December–February
Winter birds
Winter emphasizes winter residency, irruptions, and energy conservation. Build your birding and backyard plan around reliable natural food, clean feeders where appropriate, unfrozen water, and dense shelter.
Reviewed species guides
Northern Cardinal
year-round across much of eastern and central United States
Winter guide →Turdus migratoriusAmerican Robin
year-round in many areas; migratory at northern limits
Winter guide →Cyanocitta cristataBlue Jay
mostly year-round; some populations move irregularly
Winter guide →Spinus tristisAmerican Goldfinch
year-round or seasonal across most of the contiguous United States
Winter guide →Poecile atricapillusBlack-capped Chickadee
year-round across northern United States and Canada
Winter guide →Baeolophus bicolorTufted Titmouse
year-round in eastern and central United States
Winter guide →Haemorhous mexicanusHouse Finch
year-round across most of the United States
Winter guide →Zenaida macrouraMourning Dove
year-round in much of the United States; northern birds migrate
Winter guide →Dryobates pubescensDowny Woodpecker
year-round across most of the United States and Canada
Winter guide →Archilochus colubrisRuby-throated Hummingbird
breeding visitor in eastern North America; winters mainly in Mexico and Central America
Winter guide →Winter birds by state
State pages are planning previews and remain noindex until location-specific monthly occurrence data is verified.