Most Common Birds in Utah

Do you know which birds are the most common in Utah? If not, don’t worry – we’re here to help! In this blog post, we will discuss the 10 most common birds in Utah. These birds can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests and wetlands to deserts and urban areas. So, if you’re looking for a birding challenge, or just want to learn more about the birds that live near you, read on!

Backyard Birds of Utah:

House Finch

House Finch

The house finch is a common bird of South Dakota. The males are brightly colored with red heads and shoulders, while the females are duller in coloration. These birds can be found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, forests, and grasslands. They mainly eat seeds and insects. House finches are small birds, measuring only about five to six inches in length.

They are active during the day and typically nesting in trees or shrubs. House finches are not shy around humans and will often approach people in search of food. These birds are known to be quite vocal, with a variety of different calls and songs.

House Finch range map

House Sparrows

House Sparrow

House Sparrows are one of the most common birds in South Dakota, and they’re also one of the easiest to identify. They’re a small bird, with a short beak and a plump body. The males have dark brown feathers on their back and wings, with lighter brown on their chest and belly. The females are similar, but they tend to have more gray in their feathers. House Sparrows eat mostly black oil sunflower seeds, but they will also eat insects.

They’re found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, farmland, and forests. They often build their nests in trees or shrubs, but they’ll also use man-made structures like buildings or birdhouses.

House Sparrows are social birds, and they often travel in flocks. They can be aggressive towards other birds, and they’re known for chasing away bluebirds from nesting sites.

When it comes to human interaction, House Sparrows are not shy about begging for food or entering homes in search of crumbs. However, they’re also known to eat insects that harm crops, so they can be beneficial to farmers.

House Sparrow range map

Western Kingbird

Western Kingbird

Western Kingbird is a member of the Tyrant Flycatcher family. The kingbird is mainly found in open habitats west of the Great Plains. They are migratory birds, spending their winters in Central and South America. Western Kingbirds are monogamous and will mate for life. Both parents help care for the young.

The Western Kingbird is a medium sized bird, measuring about 18 cm in length. They have a grey back and wings, with a white belly and breast. The kingbird has a black head with a yellow crown.

The Western Kingbird feeds mainly on insects. They will eat bees, wasps, flies, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. The kingbird will also eat fruits and berries.

The Western Kingbird nests in trees, usually near the edge of a forest. The female builds the nest out of twigs, leaves, and grasses. She will lay her eggs in the springtime, usually between April and June. There are usually three to five eggs in a clutch.

Western Kingbird range map

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

The Dark eyed Juncos are small sparrows with a dark gray back and white belly. The wings and tail feathers are edged with white. It has a pink bill and dark eyes.

Diet: The Dark-eyed Junco eats insects, spiders, and black oil sunflower seeds.

Size: This bird is about six inches long. Habitat: The Dark-eyed Junco is found in forests, woodlands, and mountain meadows.

Behavior: The Dark-eyed Junco is a shy bird that is often seen alone or in small flocks. It perches on low branches and hops along the ground in search of food. This bird breeds in the summer and nests in trees or on the ground. In the winter, the Dark-eyed Junco is found in the southern United States.

White-crowned Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrows are small sparrows with brown back and wings, and a gray breast. They have a white stripe on their crown, which is how they got their name. White-crowned Sparrows eat mostly seeds, but will also eat insects. They are about five to six inches in length.

White-crowned Sparrows live in open areas with some trees, like forests and parks. They build their nests in trees or bushes. White-crowned Sparrows are social birds and often travel in flocks. They are also known for their singing voices.

The White-crowned Sparrow is a common bird found in South Dakota. These sparrows are small, with brown back and wings, and a gray breast. They have a white stripe on their crown, which is how they got their name. White-crowned Sparrows eat mostly black oil sunflower seeds, but will also eat insects. They are about five to six inches in length.

White-crowned Sparrows live in open areas with some trees, like forests and parks. They build their bird nests in trees or bushes. White-crowned Sparrows are social birds and often travel in flocks. They are also known for their singing voices.

White-crowned Sparrow range map

Song Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Song Sparrows are small sparrows with brown upperparts and gray underparts. They have a streaked breast and a long, notched tail. Their face is gray with a brown streak through the eye. They are found in open habitats such as fields, meadows, and forests. Song Sparrows eat insects, black oil sunflower seeds, and berries.

They build cup-shaped nests on the ground. These sparrows are often heard before they are seen. Their song is a series of trills and chirps. Song Sparrows are about five to six inches in length with a wingspan of eight to ten inches. They can live up to seven years in the wild.

The Song Sparrow is a small bird, measuring only five to six inches in length with a wingspan of eight to ten inches. They are brown on top with gray underparts and have a streaked breast.

Their most notable feature is their long, notched tail. Song Sparrows are found in open habitats such as fields, meadows, and forests across North America.

Black-capped Chickadees

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee is small songbirds with black caps and white cheeks. They are found in woods and forests across North America. Chickadees are curious birds that often approach humans. They eat insects, spiders, and seeds. Black-capped Chickadees are about five inches long with a wingspan of seven to eight inches.

The Black-capped Chickadee is a small bird with black and white markings. The top of its head is black, and it has a white stripe above its eyes. Its back and wings are gray, and its belly is white.

Chickadees are found in woods and forests across North America. They are curious birds that often approach humans. Chickadees eat insects, spiders, and seeds. Black-capped Chickadees mate for life and build their nests in tree cavities.

American Robin

American Robin

(Turdus migratorius) is a medium-sized songbird with a body length of about 25 cm.

The American Robin is mostly dark brown above and paler below, with an orange throat and breast. Its face is grayish white with black streaks. The bill is black, the legs are reddish brown, and the eyes are dark brown.

The American Robin is found in open woodlands, forest edges, and gardens throughout North America. It is a very adaptable bird and can live in almost any type of habitat as long as there are trees nearby.

The diet of the American Robin consists mostly of insects, earthworms, and berries. In the winter, when these food sources are scarce, the bird will also eat fruits and nuts.

The American Robin is a very social bird and can often be seen in large flocks feeding or roosting together. During the breeding season, however, the birds are more territorial and pairs will defend their nesting area from other robins.

American Robin range map

Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker

– The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized bird with a long tail. It has a dark brown back and wings, and a light brown belly. Its head is black, with a red patch on its neck. It has a black bill, and yellow eyes. The male Northern Flicker has a black mustache, while the female does not.

– The Northern Flicker eats insects, seeds, and fruits. It pecks at the ground to find food.

– The Northern Flicker is about 11 inches long.

– The Northern Flicker lives in forests and woodlands. It nests in tree cavities.

– The Northern Flicker is a shy bird. It is active during the day.

Northern Flicker range map

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Black-chinned Hummingbird1

Black-chinned Hummingbird is a small bird. The adult has black upperparts and a thin black band on its throat. The underparts are grayish white. The bill is long and slightly curved. Adult males have a purple forget (throat patch). Females usually have green upperparts and a white throat with some dark spotting. Juveniles resemble adults but are duller in color. This bird averages about three inches in length and weighs less than one ounce.

The Black-chinned Hummingbird is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It breeds in open woodlands, mountain meadows, and deserts. The nest is a small cup made of plant down and spider webs. It is often built near the end of a branch. The female lays two eggs.

The diet of the Black-chinned Hummingbird consists of insects and nectar from flowers. It hovers in front of a flower to sip nectar with its long tongue.

The Black-chinned Hummingbird is active during the day. It is a territorial bird and will chase away other birds that come too close to its feeding areas. This bird is often seen at hummingbird feeders. It migrates south in the fall and returns north in the spring.

Black-chinned Hummingbird range map

Mourning Doves

Mourning Doves

Mourning Doves are the most common bird in South Dakota. They are small and slim with long, pointed tails. The males have gray-brown plumage with black spots on their wings. The females look similar but are usually a little paler. Mourning Doves eat mainly seeds and live in open areas like fields, parks, and gardens.

They build flimsy nests out of twigs and lay two white eggs in them. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the young birds. Mourning Doves are very shy and will fly away if you get too close.

Mourning doves are gentle creatures that have a soft cooing sound which is one of their main identifying characteristics. They are the most common bird in South Dakota and can be found in fields, parks, and gardens.

Their diet mainly consists of seeds however they will also eat insects. The mourning dove is a small to medium sized bird with a long pointed tail. The male has gray-brown plumage with black spots on their wings while the female is usually paler.

They make flimsy nests out of twigs and lay two white eggs in them. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the young birds. Mourning doves are very shy by nature and will fly away if you get too close.

Yellow Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

The Yellow Warbler is a small New World warbler. Adults have yellow upperparts and streaked olive-yellow underparts. They have a black cap and bright yellow face. The bill is short and slightly decurved. Wings are dark with two white bars. The tail is long, sometimes cocked, and has faint streaks.

This warbler is usually found in open woodlands, brushy second growth, and swampy thickets. It often nests near water. It forages actively, sometimes hanging upside down, in trees and shrubs for insects. It also eats some fruit. The Yellow Warbler migrates to Central America and the Caribbean islands for the winter.

The song of the Yellow Warbler is a clear sweet whistle, followed by trills and cheeps. The male sings from a high perch to attract a mate and proclaim his territory. This warbler can also be seen in South Dakota during the summer months.

Yellow-rumped Warbler range map

European Starlings

European Starlings

European Starlings are small to medium-sized birds with short necks and triangular bodies. They have black feathers with iridescent blue, green, or purple plumage. Their diet consists of insects, fruits, and seeds.

They are found in open woodlands, meadows, and fields. Starlings are social birds that often form large flocks. They are known for their loud vocalizations and aggressive behavior towards other birds.

Starlings are found throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. In North America, they are most commonly found in the eastern United States. They were introduced to the United States in the 1800s and have since spread across the country.

Starlings are considered to be pests by many people due to their aggressive behavior and loud vocalizations. They are also known for causing damage to crops and buildings.

If you see a European starling in South Dakota, it is most likely that it is part of a flock that is migrating through the area. These birds typically migrate in the fall and winter months.

Black-billed Magpie

Black-billed Magpie

The black-billed magpie is a large songbird with a long tail and black wings. It has a black head with white cheeks and a white belly. This bird is found in open woodlands and prairies in the western United States and Canada.

Magpies are known for their loud calls, scavenging habits, and striking black-and-white plumage. These birds are also known to be intelligent and curious. Black-billed magpies eat a variety of foods, including insects, small mammals, carrion, and garbage.

These birds are about the same size as a crow. Magpies build nests in trees or on cliffs. They lay four to eight eggs per clutch. Both parents help care for the young. Black-billed magpies are social birds and often form flocks. These birds are not currently considered endangered.

However, their numbers have declined in some areas due to habitat loss and pesticide use. Magpies are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Black-billed Magpie range map

Red-winged Blackbird

Red-winged Blackbird

(Agelaius phoeniceus) is a bird species of true blackbird in the family Icteridae. The red-winged blackbird is sexually dimorphic, meaning that the male and female look different. Males are all black with distinctive red shoulder patches, while females are dark brown with streaks on their lower belly and throat. Both sexes have yellow eyes.

Red-winged blackbirds are found in North and South America. Their breeding habitat is marshes, bogs, and wet meadows in Canada and the northern United States. They build their nests near water in trees or shrubs. These backyard birds forage on the ground or in shallow water for insects, larvae, and snails.

Red-winged blackbirds are gregarious birds that often form large flocks during migration and winter. They can be very aggressive in defending their territories from other birds, even ones much larger than themselves. These birds are also known to mob predators such as hawks and owls.

Eurasian Collared-Doves

Eurasian Collared-Doves

Eurasian Collared-Doves are medium-sized doves. They have pale gray plumage with darker wings. The tail is long and pointed. The bill is black and the legs are pink. Males and females look alike. Juveniles have browner plumage and a shorter tail.

Eurasian Collared-Doves eat mostly seeds, grains, and fruits. They will also eat insects.

These common backyard birds in Utah are about 13 inches long. They have a wingspan of 21 inches.

Eurasian Collared-Doves are found in open habitats including farmland, parks, and suburbs. In North America, they are most common in the southwestern United States.

These birds are social and often form large flocks. They are also known to mate for life. Eurasian Collared-Doves are active during the day. You can hear them cooing year-round.

Barn Swallows

Barn Swallows

Barn Swallows are one of the most widespread birds in the world. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica. In North America, they are common breeding birds in South Dakota.

Barn Swallows are easily identified by their distinctive appearance. They have long, deeply forked tails and reddish-brown upperparts. Their undersides are pale with a dark throat and breast. Juvenile birds are similar to adults but have paler upperparts and a more streaked throat.

Barn Swallows eat mostly insects, which they catch in flight. They will also eat berries and other small fruits. They often build their nests on man-made structures, such as barns, bridges, and houses.

What’s the most common bird in Utah?

The most common bird in Utah is the American Robin.

What kind of sparrows live in Utah?

There are two types of sparrows that live in Utah: the house sparrow and the chipping sparrow. The house sparrow is the most common type of sparrow in Utah.

What big birds are in Utah?

Some of the big birds that you might see in Utah are eagles, hawks, and owls. These are all predators that help to keep the rodent population under control. You might also see some vultures or other scavengers from time to time.

What bird has a yellow belly in Utah?

There are a few different types of backyard birds that have yellow bellies in Utah. Some of these include the American Goldfinch, the Yellow-rumped Warbler, and the Pine Siskin. Each of these birds is unique and has its own set of behaviors and characteristics.

Bird feeders

Bird feeders are a great way to add some beauty to your backyard while also attracting some feathered friends. But what happens when the birds don’t come?

There are a few things you can do to try and attract birds to your feeder. First, make sure you are using the right type of bird seed. Some birds prefer different types of seed than others. Second, keep your feeder clean. A dirty feeder is not only unappealing to birds, but can also spread disease.

Lastly, try moving your feeder around a bit. Birds are creatures of habit, so a change in location might be just what they need to find your feeder.

Bird Watching

Bird watching is a great way to get outside and appreciate the natural world. It can be done anywhere, at any time of year. All you need is a pair of binoculars and a little bit of patience.

Some of the best places to go bird watching in Utah are the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, and Zion National Park. Each of these places has a different variety of birds to see.

Winter Birds in Utah

During the winter months, many of the birds that are common in Utah migrate south. This includes species like the American Robin, the Yellow-rumped Warbler, and the Pine Siskin. However, there are still some birds that stick around during the winter.