32 Backyard Birds in Louisiana

Last Updated on January 6, 2024 by Greg Gillson

I’ve put this resource together for you to answer your question: What birds are in my backyard in Louisiana?

This article lists and discusses the identification of the most common birds in your backyard. The birds chosen in this article are compiled from actual data from the citizen science program eBird. Thus, it is more accurate than some other similar articles you may find on the web. I provide pictures of each bird species mentioned and I’ll tell how to attract them to your backyard.

These are the most common backyard birds in Louisiana:

1. Northern Cardinal
2. Blue Jay
3. Northern Mockingbird
4. Mourning Dove
5. Carolina Wren
6. Carolina Chickadee
7. American Crow
8. Red-bellied Woodpecker
9. Red-winged Blackbird
10. Downy Woodpecker
11. European Starling
12. Yellow-rumped Warbler
13. Tufted Titmouse
14. House Sparrow
15. Ruby-crowned Kinglet
16. Common Grackle
17. Eastern Bluebird
18. Eastern Phoebe
19. Brown Thrasher
20. American Robin
21. Brown-headed Cowbird
22. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
23. White-throated Sparrow
24. White-eyed Vireo
25. American Goldfinch
26. Orange-crowned Warbler
27. Pine Warbler
28. Barn Swallow
29. Eastern Kingbird
30. Chimney Swift
31. Great Crested Flycatcher
32. Indigo Bunting

Louisiana Birds and Birding in Louisiana State

eBird lists over 475 types of birds as occurring in the state of Louisiana.

The most common bird in Louisiana: the most frequently seen bird in the state is Northern Cardinal. It is reported on 60% of bird watching lists.

If you are serious about knowing the birds native to Louisiana, then check out eBird for Louisiana.
It has recent sightings and photos, illustrated checklists with weekly abundance bar charts for state, counties, and individual hotspots of the best birding locations.

If you want to know about other people interested in birds in your area, join a local bird group. The American Birding Association maintains a list of bird watching clubs for each state.

Louisiana Bird Identification

This section is the species accounts. These are designed to help you to recognize birds you see in your backyard. I have used eBird to select the birds that are most common. “Common” means the birds seen most often throughout the year, not necessarily the most numerous.

Each species account starts with an image.  In the identification section I am using size and shape and bill type before considering the color or patterns on the birds. I find these more reliable when trying to identify an unknown bird. Pay attention to body and tail shape and especially bill shape of birds you see, not just plumage color.

In the section on bird feeders and foods I tell how to attract each species. Not all types of backyard birds will come to feeders. But all backyard birds can be attracted with water. So don’t forget to add a birdbath to your bird feeding station.

Do you live in Southern Louisiana? Northwest Louisiana? To appear in this article, most birds are widely distributed throughout the state and are often year-round residents. However, for those birds that are more localized in place or time, I list the general region and seasonality. Please see the section following these species accounts for the lists of common species by season.

Even if a species is found in a general area, they occur only in the habitat they prefer. So, the exact habitat of your neighborhood is important for the presence of absence of certain kinds of birds.

1. Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

This is one of the most common and popular backyard birds in the eastern half of the United States.

Northern Cardinal. Image GeorgeB2 Pixaby

Range in Louisiana: Northern Cardinals are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: 

Size: Cardinals are a bit smaller than American Robins, about the same size as Red-winged Blackbirds. 

Shape: Plump body with fairly long full tail. Wispy crest. 

Bill: Short, heavy, conical, pink. 

Color: That bright red color is matched by few other birds. Black face. The female is grayer, but with hints of red in wings and tail, and has a crest, too.

Habitat, range & behavior: Cardinals are year-round residents in shrubby woodland edges. 

Found from the eastern United States to Texas and Arizona south into Mexico. 

That large conical bill is made for chewing seeds. Watch them crack open sunflower seeds, spit out the hulls, and pluck the kernel with their tongues!

Food and feeder preference: Black oil sunflower seeds. Many types of seeds, berries, nuts in larger hopper or tray feeders.

You may like my in-depth article on attracting Northern Cardinals.

2. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

A common and well-known bird in the eastern half of the United States.

Blue Jay. skeeze from Pixabay

Range in Louisiana: Blue Jays are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: 

Size: About that of American Robin. 

Shape: Fluffy, large crested head, ample tail. Large strong legs. 

Bill: Black, long and stout. 

Color: Blue above, white below. Black neck collar. White patches in wing.

Habitat, range & behavior: Woodlands and towns. 

Found in the eastern half of the United States. In summer into southern Canada. 

Bold and brash. May bully smaller birds. Jays gulp lots of seeds or other food at once, storing it in their crop. Then they fly off and bury food items in a hidden cache.

Food and feeder preference: Omnivorous. They can quickly empty your feeder! Because they are also aggressive toward other feeder birds, some people put mesh cages around smaller bird feeders. Small birds can go through, squirrels and larger “pest” birds are prevented entry. Some people feed jays peanuts, perhaps away from the seed feeders.

3. Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)

This bird sings from exposed perches most of the year and often through the night. They have an unending supply of their own unique short phrases that they repeat about 3 times each, but frequently intersperse songs of other birds.

Northern Mockingbird. Greg Gillson

Range in Louisiana: Northern Mockingbirds are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: 

Size: The length of an American Robin. 

Shape: Slender and long tailed. Long legs. 

Bill: Medium length, slender, slightly curved. 

Color: Gray, darker above, with white patches in wing and tail.

Habitat, range & behavior: They prefer edge habitat with scattered trees and bushes, parks and residential areas. 

They are found in eastern and southern parts of the US, West Indies, and south into Mexico. In summer birds are found a bit farther north. 

They boldly defend their nests from other birds, cats, and intruders.

Food and feeder preference: Eats insects, berries, and fruit. You may attract mockingbirds to your feeder with grapes, raisins, apple slices. They will come to a suet block. They readily use a bird bath.

4. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

Mourning Doves are the most widespread and most frequent backyard bird in the Lower 48 states of the United States.

Mourning Dove. Greg Gillson

Range in Louisiana: Mourning Doves are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: This is a key species for comparing with an unknown bird. 

Size: About 12 inches long from bill tip to tail tip. About same size as Northern Flicker. Larger than American Robin. Slightly smaller than domestic city pigeon. 

Shape: Very plump with a small round head. Tail is long and pointed. Legs are short. 

Bill: Small and rather slender. 

Color: Pale brown-pink body, darker wings and tail. White edges on side of tail.

Habitat, range & behavior: Semi-open areas such as urban areas, farmlands, woods. 

It is a resident across the lower-48 states and Mexico, with some movement out of northern areas in winter. 

Often seen perched on wires, fences. Their mournful cooing is a familiar spring birdsong.

Food and feeder preference: Mourning Doves eat seeds almost exclusively. Attract with black oil sunflower seeds on a large sturdy tray feeder or on the ground.

5. Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)

This is a fairly common backyard bird in the much of the eastern United States.

Carolina Wren. theSOARnet Pixabay

Range in Louisiana: Carolina Wrens are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: 

Size: A smaller bird, between the size of American Goldfinch and House Finch. 

Shape: Round body, short neck, flat head, long tail flipped about actively. 

Bill: Fairly long, thin, pointed and slightly curved. 

Color: Upper parts rusty brown with black bars on the wings and tail. A white eyebrow line and buff under parts.

Habitat, range & behavior: Shrubby thickets and brushy suburban yards. 

It is found in the southeastern United States and Yucatan. Northern parts of range expand and contract depending upon harshness of winters. 

Males sing throughout the year and are very loud for their size.

Food and feeder preference: Feed mostly on insects and spiders. They will feed on suet.

6. Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis)

Chickadees are common feeder birds throughout much of North America. This one is common in the southeastern United States.

Carolina Chickadee. GeorgeB2 Pixabay

Range in Louisiana: Carolina Chickadees are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: 

Size: This small bid is the size of an American Goldfinch. 

Shape: Round body, round head, longer tail. 

Bill: Short, straight, stout. 

Color: Gray above. Paler below. Black cap, white face, black bib.

Habitat, range & behavior: Lower elevation deciduous forests, wooded residential areas. 

This chickadee is a resident in the southeastern US. 

Chickadees cannot chew as sparrows do, so they take one large sunflower seed at a time from your feeder and fly off to a branch to pound it open with their stout bills.

Food and feeder preference: Most of their diet is insects, also seeds. They will eat black oil sunflower seeds from hopper feeders.

7. American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

This larger all-black bird is common in cities and country. Its cawing call is familiar to most people.

American Crow. Greg Gillson

Range in Louisiana: American Crows are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: This is a key species for comparing with an unknown bird. 

Size: About 17-1/2 inches long from bill tip to tail tip, though there is much size variation throughout its range. Larger than blackbirds and grackles. Smaller than ravens. 

Shape: Thick neck, large head, rather short square-ended tail. Longer legs. In flight has rounded wing tips with each primary feather separated from others forming “fingers.” 

Bill: As long as head, thick, black. 

Color: Glossy black throughout.

Habitat, range & behavior: They prefer open areas with trees, fields, farms, cities. 

They are common across most of the United States lower-48, except in the desert southwest. They move into southern Canada in summer. 

They gather in evening communal roosts in large flocks that may number into the thousands and then move out at dawn into the surrounding area.

Food and feeder preference: Omnivorous, they feed on large insects, grain, small mammals, carrion. You probably don’t want these large entirely black birds in your backyard feeders. So don’t feed table scraps to birds.

8. Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)

This is one of the most common species in the eastern half of the United States.

Red-bellied Woodpecker. skeeze Pixabay

Range in Louisiana: Red-bellied Woodpeckers are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: 

Size: Fairly large for a backyard bird. Between a Starling and American Robin in size. Smaller than a Northern Flicker. 

Shape: Stout with large head and short tail. Clings to tree trunk on strong short legs propped up with short stiff tail. 

Bill: Long, chisel shaped. 

Color: Pale gray body, many thin black-and-white bars across back and wings. Red nape, extending forward on crown on male.

Habitat, range & behavior: These birds are found in many woodland types, including oak, hickory and pine. 

They are found from the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains in the lower-48 states from Texas to extreme southern Canada, and eastward from Florida northward just to the southern edge of the New England states. 

In typical woodpecker fashion, it hitches up the tree trunk and larger branches.

Food and feeder preference: This species eats insects and nuts. They may eat peanuts from a tray feeder and eat from a suet block.

9. Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

These noisy flocking birds are most often found in marshes. But in winter they are found in backyards.

Male Red-winged Blackbird. Greg Gillson.

 

Female Red-winged Blackbird. Greg Gillson.

Range in Louisiana: Red-winged Blackbirds are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: This is a key species for comparing with an unknown bird.

Size: About 8-3/4 inches long from bill tip to tail tip. About the size of a Northern Cardinal. Smaller than an American Robin.

Shape: Pot-bellied with a longer bill and flat forehead. Tail average.

Bill: Long and sharp pointed.

Color: Males are black with red and yellow shoulder patch. Females are streaked brown and rusty (sparrow-like but pointed bill and flat forehead).

Habitat, range, and behavior: Cattail marshes and wetlands are their summer habitat. In winter they feed in grain fields.

They breed across most of the North American continent. In winter they withdraw from most of Alaska and Canada.

They are found in colonies in summer and large flocks in winter.

Food and feeder preference: They eat insects in summer. In winter they eat grain and seeds. They visit feeders, more often in large winter flocks, and eat most seeds and suet.

10. Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)

This tiny woodpecker is found across the United States.

Downy Woodpecker. Greg Gillson

Range in Louisiana: Downy Woodpeckers are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: 

Size: Bigger than a junco or House Finch. Smaller than a Red-winged Blackbird. About the same size as a White-crowned Sparrow, but with a much shorter tail. 

Shape: Stocky with large head and short stiff tail. 

Bill: Short, chisel shaped. 

Color: Black-and-white striped head. Black wings with white spots. Solid white back. White under parts. Black tail with white outer tail feathers with black bars or spots. Male with small red spot at back of head.

Habitat, range & behavior: Found in small deciduous trees, willows, and even weed stocks such as teasel, especially near water. 

Ranges coast-to-coast across all but northernmost parts of Canada and Alaska south to the southern US. Absent in the desert southwest. 

Interestingly, I learned today that the males may more often be found in smaller plants and twigs, while females are more likely on tree trunks.

Food and feeder preference: Insects, fruits, and seeds. Gleans arthropods from the bark of trees. Attract with suet feeder. Will also eat black oil sunflower seeds.

11. European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Introduced to North America in the late 1800’s, they crossed the continent, often to the detriment of native cavity-nesting birds. The prime example of an invasive species.

European Starling. Greg Gillson

Range in Louisiana: European Starlings are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: This is a key species for comparing with an unknown bird. 

Size: 8-1/2 inches from bill tip to tail tip. About the size of a Red-winged Blackbird. Smaller than an American Robin. Larger than a White-crowned Sparrow or Spotted/Eastern towhee. 

Shape: Stocky with large head, short square-ended tail. Longer legs. 

Bill: As long as head. Sharp pointed. Yellow in spring, otherwise dark. 

Color: They are grayish brown much of the year, with glossy iridescence and white spotting during the spring.

Habitat, range & behavior: Lowland birds that need trees large enough for nest cavities but plenty of open area for feeding. They are most abundant in urban and suburban areas where they find food and artificial nest cavities. 

Resident from coast-to-coast from southern Canada to northern Mexico. In summer north across Canada and Alaska. Native range is Europe to Pakistan, north Africa. 

Often viewed as a pest, starlings often bully other backyard birds, taking over bird feeders, and stealing nest cavities from smaller native birds. In winter they can form into flocks of tens of thousands.

Food and feeder preference: Primarily insects when available, often feeding on the ground. Discourage them from your backyard hopper and tray feeders by never feeding birds table scraps (including bread or meat). They have weak feet and do not perch well on tube feeders. A cage mesh around smaller hopper feeders may keep them out.

12. Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)

An abundant winter visitor in southern US to treetops and weedy areas.

Yellow-rumped Warbler. Greg Gillson

Range in Louisiana: Yellow-rumped Warblers are winter visitors throughout Louisiana.

Identification: 

Size: Small, they are a bit larger than chickadees and goldfinches. They are smaller than House Finches and juncos. 

Shape: Plump and neckless with a shorter tail. 

Bill: Short, slender, straight, pointed. 

Color: Breeding plumage in spring is blue-gray on the upper parts, black sides and chest, yellow rump, yellow on sides. Two forms: western form with yellow throat and large white wing patch; eastern and northern form with white throat and two white wing bars. In winter plumage both forms are gray-brown above, pale cream below. Yellow rump and white tail corners in flight.

Habitat, range & behavior: In breeding season mostly in coniferous or mixed forests, in mountains in west. In winter open areas with fruiting shrubs and scattered trees. 

Breed across Canada and Alaska and in conifer forests in the west. Winter along both coasts and the southern states through Middle America. There are also non-migratory forms in Mexico and Guatemala. 

They tend to forage in outer branches about half way up the tree.

Food and feeder preference: Mainly insects in the summer, they switch to waxy berries and fruit in winter. They are thus able to winter farther north than other warblers. They are attracted to suet feeders.

13. Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)

Related to chickadees, they lack the black bib, but have a crest instead.

Tufted Titmouse. anne773 Pixabay

Range in Louisiana: Tufted Titmice are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: 

Size: A small bird, but a large titmouse, this species is larger than chickadees, about the size of a junco or House Finch. 

Shape: Rounded body, long full tail, big head, long legs. 

Bill: Short and stout, compressed (taller than wide), black. 

Color: Dark blue-gray above, pale below. Black feathers around eye accentuates its size.

Habitat, range & behavior: Lives in deciduous forests with heavy canopy, parks. 

Found in eastern and southeastern United States is expanding its range north and west. 

Backyard bird feeders might be helping this species expand its range northward.

Food and feeder preference: Insects and seeds. At your hopper or tray feeder they like black oil sunflower seeds and suet.

14. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Like the starling, this is another bird introduced from Europe in the 1800’s. This sparrow is commonly found in cities and farmlands. It is considered a pest in most areas where it has been introduced.

House Sparrow. Greg Gillson

Range in Louisiana: House Sparrows are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: 

Size: The size of a House Finch or Dark-eyed Junco. 

Shape: Chunkier than native North American sparrows with large head, barrel chest, short neck, medium tail, short legs. 

Bill: Short, conical. 

Color: Males are brown and gray with a black mask. Females lack the black and are tan and brown with a pale line back from the eye.

Habitat, range & behavior: Cities and farms. 

Range in North American from southern Canada through Central America. In summer northward through Canada to southern Alaska. Originated in Middle East and spread to most of Europe and Asia. Introduced in South America, Africa, Australia–nearly anywhere there are people and cities. 

They tend to be messy… and have a good appetite and may occur in large noisy chirping flocks. They are aggressive toward other feeder birds.

Food and feeder preference: They eat grain, seed, and insects. To discourage them from your hopper and tray feeders do not feed birds human food scraps. They have a bit of difficulty eating from tube feeders.

15. Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula)

These tiny little hyperactive balls of feathers are very similar in appearance to sluggish Hutton’s Vireos. Note the yellow feet and skinny black legs of the kinglet.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Greg Gillson.

Range in Louisiana: Ruby-crowned kinglets are winter visitors throughout Louisiana.

Identification:

Size: Smaller than a chickadee or goldfinch.

Shape: Plump, almost round body with round head merging into the body almost without neck. Very short tail. Thin legs.

Bill: Very short, rather thin.

Color: Olive-green, tending toward gray, especially on the head. Paler yellow-green below. Wing gray with yellow-green edges to the wing feathers. Two white wing bars with distinctive black panel below the lower wing panel. White eye ring slightly broken on top and bottom. Red crown of male only shows when agitated. Legs very thin, black, with obvious yellow soles to the feet.

Habitat, range, and behavior: Mountain conifers in summer, brushy patches and chaparral in winter. Residential landscaping hedges and bushes.

Breeds in Alaska, across Canada, and mountains of the West. Migrates through all of US. Winters in coastal East, Southeast, West, into Mexico.

Active flitting from branch to branch, in interior of bushes and small trees, in short flap-hops. Constantly twitches wings. Hover-gleans at leaf tips.

Food and feeder preference: Ruby-crowned Kinglets feed in bushes next to house looking for spiders and insects. May eat at suet feeder.

16. Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)

Sometimes considered a pest to crops, grackles are longer and lankier than very similar blackbirds.

Common Grackle. GeorgiaLens Pixabay

Range in Louisiana: Common Grackles are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: 

Size: Larger than Red-winged Blackbirds, they are near the length of Mourning Doves. 

Shape: Long, with long full keel-shaped tail, long legs, flat crown. 

Bill: Longer than head, pointed, but stouter than other blackbirds. 

Color: Glossy black with hint of bronze or green on head (depending upon population). Yellow eye.

Habitat, range & behavior: They are found in agricultural areas, woodland edges, city parks and lawns. 

Resident in the southeastern United States. In summer they migrate northward and west to the central United States and Canada. 

They monopolize feeders and are bullies toward other birds.

Food and feeder preference: Grain, corn, acorns, small aquatic fish and amphibians. To discourage them, use tube feeders, rather than hopper or tray feeders. Don’t over-feed, keep spilled seed picked up.

17. Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)

A beloved bird of open fields with trees and fence lines for perching.

Eastern Bluebird. skeeze from Pixabay

Range in Louisiana: Eastern Bluebirds are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: 

Size: Larger than House Finches. Much smaller than starlings. About length of White-crowned Sparrow but differently proportioned–bigger body, shorter tail. 

Shape: Chunky, large head, short tail. Bill: Straight, fairly slender, curved at tip. 

Color: Males are brilliant blue above (including wings and tail), rusty orange below with white belly and under tail. Females are often much paler, almost grayish.

Habitat, range & behavior: Found in pasture, fields, golf courses, open woodland edges. 

They are resident in most of eastern US, highlands of Middle America. In summer reach northernmost eastern US and southernmost eastern Canada, withdrawing somewhat in winter. 

They readily use nest boxes, but the entrance hole must be smaller than the head of a starling, and without a perch.

Food and feeder preference: They eat flying insects primarily, but also other invertebrates and berries. They will eat mealworms at your feeder and frequent birdbaths.

18. Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)

This plain bird is common in backyards in the East.

Eastern Phoebe. Greg Gillson.

Range in Louisiana: Eastern Phoebes are winter visitors throughout Louisiana, year-round residents in extreme northwestern Louisiana.

Identification:

Size: About the size of bluebirds. Larger than House Sparrows. 

Shape: Rather stout, with long wings, medium-length tail. Pointed but flat bill. Upright posture.

Bill: Black, pointed, wide and flat.

Color: Brownish-gray above, slightly yellow-olive on sides. White under tail coverts. No eye ring or wing bars help distinguish them from some other flycatchers.

Habitat, range & behavior: Found in woodlands, suburbs, farms. Frequently nest in rafters, under eaves, porches.

They are summer residents east of the Rocky Mountains from Canada southward. Year-round residents through the interior of the Southeast, to Texas. Winter visitor to Gulf Coast and southern Atlantic.

Phoebes pump their tail down. They also frequently spread their tails.

Food and feeder preference: They eat flying insects that they catch on the wing. Not a feeder visitor.

19. Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum)

These birds are accomplished singers, with over 1100 different songs recorded!

Brown Thrasher. Linda Jones. CC0.

Range in Louisiana: Brown Thrashers are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification:

Size: Longer than a robin, smaller than a flicker.

Shape: Pot-bellied. Long tail with rounded tip. Large head.

Bill: Long and thin, slightly curved down.

Color: Rusty above. Gray face. Heavy rusty streaks below on cream-colored under parts. Two white wing bars.

Habitat, range & behavior: These birds live in woodland edges and hedges.

They are year-round residents in the Southeast. In summer they also breed northward, east of the Rocky Mountains to southern Canada.

You may find them feeding on the edge of lawns with a very horizontal posture. They may mimic other bird songs and calls.

Food and feeder preference: They primarily eat insects and invertebrates. But they will also come to platform feeders for sunflower seeds, nuts, suet, berries.

20. American Robin (Turdus migratorius)

This familiar bird is a resident in the northern half of the United States and a winter visitor in the southern half.

American Robin. Greg Gillson.

Range in Louisiana: American Robins are year-round residents throughout most of Louisiana, winter visitors only in southern and southeastern Louisiana.

Identification: This is a key species for comparing with an unknown bird. 

Size: 10 inches long from bill tip to tail tip. About the same size as a Blue Jay or one of the Scrub-Jays. Larger than Red-winged Blackbird. Smaller than a Mourning Dove. 

Shape: Very plump with a fairly long tail. 

Bill: Straight and fairly slender, curved at the tip. 

Color: Gray-brown upperparts, rusty orange breast.

Habitat, range & behavior: Open woodlands, farmlands, urban parks and lawns. 

Migratory, breeds north across Alaska and Canada. Resident in most of the United States (lower 48). Winters in the United States, Mexico, to central America. 

Hops on your lawn turning head this way and that looking for food. Their caroling song is one of the early signs of spring in the north.

Food and feeder preference: American Robins eat earthworms and other invertebrates in the lawn. May eat fruit from a tray feeder or the ground. Eat small berries from trees and bushes.

21. Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)

Cowbirds are small blackbirds lay their eggs in the nests of other smaller birds, such as warblers. The adoptive parents raise their young!

Brown-headed Cowbird. Greg Gillson.

Range in Louisiana: Brown-headed Cowbirds are year-round residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: 

Size: Larger than White-crowned Sparrows, but smaller than Rose-breasted or Black-headed Grosbeaks. Smaller than other blackbirds, starlings, and grackles.

Shape: Perhaps a little bit pot-bellied. Medium length tail. Flat forehead as typical for blackbirds.

Bill: Rather thick and stout.

Color: Males are glossy black with rich brown head. Females are dusty gray-brown throughout. Long-held juvenile plumage similar to pale female, scaly, being fed by Yellow Warbler or Song Sparrow or a hundred other host species.

Habitat, range & behavior: They are found in woodlands and farms. Also, with other blackbirds in winter at shopping center parking lots.

In summer they breed across Canada and most of the United States and Mexico. In winter they move south out of Canada and occupy both coasts and southeastern States in the US.

These small blackbirds join other flocks of blackbirds in cattle feedlots. You may see cowbirds riding on the backs of cattle, sheep, or horses. They originally rode on the backs of American bison on the Great Plains but expanded when forests were cut.

Food and feeder preference: Cowbirds eat grains, seeds, and insects. They will readily come to hopper and platform feeders. They are larger and more aggressive, so keep other birds from feeders and have a big appetite!

22. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)

This is the only hummingbird that breeds in the eastern half of the United States and Canada.

.

Range in Louisiana: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are summer residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification:

Size: A tiny bird, much smaller than any other in the eastern US, except perhaps some other rare hummingbird.

Shape: The small body is chunky, with a big head, and short tail.

Bill: Very long and tubular, slightly down curved.

Color: Metallic green above, white below with scattered green or gray feathers. Male with glimmering ruby red throat that is black unless it refracts sunlight at just the right angle.

Habitat, range & behavior: They find flowers at forest edges and flower gardens.

They summer in the eastern US and southern Canada, east of the Rocky Mountains. Some winter in from the coast of the Carolinas to Florida and along the Gulf Coast.

Darting flight on a blur of wings that buzz when they flap so fast! They feed by poking their long bill into flowers.

Food and feeder preference: They drink flower nectar from tubular flowers using their long brush-tipped tongue. They also feed on spiders and small flying insects. They are readily attracted to hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water.

23. White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

A fairly common bird of northern forests that visits backyards in winter across much of the US.

White-throated Sparrow. Greg Gillson

Range in Louisiana: White-throated Sparrows are winter visitors throughout Louisiana.

Identification: 

Size: Similar in size to White-crowned Sparrow. Bigger than a House Finch; smaller than a starling. 

Shape: Longer body. Round head on short neck. Long tail with notched tip. 

Bill: Short. conical. 

Color: Striped tan and brown above, pale gray below. White-striped form with black and white head stripes. Tan-striped form with tan and brown striped head. First year birds are similar to tan-stiped adults, but streakier overall. Yellow spot between eyebrow and bill. White throat strongly offset from gray breast and face.

Habitat, range & behavior: Found in forests, brush, and open woodland edges. 

Breeds across Canada and northernmost Eastern United States. Winters in the eastern US, southern central US, and rare but regular along the West Coast. 

Found in small flocks on ground near brush into which they can flee. Kick up leaves to search under for food.

Food and feeder preference: Eat seeds and berries in winter, more insects and fruit in summer. In your feeder will eat mixed seeds on a platform feeder and on the ground.

24. White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus)

Vireos are rather sluggish compared to other forest birds like warblers. They may be hard to see as they move slowly through the foliage.

White-eyed Vireo. Chuck Homler CC 3.0

Range in Louisiana: White-eyed Vireos are year-round residents in southern Louisiana, summer residents in central and northern Louisiana.

Identification:

Size: About the size of an American Goldfinch or chickadee. Smaller than a Dark-eyed Junco.

Shape: Fairly chunky. Large head. Medium tail that sticks straight out behind.

Bill: Short, but stout and hooked at the tip.

Color: Mostly gray-olive above. White below, with yellow tint on sides and flanks. Yellow spectacles. Two white wing bars.

Habitat, range & behavior: Found in scrubby habitats, forest edges, mangroves.

Year-round resident in coastal Southeast. Summer resident more extensively northward in the Eastern US.

Like other vireos, White-eyed Vireos sing throughout the heat of day in summer, when most other birds are quiet.

Food and feeder preference:  They eat primarily insects, but also small fruits and berries in fall and winter. They are not attracted to bird feeders.

25. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)

A beautiful tiny finch familiar to many in its bright yellow summer plumage. Colloquially called a “wild canary.”

American Goldfinch. Greg Gillson

Range in Louisiana: American Goldfinches are year-round residents in northern Louisiana, winter visitors only in central and southern Louisiana.

Identification: This is a key species for comparing with an unknown bird. 

Size: Very small at about 5 inches from bill tip to tail tip. Similar in size to a chickadee. Larger than hummingbirds. Smaller than juncos and House Finches. 

Shape: Tiny, somewhat plump with larger head and short tail. 

Bill: Short, conical, pink. 

Color: Males in summer are bright lemon yellow with black forehead and black wings and tail with white bars. White under tail coverts. Females are dull olive, wings and tail browner. Winter birds are pale grayish-yellow with tan and brown wings and tail.

Habitat, range & behavior: This species is found in weedy fields and similar clearings with thistles and similar plants. 

It is found coast-to-coast throughout the year across most of the middle lower-48 states. In summer moves north to the Canada border. In the winter found south to the Mexico border. 

The flight is highly undulating, rising and falling as they flap in short bursts. 

Besides a long, sweet lilting song, they call in flight a lilting 4-part: “potato chip!”

Food and feeder preference: Feeds on weed seeds, thistle seed. May eat black oil sunflower seeds from tube feeder. Love Nyjer seed in a feeder called a “thistle sock.”

You may like my in-depth article on attracting American Goldfinches.

26. Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata)

This common warbler migrates south to winter along the US coasts and Mexico. Thus, it is one of the first to migrate north in the spring and show up in your yard.

Orange-crowned Warbler. Greg Gillson.

Range in Louisiana: Orange-crowned Warblers are winter visitors throughout Louisiana.

Identification:

Size: Small. About the size of American Goldfinches.

Shape: Rather round and short necked. Short tail.

Bill: Short, sharply pointed.

Color: Western birds are rather yellow-green overall with broken yellow eye ring. Eastern birds have gray heads and broken white eye rings. Green under tail coverts separates them from similar Tennessee Warbler. Males have red bases to some feathers on the head.

Habitat, range & behavior: Found in willows, deciduous woods, chaparral.

These birds breed in Alaska and across Canada, and in mountains of the West to southern California, Arizona, New Mexico. Winter along the US coasts, through Mexico. They migrate in spring and fall through the entire United States, except Maine and New Hampshire.

These birds are usually found in low shrubs, rather than treetops. The orange crown feathers may be raised in agitation when two males encounter each other during the breeding season. Otherwise, these namesake feathers are rarely seen.

Food and feeder preference: They primarily eat insects. They will eat at suet feeders in winter.

27. Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus)

These well-named birds are residents in the Southeast and early spring migrants in the East.

Pine Warbler. Nikolaus Schultz from Pixabay.

Range in Louisiana: Pine Warblers are year-round residents in northwestern Louisiana, winter visitors throughout Louisiana.

Identification:

Size: A smaller bird, a little longer than a goldfinch.

Shape: These birds have a typical warbler shape, compact with a longer tail.

Bill: Fairly long, sharply pointed.

Color: These are kind of a dull yellowish-green on the head and back. The breast is more yellowish, especially in males. There are some dull greenish streaks on the breast. The wings and tail are rather gray, with two bold white wing bars. The under tail covert and lower belly is white.

Habitat, range & behavior: Almost always found in pines.

Year-round resident in the Southeast; summer resident in the eastern United States northward to southernmost Canada.

Tend to stay high in the pines, where often detected by their dry trilled song.

Food and feeder preference: Usually insects. However, these are one of the few warblers to eat seeds. They will feed on millet and sunflower seeds at hopper feeders. Also eat suet.

28. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

These swallows are widely distributed throughout the world, primarily breeding in the northern hemisphere, and wintering in the mid-latitudes and southern hemisphere.

Barn Swallow. Greg Gillson.

 Range in Louisiana: Barn Swallows are summer residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification: 

Size: About the size of a House Finch but with a much longer tail. 

Shape: Stocky, short necked but with long body and tail. Tail is forked, with very long outer tail feathers. Wings pointed. 

Bill: Short, wide. 

Color: Glossy dark purplish-blue above. Pinkish-orange below. 

Habitat, range & behavior: Barn Swallows live in open country, frequently near humans. Farmlands. Nest in barns, under small bridges. 

In North America breed from Mexico to northern Canada and Alaska, wintering from southern Mexico throughout most of South America. 

Frequently seen swooping low over the ground hunting flying insects. Perch on wires, fences. Voice is twitters and chirps with grating sounds. 

Food and feeder preference: Eat flying insects on the wing and are not attracted to backyard feeders.

29. Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)

These birds often build nests in trees that overhang streams.

Eastern Kingbird. Greg Gillson.

Range in Louisiana: Eastern Kingbirds are summer residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification:

Size: About the size of a Red-winged Blackbird. Smaller than a robin.

Shape: Fairly sleek. Perches upright with big puffy head, full tail.

Bill: Fairly long, wide at base,

Color: Black head. Black tail with white band at tip. Dark gray upper parts. White under parts.

Habitat, range & behavior: Farms, clearings in woodlands.

Found across Canada and in the United States east from the Rocky Mountains.

These birds perch on fence lines, tips of small trees. Sally out and snatch flying insects and return to perch.

Food and feeder preference: They eat insects and do not come to feeders.

 

30. Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)

Swifts have such small weak feet that they cannot perch on wires or trees like swallows. Look for them high in the air chasing bugs with rapid wingbeats. 

Chimney Swift. Jim McCulloch CC 2.0

Range in Louisiana: Chimney Swifts are summer residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification:

Size: Small bird. Smaller than House Finches or Cliff Swallows.

Shape: Small head on short neck, very short tail. Thin pointed wings with no apparent bend at the wrist as most other birds.

Bill: Very short, wide.

Color: Gray-brown throughout.

Habitat, range & behavior: Open sky, above forests or residential areas.

They are summer residents east of the Rockies from southern Canada southward. They do not winter in the United States.

In fall migration they form large flocks of hundreds or thousands and swirl into large chimneys at dusk. Because the upper arm is so short as to barely exist, the flight of swifts is described as rapid and twinkly, not smooth and graceful as swallows.

Food and feeder preference: Insects caught on the wing. Will not visit feeders.

31. Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)

These larger flycatchers feed toward the top of the canopy within woods.

Great Crested Flycatcher. Simard Francois from Pixabay.

Range in Louisiana: Great Crested Flycatchers are summer residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification:

Size: These are fairly large flycatchers, about the size of Red-winged Blackbirds. They are much smaller than robins.

Shape: Lanky, these birds have long full tails and big heads.

Bill: The bill is fairly long and stout. Wide and pointed.

Color: Fairly dull green-brown back, wings, tail. Gray head and upper breast. Yellow belly and under tail coverts. Thin dull wing bars. Undertail is rusty orange.

Habitat, range & behavior: They stick to the upper parts of trees in broken woodlands.

They are summer residents throughout the East, and adjacent southern Canada. Most winter in Central America, though there are some all year in southern Florida.

These birds nest in cavities, so will accept nest boxes, such as those for bluebirds.

Food and feeder preference: They eat insects and fruits. They probably will not come to feeders.

32. Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)

Don’t mistake Indigo Buntings for the larger Blue Grosbeak. As the name suggests, the grosbeak has a much larger and thicker bill, along with rusty wing bars, lacking in Indigo Buntings.

Range in Louisiana: Indigo Buntings are summer residents throughout Louisiana.

Identification:

Size: These birds are a bit smaller than a House Sparrow.

Shape: Plump. Large round head. Medium short tail.

Bill: Large and conical.

Color: Males are deep blue. Females are pale gray-brown with diffuse streaks below.

Habitat, range & behavior: Open woodlands and clearings. Country farm roads.

They are found in the East and parts of the Southwest, north to southern Canada.

Sing from the tallest tip of tree or telephone lines, a cheerful paired bouncy song very similar to American Goldfinch. In fact, they are sometimes called “blue goldfinches” because of this!

Food and feeder preference: These birds will eat seeds from hopper feeders, perhaps more so in the late spring when they first arrive during migration.

Common Birds in Louisiana

To determine how common each species is I used the data from actual bird sightings from the citizen science program eBird. Birds are listed by frequency. That is, how often the species is recorded on checklists submitted to eBird (a percentage).

When choosing the birds to include in this article I leaned strongly to birds that are present throughout the year in good numbers. Thus, many of the common birds are year-round residents. This means that they live in the same location all year. They raise their young in your neighborhood. They don’t migrate. Or if the species does migrate, the ones living in your area don’t. If this is the case, some migrants may move into your area during certain times of year, adding to the same species that are in your yard full time.

Some migrant birds visit your yard during the “summer.” Often, they arrive in spring and remain until late fall. They nest and raise their young in your neighborhood. These are the summer residents.

Other migrant birds visit your backyard during the “winter.” Some of these winter visitors may arrive in July and remain into April. Others may only be found in the cold of December or January. They key here is that they nest and raise their young somewhere else. They only visit your yard in the non-breeding season.

Migration is an amazing spectacle.
There will be birds that fly through your region in spring or fall (or both). They may visit your backyard only a few days or weeks a year. They aren’t regular enough, or stay long enough, to be included in this article. But the number of briefly visiting migrant birds could double the number of species presented here. You may see them over time. Consult checklists in eBird for your county to see what is possible.

I have generally excluded common waterfowl, birds of prey, shorebirds, seabirds, and others that aren’t usually found in residential areas. But they may certainly fly over or be seen regularly if your home is on a shoreline, for instance.

Most common backyard birds in Louisiana throughout the year

The following list is the backyard
birds that are, on average, most common throughout the entire
year. The list is ordered by most common based on the frequency of
how often each species is recorded on checklists submitted to eBird.

1. Northern Cardinal (60% frequency)
2. Blue Jay (53%)
3. Northern Mockingbird (51%)
4. Mourning Dove (44%)
5. Carolina Wren (41%)
6. Carolina Chickadee (41%)
7. American Crow (38%)
8. Red-bellied Woodpecker (36%)
9. Red-winged Blackbird (36%)
10. Downy Woodpecker (29%)
11. European Starling (27%)
12. Yellow-rumped Warbler (26%)
13. Tufted Titmouse (25%)
14. House Sparrow (22%)
15. Ruby-crowned Kinglet (20%)
16. Common Grackle (19%)
17. Eastern Bluebird (18%)
18. Eastern Phoebe (17%)
19. Brown Thrasher (17%)
20. American Robin (17%)

 Most common backyard birds in Louisiana in winter

1. Northern Cardinal (58% frequency)
2. Yellow-rumped Warbler (52%)
3. Blue Jay (50%)
4. Northern Mockingbird (49%)
5. Carolina Chickadee (44%)
6. Mourning Dove (40%)
7. Carolina Wren (40%)
8. American Crow (40%)
9. Red-winged Blackbird (38%)
10. Red-bellied Woodpecker (37%)
11. Ruby-crowned Kinglet (37%)
12. Eastern Phoebe (33%)
13. American Goldfinch (32%)
14. American Robin (30%)
15. Downy Woodpecker (30%)
16. White-throated Sparrow (29%)
17. European Starling (27%)
18. Orange-crowned Warbler (27%)
19. Tufted Titmouse (25%)
20. Eastern Bluebird (21%)
21. House Sparrow (21%)
22. Pine Warbler (20%)

Most common backyard birds in Louisiana in summer

1. Northern Cardinal (66% frequency)
2. Northern Mockingbird (57%)
3. Blue Jay (55%)
4. Mourning Dove (55%)
5. Carolina Wren (47%)
6. Carolina Chickadee (41%)
7. American Crow (40%)
8. Red-bellied Woodpecker (40%)
9. Red-winged Blackbird (39%)
10. House Sparrow (32%)
11. Tufted Titmouse (30%)
12. Barn Swallow (30%)
13. European Starling (29%)
14. Downy Woodpecker (29%)
15. Eastern Kingbird (27%)
16. Common Grackle (26%)
17. Chimney Swift (25%)
18. Brown-headed Cowbird (23%)
19. White-eyed Vireo (23%)
20. Great Crested Flycatcher (21%)
21. Brown Thrasher (21%)
22. Eastern Bluebird (20%)
23. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (20%)
24. Indigo Bunting (20%)

 Yellow-rumped Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Eastern Phoebes, American Goldfinches, American Robins, White-throated Sparrows, Orange-crowned Warblers are more common in the winter.

Barn Swallows, Eastern Kingbirds, Chimney Swifts, White-eyed Vireos, Great Crested Flycatchers, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Indigo Buntings are more common in the summer.

Common Backyard Birds of New Orleans, Louisiana

Downy Woodpecker. Greg Gillson

1. Blue Jay (63% frequency)
2. Northern Mockingbird (58%)
3. American Crow (56%)
4. Northern Cardinal (53%)
5. Carolina Chickadee (50%)
6. Mourning Dove (49%)
7. Downy Woodpecker (45%)
8. European Starling (43%)
9. Carolina Wren (34%)
10. Yellow-rumped Warbler (31%)
11. Rock Pigeon (31%)  Learn about this species on eBird
12. House Sparrow (30%)
13. Red-bellied Woodpecker (23%)
14. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (21%)  Learn about this species on eBird
15. Chimney Swift (20%)

Blue Jays, American Crows, Downy Woodpeckers, European Starlings, Rock Pigeons are more common in New Orleans than in the rest of the state as a whole.

Red-bellied Woodpeckers are more common in Louisiana overall than in New Orleans.

Wrapping Up

Louisiana’s diverse habitats – from cypress swamps to pine forests to coastal marshes – are home to a vast array of bird species. If you want to step outside your backyard and explore, you may find even more exciting common birds:

Water Birds:

• Brown Pelican: Louisiana’s state bird, the brown pelican with its huge beak is a graceful sight soaring over coastal waters and diving for fish.
• White Ibis: These tall, white wading birds with curved beaks are found in marshes and shallow water, often seen in large flocks.
• Mallard Duck: This familiar duck with its green head and brown body is common in lakes, ponds, and rivers.
• Great Egret: These elegant white birds with long legs and beaks are seen stalking prey in wetlands and along shorelines.

Open Country Birds:

• American Kestrel: This small falcon with a rusty back and pointed wings hovers over fields and meadows, hunting for insects and small rodents.
• Mourning Dove: These slender, grayish-brown birds with a mournful cooing call are often seen around barns and fields.
• Blue Jay: These noisy and colorful birds with bright blue plumage and a crest are common in both woodlands and open areas.
• Common Grackle: These large, blackbirds with iridescent purple-green feathers are abundant in fields and marshes, often forming large flocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the state bird of Louisiana?

The state bird of Louisiana is the magnificent brown pelican! With its large, distinctive beak and graceful aerial maneuvers, the brown pelican is a fitting symbol for the Pelican State. It has been Louisiana’s official bird since 1966 and even appears on the state flag.

These remarkable birds play a vital role in the coastal ecosystem, diving for fish in shallow waters and feeding their young with their expandable gular pouches. Their presence enriches the landscape and inspires awe for the wonders of nature in Louisiana.

What is the most common bird in New Orleans?

There are several top contenders emerge when considering bird sightings in the city:

Northern Cardinal: This vibrant songbird with its striking red plumage is a year-round resident of New Orleans, thriving in gardens, parks, and green spaces. Their melodic songs and frequent appearances make them easily recognizable and beloved by many.

Northern Mockingbird: Another vocal resident, the mockingbird, is known for its impressive repertoire of mimicry. They readily adapt to urban environments and are often seen hopping around balconies and rooftops, filling the air with their diverse warblings.

House Finch: These small, brown birds with streaked chests are abundant year-round in parks, backyards, and even open rooftops. Their high-pitched “chirp” is a familiar sound across the city, and their adaptability makes them frequent visitors to feeders and gardens.

Mourning Dove: These slender, grayish-brown birds with a mournful cooing call are commonly seen around buildings and fields. Their gentle presence and calming call add a peaceful element to the urban landscape.

What kind of bird is blue with a red chest in Louisiana?

The Eastern Bluebird, with its striking blue plumage and cheerful songs, is a beloved sight in many parts of Louisiana. Although not as abundant as some other species, you can still find them in suitable habitats across the state. Here are some tips for spotting them:

Habitat:

• Open areas with scattered trees: Look for fields, meadows, golf courses, parks, and road edges with sparse woodlands or scattered trees. Bluebirds prefer open areas for foraging but need trees for perching and nesting.
• Fruit-bearing shrubs and trees: Bluebirds eat a variety of insects but also enjoy berries, particularly in fall and winter. Look for areas with shrubs like elderberry, holly, dogwood, and sumac.
• Birdhouses: Providing bluebird nest boxes can attract them to your backyard or park. Choose boxes specifically designed for bluebirds and place them in open areas 4-7 feet above the ground.

Location:

• D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge in Union Parish is a known hotspot for bluebirds, particularly in the winter months. Look for open fields and edges of woodlands.
• Central Louisiana Pine Hills: The pine forests and mixed woodlands of this region offer good habitat for bluebirds. Check out areas with scattered clearings and edges of fields.
• Coastal marshes: While less common in coastal areas, bluebirds can sometimes be seen along levees and in open fields near the coast.
• Your own backyard: If you provide suitable habitat and food sources, bluebirds may visit your backyard! Planting fruit-bearing shrubs and putting up a nest box can increase your chances of attracting them.

Timing:

• Spring and summer: This is the breeding season for bluebirds, so you’re more likely to see them actively searching for food and nesting materials during these months.
• Fall and winter: Bluebirds may flock together in small groups during these colder months, making them easier to spot. Look for them foraging in open areas for berries and insects.

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Related Articles:

Red, Orange, & Yellow Birds of Louisiana

Feeding Winter Birds in Louisiana

34 of the most common birds in the United States (with photos)

Please also check out my recommended products page. There I maintain a list of the best feeders, bird foods, binoculars, bird baths, fountains, books and other bird watching items.