How to Choose the Right Backyard Birds for Your Garden

Your Guide to buying the best Backyard Birds

Overview

Welcome to our comprehensive Backyard Birds buying guide! Whether you are an experienced bird watcher, or just starting out, this guide will help you make the best decisions for adding birds to your backyard habitat. Here you'll find tips on choosing the right species, setting up a backyard bird habitat, and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for your birds. We'll also cover the basics of bird feeding, bird health, and birdhouses. With this guide, you'll be able to confidently choose the right birds for your backyard and provide a safe and nurturing environment for them.

Key features

  1. Size: Backyard birds come in a wide range of sizes, so it is important to consider which size is most appropriate for the space available in your yard.
  2. Food Type: Different bird species require different types of food, so be sure to select a species that can be sustainably fed in your backyard.
  3. Behavior: Different species of backyard birds display different behaviors. Consider whether the species you are interested in is suitable for your environment.
  4. Climate: Some species of backyard birds thrive in certain climates or regions, so consider the local climate when selecting a species.
  5. Habitat: Different species of backyard birds require different types of habitat, so be sure to choose a species that will thrive in your backyard.
  6. Cost: When purchasing backyard birds, consider the cost of the bird, as well as the cost of food, housing, and other supplies.

See the most popular Backyard Birds on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Accessibility - Backyard birds provide an easy way to access and observe nature from the comfort of your own home.
  • Variety - Different species of backyard birds can be found to accommodate a variety of tastes and preferences.
  • Beauty - Watching birds in your backyard can provide a great visual stimulus and create a peaceful and calming atmosphere.
  • Health Benefits - Studies have shown that watching birds can reduce stress and anxiety, as well as increase overall mood.
  • Interaction - Backyard birds often interact and build relationships with humans, providing a unique way to bond with nature.
  • Education - Watching birds can be a great way to learn about the different species and their habits.

Cons

  • Noise: Backyard birds can be quite noisy, and there is often little that can be done to reduce the noise generated by them.
  • Feeding: To keep backyard birds healthy, they need regular fresh food and water, which can be expensive.
  • Mess: Backyard birds can make a mess in the form of droppings, feathers, and discarded food.
  • Pests: Backyard birds can attract other pests such as ants and rodents which can be difficult to control.
  • Disease: Backyard birds can carry diseases transmissible to humans, such as salmonella and avian influenza.

Best alternatives

  1. Hummingbirds - These small birds have an incredible ability to hover in midair as they collect nectar from flowers.
  2. Parrots - These colorful birds are very social and can be taught to speak and perform tricks.
  3. Finches - These small birds are very active and usually forage in flocks in search of food.
  4. Doves - Doves are gentle, peaceful birds that coo softly and often form strong pair bonds.
  5. Owls - Owls are nocturnal birds of prey with sharp, hooked beaks and powerful talons.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Bird Houses - A structure which provides shelter for birds to live in.
  • Bird Baths - A shallow basin set on or near the ground that is filled with water for birds to use.
  • Bird Feeders - A container which is used to hold seeds or other food for birds.
  • Bird Seeds - A variety of seeds that can be used to feed backyard birds.
  • Nesting Materials - Materials such as twigs, paper, grass, and hair that birds can use to build their nests.
  • Bird Toys - Toys designed to provide birds with both mental and physical stimulation.
  • Spotting Scopes - A tool used to watch and observe backyard birds from a distance.

Common questions

  1. What types of backyard birds are the most common? The most common backyard birds are sparrows, robins, cardinals, woodpeckers, blue jays, starlings, and finches.
  2. Do birds need a specific kind of feeder? Yes, different types of feeders are better suited for different kinds of birds. For example, tube feeders are better suited for smaller birds such as finches, while hopper feeders are better suited for larger birds such as cardinals.
  3. Do I need to provide water for the birds? Yes, water is an important resource for birds, and providing a birdbath or other source of clean water for the birds will help attract more of them to your yard.
  4. How often should I clean the bird feeder? Bird feeders should be cleaned at least once a week to reduce the risk of disease and keep the birds healthy.
  5. What types of food should I provide? A variety of high-quality bird seed, fruit, and even mealworms can be provided for the birds. Nuts and sunflower seeds are particularly popular among many species.
  6. Do birds need shelter? Yes, providing shelter, such as bird houses, is important for protecting backyard birds from predators and the elements.

Trivia

Some species of backyard birds are known to use tools to help them in their everyday lives. For example, the New Caledonian crow is known to use sticks to pry insects from crevices – similar to how humans use tools! This skill is incredibly rare in the animal kingdom, and is usually only seen in primates and birds. [Source: National Geographic, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/a/new-caledonian-crow/]

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.