As the months turn that little bit cooler, many of our favorite birds head off to warmer climates to overwinter. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any birds to spot in winter. In fact, the list is pretty extensive.
Here are 22 of our favorite birds that you’ll see in different parts of the country over the winter months. Some are fairly commons. Others are a lot rarer. How many will you spot this winter?
1) Snowy Owl
Location: Northern US
Habitat: Tundra, Open Fields
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Bubo Scaniacus
The Snowy Owl is a large, white owl native to the Arctic regions. With their bright yellow eyes and immaculate plumage, they are a sight to behold. Best spotted during the day in open fields or tundras, they sometimes venture further south in the winter, making them a treat for birdwatchers in the Northern US.
Snowy Owls are known to perch on fence posts or other high vantage points. An interesting fact: unlike most owls, they are not entirely nocturnal and can often be seen hunting during the day.
2) Dark-Eyed Junco
Location: Throughout US
Habitat: Woodlands, Gardens
Rarity: Common
Latin: Junco Hyemalis
Often referred to as “snowbirds” because of their winter arrival, Dark-eyed Juncos are small sparrows with varying plumage based on their region. They are easily identifiable by their white bellies and dark eyes.
These birds can be spotted at ground level, often feeding on seeds, especially during early morning or late afternoon. Their frequent hopping and flashing of their white outer tail feathers are distinguishing behaviors.
Tip: Set up bird feeders with seeds; they’re likely to pay a visit!
3) Snow Bunting
Location: Northern US
Habitat: Open Fields, Beaches
Rarity: Common
Latin: Plectrophenax Nivalis
These charming birds are recognized by their white bodies with contrasting dark wings. They breed in the high Arctic, but during winter, they travel to the Northern US.
Open fields and beaches, especially during the early morning or late afternoon, are the best places to spot them. They often forage in groups, picking seeds off the ground.
A quirky fact: Snow Buntings undergo a dramatic molt, transforming their plumage from winter white to summer brown.
4) Northern Cardinal
Location: Eastern US
Habitat: Woodlands, Gardens
Rarity: Common
Latin: Cardinalis Cardinalis
With their brilliant red plumage and crested head, male Northern Cardinals are hard to miss, while females sport a more subdued brown shade. They are most active during early morning and evening, often seen in woodlands or gardens. Their loud, cheerful songs are a treat to the ears.
To attract them, consider setting up a bird feeder with sunflower seeds.
5) American Tree Sparrow
Location: Central US
Habitat: Scrublands, Fields
Rarity: Common
Latin: Spizelloides Arborea
Don’t be misled by the name; these sparrows are mostly found in open fields and scrublands. They have a warm, russet cap and a distinct dark spot on their pale chest.
Early mornings are the best time to spot them, often foraging on the ground in flocks. Despite their name, they prefer the ground to trees!
6) Common Redpoll
Location: Northern US
Habitat: Woodlands, Feeders
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Acanthis Flammea
These are small finches with a rosy cast and a distinctive red cap. They can be found in woodlands and often visit feeders during winter. Look for their unique feeding behavior of hanging upside down to access seeds.
7) Bald Eagle
Location: Throughout US
Habitat: Lakes, Rivers, Coats
Rarity: Common
Latin: Haliaeetus Leucocephalus
This majestic bird is the national symbol of the US. They are large raptors with a distinctive white head and tail contrasted against a dark brown body. They can be seen soaring high or perched near water bodies.
Watching them fish, swooping down to grasp a fish with their talons, is a sight to remember. Early morning or late afternoon near lakes or rivers are the best times to spot them.
8) Rough-Legged Hawk
Location: Northern US
Habitat: Open Fields, Meadows
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Buteo Lagopus
Named for the feathers that reach down their legs, these hawks are a winter visitor to the Northern US. They hover over open fields and meadows in search of prey. Their distinct hovering flight, even in strong winds, sets them apart.
9) Snow Goose
Location: Central US
Habitat: Wetlands, Fields
Rarity: Common
Latin: Answer Caerulescens
These are large, white geese with black wingtips. They migrate in large flocks and can often be seen in wetlands or fields. Their cacophonous calls often give away their presence before they’re seen.
10) Cedar Waxwing
Location: Throughout US
Habitat: Woodlands, Orchards
Rarity: Common
Latin: Bombycilla Cedrorum
Elegant birds with a sleek profile, they have a distinct crest and a black mask. They’re often seen in flocks, high on berry trees. Their high-pitched calls are a good indicator of their presence.
11) Golden-Crowned Kinglet
Location: Throughout US
Habitat: Coniferous Forests
Rarity: Common
Latin: Regulus Satrapa
These tiny birds are agile and energetic. Recognizable by their striking golden crown, they’re most often found flitting about in coniferous forests.
Their high-pitched calls and rapid movements can be a challenge for birdwatchers, but spotting them is rewarding. Early morning is the best time to observe them actively feeding on insects.
12) Short-Eared Owl
Location: Throughout US
Habitat: Grasslands, Marshes
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Asio Flammeus
These medium-sized owls have a distinctive face with large eyes and short ear tufts. Preferring open habitats like grasslands and marshes, they can often be seen hunting during the late afternoon or at dusk, gliding low over fields.
Their erratic flight pattern while hunting is a characteristic behavior.
13) Bohemian Waxwing
Location: Northern US
Habitat: Woodlands, Berry Trees
Rarity: Rare
Latin: Bombycilla Garrulus
Similar to Cedar Waxwings, these birds have a crest and a love for berries. They are slightly larger and sport a rich rufous undertail. They are sociable birds, often seen in large, noisy flocks.
Listen for their high-pitched trills and keep an eye on berry-laden trees during winter.
14) Pine Siskin
Location: Throughout US
Habitat: Forests, Feeders
Rarity: Common
Latin: Spinus Pinus
These finches have streaked bodies and a sharp bill. They often mingle with other finches at feeders. Their flight is undulating, and they produce a distinctive buzzing call. To attract them, consider setting up feeders with thistle seeds.
15) Northern Shrike
Location: Northern US
Habitat: Open Country, Fields
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Lanius Borealis
A predatory songbird, they have a gray body, black mask, and a hooked bill. Often perched on high vantage points in open country, they hunt small birds and mammals.
They often impale their prey on thorns or barbed wire!
16) Red-Breasted Nuthatch
Location: Throughout US
Habitat: Coniferous Forests
Rarity: Common
Latin: Sitta Canadensis
These small, active birds have a blue-gray back and a distinctive black eye stripe. They can often be seen moving head-first down tree trunks searching for insects. Their nasal calls are a giveaway.
They’re attracted to feeders with sunflower seeds or suet.
17) Evening Grosbeak
Location: Northern US
Habitat: Forests, Feeders
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Coccothraustes Vespertinus
With their thick bills and vibrant plumage, these birds are a treat to spot. Males have a striking yellow and black coloration. They often visit bird feeders in groups, especially during early morning.
18) Long-Tailed Duck
Location: Coastal US
Habitat: Seas, Large Lakes
Rarity: Common
Latin: Clangula Hyemalis
These sea ducks have a distinctive long tail and vocal calls. They can be seen diving in coastal waters or large lakes. Their plumage changes dramatically between seasons, but they always retain their elongated central tail feathers.
19) Harlequin Duck
Location: Northern US
Habitat: Rocky Coastlines, Fast Rives
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Histrionicus Histrionicus
These are small, colorful sea ducks. Males have a striking blue-gray plumage with white patterns, while females are more subdued.
They prefer fast-flowing rivers or rocky coastlines. Watching them navigate swift currents is fascinating.
20) Purple Sandpiper
Location: Northeastern US
Habitat: Rocky Coastlines
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Calidris Maritima
These shorebirds have a slightly curved bill and a distinctive winter plumage that’s grayish with a purplish hue. They are often seen on rocky coastlines, probing for food.
They’re more active during low tides when they forage along the water’s edge.
21) White-Winged Crossbill
Location: Northern US
Habitat: Coniferious Forests
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Loxia Leucoptera
These unique finches have crossed mandibles, which they use to extract seeds from conifer cones. Males are reddish-pink, while females are yellowish. Listening for their distinctive calls in coniferous forests can lead you to them.
22) Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
Location: Southern US
Habitat: Woodlands, Orchards
Rarity: Common
Latin: Sphyrapicus Varius
A type of woodpecker, they have a distinctive pattern with a yellow belly. They create rows of small holes in tree trunks to feed on sap and attract insects.
The drumming sound on trees and their unique feeding pattern are good indicators of their presence.
Spotted Any?
Have you come across any of these? Let everybody know by commenting at the bottom of this page.
