Did you know that Delaware is home to more than 400 different species of birds? In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most common birds that can be found in the state. We will discuss their habits and how to identify them. Keep reading for some interesting information about Delaware’s feathered friends!
Common Backyard Birds in Delaware:
Tufted Titmouse
Tufted Titmice is a small bird with a round body and a long tail. It has grey upperparts, white underparts, and a black cap. Its diet consists of insects, spiders, berries, and nuts. Tufted Titmice are found in woodlands and forests in the eastern United States. They build nests in tree cavities or holes in walls.
Tufted Titmice are curious and bold birds. They often come to bird feeders to eat. These birds are also known to follow larger birds such as jays and crows in order to find food.
The average lifespan of a Tufted Titmouse is about five years.
Common Grackle
The Common Grackle is a large songbird with iridescent black feathers. The male has a long tail and yellow eyes, while the female has a shorter tail and brown eyes.
These birds are found in open woods, fields, and marshes across North America. They eat insects, seeds, and berries. Common Grackles can grow up to 16 inches long and have a wingspan of 24 inches.
These birds are known for their loud, harsh calls. They are also aggressive birds and will often chase away other smaller birds. Common Grackles mate for life and build their nests in trees or shrubs.
The female lays between three and seven eggs, which hatch after about two weeks. The young birds leave the nest after about four weeks. Common Grackles are not currently considered endangered.
Blue Jays
Blue Jays are one of the most easily recognizable birds in North America. They are a member of the crow family and are known for their striking blue plumage.
Blue Jays are found in woodlands and forests across the United States and Canada. They typically eat insects and nuts, but will also consume fruits and berries. Blue Jays are relatively large birds, with a wingspan of up to three feet.
They are also known for their loud calls, which can often be heard echoing through the woods. Blue Jays are generally shy birds, but they will sometimes approach humans if they think there is food to be had.
Mourning Doves
Mourning Doves are one of the most common birds in North America. They are small to medium sized birds with long, pointed tails. The males and females look similar, but the males have slightly brighter plumage. Mourning Doves are mostly gray with a pinkish breast and white belly. They eat mainly seeds and insects.
Mourning Doves build their nests in trees or shrubs. They lay two to six eggs per clutch. The young hatch after about two weeks and fledge (leave the nest) after another two weeks.
Mourning Doves are very shy birds and will usually fly away if you get too close. However, they can sometimes be found feeding on the ground near humans. When they are startled, they will often make a loud cooing sound.
Mourning Doves are not migratory birds, but they may move to different areas depending on the availability of food.
Carolina Wren
Carolina Wrens are small songbirds with stout bodies and long tails. They have brown upperparts with white streaks on the back and wings, and a buffy-white belly. Their face is plain brown with white eyebrow, and they have a long curved bill. Carolina Wrens are found in forests, woodlands, gardens, and parks throughout the southeastern United States.
They are insectivores, and their diet consists primarily of beetles, caterpillars, and other invertebrates. Carolina Wrens forage on the ground or in low vegetation. They build their nests in cavities, often using old birdhouses or holes in trees.
Carolina Wrens are non-migratory birds, and they typically remain in the same area year-round. They are generally found in pairs or small groups. These birds are active during the day and are most vocal at dawn and dusk. Carolina Wrens have a loud, melodious song that is often described as sounding like “teakettle, teakettle, teakettle.”
American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a small, sparrow-like bird with a short, forked tail. The adult male has bright yellow feathers and black wings with white wing bars. The female is more drab, with olive-brown upperparts and yellowish underparts.
Both sexes have black heads with white facial markings. These birds are often seen in flocks, feeding on seeds and insects. The American goldfinch is found in open habitats such as meadows, gardens, and parks.
It nests in trees or shrubs, lining the nest with soft materials such as downy feathers. These birds are active during the day and are relatively tame around humans.
Song Sparrow
Song Sparrows are one of the most widespread birds in North America, and they can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, scrublands, and fields. They are small birds with streaked brown plumage and light-colored breasts. Their diet consists mainly of insects and seeds.
Song Sparrows are generally shy birds, but they will sometimes approach humans if they are looking for food. They are not afraid to nest close to human dwellings, and their songs can be quite loud and obnoxious at times! These birds are relatively small, measuring only about six inches in length.
Carolina Chickadee
The Carolina Chickadee is a small songbird with a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a gray back and wings. They are one of the few North American birds that can survive cold winters by storing food in tree cavities to eat later. Chickadees usually nest in springtime and have litters of six to eight chicks.
Carolina Chickadees are found in woods and forests throughout the eastern United States. They often live near humans and can be seen in city parks and suburban backyards.
These birds are acrobatic fliers and like to hang upside down while eating insects from tree branches. Chickadees are also known for their intelligence; they can remember the locations of hundreds of hiding spots for food.
Gray Catbird
(Dumetella carolinensis)
The gray catbird is a small North American songbird. It is about the size of a sparrow, with dark gray plumage and yellow eyes. Its diet consists mainly of insects, but it will also eat berries and fruits.
The gray catbird is found in woodlands and forests across the eastern United States and parts of Canada. It is a shy bird that is often heard before it is seen. The gray catbird is named for its call, which sounds like a cat meowing.
The best time to see this bird is in the springtime when it is migrating north from its wintering grounds in the southern United States. The gray catbird is a common bird in Delaware, and can be found in parks and gardens as well as in natural areas such as woods and forests.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with distinctive red markings on its head and belly. It is found in woods and forests across the eastern United States, where it often nests in dead trees.
This bird feeds on insects, fruits, and nuts. The male has a red cap, while the female’s cap is black. Both sexes have a red belly and white stripes running down their backs. Red-bellied Woodpeckers are often seen climbing trees in search of food.
They also sometimes use their strong beaks to drill holes in trees, which they then use for nesting or roosting. These birds are interesting to watch and make great backyard birding companions.
Red-winged Blackbird
(Agelaius phoeniceus)
The red-winged blackbird is a member of the icterid family of birds. The adult male has black feathers and yellow eyes. The adult female has dark brown feathers. The red-winged blackbird is about 16 cm (about six inches) long. They eat insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
The red-winged blackbird is found in North and South America. They live in marshes, wet meadows, and near ponds. The red-winged blackbird is a social bird. They often build their nests in colonies with other birds.
American Crow
American Crows are one of the most easily identified birds in Delaware. These large, stocky birds have a black body with white wing bars and a white tail. They are often seen feeding on the ground in open areas, where they use their long beaks to probe for food.
American Crows can reach up to 18 inches in length and weigh up to 28 ounces. Their diet consists mainly of insects and other small animals.
American Crows typically nest in open areas near water, such as marshes or wetlands. They build their nests out of sticks and grass, and usually lay between three and five eggs.
These birds are not shy around humans, and will often approach people in search of food. American Crows are also known to be very loud, and their calls can often be heard echoing through the woods.
Northern Cardinal
Cardinals are fairly easy to identify. They are bright red with a black mask around their face. Males and females look similar, although the males are usually brighter red. Cardinals are medium-sized birds, measuring about nine inches long.
Their diet consists mostly of black oil sunflower seeds and fruits, but they will also eat insects and other small animals. Cardinals are found in woods and forests, but they will also live in urban areas. They build their nests in trees or bushes.
Cardinals are fairly social birds and often form pairs. They are also known for their loud singing. Cardinals will mate for life and usually have two to four broods of chicks per year.
White-throated Sparrow
White-throated Sparrows are small songbirds with a brown back, white throat and belly, and yellowish stripes on their head. They have a wingspan of about six inches.
White-throated Sparrows eat mostly insects but will also eat seeds. They are found in woods and brushy areas across North America.
White-throated Sparrows are active during the day and are often seen perched on branches or foraging on the ground. They build their nests in trees or shrubs, usually close to the ground.
European Starlings
European Starlings are small to medium-sized birds with short necks, long legs, and stout bodies. They have brownish-black feathers with iridescent green and purple plumage. Their bills are yellow and their eyes are dark brown. European Starlings measure about 20 cm in length and weigh around 50 grams.
European Starlings are omnivorous birds that eat a variety of foods, including insects, berries, and Seeds. They forage on the ground or in trees and shrubs.
European Starlings typically live in open woodlands, forests, and meadows. In North America, they are often found in urban areas.
Barn Swallows
Barn Swallows are one of the most widespread birds in the world and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They are easily identified by their distinctive long, forked tails and reddish-brown plumage. Barn Swallows typically eat insects, although they will also consume berries and other fruit.
Barn Swallows are small birds, with a wingspan of between 15 and 20 cm. They prefer to nest in open areas, such as barns, cliffs, and caves. Barn Swallows are highly social birds and often form large flocks. They are also very vocal birds, with a wide repertoire of sounds.
Barn Swallows are relatively tame birds and will often approach humans quite close. However, they can be aggressive towards other birds, particularly when nesting. Barn Swallows will also sometimes attack larger animals, such as cats and dogs.
American Robin
(Turdus migratorius) are the most familiar bird in North America. They are found in nearly every habitat and eat a variety of foods making them one of the most adaptable birds. Though they are mostly active during the day, you may see them foraging for food at dawn and dusk. Robins are also known to sing at night.
The easiest way to identify a Robin is by its bright red breast. Adult males have brighter plumage than females and juveniles. The back, wings, and tail are dark with white spots. The head is gray with a black throat and eyebrows. Robins are about 11-14 inches long with a wingspan of 16-21 inches.
Robins eat a variety of insects, earthworms, berries, and fruits. You may see them eating in your yard or on the ground beneath trees. They will also come to bird feeders for sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet.
Indigo Bunting
The indigo bunting is a small seed-eating bird in the family Passerellidae. It is migratory, ranging from southern Canada to northern Florida. The adult male has dark blue plumage and black wings.
The adult female has grayish-brown plumage. The indigo bunting is about 15 cm long with a wingspan of 20 cm. Its diet consists mostly of insects and seeds.
The indigo bunting breeds in open woodlands and forest edges. It builds a cup-shaped nest out of grasses, twigs, and leaves. The female lays three to five eggs which are incubated for 12 to 13 days. The young birds fledge (leave the nest) after about two weeks.
Chipping Sparrow
Chipping Sparrows are small sparrows with brown upperparts and grayish-brown underparts. They have a light brown cap with a black streak through the eye and a white eyebrow. Their wings are brown with chestnut streaks.
Chipping Sparrows eat insects, seeds, and berries. They nest in trees and shrubs, usually near the ground. Chipping Sparrows are found in open woodlands, farmlands, and suburban areas. They are active birds that are constantly on the move in search of food.
Chipping Sparrows are social birds and often travel in flocks. They are also known to sing a repetitive song made up of short chips.
Song Sparrow
Song Sparrows are one of the most widespread birds in North America. They can be found in nearly every habitat, from forests to deserts. Though they are small birds, they are fairly chunky with a round body and thick bill. Song Sparrows have a wide range of plumage colors, but they all have streaked breasts and brown upperparts.
These birds are most often heard rather than seen, as they sing a loud, melodious song. Song Sparrows eat mostly insects and seeds. During the breeding season, males will sing from elevated perches to attract mates.
These birds will also sometimes build several nests before finding a mate. Once they have found a mate, they will fiercely defend their territory from other Song Sparrows.
House Finch
House Finches are a small to medium-sized songbird with a short tail and short, slightly notched bill. The adult male has red feathers on its head, breast, and back. The adult female is grayish brown with streaked upperparts.
Both sexes have reddish brown wings with darker bars. Juveniles are similar to adults but duller in color. House Finches are found in open woodlands, farmlands, gardens, and urban areas.
They prefer to nest in trees or shrubs but will also use man-made structures such as eaves and window boxes. These birds are seed eaters but will also feed on insects, berries, and fruits. House Finch flocks typically contain between two and fifteen birds.
These birds are not very shy and will often approach humans for food. House Finches are known to carry the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.
Mourning Dove
The mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) is a member of the dove family. The bird is also known as the American mourning dove, the rain Dove, and colloquially as the turtle dove or turtledove.
It is one of the most abundant and widespread of all North American birds. Its range stretches from southern Canada to northern Mexico, and from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast. The mourning dove is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 31 cm in length and weighing 80-110 grams.
The plumage is grayish brown with darker spots on the wings and tail. The belly and undertail are white, and there is a black band on the neck. The Mourning Dove is a seedeater, and its diet consists mainly of seeds from various plants. The bird also feeds on insects and berries.
The Mourning Dove is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and urban areas. The bird is generally shy and secretive, but can be seen perching in open areas or flying low over the ground in search of food.
The Mourning Dove is a monogamous breeder, and pairs typically stay together for several breeding seasons. The bird nests in trees, shrubs, or on the ground, and usually lays two eggs per clutch.
Northern mockingbird
The northern mockingbird is a medium-sized songbird with gray upperparts and white underparts. It has a long tail, black wings with white wing bars, and yellow eyes. It is found in open woodlands, fields, and gardens throughout the eastern United States.
Northern mockingbirds are known for their loud, melodious songs which they sing year-round. They are also known to mimic the sounds of other birds, as well as mechanical noises.
These birds are mostly active during the day and can often be seen perching on fence posts or power lines. Northern mockingbirds primarily eat insects, but will also consume fruits and berries.
Downy Woodpecker
(Picoides pubescens)
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America, measuring just six to seven inches in length. The adult male has a black back and white belly, with a small red patch on the back of the head.
Females and juveniles have a brownish back and buff-colored belly. This little bird is often seen climbing up tree trunks in search of food, which consists mainly of insects. The Downy Woodpecker can be found in woods and forests across North America.
In the winter, they will sometimes form small flocks and forage together. These birds are known for their loud drumming on trees, which they use to communicate and mark their territory.
What type of birds live in Delaware?
There are many different types of birds that live in Delaware. Some of the most common include finches, sparrows, robins, and bluebirds. There are also many different types of ducks and geese that live in Delaware. In addition to these common birds, there are also many rare and endangered species of birds that live in Delaware.
Some of these rare birds include the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and whooping crane. Delaware is a great place for bird watching, and there are many different types of birds to see.
What are the big black birds in Delaware?
There are a few different species of black birds that can be found in Delaware, but the most common is the American crow. These birds are often seen in fields and woods, and sometimes near roads and houses.
How many species of birds are in Delaware?
There are over 400 species of birds in Delaware! That’s a lot of variety for such a small state. You can find everything from tiny hummingbirds to massive bald eagles. Delaware is a great place for birdwatching, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.
Are Cardinals found in Delaware?
The answer may surprise you, but the truth is that cardinals are not found in Delaware. In fact, there are only a handful of states in which these beautiful birds can be found. So, if you’re hoping to spot a cardinal on your next trip to Delaware, you’ll likely be disappointed.
Bird Feeders
Some small birds that commonly visit bird feeders include finches, chickadees, nuthatches, and titmice. While there are many different types of bird feeders available on the market, not all of them are suitable for small birds. To ensure that your backyard feathered friends are getting the food they need, here are a few tips on choosing the right type of bird feeder for small birds.
The first thing to consider when choosing a bird feeder is the type of food you will be offering. Small birds generally prefer seed that is high in fat and protein, such as sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and nyjer seeds. You can also offer them a variety of fruits, vegetables, and insects.
Once you have determined what type of food you will be offering, the next step is to choose a bird feeder that is the appropriate size for small birds. If the feeder is too large, small birds may not be able to reach the food inside. Conversely, if the feeder is too small, the birds may have difficulty accessing the food and getting a good grip on the feeder.
When selecting a bird feeder, it is also important to consider its construction. Some bird feeders are made of plastic or metal, which can be difficult for small birds to grip. Others are made of wood, which is a more natural material for birds to grip. If you are unsure which type of feeder to choose, ask a salesperson at your local pet store for advice.
Finally, when setting up your bird feeder, be sure to place it in an area where small birds will feel safe feeding. If the feeder is too close to the ground, predators such as cats and dogs may be able to reach it. If the feeder is placed too high, small birds may have difficulty reaching the food. The best location for a bird feeder is in a tree or on a pole that is at least five feet off the ground.
Winter birds in Delaware
The winter months bring a whole new set of birds to Delaware, and birders flock to the state to catch a glimpse of these rare species. Some of the most sought-after winter birds in Delaware include the snowy owl, Northern shrike, and common redpoll.