In the US there are more than 800 bird species. Looking through websites such as Seabird Sanctuary, you’ll notice just how different the birds are from one state to another.
Despite this variation, there are a few feathered friends that are common in every state.
Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove is the most common bird in the United States. You will see them in almost every backyard as they fly across North America.
The plumage of a Mourning Dove isn’t flashy or dramatic, instead, they resemble a pigeon. Their color is browny gray with black tips, while the breast is a gentle red.
Most people recognize the Mourning Dove from their sweet birdsong. It’s this music which gives them their name. People once believed that the song was a call from beyond the grave.
Loved ones from their past serenading them as they did in life.
Another unique aspect of the Mourning Dove is its body shape. Their wings are pointed and long, closely resembling a falcon. And though this species is technically a dove, their tails are much longer than others in their breed.
This additional length makes them quick and nimble flyers. Mourning Doves can reach an impressive 55mph.
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinals are a beautiful bird. Their bright red pigmentation suggests they should live in a tropical climate, but now we get to experience their wonder in our backyards.
They have red beaks, bright red bodies, and black bibs. Their wings and tails have a slightly black tinge, but their rosy red color shines brightly.
The bright colors are from the food they eat. If not enough red berries are around, their feathers may fade to blue or brown. If you see a gray Northern Cardinal, you’ll be witnessing a female bird. Their bodies are shorter, and heavier and have hints of red along their wings.
Because of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act created in 1918, these birds are not allowed to be caged. The act was designed to stop collectors from preventing these birds from migrating. Without this species, other countries may have changed ecosystems from the lack of birds. It could also affect their breeding pattern.
American Robin
Robins across the world look different from each other. The British Robin is small with a red chest, brown body, and white markings around the lower half of the body.
American Robins also have red chests, but they are much bigger with striking white marks around the eyes and a thin yellow beak.
British Robins are cute and cozy, while American Robins resemble birds of prey.
American Robins are most common in the springtime, and this is also when you’ll hear its song. The American Robin is the official bird of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Connecticut.
American Crow
From a magical bird to a symbol of death. Crows are clever birds of all black. They are often confused for Ravens, due to their size and color, but Crows have glossier feathers and larger features. Their bills, legs, heads, and feathers are all larger than a Raven.
What makes Crows truly unique is their intelligence. Crows are known for stealing objects, using technology, trading goods, and co-parenting.
Many people use Crows as part of their city clean-up routine. Teaching the birds to put cigarettes into a dispenser in trade for seeds.
Crows can be found in all states, but they prefer cooler and lower locations. They will often be sitting in trees, whether that’s in a city or on a farm.
Blue Jay
Of the 5 most common types of birds, Blue Jays are the most beautiful. These birds have feathers in a mixture of blues and purples. Their heads and back coat are a collection of blues, blacks, and whites, while the main blue colors fade in a chrome effect through different shades.
Their tails and wings have a tile pattern of deep blues to bright blues with black lines in between.
Although these birds are beautiful, they have an odd social pattern. Blue Jays are known to “ant” or practice “anting”. This is the act of rubbing ants onto their feathers. It’s believed this practice removes the acid from the ants, making them safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
The most common birds in America range in beauty, intelligence, and song. They are each a staple of the country and show the multiple cultures and concepts associated with each one.
The 5 most common birds in America are the Mourning Dove, Northern Cardinal, American Robin, American Crow, and the beautiful Blue Jay.
