Identify 37 Bird Species that Visit Backyard Feeders in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan

Here, I share my identification guide for the birds that visit backyard feeders in the Central Region of the United States and Canada. This region includes the states and provinces of Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

I have prepared custom identification images and gathered information about the 37 species most frequently reported at feeders by folks that feed backyard birds in the Central Region. I have also included the songs and calls of each bird. Let’s see what I have put together!

• Click on the links 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 the Central Region of the United States and Canada useful as an identification and reference tool. 

Birds included in this guide are the thirty seven (37) most frequently reported species by enthusiasts in the region participating in Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Feederwatch Program. Each species account includes an ID plate, voice, preferred food and feeder, preferred backyard type, presence in the region, behavior at feeders, breeding biology, and lifespan.

Birds that visit backyard feeders in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan

Most of the birds visiting backyard bird feeders in the Central Region are widespread and occur in more than one region. Some occur in most of the United States and Canada.

Feeder birds in the Central Region are primarily sparrows, finches, and their allies. This group also includes siskins, goldfinches, grosbeaks, and juncos.

Other groups are represented by fewer species. For instance, woodpeckers include five species, while blackbirds include four species. The remaining groups include only one or two species.

Bird groups and the number of species per group visiting bird feeders in Central Region of North America and Canada.

• Sparrows, Finches, and their allies: 16 species.
• Woodpeckers: 4 species.
• Jays and Crows: 4 species.
• Blackbirds: 3 species.
• Bluebirds and Robins: 2 species.
• Nuthatches: 2 species.
• Titmouse and Chickadees: 2 species.
• Mockingbird and Thrashers: 1 species.
• Doves: 1 species.
• Wrens: 1 species.
• Starlings: 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 Central Region 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 with flexible behaviors. 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 the Central Region of the United States and America

Identifying backyard birds gives many hours of enjoyment to thousands of people in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. 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.

Cardinals like hulled sunflower seeds, while American goldfinches prefer nyjer or thistle seed.

Birds that visit backyard feeders in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan

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. 

SPARROWS, FINCHES, & ALLIES

In the Central Region of North America, 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 grain that sparrows, finches, cardinals, 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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Northern Cardinal

Identification: The male northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is all red with a conspicuous crest and long tail. The female is a warm brown with red on the wings and tail. Juveniles resemble a female.
Food: Food: Attract cardinals with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, safflower, cracked corn, peanut hearts, millet, and milo.
Feeder: It favors large tube, large hopper, and platform feeders. It also feeds on the ground.
Presence: Northern cardinals can be expected year-round in Iowa. They are found only in parts of South Dakota and Minnesota, an are absent from North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Behavior: Northern cardinals can be aggressive to smaller birds but are displaced by blue jays, woodpeckers, grackles, and larger birds.
Backyard: Favors dense cover and tall shrubs and trees, but will visit just about any type of yard with enough vegetation in or near it.
Nest: Northern cardinals build a cup-shaped nest in a fork of small branches, shrubs, or vine tangle, 1-15 feet above the ground.
Breeding season: The northern cardinal breeds from March through mid-September.
Breeding period: Northern cardinals lay 2-5 grayish to buffy white eggs speckled with light brown. It takes approximately 22 days from egg-laying (incubation period 12 days, nestling period 10 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Northern cardinals live at least 15 years and nine months.

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House Finch

Identification: The male house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) has red on the head and breast, contrasting with the gray-brown of the rest of the body. A few males have yellow instead of red. Females are gray-brown streaked with black on the back, breast, and belly.
Food: Attract house finches with black oil sunflower seed, hulled sunflower seeds, safflower, and nyjer.
Feeder: It favors large tube feed, small and large hopper, and platform feeders.
Presence: The house finch is a year-round resident and can be expected year-round in Missouri, Iowa, and parts of Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. It is absent form other states and provinces in the Central Region.
Behavior: House finches are surprisingly submissive to even smaller birds. They generally interact well with other birds at feeders.
Backyard: Favors human-created habitats and are common in suburban settings.
Nest: House finches build an open cup surrounded by twigs in trees, cactus, and rock ledges. It also nests in light fixtures, house decorations, hanging planters, and building ledges.
Breeding season: The house finch breeds from late March through early August.
Breeding period: The house finch lays 2-6 bluish-white eggs dotted with brown. It takes about 29 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 16 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: House finches live at least 11 years and 7 months.

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Purple Finch

Identification: The male purple finch (Haemorhous purpureus) is raspberry red, more saturated on the head and breast. The female is brown, heavily streaked with black below, and has a patterned head.
Food: Attract purple finches with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, nyjer, and millet.
Feeder: It favors large and small tube feeders. It also uses hoppers and platform feeders.
Presence: Purple finches breed in Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Canada. They can be expected as a Fall and winter visitor in the U.S.
Behavior: It is not aggressive at feeders. The purple finch is a semi-nomadic bird that may visit your feeder in one year but not the next.
Backyard: Purple finch favors edges of woodlands, particularly coniferous ones. Feeders near woodlands are more likely to attract purple finches.
Nest: It builds a cup-shaped nest on branches of coniferous trees or trees in deciduous forests. The height from the ground varies from 5 to 50 feet above the ground.
Breeding season: Purple finches breed from April through August.
Breeding period: The purple finch lays 2-7 grayish eggs with dusky specks. It takes approximately 26 days from egg-laying (incubation period 12 days, nestling period 14 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Purple finches live at least 12 years and 8 months.

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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: They favor large and small hoppers and platform feeders. They are also ground feeders eating spilled seeds below elevated feeders.
Presence: The chipping sparrow can be expected in in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan during the breeding season of the Spring and Summer. The migrate south during the Fall and winter.
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.

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White-throated Sparrow

Identification: The white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) has a patterned head showing a yellow patch in front of the eye. This sparrow has two plumage morphs: white-striped and tan-striped.
Food: Attract white-throated sparrows 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 also uses platform feeders.
Presence: The white-throated sparrow breeds in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. During the Fall and Winter they can be expected at feeders only in Iowa.
Behavior: Not an aggressive bird easily displaced by more aggressive ones.
Backyard: The white-throated sparrow forages in semi-open areas with some vegetation cover. Favors backyards that offer vegetation cover near the feeders.
Nest: White-throated sparrows build a cup-shaped nest on or near the ground.
Breeding season: The white-throated sparrow breeds in late May through mid-August.
Breeding period: The white-throated sparrow lays 2-6 pale bluish-green eggs speckled with chestnut-brown. It takes approximately 23 days from egg-laying (incubation period 12 days, nestling period 11 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: White-throated sparrows live at least 14 years and 11 months.

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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 breeds in the northern reaches of Canada. They winter in Iowa, and parts of Kansas. They are likely to visit feeder in other states in the Central Region only during migration.
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.

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Harris’s Sparrow

Identification: Harris’s Sparrows (Zonotrichia atricapilla) have the head gray (breeding) or warm brown (non-breeding) with a distinctive black cap, and black bib extending from the chin to the upper breast. The underparts are mostly white. The back is warm brown streaked with black.
Food: Attract Harris’s sparrows with black oil and hulled sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and millet.
Feeder: Harris’s sparrows feed mainly on the ground but take platform feeders.
Presence: Harris’s Sparrows can be expected only during the months of the Fall and parts of the Central Region. I may visit feeders in other states during migration.
Behavior: Like other ground feeders, Harris’s sparrows interact peacefully with other ground feeders. They can be pushed aside from platform feeders by more aggressive birds.
Backyard: Harris’s sparrows favor overgrown fields and brushy areas, particularly during migration and wintering grounds. Yards that resemble this habitat type are likely to attract them.
Nest: It builds a cup-shaped and well-insulated nest with an outer layer of dry vegetation lined inside with a layer of fine grasses and feathers. The nest is placed on the ground in a shallow depression in dense grasses and  sedges.
Breeding season: The white-crowned sparrow’s breeding season varies regionally but is generally from May through mid-August.
Breeding period: Harris’s sparrows lay 3-5 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 11 years and 8 months.

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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: Feeder: It usually feeds on the ground but can use large hoppers and platform feeders.
Presence: American tree sparrows can be expected at feeders in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan during the months of the Fall and Winter. The breed in the Far North region of Canada.
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 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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Song Sparrow

Identification: The song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) has a patterned back and dark brown or rusty streaks in the underparts. Notice the brown spot in the breast and the unstreaked pale center of the belly. Males and females look alike.
Food: Attract song sparrows with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, safflower, cracked corn, peanut hearts, millet, and milo.
Feeder: It typically feeds on the ground eating the seed spilled from the hanging feeders. It can use platform feeders as well.
Presence: Song sparrows are breeders, year-round residents, and winter visitors in parts of Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Behavior: As with other ground feeders, song sparrows are not aggressive to other birds while feeding on the ground.
Backyard: Song sparrows use a wide variety of semi-open habitats. They visit just about any backyard type in their preferred habitat.
Nest: Song sparrows build a cup-shaped nest, usually in tall grass or shrubs on the ground. They also nest on branches above the ground and in flower beds in urban areas.
Breeding season: Song sparrows breed from mid-April to late July.
Breeding period: Song sparrows lay 2-5  greenish spotted with brown eggs. It takes approximately 24 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 11 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Song sparrows live at least 11 years and four 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 frequent visitors to bird feeders but are present in North Dakota and Minnesota during the winter months only. They breed and spend the Winter in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
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 buil 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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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 are breeders, year-round residents, and winter visitors in parts of Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
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 a Fall and Winter visitor in North Dakota, Minnesota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. It also breeds in Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
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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American Goldfinch

Identification: The American goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is in its winter plumage consisting of an unmarked brown with blackish wings and two broad pale wing bars. Breeding males replace the brown with bright yellow and a black cap.
Food: Attract American goldfinches to your yards with hulled sunflower and nyjer seeds.
Feeder: It favors large and small tube feeders, large hopper and platform feeders, and the ground.
Presence: The American goldfinch can be expected in North Dakota, parts of South Dakota, Northern Minnesota, Manitoba and Saskatchewan only during the breeding season of the Spring and Fall. It is present year-round in the rest of the states in the Central Region.
Behavior: Non-aggressive and easy-going at feeders. Submissive to most other feeder birds. Often clings to feeders horizontally.
Backyard: Shrubs, tall weeds, and seed-producing weeds attract American goldfinches.
Nest: American goldfinches build a neat cup-shaped nest on twigs, dense shrubs, and dense foliage in overhanging branches of trees 4 to 15 feet above the ground. 
Breeding season: Goldfinches breed in early June through late September.
Breeding period: The American goldfinch lays 2-7 pale bluish-white eggs with brownish dots on the wide side of the egg. It takes about 27 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 d, nestling period 14 d) until fledging.
Lifespan: American goldfinches live at least 7 years.

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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 parts of Minnesota and Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. It is a winter visitor en the resto of the states in the region.
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 during the Fall and Winter in most of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, North Dakota, and the northern half of Minnesota.
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 northern Minnesota, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
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 Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan 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 the Central Region, doves are represented only by one 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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Mourning Dove

Identification: The mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) is all brown with dark spots on the wing. Juveniles have pale edging on feathers. 
Food: Attract mourning doves with hulled sunflower seeds, safflower, cracked corn, peanut hearts, millet, oats, and milo.
Feeder: It feeds mostly on the ground, below elevated feeders. The mourning dove also uses platform and large hopper feeders.
Presence: Mourning doves are year-round residents in Iowa, and about half of South Dakota and Minnesota. During the spring and summer it expands as a breeder to North Dakota, and southern Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Behavior: The mourning dove is non-aggressive at feeders but stands its ground against other birds. Submissive to blue jays, blackbirds, and crows.
Backyard: It favors relatively open yards where it usually feeds on spilled seeds on the ground below hanging feeders.
Nest: Mourning doves build a precarious platform of twigs placed in a fork, branch, or dense foliage, usually 10 to 15 feet above the ground.
Breeding season: Mourning doves breed in mid-February through early October.
Breeding period: The female lays 2 white eggs. It takes about 27 days from egg-laying (incubation period 14 days, nestling period 14 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Mourning doves live at least 30 years and four months.

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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 to most of the the Central Region excpet for the northern half of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. It can be expected at feeders year-round.
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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BLACKBIRDS & THEIR ALLIES

Blackbirds are diet generalists that eat seeds, grains, nectar, fruit, insects, and small invertebrates (including nestlings of other birds). Any food offered in birdfeeders is likely to attract blackbirds, often in flocks.

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Red-winged Blackbird

Identification: Adult breeding males red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) are black with bright red shoulder patches. Non-breeding males have rusty or whitish feather edges in the winter. Females and juveniles are brown with black streaks.
Food: Attract red-winged blackbird with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, cracked corn, peanuts hearts, millet, oats, and milo.
Feeder: It favors platform feeders. It uses visits large tube and large hopper feeders. It also feeds on the ground.
Presence: The red-winged blackbird can be expected at feeders any time of the year in most of Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. It expands its range towards Canada, as a breeder, during the Spring and Summer.
Behavior: It is aggressive to other birds taking over the feeders when present in large numbers. Submissive to blue jays, starlings, and red-bellied woodpeckers.
Backyard: Favors backyards near lakes, marshes, and farmland. It is a frequent visitor to feeders in semi-urban areas.
Nest: It builds a cup-shaped nest in vertical shoots of marshes, often mixed with saplings, generally 3 to 6 feet from the water.
Breeding season: The red-winged blackbird breeds from early April through early August.
Breeding period: Red-winged blackbirds lay 2-4 bluish-green eggs with dark markings. It takes about 25 days from egg-laying (incubation period 12 days, nestling period 13 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Red-winged blackbirds live at least 15 years and nine months.

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Common Grackle

Identification: Common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula) look black from a distance. They have a shiny greenish head with shades of purple on the rest of the body. Its plumage is variable. Note the pale eye in adults.
Food: Attract common grackles with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, safflower, suet, cracked corn, peanuts, peanut hearts, fruit, millet, oats, and milo.
Feeder: It favors large hopper and platform feeders and feeds on the ground.
Presence: Common grackles are year-round residents in the Central Region except for North and South Dakota, most of Minnesota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan where it occurs as a breeder during the Spring and Summer.
Behavior: One of the most aggressive and dominant birds at bird feeders. Takes over feeders when present.
Backyard: Favors open and semi-open habitats. Visit all types of yards often in flocks.  
Nest: Common grackles build a bulky nest with an open cup in trees and shrubs, usually 20 feet or less above the ground. It can also nest in barns, rock crevices, and even stored farm equipment. 
Breeding season: Common grackles breed in early March through early July.
Breeding period: Common grackles lay 1-7 brownish to pale bluish-gray eggs spotted with brown. It takes about 28 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 15 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Common grackles live at least 23 years and 1 month.

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Brown-headed Cowbird

Identification: Males brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) are glossy black with chestnut-brown heads. Females are gray-brown overall, with faint dark streaks on the breast and belly.
Food: Attract brown-headed cowbirds with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, cracked corn, millet, oats, and milo.
Feeder: Brown-headed cowbirds favor large hopper and platform feeders and the ground.
Presence: The brown-headed cowbird occurs in most of Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, either as breeding visitor or year-round resident.
Behavior: Aggressive to other birds, dominant over smaller birds. Attends feeders usually in flocks.
Backyard: Favors backyards that are open and near open woods and farmlands.
Nest: Brown-headed cowbirds do not build nests but lay their eggs (parasitize) in the nest of other birds.
Breeding season: Brown-headed cowbirds breed in early April through the end of August.
Breeding period: A female cowbird lays 1-7 grayish eggs with brown spots. Birds that take over the parental duties for the cowbirds take about 23 days from egg-laying  (incubation period 11 days, nestling period 12 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Brown-headed cowbirds live at least nine years.

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MOCKINGBIRDS, THRASHERS, & CATBIRDS

Mockingbirds and thrashers belong to the family Mimidae (Mimids). These birds delight Central Rgion 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. They 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 most of Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, except for Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
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 all of the Central Region.
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 belong to the avian family Corvidae (Corvids), which are among the most familiar birds to many. The blue jay is a frequent visitor to bird feeders in the Central Region.

Corvids are diet generalists, including just about anything edible in their diets. They can eat seeds, fruits, insects, and even small mammals. They are bird nest robbers, and some feed on carrion. Corvids are opportunistic and visit all types of backyard feeders that offer any type of food. 

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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 can be expected at feeders any time of the year in most of Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
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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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 resident in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the northern portion of Minnesota.
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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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 most of Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, and can be expected at feeders 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 record 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.

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 any time of the year in most in all but North Dakota, Northern Minnesota and the Canadian Provinces where they are breeding visitors during the Spring and Summer.
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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BLUEBIRDS & ROBINS

Bluebirds and Robins belong to the avian family Turdidae. In the Central Region, bird feeder visitors in this family include the eastern bluebird and the American robin.

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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Eastern Bluebird

Identification: Adult male eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) are deep blue above with a red-brick breast and belly. Females have a bluish-gray back, blue on the wings and tail, and rich brown breasts. Juveniles are a darker gray with white spotting in the breasts.
Food: Attract eastern bluebirds with mealworms, suet, peanut hearts, and fruit.
Feeder: It favors platform feeders and the ground.
Presence: Eastern bluebirds are breeding visitors in most of Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan only during the Spring and Summer.
Behavior: Non-aggressive and easy-going at feeders. Submissive to others, even smaller birds.
Backyard: Favors open fields, open woodlands, and park-like habitats. Favor feeders in open spaces.
Nest: It builds a cup-shaped nest within natural or woodpecker-excavated cavities at any height from the ground. It readily takes nesting boxes.
Breeding season: The eastern bluebird breeds from mid-February through late September.
Breeding period: Eastern bluebirds lay 2-7 pale blue or rarely white or pink eggs. It takes about 35 days from egg-laying (incubation period 16 days, nestling period 14 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Eastern bluebirds live at least 10 years and 6 months.

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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 can be expected at feeders any time of the year in most of the Central Region except for North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan where it is a breeding visitor during the Spring and Summer.
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

Four woodpeckers are regular visitors to backyard bird feeders in the Central Region. Woodpeckers feed on insects, other arthropods, fruit, nectar, and seeds. The red-bellied woodpecker often takes seeds from feeders to cash elsewhere for later consumption.

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Red-bellied Woodpecker

Identification: The red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) has black-and-white barring on the back and wings, plain brownish breast and face, and red nape. Young birds lack the red on the nape. It shows a red wash on the belly.
Food: Attract red-bellied woodpecker with black oil sunflower seeds, hulled Sunflower seeds, safflower, suet, cracked corn, peanuts, peanut hearts, nectar, fruit, and mealworms.
Feeder: It favors suet cages, large hopper, platform, and nectar feeders.
Presence: The red-bellied woodpecker can be expected at feeder any time of the year in most of Iowa. It does not occur in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Behavior: It is among the most aggressive and dominant over most other birds at feeders. Submissive only to common grackles and crows.
Backyard: Favors relatively open yards but is not picky about yard conditions.
Nest: It excavates its cavities in dead trees, uses pre-existing cavities, and takes nesting boxes.
Breeding season: Red-bellied woodpeckers breed in mid-April through mid-September.
Breeding period: The red-bellied woodpecker lays 2-6 white eggs. It takes about 32 days from egg-laying (incubation period 12 days, nestling period 25 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Red-bellied woodpeckers live at least 12 years and 3 months.

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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 Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
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 Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan 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 Central 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 year-round resident in most of Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, except for most of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
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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TITMOUSE & CHICKADEE

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

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

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Tufted Titmouse

Identification: The tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is gray above with pale breast, belly, and orange-brown flanks. It has a conspicuous gray crest and black forehead.
Food: Attract tufted titmouse 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 hopper, small hopper, and platform feeders.
Presence: The tufted titmouse is a year-round resident in part Iowa and Minnesota. It is absent from the rest of the Central Region.
Behavior: Nonaggressive and submissive to most larger birds.
Backyard: The tufted titmouse is a bird of woodlands. It visits feeders placed in its habitat and hardly ever ventures out to bird feeders in open habitats.
Nest: The tufted titmouse nests in natural tree cavities and cavities excavated by woodpeckers. They also use nest boxes.
Breeding season: Tufted titmice breed in early April through mid-July.
Breeding period: The tufted titmouse lays 3-9 white to creamy white eggs spotted with rich reddish-brown. It takes about 29 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 16 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Tufted titmice live at least 12 years and five months.

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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 Carolina 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 most of Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan 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 Carolina chickadee lives at least 10 years and 8 months.

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NUTHATCHES

The Central Region has two nuthatches, which are frequent visitors to backyard bird feeders in the state. Nuthatches are small birds with relatively long bills that belong to the avian family Sittidae.

Nuthatches use a peculiar tree-climbing method using only their strong legs and feet. Unlike woodpeckers, nuthatches do not use their tail as props and climb trees in all directions, including vertically head down.

They feed on small insects and seeds and regularly associate with specific habitat types. They are more likely to visit bird feeders located in backyards near their preferred habitat.

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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 Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan 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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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 Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, as a year-round resident and non-breeding visitor.
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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WRENS

Wrens, in general, are not known as regular bird feeder visitors anywhere. However, in the Central Region, the Carolina wren is a regular visitor to backyard feeders. 

Wrens feed on insects and other small invertebrates they find in dense foliage close to the ground. They also supplement their diet with berries and seeds. The Carolina wren is a great songster.

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Carolina Wren

Identification: The Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) is Reddish-brown on the back wings and tail, with dusky markings. It has buffy-brown underparts. Note the bold white eyebrow and slightly decurved bill. It is a great songster.
Food: Attract Carolina wrens with hulled sunflower seeds, suet, peanuts, and mealworms.
Feeder: It favors large and small tube feeders, suet cages, large hopper, platform, feeders, and the ground.
Presence: The Carolina wren is a year-round resident in part of Iowa. It is absent from the rest of the Central Region.
Behavior: It is often shy at feeders and does not stay out of dense vegetation for long.  Submissive to most other birds.
Backyard: Carolina wrens favor dense vegetation, tangled understory, or brush piles that they use to approach bird feeders and return for cover.
Nest: The Carolina wren builds a bulky oven-shaped nest with a side entrance. The nest is placed in broken-off stumps and limbs 3-6 feet above the ground. It often nests in hanging planters and hanging decorations on porches.
Breeding season: Carolina wrens breed in late March through early October.
Breeding period: Carolina wrens lay 3-7 creamy-white eggs with brown spots. It takes about 27 days from egg-laying (incubation period 13 days, nestling period 14 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Carolina wrens live at least 7 years and 8 months.

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WAXWINGS

The Cedar Waxwing is a non-breeding visitor to most of the lower 48 states.  During the fall, waxwings gather in flocks to eat berries and become nomadic. The Cedar Waxwing feeds almost exclusively on fruit. They visit backyards that offer fruit.

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Cedar Waxwing

Identification: The cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) has a uniquely smooth plumage with shades of buffy and grayish-brown. Adult birds have red waxy tips on their wing feathers. Juveniles are gray-brown.
Food: Attract cedar waxwings to your yard by planting native bushes that bear small berries. Also, offer berries and other fruit.
Feeder: Waxwings are entirely frugivores and will use shallow bowls holding berries. They also take impaled fruit.
Presence: The Cedar Waxwing is a year-round resident in most of Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan and can be expected at backyard bird feeders throughout the year.
Behavior: Cedar waxwings are surprisingly submissive to other birds despite attending feeders in flocks.
Backyard: Cedar waxwings are nomadic birds that will go just about anywhere where a tree is bearing fruit.
Nest: The female cedar waxwing builds a bulky cup made of twigs, grasses, horsehair, cattail down, and strings.
Breeding season: The cedar waxwing breeds in June through September.
Breeding period: The cedar waxwings lay 2-6 blue or dark-blue eggs. It takes about 28 days from egg-laying (incubation period 12 days, nestling period 16 days) until fledging.
Lifespan: Cedar waxwings live at least 7 years, 1 month.

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What type of bird feeder should I get to attract birds in the Central Region?

The type of bird feeder to get in the Central Region 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 Central Region and other states 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 the Central Region of 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

How do I attract birds to my bird feeder in my state? 

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 Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan?

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)

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

Final thoughts:

The Guide to backyard feeder birds of the Central Region of North America 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 Central Region of the United States and Canada. The area of coverage includes the states and provinces Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.