27 Backyard Birds to Know in Mississippi

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 Mississippi?

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 Mississippi:

1. Northern Cardinal
2. Blue Jay
3. Northern Mockingbird
4. Mourning Dove
5. Carolina Wren
6. Red-bellied Woodpecker
7. Carolina Chickadee
8. Tufted Titmouse
9. Red-winged Blackbird
10. Eastern Bluebird
11. American Crow
12. Eastern Towhee
13. Downy Woodpecker
14. Yellow-rumped Warbler
15. Brown Thrasher
16. American Robin
17. European Starling
18. House Finch
19. White-throated Sparrow
20. Pine Warbler
21. American Goldfinch
22. Eastern Phoebe
23. Barn Swallow
24. Chimney Swift
25. Indigo Bunting
26. Eastern Kingbird
27. White-eyed Vireo

Mississippi Birds and Birding in Mississippi State

eBird lists over 410 types of birds as occurring in the state of Mississippi.

The most common bird in Mississippi: the most frequently seen bird in the state is Northern Cardinal. It is reported on 55% of bird watching lists.

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

Mississippi 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 in south Mississippi? North Mississippi? The Gulf Coast of Mississippi?

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. GeorgeB2 from Pixaby

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

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 more gray, 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 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 Mississippi: Blue Jays are year-round residents throughout Mississippi.

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 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 polyglotos)

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 Mississippi: Northern Mockingbirds are year-round residents throughout Mississippi.

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.

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

Food and feeder preference: Northern Mockingbirds eat 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 Mississippi: Mourning Doves are year-round residents throughout Mississippi.

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.

5. Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)

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

Carolina Wren. theSOARnet from Pixabay

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

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. 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 Mississippi: Red-bellied Woodpeckers are year-round residents throughout Mississippi.

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.

7. 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 from Pixabay

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

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.

8. Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)

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

Tufted Titmouse. anne773 from Pixabay

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

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. 

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

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 Mississippi: Red-winged Blackbirds are year-round residents throughout Mississippi.

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. Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)

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

Eastern Bluebird. skeeze from Pixabay

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

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.

11. 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 Mississippi: American Crows are year-round residents throughout Mississippi.

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, American Crows 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.

12. Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus)

These birds were formerly lumped with Spotted Towhee as one species, Rufous-sided Towhee. Together they were found across the United States, they now split the country in half, east and west.

Eastern Towhee. Skeeze from Pixabay.

Range in Mississippi: Eastern Towhees are year-round residents throughout Mississippi.

Identification:

Size: Just a bit larger than a White-crowned Sparrow.

Shape: Chunky or pot-bellied with a big round head and full rounded tail.

Bill: Stout and conical.

Color: Black hood and upper parts, including tail. White wing path. White tail corners. Rusty sides. White belly. Females replace the black with dark brown.

Habitat, range & behavior: Brushy woodland edges. Tangles.

Breeds throughout the eastern United States and adjacent southernmost Canada. Northern populations migrate out of the northern US to the Southeast.

These birds spend much of their time on the ground, kicking up leaf litter with both feet in a hop-kick.

Food and feeder preference: These birds eat a wide variety of insects, beetles, berries, and seeds. They will feed on the ground under your feeder or on platform feeders. They like black oil sunflower seeds and other seeds.

13. Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)

This tiny woodpecker is found across the United States.

Downy Woodpecker. Greg Gillson

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

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.

14. Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)

An abundant winter visitor in the southern United States to treetops and weedy areas.

Yellow-rumped Warbler. Greg Gillson.

Range in Mississippi: Yelow-rumped Warblers are winter visitors throughout Mississippi.

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: Yellow-rumped Warblers eat 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.

15. Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum)

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

Brown Thrasher. Linda Jones. CC0.

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

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.

16. 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 Mississippi: American Robins are year-round residents throughout most of Mississippi, winter visitors only in the southern Gulf Coast.

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.

17. 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 Mississippi: European Starlings are year-round residents throughout Mississippi.

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 ten’s 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.

18. 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 Mississippi: House Finches are year-round residents throughout Mississippi.

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 tree tops 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 love sunflower seeds and tube feeders. May eat from thistle socks.

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

19. White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

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

White-throated Sparrow. Greg Gillson

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

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.

20. 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 Mississippi: Pine Warblers are year-round residents throughout most of Mississippi, winter visitors only in western and northwestern Mississippi.

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 on of the few warblers to eat seeds. They will feed on millet and sunflower seeds at hopper feeders. Also eat suet.

21. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)

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

American Goldfinch. Greg Gillson

Range in Mississippi: American Goldfinches are year-round residents in northern Mississippi, winter vistors only in southern Mississippi.

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 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.

22. Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)

This plain bird is common in backyards in the East.

Eastern Phoebe. Greg Gillson.

Range in Mississippi: Eastern Phoebes are winter visitors only throughout most of Mississippi, year-round residents in northeastern Mississippi.

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.

23. 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 Mississippi: Barn Swallows are summer residents throughout Mississippi.

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.

24. 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 Mississippi: Chimney Swifts are summer residents throughout Mississippi.

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.

25. 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 Mississippi: Indigo Buntings are summer residents throughout Mississippi.

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.

26. Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)

These birds often build nests in trees that overhang streams.

Eastern Kingbird. Greg Gillson.

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

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.

27. 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 Mississippi: White-eyed Vireos are summer residents throughout Mississippi, year-round residents in southern Gulf Coast region of Mississippi.

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.

Common Birds in Mississippi

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 Mississippi 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 (55% frequency)
2. Blue Jay (47%)
3. Northern Mockingbird (43%)
4. Mourning Dove (41%)
5. Carolina Wren (39%)
6. Red-bellied Woodpecker (37%)
7. Carolina Chickadee (33%)
8. Tufted Titmouse (32%)
9. Red-winged Blackbird (28%)
10. Eastern Bluebird (26%)
11. American Crow (23%)
12. Eastern Towhee (23%)
13. Downy Woodpecker (21%)
14. Yellow-rumped Warbler (20%)
15. Brown Thrasher (18%)
16. American Robin (18%)
17. European Starling (17%)
18. House Finch (16%)
19. White-throated Sparrow (15%)
20. Pine Warbler (15%)

Most common backyard birds in Mississippi in winter

1. Northern Cardinal (50% frequency)
2. Blue Jay (41%)
3. Northern Mockingbird (36%)
4. Yellow-rumped Warbler (36%)
5. Red-bellied Woodpecker (34%)
6. Carolina Wren (34%)
7. Mourning Dove (33%)
8. Carolina Chickadee (33%)
9. Tufted Titmouse (29%)
10. Eastern Bluebird (28%)
11. American Robin (28%)
12. Red-winged Blackbird (26%)
13. White-throated Sparrow (25%)
14. American Goldfinch (24%)
15. American Crow (23%)
16. Eastern Phoebe (20%)
17. Downy Woodpecker (20%)

Most common backyard birds in Mississippi in summer

1. Northern Cardinal (56% frequency)
2. Mourning Dove (50%)
3. Northern Mockingbird (49%)
4. Blue Jay (46%)
5. Carolina Wren (39%)
6. Red-bellied Woodpecker (32%)
7. Red-winged Blackbird (31%)
8. Tufted Titmouse (29%)
9. Eastern Towhee (28%)
10. Barn Swallow (26%)
11. Carolina Chickadee (26%)
12. Chimney Swift (24%)
13. Indigo Bunting (24%)
14. Eastern Bluebird (23%)
15. Brown Thrasher (23%)
16. Eastern Kingbird (20%)
17. White-eyed Vireo (20%)

How do birds differ between winter and summer?

Yellow-rumped Warblers, American Robins, White-throated Sparrows, Eastern Phoebes are more common in winter.

Mourning Doves, Northern Mockingbirds, Barn Swallows, Chimney Swifts, Indigo Buntings, Brown Thrashers, Eastern Kingbirds, White-eyed Vireos are more common in summer.

 

Common Backyard Birds of Jackson, Mississippi

Northern Mockingbird. Greg Gillson

1. Northern Cardinal (82% frequency)
2. Mourning Dove (60%)
3. Carolina Wren (55%)
4. Red-bellied Woodpecker (55%)
5. Carolina Chickadee (54%)
6. Blue Jay (52%)
7. Tufted Titmouse (51%)
8. American Robin (49%)
9. Northern Mockingbird (44%)
10. Downy Woodpecker (42%)
11. Eastern Towhee (35%)
12. Common Grackle (33%)
13. White-throated Sparrow (31%)
14. Yellow-rumped Warbler (30%)
15. Red-headed Woodpecker (30%)  Learn about this species on eBird
16. Brown Thrasher (29%)
17. House Finch (27%)
18. American Crow (26%)
19. Eastern Bluebird (23%)
20. Chimney Swift (22%)
21. House Sparrow (20%)  Learn about this species on eBird
22. Brown-headed Cowbird (20%)  Learn about this species on eBird
23. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (20%)  Learn about this species on eBird

Northern Cardinals, Mourning Doves, Carolina Wrens, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, American Robins, Downy Woodpeckers, Common Grackles, White-throated Sparrows, Red-headed Woodpeckers are more frequently seen in Jackson than in the state of Mississippi as a whole.

 

Common Backyard Birds of Hattiesburg, Mississippi

1. Northern Cardinal (73% frequency)
2. Blue Jay (58%)
3. Northern Mockingbird (52%)
4. Carolina Wren (49%)
5. Red-bellied Woodpecker (47%)
6. Mourning Dove (45%)
7. Carolina Chickadee (43%)
8. Tufted Titmouse (38%)
9. Eastern Towhee (36%)
10. Yellow-rumped Warbler (36%)
11. Eastern Bluebird (33%)
12. American Crow (32%)
13. Pine Warbler (30%)
14. Chipping Sparrow (29%)  Learn about this species on eBird
15. Gray Catbird (24%)  Learn about this species on eBird
16. Eastern Phoebe (24%)
17. American Goldfinch (23%)
18. Brown Thrasher (23%)
19. White-throated Sparrow (23%)
20. American Robin (22%)

Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, Northern Mockingbirds, Carolina Wrens, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Eastern Towhees, Yellow-rumped Warblers, American Crows, Pine Warblers, Chipping Sparrows, Gray Catbirds are more common in Hattiesburg than in the rest of the state, on average.

 

Wrapping Up

The fine state of Mississippi has a lot to offer its residents in terms of backyard birds but if you fancy going further afield, there is plenty more to see:

Open Country Birds:

• 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.
• Northern Mockingbird: These gray mimics with long tails readily adapt to various habitats, offering a repertoire of songs and calls, including mimicking other birds.
• Eastern Meadowlark: These yellow-breasted birds with black V-marks on their chests prefer open fields and grasslands, offering their sweet whistled 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.

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.
• Downy Woodpecker: These small black and white woodpeckers drum on trees and visit feeders for insects and suet, adding their rapid “pik-pik-pik” calls to the forest soundscape.
• 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.
• American Robin: These familiar red-breasted thrushes are abundant in parks, gardens, and woodlands, offering their cheerful “cheer-up” calls.

Water Birds:

• Great Blue Heron: These tall gray wading birds with long legs and necks patrol shorelines and wetlands, gracefully stalking fish and frogs.
• 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.
• Osprey: These magnificent fish-eating hawks with brown bodies and white breasts soar over wetlands and rivers, diving spectacularly to catch fish.
• Boat-tailed Grackle: These long-tailed blackbirds with iridescent purple heads love swamps and marshes, often seen perched on cattails and reeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the state bird of Mississippi?

The proud state bird of Mississippi is the Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)! These gray creatures with long tails and yellow eyes hold a special place in the state’s heart, both for their captivating vocal skills and their adaptability to diverse habitats.

Mississippi chose the Mockingbird as its state bird in 1929, captivated by its ability to mimic the songs and calls of other birds with impressive accuracy. This remarkable talent earned them the nickname “King of Songbirds” and adds a unique serenade to the state’s landscapes.

Beyond their mesmerizing voices, Mockingbirds are fascinating for their resilience and adaptability. They thrive in various habitats, from open fields and backyards to woodlands and urban settings. This adaptability reflects the spirit of Mississippi, a state known for its diverse ecosystems and welcoming communities.

What are the little yellow birds in Mississippi?

Yellow Warblers are a stunning bird and finding them in Mississippi can be an exciting adventure, depending on the time of year and your chosen location. Here’s some information to guide you:

Seasonality:

• Breeding Season: Yellow Warblers are present in Mississippi from April to August, primarily during their breeding season. Look for them in suitable habitat during this period.
• Migration: They migrate south for the winter, so sightings outside of April-August are infrequent.

Habitat:

• Wetlands: They prefer freshwater wetlands like swamps, marshes, and riparian areas with abundant willow trees, their primary nesting site.
• Floodplains: Flooded forests and wooded edges along rivers and streams offer suitable habitat and food sources.
• Wet thickets: Dense thickets along waterways and ponds can also be potential hiding spots.

Locations:

• Mississippi River Delta: The Delta region, with its extensive wetlands and forests, provides prime habitat for Yellow Warblers. Look around Tunica River National Wildlife Refuge, Yazoo Backwater Wilderness, and Big Black River Wildlife Management Area.
• Coastal Plain: The southern coastal plain also offers suitable habitat. Check out Black Creek Wildlife Management Area, Pascagoula River Audubon Center, and John Stennis National Forest.
• State Parks: State parks with wetland areas and forests can be good spots. Consider places like Nanih Waiya State Park, Mynelle Gardens, and Homochitto Wildlife Management Area.

Related Articles:

Red, Orange, & Yellow Birds of Mississippi

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