Hello, bird enthusiasts!
If you find yourself in the beautiful state of Wyoming, you’re in for a treat.
With its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, Wyoming is a haven for birdwatchers.
From majestic raptors soaring through the skies to colorful songbirds gracing the trees, this state is home to a remarkable variety of avian species.
In this article, we will explore 15 common birds that you’re likely to encounter during your birding adventures in Wyoming.
So grab your binoculars and let’s dive into the fascinating world of Wyoming’s feathered residents!
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If you don’t have the time to read the whole article, check out this video for a quick understanding.
Most Common Birds in Wyoming
1. American Robin
American Robin is a well-known bird and is a year-round resident in the northern part of the country and a seasonal guest in the southern half.
This bird is 10 inches long with a lengthy tail and a plump appearance from beak tip to tail tip.
They have straight and narrow, with a curved tip.
Their Upperparts are gray-brown, with a reddish-orange breast.
They are seen in Woodlands, farmlands, urban parks, and lawns are all examples of open spaces.
These birds are widespread in the United States. Winters in Central America.
Mexico, North America, and They can be seen hopping around yards hunting for food.
One of the earliest signs of spring in the north is their caroling song.
On the lawn, there are worms and other creatures.
Fruits from a feeder or the ground are eaten by them.
Tiny fruits from trees and shrubs can be eaten.
Below are the characteristics of the American Robin,
| Scientific Name | Turdus migratorius |
| Family Name | Turdidae |
| Length | 9-11 inches (22-28 cm) |
| Weight | 2.7-3 ounces (77-85 grams) |
| Wingspan | 12-16 inches (31-41 cm) |
| Habitat | Woodlands, gardens, open areas |
| Food | Insects, earthworms, berries |
2. Red-winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird’s all-black plumage, aside from the bright red and yellow patches on their shoulder, make them easy to see.
Females have a drab coloration contrasted with the males’ streaky brown coloring.
They are usually observed perched on telephone wires, and males will aggressively defend their territory during mating season, even assaulting anyone who strays too close to the nest.
In the winter season, they fly in huge flocks.
They tend to eat a lot from platform feeders. Unfortunately, flocks of them occasionally appear at feeders and swiftly consume seed.
They are amongst the most common dwellers in North America.
Below are the characteristics of the Red-winged Blackbird,
| Scientific Name | Agelaius phoeniceus |
| Family Name | Icteridae |
| Length | 7-9 inches (18-23 cm) |
| Weight | 1.4-2.7 ounces (40-77 grams) |
| Wingspan | 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) |
| Habitat | Wetlands, marshes, grasslands |
| Food | Insects, seeds, grains |
3. Downy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpeckers have a broad white stripe on their backs and black wings with a checkered pattern of white squares that goes across the wings like small checker stripes.
They feature short, notched tails that are black on top and white below, as well as a pristine white breast and underbelly.
These birds have black bills that are straight, slender, and medium in length.
They are the tiniest North American woodpeckers, measuring 5.5–6.7 inches in length and 9.8–11.8 inches in wingspan.
Downy Woodpeckers prefer deciduous trees, although they may be found in almost any open forest with plenty of grass and weeds.
They travel a great deal, spending more time in gardens, parks, and yards.
Suet, crushed corn, and peanuts are preferred by these birds.
Below are the characteristics of the Downy Woodpecker,
| Scientific Name | Picoides pubescens |
| Family Name | Picidae |
| Length | 5.5-6.7 inches (14-17 cm) |
| Weight | 0.7-1.0 ounces (20-28 grams) |
| Wingspan | 9.8-11.8 inches (25-30 cm) |
| Habitat | Forests, woodlands, parks |
| Food | Insects, larvae, seeds |
4. Pine Siskin
Pine Siskins are little finch relatives with strongly pointed beaks.
They have brown and white streaks all over their bodies and resemble female house finches.
The Pine Siskin, on the other hand, will always have yellow throughout its wings and sides of its tail.
They are considered migratory and might wander each winter sporadically in search of rich seed crops, with conifer seeds being their preferred dietary source.
Pine Siskins are little birds with brown and yellow stripes on their wings and tails.
They have a beak having a fork-like shape. During the fall season, they can be commonly observed in Wyoming.
The wings are sharp and pointed, with a beak. They nest in Canada and tend to spend their winters in the United States, but because their migration is reliant on pine cone yields, they may not migrate in some years.
Some birds, on the other hand, spend their entire lives in the western pine forests.
Pine Siskins consume seeds from pine trees, but they also eat immature buds and pollen from grasses and weeds, as their name indicates.
Backyards may attract Pine Siskins using thistle and nyjer feeders and suet.
Below are the characteristics of the Pine Siskin,
| Scientific Name | Spinus pinus |
| Family Name | Fringillidae |
| Length | 4.7-5.9 inches (12-15 cm) |
| Weight | 0.4-0.6 ounces (11-17 grams) |
| Wingspan | 7.9-9.1 inches (20-23 cm) |
| Habitat | Forests, coniferous forests |
| Food | Seeds, especially conifer seeds |
5. Red-breasted Nuthatch
The backs of Red-breasted Nuthatches are grey and blue, and their wings and tails are short, with a deeper grey at the wing.
This bird’s underside and breast have a smooth, cinnamon hue that extends up into the face.
These birds have a mix of white, grey, and light blue on their cheeks, as well as a black eyestripe and a black cap that curves down to the nape of the neck.
The beaks of these birds are long and straight, with some brighter colors and a small upward curve on the bottom half.
Females will have lighter breasts and underbelly than males.
The average length is 4.3 inches, with wingspans ranging from 7.1 to 7.9 inches.
These are primarily mountain birds that enjoy coniferous woods, spending much of their time in pine trees.
They may also be found in deciduous woodlands, Black Oil Sunflower seeds, crushed peanuts, Peanut butter, and suet are their favorite meals.
Below are the characteristics of the Red-breasted Nuthatch,
| Scientific Name | Sitta canadensis |
| Family Name | Sittidae |
| Length | 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm) |
| Weight | 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 grams) |
| Wingspan | 7.1-7.9 inches (18-20 cm) |
| Habitat | Coniferous forests, woodlands |
| Food | Insects, seeds, nuts |
6. Northern Flicker
Northern Flickers are large woodpeckers.
Eastern birds have dazzling yellow tails and wings.
They can frequently be seen looking for insects.
Those who mate in Canada migrate to the southern parts of Canada, although they may be observed all year in the lower 48 states.
Black oil sunflower seeds and suet can draw more of these majestic birds to garden feeders.
This medium to big woodpeckers may be seen in many backyards across the United States.
However, they are less prevalent at bird feeders.
Flickers eat insects mostly and, unlike other woodpeckers, prefer to hunt for them on the grass rather than in trees.
Black dots on their stomachs, a solid black bib, streaked black and grey wings, and a brown face on a grey head help to identify them.
Northern Flickers may be seen all year in Wyoming.
These birds may not visit feeders as frequently as other woodpecker species, but suet feeders will still attract them.
Below are the characteristics of the Northern Flicker,
| Scientific Name | Colaptes auratus |
| Family Name | Picidae |
| Length | 11-14 inches (28-36 cm) |
| Weight | 3.9-5.6 ounces (110-160 grams) |
| Wingspan | 16-20 inches (41-51 cm) |
| Habitat | Forests, woodlands, open areas |
| Food | Insects, ants, berries |
7. Barn Swallow
Barn Swallows have a dark blue back, wings, and tail.
Apart from that, they have a brown-red underside and a reddish-brown face.
The tail has a deep fork formed by long outer feathers.
They breed over the majority of America before migrating to South and Central America to breed.
Barn Swallows may be found soaring over pastures, farmland, and fields in search of insects, and they commonly make mud nests on man-made buildings such as barns.
Barn swallows are grazers who live in open fields.
These lovely birds have dark blue backs with orange between their eyes and on their throats.
Their breasts and bellies can range in hue from pale tawny to brilliant orange.
Their long, highly forked tail is one of their distinguishing features.
They are fast flyers that swoop and glide over lakes, fields, farms, and meadows, capturing insects in the skies.
Below are the characteristics of the Barn Swallow,
| Scientific Name | Hirundo rustica |
| Family Name | Hirundinidae |
| Length | 5.9-7.5 inches (15-19 cm) |
| Weight | 0.6-0.7 ounces (16-20 grams) |
| Wingspan | 12.6-13.4 inches (32-34 cm) |
| Habitat | Open areas, farmlands, wetlands |
| Food | Insects, flies, beetles |
8. Brewer’s Blackbird
Brewer’s Blackbirds are birds with a medium build, with a shiny black coat in males a purple coat on hand with a lustrous green body, which is plain brown in females.
Just before moving, they reproduce in the Central States.
They may be found in many different habitats, including grasslands, marshes, pastures, woodlands, and coastlines, as well as gardens, farmland, and backyards.
They eat grains and nuts primarily, but they’ll also eat bugs or whatever they come upon.
Brewer’s blackbirds frequent backyards to eat hulled seeds, broken maize, and millet from ground feeders.
Brewer’s blackbirds will frequently visit bird feeders, but their size prevents them from perching on tiny perches.
They tend to eat seeds scattered on the land or a platform feeder.
Most seed mixtures, especially those including sunflower, cracked corn, and millet, should be good.
These birds possess a black bill and a yellowish eye ring.
Females are muddy brown with black eyes all throughout.
These blackbirds are quite sociable and are frequently observed in small groups, and they will breed in colonies of 100 or more birds.
These ubiquitous birds of the western United States can be seen foraging on the ground, perched in trees, or perched on power wires.
Males are dark and frequently seem black, although iridescent blue, purple, and green can be seen in bright sunlight.
Below are the characteristics of the Brewer’s Blackbird,
| Scientific Name | Euphagus cyanocephalus |
| Family Name | Icteridae |
| Length | 9-10 inches (23-25 cm) |
| Weight | 2-3.5 ounces (57-100 grams) |
| Wingspan | 14-17 inches (36-43 cm) |
| Habitat | Open fields, grasslands, farmlands |
| Food | Open fields, grasslands, farmlands |
9. Eurasian Collared-Dove
The Eurasian collared dove is documented to have Asia and regions of Europe as its homeland, as its name suggests.
The colonization of the United States is said to have begun with these fugitive birds, as well as those set loose in the south Caribbean on Guadeloupe.
In terms of the body, they have a large body and a much-elongated tail. Besides that, they also do not possess black marks on their backs like the mourning dove.
Rather, they inherit a plain back along with a black striation found across the back of their throat.
These birds have light brownish-gray skin along with white patches on the tail and a collar that is semi-black at the nape of the throat, identical to the Mourning Doves.
These birds have a larger and chopped tail rather than a pointed one.
Eurasian collared doves will visit backyards to eat nuts and grains, which are commonly provided by platform feeders or strewn around on the ground.
Millet is their favorite seed.
They tend to keep away from dense woods and like to live in places near humans where they find they find plenty of seeds in places like farms.
This bird tends to eat various grains, seeds, and fruits.
Below are the characteristics of the Eurasian Collared-Dove,
| Scientific Name | Streptopelia decaocto |
| Family Name | Columbidae |
| Length | 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) |
| Weight | 5-8 ounces (150-225 grams) |
| Wingspan | 18-22 inches (45-55 cm) |
| Habitat | Urban areas, farmlands, open habitats |
| Food | Seeds, grains, fruits |
10. Mountain Bluebird
Mountain Bluebirds are known to have the bluest coloration of all the bluebirds; the males have a blue back and lighter blue underbelly portion and have a white coloration under the tail.
Females have gray-brown tails and wings with occasional blue streaks.
These birds tend to mate in vast areas with a lot of greenery that contains shrubs, trees, and other green structures, including plants and grasslands, and pastures in the Northwestern united states, Alaska, and Canada, and places at the altitude of about 12000 feet from the sea level.
The mountain bluebird elevates the color blue to new heights.
Males possess a bluish back and head, along with a light blue breast.
Females are significantly duller, with little flecks of blue on their skin.
Throughout the southwestern states and into Mexico, they spend the winter in open environments like pastures, prairies, and grasslands.
Some birds spend the entire year in the center of their breeding region.
They are commonly seen sitting atop fences or electrical lines.
Mountain Bluebirds consume a variety of insects, including crickets, caterpillars, and insects.
They eat berries and tiny fruits throughout the winter.
They can be found in open forests, prairies, and meadows at higher elevations, as their name indicates.
They are pretty simple to see in the locations where they reside and don’t appear to dislike being among people.
During the springtime, mountain bluebirds come to Wyoming.
Below are the characteristics of the Mountain Bluebird,
| Scientific Name | Sialia currucoides |
| Family Name | Turdidae |
| Length | 6.3-7.9 inches (16-20 cm) |
| Weight | 0.9-1.2 ounces (25-34 grams) |
| Wingspan | 9.8-12.2 inches (25-31 cm) |
| Habitat | Open meadows, mountainous areas |
| Food | Insects, berries |
11. Western Tanager
A male western tanager is difficult to confuse.
Their face is bright orange, while their chest and back are brilliant yellows with black wings.
Females are generally duller in color, with olive-yellow or grey wings and no orange on their faces.
They can be found in the woods, particularly in coniferous forests.
They usually consume insects that they painstakingly collected from the tops of trees’ leaves.
During the springtime breeding season, Western Tanagers may be seen all across Wyoming.
Because western tanagers aren’t very fond of seed feeders, try attracting them with fresh oranges or dried fruit.
This western counterpart of the Scarlet Tanager may be seen farther north in the summer than any other tanager, up into northwestern Canada.
Western Tanagers nest in northern coniferous woods and high mountains, although they may be seen in any environment during migration, including meadows and deserts.
Forages primarily in treetops.
Usually eats methodically, gently searching through the vegetation for insects. In addition, it flies out to grab insects in mid-flight.
Visits flowers on a regular basis, most likely to feed on nectar and insects.
Below are the characteristics of the Western Tanager,
| Scientific Name | Piranga ludoviciana |
| Family Name | Cardinalidae |
| Length | 6.3-7.5 inches (16-19 cm) |
| Weight | 0.8-1.1 ounces (23-31 grams) |
| Wingspan | 9.8-10.6 inches (25-27 cm) |
| Habitat | Coniferous forests, woodlands |
| Food | Insects, fruits |
12. Yellow Warbler
Yellow Warblers are small birds with bright yellow coloration.
These birds have a blend of yellow and green color on their back and chestnut striation on the breast.
These birds are mostly seen in the summer.
They travel a long distance to breed and move throughout most parts of northern America prior to visiting central and northern South America to spend their winters in these extreme south during migration.
These birds can be seen searching for insects, worms, and bugs, and wasps in lakes and ponds and along the borders of fields.
Warblers mostly feed on insects. Oranges, peen berries, peanut butter, and natural plants that lure insects may all be used to attract Yellow Warblers, so no pesticides are required.
During the springtime, Yellow Warblers may be seen all around Wyoming.
Because yellow warblers consume insects, they will not frequent bird feeders.
Plant little plants that sustain caterpillars to try to attract them.
The name yellow warbler is given to it because of the fact that the entire body of the bird is yellow.
Their breast and head are often brighter, while their backs are typically darker and olive-yellow.
The males’ chests feature reddish-brown striping.
Thickets and tiny trees near marshes or streams are their favored environment.
Below are the characteristics of the Yellow Warbler,
| Scientific Name | Setophaga petechia |
| Family Name | Parulidae |
| Length | 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm) |
| Weight | 0.3-0.4 ounces (8-12 grams) |
| Wingspan | 6.7-7.9 inches (17-20 cm) |
| Habitat | Wetlands, woodlands, shrubs |
| Food | Insects, spiders, berries |
13. American Goldfinch
In the spring, the males of this species display vivid yellow and black plumage. In the winter, males and their counterparts females are pale browns.
Before moving to the southern states, American Goldfinches reproduced in the far-flung northern states and Canada, while in the remaining states of the United States, they are found at all times of the year.
They are attracted by most bird feeders and enjoy sunflower and Nyjer seeds the most.
Goldfinches are one of my favorite birds to see at feeders, especially in the spring and summer when they have their beautiful yellow feathers.
Reproducing males turn yellow, or “gold,” with black-stripped wings and a black crown on top of their heads by this time.
Females and youngsters are less brightly colored and do not have a black crown.
They molt in the winter and lose their dazzling hues, turning a drab brownish or olive tint.
The black strips on their wings and their stout bill and colorful plumage make them easily distinguishable at any time of year.
In Wyoming, goldfinches can be seen all year, although, at the State’s eastern border, they may only be seen in the spring and summer.
Below are the characteristics of the American Goldfinch,
| Scientific Name | Spinus tristis |
| Family Name | Fringillidae |
| Length | 4.3-5.5 inches (11-14 cm) |
| Weight | 0.4-0.7 ounces (11-20 grams) |
| Wingspan | 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm) |
| Habitat | Open fields, meadows, gardens |
| Food | Seeds, thistle, sunflower |
14. Black-Billed Magpie
The lovely black-billed magpie has Blue color along its long tail and wings, blackhead, chest, and back, and blinding white sides and shoulders.
Fruit, grains, insects, small animals, carrion, and eggs make up their diet.
They’ve also been sighted on the backs of huge species such as moose and deer, searching through their hair for ticks.
These flamboyant birds aren’t afraid to show off, and they’re frequently spotted sitting in trees or on fence posts.
They may be pretty noisy, especially when they’re in a bunch.
In Wyoming, black-billed magpies can be seen all year.
Black-billed magpies may frequent backyards.
However, they prefer wide rangeland. Peanuts and sunflower seeds on a platform feeder, suet, or fruit like orange halves. Try to entice them.
They do not migrate and may be seen eating berries and grains, bugs, and crickets in meadows, grasslands, and other open places.
They predate animals like Voles and squirrels, as well as raiding bird nests for eggs, nestlings, and even carrion.
Black-billed Magpies often visit backyards in search of sunflower seeds, nuts, fruits, black seed oil millet, and milo in platform and suet feeders.
Below are the characteristics of the Black-Billed Magpie,
| Scientific Name | Pica hudsonia |
| Family Name | Corvidae |
| Length | 17-24 inches (43-61 cm) |
| Weight | 5-7 ounces (142-198 grams) |
| Wingspan | 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) |
| Habitat | Open areas, woodlands |
| Food | Insects, small mammals, seeds |
15. Black-capped Chickadee
The Black-capped Chickadee has a small build and a large spherical head.
These birds will happily eat from the outdoor feeders and observe everything around them.
They have beaks and capes in black color with white cheeks, grey backs, wings, and tails.
Open woodlands, backyards, forests, and parks are all good places to search for them.
Berries, bugs, seeds, and suet are mostly eaten by black-capped chickadees.
Black-capped Chickadees tend to eat peanut butter, peanut, sunflower seeds, or suet in your yard.
They easily notice the new feeders and even can eat from your hands.
They’ll also consume the nest boxes, especially when those are filled with wood shavings.
Chickadees are tiny little birds with spherical bodies that are easily distinguished by their black-colored cap and bib that is also of the same hue.
Their underbodies are soft and light, and their cheeks are completely white.
Their feathers and rear end are blackish-grey.
They are frequent bird feeders and are observed flying backward and forward from one feeder to the next, looking for food.
Chickadees are often the first birds to visit a fresh feeder in your yard, and they’re extremely brazen for their size!
Throughout Wyoming, black-capped chickadees may be seen all year.
They will frequently attend most seed feeders if you provide them with a mixture of mixed seed mixes.
Below are the characteristics of the Black-capped Chickadee,
| Scientific Name | Poecile atricapillus |
| Family Name | Paridae |
| Length | 4.7-5.9 inches (12-15 cm) |
| Weight | 0.3-0.5 ounces (8-14 grams) |
| Wingspan | 6.3-8.3 inches (16-21 cm) |
| Habitat | Forests, woodlands, gardens |
| Food | Insects, seeds, berries |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wyoming’s bird population is a testament to the state’s natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
Throughout its vast landscapes, from the towering mountains to the wide-open plains, Wyoming offers a habitat for a diverse array of avian species.
In this article, we have highlighted 15 common birds that grace the skies and enrich the ecosystems of this remarkable state.
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or simply appreciate the wonders of nature, exploring Wyoming’s avian inhabitants can be a rewarding and awe-inspiring experience.
So, next time you find yourself in Wyoming, don’t forget to keep an eye out for these remarkable feathered friends and enjoy the symphony of their songs and the beauty of their flight.
Happy birding!
FAQ
When is the best time to spot these common birds in Wyoming?
The best time for birdwatching in Wyoming is during the spring and summer months when migratory birds return and nesting activity is at its peak. However, many resident bird species can be seen year-round.
Where are the best places to go birdwatching in Wyoming?
Wyoming offers numerous excellent birdwatching locations. Some popular spots include Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, and Devil’s Tower National Monument.
Can I attract common birds to my backyard in Wyoming?
Absolutely! You can attract common birds to your backyard by providing bird feeders with appropriate food, installing bird baths for water, and planting native vegetation that provides shelter and food sources.
What should I do if I find an injured bird in Wyoming?
If you encounter an injured bird, it’s best to contact your local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control agency. They have the expertise to handle and care for injured birds properly.
Can I participate in birdwatching events or groups in Wyoming?
Yes! Wyoming has various birdwatching clubs, events, and guided tours where you can join fellow bird enthusiasts to explore the state’s avian wonders. Check local birding organizations or wildlife agencies for information on upcoming events.
Last Updated on July 18, 2023 by Lily Aldrin
