26 Backyard Birds in Minnesota

Last Updated on January 10, 2024 by Greg Gillson

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

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 Minnesota:

1. Black-capped Chickadee
2. American Crow
3. American Robin
4. Blue Jay
5. American Goldfinch
6. Downy Woodpecker
7. White-breasted Nuthatch
8. Northern Cardinal
9. Song Sparrow
10. Red-winged Blackbird
11. Hairy Woodpecker
12. Red-bellied Woodpecker
13. Mourning Dove
14. Common Grackle
15. Dark-eyed Junco
16. House Sparrow
17. House Finch
18. European Starling
19. Chipping Sparrow
20. Barn Swallow
21. House Wren
22. Gray Catbird
23. Red-eyed Vireo
24. Tree Swallow
25. Brown-headed Cowbird
26. Cedar Waxwing

 Minnesota Birds and Birding in Minnesota State

eBird lists over 425 types of birds as occurring in the state of Minnesota.

The most common bird in Minnesota: the most frequently seen bird in the state is Black-capped Chickadee. It is reported on 50% of bird watching lists.

If you are serious about knowing the birds native to Minnesota, then check out eBird for Minnesota. 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.

Minnesota 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 a photograph. 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 northern Minnesota? Southern Minnesota? Central Minnesota?

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. Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)

This is a common backyard bird in the northern half of the United States.

Black-capped Chickadee. Greg Gillson.

Range in Minnesota: Black-capped Chickadees are year-round residents throughout Minnesota.

Identification: 

Size: Chickadees are small birds, the same general size as an American Goldfinch. 

Shape: Round body, big round head, long tail with rounded tip. 

Bill: Short, straight, stout. 

Color: Gray above, buffy below. Black cap and bib with white lower face. White edges on wing feathers.

Habitat, range & behavior: Deciduous and mixed forests. 

They range from the northern half of the United States, southern half of Canada, and most of Alaska. 

Small flocks flit actively from tree to tree acrobatically gleaning insects from twig tips. In winter chickadees make up the core of mixed-species flocks also containing nuthatches, kinglets, creepers, woodpeckers and others.

Food and feeder preference: Seeds, insects, berries. They eat at tube, hopper and tray feeders. Attract with black oil sunflower seeds and suet.

You may like my in-depth article on attracting Black-capped Chickadees.

2. 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 Minnesota: American Crows are year-round residents in southern Minnesota, summer residents only in northern Minnesota.

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.

3. American Robin (Turdus migratorius)

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

American Robin. Greg Gillson.

Range in Minnesota: American Robins are year-round residents in southern Minnesota, summer residents only in northern Minnesota.

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: Worms and other invertebrates in the lawn. May eat fruit from a tray feeder or the ground. Eat small berries from trees and bushes.

4. 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 Minnesota: Blue Jays are year-round residents throughout Minnesota.

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.

5. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)

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

American Goldfinch. Greg Gillson.

Range in Minnesota: American Goldfinches are year-round residents in southern Minnesota, summer residents only in northern Minnesota.

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. Attract with Niger seed in a feeder called a “thistle sock.”

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

6. Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)

This tiny woodpecker is common in backyards across the United States.

Downy Woodpecker. Greg Gillson.

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

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.

7. White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)

A favorite backyard feeder bird for many for its active antics and fearlessness. Though a small bird it is the largest nuthatch in North America.

White-breasted Nuthatch. Greg Gillson.

Range in Minnesota: White-breasted Nuthatches are year-round residents throughout Minnesota.

Identification: 

Size: About chickadee-sized in length. Smaller than a junco or House Finch. 

Shape: Appears large-headed, neckless, very short tailed. Short legs. 

Bill: Nearly as long as head, straight, thin. 

Color: Blue-gray above, white below. Black cap, wing tips, tail. Rusty feathers under tail.

Habitat, range & behavior: Common in oak and oak-pine woodlands, wooded towns. 

Found across the United States, southern Canada, mountains of central Mexico. Absent from treeless grasslands, deserts in the west. 

Crawls over tree branches and head-first down tree trunks searching for insects.

Food and feeder preference: Insects, seeds, acorns and other nuts. Attract with black oil sunflower seeds feeding on hopper and tray feeders. Suet blocks.

8. 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. GeorgeB2 from Pixaby.

Range in Minnesota: Northern Cardinals are year-round residents in southern Minnesota, absent in northern Minnesota.

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.

9. Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

A common bird, but variable, and similar to many other streaked brown sparrows.

Song Sparrow. Greg Gillson.

Range in Minnesota: Song Sparrows are year-round residents in southern Minnesota, summer residents only in northern Minnesota.

Identification: 

Size: A smaller bird, similar in size to House Finch and juncos. Larger than chickadees and goldfinches. Smaller than White-crowned Sparrows or Spotted/Eastern towhees. 

Shape: Plump with round head, long rounded tail. 

Bill: Short, conical. 

Color: Highly variable in darkness and color saturation across its range (dark rusty to pale gray). Generally gray-brown above with dark brown streaking on back. Complicated head pattern. Streaking on sides and breast converge into dense central breast spot.

Habitat, range & behavior: Thickets, especially near water. Backyard shrubbery. 

Resident in western United States, western Canada, coastal southern Alaska, northeastern US. In summer also moves into mid-Canada and northern half of US. In the winter found in most of the US lower-48. Also, a population in central Mexico. 

Forages on ground, never far from low cover to which they fly if startled.

Food and feeder preference: They feed on seeds and insects near the ground. Will visit hopper and tray feeders for mixed bird seed.

10. 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 Minnesota: Red-winged Blackbirds are year-round residents in southern Minnesota, summer residents only in northern Minnesota.

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.

11. Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus)

Hairy Woodpeckers appear in plumage almost exactly as Downy Woodpeckers. Hairy Woodpeckers are slightly larger with a heavier and longer bill.

Hairy Woodpecker. Greg Gillson.

Range in Minnesota: Hairy Woodpeckers are year-round residents throughout Minnesota.

Identification:

Size: Slightly larger than Downy Woodpecker. Same size as Red-bellied or Acorn Woodpeckers. Much smaller than flickers.

Shape: Stout body. Large head. Short pointed tail. Short legs, large feet. Short rounded wings.

Bill: Slightly shorter than head. Stout. Chisel-shaped.

Color: Wings and upper parts generally black. White back. Black and white lines on face. Under parts white. Male with red spot on the nape.

Habitat, range & behavior: They are found on large trees in open or dense forests.

These birds are widespread across North America except for treeless deserts and grasslands.

These birds are almost always found on trunks or heavy branches of large trees, often conifers. This is different from Downy Woodpeckers which are frequently on small branches, weed stalks, willows.

Food and feeder preference: Eat primarily insects. However, they will come to feeders in winter for suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds from hopper or platform feeders.

12. Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)

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

Red-bellied Woodpecker. skeeze from Pixabay

Range in Minnesota: Red-bellied Woodpeckers are year-round residents in southern Minnesota, absent in northern Minnesota.

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.

13. 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 Minnesota: Mourning Doves are year-round residents in southern Minnesota, summer residents only in northern Minnesota.

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. Often seen perched on wires, fences. 

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

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.

14. Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)

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

Common Grackle. GeorgiaLens from Pixabay

Range in Minnesota: Common Grackles are year-round residents in southern Minnesota, summer residents only in northern Minnesota.

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.

15. Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)

Colloquially called “snowbirds,” they often arrive in backyards in winter from nearby mountain forests or more northern climes.

Dark-eyed Junco. skeeze from Pixabay

Range in Minnesota: Dark-eyed Juncos are year-round residents in northeastern Minnesota, winter visitors throughout.

Identification: 

Size: Small birds about the size of a House Finch. 

Shape: Round body, short neck, round head, fairly long square-ended tail. 

Bill: Short, pointed, conical, pink. 

Color: Eastern birds are a darker all-gray with white belly. Western birds have jet black hood over the head, brown back, and pink sides.

Habitat, range & behavior: Breed in coniferous forests. Winters widely. Avoids heavy brush, preferring widely spaced bushes. 

Breeds across most of Canada, Alaska, and the western half of the United States. Winters from southern Canada and all of the lower 48-states to extreme northern Mexico. 

Spend much of their time hopping and feeding on the ground.

Food and feeder preference: Eats mostly seeds, also insects in summer. Readily feed at backyard feeders on mixed seeds on hopper or tray feeders and ground.

You may like my in-depth article on attracting Dark-eyed Juncos.

16. 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 Minnesota: House Sparrows are year-round residents throughout Minnesota.

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.

17. House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

These are one of the most common backyard birds in the United States. There are other red finches, but these are the ones most likely in residential areas.

House Finch. Greg Gillson.

Range in Minnesota: House Finches are year-round residents in southern Minnesota, absent in northern Minnesota.

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

Size: About 6 inches from bill tip to tail tip. Larger than goldfinches and chickadees. Smaller than a White-crowned Sparrows or Spotted/Eastern towhees. 

Shape: Medium build with a medium-long notched tail. Round head. 

Bill: Short, conical. 

Color: Brown and gray above with streaks on the sides of the pale underparts. Males with red (sometimes orange or rarely yellow) crown, chest, rump.

Habitat, range & behavior: You’ll find small flocks on wires, in short treetops and in bushes. Originally deserts and grasslands. Rural areas and towns are where they’re now most common. 

Formerly found in the western United States and Mexico. Then introduced into the northeastern United States, but now found in nearly all of the lower-48 states and extreme southern Canada. Rare in plains states (Dakotas to Texas) and southern Florida. 

House Finches are not territorial, but males sing throughout the year–a lively, wiry song ending in a couple of buzzy notes.

Food and feeder preference: House Finches are attracted to sunflower seeds and tube feeders. May eat from thistle socks.

You may like my in-depth article on attracting House Finches.

18. 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 Minnesota: European Starlings are year-round residents throughout Minnesota.

Identification: 

Size: 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: European Starlings eat 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.

19. Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)

Chipping Sparrows are a common and widespread species adapted to human disturbance. They are rather tame. They are frequently found in cemeteries with large trees.

Chipping Sparrow. Greg Gillson.

Range in Minnesota: Chipping Sparrows are summer residents throughout Minnesota.

Identification: 

Size: These are small sparrows, bigger than goldfinches or chickadees, but smaller than House Finches or Song Sparrows. 

Shape: Plump and fairly long tailed. 

Bill: Short and conical. 

Color: Striped brown and dark brown above. Grayish under parts. Black line through eye. Crown streaked in winter but in summer becomes solid chestnut. Two white wing bars. 

Habitat, range & behavior: Grassy open conifer woodlands with some shrubs, parks, orchards. 

Breeds from Alaska, across Canada and south into highlands of Middle America. In winter retreats from northern areas to southern United States and northern Mexico. 

In summer solitary or in pairs. In winter they forage in flocks of up to 50 birds. 

Food and feeder preference: Weed seeds, supplemented with insects in summer. They may eat black oil sunflower seeds in your feeder, but more likely will feed on mixed seeds on the ground under the feeder.

20. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

These common 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 Minnesota: Barn Swallows are summer residents throughout Minnesota.

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.

21. House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)

These backyard birds will readily use nest boxes to raise their young.

House Wren. Greg Gillson.

Range in Minnesota: House Wrens are summer residents throughout Minnesota.

Identification:

Size: About the size of Black-capped Chickadee but with shorter tail.

Shape: Round body. Large head. Thin short tail.

Bill: Fairly long, thin, slightly down curved. Sharply pointed.

Color: Rather dull brownish-gray throughout. Paler throat and breast. Tail barred with black and pale bars along with the brown.

Habitat, range & behavior: Brushy areas, woodland edges, hedge rows, tree stumps in logged areas.

Breed across Canada and the northern and mid-latitudes of the United States. Winter to the southern United States and through Mexico. Found year round at southern edge of breeding range: California, North Carolina to northern Alabama, southern Arizona south through mountains of Mexico.

Stay hidden in brushy areas. Hop among tree roots, logged stumps.

Food and feeder preference: May feed at suet feeder.

22. Gray Catbird (Dumatella carolinensis)

This bird is rather common where it occurs, but a bit secretive.

Gray Catbird. Greg Gillson

Range in Minnesota: Gray Catbirds are summer residents throughout Minnesota.

Identification: 

Size: About the length of a Red-winged Blackbird or Northern Cardinal. 

Shape: Long tailed, round head. 

Bill: Medium-length, pointed. 

Color: Gray with a black tail and black cap. Rusty under tail coverts.

Habitat, range & behavior: Dense woodland edges, scrub, abandoned orchards. 

Breeds in eastern and central US and adjoining southern Canada. Winters in extreme south US Gulf states, southward in eastern Mexico to Panama. 

They spend much time hopping on the ground or in low bushes. They defend a winter territory, unlike most birds.

Food and feeder preference: Insects and berries. You may attract this species with jelly and fruit feeders, suet, and water.

23. Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)

This is one of the most common songbirds in eastern woodlands.

 Range in Minnesota: Red-eyed Vireos are summer residents throughout Minnesota.

Size: Small, about the size of an American Goldfinch. Smaller than a House Finch.

Shape: Long and slim, but with rather short tail. Big-looking head.

Bill: Longer, stout. Pointed but small hook on the end, as all vireos.

Color: They are olive-green above, white or with a hint of yellow below. Gray crown, bordered by black line, white eyebrow, and another thin black line through red eye.

Habitat, range & behavior: Tall deciduous trees, such as cottonwoods.

Breed across Canada, the Rocky Mountains and most of the East. Absent from much of the West and Southwest.

As with many vireos, they sing persistently through the summer and through the heat of the day, not just primarily during spring and at dawn as many other songbirds.

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

24. Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)

Look for these birds high in the air or swooping low over the water chasing flying insects.

Tree Swallow. Greg Gillson.

Range in Minnesota: Tree Swallows are summer residents throughout Minnesota.

Identification:

Size: These birds are rather small, about the length of American Goldfinches.

Shape: Long body with short tail. Neck short. Wings long and pointed.

Bill: Very short, but wide.

Color: These birds are shiny metallic blue above and bright white below. Males have a black mask.

Habitat, range & behavior: These birds are almost always found near or over water.

They breed in summer across almost all of North America, Alaska across Canada and south throughout all but the dry southwestern deserts and southernmost states of the United States. In winter they are found along southern coastal states, southward into Mexico.

Look for Tree Swallows swooping high or low over ponds, lakes, wetlands.

Food and feeder preference: Tree Swallows chase flying insects and feed on the wing.

25. 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 Minnesota: Brown-headed Cowbirds are summer residents throughout Minnesota.

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!

26. Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)

Waxy red tips to the wing feathers give these backyard birds their unique name. Maybe it’s the fancy crest. Maybe it’s the bandit mask. Maybe it’s the yellow band at the tip of its tail. But these are one of my favorite birds.

Cedar Waxwing. Greg Gillson.

Range in Minnesota: Cedar Waxwings are year-round residents throughout Minnesota.

Identification:

Size: Smaller than European Starling. Larger than House Sparrow.

Shape: Similar to European Starling. Rather stocky. Short squared tail, but long under tail coverts. Large head. Pointed wings. Wispy crest.

Bill: Rather short, small, wide.

Color: Warm brown above with wispy crest. Black mask. Yellowish belly. White under tail coverts. Gray wings. Gray tail with yellow tip.

Habitat, range, & behavior: Deciduous woods, wooded streams and lakeshores, residential shade trees, fruit orchards.

Resident across the northern US. Summer resident in Canada. Winter visitor throughout all of US and Mexico.

Keep in tight flocks. Feed in trees and large bushes for berries. Fly catch over ponds and streams.

Food and feeder preference: Berries and flying insects. Usually don’t come to feeders unless fruit like cherries offered but will visit bird baths.

Common Birds in Minnesota 

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 Minnesota 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. Black-capped Chickadee (50% frequency)
2. American Crow (43%)
3. American Robin (37%)
4. Blue Jay (34%)
5. American Goldfinch (30%)
6. Downy Woodpecker (30%)
7. White-breasted Nuthatch (28%)
8. Northern Cardinal (28%)
9. Red-winged Blackbird (27%)
10. Song Sparrow (23%)
11. Hairy Woodpecker (18%)
12. Red-bellied Woodpecker (18%)
13. Mourning Dove (17%)
14. Common Grackle (15%)
15. Dark-eyed Junco (15%)
16. House Sparrow (15%)
17. House Finch (13%)
18. European Starling (13%)
19. Chipping Sparrow (13%)

Most common backyard birds in Minnesota in winter

1. Black-capped Chickadee (55% frequency)
2. American Crow (43%)
3. Downy Woodpecker (35%)
4. White-breasted Nuthatch (32%)
5. Blue Jay (29%)
6. Hairy Woodpecker (24%)
7. Dark-eyed Junco (22%)
8. Northern Cardinal (21%)
9. Red-bellied Woodpecker (18%)
10. House Sparrow (16%)
11. American Goldfinch (16%)

 Most common backyard birds in Minnesota in summer

1. American Robin (54% frequency)
2. Red-winged Blackbird (45%)
3. Song Sparrow (43%)
4. American Goldfinch (42%)
5. American Crow (37%)
6. Black-capped Chickadee (36%)
7. Blue Jay (30%)
8. Mourning Dove (29%)
9. Chipping Sparrow (27%)
10. Northern Cardinal (27%)
11. Common Grackle (26%)
12. Barn Swallow (25%)
13. House Wren (25%)
14. Gray Catbird (25%)
15. Red-eyed Vireo (24%)
16. Tree Swallow (23%)
17. White-breasted Nuthatch (20%)
18. Downy Woodpecker (20%)
19. Brown-headed Cowbird (19%)
20. Cedar Waxwing (18%)

How do birds differ between winter and summer?

Black-capped Chickadees, Downy Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatches, Hairy Woodpeckers are more common in winter.

American Robins, Song Sparrows, American Goldfinches, Chipping Sparrows, Mourning Doves, Barn Swallows, House Wrens, Red-eyed Vireos are more common in summer.

Common Backyard Birds of Minneapolis, Minnesota

1. Black-capped Chickadee (63% frequency)
2. Northern Cardinal (54%)
3. American Robin (49%)
4. American Crow (43%)
5. Downy Woodpecker (42%)
6. American Goldfinch (42%)
7. White-breasted Nuthatch (37%)
8. Blue Jay (36%)
9. Song Sparrow (27%)
10. House Sparrow (26%)
11. Red-bellied Woodpecker (24%)
12. Hairy Woodpecker (23%)
13. House Finch (23%)

Black-capped Chickadees, Northern Cardinals, American Robins, Downy Woodpeckers, American Goldfinches, White-breasted Nuthatches are more common in Minneapolis than the state as a whole. Perhaps the urban area provides wintering birds with more food and water than other areas of the state.

Wrapping Up

Minnesota has a lot to offer birders and if you are feeling adventurous, why not look for these other common birds across the state.

Open Country Birds:

• Western Meadowlark: The state bird of Minnesota, these bright yellow birds with black V-marks on their chests fill fields and grasslands with their melodious whistles.
• Common Grackle: These large black birds with iridescent purple heads are abundant in fields and open areas, often seen in large flocks foraging for food.
• House Finch: These energetic brown-streaked finches frequent feeders and open areas, offering their cheerful chirping songs.
• Killdeer: These noisy brown plovers with long legs and two black wing bars frequent open fields and shorelines, offering their piercing “kill-deer” calls.
• American Goldfinch: These vibrant yellow finches with black wings frequent feeders and fields, especially in winter, offering their sweet, bubbly songs.

Forest and Woodland Birds:

• White-breasted Nuthatch: These acrobatic gray birds with black caps and white undersides climb trees headfirst, searching for insects and seeds.
• Blue Jay: These bold blue birds with black heads and white wing bars flash through trees and feeders, displaying their loud, raucous calls and acrobatic skills.
• Eastern Bluebird: These vibrant blue birds with orange breasts and white wing bars prefer open woodlands and edges, adding a splash of color to forested areas.
• Red-eyed Vireo: These olive-green birds with distinctive white eye rings sing complex songs from treetops, adding a melodious touch to the forest.
• Carolina Wren: These energetic brown birds with white eyebrows flit through bushes and feeders, offering their loud, bubbly songs.

Water Birds:

• Mallard Duck: These familiar green-headed ducks with iridescent necks are abundant in ponds, lakes, and rivers, readily gathering in large flocks.
• Canada Goose: These large, honking geese with black necks and white chinstraps frequent waterways and fields, forming conspicuous flocks that migrate seasonally.
• Great Blue Heron: These tall gray wading birds with long legs and necks patrol shorelines and wetlands, gracefully stalking fish and frogs.
• Osprey: These magnificent fish-eating hawks with brown bodies and white breasts soar over wetlands and rivers, diving spectacularly to catch fish.
• Common Loon: This iconic black and white diving bird calls across Minnesota’s lakes, offering its haunting, yodeling cry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the state bird of Minnesota?

The beautiful and iconic Common Loon (Gavia immer) is the official state bird of Minnesota! This majestic black and white diving bird graces the state’s lakes and waterways, adding its haunting, yodeling cry to the soundscape of the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

The Loon was chosen as the state bird in 1961 due to its strong connection to Minnesota’s aquatic nature and its captivating presence in many lakes and rivers. They symbolize the state’s wilderness, resilience, and the beauty of its natural landscapes.

Hearing the call of a Loon while paddling across a tranquil lake or spotting them gracefully diving for fish brings a sense of serenity and connection to the wildness of Minnesota. This is why the Loon holds a special place in the hearts of Minnesotans and visitors alike.

What is the most common sparrow in Minnesota?

Determining the absolute “most common sparrow” in Minnesota can be a bit tricky, as it depends on several factors like habitat, season, and methodology. However, two strong contenders for the title emerge based on different datasets and perspectives:

1. Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia):

• Data-driven approach: According to the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas data, the Song Sparrow is the most numerous sparrow species in the state, occupying a wide variety of habitats from marshes and prairies to open woodlands and forest edges. Their diverse singing habits and adaptability contribute to their widespread presence.
• Observational experiences: Many birders and naturalists consider the Song Sparrow to be a familiar sight and sound across Minnesota, readily encountered in backyards, parks, and various natural areas.

2. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus):

• Urban perspective: In urban and suburban areas of Minnesota, the House Sparrow reigns supreme. They thrive in human-modified environments, readily utilizing feeders and nesting opportunities in buildings and structures. Their abundance in these heavily populated areas makes them highly noticeable.
• Introduced species: It’s important to note that the House Sparrow is an introduced species, not native to North America. Their aggressive nature and competition with native sparrows raise concerns about ecological impacts, adding a layer of complexity to their prevalence.

Therefore, depending on your perspective and location, both Song Sparrows and House Sparrows can be considered the most common sparrows in Minnesota. The Song Sparrow holds the edge in terms of overall distribution and ecological integration, while the House Sparrow dominates in densely populated areas.

What is the dark gray bird in Minnesota?

Dark-eyed Juncos are charming little birds found across a wide range of North American habitats, so pinning down their exact location depends on where you are! Here’s some information to help you discover these feathered friends:

Habitat:

• Summer: Look for them in coniferous forests, mountains, and woodlands, especially near water sources. They also enjoy brushy fields and open areas, particularly at higher elevations.
• Winter: As temperatures drop, they often move to lower elevations, frequenting open fields, parks, gardens, and even urban areas with trees and shrubs.

Location Tips:

• North America: Their range stretches from southern Canada to Mexico, encompassing much of the United States. Narrow down your search based on your region.
• Specific areas: Consider checking out national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges with suitable habitat. For example, Yellowstone National Park in the summer or Central Park in New York City during winter.
• Birdwatching resources: Consult local birdwatching groups, birding apps, or online field guides for specific sightings in your area.

Related Articles:

Red, Orange, & Yellow birds of Minnesota

Feeding winter birds in Minnesota

Birds at your feeder in Minnesota

Read next: Get started watching birds! Bird watching tips and equipment for beginners.

Related: 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.