Birds in Nebraska are diverse and abundant, with over 450 species in different habitats and landscapes. This article will teach you about common birds in Nebraska, how to recognize them by their looks and sounds, and how to attract them to your backyard. I have researched these birds using reliable sources and personal observations.
What Kinds of Birds Can You Find in Nebraska?
Nebraska is located in the Central Flyway, which is one of the major routes for migratory birds in North America. The state hosts millions of birds every year, especially during the spring and fall seasons, when they stop over to rest and feed in the wetlands, lakes, rivers, and fields. Some of the most spectacular birding events in Nebraska include the Sandhill Crane migration, the Snow Goose spectacle, and the Prairie Chicken lekking.
Nebraska also has a rich diversity of resident birds, which stay in the state year-round or breed there during the summer. These include many familiar backyard birds, such as sparrows, finches, woodpeckers, and cardinals, as well as some more elusive and rare species, such as owls, hawks, and eagles. Nebraska’s state bird is the Western Meadowlark, which is a colorful and musical grassland bird that can be found in most parts of the state.
Explore Types of Birds COMMON in Nebraska!
In this article, we will focus on 31 common birds that you can easily find and identify in Nebraska. These are not necessarily the most abundant or widespread birds, but rather the ones that are most likely to be seen by casual birdwatchers and backyard enthusiasts. We will cover their basic features, such as size, color, shape, and behavior, as well as their distinctive sounds and calls. We will also give you some tips on how to attract them to your feeders and gardens, and where to look for them in the wild. Let’s get started!
#1. American Robin
American Robins are one of the most familiar birds in Nebraska, and in fact, in the whole of North America. They are medium-sized songbirds, about 10 inches long, with a gray-brown back, a brick-red breast, a white throat with black streaks, and a yellow bill. They have dark eyes and legs, and a white patch on the lower belly and undertail. Males and females look similar, but males are slightly brighter and more contrasted than females.
American Robins are very adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests and fields to parks and gardens. They are mainly insectivorous, but they also eat fruits and berries, especially in the winter. They are often seen hopping on the ground, looking for worms and other prey, or perching on trees and fences, singing their cheerful and melodious song. They are one of the earliest birds to start singing in the morning, and one of the last to stop in the evening.
American Robins are common visitors to bird feeding stations, especially in the winter, when they appreciate fresh or dried fruits, such as raisins, cranberries, apples, and oranges. You can also attract them by providing a birdbath or a water feature, where they can drink and bathe. They are not shy birds, and will often come close to humans and buildings, especially if they find a good food source.
#2. Downy Woodpecker
What sounds do Downy Woodpeckers make?
Downy Woodpeckers are the smallest and most common woodpeckers in Nebraska, and in North America. They are about 6.5 inches long, with a black and white plumage, a short bill, and a red patch on the back of the head (only in males). They have a black stripe on the side of the face, a white stripe above the eye, and black and white bars on the wings and tail. They have a white breast and belly, and a black spot on the upper chest.
Downy Woodpeckers are found in a variety of habitats, from forests and woodlands to orchards and gardens. They are mainly insectivorous, and they use their bill and tongue to probe for insects and larvae in the bark and wood of trees and branches. They also eat seeds, nuts, berries, and suet, and will readily visit bird feeders that offer these foods. They are often seen clinging to tree trunks and branches, moving up and down or sideways, and pecking and drumming with their bill.
Downy Woodpeckers make a variety of sounds, such as a sharp “pik” or “peek” call, a descending “whinny” call, and a rapid “rattle” call. They also drum on resonant surfaces, such as metal or wood, to communicate with each other and to establish their territory. Their drumming sounds like a short and even series of taps, lasting about a second.
#3. Hairy Woodpecker
Size:
Hairy Woodpeckers are larger and more robust than Downy Woodpeckers, about 9.5 inches long, compared to 6.5 inches. They have a longer and more powerful bill, which is about the same length as their head, while the Downy’s bill is much shorter and thinner, about half the length of their head.
Bill:
Hairy Woodpeckers have a chisel-shaped bill, with a straight and sharp tip, while Downy Woodpeckers have a slightly curved and pointed bill, with a more rounded tip. The Hairy’s bill is also more solid and uniform in color, while the Downy’s bill is more delicate and may have a dark spot at the base.
Outer tail feathers:
Hairy Woodpeckers have pure white outer tail feathers, with no black spots or bars, while Downy Woodpeckers have black spots or bars on their outer tail feathers, especially near the tip. The Hairy’s tail feathers are also stiffer and more pointed, while the Downy’s tail feathers are softer and more rounded.
#4. American Goldfinch
American Goldfinches are small and colorful finches, about 5 inches long, with a conical bill and a short tail. They have a bright yellow body, a black cap, a black and white wing pattern, and a white rump. Males are more vivid than females, especially in the breeding season, when they also have a black forehead. In the winter, they molt into a duller and more brownish plumage, but they still retain some yellow and black markings.
American Goldfinches are found in open and weedy habitats, such as fields, meadows, roadsides, and gardens. They are mainly seed-eaters, and they feed on the seeds of thistles, sunflowers, dandelions, and other plants. They also eat some insects, especially in the breeding season, when they need more protein. They are often seen in flocks, flying in undulating patterns, and perching on the tops of plants and trees.
American Goldfinches have a distinctive and beautiful song, which consists of a series of musical trills and warbles, often ending with a long and rising note. They also have a variety of calls, such as a short and sweet “ti-dee” or “po-ta-to-chip”, a nasal and drawn-out “zhee” or “zwee”, and a high and thin “swee” or “see”. You can listen to their song and calls here.
#5. House Sparrow Birds in Nebraska
House Sparrows are small and stout birds, about 6 inches long, with a thick bill and a short tail. They have a brown and gray plumage, with black, white, and chestnut markings on the head and wings. Males have a black throat and chest, a gray crown and nape, and a chestnut patch behind the eye, while females have a plain buffy-brown head and breast, and a faint eye stripe. Juveniles are similar to females, but duller and more streaked.
House Sparrows are not native to North America but were introduced from Europe in the 19th century. They are now widespread and abundant and can be found in urban and suburban areas, where they associate with humans and buildings. They are very adaptable and opportunistic and feed on a variety of foods, such as seeds, grains, fruits, insects, and garbage. They are often seen in flocks, foraging on the ground or perching on wires and roofs.
House Sparrows have a simple and repetitive song, which sounds like a series of chirps or chatters, sometimes interspersed with trills or whistles. They also have a variety of calls, such as a sharp “chip” or “cheap”, a harsh “churr” or “chirr”, and a soft “see” or “trip”. You can listen to their song and calls here.
The range map of the House Sparrow shows that they are present in almost all of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as parts of Central America and the Caribbean. They are also found in most of
the rest of the world, except for some regions in Africa, Asia, and Australia. They are one of the most widespread and successful birds in the world, but they are also considered pests and invasive species by many people. Here is a map that shows their range:
#6. American Crow
Believe it or not, American Crows are one of the smartest birds in Nebraska and in the world. They are large and black birds, about 18 inches long, with a thick bill and a fan-shaped tail. They have a glossy and iridescent plumage, and a dark eye and leg. They are often confused with Common Ravens, which are larger and heavier, with a thicker bill, a wedge-shaped tail, and a shaggy throat.
American Crows are found in a variety of habitats, from forests and fields to cities and farms. They are omnivorous and opportunistic and feed on a wide range of foods, such as carrion, insects, rodents, eggs, fruits, nuts, and garbage. They are often seen in flocks, flying, foraging, or roosting together, and communicating with each other with a complex and varied language. They are also very intelligent and curious and can use tools, solve problems, and recognize faces.
American Crows have a loud and harsh “caw” or “cah” call, which they use for different purposes, such as alarm, contact, greeting, or aggression. They also have a softer and more musical “coo” or “rattle” call, which they use for courtship or social bonding. They can also mimic the sounds of other birds and animals and even human speech. You can listen to their calls here.
#7. Song Sparrow Birds in Nebraska
Song Sparrows are medium-sized and streaked sparrows, about 6 inches long, with a conical bill and a long tail. They have a brown and gray plumage, with dark streaks on the breast and flanks, and a central spot on the chest. They have a gray head, with a brown cap, a gray eyebrow, and a dark eye stripe. They have a white throat and a white or buffy belly. Males and females look similar, but males may have a darker and more contrasted plumage than females.
Song Sparrows are found in a variety of habitats, from wetlands and grasslands to shrubs and gardens. They are mainly seed-eaters, but they also eat insects, spiders, snails, and berries. They are often seen on the ground, scratching and foraging for food, or perching on low branches and fences, singing their rich and varied song. They are one of the most widespread and abundant birds in North America, and have many regional variations in their appearance and song.
Song Sparrows have a distinctive and complex song, which consists of a series of short and clear notes, followed by a trill or a buzz, and ending with another series of notes. The song varies from individual to individual, and from region to region, but it usually follows a basic pattern of three parts. The song is used for territorial defense and mate attraction and can be heard throughout the year, but especially in the spring and summer. You can listen to their song here.
#8. White-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatches are small and compact birds, about 5.5 inches long, with a large head, a short tail, and a long and pointed bill. They have a blue-gray back, a white face and breast, and a black cap and neck. They have a chestnut lower belly and undertail, and a white spot on the rear edge of the wing. Males and females look similar, but males have a darker and more glossy cap than females.
White-breasted Nuthatches are found in deciduous and mixed forests, where they prefer mature and old-growth trees. They are mainly insectivorous, and they use their bill to pry and hammer insects and seeds from the bark and crevices of trees and branches. They also store food for later use and can be seen catching seeds and nuts in various places. They are often seen climbing up and down tree trunks and limbs, sometimes upside down, and hanging from the tips of branches.
White-breasted Nuthatches have a loud and nasal “yank” or “tank” call, which they use for contact, alarm, or aggression. They also have a softer and more musical “whi-whi-whi” or “whe-whe-whe” call, which they use for courtship or social bonding. They can also make a rapid and repeated “qua-qua-qua” or “qua-qua-qua-qua” call, which sounds like a toy horn. You can listen to their calls here.
#9. Red-winged Blackbird
Red-winged Blackbirds are medium-sized and striking birds, about 8.5 inches long, with a pointed bill and a long tail. They have a glossy black plumage, and a red and yellow shoulder patch, which is more prominent in males than in females. Females are smaller and duller than males and have brown and streaked plumage, with a buffy eyebrow and a faint hint of the shoulder patch. Juveniles are similar to females, but more streaked and mottled.
Red-winged Blackbirds are found in wet and marshy habitats, such as ponds, lakes, swamps, and fields. They are omnivorous and adaptable and feed on seeds, grains, insects, worms, snails, and frogs. They are often seen in large and noisy flocks, flying, foraging, or roosting together, and defending their territory and mates with aggression and display. They are one of the most abundant and widespread birds in North America and have a complex and variable social system.
Red-winged Blackbirds have a loud and distinctive song, which sounds like a metallic and raspy “konk-a-ree” or “o-ka-lee”, often preceded by a short and sharp “check” or “chip”. The song is used for territorial defense and mate attraction and can be heard from early spring to late summer. They also have a variety of calls, such as a harsh “chack” or “chuck”, a high and thin “see” or “pee”, and a low and gurgling “gurgle” or “bubbling”. You can listen to their song and calls here.
#10. European Starling
Did you know these birds are an invasive species and aren’t supposed to be in Nebraska?
European Starlings are medium-sized and stocky birds, about 8.5 inches long, with a short tail and a long and pointed bill. They have a glossy and iridescent plumage, which is black with green and purple hues, and white or yellow spots in the winter. They have a dark eye and leg, a yellow bill in the breeding season, and a dark bill in the winter. Males and females look similar, but males have a larger and more pointed bill than females.
European Starlings are not native to North America but were introduced from Europe in the 19th century. They are now widespread and abundant and can be found in a variety of habitats, such as farms, cities, parks, and gardens. They are very adaptable and opportunistic and feed on a wide range of foods, such as insects, worms, seeds, fruits, and garbage. They are often seen in large and noisy flocks, flying, foraging, or roosting together, and competing with native birds for food and nest sites. They are one of the most invasive and destructive birds in the world and have a negative impact on the environment and biodiversity.
Starlings are impressive vocalists!
European Starlings have a complex and varied song, which consists of a series of whistles, clicks, rattles, and warbles, often mixed with imitations of other birds and sounds. They are excellent mimics and can copy the sounds of hawks, crows, woodpeckers, car alarms, phones, and even human speech. They use their song for territorial defense and mate attraction and can be heard throughout the year, but especially in the spring and summer. They also have a variety of calls, such as a sharp “see” or “teacher”, a harsh “churr” or “skerry”, and a soft “purr” or “whirr”. You can listen to their song and calls here.
#11. Brown-headed Cowbird
Brown-headed Cowbirds are medium-sized and black birds, about 7.5 inches long, with a short bill and a rounded tail. They have a brown head and neck, and a black body and wings. Males have a glossy and iridescent plumage, while females have a duller and more grayish plumage. Females also have a smaller and more pointed bill than males and a faint eye stripe.
Brown-headed Cow birds in Nebraska are found in open and edge habitats, such as fields, pastures, roadsides, and woodlands. They are mainly seed-eaters, but they also eat insects, especially in the breeding season, when they need more protein. They are often seen in flocks, flying, foraging, or roosting together, and associating with other blackbirds and cowbirds. They are one of the most widespread and common birds in North America and have a long and complex history with humans and native birds.
Brown-headed Cowbirds are considered “brood parasites.”
Brown-headed Cowbirds are notorious for being brood parasites, meaning they do not build their own nests, but lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, and let them raise their young. They can parasitize more than 200 species of birds, from small warblers to large hawks, and affect their survival and reproduction. They can lay up to 40 eggs in a season and often remove or damage the host’s eggs or chicks. They can also mimic the calls of the host species, to trick them into accepting their eggs.
Brown-headed Cowbirds have a simple and metallic song, which sounds like a high and thin “glug-glug-glee” or “glug-glug-glug”, often followed by a gurgling or bubbling sound. The song is used for territorial defense and mate attraction and can be heard from early spring to late summer. They also have a variety of calls, such as a sharp “tweet” or “steep”, a harsh “check” or “chur”, and a low and nasal “meh” or “moo”. You can listen to their song and calls here.
#12. House Wren Birds in Nebraska
The House Wren is a common bird in Nebraska and in most of North America. It is a small and plain wren, about 4.5 inches long, with a short bill and a long and barred tail. It has a brown and gray plumage, with darker and lighter streaks on the back and wings, and a buffy or whitish belly. It has a dark eye and leg, and a faint eyebrow. Males and females look similar, but males may have a slightly brighter plumage than females.
House Wrens Birds in Nebraska are found in a variety of habitats, from forests and woodlands to farms and gardens. They are mainly insectivorous, and they feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, which they find in the foliage, bark, and crevices of trees and plants. They are often seen hopping and flitting in the vegetation, or perching on exposed branches and wires, singing their loud and bubbly song. They are one of the most widespread and adaptable birds in North America and have a strong and aggressive personality.
House Wrens has a loud and complex song, which sounds like a rapid and thrilling series of notes, sometimes ending with a harsh or raspy sound. The song is used for territorial defense and mate attraction and can be heard from early spring to late summer. They also have a variety of calls, such as a sharp “tik” or “check”, a harsh “scold” or “rattle”, and a soft “whirr” or “churr”. You can listen to their song and calls here.
#13. Mourning Dove
This bird is the most common and familiar dove in Nebraska and in North America. It is a medium-sized and slender dove, about 12 inches long, with a small head, a long and pointed tail, and a short and curved bill. It has a gray-brown plumage, with black spots on the wings, and a pinkish or buffy wash on the breast and belly. It has a dark eye and leg, and a blue-gray eye ring. Males and females look similar, but males have a more iridescent and contrasted plumage than females.
Mourning Doves are found in a variety of habitats, from forests and fields to cities and gardens. They are mainly seed-eaters and feed on seeds of grasses, weeds, grains, and fruits. They are often seen on the ground, pecking and foraging for food, or perching on trees and wires, cooing and preening. They are one of the most widespread and abundant birds in North America and have a strong and monogamous pair bond.
Mourning Doves are common visitors to bird feeding stations!
Mourning Doves are attracted to bird feeders that offer seeds, such as millet, sunflower, safflower, and cracked corn. They are usually seen on platform or ground feeders, where they can easily access the food, or on the ground below the feeders, where they can pick up the spilled seeds. They are not aggressive birds, and will often share the feeder with other birds, such as sparrows, finches, and juncos.
It’s common to hear Mourning Doves in Nebraska.
Mourning Doves have a soft and mournful song, which sounds like a low and gentle “coo-oo, oo, oo, oo” or “coo-AH, coo, coo, coo”. The song is used for territorial defense and mate attraction and can be heard throughout the year, but especially in the spring and summer. They also have a variety of calls, such as a sharp “whit” or “weep”, a high and thin “peent” or “peep”, and a loud and whistling “who” or “whoosh”, which they make when they take off or land. You can listen to their song and calls here.
#14. Rock Pigeon
Rock Pigeons are large and plump birds, about 13 inches long, with a short bill and a long and rounded tail. They have a gray and blue plumage, with a green and purple iridescence on the neck and breast, and two black bars on the wings. They have a dark eye and leg, and a red or yellow eye ring. They have a lot of variation in their color and pattern, and some may have white, black, brown, or red markings on the head, breast, or tail.
Rock Pigeons are not native to North America but were introduced from Europe in the 17th century. They are now widespread and abundant and can be found in urban and suburban areas, where they are associated with humans and buildings. They are very adaptable and opportunistic and feed on a variety of foods, such as seeds, grains, fruits, insects, and garbage. They are often seen in flocks, flying, foraging, or roosting together, and displaying their courtship and social behaviors.
Rock Pigeons have a simple and repetitive song, which sounds like a low and soft “coo-coo-coo” or “coo-roo-coo”, often repeated several times. The song is used for territorial defense and mate attraction and can be heard throughout the year, but especially in the spring and summer. They also have a variety of calls, such as a sharp “kuk” or “keck”, a high and thin “squee” or “sweet”, and a loud and whistling “whoosh” or “whoop”, which they make when they take off or land. You can listen to their song and calls here.
#15. Northern Cardinal
Northern Cardinals are large and colorful songbirds, about 8.5 inches long, with a thick bill and a long and pointed crest. They have a red plumage, with a black face and throat, and a red bill. Females are duller and more brownish than males and have a gray-brown face and bill. Juveniles are similar to females but have a black bill and a black or gray crest.
Northern Cardinals are found in a variety of habitats, from forests and woodlands to shrubs and gardens. They are mainly seed-eaters, but they also eat insects, fruits, and berries. They are often seen on the ground, foraging for food, or perching on trees and feeders, singing their loud and clear song. They are one of the most popular and beloved birds in North America and have a strong and monogamous pair bond.
Northern Cardinals in Nebraska are easy to attract to birds feeders, where they prefer sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked corn, and peanuts. They are also attracted to water sources, such as birdbaths, fountains, or ponds, where they can drink and bathe. They are also attracted to native plants, such as dogwoods, sumacs, viburnums, and hollies, which provide them with food and shelter. Here are my three favorite ways to attract cardinals to my backyard:
- Provide a platform or hopper feeder with sunflower seeds, and place it near a dense shrub or tree, where they can feel safe and hidden.
- Provide a heated birdbath or a dripping water feature, and place it in a sunny and open spot, where they can see and hear the water.
- Plant some red or pink flowers, such as roses, zinnias, or geraniums, to attract their attention and match their color.
#16. Blue Jay
Blue Jays are large and colorful corvids, about 11.5 inches long, with a crest, a stout bill, and a long and rounded tail. They have blue and white plumage, with black and white markings on the face, wings, and tail. They have a gray-blue breast and belly, and a black eye and leg. Males and females look similar, but males may be slightly larger and brighter than females.
Blue Jays are found in a variety of habitats, from forests and woodlands to parks and gardens. They are omnivorous and opportunistic and feed on seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, eggs, and small animals. They are often seen in pairs or small groups, flying, foraging, or caching food for later use. They are one of the most intelligent and vocal birds in North America and have a complex and varied social system.
Blue Jays are one of the noisier birds in Nebraska you will hear.
Blue Jays have a loud and harsh “jay” or “jeer” call, which they use for contact, alarm, or aggression. They also have a softer and more musical “tool” or “needle” call, which they use for courtship or social bonding. They can also make a variety of other sounds, such as whistles, rattles, clicks, and gurgles, and mimic the sounds of other birds and animals, such as hawks, crows, cats, and squirrels. You can listen to their calls here.
#17. Black-capped Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadees are small and cute birds, about 5 inches long, with a large head, a short bill, and a long and narrow tail. They have a black cap and throat, a white face and breast, and a gray back and wings. They have a buffy or whitish belly and flanks, and a white edge on the wing. Males and females look similar, but males may have a larger and more glossy cap than females.
Black-capped Chickadees are found in deciduous and mixed forests, where they prefer mature and old-growth trees. They are mainly insectivorous and feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, which they find in the foliage, bark, and crevices of trees and plants. They also eat seeds, nuts, berries, and suet, and will readily visit bird feeders that offer these foods. They are often seen in pairs or small flocks, flying, foraging, or caching food for later use. They are one of the most common and friendly birds in North America and have a curious and playful personality.
Black-capped Chickadees are easy to attract to bird feeders!
Black-capped Chickadees are attracted to bird feeders that offer seeds, such as sunflower, safflower, and millet, and nuts, such as peanuts and almonds. They are also attracted to suet, which provides them with fat and energy, especially in the winter. They are usually seen on tube or hopper feeders, where they can easily access the food, or on the ground below the feeders, where they can pick up the spilled seeds. They are not shy birds, and will often come close to humans and buildings, especially if they find a good food source.
Try identifying Black-capped Chickadees by their sounds!
Black-capped Chickadees have a distinctive and cheerful song, which sounds like a high and clear “fee-bee” or “hey-sweetie”, often repeated twice or more. The song is used for territorial defense and mate attraction and can be heard throughout the year, but especially in the spring and summer. They also have a variety of calls, such as a short and sweet “chick-a-dee” or “dee-dee”, a high and thin “see” or “sweet”, and a low and nasal “mew” or “nay”. You can listen to their song and calls here.
#18. Common Grackle
Common Grackles are large and black birds, about 12 inches long, with a long and keeled tail and a long and pointed bill. They have a glossy and iridescent plumage, which is purple, green, or bronze, depending on the light and angle. They have a yellow eye and leg, and a pale bill. Males are larger and brighter than females and have a longer and more tapered tail than females.
Common Grackles are found in open and edge habitats, such as fields, pastures, parks, and gardens. They are omnivorous and adaptable and feed on seeds, grains, insects, worms, eggs, fruits, and garbage. They are often seen in large and noisy flocks, flying, foraging, roosting, and competing with other birds for food and nest sites. They are one of the most common and widespread birds in North America and have a bold and aggressive personality.
Common Grackles are common visitors to bird feeders!
Common Grackles are attracted to bird feeders that offer seeds, such as sunflower, safflower, millet, and suet, which provide them with fat and energy, especially in the winter. They are usually seen on platform or ground feeders, where they can easily access the food, or on the ground below the feeders, where they can pick up the spilled seeds. They are not shy birds, and will often dominate the feeder and chase away other birds, such as sparrows, finches, and cardinals.
Common Grackles have a loud and harsh song, which sounds like a grating and squeaky “Shree” or “share”, often repeated several times. The song is used for territorial defense and mate attraction and can be heard from early spring to late summer. They also have a variety of calls, such as a sharp “chack” or “check”, a high and thin “see” or “sweet”, and a low and gurgling “gurgle” or “bubbling”. You can listen to their song and calls here.
#19. Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are medium-sized and striking woodpeckers, about 9.5 inches long, with a long and chisel-shaped bill and a short and stiff tail. They have a black and white barred back and wings, and a plain white breast and belly. They have a red cap and nape, which extends to the forehead in males, and a gray face and throat. They have a dark eye and leg, and a pale bill. Males and females look similar, but males have a larger and more extensive red cap than females.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers Birds in Nebraska are found in deciduous and mixed forests, where they prefer mature and old-growth trees. They are mainly insectivorous and feed on insects, larvae, and eggs, which they find in the bark and wood of trees and branches. They also eat seeds, nuts, fruits, and suet, and will readily visit bird feeders that offer these foods. They are often seen clinging to tree trunks and limbs, moving up and down or sideways, and pecking and drumming with their bill.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are common to see visiting feeders in Nebraska!
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are attracted to bird feeders that offer seeds, such as sunflower, safflower, and millet, and nuts, such as peanuts and almonds. They are also attracted to suet, which provides them with fat and energy, especially in the winter. They are usually seen on platform or hopper feeders, where they can easily access the food, or on the side of the feeders, where they can cling and peck. They are not shy birds, and will often come close to humans and buildings, especially if they find a good food source.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers have a loud and distinctive call, which sounds like a rising and falling “churr” or “kwirr”, often repeated several times. The call is used for contact, alarm, or aggression, and can be heard throughout the year, but especially in the spring and summer. They also have a softer and more musical “quirk” or “purr” call, which they use for courtship or social bonding. They can also make a rapid and repeated “chuck-chuck-chuck” or “chuk-chuk-chuk” call, which sounds like a machine gun.
#20. Eastern Bluebird
Can you attract Eastern Bluebirds to bird feeders?
Eastern Blue birds in Nebraska are small and beautiful thrushes, about 7 inches long, with a short bill and a round head. They have a blue plumage, with a rusty-red breast and throat, and a white belly. Males are brighter and more vivid than females, and have deeper blue and redder breast than females. Juveniles are similar to females, but more spotted and streaked.
Eastern Bluebirds are found in open and edge habitats, such as fields, meadows, orchards, and gardens. They are mainly insectivorous and feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, which they catch on the ground or in the air. They also eat fruits and berries, especially in the winter, when insects are scarce. They are often seen in pairs or small flocks, flying, foraging, or perching on trees and wires, singing their sweet and mellow song. They are one of the most beloved and iconic birds in North America and have a strong and monogamous pair bond.
Eastern Bluebirds Birds in Nebraska are not easy to attract to bird feeders, as they prefer natural foods and habitats. However, they may visit feeders that offer mealworms, which are their favorite food, or other insects, such as crickets, waxworms, or fly larvae. They may also visit feeders that offer fruits, such as raisins, currants, blueberries, or cherries. They are usually seen on platform or tray feeders, where they can easily access the food, or on the ground below the feeders, where they can pick up the spilled food.
Eastern Bluebirds have a soft and pleasant song, which sounds like a low and warbling “chur-lee” or “tru-ly”, often repeated several times. The song is used for territorial defense and mate attraction and can be heard from early spring to late summer. They also have a variety of calls, such as a high and thin “see” or “see”, a low and nasal “mew” or “nay”, and a sharp and metallic “chink” or “tink”
#21. Baltimore Oriole Birds in Nebraska
Baltimore Orioles are medium-sized and colorful songbirds, about 7.5 inches long, with a pointed bill and a long and rounded tail. They have a black head and back, and a bright orange breast and belly. They have a white wing bar and a black and orange tail. Males are brighter and more contrasted than females, and have a solid black head, while females have a gray-brown head, with a black eye stripe and a white eyebrow. Juveniles are similar to females, but more streaked and mottled.
Baltimore Orioles are found in deciduous and mixed forests, where they prefer tall and mature trees. They are mainly insectivorous and feed on insects, spiders, caterpillars, and other small invertebrates, which they find in the foliage, flowers, and fruits of trees and plants. They also eat nectar, fruits, and berries, especially in the winter, when insects are scarce. They are often seen high in the canopy, flying, foraging, or weaving their hanging nests. They are one of the most beautiful and musical birds in North America and have a strong and monogamous pair bond.
Baltimore Orioles Birds in Nebraska are attracted to bird feeders that offer ripe fruit, jelly, and nectar, which mimic the natural foods they find in the wild. They prefer fruits that are dark and juicy, such as grapes, cherries, oranges, and apples. They also like jelly that is sweet and fruity, such as grape, apple, or berry. They also like nectar which is sugar water, with a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. They are usually seen on platform or dish feeders, where they can easily access the food, or on the side of the feeders, where they can pierce and suck the food.
Baltimore Orioles in MY Backyard!
I have been lucky enough to attract Baltimore Orioles to my backyard, and I have enjoyed watching them and listening to them every day. I have a feeder that has a dish for jelly, a cup for nectar, and a spike for fruit, and I fill it with grape jelly, sugar water, and orange halves. I have placed the feeder near a tall and leafy tree, where they can feel safe and hidden. I have also planted some native flowers, such as columbines, cardinal flowers, and honeysuckles, which provide them with nectar and insects. Here is a picture of a male Baltimore Oriole that visited my feeder yesterday:
#22. Chipping Sparrow
Chipping Sparrows Birds in Nebraska are small and plain sparrows, about 5.5 inches long, with a conical bill and a notched tail. They have a brown and gray plumage, with a reddish-brown cap, a white eyebrow, and a black eye stripe. They have a gray face and breast, and a white belly. They have a dark eye and leg, and a pale bill. Males and females look similar, but males may have a brighter and more contrasted plumage than females.
Chipping Sparrows are found in open and edge habitats, such as fields, meadows, orchards, and gardens. They are mainly seed-eaters, but they also eat insects, especially in the breeding season, when they need more protein. They are often seen on the ground, pecking and foraging for food, or perching on low branches and wires, singing their simple and trilling song. They are one of the most common and widespread sparrows in North America and have a weak and monogamous pair bond.
#23. Dark-eyed Junco
Dark-eyed Juncos are small and sparrow-like birds, about 6 inches long, with a conical bill and a medium-length tail. They have a gray or brown plumage, with a white breast and belly, and a white outer tail. They have a dark eye and leg, and a pale bill. They have a lot of variation in their color and pattern and are divided into several subspecies or groups, such as the Slate-colored, Oregon, Pink-sided, White-winged, and Gray-headed Juncos.
Dark-eyed JuncosBirds in Nebraska are found in a variety of habitats, from forests and woodlands to fields and gardens. They are mainly seed-eaters, but they also eat insects, especially in the breeding season, when they need more protein. They are often seen on the ground, foraging for food, or perching on low branches and wires, singing their soft and thrilling song. They are one of the most common and widespread birds in North America and have a weak and monogamous pair bond.
#24. American Goldfinch
American Goldfinches are small and bright finches, about 5 inches long, with a short bill and a notched tail. They have yellow and black plumage, with a black cap, wings, and tail, and a white rump and wing bars. Females are duller and more olive than males and lack the black cap. Juveniles are similar to females, but more streaked and grayish. They have a dark eye and leg, and a pale bill.
American Goldfinches are found in open and edge habitats, such as fields, meadows, orchards, and gardens. They are mainly seed-eaters and feed on seeds of grasses, weeds, flowers, and trees. They are often seen on the ground, foraging for food, or perching on trees and feeders, singing their cheerful and musical songs. They are one of the most common and widespread finches in North America and have a weak and monogamous pair bond.
American Goldfinches are easy to attract to bird feeders, where they prefer nyjer or thistle seeds, which are small and oily, and sunflower seeds, which are large and nutritious. They are usually seen on tube or sock feeders, where they can easily access the seeds, or on the ground below the feeders, where they can pick up the spilled seeds. They are not shy birds, and will often come close to humans and buildings, especially if they find a good food source.
FAQ’s About Birds in Nebraska:-
Q1: What is the most common bird in Nebraska?
The most common bird in Nebraska is the American Robin, which is seen in 51% of recorded checklists for the state on ebird.org throughout the year.
Q2: What is the bird of Nebraska?
The bird of Nebraska is the Western Meadowlark, which was adopted by the Nebraska legislature as the official state bird on March 22, 1929.
Q3: What is the bright red bird in Nebraska?
One of the bright red birds in Nebraska is the Northern Cardinal, which is a stunning red with a black mask and throat in males and pale orangish-brown with red highlights in females.
Q4: What is a black and white small bird in Nebraska?
One of the black and white small birds in Nebraska is the Black-and-white Warbler, which is a striped wood-warbler that breeds in deciduous forests and winters in the southern U.S., Mexico, and Central America4.
Q5: What animal is Nebraska known for?
Nebraska is known for its state mammal, the White-tailed Deer, which is a herbivorous hoofed mammal found in farmlands, brushy areas, and woods5. Nebraska is also home to a variety of other animals, including bison, pronghorn, elk, bobcat, coyote, and armadillo.
Q6: How many birds are in Nebraska?
According to the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union (NOU), there are over 450 species officially enlisted and accepted. As of August 2021, there are 467 species included in the official list.
