25 Backyard Birds in Georgia in 2023 (Pictures & Facts)

Last updated 17-04-2023 by Mathias

In this article, we try to help you answer the question: What species of backyard birds can I find in Georgia?

This article will show off the most common species of birds found in the backyards of the great state of Georgia. Georgia is a southeastern state, home to 10.6 million residents. The capital of “The Peach State” is the city of Atlanta, where almost 500 thousand people reside. The Brown Thrasher was recognized as the state bird of Georgia in 1935.

25 most common backyard birds in Georgia:

1. Northern Cardinal (95.56% frequency)
2. Tufted Titmouse (94.67% frequency)
3. Carolina Chickadee (93.78% frequency)
4. Carolina Wren (90.22% frequency)
5. House Finch (89.78% frequency)
6. Mourning Dove (85.78% frequency)
7. American Goldfinch (85.78% frequency)
8. Downy Woodpecker (85.33% frequency)
9. Red-bellied Woodpecker (82.22% frequency)
10. Eastern Bluebird (80.89% frequency)
11. Pine Siskin (77.33% frequency)
12. White-breasted Nuthatch (75.11% frequency)
13. Chipping Sparrow (67.56% frequency)
14. Blue Jay (66.67% frequency)
15. Pine Warbler (66.67% frequency)
16. American Robin (64.89% frequency)
17. Brown Thrasher (64.44% frequency)
18. Brown-headed Nuthatch (63.56% frequency)
19. Spotted/Eastern Towhee (Rufous-sided Towhee) (60.44% frequency)
20. Purple Finch (59.11% frequency)
21. Northern Mockingbird (56.89% frequency)
22. Yellow-rumped Warbler (55.56% frequency)
23. Song Sparrow (53.78% frequency)
24. Eastern Phoebe (53.33% frequency)
25. Dark-eyed Junco (48.89% frequency)

1. Northern Cardinal

Image: © Suzie McCann | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis

Length: 8.3-9.1 in (21-23 cm)

Weight: 1.5-1.7 oz (42-48 g)

Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 in (25-31 cm)

Found in 95.56 percent of sites visited in Georgia

To match their reddish-orange bill, male cardinals have a black and reddish-orange body. Reddish-brown feathers on the wings, tail, and crests of female Northern Cardinals are also found on their bodies. Their black cheeks and red beaks distinguish them from their male counterparts.

Cardinal males are extremely territorial and will go to great lengths to keep outsiders out of their realm. There have been reports of male cardinals engaging in a long-term struggle with their own reflections. Perched on the brink of her nest, the female cardinal is one of only a few songbirds in North America that may be heard singing. In order for the male cardinal to guarantee that the family’s nest has enough food, he will employ this nagging signal.

No matter what the season, Northern Cardinals may be seen in Georgia. For example, they’ve been sighted in Arizona, Texas, and the Midwestern United States, among other places.

Large tube feeders, hoppers, platforms, and the ground are all acceptable sources of food for Northern Cardinals. They eat a variety of seeds, including hulled sunflower and safflower seeds, broken maize, millet, and milo, to name a few.

2. Tufted Titmouse

Image: © Darlene Friedman | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Baeolophus bicolor

Length: 5.5-6.3 in (14-16 cm)

Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz (18-26 g)

Wingspan: 7.9-10.2 in (20-26 cm)

Found in 94.67 percent of sites visited in Georgia

This species’ white bottom stands out against its silver-gray upper body. There’s a pink hue to their backsides. Suddenly, a smudge of black appears on the bird’s beak. Their beaks and feet, as well as their heads and eyes, appear enormous when compared to the smaller feeder birds. Compared to other animals, their necks are extremely wide. In terms of size, Tufted Titmice are the tiniest and closest relative of Sparrows.

Tufted Titmice are masters of aerial combat. When compared to chickadees, their flight is more purposeful and deliberate. They hang out with woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches at bird feeders, and they’re not shy about it. When it comes to approaching feeders, Tufted Titmice are more aggressive than sparrows and finches, which makes them a great backyard feeder.

The Tufted Titmouse is a year-round resident of Georgia’s forests and fields. However, they can be found all throughout the country, with the Midwest and Southwest having a higher concentration than the East Coast or even sections of the South.

Tufted Titmouses can be seen on the ground near freshwater sources in parks and backyards. Before encountering the Tufted Titmouse in its natural habitat, you may hear its whistled high-pitched melody.

Over the course of the winter, the number of Tufted Titmice that visit feeders increase significantly. Sunflower seeds, which are their favorite snack, are a common addition to their diet of nuts, seeds, and suet. Increase the frequency of breeding by placing nest boxes in your yard. Before the mating season begins, it’s just a matter of ensuring that the nesting boxes are correctly set up and ready to go.

3. Carolina Chickadee

Image: © Evan Lipton | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Poecile carolinensis

Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)

Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (9-14 g)

Wingspan: 6.3-8.3 in (16-21 cm)

Found in 93.78 percent of the sites visited in Georgia

Black, white, and grey colors make up the bird’s feathers. A gray-and-white color palette is used on the wings. The skull’s crown and bib are both black in color. The bird’s black headpiece extends past its black eyes in order to allow the viewer to clearly see the bird’s eyes. They differ from other birds in that they have short necks and an almost spherical head. This bird’s body features a striking contrast between its small, strong beak and its long, thin tail.

Scientists have revealed that Carolina Chickadees have a phenomenal memory for the regions where they store their food and seeds, which they have shown to retain large amounts of information. It is in their nature to be curious and seek out new things to study, including human beings. One of Georgia’s best-known birds is the Carolina Chickadee, which can be found throughout the year.

Chickadees are among the easiest birds to attract to feeders. birds such as these come to feeding stations like this one in order to obtain suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. Chickadees can profit from your yard if you plant willow, birch, or alder trees.

4. Carolina Wren

Image: © Don Danko | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Thryothorus ludovicianus

Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)

Weight: 0.6-0.8 oz (18-22 g)

Wingspan: 11.4 in (29 cm)

Found in 90.22 percent of the sites visited in Georgia

The bird’s natural hue is reddish-brown with an orange belly. Despite its huge size, the Carolina Wren is made to last. They have a long, cocked tail. This bird’s huge, curved mouth is one of its most recognizable traits.

With its ability to consume berries and insects while crawling through dense undergrowth and mounting tree trunks, the Carolina Wren is well-known to birdwatchers. One of their favorite pastimes is snooping around. They use their singing as a kind of territorial defense by singing constantly.

In Georgia, you can see the Carolina Wren all year round. Due to the lack of movement here, wrens tend to stay in the same area.

Carolina Wrens should be on your radar. In densely wooded areas, listen for this bird’s unusual and powerful song.

Carolina Wrens have been observed visiting suet feeders in search of food during the winter. When food is available, this species congregates in backyards. In the wild, Carolina Wrens eat a range of foods. Tube feeders, suet cages, platforms, and hoppers are common places to find them grazing.

5. House Finch

Image: © Martina Nordstrand | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Haemorhous mexicanus

Length: 5.1-5.5 in (13-14 cm)

Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz (16-27 g)

Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in (20-25 cm)

Found in 89.78 percent of the sites visited in Georgia

Redness appears on the male House Finch when he has reached adulthood, especially on the face and breasts. If you observe the animal in the wild, you’ll notice it has dark stripes down its back, belly, and tail. A grey-brown complexion refers to an adult woman with a non-red complexion and an unmarked face. House Finches, despite their little size, are well-known for their massive beaks and flat-topped skulls. They appear to have a smaller tail because their wings are so short. The House Finch, on the other hand, is notably smaller than the normal finch with a notched tail.

Gathering in communal feeding grounds or trees to eat and converse is a common practice among House Finches. You might catch a glimpse of them eating weeds or the ground while they’re not at the feeders. Compared to other finches, their flight is noticeably bouncy.

Georgia has these finches year-round, making it easy to spot them. The House Finches of the Great Lakes and the Northeastern United States migrate south during the winter.

These birds can be seen in parks and urban areas as well as on private property. In large quantities, they’re nearly impossible to notice.

It’s a good idea to give your birds some black oil sunflower seeds. If these birds find your feeders, you can expect to see groups of up to 50 birds. Their preferred feeding method is tube feeders. One of their favorite snacks is the combination of the hulled safflower seeds, Nyjer seeds, and hulled sunflower seeds.

6. Mourning Dove

Image: © Ryan Schain | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Zenaida macroura

Length: 9.1-13.4 in (23-34 cm)

Weight: 3.0-6.0 oz (96-170 g) 

Wingspan: 17.7 in (45 cm)

Found in 85.78 percent of the sites visited in Georgia

They are at home on open ground, which is their natural habitat. A brown-tan bird with white tail feathers with black borders has black spots on its wings. Because of their huge bodies and small legs, these doves stand out from the rest of the flock.

With their fast wingbeats, doves are well-known for their rapid descents and ascents. Mourning Doves fly in formation in flocks of three during the breeding season, and the male who has successfully mated with another bird usually takes the lead. Second, a male hummingbird chases his rival for a nesting site. A female completes the mated couple.

The Mourning Dove is a year-round resident of Georgia.

Most likely, they’ll be perched on telephone wires or other vantage points in your immediate vicinity. Make sure you know where birds assemble to restock their food sources.

Platform feeders or the ground can be used to disperse millet seeds throughout your land. If you want to help these birds breed, grow thick shrubs and evergreen trees in your yard. Keeping your cats indoors is one of the best ways to keep them safe.

7. American Goldfinch

Image: © Darren Clark | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Spinus Tristis

Length: 4.3-5.12 in (11-13 cm)

Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz (11-20 g)

Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in (19-22 cm)

Found in 85.78 percent of the sites visited in Georgia

The male adult’s forehead becomes a beautiful yellow and black pattern in the early spring. In the adult male, the underside of the wings is black, with white patterns. Women’s skin becomes more olive-toned as they age due to a darker golden undertone. The lack of stripes and black wings on the Goldfinch’s wings give it a dreary winter appearance.

Birds of all shapes and sizes would gather around feeders or on the ground beneath them, making for some funny sightings. With its undulating, bouncing flight style and loud call signals, predators are drawn to them.

During the non-breeding season, you can find them all over southern Georgia. Northern Georgia is home to a year-round population of American Goldfinches. It is possible to find them in a wide range of areas across the country when they are not breeding.

The American Goldfinch is drawn to a broad variety of feeders because of its big size. If you want to attract goldfinches to your yard, grow natural thistles and other composite plants. Seeds like nyjer and sunflower seeds are among the most commonly consumed.

8. Downy Woodpecker

Image: © Evan Lipton | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Dryobates pubescens

Length: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)

Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz (21-28 g)

Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in (25-30 cm)

Found in 85.33 percent of sites visited in Georgia

Downy Woodpeckers have black-and-white checkerboard patterns on their bodies, as well as their wings and heads. Western Downy Woodpeckers can be distinguished from Eastern Downy Woodpeckers by their darker plumage. Thus, the wings of birds from the Eastern hemisphere are darker brown. There is a lot of brown in the Pacific Northwest.

Downy Woodpeckers often form mixed-species flocks with other raptors in the winter. Since more individuals are available to assist them, they have less time to keep an eye out for predators and may be able to gather food more rapidly.

There are large populations of Downy Woodpeckers all year round in North America, but they are most prevalent in Georgia.

This one can be found more frequently in the backyard, where it’s more common to see it. In addition to the suet cages, peanut butter chunks and sunflower seeds are among their favorites. Hummingbird feeders are commonly used by birds to obtain water.

9. Red-bellied Woodpecker

Image: © Scott Martin | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Melanerpes carolinus

Length: 9.4 in (24 cm)

Weight: 2.0-3.2 oz (56-91 g)

Wingspan: 13.0-16.5 in (33-42 cm)

Found in 82.22 percent of sites visited in Georgia

On the back of this woodpecker, you’ll see striking reddish, black, and white stripes. It also has a black and white striped back and white markings on its wings. They have round heads and skinny bodies, which make them resemble Hairy Woodpeckers.

Woodpeckers utilize their powerful beaks to chew bark when sitting on tree trunks or branches. There is no way to tell the Red-bellied Woodpecker from any other woodpecker.

Woodpeckers of this kind are common in Georgia throughout the year. However, the majority of them are confined to three regions, with only a handful found outside.

Eastern forests are a year-round haven for eastern woodpeckers, which can be seen perched on tree limbs and trunks. Knowing how woodpeckers sound could be useful when they’re active in spring and early summer.

If you want them to come to your backyard in the winter, provide them with suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. Feeders for hummingbirds have been proven to be effective. The most frequent methods of feeding them are suet cages and gigantic hoppers. There are a variety of seeds and mealworms that these woodpeckers like to feed on.

10. Eastern Bluebird

Image: © Keith Kennedy | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Sialia sialis

Length: 6.3-8.3 in (16-21 cm)

Weight: 1.0-1.1 oz (28-32 g)

Wingspan: 9.8-12.6 in (25-32 cm)

Found in 80.89 percent of the sites visited in Georgia

These birds are distinguished by their brightly colored feathers and brown neck and breast. She has a gray upper body with a blue tail and wingtips and white underparts. A sparrow-robin crossbreed, these birds have wide rounded heads and huge eyes.

A perch on a wire, low branch, or a post is where the Eastern Bluebird prefers to perch. Perched on the ground, they search for food in open spaces. In the winter, they devour fruiting trees, while in the summer they eat insects and other small critters.

Eastern Bluebirds can be found all year long in Georgia. Either they live here all year or they travel small distances.

Eastern Bluebirds can be found in areas with sparse vegetation or towering trees, as well as in nest boxes. This type of bird prefers open areas like power wires or fences rather than deep cover.

Even if these bluebirds don’t typically stop by, the appearance of food could lure them. Mealworms in the garden feeder will be eaten by the bird. On the ground and in the air, birds were spotted eating from a platform feeder and from the ground. Eastern Bluebirds eat suet and peanut hearts in addition to mealworms and fruit.

11. Pine Siskin

Image: © Ryan Sanderson | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Spinus pinus

Length: 4.3-5.5 in (11-14 cm)

Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz (12-18 g)

Wingspan: 7.1-8.7 in (18-22 cm)

Found in 77.33 percent of sites visited in Georgia

Arrow-pointed beaks, small tails, and a sparrow-sized body make this bird unique. These blackbirds have yellow-tinged wings and tails. Finches with thin bills are a unique species. In-flight, these birds often have forked tails and sharp wingtips.

In the early morning hours, the Pine Siskin’s metabolism increases by a factor of five. –70°C (–94°F) is possible if this happens.

If you want to view Pine Siskins outside of the breeding season, Georgia is the place to go. Throughout much of North America, you can see these birds all year long. They can be found as far south as Minnesota and as far north as Alaska.

They can be spotted perched on the summits of pine trees.” There’s no reason why they couldn’t be suspended from an inverted ceiling. Be on the watch for a peculiar screech if you can’t ignore it. Some people compare the sound of a phone conversation to that of tearing up paper. ‘ A Pine Siskin might be seen in North America one year, then disappear the next.

Pine Siskins prefer thistle and nyjer feeders for the most part. In addition to millet and hulled sunflower seeds, there are many other possibilities. Plant and weed seeds are their favourite meal.

12. White-breasted Nuthatch

Image: © Ryan Schain | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Sitta carolinensis

Length: 5.1-5.5 in (13-14 cm)

Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz (18-30 g)

Wingspan: 7.9-10.6 in (20-27 cm)

Found in 75.11 percent of sites visited in Georgia

The White-breasted Nuthatch can be seen here. Grey-blue on the back. They feature a white face and torso, a black hat, and a black neck area. Chestnut is the dark brown hue of the underbelly and tail.

In addition to eating large seeds and bugs, nuthatches are quick and nimble. They “hatch” acorns, nuts, and seeds from tree bark with their bills, then devour the kernels within. They received their name from this. Even if the sound of a Nuthatch is faint, it often directs you to the creature.

All year long, this bird can be found in Georgia.

Beef suet and hulled sunflower seeds are also favorites of bird food sources. Where food is available, they can be found at feeders and suet cages.

13. Chipping Sparrow

Image: © Evan Lipton | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Spizella passerina

Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)

Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz (11-16 g)

Wingspan: 8.3 in (21 cm)

Found in 67.56 percent of the sites visited in Georgia

To distinguish this sparrow apart from others, its beak is so little in comparison to its body and tail that it’s nearly impossible. A pale face with a rusty crown is all that distinguishes these sparrows from other birds.

Chipping Sparrows are protected from the elements on the ground thanks to vegetation. Singing will take place on both huge and small trees. The oldest Chipping Sparrow ever discovered was discovered to be at least 10 years and 11 months old.

These birds can be found all over Georgia during the breeding season. Birds from Arizona, Arkansas, and Tennessee will avoid breeding in Baja California, Mexico, or Florida from June through August this year.

During the winter, small flocks of Chipping Sparrows can be seen foraging in open ground. Chipping Sparrows only eat black oil sunflower seeds when they’re hungry. These sparrows only sometimes feed from a feeder; most of the time, they forage for food on the ground.

14. Blue Jay

Image: © Scott Martin | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Cyanocitta cristata

Length: 9.8-11.8in (25-30 cm)

Weight: 2.5-3.5 oz (70-100 g)

Wingspan: 13.4-16.9 in (34-43 cm)

Found in 66.67 percent of sites visited in Georgia

The colors of blue jays vary widely. From flamboyant to tranquil, you may find a shade of blue from the tips of their wingtips to the top of their head. The necks, wings, and eyes of these creatures are all covered in a thick layer of black patterns. The white appearance is complete with a white tummy, white eyes, and a white neck. This blue-gray songbird has a long tail and a prominent crest. They fall somewhere in the middle when it comes to height and weight.

People have reported hearing blue jays from considerable distances because they sing so loudly. When it’s among a group of other Blue Jays, the bird sings. While migrating, blue jays tend to be a little more hushed than they usually are. Their daily caloric intake is recorded in the pouch that hangs around their neck.

You might catch a glimpse of one as far north as eastern Canada. Georgia is home to the Blue Jay all year round.

In addition to their loud shrieks, blue jays are well-known for their gregarious behavior. Blue jays are easier to identify because of the big flocks that gather along the coast. When traveling in huge groups, even in wide spaces, residents fly silently and one by one across long distances.

These birds prefer the tray feeder to any other kind of food source. Trays are preferred overhanging feeders by these birds. They like sour cream, sunflower seeds, and peanuts, among other things. If there are oak trees in the area where the jays live, they can get acorns.

15. Pine Warbler

Image: © Ryan Schain | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Setophaga pinus

Length: 5.1-5.5 in (13-14 cm)

Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (9-15 g)

Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 in (19-23 cm)

Found in 66.67 percent of the sites visited in Georgia

One of the most beautiful birds in the world is the Pine Warbler; they are not all yellow, but they have olive-green backs and white bellies. As a result, they have long tails that match the size of the beaks they have.

Because they prefer to nest on pine trees and are so high in the canopy, it may be difficult to see them, but this is because they choose pine trees. The vast majority of their food is insects, however, they also eat fruits and seeds. The Pine Warbler may occasionally eat from a bird feeder or perch on the ground, depending on the situation.

As part of their annual migration, Pine Warblers pause in the southern United States, particularly in the Southeast.

According to studies, the best way to see the Pine Warbler in its natural habitat is to visit a pine forest in the eastern United States. High on the limbs of pine trees, this Warbler wants to be able to view all around it. Millet, broken maize, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet are among the seeds Pine Warblers consume. If given the chance, it will also eat suet and peanut butter.

16. American Robin

Image: © Alex Eberts | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Turdus migratorius

Length: 7.9-11.0 in (20-28 cm)

Weight: 2.7-3.0 oz (77-85 g)

Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in (31-40 cm)

Found in 64.89 percent of the sites visited in Georgia

American Robins tend to be grey or brown, however, there are some exceptions to this norm. Their beaks are yellow in color. The undersides of these creatures are a vibrant shade of orange. They have gray heads and backs, but they’re significantly lighter in color on top. Large birds with small legs and long tails are found in this area. In order to compare the sizes and shapes of birds, a robin can serve as a good starting point.

This bird’s beak extends upward as it swoops through the grass in search of food. Foraging for berries and building nests in trees are essential tasks for birds to complete throughout the cold winter months. Honeysuckle berry consumption by American Robins can result in intoxication. During the fall and winter, the American Robin consumes a large amount of fruit.

These robins can be seen throughout most of Georgia at any time of year. Several American Robins can be found in the southern United States. Samples for research have come from the Gulf Coast, the Southwest, and Mexico.

Depending on where you live, you may be able to catch a glimpse of a Robin in your own backyard. You’ll find them if you pay attention to their beautiful and distinctive screams. In the trees of fruit trees, their screams can be heard in the winter.

The American Robin prefers feeders that are either positioned on the ground or on a platform. These birds will come to your feeders if you provide them with suet, fruit, mealworms, hulled sunflower seeds, and peanut hearts.

17. Brown Thrasher

Image: © Martina Nordstrand | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Toxostoma rufum

Length: 9.1-11.8 in (23-30 cm)

Weight: 2.1-3.1 oz (61-89 g)

Wingspan: 11.4-12.6 in (29-32 cm)

Found in 64.44 percent of the sites visited in Georgia

Despite being smaller than Blue Jays, Brown Thrashers dwarf Northern Mockingbirds in both size and mass. In contrast to the white upper parts of these birds, which have black lines, the underside is dark. Their appearance is characterized by a dark complexion and bright yellow eyes.

This species of bird prefers to forage in dense vegetation, such as shrubs and underbrush, in order to avoid detection. In trees and plants, they enjoy making a lot of noise when they sing. There have been reports of Brown Thrashers causing major harm to humans and their pets.

During their annual journey, Brown Thrashers make pit stops in various locations of the United States. The birds leave their nesting grounds in the far north of their range in the dead of winter and head south. In Georgia, Brown Thrashers can be found year-round.

Keep a lookout for densely wooded areas like hedgerows and woodland borders to maximize your chances of spotting this species. These birds’ scrambling noises are impossible to ignore.

With or without food, the Brown is content. In addition to feeding facilities, thrashers may visit the yards of homeowners. Because of their dense foliage, fruit-bearing shrubs and bushes can attract thrashers.

18. Brown-headed Nuthatch

Image: © David Hollie | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Sitta pusilla

Length: 3.9-4.3 in (10-11 cm)

Weight: 0.3 oz (10 g)

Wingspan: 6.3-7.1 in (16-18 cm)

Found in 63.56 percent of the sites visited in Georgia

The Brown-headed Nuthatch has short tails that give the impression that the nuthatch is a round, little bird, which it is. They have brown fur with a white patch on the back of their brown skull, and their undersides are white while their tops are grey.

Squeaking may be heard as these birds zigzag up and down tree trunks and branches. Nuthatches generally fly in shallow dips from tree to tree since they are gregarious birds.

Most of Georgia is home to the Brown-headed Nuthatch, a year-round resident of the Southeast.

Rubber duck-like sounds can be heard from mature pine forests, where these birds can be found. Small birds can be seen flying up and down tree trunks, so be on the lookout for them. There is a chance that you will see them soaring from tree to tree.

If you live near a pine forest in the Southeast, you may be able to attract the Brown-headed Nuthatch by setting up a suet feeder.

19. Spotted/Eastern Towhee (Rufous-sided Towhee)

Image: © Mason Maron | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Pipilo maculatus/erythrophthalmus

Length: 6.7-8.3 in (17-21 cm)

Weight: 1.2-1.7 oz (33-49 g)

Wingspan: 11.0 in (28 cm)

Found in 60.44 percent of the sites visited in Georgia

Known as the Spotted Towhee, this large sparrow has an externally pointed beak and a long, circular tail. Higher up the masculine body, the darker it gets. It has a white belly and a reddish cinnamon flank.

Spotted Towhees’ backward hopping while searching for seeds and other small invertebrates is referred known as “double-scratching.” These birds enjoy hopping around on the ground and scaling lower branches in search of food.

The Eastern Towhee is a year-round resident of Georgia. On one hand, migration is a way of life for the Towhees.

Towhees are frequently seen strolling along woodland margins and through weedy areas. They sing fast and with a meowing cry that sounds like a cat’s. Also, sift through the leaves and twigs in the undergrowth and along the ground.

It is possible for Spotted Towhees to become permanent residents of your backyard feeders. They prefer to dine on the ground or on a platform rather than on a plate or bowl. If you want to attract Towhees to your backyard feeder, fill it with sunflower seeds, broken corn, millet, milo, and peanut hearts.

20. Purple Finch

Image: © Henry Trombley | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Haemorhous purpureus

Length: 4.7-6.3 in (12-16 cm)

Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz (18-32 g)

Wingspan: 8.7-10.2 in (22-26 cm)

Found in 59.11 percent of sites visited in Georgia

Male Purple Finches have a pinkish-red tinge on their breasts and heads, while their backs are darker reddish-brown. The finch’s white belly and reddish-pink headset it apart from other birds. Female Purple Finches don’t have red underbelly like males. Contrary to popular belief, their underside is a darker brown color patterned with lighter brown. They also have a white stripe across their eyes. A Purple Finch can grow to the size of a House Sparrow as an adult. Their notch-like tails and conical skull beaks make them formidable predators. They have drabber plumage than their eastern cousins, according to specialists.

Their beaks are used to cut open seeds and nuts. In addition to gathering nectar from blooms, Purple Finches use this technique. In coniferous forests, breeding is most common; this is especially true in areas with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees.

When it is not breeding, you can see Georgia’s, Purple Finch. This migratory bird’s short-distance journeys appear to be led by cone crops. When the birds return to their nesting grounds in Canada, the central and southern United States may see a resurgence in bird populations.

If you live in its winter range, there is a good chance you won’t see it this year, but it will return the following year.

Sunflower seeds, Nyjer, and millet can all be used to attract Purple Finches to your tube, hopper, or platform feeders. Having coniferous trees in your yard increases your chances of seeing a Purple Finch.

21. Northern Mockingbird

Image: © Jay McGowan | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Mimus polyglottos

Length: 8.3-10.2 in (21-26 cm)

Weight: 1.6-2.0 oz (45-58 g)

Wingspan: 12.2-13.8 in (31-35 cm)

Found in 56.89 percent of the sites visited in Georgia

In contrast to its dark body, the Northern Mockingbird’s breast and abdomen have a lighter brown color. The wingtips of these birds feature two white bands and patches. A robin’s size is comparable to that of a mockingbird.

Perches such as fences, trees, and telephone poles are common places for the Northern Mockingbird to advertise its presence. Intruders will be ejected from their territory by these birds if necessary.

Due to the fact that they are unable to migrate or hibernate, they are confined to a single geographical area. The northern mockingbird is a year-round resident of Georgia and the rest of the United States.

For a brief period of time each year, you may see mockingbirds in your neighborhood. They may perch on utility poles and power lines, just like other raptors.

Despite their frequent visits to backyards, Northern Mockingbirds rarely visit bird feeders in suburban areas. To entice them to your property, keep an open lawn dotted with fruit-bearing trees and shrubs. Mulberries, hawthorn berries, and blackberries are some of their favorite foraging foods in the wild.

22. Yellow-rumped Warbler

Image: © Ezra Staengl | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Setophaga coronata

Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)

Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz (12-13 g)

Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 in (19-23 cm)

Found in 55.56 percent of the sites visited in Georgia

This tiny warbler, despite its diminutive stature, ranks among the largest warblers in the world. Its large, strong beak and long, thin tails are only two of this bird’s distinguishing features. When it comes to size, warblers are comparable to the Black-capped Chickadee.

When it comes to food, this warbler prefers to dine at intermediate heights in the outer reaches of tree canopies, rather than at the base of the tree. This species of warbler is well-known for its ability to fly long distances while catching insects in mid-air.

The non-breeding season is a good time to see these warblers.

In particular on the larger trees’ outer limbs, warblers like perching on the branches. As long as they’re out in the open, they’re easy to spot. They can be spotted at backyard feeders during the winter months. Warblers like sunflower seeds, raisins, and suet, but peanut butter may also be a draw for them.

23. Song Sparrow

Image: © Jonathan Irons | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Melospiza melodia

Length: 4.7-6.7 in (12-17 cm)

Weight: 0.4-1.9 oz (12-53 g)

Wingspan: 7.1-9.4 in (18-24 cm)

Found in 53.78 percent of the sites visited in Georgia

Both the underbelly and flanks of the Song Sparrow are streaked white underneath their brown and white striped bodies. Despite their diminutive height, these sparrows pack quite a punch. The Song Sparrow has a large head, a short beak, a long tail, and wide wings.

Song When searching for food, sparrows frequently fly through low foliage or between branches. Song Male sparrows often sing while perched on open objects, such as small trees. North America is home to this particular sparrow species.

Birds of prey can be seen all year round in its breeding areas of the Pacific Northwest, Northern Midwestern States, Eastern United States, and the Western United States. During the nonbreeding season, these birds can be found throughout the United States and Mexico. There are Song Sparrow nesting areas in Canada.

Keep a lookout for Song. When you’re near a swamp or other wet area, you’re more likely to see sparrows. Branches exposed to the rain and wind are where they prefer to sing.

Song From platforms or the ground, sparrows can be fed. Fill your feeders with milo, sunflower seeds, millet, safflower, peanut hearts, nyjer, and cracked corn if you want to attract these birds.

24. Eastern Phoebe

Image: © Brad Imhoff | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Sayornis phoebe

Length: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)

Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz (16-21 g)

Wingspan: 10.2-11.0 in (26-28 cm)

Found in 53.33 percent of the sites visited in Georgia

The Eastern Phoebe is a short-tailed songbird with brownish-gray upper parts and a white underside. Their beaks are short and thin, like those of other small fly-catching birds. This Phoebe is smaller than the Tufted Titmouse, which is larger.

When hunting, Eastern Phoebes will often perch low in trees or on fences to draw the attention of their prey. It’s not unusual for insects-hunting birds like this one to be constantly on the go. While poised, the Eastern Phoebe frequently wags its tail.

Eastern Phoebes are short to medium-distance migrants who spend the year in much of Georgia. In the intermediate latitudes of the southern hemisphere, around September or November, these songbirds can be encountered.

An excellent approach to locating Eastern Phoebes in wooded regions is to listen for their song, which is an early sign of spring. Pay attention to the eaves and overhangs to see if you may spot an Eastern Phoebe nest.

To attract Eastern Phoebes to your yard, build a nesting structure. One should be set up well in advance of the beginning of the breeding season.

25. Dark-eyed Junco

Image: © Chris Wood | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Junco hyemalis

Length: 5.5-6.3 in (14-16 cm)

Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz (18-30 g)

Wingspan: 7.1-9.8 in (18-35 cm)

Found in 48.89 percent of sites visited in Georgia

The majority of juncos are dark gray or brown, even though they can be seen in a wide range of colors. They have pink beaks and pale blue tail feathers. The Dark-Eyed Junco can be found in a broad variety of environments. Slate, Pink, Red-Backed, Grey-headed, and White-winged are the five most common Junco species in the United States.

The dark-eyed junco is a common sight in North American forests. They can be found throughout North America, from Alaska to Canada to Mexico and the Northeast. They forage for seeds that have fallen to the ground by nesting on bushes and trees. Georgia is a great place to see the Dark-eyed Junco during the non-breeding season.

Black oil sunflower seeds, cracked maize, oatmeal, and Nyjer are among the most frequent Junco mainstays. Seeds that have fallen to the ground, as well as large hoppers and platforms, are all eaten by ground feeders.

Bird Watching in Georgia

Georgia is a fantastic state for bird watching, with a wide variety of habitats and birds, making it an ideal destination for beginning birdwatchers. Georgia has a diverse range of birds for birdwatchers, from the state’s coastal areas, such as Savannah, to the mountains of North Georgia.

Georgia’s climate is ideal for birdwatching, with mild winters and warm summers. The weather in the spring is typically warm and dry, making it an ideal time to observe the many species of birds that migrate to the state. Summer temperatures are typically warm and humid, making it difficult to observe birds, but the variety of species that can be seen is still quite impressive.

Because the weather in Georgia can be unpredictable, light layers are recommended for birdwatching. If you’re going birdwatching in the mountains, bring a light jacket or sweatshirt to keep you warm. A hat and sunglasses are also recommended because the sun can be harsh during the summer.

Attracting Backyard Birds in Georgia

The local climate and diverse habitats provide a wide range of species for birdwatchers to observe in Georgia, making it an excellent state for attracting backyard birds. Many migratory birds can be seen in Georgia during the spring and summer months, while year-round residents can be found in the state’s more rural areas.

Providing food, water, and shelter to backyard birds is the most effective way to attract them. Bird feeders and birdhouses are excellent sources of food and shelter, while bird baths are ideal sources of water for birds. Because different bird species have different food preferences, it’s critical to research the types of birds that live in your area and provide them with the food that they prefer.

The presence of backyard birds in Georgia can also be affected by the weather. It’s critical to keep bird feeders and bird baths full during the winter months because cold temperatures make it difficult for birds to find food. It is recommended to provide shade for birds during the summer months, as hot temperatures can be dangerous.

Overall, Georgia is an excellent birdwatching state, and with a little planning, you can easily attract a variety of birds to your backyard.