian Garrett, David White, Victoria Pickering, Becky Matsubara, Dan Mooney, and Julio Mulero.

Voices:

Most recordings were made by Paul Marvin (Xeno-canto https://xeno-canto.org/contributor/RFTXRYBVBX) and Andrew Spencer (https://xeno-canto.org/contributor/CDTGHVBGZP)

References and Sources:

• 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/)
• Wikipedia. (https://www.wikipedia.org/)

Final thoughts:

The Guide to backyard feeder birds of the Province of Alberta is largely based on the concept of citizen science. Most of the information in this article comes from citizen reports.

This identification guide covers common birds that visit backyard feeders in the Province of Alberta.