Interactive Map
Find Your State’s Backyard Birds
Every state hosts a different cast of characters at the feeder. Hover to light up a state, click to meet its most familiar backyard birds — each one links to a complete species guide, and every state has its own full hub with photo galleries and seasonal notes.
Click any state to preview its backyard birds
We’ll show you the birds most likely at its feeders — with a shortcut to the full state guide.
Species Guides
The Usual Suspects: America’s Favorite Backyard Birds
Eight birds account for most of what lands on an American feeder. Master these, and you’re already a better birder than most — tap the play button to hear each one’s call.
Listen to its call
Northern Cardinal
America’s favorite feeder bird
Listen to its call
Eastern Bluebird
Nest-box success story
Listen to its call
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The East’s only breeding hummer
Listen to its call
American Goldfinch
Nyjer seed specialist
Listen to its call
Downy Woodpecker
Smallest backyard woodpecker
Listen to its call
Black-capped Chickadee
The acrobat of the feeder
Listen to its call
Blue Jay
Bold, blue and brainy
Listen to its call
Mourning Dove
Gentle ground feeder
200+ Matchups
Which One Is It? Side-by-Side ID Comparisons
The classic look-alike disputes, settled with photos, field-mark tables and the one or two cues that actually work at 30 feet through a window.
VS
House Finch vs. Purple Finch
Raspberry red or strawberry red? The head, the streaks and the bill settle it in one look.
Settle the dispute
VS
Downy vs. Hairy Woodpecker
Same black-and-white suit, different bird. Bill length is the field mark that never lies.
Settle the dispute
VS
Cooper’s vs. Sharp-shinned Hawk
The feeder’s two accipiters — tail shape, head profile and size cues that work at the window.
Settle the disputeNew Here?
Start Enjoying Your Birds in Three Easy Steps
Set Up One Good Feeder
One tube feeder and a bag of black oil sunflower beats five cheap feeders — our guide shows exactly what to buy and where to hang it.
The feeder guideLearn Who’s Visiting
Start with the eight usual suspects above, then use our side-by-side comparisons whenever two birds look confusingly alike.
Seed that attracts the most birdsKeep Them Coming Year-Round
Fresh water in winter, nectar in spring, suet in the cold — small seasonal habits that turn a feeder into a daily show.
Winter water guideFeeding & Equipment
Feeding Guides, Tested in Real Yards
Every feeder, seed and technique we recommend has survived at least one full season in an editor’s own backyard — squirrels included. No sponsored placements, no pay-to-play.
Guide
Best Bird Feeders (2026 Guide)
Tube, hopper, platform and suet — which feeder earns its place in your yard, and why.
Read the guide
Guide
Best Hummingbird Feeders
Saucer vs. bottle, ant moats, bee guards and the 4:1 nectar rule done right.
Read the guide
Guide
Suet Feeding Guide
Woodpeckers, nuthatches and wrens — how to serve suet through all four seasons.
Read the guide
Guide
Spring Migration Feeder Setup
What to stock before the orioles, grosbeaks and buntings arrive in your yard.
Read the guideThe People Behind the Pages
Written by Ten Retired Birders — Not a Content Farm
We’re former teachers, rangers, nurses, engineers and librarians with a combined 380+ years of feeder-watching across 22 states. Every guide starts in a dated field notebook and is re-reviewed each October.
Our promise: guidance written for aging eyes, tested by aging hands, and warm enough to feel like a friend at the feeder. Start with the feeder guide, find your state’s birds on the map above, or read our story and mission.