Favorite Small Birds

Personal Notes: The Black-Capped Chickadee can be a very entertaining bird in their own right - they are inquisitive, smart, and tolerant people around the feeders.  They have several distinct songs or calls.  Food preference is meaty seeds such as shelled peanuts, Sunflower Kernels, or Whole Sunflower Seeds. The Black-Capped Chickadee will take a single seed and more often than not venture off into a nearby shelter and place the seed between their feet and peck at goodness.

 House Finch - Like the name implies this species of bird was once a popular bird to be kept as a pet, shipped from Mexico into California then further shipped to vendors on the East Coast for sale on the bird market. The males starting in early spring are more brightly colored red during the breeding season and will eagerly visit feeders in hopes of a good meal. Food preference: The House Finch will take a variety of seeds but normally the smaller seed that is more easily cracked with their beaks.

Personal Notes: I find the House Finch to be tolerant of other smaller birds and will share the feeder with birds of similar size. They have beautiful plumage with a pleasant demeanor.

 Chipping Sparrow - This small bird is about the size of a Black-Capped Chickadee. Males have a brighter orange/brownish crown, translucent legs, and grey under feathers with streaks of brown, black and white. The Chipping Sparrow socialize in groups of about 8 to 12 and can be a bit feisty toward each other when the food supply runs low. The Chipping Sparrow can be approached within a few feet if you make no sudden moves and they have seen you place the food out. In general, smaller birds are more tolerant of people and make good birds to attract to your yard. Where I live I begin to see them around February and will continue to be in the area until late May/early June when most are moving further north for breeding.

 

The Very Impressive Hummingbird: Living in North America I put out my hummingbird feeders in March and keep them up until late October. During those months I have hundreds of Rufus and Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds visit and what a sight they are to behold. I consider these birds as one of my most favorite to watch. They are territorial and will watch the feeder for other hummingbirds and when another Hummingbird approaches a skirmish will break out. Hummingbirds can be acclimatized to humans and will readily approach the feeder as I put out a new batch of nectar and even buzz around my head checking me out.