Birds in Virginia

Northern Cardinal

• The Northern cardinal is the state bird of Virginia. The crimson-hued bird is a larger member of the finch family. It has a red-crested head with a black mask that stretches from its eyes to its chin. The bill is a light shade of red. Northern cardinals eat seeds, grains, fruits, snails and insects. It looks for food in trees and bushes as well as the ground. The Northern cardinal nests in forest edges, lowland and suburban habitats.

Virginia Rail

• The Virginia rail is a migratory bird that breeds as far north as British Columbia, Canada and as far south as South America. Virginia rails are a medium-sized member of the rail family. The bird has a brown and black-patterned body, a white throat, brown breast and a white and black-striped belly. It has a long bill and curves down to the ground. They are shy and reclusive. When spotted they usually run on the ground, as this is their preferred form of fleeing.

Baltimore Oriole

• The Baltimore oriole likes to call Virginia home. Named after a town in the neighboring state of Maryland, the Baltimore oriole can be found as far north as Nova Scotia. The bird will migrate as far south as Florida in the winter. They are considered a small oriole species. The feathers are a bright orange, and it has a black hood that extends down its back. The oriole's wings are black with white edges, and it has orange shoulders.

Eastern Bluebird

• The Eastern bluebird is spotted east of the Rocky Mountains including most of Virginia. The bird is a vibrant blue with a rust-colored throat and breast. The small bird forages for food in low branches of trees so it is easily spotted. The selected habitats of the Eastern bluebird include woodlands, farmlands, clearings, gardens and fields. There has been a decline in the numbers of Eastern bluebirds due to the competition with starlings and house sparrows for nesting sites.