Feeding Distance Of 25 Common Backyard Birds In The U.S.

by NINGLiya on Jan 26, 2025
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    Introduction

    Garden birds, or backyard birds, are amazing tiny creatures that help bring life into your garden or backyard. They are of different sizes, colors, and shapes, live in other places, and sing various songs daily. These birds may come to yards to feed, drink, or seek another place to nest. Seeds, fruits, insects, nuts and some take a special liking to sweets like suet or nectar round out their much-loved foods. Simply observing them fly, sing, and eat is a fascinating thing to watch in children as well as in adults. Birds are useful for nature using seed dispersal and pest control.

    The food preferences differ with the specific bird and feeding style also varies with each bird. Some birds feed on feeders while some move on the ground or in bushes to look for food. Many birds prefer living in a small house to afford them the protection and warmth they need. This article will discuss the top 25 common backyard birds in the United States of America.

    American Goldfinch

    It is a yellow bird with black wings and a beautiful voice. It prefers habitats such as the field or yard.

    Measurements

    The American Goldfinch bird is small in size. This species is about 4.3-5.1 inches in length and about 0.4-0.7 ounces in weight or 11-13 cm and 11-20 g, respectively. It is also a bird of moderate size with wingspan varying between 7. 5 and 8.7 inches or 19 to 22 cm.

    Relative Size

    This bird is comparatively smaller than the Tufted Titmouse.

    Feeding Distance

    American Goldfinches are not very migratory and remain in their homes and places where they find food. This species prefers to cover short distances to source for food.

    Feeding Status

    They like seeds – specifically thistle and sunflower seeds – and are known to steal from gardens. They are active feeders.

    Eating Distance

    Habits of feeding: they feed near their nests or bird feeders, and they do not move very far to look for their food.

    Eating State

    Goldfinches are quick eaters. They sit on feeders or plants and feed well.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Goldfinches do not like houses but prefer tall bushes or trees around.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, you can use special feeders for seeds like thistle or sunflower seeds.

    House Wren

    This small breeder is brown colored boasting a big, frothy voice. It loves to live near people.

    Measurements

    House Wren’s length is between 4.3-5.1 inches or 11-13 cm in length, weight is between 0.3-0.4 ounces or 10-12 grams, and wingspan is about 5.9 inches or 15 cm.

    Relative Size

    It is slightly smaller, than a Carolina Wren and almost the size of a chickadee.

    Feeding Distance

    Their foraging range is limited, and the birds do not travel far to obtain food. They feed almost close to their nests.

    Feeding Status

    The spiders, beetles, and caterpillars make up part of this species’ diet.

    Eating Distance

    They hop on the ground or low vegetation to look for their food, close by.

    Eating State

    House Wrens are slow feeders as they forage for insects in the compound.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Yes, they like birdhouses most particularly in those places that are very quiet.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    No, they prefer bugs to seeds, so feeders are not helpful.

    Painted Bunting

    The Painted Bunting is a small, showy bird that has mainly blue, green, and red colors. It’s one of the most graceful backyard birds.

    Painted Bunting Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

    Measurements

    Painted Buntings are small and slender birds measuring between 4.7 and 5.1 centimeters in length, and weight between 13 and 19 grams.

    Relative Size

    They are three-fourths the size of the American Goldfinch and one-third the size of the Eastern Bluebird.

    Feeding Distance

    It spends a few hours flying around for seeds and fruits, which are mostly easily accessed within short distances.

    Feeding Status

    They consume seeds, fruits, and some insects.

    Eating Distance

    They feed close to bushes or trees that afford them the necessary protection.

    Eating State

    Painted Buntings feed insidiously taking seeds and fruits.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    No, they do not use houses but like shrubs for shelter.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Feathers with small seeds such as millet or sunflower seeds are suitable for use.

    Carolina Wren

    Carolina Wren is brown, about the size of a sparrow with a striking white line above the eye, and is vocal with a clear, flute-like melody.

    Measurements

    Carolina Wrens are 4.7 —5.5 inches long; they weigh 0.6 — 0.8oz and have a wingspan of 11.4 inches.

    Relative Size

    They are smaller than sparrows and greater than House Wrens.

    Feeding Distance

    Carolina Wrens do not travel far from their shelters and food locations.

    Feeding Status

    These include spiders, beetles, and caterpillars, as well as at times seeds.

    Eating Distance

    They feed on the ground, behind a bush or tree close to their nest.

    Eating State

    Wrens are fast when eating hopping around to look for bugs.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Yes, they prefer small birdhouses that will give them the rather liveable space of a bird nest.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they utilize feeders with specialized food such as meal worms or small seeds.

    Black-Capped Chickadee

    The Black-capped Chickadee is a small bird with black and white feathers and a cheerful personality.

    Measurements

    It is 4.7-5.9 inches (12-15 cm) long, weighs 0.3-0.5 ounces (9-14 g), and has a wingspan of 6.3-8.3 inches (16-21 cm).

    Relative Size

    It is smaller than a sparrow.

    Feeding Distance

    They fly short distances for food and stay near their nesting areas.

    Feeding Status

    They eat seeds, berries, insects, and nuts.

    Eating Distance

    They perch on branches or feeders close to home.

    Eating State

    Chickadees are quick and lively eaters.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Yes, they like small birdhouses with tiny openings.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they enjoy feeders with sunflower seeds and suet.

    House Finch

    The House Finch is a small bird with a cheerful song. Males are red, and females are brown and streaky.

    Measurements

    House Finches are 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm) long, weigh 0.6-0.9 ounces (16-27 g), and have a wingspan of 7.9-9.8 inches (20-25 cm).

    Relative Size

    They are the same size as a House Sparrow but more slender.

    Feeding Distance

    House Finches stay close to feeders and don’t travel far for food.

    Feeding Status

    They eat seeds, fruits, and berries.

    Eating Distance

    They eat at feeders or nearby bushes.

    Eating State

    House Finches are social eaters and often eat in groups.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    No, they prefer trees or shrubs for nesting.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they love feeders with sunflower seeds and millet.

    Bewick’s Wren

    Bewick’s Wren is a small, brown bird with a long tail that often sticks up.

    Bewick's Wren Identification, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

    Measurements

    It is 5.1 inches (13 cm) long and weighs 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-12 g).

    Relative Size

    This bird is smaller than a House Sparrow but slightly larger than a House Wren.

    Feeding Distance

    Bewick’s Wrens stay near their nests to find food.

    Feeding Status

    They eat insects like spiders and beetles.

    Eating Distance

    They forage close to the ground or in bushes.

    Eating State

    They are active eaters, always hopping and searching for bugs.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Yes, they like birdhouses in quiet spots.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    No, they don’t use feeders because they eat insects.

    White-Breasted Nuthatch

    The White-breasted Nuthatch is a small bird with a white chest and a long, pointed beak.

    Measurements

    It is 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm) long, weighs 0.6-1.1 ounces (18-30 g), and has a wingspan of 7.9-10.6 inches (20-27 cm).

    Relative Size

    It is larger than a Red-breasted Nuthatch but smaller than a Tufted Titmouse.

    Feeding Distance

    They stay close to their trees and food sources.

    Feeding Status

    They eat seeds, nuts, and insects.

    Eating Distance

    They eat near tree trunks or branches.

    Eating State

    Nuthatches are quick eaters, storing food in tree bark.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Yes, they may use birdhouses near trees.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they enjoy feeders with sunflower seeds and suet.

    Tufted Titmouse

    The Tufted Titmouse is a grey bird with a small crest on its head and a sweet voice.

    Measurements

    It is 5.5-6.3 inches (14-16 cm) long, weighs 0.6-0.9 ounces (18-26 g), and has a wingspan of 7.9-10.2 inches (20-26 cm).

    Relative Size

    It is noticeably larger than a chickadee.

    Feeding Distance

    They stay in their favorite trees or close to feeders.

    Feeding Status

    They eat seeds, nuts, and insects.

    Eating Distance

    They eat on branches or at feeders nearby.

    Eating State

    Tufted Titmice are playful eaters, often carrying food to eat elsewhere.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Yes, they like cozy birdhouses.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they love feeders with sunflower seeds and suet.

    Black-crested Titmouse

    The Black-crested Titmouse is a small gray bird with a black crest and a curious nature.

    Black-crested Titmouse Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

    Measurements

    It is 5.9 inches (15 cm) long, weighs 0.5-0.7 ounces (15.2-18.4 g), and has a wingspan of 9.1-9.8 inches (23-25 cm).

    Relative Size

    It is larger than a Carolina Chickadee but smaller than a Red-eyed Vireo.

    Feeding Distance

    They stay near trees and food sources.

    Feeding Status

    They eat seeds, nuts, and insects.

    Eating Distance

    They eat close to their nests or at feeders.

    Eating State

    Black-crested Titmice are lively eaters that hop around to find food.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Yes, they use birdhouses near trees.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they enjoy feeders with seeds and suet.

    House Sparrow

    The House Sparrow is a common, brown bird with a noisy chirp.

    Measurements

    It is 5.9-6.7 inches (15-17 cm) long, weighs 0.9-1.1 ounces (27-30 g), and has a wingspan of 7.5-9.8 inches (19-25 cm).

    Relative Size

    It is about the size of a Song Sparrow but stockier.

    Feeding Distance

    House Sparrows stay close to their homes for food.

    Feeding Status

    They eat seeds, grains, and small insects.

    Eating Distance

    They eat near bushes, trees, or bird feeders.

    Eating State

    House Sparrows are active eaters and often eat in groups.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Yes, they love birdhouses in sheltered spots.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they use feeders with seeds and grains.

    Downy Woodpecker

    The Downy Woodpecker is a tiny black-and-white bird with a red spot on the male’s head.

    Measurements

    It is 5.5-6.7 inches (14-17 cm) long, weighs 0.7-1.0 ounces (21-28 g), and has a wingspan of 9.8-11.8 inches (25-30 cm).

    Relative Size

    It is about two-thirds the size of a Hairy Woodpecker.

    Feeding Distance

    Downy Woodpeckers stay close to trees for food.

    Feeding Status

    They eat insects, seeds, and suet.

    Eating Distance

    They eat on tree trunks and at feeders.

    Eating State

    They are careful eaters, pecking slowly to get food.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Yes, they like tree cavities or birdhouses.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they enjoy suet feeders and seed feeders.

    Eastern Bluebird

    Eastern Bluebirds are bright blue with reddish-orange chests and sweet, soft songs.

    Measurements

    They are 6.3-8.3 inches (16-21 cm) long, weigh 1.0-1.1 ounces (28-32 g), and have a wingspan of 9.8-12.6 inches (25-32 cm).

    Relative Size

    They are about two-thirds the size of an American Robin.

    Feeding Distance

    Eastern Bluebirds stay near open fields or gardens.

    Feeding Status

    They eat insects, berries, and worms.

    Eating Distance

    They eat on the ground or perched nearby.

    Eating State

    Eastern Bluebirds are calm eaters, picking food gently.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Yes, they love nesting boxes in open spaces.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they like mealworm feeders and fruit trays.

    Carolina Wren

    The Carolina Wren is a small, brown bird with a loud, cheerful song and a long, curved beak.

    Measurements

    It is 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm) long, weighs 0.6-0.8 ounces (18-22 g), and has a wingspan of 11.4 inches (29 cm).

    Relative Size

    This bird is slightly smaller than sparrows but slightly larger than a House Wren.

    Feeding Distance

    Carolina Wrens stay near bushes, trees, or feeders.

    Feeding Status

    They eat insects, seeds, and small fruits.

    Eating Distance

    They forage on the ground or near shrubs.

    Eating State

    Carolina Wrens are active eaters, hopping around to search for food.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Yes, they like nesting in birdhouses or sheltered areas.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they enjoy suet, mealworms, and seeds in feeders.

    Baltimore Oriole

    The Baltimore Oriole is a bright orange-and-black bird known for its sweet songs and love for fruit.

    Measurements

    It is 6.7-7.5 inches (17-19 cm) long, weighs 1.1-1.4 ounces (30-40 g), and has a wingspan of 9.1-11.8 inches (23-30 cm).

    Relative Size

    This bird is slightly larger than a sparrow and smaller than a robin. They are about the size of red-winged blackbirds, but a bit slimmer.

    Feeding Distance

    Baltimore Orioles stay near trees and open spaces.

    Feeding Status

    They eat fruits, nectar, and insects.

    Eating Distance

    They feed in trees or on special feeders.

    Eating State

    Baltimore Orioles are neat eaters, sipping nectar or picking fruit carefully.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    No, they build hanging nests in trees.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they love feeders with nectar, oranges, or jelly.

    Red-Winged Blackbird

    The Red-winged Blackbird is black with bright red and yellow patches on its wings, and it sings loud, trilling songs.

    Measurements

    It is 6.7-9.1 inches (17-23 cm) long, weighs 1.1-2.7 ounces (32-77 g), and has a wingspan of 12.2-15.8 inches (31-40 cm).

    Relative Size

    It is about three-quarters the size of a common grackle.

    Feeding Distance

    Red-winged Blackbirds feed in fields, marshes, or grassy areas.

    Feeding Status

    They eat seeds, grains, and insects.

    Eating Distance

    They eat on the ground or at feeders.

    Eating State

    They are quick eaters, often eating while moving.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    No, they nest in reeds or shrubs.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they eat seeds from platform feeders.

    Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

    The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a colorful bird with black, white, and a bright red patch on its chest.

    Measurements

    It is 7.1-8.3 inches (18-21 cm) long, weighs 1.4-1.7 ounces (39-49 g), and has a wingspan of 11.4-13.0 inches (29-33 cm).

    Relative Size

    This bird is larger than a House Finch and smaller than an American Robin.

    Feeding Distance

    Rose-breasted Grosbeaks stay near forests or gardens.

    Feeding Status

    They eat seeds, fruits, and insects.

    Eating Distance

    They eat on branches or at feeders.

    Eating State

    These birds are careful eaters, cracking seeds slowly.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    No, they prefer trees for nesting.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they enjoy feeders with sunflower seeds and fruits.

    American Robin

    The American Robin is a familiar bird with a red chest, gray wings, and a cheerful song.

    Measurements

    It is 7.9-11.0 inches (20-28 cm) long, weighs 2.7-3.0 ounces (77-85 g), and has a wingspan of 12.2-15.8 inches (31-40 cm).

    Relative Size

    It is the largest North American thrush, almost half again as a bluebird.

    Feeding Distance

    American Robins feed near lawns, gardens, or trees.

    Feeding Status

    They eat worms, berries, and insects.

    Eating Distance

    They eat on the ground or in trees.

    Eating State

    Robins are quick eaters, pulling worms or picking berries fast.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    No, they build open nests in trees.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    No, they prefer natural food sources.

    Mourning Dove

    The Mourning Dove is a gentle bird with soft brown feathers and a sad-sounding coo.

    Measurements

    Males are 9.1-13.4 inches (23-34 cm) long, weigh 3.4-6.0 ounces (96-170 g), and have a wingspan of 17.7 inches (45 cm). Females weigh 3.0-5.5 ounces (86-156 g) with the same wingspan.

    Relative Size

    It is smaller and slanderer than Rock Pigeon.

    Feeding Distance

    Mourning Doves stay near open fields and gardens.

    Feeding Status

    They eat seeds and grains.

    Eating Distance

    They eat on the ground or near feeders.

    Eating State

    Mourning Doves eat quickly and often swallow seeds whole.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    No, they prefer nesting on tree branches or flat surfaces.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they use platform feeders or eat spilled seeds.

    Red-Bellied Woodpecker

    The Red-bellied Woodpecker has a redhead and a light belly. It is known for its loud drumming on tree trunks.

    Measurements

    It is 9.4 inches (24 cm) long, weighs 2.0-3.2 ounces (56-91 g), and has a wingspan of 13.0-16.5 inches (33-42 cm).

    Relative Size

    It is the same size as the Hairy Woodpecker and three-quarters the size of Northern Flicker.

    Feeding Distance

    Red-bellied Woodpeckers feed on tree trunks or at feeders.

    Feeding Status

    They eat insects, nuts, and seeds.

    Eating Distance

    They search for food on tree bark or in wood.

    Eating State

    They are skilled at pecking for insects under tree bark.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Yes, they may use tree cavities for nesting.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they like suet feeders.

    Blue Jay

    The Blue Jay is a blue bird with a loud, distinctive call and a crest on its head.

    Measurements

    It is 9.8-11.8 inches (25-30 cm) long, weighs 2.5-3.5 ounces (70-100 g), and has a wingspan of 13.4-16.9 inches (34-43 cm).

    Relative Size

    It is almost the size of Western Scrub-Jay.

    Feeding Distance

    Blue Jays feed near trees, forests, or backyard feeders.

    Feeding Status

    They eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and small animals.

    Eating Distance

    They feed on the ground or branches.

    Eating State

    They are noisy eaters and can be very aggressive.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Yes, they can use large birdhouses or trees for nesting.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they enjoy eating from feeders with seeds, peanuts, and suet.

    Northern Flicker

    They are primarily brown with black spots; they search for ants on the ground.

    Measurements

    The body measurement is 11.0-12.2 inches (28-31 cm) in length; weighs 3.9-5.6 ounces (110-160 g) and wingspan is about 6.5-20.1 inches (42-51 cm).

    Relative Size

    It is slightly bigger than the Hairy Woodpecker and smaller in size than a Pileated Woodpecker.

    Feeding Distance

    Northern Flickers search for food on level grounds near trees or open plain territories.

    Feeding Status

    They also consume ants, beetles, and other bugs.

    Eating Distance

    It uses its long bill to probe for ants on the ground, mostly at dawn.

    Eating State

    They are frequently foraging, picking the ground and trees at the same time.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Yes, they may repose in cavities in trees or bird holes.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    They are insect eaters, not seeds so they do not usually feed on feeders.

    Eurasian Collared Dove

    The Eurasian Collared Dove is a grey bird; it has a unique black stripe down the back of the neck.

    Eurasian Collared-Doves – How They Got Here And Does It Matter – Feathered  Photography

    Measurements

    The measurements of this species are a length of 11.4-11.8 inches (29-30 cm), a weight of approximately 4.9–6.3 ounces (140–180 g), and a wingspan of 13.8 inches (35 cm).

    Relative Size

    It is large dove, larger and heftier than the Mourning Dove but smaller than a Rock Pigeon.

    Feeding Distance

    Eurasian Collared Doves feed on the ground and small openings and areas in people’s neighborhoods.

    Feeding Status

    They feed on seeds and grains as well as berries.

    Eating Distance

    It can mostly be seen, foraging on the ground, around feeders or water sources such as birdbaths.

    Eating State

    They are slow eaters going for seeds, without any fuss.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    They, yes, prefer to build nests in high trees, or on the roofs of buildings.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they do go for seeds that you find in platform feeders.

    Steller's Jay

    It almost resembles to the blue Jay but its head is black crested, and like the blue Jay it is also very curious and noisy.

    Measurements

    The length of this bird is 11.8-13.4 inches (30-34 cm), is 3. ounces ounce (100-140 g) in weight, and has a wing compared to 17.3 inches (44 cm).

    Relative Size

    It is almost the same in size as a Western Scrub-Jay.

    Feeding Distance

    Steller’s Jay's forage in the forest and clearings within about 200 meters from the dense tree cover.

    Feeding Status

    They eat seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects for their food.

    Eating Distance

    They are either arboreal, meaning that they climb trees to feed, or terrestrial, that they feed on the ground.

    Eating State

    They are aggressive feeders and may come for the food in feeders with a lot of force.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Perhaps they will use birdhouses or tree cavities.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they preferred peanuts, seeds, and suet at bird feeders.

    American Crow

    The American Crow is a large bird of black color and it is an intelligent and quick-witted bird.

    Measurements

    Its body length is 15.8-20.9 inches and body weight is 11.2-21.9 ounces and its wingspan is 33.5-39.4 inches.

    Relative Size

    It is nearly twice the size of a Blue Jay and about two-thirds the size of a Common Raven.

    Feeding Distance

    Crows forage for food in any location, on the ground, or in other structures such as fields, parking lots, or even on bird feeders.

    Feeding Status

    They feed a variety of things such as fruits, insects, and grains and sometimes they are known to feed on small animals.

    Eating Distance

    As ground feeders, they also feed in trees if on a feeder or on the ground.

    Eating State

    The crows are intelligent animals when it comes to feed and know how to use tools to acquire food.

    Can You Use a House for Them?

    Yes, and that’s why they tend to choose large trees or the tallest roofs to lay their eggs.

    Can You Use Bird Feeders for This Bird?

    Yes, they will eat from large platform feeders with nuts, seeds, and grains, and prefer meals containing oats.

    Conclusion

    These backyard birds are interesting birds that transform gardens and other open spaces. Starting with the patriotic American Robin and going down to the crows, every bird eats differently, has a different size, and has different choices. To attract these birds and have them visit your compound, you need to create an appropriate food source in the way of feeders and birdhouses. The song of the Baltimore Oriole or the consistent pecking sound of the Northern Flicker makes the true beauty of backyard birds enjoyable and informative!

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