Northern California boasts a vibrant avian population, offering backyard birdwatchers a thrilling spectacle of diverse species. From the cheerful chirping of tiny chickadees to the majestic flight of a red-tailed hawk, the region's varied habitats support a wide range of feathered friends. This comprehensive guide delves into the common backyard birds you're likely to encounter, offering insights into their identification, behavior, and how to attract them to your own garden.
Common Backyard Birds of Northern California
Many factors influence which birds visit your backyard, including habitat, food sources, and the season. However, several species are regularly seen throughout Northern California.
House Finches:
These vibrant birds are a common sight, with their bright red (males) or reddish-brown (females) coloring and short, conical bills ideal for cracking seeds. They are quite adaptable and often visit feeders.
Anna's Hummingbirds:
A year-round resident, the Anna's Hummingbird is easily identified by its iridescent green back and reddish-pink throat. These tiny dynamos are attracted to nectar-rich flowers and hummingbird feeders.
California Scrub-Jays:
These intelligent and noisy birds are a distinctive sight with their bright blue, gray, and white plumage. They are omnivores, readily consuming seeds, nuts, insects, and even small vertebrates.
Black-headed Grosbeaks:
Males are strikingly beautiful with their black head, chest, and wings contrasting sharply with their bright orange belly and back. Females are more subdued in appearance but still easily identifiable by their beak shape.
Western Bluebirds:
These charming birds with their bright blue backs and rusty orange breasts are a delight to observe. They prefer open areas with scattered trees and shrubs and are often seen perching on fence posts.
Downy Woodpeckers:
The smallest woodpecker in Northern California, the Downy Woodpecker is a frequent visitor to backyard trees. Look for their black and white plumage and small size.
Northern Flickers:
These large woodpeckers are easily identified by their speckled brown plumage and distinctive black crescent marking on their chest. They forage on the ground for ants and other insects.
What attracts birds to your backyard?
Creating a bird-friendly backyard involves providing the essentials – food, water, and shelter.
Food Sources:
- Seed feeders: Offer a variety of seeds to attract different species. Sunflower seeds are a popular choice.
- Suet feeders: High-energy suet provides vital nutrients, particularly during colder months.
- Nectar feeders: Attract hummingbirds with specialized feeders filled with sugar water.
- Fruit: Planting berry bushes and fruit trees provides natural food sources.
Water Sources:
- Bird baths: Provide fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing.
- Drippers or misters: Moving water is particularly attractive to birds.
Shelter:
- Trees and shrubs: Provide cover from predators and nesting sites.
- Brush piles: Offer shelter and foraging opportunities.
- Birdhouses: Provide nesting cavities for cavity-nesting birds.
What are the best plants to attract birds to my Northern California garden?
Native plants are key! They offer food and shelter specifically adapted to the local birds. Consider planting:
- California Buckwheat: Attracts a wide range of insects, providing food for insectivorous birds.
- Ceanothus: Provides nectar for hummingbirds and berries for other birds.
- Coffeeberry: Offers abundant berries in the fall and winter.
- Coyote Bush: Provides dense cover and nesting sites.
What birds migrate through Northern California?
Northern California serves as a crucial migratory stopover for many species. During the fall and spring, you might spot:
- Warblers: Many different warbler species migrate through, offering a colorful display.
- Flycatchers: These aerial insectivores are often seen during migration.
- Robins: Though some are year-round residents, many migrate through the region.
How can I identify birds in my backyard?
Several resources can aid in bird identification:
- Field guides: Invest in a good field guide specific to Northern California birds.
- Bird identification apps: Several mobile apps offer image recognition and detailed bird information.
- Online resources: Numerous websites provide bird identification tools and information.
By understanding the needs and preferences of different bird species, you can create a thriving backyard habitat that attracts a variety of feathered friends, providing hours of enjoyment and enriching your connection with nature. Happy birding!
