Did you know that there are over 375 different species of birds that live in Oregon? It’s a pretty impressive number, and it means that there is something for everyone when it comes to bird watching. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, this list will help you identify some of the most common birds in Oregon.
Common Backyard Birds in Oregon:
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a small, sparrow-like bird with a short, forked tail. They are one of the few North American birds that undergoes a complete molt (shedding and regrowing) of their feathers twice a year.
The male Goldfinch is bright yellow with black wings and tail during the summer months. The female is a more dull olive-yellow color.
During the fall and winter, both sexes of the American Goldfinch will molt into their drabber, non-breeding plumage which is an overall grayish-brown color with yellow on their wings and tail.
The diet of the American Goldfinch consists mostly of seeds from weeds and trees like dandelions, thistles, and sunflowers. They will also eat insects during the nesting season to feed their young.
Goldfinches are found in open woodlands, farmlands, and gardens throughout North America. They are social birds and often travel in flocks outside of the breeding season.
The American Goldfinch is a relatively small bird, measuring only about four inches in length. They have a wingspan of six to seven inches and weigh between 0.35 and 0.49 ounces.
Song Sparrow
Song Sparrows are one of the most widespread birds in North America. They’re small sparrows with streaked brown upperparts and a gray breast with a central spot. The bill is dark with a light base, and the legs and feet are pinkish-brown.
This bird can be found in open habitats including forests, fields, farmlands, and urban parks and gardens. The diet of the Song Sparrow includes seeds, insects, and berries.
The average size of a Song Sparrow is about 15 cm. The habitat of the Song Sparrow is typically open areas with some trees or bushes.
The behavior of this bird includes singing a loud song during the breeding season which can last up to two months. In the winter, they are often found in flocks. Song Sparrows are not migratory birds.
The best way to attract a Song Sparrow to your yard is by providing seed-bearing plants and water for bathing and drinking. Some common plants that will do this are sunflowers, thistle, and nyjer. You can also put out a birdbath or small pond. Be sure to keep your yard clean and free of debris so the sparrows feel safe.
Steller’s Jay
Steller’s Jay is a member of the crow family. It is one of the most brightly colored birds in North America. The body is blue with a black head and wings. There is a white stripe across the forehead and down the neck. The bill is black and stout. The legs and feet are also black.
The Steller’s Jay has a very diverse diet. It will eat insects, small mammals, reptiles, fruits, and nuts.
The Steller’s Jay is a medium-sized bird. It measures about 12 inches in length from beak to tail. The wingspan is about 15 inches.
The Steller’s Jay is found in forests across North America. In Oregon, it is most commonly found in the western part of the state.
The Steller’s Jay is a very vocal bird. It is known for its loud, harsh calls. The bird will also imitate the calls of other birds and animals.
Dark-eyed Junco
(Junco hyemalis) are small sparrows with dark gray upperparts and white underparts. They have a white outer tail feather and a pink bill. The female junco is similar in appearance to the male but has a browner back and wings.
Dark-eyed Juncos are found in woodlands, forests, and gardens throughout North America. They typically eat insects and seeds.
The average Dark-eyed Junco is about six inches long and weighs one ounce.
Dark-eyed Juncos are generally found in wooded areas near the edge of forests. They nest in trees, bushes, or on the ground under debris.
These birds are shy and generally stay close to the ground. When they fly, their wings make a twittering sound. Dark-eyed Juncos are often seen in flocks during the winter months.
Mourning Doves
Mourning Doves are the most common bird in North America. In Oregon, they are found year-round in open habitats including fields, edges of woods, and yards.
They are small and plump, with a long tail and pointed wings. The Mourning Dove is gray overall with a white belly and black spots on its wings. Its call is a distinctive “coo-COO-coo” often heard at dawn and dusk.
Mourning Doves eat mostly seeds, which they find by foraging on the ground. They will also eat insects, especially in the spring when they are feeding their young. Mourning Doves are attracted to bird feeders where they will eat sunflower seeds.
Mourning Doves are small birds, about 12 inches long. They have a wingspan of about 17 inches. Mourning Doves weigh between four and six ounces.
Mourning Doves live in open habitats including fields, edges of woods, and yards. In Oregon, they are found year-round in open habitats including fields, edges of woods, and yards.
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrows are sparrows with yellow crowns. They have brown streaks on their grayish-brown upperparts and whitish underparts with dark streaking. Their wings are brown with two white bars. Adults have a long, orange bill. Juveniles have a dark bill.
Golden-crowned Sparrows breed in the taiga and tundra of Alaska and northern Canada. They nest on the ground in a dry, sheltered location. The female builds the nest out of grass, moss, lichen, and bark strips. She lays three to seven eggs which are incubated for 12 to 13 days.
Golden-crowned Sparrows are seed eaters. In the summer, they eat insects and spiders. In the winter, they eat mostly seeds.
Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized bird with black and white bars on its back and wings. The male has a red crescent on its chest, while the female has a brownish crescent. Both sexes have a black bib with white spots. The bill is long and slightly curved. They are usually seen in pairs or small groups.
The Northern Flicker feeds on ants and other insects. They will also eat berries and fruits. They are often seen feeding on the ground.
The Northern Flicker is about 12 inches in length with a wingspan of about 18 inches. The males weigh around 100 grams, while the females weigh around 80 grams.
California Scrub-Jay
If you find yourself in the great state of Oregon and you’re lucky enough to spot a bird that looks similar to a blue jay, but with subtle differences, then congratulations! You’ve just seen a California Scrub-Jay. Here are some things you should know about this interesting bird.
The California Scrub-Jay is a little smaller than a blue jay, and its coloring is more subdued. It has a grayish-brown back and wings, with a pale blue breast and belly. Its head is darker blue, with a white throat and forehead.
These birds are usually found in open woodlands near scrubby areas. They eat mostly insects, but will also eat berries and nuts.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbird is a small bird found in the western United States. They are green and white with a long bill. Anna’s Hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers. They also eat insects.
These birds live in open areas near forests or mountains. Anna’s Hummingbirds are aggressive and will chase other birds away from their territory.
The best way to identify an Anna’s Hummingbird is by its call. They make a high-pitched trill. Another way to identify them is by their size. Anna’s Hummingbirds are one of the largest hummingbirds in North America. They are about three inches long with a wingspan of four inches.
Anna’s Hummingbirds breed in the spring. The female builds a nest made of plant down and spider webs. She lays two eggs in the nest. Anna’s Hummingbirds are named after Anna Maria Seton, who was one of the first people to study these birds.
American Robin
(Turdus migratorius) are the most common thrush in North America. They breed across the continent, including in Oregon, and are one of the first birds to sing in the morning.
Robins are plump birds with a round body and head. The male has dark gray upperparts and an orange breast; females and juveniles have brown upperparts. All have a white belly and undertail with rust-colored flanks. The bill is dark, the legs are black, and the eyes are bright yellow.
American Robins eat mainly insects but will also consume earthworms, berries, and fruits. They forage on the ground in open areas such as lawns, parks, and golf courses. Robins are also known to eat snails and small reptiles.
The American Robin is a migratory bird and will travel south for the winter. In Oregon, they can be found in woodlands, forests, and gardens. Robins are social birds and often form large flocks. They are active during the day and roost at night in trees.
American Robins are not shy and will often approach humans. Although they are not generally considered pests, they can be a nuisance when they build their nests in areas such as gutters and eaves.
Spotted Towhee
The Spotted Towhee is a medium-sized bird that is dark brown with white spots on its wings and back. Its belly and breast are also white, and it has a long tail. This bird is found in forests and woodlands in the western United States, from Oregon to Arizona.
It eats insects and other small animals, as well as seeds and berries. The Spotted Towhee is about 11 inches long. It nests in trees or shrubs, usually near the ground. These birds are often seen hopping on the ground in search of food.
They also make a loud “drink your tea” call that can be heard in the woods. Although they are not endangered, Spotted Towhees are declining in some areas due to habitat loss.
American Crow
American Crows are the largest member of the crow family. They can be found in woodlands, farmland, and even near cities. These birds are black with a glossy sheen.
Their wingspan is up to four feet! Crowders eat insects, small mammals, reptiles, and other birds. They will also raid garbage cans for food scraps. American Crows are very curious birds.
They have been known to watch people and imitate their behavior. These birds mate for life and build large nests made of sticks and twigs.
Black-capped Chickadees
Black-capped Chickadees are small birds with black heads and white cheeks. They have a wingspan of about nine inches and weigh less than an ounce. Chickadees are found in woodlands, forests, and urban parks throughout North America.
These birds are active during the day, searching for food in trees and on the ground. Chickadees eat insects, spiders, and seeds. They will often store food for later use. Black-capped Chickadees are social birds and often travel in small flocks.
These birds are not afraid of humans and will sometimes land on a person’s hand to take food. Chickadees are important to the ecosystem because they help control the insect population.
Red-winged Blackbird
(Agelaius phoeniceus) is a small blackbird with red and yellow stripes on its wings. The male has a black body with red shoulders, while the female is all black.
These birds are found in open habitats such as marshes, fields, and forest edges across North America. Their diet consists of insects, spiders, and grubs which they find by foraging on the ground. Red-winged blackbirds are about eight inches long and weigh one ounce.
The red-winged blackbird is the most abundant species of blackbird in North America. They are found in a variety of habitats, but prefer open areas with some trees or shrubs nearby.
These birds are most active during the day and can often be seen perching on power lines or fence posts. When they fly, red-winged blackbirds make a sharp “konk-la-ree” sound.
Swainson’s Thrush
Swainson’s Thrush is a dark-colored thrush with a rusty breast. It is about the size of a robin, and it has a black head with white eye-rings. Its diet consists mostly of insects, but it will also eat berries.
Swainson’s Thrush lives in forests and woodlands, and it often nests in trees or shrubs. It is a shy bird, and it is not often seen in open areas. Swainson’s Thrush is a common bird in Oregon.
The best way to identify a Swainson’s Thrush is by its call, which has been described as “a liquid bubbling song.” This bird is also distinguished by its dark coloration, white eye-rings, and rusty breast. Swainson’s Thrush is a shy bird that is not often seen in open areas.
European Starlings
European starlings are small to medium-sized birds with short necks and legs. They have blackish feathers with iridescent green, blue, or purple plumage.
Their bills are short and pointed, and their tails are long and narrow. European Starlings are found in woodlands, gardens, parks, and open fields across Europe, Asia, and North America. They eat insects, fruits, and berries. European Starlings are about 20 cm long and weigh 50-70 grams.
European starlings were introduced to North America in the 1890s by a group of people who wanted to bring all the birds mentioned in Shakespeare’s works to the United States. Today, there are an estimated 200 million European starlings in North America.
They are considered an invasive species because they compete with native birds for food and nesting sites, and their large numbers can cause problems for agriculture. European starlings are a protected species in the United States, but there are no restrictions on killing them.
Red-breasted Nuthatch
The red-breasted nuthatch is a small, sprightly bird with an oversized head and stubby tail. They are acrobatic flyers, often seen hanging upside down from tree branches. These nimble little birds are mostly grayish-brown on top, with a white belly and rusty breast.
They have a black stripe that runs through their eye and down the side of their head. Red-breasted nuthatches are found in woods across North America. They are permanent residents in the northern parts of their range, but will migrate south for the winter if food becomes scarce.
These birds are very vocal, with a sharp “tik-a-tik-a-tik” call that is often heard in the woods. Red-breasted nuthatches eat mostly insects and spiders, which they find by probing crevices in tree bark with their long, sharp bills. They will also eat seeds and nuts, and are known to store food in trees for later use.
House Finches
(Carpodacus mexicanus) is a small passerine bird in the finch family. The adult male has a red head, breast, and upperparts with brown streaks on its back and wings. Its belly and undertail coverts are white.
Adult females have duller plumage than the males, with grayish-brown upperparts and streaked breasts. Both sexes have dark brown wings with white bars, a light-colored bill, and brownish-streaked flanks. Juveniles are similar to adult females but have buffy-brown upperparts.
The house finch is one of the most widespread birds in North America. It ranges from Alaska and Canada to Mexico, and from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast.
It is a year-round resident in most of its range, although some northern birds may migrate south for the winter. The house finch is found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, forests, and grasslands.
Violet-green Swallow – Tachycineta thalassina
The Violet-green Swallow is a small songbird with iridescent green upperparts and white underparts. It has a long, forked tail feathers and pointed wings.
Adult males have violet crowns and throats. Females have olive-green upperparts and yellowish underparts. Both sexes have white eyes with black streaks on their cheeks.
This swallow breeds in open woodlands and forests near water. It nests in tree cavities, cliffs, and man-made structures such as buildings and bridges. The Violet-green Swallow feeds on insects which it catches in flight.
This swallow is 12-13 cm long with a wingspan of 20-22 cm. Males weigh 11-15 g and females weigh 11-14 g.
Warbling Vireo – Vireo gilvus
The Warbling Vireo is a small songbird with olive-green upperparts and white underparts. It has two white wing bars and a crescent-shaped mark near its eye.
This vireo is found in open woodlands and trees near water across North America. It feeds on insects, spiders, and berries. The Warbling Vireo is about five inches long with a wingspan of eight inches.
Chipping Sparrow – Spizella passerina
The Chipping Sparrow is a small sparrow with a brown streaked back, gray breast, and white belly. It has a black line through its eye and a long tail. Diet consists of insects and black oil sunflower seeds.
They are found in open woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. Behavior includes hopping on the ground and flying up to catch insects in the air. The Chipping Sparrow is a common bird found throughout North America.
Black-headed Grosbeak – Pheucticus melanocephalus
The Black-headed Grosbeak is a beautiful bird with black and yellow coloring. It is about the size of a robin, with a wingspan of around 16 inches.
The Black-headed Grosbeak is found in woodlands and forests in western North America. It feeds on insects, berries, and black oil sunflower seeds. The Black-headed Grosbeak is a shy bird that is not often seen.
When it is seen, it is usually in pairs or small groups. It has a mellow song that sounds like “tchew tchew tchew”. The Black-headed Grosbeak is a beautiful bird that is fun to watch and listen to.
Pine Siskin
Pine Siskins are small finch-like birds with golden-brown streaks on their back and wings. They have a long, notched tail and a conical bill. Pine Siskins are often found in flocks feeding on black oil sunflower seeds, insects, and berries.
They breed in coniferous forests across North America and spend the winter in woodlands and urban areas. Pine Siskins are acrobatic flyers and often hang upside down while feeding on seed cones.
Pine siskins are small backyard birds, measuring only about 11-13 cm in length. They have a wingspan of 18-20 cm and weigh only 12-20 grams.
Their diet consists mostly of small seeds, but they will also eat insects and berries. Pine siskins breed in coniferous forests across North America and spend the winter in woodlands and urban areas.
They are acrobatic flyers and often hang upside down while feeding on seed cones. Pine siskins are relatively shy birds, but they will come to backyard feeders if there is a good supply of food.
Yellow-rumped Warbler
(Setophaga coronata) is a small songbird with a body length of about 12 cm. The adult has yellow upperparts, black streaks on the back, wings and tail, and a white belly.
The male has a yellow throat and breast, while the female has a white throat and breast. Both sexes have two white wing bars. The juvenile has browner upperparts and lacks the yellow throat and breast of the adult.
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is found in forests, woodlands, and scrublands across North America. It breeds in Canada and the northern United States, and winters in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. This warbler is a very rare vagrant to western Europe.
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is an insectivorous bird, eating mostly caterpillars, beetles, and other insects. It forages for food in trees and bushes, often hanging upside down to reach prey items.
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is a non-migratory bird, although some Oregon birds may move south in winter. This warbler is usually found in pairs or small family groups. It builds a cup-shaped nest in a tree or bush and lays three to five eggs.
The female incubates the eggs for about 12 days, and both parents help to feed the chicks. The young backyard birds leave the nest after about two weeks.
Varied Thrush
The Varied Thrush is a plump songbird with a long tail. It has orange-brown upperparts, blue-grey underparts, and a rust-colored breast. This thrush is found in forests of the Pacific Northwest and breeds from Alaska to northern California.
The Varied Thrush forages on the ground for insects, berries, and fruits. It often feeds on the ground in mixed flocks with other thrushes. This bird nests in tree cavities and lays four to six eggs.
The Varied Thrush is a shy bird that is not often seen. When it is seen, it is usually alone or in pairs. This thrush is most active at dawn and dusk.
The Varied Thrush is a beautiful bird that is found in the Pacific Northwest. If you are lucky enough to see one, you will be treated to a sight of a shy but stunning creature.
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
The Chestnut-backed Chickadee is a small songbird with a black cap and white cheeks. The back and sides are grayish brown, and the belly is white. These backyard birds in Oregon have a wingspan of about 11 inches and weigh only about 0.35 ounces.
These chickadees are found in forests throughout North America. In the summer, they eat mostly insects and spiders. In the winter, they switch to a diet of black oil sunflower seeds and berries.
Chestnut-backed Chickadees are social birds that live in small flocks. They are often seen chasing each other through the trees and playing games. When they are not playing or eating, these chickadees are busy building nests.
Winter Wren – Troglodytes hiemalis
The Winter Wren is a small, dark-gray bird with a long tail that is often held cocked. It has a brownish back, pale buff underparts, and a streaked breast. The head is round with a black cap and white eyebrows.
This wren has two white bars on its black wings and its tail is black with white outer feathers. It is one of the smallest birds in North America, measuring only about four inches long.
The Winter Wren’s diet consists mainly of insects and spiders, which it forages for on the ground or in low vegetation. It will also eat fruit and berries. This wren breeds in coniferous forests across North America and Eurasia.
In North America, its breeding range extends from Alaska and Canada south to northern California, the Rocky Mountains, and the Appalachian Mountains. The Winter Wren is a non-migratory bird that spends its whole life in its breeding territory.
What’s the most common bird in Oregon?
The most common bird in Oregon is the American Robin. This bird is found in nearly every habitat, including forests, meadows, and even urban areas.
What is Oregon’s bird?
The Oregon state bird is the Western Meadowlark. The Western Meadowlark is a beautiful songbird that can be found in open fields and meadows across the western United States.
What birds are in Southern Oregon?
There are a variety of birds that can be found in Southern Oregon. Some of the most common include the American Crow, Northern Flicker, and Red-tailed Hawk. There are also a number of different bird species of ducks that can be found in the region, such as the Mallard and Wood Duck.
Birds of prey, such as the Bald Eagle and Cooper’s Hawk, can also be found in Southern Oregon. In addition to these common birds, there are also a variety of rarer species that have been spotted in the region, such as the Northern Harrier and the Great Horned Owl.
How do I identify a bird in my backyard?
There are a few things you can look for to identify the bird in your backyard. First, take a look at the size and shape of the bird. Is it a small songbird or a large raptor? Second, look at the coloration of the bird. Is it brightly colored or more subdued?
Finally, take a listen to the bird’s call. Is it a high-pitched trill or a low hoot? By considering these three things, you should be able to identify the bird in your backyard.
What are Oregon Raptors?
Raptors are a type of bird that includes eagles, falcons, hawks, kites, ospreys, and vultures. There are many different species of raptor, but they all have certain characteristics in common. They are all excellent hunters with keen eyesight and sharp talons.
Bird Feeders
It’s easy to make your own bird feeder and there are many different ways you can do it. You can use a variety of materials, such as recycled plastic bottles, yogurt cups, or even an old shoe! All you need is a little creativity and some basic supplies.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Choose a bird-friendly location. You’ll want to place your feeder in an area where birds feel safe and are not likely to be disturbed by predators or humans. A good spot might be near some bushes or trees.
- Make sure your feeder is sturdy. It should be able to hold up to the weight of the food and the birds.
- Keep your feeder clean. Wash it regularly with soap and water to prevent the spread of disease.
Winter Birds in Oregon
In the winter, you might see a few different types of birds in Oregon. Some of the most common include the American Robin, Common Raven, and Dark-eyed Junco. These birds are all fairly easy to spot, but you might also see a few rarer species such as the Northern Shrike or the Snow Bunting.
