20 Backyard Birds of Wisconsin (With Pictures)

If you are passionate about birdwatching or you live in Wisconsin and wondering how many bird species are there in Wisconsin. You have probably seen a lot of variety of birds coming into your backyard. But, you don’t know their identification and other facts. Relax, we have done your work and made a list of the most common backyard birds in Wisconsin.

In addition, there is also some extra information about the important points in which these birds can be spotted in Wisconsin. So, read on the have a peek into the amazing world of birds in Wisconsin.

20 Common backyard birds in Wisconsin

1. American Robin
2. European Starling
3. Mourning Dove
4. Dark Eyed Junco
5. Song SparrowBarn
6. SwallowBarn Swallow
7. Baltimore Oriole
8. Red-eyed Vireo
9. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
10. Gray Catbird
11. American Crow
12. Northern Cardinal
13. Sedge Wren
14. Red Bellied Woodpecker
15. Black-capped Chickadee
16. White Breasted Nuthatch
17. Common Grackle
18. Blue Jay
19. Downy Woodpecker
20. House Sparrow

Here’s the short video about backyard birds in Wisconsin

3 Categories – 440 Birds

There are a whopping 440 different bird types in Wisconsin. However, all of them are not seen at all times of the year.

They are spotted according to their migratory habits. So, the birds in Wisconsin can be divided according to when they are seen in Wisconsin.

This will help you to understand when to look out for different species. This is how this article is going to discuss these birds:

• Year-round Resident birds
• Birds of Spring, Summer, and Early Fall
• Fall and Winter Birds

Use all the information in this article to try and attract these lovely birds to your house. You will be able to identify the birds that you do see also. However, there are still chances that these birds may decide not to visit. But we definitely increase our chances if we work with a lot of the necessary information.

Wisconsin’s Year-round Resident Birds

Luckily for the people in Wisconsin, there are many birds that remain in the place all through the year. The sheer number of birds here makes it possible for you to be surprised by a beautiful bird when you are not even looking for one! This list gives you 5 such species that you can spot all through the year

1#American Robin – Turdus migratorius

Coloration and Markings: 

• This bird has the distinction of being the state bird. It is a beautiful bird with appealing colors. The colors on it seem to divide its body into two parts.

• The upper body is characterized by grey or brown, which may even appear black at times. On the lower, half of the body is characterized by its own color.

• The breast and underbelly are a striking orange. Their tails are not very long.

• The face of this bird is either a deep brown or black ( depending on the gender). They also have some white patches that seem to border the eyes. The bill is mildly curved and is yellow in color.

Size: 

• These birds are about 7.9 to 11 inches long. The wingspan is around 12.2 to 15.8 inches.

Habitat: 

• This bird is extremely common in Wisconsin and can literally be seen in all places easily. Their favorite spots happen to be parks and gardens. They have even been spotted in golf clubs.  

Diet: 

• These birds are a little fussy about what they eat. They might come for sunflower seeds. But the best bet is to cut apples and mealworms. Place these in your feeder and wait for them to appear.

For more information – click here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Robin/overview

2# European Starling – Sturnus vulgaris

Coloration and Markings:

• There are different colors that go to make up this bird and the colors depend on what season you spot them in.

• In summer, they are dressed in a lustrous mix of purple and green. These colors are so deep that you could mistake them for black from a distance.

• In winter, these birds are dressed in different shades. They are a mix of brown and white. The brown forms the base and the white is in patches on the feathers.

• Though their tails are not very long, their bills are long. The bills are straight and are a vivid yellow.

Size: 

• In size, these birds are comparable to robins. They are about 7.9 to 9.1 inches long.

Habitat: 

• These birds are pretty mobile and are seen almost everywhere. Look for them in sidewalks, lawns and gardens.

• These are just a few places but they are all over the place. They are social birds and can get along very well with grackles and blackbirds too.

• They keep company with their own species also and so, move around in flocks. So, if there is one of them in your yard, be prepared for more.

Diet: 

• These birds love to savor suet. So, if your feeder is full of this, it will come easily. In fact, you may get to have them in your yard until the feeder is empty!

For more information – click here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/European_Starling/overview

3# Mourning Dove – Zenaida macroura

Coloration and Markings: 

• These doves have two different colors on them. They are generally grey and tan. But, the lower half of the body, that is the underbelly and the breast is white with hints of tan.

• There are some spots that are colored black. These are situated on the wings right in the center. Their tails are rather long.

• Their faces are colored tan. They have a crest that is a mild white. Their eyes are bordered with white. The bill is not very long. It is pretty sharp and is black in color.

Size: 

• Their size is more or less like that of a robin. They are about 9.1 to 13.4 inches long. The wingspan is around 17.7 inches.

Habitat: 

• They are not in the habit of venturing well into the woods. But, they are spotted in the periphery of these woods. In the city, look for them in fields and on telephone wires.

• They are not at all hesitant about coming to feed from feeders. So, if your feeder is stocked, they will visit you.

Diet: 

• These birds love sunflower seeds, safflower seeds and thistle seeds. Among these foods, suet is a source of energy for them and it is good to offer them this in winter.

For more information – click here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mourning_Dove/overview

4# Dark Eyed Junco – Junco hyemalis

Coloration and Markings: 

• The color of the Dark-eyed junco that you spot depends on the geography of the place it is in. Their color is different in different regions.

• Generally, the upper body is a deep grey or brown. The lower portion which is the belly is white in color. One of the biggest identifying features is the lengthy white tail that the bird has.

• You will notice this instantly when this bird is in flight.

• The head is rounded and the bird has a bill that is not long and is sharp and pink.

Size: 

• The size of this bird is comparable to a sparrow. It is about 5.5 to 6.3 inches long. The wingspan is around 7.1 to 9.8 inches.

Habitat: 

• During the summer, these birds spend time in coniferous forests in the wild. In winter, they like to come to backyards and parks. They are birds that are around all year long. But they are spotted more easily after the weather gets cold.

Diet: 

• The favorite food of these birds is cracked corn, shelled sunflower seeds, and white proso millet.

For more information- click here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Dark-eyed_Junco/overview

5# Song Sparrow – Melospiza melodia

Coloration and Markings: 

• The main colors that beautify this bird are grey and brown. The brown is prominent in the streaks present everywhere in the body. The wings have grey edges. The lower part of the body, that is, the underbelly and breast show streaks that are a combination of brown and grey. Their tails are rather long.

• The face is basically grey-bearing stripes that are brown. They have a portion on top of the head that is also brown. There is a characteristic white stripe that runs just below the beak. The bill is not very long, is sharp and grey.

Size: 

• These birds are about 4.7 to 6.7 inches long. The wingspan is around 7.1 to 9.4 inches.

Habitat: 

• In the wild, these birds are fond of spending time in fields and marshes. They are not at all bashful about coming to feeders.

• So, you can expect them to visit you. However, these birds are comfortable making their nests in populated areas. So, when they come to eat from the feeder, if there are trees, they might go one step further and make their nest in one of your trees.

Diet: 

• These birds enjoy food like white proso millet, sunflower seeds, and corn. So, offering these to the birds is sure to win you success.

For more information click here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Song_Sparrow/overview

Wisconsin’s Birds of Spring, Summer, and Early Fall

Next comes the list of birds that are seen in Wisconsin for at least 3 seasons, namely spring, summer, and early fall. There are 5 birds that make up this list and all of them are gorgeous.

There are chances of bringing them into your own yard also with some tips about what to offer them. Since these birds are seen in warmer times, it is better to get your feeders ready for them at this time.

Here is the list of birds you can look out for at this time of the year:

6# Barn Swallow – Hirundo rustica

Coloration and Markings: 

• These are highly colorful and attractive birds that are breathtakingly beautiful. There is a shimmering blue in the back which spills over in the form of lines to their chest. The whole thing makes it appear like these birds are wearing a cape. The lower part of the bird is colored with an orange-cinnamon color. This contrasts the deep blue on the back perfectly well. Both colors highlight each other.

• The upper portion of the face is blue while the lower part is orange. The bill is completely black. Apart from all this magic with colors, there is a black area around the eyes that looks like a mask. There is no mistaking this bird if you see one.

Size: 

• This bird is about 5.9 to 7.5 inches long. The wingspan is around 11.4 to 12.6 inches.

Habitat: 

• These birds are highly adjusted and can live in any kind of place including marshes, meadows or in man-made structures also. If you really know how to tempt them (which this article will tell you), they are sure to visit you.

Diet: 

• Though these birds are capable of living in all kinds of places, they are fussy as eaters. If you offer them the usual food that is given to most birds, they will not show interest. What is really required to attract them are ground oyster shells and eggshells. Leave this out in the feeder for them and there are possibilities of them coming home.

For more information click here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barn_Swallow/lifehistory

7# Baltimore Oriole – Icterus galbula

Coloration and Markings: 

• The colors on this bird are remarkable, rendering this bird really gorgeous. Their wings are jet black with white shoulder bars. The lower part of the body which is the breast and underbelly are a spectacular orange. The wings share some of this orange too. The heads match the wings and are completely black. The contrast between this black and the body color cannot go unnoticed. Their bills are a shade of grey.

• The females and the young ones are differently colored. The lower part of the body, the underbelly and the breast are a perfect mix of yellow and orange. The head is a shade of grey. The white bars, however, are the same in both the genders and the young ones also.

Size: 

• These birds are about 6.7 to 7.5 inches long. The wingspan is around 9.1 to 11.8 inches.

Habitat: 

• These birds love open free areas and so, shun the interior of forests. But, they spend time in the periphery of these forests. Since parks and backyards are also open, they do come to these places also willingly. Even then, they are not spotted so easily because they are normally not so low down. They are high up and so, you need to look carefully to spot them.

Diet: 

• These birds enjoy relishing fruits. So, if you leave open oranges for them, they will gladly come. They like sugar water also.

For more information click here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Baltimore_Oriole/overview

8# Red-eyed Vireo – Vireo olivaceus

Coloration and Markings: 

• These birds have a soft and mild color on their upper bodies. Their wings and necks are a lovely olive to emerald green. The lower portion of the body is the breast and the underbelly are white. Their tails are not long.

• The same two colors on the body continue on the face also. Olive green is the main color on the face and covers the cheeks. The chin is white. There is an olive-colored line that runs across the eye. They also have a crown that is a shade of grey. The beak is not at all big. It is mildly hooked and is a mix of black and grey.

Size: 

• These birds are about 4.7 to 5.1 inches long. The wingspan is around 9.1 to 9.8 inches.

Habitat: 

• These birds will come to your yard provided there are trees in your backyard. This is because they are comfortable in places with a lot of trees, especially trees with big leaves like maple. So, normally they are seen in the woods or in parks. If you happen to go close to these areas, you might get a glimpse of these birds.

Diet: 

• The most preferred food of these birds is white proso millet, sunflower seeds, corn, and suet. So, offering them these foods to eat is a good idea.

For more information click here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-eyed_Vireo/id

9# Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Archilochus colubris

Coloration and Markings: 

• The colors on this bird are unbelievably incredible. They are tiny birds that are either emerald green or green and gold. These colors cover the upper portion of their bodies which is their backs and the top of their heads.

• Just under the neck is a color that contrasts these colors brilliantly – white. There is a white patch here. Further down the body in the breast and underbelly, this becomes a mix of grey and white. The tail is proportional to its size.

• They are pretty small. The other unmistakable, striking color is the vivid red from the throat to the chin. The shade is actually a ruby red.

• This continues till the beak. The green on the face is highlighted even more by a patch of black on the eye that resembles a mask.

• Their bills are long and thin. This helps greatly with their food habits for they collect nectar.

Size: 

• These birds are about 2.8 to 3.5 inches long. The wingspan is around 3.1 to 4.3 inches.

Habitat: 

• These birds inhabit open areas like the periphery of forests, parks, meadows and gardens.

Diet:

• Flowers are the best to attract these birds for they are nectar lovers. Otherwise, you could offer them sugar water. This should be in the ratio of ¼ cup of sugar to 1 cup of water. They do come for this also.

For more information click here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruby-throated_Hummingbird/id

10# Gray Catbird – Dumetella carolinensis

Coloration and Markings: 

• A first look at this gorgeous bird tells us that it has one color all over. Well, this is almost true. Almost the whole body is a pleasant grey. However, there are a couple of other colors also that go to make up this amazing appearance. One of the colors is black. To spot this, you have to look under their long tails. The black extends from the end of the tail all the way up to the wing. At this place, the second color comes in. This is a deep orange-brown mix.

• The face is also nearly completely grey. The top of the head and the bill are black. The black on top of the head looks like a cap. The bill is not too long and is mildly hooked.

Size: 

• The Gray catbird is about 8.3 to 9.4 inches long. The wingspan is around 8.7 to 11.8 inches.

Habitat: 

• The periphery of forests, fields, and thickets are the usual places that this bird inhabits. They are also drawn by water.  

Diet: 

• The favorite food of these birds is fruits and berries in particular. So, draw them to your own yard using berries in your feeders. If you have berries growing at home, they will come automatically.

For more information click here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gray_Catbird/overview

Wisconsin’s Fall and Winter Birds

Wisconsin is a place that can get really cold and the lowest ever recorded has been minus 55 degrees. The birds of Wisconsin however, are made to take this kind of weather also and there are birds that you can see even through the cold days. This list gives you 5 lovely birds that you can enjoy admiring even in winter:

11# American Crow – Corvus brachyrhynchos

Coloration and Markings: 

• These crows typically are dressed in one color all over – black. Their wings, bodies, tails, heads, and beaks are all completely black. Their tails are not too long and the ends are either square or round. Their beaks have an obvious curve to them.

Size: 

• Crows are not small at all. They are about 15.8 to 20.9 inches long. The wingspan is around 33.5 to 39.4 inches.

Habitat: 

• Crows are birds that are known to be extremely clever. They are seen in all kinds of places like the woods, marshes, parks, and more often in backyards. So, it is quite possible to spot a crow in your own backyard and they are quite at ease with us people. However, they are birds that can remember faces. So, it is always better to get friendly instead of picking a fight!

Diet: 

• To attract crows to your yard, there is something that we can do other than offer them food. Usually, this is followed by native Americans. Just make a silhouette of a crow. This can be made out of wood or metal.

• Paint it completely black and fix it on a fence or some other place from where it can be seen easily. There will be crows that come as soon as they see this.

• As far as food goes, these birds are not at all fussy. They eat everything. So, you are free to choose what you want to put in your feeder in order to bring them to your yard.

12# Northern Cardinal – Cardinalis cardinalis

Coloration and Markings: 

• The astounding red of these birds makes them magnificent and unique. The bodies and the tails are red giving them unparalleled beauty.

• The top of the head is crowned with a crest that is also in a deep, attractive red. Closer to the beak and the eyes is a black patch that contrasts beautifully with the red and looks like a black mask. The bill is not very long. It is sharp and is an orange-red shade. The females look different as they are brown in color. Their bill and the mask of the females are exactly the same as that of the males.

Size: 

• These birds are only a little bigger than robins. They are about 8.3 to 9.1 inches long. The wingspan is around 9.8 to 12.2 inches.

Habitat: 

• The periphery of forests and parks are the habitats that these birds normally pick. Luckily for us, they are not at all bashful and so, are eager to visit feeders and backyards.

Diet: 

• These birds are not at all fussy about food. So, they are happy with anything that you decide to feed them. However, they do have a favorite and that is black oil sunflower seeds. You can give them this to make them even happier.

13# Sedge Wren – Cistothorus Stellaris

Coloration and Markings: 

• This is a beautiful bird with designs on the back, tails, and wings. The back is striped and the wings and tails are banded. The stripes are present on the face also. But these stripes are comparatively thinner. There is a special quality that this bird has that makes it stand out. It is in the habit of keeping its tail upright most of the time. The bill is long, not too thick, and is a lovely yellow.

Size: 

• These petite birds are about 3.5 to 4.7 inches long. The wingspan is around 4.7 to 5.5 inches

Habitat: 

• These birds are pretty much comfortable in any kind of place and will adjust everywhere.

Diet: 

• Foods that these birds relish a lot include peanut butter, peanuts, and suet. Offering them these in your feeder increases your chances of seeing these little beauties in your yard.

14# Red Bellied Woodpecker – Melanerpes carolinus

Coloration and Markings: 

• There is a riot of colors on this bird with white, black, and red working together to give them their admirable appearance. The lower part of their bodies is a pale white. Their backs are covered with stripes that are black and white. Their wings also bear white patches.

• The head is well rounded and is topped by a red patch that appears like a cap. The cap covers a large area that extends from the bill to the back of the head. The bill is long and slender. It is black in color.

Size: 

• These birds are about 9.4 inches long. The wingspan is around 13 to 16.5 inches.

Habitat: 

• These are birds that love to live in the wild. They are extremely comfortable in the woods. In particular, they choose hardwood trees. They like the hickory and oak trees a lot. However, they do not hesitate at all to visit backyards. So, you might be pleasantly surprised to see them come in to taste the food that you have laid out in your feeders.

Diet: 

• The foods that these birds find most scrumptious are suet, black oil sunflower seeds and peanut butter. So, leaving these out will push up your chances of seeing them at close quarters.

15# Black-capped Chickadee – Poecile atricapillus

Coloration and Markings:

Characteristically, the breast and the underbelly of these birds is white. There is white in the wings also but it is mixed with grey.

• The upper part of their heads, that is the top bears a black look. The lower half of the face, below the bill, also is black. Sandwiched in between these two is an area that contrasts the black beautifully as it is completely white. This area extends to behind the neck also. The bill is short and has a unique shape. It is shaped like half of an ice cream cone. In other words, it is triangular in shape. 

Size: 

• These birds are about 4.7 to 5.9 inches long. The wingspan is around 6.3 to 8.3 inches.

Habitat:

• These are the kind of birds that are comfortable in both rural and urban areas. In the wild, they are very comfortable with forests, shrubs, and marshes. They are also spotted in residential areas.

Diet:

• Chances are that you will spot this bird in your yard if you offer them suet, peanuts, peanut butter, and cornmeal. Giving them black oil sunflower seeds is also a good idea.

Common Backyard Birds of Wisconsin

Other than the mentioned list of impressive birds, there are a few more that you can spot and identify if they visit your backyard. These are also birds that are feeder friendly. So, so look out for the birds in the following list:

16# White Breasted Nuthatch – Sitta carolinensis

Coloration and Markings: 

• The main colors of this bird are white and grey blue. The white covers the lower part which is the underbelly and the breast while the wings get to wear the grey-blue color. This soft grey blue is highlighted by streaks of black occasionally.

• Their slender, lengthy bills are double-colored. They are black in the upper portion and grey in the lower half. They also have a black caps on their heads like many other birds. This cap originates from the bill and goes all the way down to the back of the neck. The additional beauty this bird has is the simple black line on its face. This starts from behind the eye and goes to the tip of the cap.

Size: 

• These are petite birds that are not at all very big. They are about 5.1 to 5.5 inches long. The wingspan is around 7.9 to 10.6 inches. Size-wise, they are comparable to sparrows and are at times, even tinier.

Habitat: 

• They are often seen in the periphery of the woods. Among the different kinds of trees in the woods, they choose Hickory, Oak, and Maple trees as first choice.

Diet: 

• If you are thinking suet to attract them, you are right, but to really get them to notice, the winning items are black oil sunflower seeds and peanuts.

17# Common Grackle – Quiscalus quiscula

Coloration and Markings: 

• This charming bird is a combination of blue-black and blue-purple. These shimmering colors add incredible beauty to this bird. Their tails are long and rounded.

• Their eyes never fail to attract attention as they are a remarkable gold color. The bills are long and are mildly curved. All these lovely colors are seen in the male of the species. The females are not as glossy. Quite frequently, the female also has brown on the body and blue blackheads.

Size: 

• These birds do not belong to the small category. They are about 11 to 13.4 inches long. The wingspan is around 14.2 to 18.1 inches.

Habitat: 

• The unique colors of this bird make it very hard to miss it. They are birds that are seen everywhere. They do visit backyards too.

Diet: 

• The diet of these lovely birds consists of suet, peanut butter and cornmeal and black oil sunflower seeds. They will eat the common birdseed generally available in stores. It is true that some people do not like their presence. But, they have their own beauty and are amusing to look at.

18# Blue Jay – Cyanocitta cristata

Coloration and Markings: 

• What with the scintillating blue and the contrasting white, is it even possible to miss these incredibly beautiful birds? The lower part of the body, that is the breast and the underbelly are a pristine white or a soft grey. The upper portion of the body is mostly blue which is breathtaking. This blue has hints of black and also white lines that further highlight the blue. The short tail is also blue and bears black stripes.

• They have a crest that is brilliant blue. There is also a black stripe that seems to draw a line around the face. There is also another black stripe that is shaped like a mask. Their bills are of average size and are black.

Size: 

• These birds are about 9.8 to 11.8 inches long. The wingspan is around 13.4 to 16,9 inches.

Habitat: 

• They are birds that inhabit the periphery of forests. Oak trees are their favorite choice. If you have oak trees in the garden, then you have a double advantage. They love oak trees and acorns. So, you stand a higher chance of attracting these birds to your backyard.

Diet: 

• Their favorite food is peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet.

19# Downy Woodpecker – Picoides pubescens

Coloration and Markings: 

• These birds exhibit a beautiful mix of white and black mainly. The lower portion of the body including the breast and underbelly are white. The wings look attractive with a black background and white designs on them. There is a white stripe that runs along the length of the back. The tails are jet black.

• Their faces are white and they have a conspicuous black stripe that runs down from the top of their head and across the eyes. The beaks are not too long. They are cone-shaped. The males are easily distinguished from the females as the males have a small red patch on the back of their heads. This patch looks like a cap.

Size: 

• These birds are about 5.5 to 6.7 inches long. The wingspan is around 9.8 to 11.8 inches.

Habitat: 

• These birds are comfortable and inhabit woods, orchards, parks, and backyards.

Diet: 

• These birds are very fond of and relish black oil sunflower, peanuts, suet, and peanut butter, and cornmeal.

20# House Sparrow – Passer domesticus

Coloration and Markings: 

• These birds are a combination of grey and white with a little bit of black also. The breast and belly are white. The wings are a deep, admirable brown and are highlighted by black designs.

• Their cheeks are also white. There is a thick, brown stripe that travels across the eye and goes down to the neck. The top portion of the head also has a grey patch that is shaped like a cap. The beaks are not long. The beaks are thickset and black. Though the curve in the beak is mild, it is conspicuous.

Size: 

• These birds are about 5.9 to 6.7 inches long. The wingspan is 7.5 to 9.8 inches.

Habitat: 

• These birds are more comfortable in urban areas than in the wild. There is a reason for this. They have been in the habit of coexisting with human beings for so long that it has now become a way of life for them. So, they readily inhabit places that have buildings.

Diet: 

• These birds enjoy eating proso millet, sunflower seeds, and corn.

Wisconsin Birds Diet

As is common with all birds, the birds in Wisconsin also eat food that they find tasty. However, a few of them can be a little fussy about what they eat also. With many of these factors in mind, we have made a list of things that you can put in your feeders to successfully attract the wide variety of bird species in the place. Here is the list that has its source in the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology:

• Sunflower seeds
• Cracked Corn
• Wheat and Oats
• Nyjer Thistle
• Suet
• Peanuts
• Fruit

Wisconsin Birding Active Spots

Whether you are a resident of or a visitor to Wisconsin, you will need some guidance about where to look for these beautiful birds. Here is a well-planned list of the different places that house these birds. This list is organized in such a way that wherever you are in Wisconsin, you will find a bird-friendly spot close by. Visit these spots to enjoy these birds at close quarters.

• Northern hotspot – Lewis Trough Mounds Trail – Lewis/Trough Mound Recreation Area
• Eastern hotspot – Brady’s Bluff and Riverview Trail – Perrot State Park
• Southern hotspot – Bugline Trail – Spring Green Park
• Western hotspot – Pike Lake Trail – Kettle Moraine State Forest Pike Lake Unit
• Central hotspot – Lime Kiln Trail – High Cliff State Park

Conclusion

Bird watchers never tire of looking at birds and this is not at all surprising to look at the colorful wonders that nature has created in the form of birds. It is definitely exciting when you succeed in attracting these beauties to your own house. All you need is feeders and some knowledge about what to feed these birds. We really hope that this article guides you towards success. All the best to draw in as many birds as possible.