25 Backyard Birds in Louisiana 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 Louisiana?

Louisiana, A.K.A. “The Pelican State” is a state in the southeast of the United States. With more than 470 species of birds, Louisiana is a great place to spot birds. Their state bird is the Brown Pelican. This article will cover the most frequently spotted birds from the backyards of the great state of Louisiana.

25 most common backyard birds in Louisiana:

1. Northern Cardinal (100.00% frequency)
2. Blue Jay (92.59% frequency)
3. American Goldfinch (88.89% frequency)
4. House Finch (85.19% frequency)
5. Carolina Chickadee (85.19% frequency)
6. Mourning Dove (81.48% frequency)
7. Carolina Wren (81.48% frequency)
8. Northern Mockingbird (81.48% frequency)
9. House Sparrow (70.37% frequency)
10. American Robin (70.37% frequency)
11. Pine Siskin (62.96% frequency)
12. Purple Finch (62.96% frequency)
13. Tufted Titmouse (62.96% frequency)
14. Red-bellied Woodpecker (62.96% frequency)
15. Yellow-rumped Warbler (59.26% frequency)
16. Dark-eyed Junco (48.15% frequency)
17. Downy Woodpecker (48.15% frequency)
18. Orange-crowned Warbler (48.15% frequency)
19. Eastern Phoebe (48.15% frequency)
20. Brown-headed Cowbird (44.44% frequency)
21. Chipping Sparrow (44.44% frequency)
22. Pine Warbler (44.44% frequency)
23. Brown Thrasher (44.44% frequency)
24. White-winged Dove (40.74% frequency)
25. Eastern Bluebird (40.74% 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 100.00 percent of sites visited in Louisiana

Male cardinals have a reddish-orange body and a black and reddish-orange bill to match their reddish-orange bill. Female Northern Cardinals have reddish-brown wings, tails, and crests, as well as a reddish-brown body. They have black cheeks and crimson beaks, which distinguish them from their male counterparts.

Cardinal males are very protective of their territory, and they will go to any length to keep intruders from entering their domain. A male cardinal has been known to engage in a long-lasting battle with his own reflection. The female cardinal is one of the few songbirds in North America that can be heard singing, and she does it while perched on the edge of her nest. This cue will be used by the male cardinal to ensure that he does not miss out on food for the family’s nest.

In Louisiana, Northern Cardinals can be found all year round, regardless of the season. For example, they have been spotted in Arizona and Texas, as well as the Midwestern United States.

Northern Cardinals may eat from huge tube feeders, hoppers, platforms, and ground feeders, as well as from ground feeders. Seeds such as hulled sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, broken maize, millet, and milo are some of the types of seeds they consume.

2. 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 92.59 percent of sites visited in Louisiana

Blue Jays come in a range of shades of color. From the wingtips to the top of your head, you may discover a shade of blue to suit your mood, from flamboyant to peaceful. These species’ necks, wings, and eyes are all covered in black markings. A white stomach, white eyes, and a white neck complete the white appearance. There is a long tail and a conspicuous crest on this blue-gray songbird. When it comes to height and weight, they’re somewhere in the middle.

Blue jays sing so loudly that people have reported hearing them from great distances. The Blue Jay sings when perched in a tree with its fellow Blue Jays. During migration, blue jays tend to be a little quieter than they normally are. They keep a record of their daily caloric intake in a pouch around their neck.

As far north as eastern Canada, you may catch a glimpse of one. The Blue Jay is a year-round resident of Louisiana.

Blue jays are well-known for both their shrieks and their social tendencies. The large flocks of blue jays that congregate along coastlines make them easier to spot. Even in big groups, residents fly silently and one by one across large distances in open environments.

The tray feeder or hopper feeder is preferred by Blue Jays over a regular feeder. Their preference is for trays instead of hanging feeders. There are several items they enjoy, such as sour cream, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. They can get acorns if oak trees are present in the area where the jays live.

3. 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 77.79 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

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 Louisiana, northern Minnesota, Michigan, and even Canada. Northern Louisiana 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.

4. 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 85.19 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

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.

Eastern Louisiana 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.

5. 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 85.19 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

This bird’s feathers are a mix of black, white, and grey. The wings have a gray-and-white color scheme. Black color makes up both the skull’s crown and bib. In order to see the bird’s eyes clearly, the bird’s black headdress reaches past its black eyes. They have a head that is practically spherical, as opposed to other birds that have long necks. Small, powerful bills contrast with long, thin tails in this bird’s physique.

Foraging Scientists have discovered a remarkable capacity for memory in Carolina Chickadees, who have been shown to retain vast amounts of information on the areas where they keep their food and seeds. By their very nature, raptors are inquisitive creatures who are always on the lookout for new things to investigate, including people. Because it is a year-round inhabitant of Louisiana, the Carolina Chickadee is one of the most well-known birds in the state.

When it comes to bird feeders, chickadees are among the easiest to draw in. To get their hands on suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts, birds such as this one flock to feeding stations like this one. Planting willow, birch, or alder trees in your yard can benefit chickadees.

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 81.48 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

They mix in well with their natural habitat, which consists primarily of open ground. White feathers with black borders on the tail of a brown-tan bird have black patches on the wings. In contrast to the rest of the flock, these doves stand out due to their large bodies and short legs.

Doves are well-known for their swift descents, ascents, and other flying maneuvers due to their fast wingbeats. The male of a pair that has successfully mated with another bird usually leads the group of three Mourning Doves as they fly in formation during breeding season. As a second example, a single male is chasing after his rival in search of a nesting spot. The third member of the mated couple is a female.

However, during breeding season, Mourning Doves migrate to the north of Louisiana to lay their eggs.

In your neighborhood, you’re likely to see them on telephone wires and other high perches. Determine where birds gather to replenish their food supplies.

Millet seeds can be spread throughout your property using platform feeders or the ground. Nesting grounds for these birds can be provided by planting dense shrubs and evergreen trees. There are a number of things you can do to keep your cats safe, including keeping them indoors.

7. 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 81.48 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

Reddish brown on top, with an orange belly, is the bird’s natural color. The Carolina Wren, despite its enormous size, is built to last. Their tail is cocked and quite lengthy. One of the most distinctive features of this bird is its large mouth that curves downward.

Birdwatchers are familiar with the Carolina Wren’s ability to eat berries and insects while scurrying through deep undergrowth and scaling tree trunks. One of their favorite past times is prying into the possessions of others. Their continual singing serves as a form of territorial protection.

The Carolina Wren can be found year-round in Louisiana. Because wrens don’t move through this area, they tend to stay put.

You should keep Carolina Wrens in mind. Listen for this bird’s distinctive and loud song in densely wooded places.

In the winter months, Carolina Wrens are known to visit suet feeders in quest of food. This species gathers in backyards when food is available. Carolina Wrens eat a wide variety of things in the wild. You’ll find them grazing in tube feeders, suet cages, platforms, and hoppers the most of all of these.

8. 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 81.48 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

The Northern Mockingbird’s dark body contrasts sharply with its lighter brown breast and abdomen. These birds’ wingtips have two white bands and patches on them. A mockingbird is about the same size as a robin.

The Northern Mockingbird uses a variety of perches, including fences, trees, and telephone poles, to make its presence known. If necessary, these birds will defend their area by attacking intruders and ejecting them from it.

They are confined to a single geographic area since they do not migrate or hibernate. Residents of Louisiana and the rest of the United States can see the northern mockingbird all year long.

This time of year, you may observe mockingbirds in your yard. Like other raptors, they may perch on utility poles and power lines.

Northern Mockingbirds, despite their regular visits to backyards, rarely attend bird feeders in suburban settings. Keep an open lawn with fruiting trees and plants to attract them to your property. In the wild, they love consuming mulberries, hawthorn berries, and blackberries.

9. House Sparrow

Image: © Evan Lipton | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Passer domesticus

Length: 5.9-6.7 in (15-17 cm)

Weight: 0.9-1.1 oz (27-30 g)

Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 in (19-25 cm)

Found in 70.37 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

The white cheeks and black bib of male House Sparrows stand out against the grey head of the bird. Although the women’s backs are brown, they have a distinguishing stripe on their backs, as well as a few patches of dirty grey. The House Sparrow is the most distinctive member of the family due to its larger chest, rounder head, and shorter tail when compared to other North American sparrows.

After establishing in Brooklyn, New York City, the House Sparrow became a permanent fixture in the neighborhood. Some 50 years later, it had reached the Rocky Mountains. Due to its ubiquitous availability, the House Sparrow has served as a model organism for over 5,000 scholarly studies.

Sparrows can be found year-round in parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and North America.

Getting a House Visit a city and keep an eye out for a sparrow darting about the streets. It’s possible that they could eat just out of your hands.

To attract House Sparrows in the United States, you may not even need to put up a feeder. Birds can be fed in a variety of ways, including by hand, tube or hopper, platform, or platform. Snacks like roasted peanuts and hulled sunflower seeds top the list.

10. 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 70.37 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

Grey or brown are the most common colors for American Robins, though there are exceptions to this rule. The hue of their beaks is yellow. These critters have bright orange undersides. Despite the fact that both women have gray heads and backs, their heads are substantially lighter than their backs. These enormous birds have small legs and long tails. You can use a robin as a model to compare the sizes and shapes of different birds.

As it swoops across the grass, this bird’s beak is extended upward to take in its surroundings. Birds must forage for berries and build nests in trees throughout the winter. When American Robins consume honeysuckle berries, it can lead to intoxication. The American Robin eats a lot of fruit during the fall and winter months.

In most of Louisiana, you can observe these robins at any time of year. The southern section of the United States is home to several American Robins. The Gulf Coast, the Southwest, and Mexico have all provided specimens for study.

Robins can be seen at your local park or even in your own backyard, depending on where you live. Paying attention to their lovely and distinctive cries will lead you to them. They can be heard in the trees of fruit trees during the winter with their quiet screams.

Feeders that are placed on the ground or on a platform are preferred by the American Robin. If you put out suet, fruit, mealworms, hulled sunflower seeds, and peanut hearts, these birds will flock to your feeders.

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 62.96 percent of sites visited in Louisiana

An arrow-pointed beak, a short tail, and the size of an average sparrow characterize this bird. The wings and tails of these blackbirds are yellow-tinged. Thin-bill finches are a one-of-a-kind species. Forked tails and pointed wingtips are common characteristics of these birds in flight.

The Pine Siskin’s metabolism accelerates by a factor of five in the early morning hours. If this happens, the temperature can drop to –70°C (–94°F).

Louisiana is the place to go if you want to see Pine Siskins outside of the breeding season. These birds can be seen year-round across large swaths of North America. As far south as Minnesota, and as far north as Alaska, they can be found.

Pine Siskins can be found perched at the tops of fir tree branches. These are perfectly capable of being hung from an upside-down ceiling. If you hear a strange screech that you can’t ignore, be on the lookout for it. The sound of a phone conversation might be likened to tearing up a sheet of paper, according to some. ‘ It is possible to observe a Pine Siskin in North America one year, only to see it disappear the following.

For the most part, Pine Siskins like to feed from thistle and nyjer feeders. Millet and hulled sunflower seeds are also popular options. Their preferred food is the seeds of various plants and weeds.

12. 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 62.96 percent of sites visited in Louisiana

Male Purple Finches have a pinkish-red tinge on their breasts and heads, while their backs are darker reddish brown. The finch has a white belly and a reddish-pink head to identify it from other birds. A crimson bottom is not found on female Purple Finches.. Contrary to popular belief, their underside is a darker brown color patterned with lighter brown. A white stripe runs across the pupils of their eyes. When it comes to size, a Purple Finch is comparable to a House Sparrow as an adult. Because of their notch-like tails and conical skull beaks, they’re dangerous prey. Experts say that the Pacific Coast Purple Finches’ plumage is duller than that of their eastern counterparts.

Slicing open seeds and nuts is a common method of breaking them open. Purple Finches use this technique in addition to gathering nectar from blooms. These forests, particularly those with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, have the highest rate of reproduction.

When the Louisiana Purple Finch is not reproducing, you can see it. This migratory bird’s short-distance journeys appear to be led by cone crops. Central and southern United States may see the return of the birds when they return to their breeding grounds in Canada.

Even if you don’t see it this year because you live in its winter range, there’s a good chance it will return next year.

To entice Purple Finches to your tube or platform feeder, you can provide sunflower seeds, Nyjer seeds, and millet. Any coniferous trees in your yard may host Purple Finch nests, so keep an eye out for them.

13. 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 62.96 percent of sites visited in Louisiana

The silver-grey top body contrasts with the white underside of this species. Their flanks are rosy. A smudge of black emerges over the bird’s beak, signifying disturbance. Their heads and eyes appear huge compared to the small feeder birds, as do their beaks and feet. They have intimidatingly wide necks compared to other species. Tufted Titmice are the smallest and most closely related species to Sparrows in size.

Tufted Titmice are acrobatic hunters. They travel more slowly and deliberately than chickadees. They frequent bird feeders and congregate with woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches. Tufted Titmice are more aggressive than sparrows and finches when approaching feeders, making them ideal for backyard feeding.

In Louisiana, the Tufted Titmouse is seen year-round. They are more prevalent on farmland in the Midwest and Southwest than on the East Coast or in some parts of the South, though they can be found elsewhere.

Tufted Titmouses can be observed in parks and backyards, as well as on the ground near freshwater sources. The Tufted Titmouse’s whistled, high-pitched song is occasionally heard before encountering the Tufted Titmouse in its natural habitat.

Tufted Titmice are frequent feeder visitors, and their numbers increase over the winter. They regularly eat nuts, seeds, and suet, with sunflower seeds being their favorite snack. Consider setting up nest boxes in your yard to encourage them to breed more frequently. It’s not much more involved than ensuring the nesting boxes are properly set up long before breeding season.

14. 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 62.96 percent of sites visited in Louisiana

This woodpecker has a gorgeous reddish and black and white striped back. In addition, it has white spots on its wings and a black and white striped back, among other features. They resemble Hairy Woodpeckers due to their round heads and thin bodies.

While perched on tree trunks or branches, woodpeckers use their large beaks to eat bark. The Red-bellied Woodpecker’s flight pattern is indistinguishable from that of other woodpeckers.

Throughout the year, Louisianans can see this type of woodpecker. But the vast majority are concentrated in those three regions, and there are only a few outside of these locations.

Eastern woodpeckers, which can be observed perched on tree limbs and trunks year-round in eastern woodlands, have a safe sanctuary year-round. In the spring and summer, woodpeckers make a lot of noise, so getting to know their sounds might be helpful.

You should feed them suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds if you want them to visit your backyard in the winter. Hummingbird feeders have been demonstrated to be used by the birds. Suet cages and enormous hoppers are the most common methods of feeding them. The black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked maize, and mealworms are all favorites of these woodpeckers.

15. 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 59.26 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

Despite its little size, the Yellow-rumped Warbler is a huge warbler in its own right. The long, thin tails of this bird, as well as its huge, powerful beak, are some of its characteristics. Warblers are around the same size as the Black-capped Chickadee when it comes to size.

This species of warbler prefers to eat at intermediate heights in the outer reaches of tree canopies, rather than near the base of the tree. Flying insects are frequently caught in the swooping flight of Yellow-rumped Warblers, and they are also known to travel great distances.

During the non-breeding season, these warblers can be spotted in Louisiana.

Yellow-rumped Warblers enjoy perching on tree branches, particularly on the outer limbs of larger trees. When they’re out in the open, they’re easy to spot since they’re so bright. Throughout the winter, these birds might be seen at backyard feeders. Sunflower seeds, raisins, and suet are among the foods that warblers enjoy, but peanut butter may also be appealing to them.

16. 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 48.15 percent of sites visited in Louisiana

Despite the fact that juncos can be found in a variety of hues, the most prevalent are dark gray or brown. They have pale blue tail feathers and pink beaks. The Dark-Eyed Junco has a wide range of habitats. More than a dozen different Junco species can be found in the United States; the five most common Juncos are Slate, Pink, Red-Backed, Grey-headed, and White-winged.

Commonly seen in North American woodlands are dark-eyed juncos. From Alaska to Canada to Mexico to the Northeast, they can be found all over North America. Using shrubs and trees as their nests, they search for seeds that have fallen to the ground. During the non-breeding season, the Dark-eyed Junco can be found throughout most of Louisiana.

Some of the most common Junco staples include black oil sunflower seeds, cracked maize, oatmeal, and Nyjer. Ground feeders eat seeds that have fallen to the ground, as well as huge hopper and platform feeders.

17. 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 48.15 percent of sites visited in Louisiana

Besides its red crown, the male Downy Woodpecker’s body is covered in black-and-white checkerboard patterns, which extends to its wings and head. The darker plumage of Western Downy Woodpeckers distinguishes them from Eastern Downy Woodpeckers. Thus, the Eastern hemisphere’s wings are darker brown in color. The main hue of the Pacific Northwest is a deep brown.

Downy Woodpeckers often join with other raptors in mixed-species flocks in the winter. As a result, they have less time to keep an eye out for predators and may be able to harvest food more quickly because more people are available to assist them.

The Downy Woodpecker can be found in vast numbers all year long over North America, especially in Louisiana.

It is more abundant in the backyard, where it can be spotted more regularly. Chunky peanut butter and black oil sunflower seeds are among their favorite treats, in addition to the suet cages. The usage of hummingbird feeders by birds to get water is very typical.

18. Orange-crowned Warbler

Image: © Ian Davies | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Leiothlypis celata

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

Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (7-11 g)

Wingspan: 7.5 in (19 cm)

Found in 48.15 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

A little songbird, the Orange-crowned Warbler is somewhat larger than the Ruby-crowned Kinglet thanks to its strikingly thin bill. Yellower on the Pacific coast and greyer on the head to the east, they have a basic yellow or olive color.

These birds prefer to feed in low bushes and trees, where they can remain undetected. High and feeble calls are often heard during foraging. Scattered thick bushes and woodlands are ideal breeding grounds for Orange-crowned Warbler.

Migrating at night, the Orange-crowned Warbler travels a medium-to-long distance. The majority of these Warblers will be found in Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize during the winter months. Outside of breeding season, it is possible to spot these birds in Louisiana.

Late spring and fall are the best times to catch a glimpse of these warblers in the eastern United States. They are most commonly spotted in the winter months in the Southeast. In addition to suet and peanut butter, Orange-crowned Warblers frequently visit feeders containing sugar water.

19. 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 48.15 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

The Eastern Phoebe is a stocky songbird with a mid-sized tail and an apparently huge head that is brownish-grey above and white below. Similar to most little fly-catching birds, their beaks are short and narrow. In comparison to the Tufted Titmouse, this Phoebe is on the smaller side.

Eastern Phoebes like to perch low in trees or on fences to catch their prey’s attention. Insect-hunting birds such as this one are always on the go. The Eastern Phoebe regularly wags its tail up and down while perched.

Eastern Phoebes are year-round residents of northern Louisiana and are short- to medium-distance migratory birds. Wintering grounds for these songbirds can be found in the southern hemisphere’s middle latitudes around September or November.

The Eastern Phoebe’s song is a strong indicator of spring’s arrival, and it’s also a fantastic way to find the birds in wooded areas. You may be able to find an Eastern Phoebe nest if you pay attention to the eaves and overhangs.

Set up a nesting structure to attract a breeding pair of Eastern Phoebes to your yard. Set one up well in advance of when the breeding season actually begins.

20. Brown-headed Cowbird

Image: © Jack & Holly Bartholmai | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Molothrus after

Male

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

Weight: 1.5-1.8 oz (42-50 g)

Wingspan:14.2 in (36 cm)

Female

Length: 6.3-7.9 in (16-20 cm)

Weight: 1.3-1.6 oz (38-45 g)

Wingspan: 12.6-15.0 in (32-38 cm)

Found in 44.44 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

Brown-headed The cowbird’s snout and tail are longer and shorter than those of other blackbird species. Males are often glossy black with a dark brown or blackhead, while females are plain brown with the same dark brown or blackhead.

Like blackbirds and starlings, birds like these enjoy scavenging for food on the ground in groups. The clicking, whistling, and gurgling sounds of Brown-headed Cowbirds can be irritating to people.

The breeding grounds of this bird are 530 kilometers away from its wintering grounds. The Brown-headed Cowbird spends the entire year in Louisiana.

One can see many cowbirds flying around. Winter is a good time to look for their black and brown heads in groups of other species. If you learn their distinct calls, it will be easier to locate these birds. Keep an ear to the ground and listen for their song if you want to keep an eye on them.

Beyond sunflower seed and cereal grain, cowbirds will eat cracked corn (milo), peanuts (peanut butter), and millet (millet). Feeding stations, including hoppers and platforms, and the ground are included.

21. 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 44.44 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

It’s hard to tell this sparrow from others since its beak is so little compared to the rest of its body and tail. The underparts of these sparrows are cold, and they have a pale face with a rusty crown.

On the ground, Chipping Sparrows are able to shield themselves from the elements thanks to plants. Branches of larger and smaller trees will both be used for singing. For the first time ever, a Chipping Sparrow has been found to be at least 10 years and 11 months old, making it the oldest known.

While the breeding season is in full swing, they can be seen across the state. Breeders from Arizona, Arkansas, and Tennessee will spend the months of June through August away from breeding in Baja California, Mexico, or Florida.

Small groups of Chipping Sparrows might be spotted foraging in the area of open land in the winter. When it comes to feeding time, Chipping Sparrows prefer nothing more than black oil sunflower seeds. A feeder is only used on occasion by these sparrows; they prefer to feed on the ground.

22. 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 44.44 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

A vividly colorful bird, the Pine Warbler is not wholly yellow; their backs are olive green, and they have whitish bellies, which gives them their name. The beaks of these birds are quite large, and their long tails are proportionately long to match their bulk.

They may be difficult to spot since they prefer to nest on pine trees and because they are so high up in the canopy, but this is due to their preference for pine trees. Despite the fact that insects make up the great majority of their diet, they also ingest fruits and seeds. It is possible that the Pine Warbler will browse on the ground or even feed from bird feeders on occasion, depending on the circumstances.

Pine Warblers make a stop in the southern United States, notably the Southeast, as part of their annual migratory.

Traveling to a pine forest in the eastern United States is the most effective method of observing the Pine Warbler in its natural environment, according to research. This type of Warbler prefers to perch high in the branches of pine trees, where it can see all around it. Pine Warblers eat a variety of seeds, including millet, broken corn, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet, among others. It will also eat suet and peanut butter if given the opportunity.

23. 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 44.44 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

Brown Thrashers dwarf Northern Mockingbirds in terms of size and bulk, despite the fact that they are smaller than Blue Jays in terms of overall size and mass. On the underparts of these birds’ bodies, which are white with black lines on their wings and tails, the color is dark. Dark skin tones and brilliant yellow eyes distinguish their appearance from that of other people.

Foraging in the underbrush or among the shrubs and bushes is something that these birds enjoy doing in order to avoid being discovered by humans. Their favorite part of making noise and drawing attention when they sing from the branches of trees and plants is when they make a lot of noise. Brown Thrashers are violent birds that have been known to inflict serious injury and even death on humans and their pets when they are enraged or threatened.

During their annual migration, Brown Thrashers migrate throughout the country, pausing in a variety of locales along their route. A large number of them migrate southward from the northern portions of their nesting habitat during the coldest months of the year. The Brown Thrasher is a bird that can be found throughout the year in Louisiana.

If you want to increase your chances of spotting this bird in its natural environment, keep an eye out for highly wooded regions such as hedgerows and forest borders. You will find it tough to ignore the scurrying noises made by these birds once they start making them.

Whatever is placed in front of the Brown will be devoured as long as it is readily available. Aside from feeding facilities, thrashers may also frequent the yards of residents in the surrounding region. Thrashers may be drawn to fruit-bearing shrubs and bushes because of the deep cover they provide, which may entice them.

24. White-winged Dove

Image: © Jeff Timmons | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Zenaida asiatica

Length: 4.4-6.6 oz (125-187 g)

Weight: 18.9-22.8 in (48-58 cm)

Found in 40.74 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

When it comes to overall size, the White-winged Dove is roughly the same as a robin. It has a plump body, square tails, long beaks, and small heads. Though smaller than the Eurasian Collared-Dove, this bird outweighs the Mourning Dove when it comes to weight. The White-winged Dove is a brown bird with a black mark on its cheek. The wings have a thin white line running around the perimeter of each one.

White-winged Blackbird Discarded grains and seeds left on the ground are a favorite food source for doves. They may eat berries from trees, but saguaro cactus are their preferred source of food in the desert. In order to move between roosting and foraging grounds on a regular basis, these doves often gather in large flocks.

Large groups of this dove can be found in southeastern Louisiana during the non-breeding season.

Doves of this species can be found in and around major cities, as well as within them. White-winged Foraging in big flocks, perching on feeders, and occasionally nesting in large trees, doves prefer the southern United States.

The white-winged hawk Doves, a seed-eating bird, are common visitors to bird feeders on elevated platforms. Among its favorite foods are safflower, corn, milo, and sunflower seeds. Plant berries are also a favorite food of theirs.

25. 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 40.74 percent of the sites visited in Louisiana

Male bluebirds have vivid blue upper parts, but brown neck and breast. Her upper body is gray, while her tail and wingtips are blue, and her underparts are white. Wide rounded heads and large eyes give these birds a look similar to that of a sparrow-robin crossbreed.

The Eastern Bluebird prefers perching on wires, low branches, and posts. They frequently perch on the ground and scout for prey in open areas. They feed on fruiting trees in the winter and insects and other small creatures in the summer.

In Louisiana, Eastern Bluebirds can be found year-round. They are either year-round inhabitants or short-distance moves.

There is a high concentration of Eastern Bluebirds in open places with little vegetation or tall trees, as well as nest boxes. Open spaces like power lines or fences are more appealing for these birds than dense cover.

The presence of food may entice these bluebirds, even if they don’t usually stop by. The bird will eat mealworms if you put them in your garden feeder. Also observed eating from a platform feeder and on the ground, as well as from the air. In addition to mealworms and fruit, Eastern Bluebirds eat peanut hearts and suet.

Bird Watching in Louisiana

Birdwatching in Louisiana is an incredible experience, particularly for beginners. The state has some of the best birdwatching in the country, with habitats ranging from coastal marshes and wetlands to forests. Louisiana’s mild climate makes it an ideal location for birdwatchers to observe a diverse range of species. Some of the birds found in the state include warblers, flycatchers, woodpeckers, waterfowl, and raptors.

The spring and fall migrations are the best times to go birdwatching in Louisiana. Migratory birds flock to the state in large numbers during this time of year, providing plenty of opportunities to observe a variety of species. When going birdwatching in Louisiana, it is critical to dress appropriately. Because the weather can be unpredictable, it is critical to dress in layers to stay warm and dry in the event of rain. Furthermore, wearing colors that blend in with the surroundings will help to reduce bird disturbance.

Attracting Backyard Birds in Louisiana

Attracting backyard birds in Louisiana is a great way to see some of the state’s more common bird species. There are numerous methods for attracting birds to your backyard, ranging from providing food to creating bird-friendly habitats. It is critical to provide a safe and sheltered environment for birds when creating a backyard habitat.

Because the climate in Louisiana is mild and humid, it is critical to keep the area well-ventilated. It is also important to provide a water source, such as a birdbath, which should be kept clean and filled with fresh water. A wide variety of birds will be attracted if you provide a variety of food sources, such as seed and suet. Birdhouses should also be installed in the backyard to provide birds with shelter and nesting sites.

Finally, to ensure the safety of the birds, the area must be kept free of cats and other predators. You can enjoy the beauty of backyard birds in Louisiana by providing a safe and inviting environment.