Michigan is home to a diverse range of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. From vibrant songbirds to majestic raptors, the state’s varied landscapes—spanning dense forests, open fields, wetlands, and shorelines—provide ideal habitats for countless birds in Michigan. Whether you’re observing backyard visitors or exploring wildlife refuges, you’ll encounter a stunning array of feathered residents and seasonal migrants.
In this guide, we’ll explore 42 common Michigan birds, helping you identify them with detailed descriptions and images. Knowing how to recognize these birds will enhance your birdwatching experience, whether you’re spotting a cheerful American Robin in the spring or a striking Snowy Owl in the winter. Many of these species can also be attracted to backyard feeders, making birdwatching an accessible and rewarding hobby year-round.
Birds in Michigan display a fascinating mix of behaviors, calls, and adaptations suited to the state’s climate. Some, like the hardy Black-capped Chickadee, remain active even in freezing temperatures, while others, like the Baltimore Oriole, migrate south for the winter.
Different Types of Birds in Michigan
American Robin
A beautiful thrush with a rusty red breast and a dark head and back. Look for a white throat with streaks and white markings around the eyes. Males and females are similar in appearance, though females tend to be paler.
American Robins are one of the most familiar birds in Michigan! They thrive in various habitats, from forests to suburban lawns and even tundra. They are highly adaptable and are commonly seen hopping across yards in search of food. Despite their abundance, robins rarely visit seed feeders, as they primarily consume invertebrates like earthworms, insects, and snails, along with fruits and berries.
During the breeding season, American Robins build open cup-shaped nests, often near human dwellings. Their eggs are a striking sky-blue color, making them easily recognizable. Their song is a string of cheerful, clear whistles, often described as sounding like “cheerily, cheer up, cheer up, cheerily, cheer up.” This melodic tune is a sure sign of spring in Michigan.
Downy Woodpecker
These small woodpeckers have short bills and compact bodies. Their plumage consists of a white belly and a mostly black back, adorned with white streaks and spots. Males have a distinctive red patch on the back of their heads, while females lack this marking.
Downy Woodpeckers are among the most common birds in Michigan and are frequently seen in backyards. They are easy to attract using suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. Surprisingly, they are sometimes spotted sipping sugar water from hummingbird feeders. Their small size allows them to navigate delicate branches and tree trunks with ease.
Their call is a high-pitched, descending whinny that becomes easy to recognize once familiar. They also drum on tree trunks to communicate and establish territory. Because of their widespread presence, learning their sounds can help birdwatchers identify them quickly in Michigan’s forests, parks, and neighborhoods.
Hairy Woodpecker
These woodpeckers have a striking black-and-white plumage pattern, with striped heads and an upright posture while clinging to trees. Their long, chisel-like bills set them apart from the similar-looking Downy Woodpeckers. Males have a red patch on the back of their heads, which females lack.
Hairy Woodpeckers are common throughout Michigan and can be found in mature forests, urban parks, backyards, swamps, orchards, and even cemeteries. They are skilled foragers, using their strong beaks to extract insects from tree bark. Suet feeders are a great way to attract them to backyard feeding stations.
Their most common call is a sharp “peek,” slightly lower in pitch than that of a Downy Woodpecker. They also produce a rattling or whinnying sound. Since they closely resemble Downy Woodpeckers, size and bill length are the best ways to tell them apart. Hairy Woodpeckers are larger and have proportionally longer bills.
House Sparrow
Males have gray crowns, black bibs, white cheeks, and chestnut-colored sides on their faces and necks. Their backs are brown with black streaks. Females, on the other hand, are a dull brown with streaks on their backs and a tan line extending behind their eyes.
House Sparrows are an invasive species in Michigan, originally from the Middle East. Despite this, they have become one of the most widespread and abundant birds in the state. They thrive in urban and suburban environments, often seen around human habitation, feeding on grains, seeds, and even discarded food like bread and popcorn.
These aggressive birds compete with native species for nest cavities, often displacing bluebirds and Purple Martins. They are extremely vocal, producing a simple song made up of repetitive “cheep” notes. Their adaptability and bold nature make them a constant presence in Michigan’s cities, parks, and residential areas.
House Finch
Male House Finches have a rosy red head and upper chest, while females are a uniform brown with streaks on their back, tail, and belly. Both sexes have a conical beak suited for eating seeds and a notched tail.
These birds are common in Michigan, especially in urban and suburban areas. They are frequently found near people, perching on buildings, visiting backyards, and inhabiting parks. House Finches are highly social and often arrive at feeders in small flocks, making them easy to spot.
Their diet consists mainly of seeds, with sunflower seeds, Nyjer seeds, and safflower being their favorites at feeders. Their pleasant, warbled song can be heard year-round, adding a cheerful sound to gardens and neighborhood parks. House Finches are one of the first birds to discover new feeders, often drawing in other species with their presence.
American Crow
American Crows are large, entirely black birds with an iridescent sheen. They have long black bills, black legs, and black feet. These highly intelligent birds are adaptable and thrive in a wide range of habitats across Michigan.
Crows can be found in woodlands, fields, parks, neighborhoods, landfills, and even cemeteries. While they don’t frequent feeders as often as smaller birds, they are attracted to peanuts, suet, and whole-kernel corn. Their problem-solving skills and ability to recognize human faces make them one of the most fascinating birds in Michigan.
Their vocalizations include a wide range of sounds, from the classic “caw-caw” to rattles, cackles, and clicks. They are also known for their playful behavior, sometimes using objects as makeshift sleds for entertainment. Their intelligence and strong social bonds make them one of the most intriguing birds in the state.
Song Sparrow
Song Sparrows have brown streaks on their chest that converge into a central breast spot. Their head features a brown crown with a gray stripe down the middle, a gray eyebrow, and a gray cheek. Their back and body are a mix of rust-brown and gray streaks.
These sparrows are widespread in Michigan, particularly in wet, shrubby areas and open landscapes. Unlike many birds that nest in trees, Song Sparrows prefer to nest in grasses, weeds, or even directly on the ground. They are commonly seen foraging along the edges of fields and wetlands.
Song Sparrows are named for their beautiful and varied songs, which typically begin with three short notes followed by a musical trill. Each bird’s song can vary slightly depending on its location. Their singing is a familiar and pleasant sound in Michigan’s natural areas.
White-breasted Nuthatch
These small, compact birds have a distinctive white face and chest, with a blue-gray back. Males have a black cap, while females have a lighter grayish crown. Their long, pointy bill and short tail give them a unique appearance.
White-breasted Nuthatches are found in Michigan’s deciduous forests but are also frequent visitors to parks, cemeteries, and backyard feeders. They are often seen climbing headfirst down tree trunks in search of insects. To attract them, offer sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet, and safflower seeds.
These birds have a loud and distinctive “yank” call, which they repeat several times in a row. Their vocalizations make them easy to identify, even before spotting them. Their acrobatic movements and energetic feeding behavior make them a fun species to observe in Michigan.
Red-winged Blackbird
Males are striking with their all-black plumage and bright red-and-yellow patches on their shoulders. Females look entirely different, with a heavily streaked brown body and a slight yellowish hue around the bill.
During the breeding season, Red-winged Blackbirds are primarily found in wetlands, where males fiercely defend their territories. Females build nests among dense vegetation such as cattails and sedges. If you walk near their nesting areas, you might even be swooped at by a territorial male.
In the nonbreeding season, these birds move to grasslands and farm fields, often joining large flocks of other blackbirds. Their distinctive song, a rich and musical “conk-la-ree,” is a common sound in Michigan wetlands during spring and summer.
Northern Cardinal
One of the most recognizable and beloved birds in Michigan, the Northern Cardinal is famous for its brilliant red plumage and striking crest. Males are entirely red with a black mask around their face, while females are a warm brown with hints of red on their wings, tail, and crest. Both sexes have a thick, orange beak, perfect for cracking open seeds.
Northern Cardinals are year-round residents in Michigan, frequently found in woodlands, parks, and suburban gardens. They readily visit backyard feeders, preferring sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and peanuts. They are territorial birds and will sometimes attack their own reflection in windows, mistaking it for a rival.
One of the most delightful aspects of cardinals is their beautiful, whistling song. Their calls vary but are often described as “cheer-cheer-cheer” or “birdy-birdy-birdy.” Unlike many songbirds, both male and female cardinals sing, with females often vocalizing while on the nest.
Blue Jay
Blue Jays are one of the most intelligent and vocal birds in Michigan. Their striking blue feathers, white belly, and black markings around the face make them easy to identify. They have a strong, black bill, which they use for cracking open nuts, seeds, and even preying on small vertebrates.
These birds are common in Michigan’s forests, suburban areas, and backyards. Blue Jays are known for their loud calls, particularly the “jay jay” sound, which often alerts other birds to potential danger. They are also excellent mimics and can imitate the calls of hawks, possibly as a way to scare away other birds from food sources.
Blue Jays have a varied diet, feeding on acorns, seeds, fruits, insects, and occasionally small animals. They are known for caching food, storing nuts in tree crevices for later consumption. Their intelligence and adaptability have allowed them to thrive in both wild and urban environments.
Black-capped Chickadee
These small, energetic birds are a common sight in Michigan year-round. They have a distinctive black cap and bib, white cheeks, and soft gray plumage. Their round shape and constant movement make them one of the most endearing backyard birds.
Black-capped Chickadees are found in forests, parks, and suburban areas, where they frequently visit bird feeders. They are particularly fond of sunflower seeds, suet, and peanuts. Despite their small size, these birds are fearless and will often approach people closely.
Their call is a familiar “chick-a-dee-dee-dee,” which they use to communicate with their flock. In the winter, they store food in tree crevices and remember its location, helping them survive harsh conditions. Chickadees are also known for their ability to lower their body temperature at night to conserve energy, a remarkable adaptation to Michigan’s cold winters.
European Starling
These medium-sized birds are known for their glossy black plumage with iridescent green and purple hues. During winter, their feathers develop white speckles, giving them a spotted appearance. They have a short tail, long slender beak, and pointed wings, making them easy to identify in flight.
European Starlings are highly adaptable and can be found throughout Michigan in urban areas, farmlands, and open fields. They are often seen in large, noisy flocks, especially in winter, when they form mesmerizing aerial displays called murmurations. Originally introduced from Europe in the late 19th century, they have since become one of the most widespread and abundant bird species in North America.
These birds are omnivores and eat a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, seeds, and food scraps. Their ability to mimic other bird calls makes them excellent vocalists, and their repertoire includes whistles, clicks, and warbles. While fascinating to watch, starlings can be aggressive at bird feeders, often outcompeting native species for food.
Brown-headed Cowbird
This stocky blackbird is named for the male’s distinctive brown head, which contrasts with his glossy black body. Females are plain brown with subtle streaking on their underparts. Both sexes have thick, conical bills adapted for cracking seeds.
Brown-headed Cowbirds are commonly found in Michigan’s grasslands, woodlands, and open fields. They are frequently seen perching on fence posts or foraging on the ground in mixed flocks with other blackbirds. They have expanded their range due to deforestation and agricultural development, thriving in human-altered landscapes.
One of the most remarkable traits of cowbirds is their brood parasitism. Instead of building their own nests, females lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, often at the expense of the host bird’s young. This strategy allows them to produce more offspring but has led to declines in some smaller bird populations. Their song is a liquid-sounding “glug-glug-glee,” which is often heard in open areas during the breeding season.
House Wren
Small but full of energy, the House Wren is a tiny brown bird with a short tail and a slightly curved beak. Its plumage is a uniform brown with subtle barring on the wings and tail, making it well-camouflaged among tree branches and underbrush.
These birds are common in Michigan’s residential areas, woodlands, and parks. They rarely visit feeders but can often be found flitting through backyards, hopping along fences, or investigating nooks and crannies where insects hide. House Wrens are cavity nesters and readily use birdhouses, tree holes, or even unusual locations like old boots, cans, or clothespin bags.
House Wrens are highly vocal birds, known for their bubbly, energetic song, which consists of a series of rapid, melodious chatters. Males are particularly territorial and will sing persistently to defend their nesting sites. Their constant movement and cheerful songs make them a delightful presence in any yard.
Mourning Dove
This elegant dove is known for its soft grayish-brown plumage, long pointed tail, and small black spots on its wings. They have a distinctive blue eye-ring and pinkish legs, giving them a gentle appearance. Males and females look alike, making them difficult to distinguish.
Mourning Doves are one of the most widespread birds in Michigan and can be seen perched on telephone wires, fence posts, or feeding on the ground in open areas. They prefer suburban gardens, farmlands, and woodlands, where they forage for seeds and grains. Unlike many birds, they rarely perch on feeders, instead preferring to eat seeds scattered on the ground.
Their soft, mournful cooing is a familiar sound across Michigan and is often mistaken for the call of an owl. Their flight is fast and direct, with sharp wingbeats and a distinctive whistling sound as they take off. Mourning Doves are monogamous and form strong pair bonds, with both parents sharing the responsibility of incubating eggs and feeding their young.
Rock Pigeon
Rock Pigeons are plump birds with small heads, short legs, and thin bills. Their typical coloration includes a gray back, a blue-gray head, and two black wing bars, but their plumage is highly variable. You may see individuals ranging from all-white to rusty-brown.
These birds are extremely common in Michigan, particularly in urban environments. You’ll often spot them gathering in large flocks in city parks, waiting for food scraps or birdseed. They are highly adaptable and thrive in human-altered environments, roosting on buildings, bridges, and other structures.
Rock Pigeons are known for their soft, throaty coos. Despite being seen as a nuisance in some areas, they have a long history with humans. Evidence suggests that pigeons were domesticated over 5,000 years ago in ancient Egypt, making them one of the earliest birds to form a bond with people.
Tufted Titmouse
The Tufted Titmouse is a small, acrobatic bird with grayish plumage, white underparts, a peach wash on the sides, and a distinct crest atop its head. A black forehead and large, dark eyes add to its charming appearance. Males and females look identical.
These birds are common in Michigan’s deciduous forests, backyards, and city parks. They frequently flit between trees in search of insects and seeds, often hanging upside down as they forage. They also readily visit bird feeders, favoring sunflower seeds, peanuts, safflower seeds, and suet.
Tufted Titmice are very vocal birds. Their song is a fast, repetitive “peter-peter-peter,” while their scratchy “tsee-day-day-day” call is also frequently heard. These sounds make them easy to identify in wooded areas and suburban backyards.
Common Grackle
Common Grackles are large, lanky blackbirds with long tails and slightly curved bills. Males appear black at first glance, but their feathers shimmer with iridescent blue and bronze hues in the right lighting. Females are slightly less glossy but otherwise similar in appearance.
Highly adaptable, Common Grackles are found throughout Michigan in various habitats, including farmlands, wetlands, and suburban neighborhoods. They form large, noisy flocks and are often seen foraging in fields, scavenging at picnic areas, or raiding bird feeders.
Grackles have a distinctive call often compared to a rusty gate—“readle-ree.” They also produce an array of whistles, squeaks, and groans. While they can be aggressive at feeders, their intelligence and striking plumage make them fascinating birds to observe.
Pileated Woodpecker
The Pileated Woodpecker is one of the largest woodpeckers in North America, measuring up to 19 inches long with a wingspan of 30 inches—roughly the size of a crow. They are mostly black with bold white stripes on the face and neck, and their most striking feature is a large red crest. Males have an additional red stripe on their cheeks.
These impressive birds inhabit mature forests across Michigan, where they rely on dead and rotting trees for food. Their diet mainly consists of ants, wood-boring beetles, and termites, though they also eat fruits and nuts. Their powerful beaks create large, rectangular holes in trees as they excavate for insects.
Pileated Woodpeckers are quite vocal. Their loud “cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk” call rises and falls in pitch and volume, making them easy to detect. They occasionally visit suet feeders, making them a rare but exciting backyard visitor.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are medium-sized woodpeckers with striking black-and-white barred backs. Despite their name, their red coloring is primarily on their heads, with males displaying a red stripe from their beak to the back of their necks, while females have red only on the nape.
These birds are common visitors to backyard feeders in Michigan, particularly those offering peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet. They are often seen clinging to tree trunks and branches, foraging for insects hidden beneath the bark.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are easily recognized by their rolling “churr-churr-churr” call. They are also known to drum on tree trunks, which helps establish territory and attract mates. Their bold markings and frequent visits to feeders make them a favorite among birdwatchers.
Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Bluebirds are small thrushes known for their bright blue plumage and warm, rusty-colored chests. Males are particularly striking, with vibrant blue feathers and a deep orange throat and breast. Females have a similar pattern but are more subdued in coloration, with grayish-blue tones. Their soft, musical song adds a delightful touch to any open landscape.
These birds are commonly found in Michigan’s meadows, fields, parks, and even Christmas tree farms. They prefer open areas with scattered trees and are often seen perched on fence posts or wires, scanning the ground for insects. Nesting in tree cavities or specially designed bluebird boxes, they are highly sought after by bird enthusiasts.
Eastern Bluebirds can be attracted to backyard feeders with mealworms, suet, and berries. Providing a well-placed nest box can also encourage them to take up residence, offering birdwatchers the opportunity to observe their charming behavior up close.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is Michigan’s only breeding hummingbird species, recognized by its iridescent green back and, in males, a shimmering red throat. Males also have a black chin and mask, while females are slightly duller, lacking the ruby-colored throat. These tiny birds have incredibly fast wingbeats, allowing them to hover effortlessly while feeding.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate to Michigan during the warmer months, where they can be seen darting between flowers in gardens, parks, and wooded areas. In the fall, they embark on an astonishing journey to Mexico, often flying non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico.
To attract these hummingbirds, provide nectar feeders filled with a sugar-water solution, as well as brightly colored flowers like bee balm and trumpet vine. Their rapid movements and territorial behavior make them a fascinating sight in any backyard.
Baltimore Oriole
Baltimore Orioles are among the most beautiful songbirds in Michigan, with males showcasing bright orange plumage contrasted by black wings and a black head. Females are more muted in color, featuring a yellow-orange body with grayish wings. These birds are known for their rich, whistling songs that signal the arrival of spring.
They are commonly found in open woodlands, riverbanks, and suburban areas, often nesting in tall deciduous trees. Their distinctive hanging nests, woven from plant fibers and grasses, are an impressive sight. They primarily feed on nectar, fruit, and insects.
Attracting Baltimore Orioles to your yard is easy with offerings of orange slices, grape jelly, and sugar-water nectar. Special oriole feeders designed for their feeding habits can encourage these striking birds to visit regularly.
Chipping Sparrow
Chipping Sparrows are small, slender birds with a rusty-red cap, a black-streaked eyeline, and a grayish belly. Their simple yet crisp markings make them easy to recognize. Some individuals may appear paler, particularly outside the breeding season.
These sparrows are common throughout Michigan, favoring grassy woodlands, suburban yards, and open fields. They are frequently seen foraging on the ground, hopping around in search of seeds and insects. Their nests are often built in shrubs or low trees, made from grass and fine roots.
Chipping Sparrows readily visit backyard feeders, especially those stocked with sunflower seeds and millet. Their rapid, mechanical-sounding trill is a common background sound in spring and summer, making them a familiar presence in many areas.
Dark-eyed Junco
Dark-eyed Juncos are small, round-bodied birds with smooth, slate-gray feathers and a white belly. Their most distinctive feature is their white outer tail feathers, which flash as they fly away. These birds have regional color variations, with some appearing darker or browner.
Juncos are often called “snowbirds” because they appear in Michigan during the colder months. They breed in northern forests but migrate south in winter, where they frequent parks, fields, and backyard gardens. Unlike many other songbirds, they prefer foraging on the ground, often scratching at leaf litter to find seeds.
To attract Dark-eyed Juncos, scatter seeds like millet and cracked corn on the ground or use low platform feeders. Their soft trilling song and gentle presence make them a welcome sight during the winter months.
Pine Siskin
Pine Siskins are small finches with streaky brown plumage and subtle yellow markings on their wings and tails. Their sharp, pointed bills and forked tails distinguish them from other small songbirds. Interestingly, both sexes share the same coloration, making them one of the few finch species in Michigan without noticeable gender differences.
These birds are highly nomadic, traveling in large flocks and settling in areas where food is abundant. They are commonly found in mixed evergreen and deciduous forests but will venture into backyards and gardens, especially during winter, when natural food sources become scarce. Their chattering, high-pitched calls create a constant background noise in the areas they frequent.
Pine Siskins are frequent visitors to bird feeders, particularly those stocked with sunflower seeds or Nyjer seeds. Since they have small, delicate beaks, they prefer seeds without tough shells. Providing food in tube feeders or on platform feeders can help attract them, especially in colder months when they rely on supplemental food sources.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are striking birds, with males displaying bold black and white plumage accented by a bright red patch on their chest. Females, in contrast, have a streaked brown appearance with a pale bill and a distinctive white eyebrow. These stocky birds are about the size of an American Robin and have large, triangular bills designed for cracking seeds.
These birds thrive in woodlands, gardens, and suburban areas with plenty of tree cover. Males are known for their beautiful, flute-like songs, which resemble those of the American Robin but are more melodic. Interestingly, when a female appears in a male’s territory, he may initially reject her before ultimately accepting her as a mate.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are common visitors to backyard feeders, especially those offering sunflower seeds. They prefer platform feeders where they can easily perch and crack open seeds with their powerful beaks. Their presence in a yard is often signaled by their rich, warbling songs coming from an elevated perch.
White-crowned Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrows are medium-sized sparrows recognized by their bold black and white head stripes, peaked crown, and pale-colored bills. Their bodies are a mix of gray and brown, with a long tail that aids in their balance while foraging. These birds are often found in open areas with scattered shrubs and grass.
During the breeding season, they inhabit shrubby habitats and grassy fields, but in winter, they move to weedy fields, thickets, and residential areas. They are ground foragers, frequently scratching through leaf litter in search of seeds and insects. Unlike many songbirds, they undertake long migrations, sometimes covering over 300 miles in a single night.
To attract White-crowned Sparrows to your yard, scatter sunflower seeds on the ground or use a low platform feeder. They prefer feeding at ground level and will often be seen hopping and scratching at the soil. Their song is a short, whistling tune, often repeated in a rhythmic pattern.
White-throated Sparrow
White-throated Sparrows are easily recognizable by their striking black and white head stripes, yellow lores (spots between the eyes), and the namesake white throat patch. Their bodies are stocky, with coloration ranging from gray to tan, and they have a small, conical bill.
These sparrows prefer forest edges, where they can be seen foraging under dense vegetation. They use their beaks to pick up and toss leaves aside in search of insects and seeds. Their ground-scratching behavior is a useful identification trait, especially in wooded areas during migration and winter months.
Backyard birdwatchers can attract White-throated Sparrows by offering millet or sunflower seeds, preferably scattered on the ground near bushes or brush piles. These birds are more comfortable foraging in sheltered areas. Their high-pitched, whistling song is often described as “Oh-sweet-Canada-Canada,” making it one of the most recognizable bird calls in Michigan.
Gray Catbird
Gray Catbirds are sleek, medium-sized songbirds with an overall gray body, a black cap, and a slightly darker tail. Their name comes from their distinctive “meow” call, which sounds remarkably like a cat. In addition to this call, they are skilled mimics, incorporating the songs of other birds into their own complex vocalizations.
These birds thrive in dense thickets, forest edges, and shrubbery, where they forage for insects and berries. Unlike many songbirds, they are more often heard than seen, as they prefer staying hidden within the foliage. Their ability to imitate the calls of other birds makes them fascinating to listen to.
Gray Catbirds can be lured to backyard feeders with an unusual but effective treat—grape jelly! They are also attracted to fruit-bearing shrubs and trees. Providing a mix of fruit, mealworms, and suet will increase the chances of these secretive birds visiting your yard.
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatches are small, energetic songbirds with compact bodies, almost no neck, and a very short tail. Their striking plumage features blue-gray upperparts, a black eye stripe, and a rusty-red breast. These birds are highly active, often seen creeping headfirst down tree trunks in search of food.
In Michigan, Red-breasted Nuthatches are most commonly found in coniferous forests. They prefer habitats with dense pine, spruce, or fir trees, where they forage for insects and seeds. Unlike their close relatives, White-breasted Nuthatches, which favor deciduous forests, Red-breasted Nuthatches thrive in evergreen woodlands. During winter, they may venture into backyards and urban areas in search of food, making them occasional feeder visitors.
One of the most distinctive features of this species is its vocalization. Their call is a fast, nasal “yank-yank-yank,” which resembles the sound of a tiny tin horn. These calls are often made by males searching for mates. If you hear this unique sound while walking through a Michigan forest, chances are a Red-breasted Nuthatch is nearby.
Carolina Wren
Carolina Wrens are small, reddish-brown songbirds with long, slightly curved bills, a white throat, and a bold white eyebrow stripe. Their wings and tails are marked with dark bars, giving them a distinctive appearance. Both males and females share the same coloration, making them difficult to differentiate by sight alone.
These birds are common in southern Michigan, particularly in shrubby areas, dense undergrowth, and brush piles. Despite their abundance, Carolina Wrens are secretive and often remain hidden in thick vegetation. They are more frequently heard than seen, making their loud, melodic song one of the best ways to locate them in the wild.
Carolina Wrens occasionally visit bird feeders in Michigan, especially during winter when insects are scarce. They prefer suet, peanuts, shelled sunflower seeds, and mealworms. However, they tend to avoid feeders in the summer when natural food sources are abundant. Their song is a distinctive, three-parted whistle that sounds like “tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle,” and each male can produce variations of this tune, adding to their impressive vocal range.
Common Raven
The Common Raven is a large, all-black bird with a thick, powerful bill and a wedge-shaped tail. Their glossy black feathers, coupled with their sheer size, set them apart from crows. In flight, their large wings and distinctive tail shape help birdwatchers easily identify them.
In Michigan, Common Ravens are known for their intelligence and adaptability. They thrive in a variety of habitats, from remote forests to urban areas and landfills where food is abundant. These birds have even been observed using problem-solving skills to find and obtain food, such as working together to steal eggs or hunting small prey. They are also known to follow hunters during hunting season, recognizing that gunshots often lead to carcasses.
Common Ravens are exceptional vocalists, capable of producing a wide range of sounds. Their deep, gurgling croaks are their most recognizable calls, but they also mimic the sounds of other birds and, in captivity, even human speech. Their complex vocalizations and problem-solving abilities make them one of the most fascinating birds in Michigan.
