Kinds of Wild Birds

The Hummingbird

• There are 17 species of hummingbirds. Some species are generally common to a small region. For example, the ruby-throated hummingbird is only found in the eastern region of the United States, while broad-tailed humming birds are found in the western region. Hybrids and white hummingbirds are rarities that are found in only a few states in the country. Hummingbirds are identified by their unusually needle-like beaks, which they use to feed on nectar from flowers. A noted characteristic of the hummingbird is the ability to hover while their wings continually flutter at high speed.

American Goldfinch

• The American goldfinch is a small species of finch with a short bill, a short notched tail, and long wings. Black wings with white markings, a black forehead and bright yellow body are markings of the adult male. Adult females have a duller yellow undershading covered by an olive tone. The American goldfinch is found in southern and western America in winter months. During the summer these birds are found in extreme northern states and in southern Canada during the breeding season. The American goldfinch inhabits the most central states of America year round.

The Downy Woodpecker

• The downy woodpecker is the smallest and most common woodpecker found in backyards across America. This woodpecker is about six and half inches in height. Black markings on the top of the head and the sides of a white face are typical markings. Other characteristics include a white back and a black stomach. The bird's tail feathers are white with black markings, and males have a red patch on the crown of the head. Year-round these woodpeckers are found throughout the United States and Canada. Habitats include orchards, river groves, backyards, open forests and shrubbery.

The White-Breasted Nuthatch

• The white-breasted nuthatch is often termed "The Upside-Down Bird." It is named this way because the bird spends much of its time in an upside-down stance when clinging to branches or trees. This is a common feeding bird found throughout most of the United States, with a smaller population in Canada and South America. The white-breasted nuthatch is a small bird with a little neck. Its bill is long, narrow and either straight or slightly upturned. Color characteristics include a grayish blue back, white face, black or gray cap and chestnut underbelly.