Backyard Birds Worth Noting in Nevada and California for Enthused Gardeners

Swoop on Some Feathered Friends in California and Nevada

California and Nevada share a border, but their avian residents are as diverse as their landscapes. From the sunny beaches of California to the arid deserts of Nevada, each state boasts its unique set of backyard birds.

California's lengthy coastline plays a part in attracting millions of migratory birds during spring, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. Gardening plays a crucial role in supporting these traveling avians, with native California and Nevada plants proving to be the preferred choice.

California's Fascinating Feathered Flock

If you're new to birdwatching, check out some common backyard birds in California:

American Robin: A familiar guest among gardens, the American Robin boasts a bright red chest, melodious chatter, and rich songs. To lure them to your yard, a birdbath is an excellent starting point.
Cedar Waxwing: Easily recognized by its black mask, tan feathers, and crested head, the Cedar Waxwing's unique trait is the red, waxlike droplets on its wing feathers. If you have native fruiting trees in your area, a swoon-worthy sight awaits as waxwings feast on overripe berries during winter months.
Oak Titmouse: Known for its small, gray form, unimposing crest, and rambunctious chatter, the Oak Titmouse is a common sight in oak woodlands. Listening for its "peter-peter-peter" call will make it easy to spot. These California backyard birds are drawn to feeders offering suet or seeds, transforming your backyard into a veritable bird sanctuary.
Goldfinch: Stunning in their vibrant yellow plumage, both Lesser Goldfinch and American Goldfinch dazzle with their resplendent feathers. Legend has it that if the first bird you spot on January 1st is a goldfinch, the coming year will be filled with joy and good fortune! To entice these bright beauties to your feeder, offer them nyjer seeds, best enjoyed via a nyjer seed-feeder.
Anna's Hummingbird: Such a striking sight, don't miss out on hanging a colorful hummingbird feeder from your window or branch. If there's one feathered friend you want to catch a glimpse of, it's Anna's Hummingbird. Amazing in their flashy iridescent green plumage with a brilliant pink-reddish throat patch, you'll be in awe. Enchant these youthful birds further by growing flowering vines in your yard.
Crowned Sparrows: Mild California winters attract migrating bird species, including the "crowned sparrows": White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows. Spotted strolling among your garden, these backyard birds of California sport subtle, drab tones, with their distinct crown patterns adding a touch of elegance.
Allen's Hummingbird: Admire the delicate, jewel-like, Allen's Hummingbird throughout coastal California in spring, while they return to enchant us with their elaborate mating courtship. If you're lucky, a small resident population in Southern California can be found year-round.
Western Scrub Jay: The long-tailed Western Scrub Jay is a common sight in coastal California and foothill areas. Known for its assertive, curious nature, they fill your garden with chatter as they feed on insects, fruits, seeds, and acorns. Feeders and bird baths are guaranteed to attract these chatty birds, while they may not be so friendly with other avian visitors due to their knack for egg and young bird theft.
Cooper's Hawk: As common as hawks in California might be, they may not be frequent flyers in your backyard. These birds of prey prefer woodland homes, darting above forests and fields in pursuit of their next meal—robins, doves, and small mammals.
Chestnut-Backed Chickadees: Perky and enthusiastic, the Chestnut-Backed Chickadees can be found year-round in coastal California's coniferous forests, central Sierra Nevada, and suburban areas in Eastern San Francisco Bay. Joining forces with other species, these jolly birds forage for insects, seeds, and even cache acorns for winter.

A More Deserted Dwellers: Nevada's Backyard Birds

Nevada's unpredictable climate and varied ecosystems establish the stage for fascinating backyard bird populations. Keep an eye out for these frequent visitors:

Dark-Eyed Juncos: One of the most common backyard birds across North America, the Dark-Eyed Junco makes an appearance in Nevada during winter. Sporting a distinct black or gray hood that contrasts with its brown back, these wintry birds can often be spotted ground-feeding. Listen for their ticking calls to catch a glimpse.
Spotted Towhee: Welcoming a male Spotted Towhee to your backyard is an exciting event, with its striking black hood, breast, and back, tan sides, bold white spots, and white belly. These birds enjoy the cover of dense shrubs or ground cover, feasting on a variety of seeds, fruits, and insects.
Pine Siskin: A finch, the Pine Siskin nests in Nevada, particularly southern regions, where they take to coniferous trees and small seed feeders. Males show off their yellow wings, and both sexes are attracted to nyjer seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, and suet.
Chestnut-Collared Longspur: A common sight in short-grass prairies during the summer, the Chestnut-Collared Longspur dons black, brown, and buff stripes on its back, boasts two pale wing bars, and sports a white shoulder patch.
Harris's Sparrow: Resilient and adaptable, Harris's Sparrow is a common Nevada bird featured in its summer breeding season. Known for its striking markings—streaked reddish-brown back, reddish brown wings with two white wing bars, and pink bill—these sparrows travel in flocks with other species.

Always looking for an exciting new adventure? Embrace your inner birdwatcher and discover the captivating tales that unfold as you explore California and Nevada's backyard birds!

Just as California's avian population thrives in diverse landscapes, Nevada's backyard birds revel in the desert ecosystems, adding to the excitement of birdwatching.
Should you find yourself drawn to the thrill of birdwatching, consider venturing into Nevada's backyards, where you might spot common visitors like the Dark-Eyed Junco and Spotted Towhee.