Birds Sounds Chart: A Guide to Identifying Common Backyard Birds in Wisconsin

The state of Wisconsin is home to a diverse range of bird species, and many of them can be spotted right in our backyards. In this article, we'll explore the most common backyard birds in Wisconsin, including their identification characteristics, habits, and sounds.

Black-capped Chickadee: A Year-Round Resident

One of the most iconic birds in Wisconsin is the Black-capped Chickadee. These small, round-headed birds are year-round residents, and can be found in forests, open woods, and parks throughout the state. They have distinctive black caps and beaks, white cheeks, and a gray back, wings, and tail.

Listen for their cheerful 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' call, which is often repeated several times in a row. Black-capped Chickadees are known for their bold nature, and will happily feed at backyard feeders and investigate everything around them.

Summer Visitors

During the summer months (June and July), Wisconsin's backyards come alive with the songs of various bird species. Some common summer visitors include:

* American Robin: Known for its brown back and red breast, this robin is a common sight in Wisconsin's backyards.

* Red-winged Blackbird: With its distinctive red and yellow plumage, this blackbird is a striking addition to any backyard.

* Barn Swallow: This aerial acrobat can be spotted swooping through the skies, snatching up insects on the wing.

Winter Visitors

As winter sets in (December and January), some bird species migrate to Wisconsin from further north. Some common winter visitors include:

* Dark-eyed Junco: With its slate-gray back and white belly, this junco is a welcome sight during the cold winter months.

* American Goldfinch: This bright yellow finch can be spotted flitting through backyards, searching for seeds and berries.

Year-Round Residents

In addition to the Black-capped Chickadee, some bird species are year-round residents in Wisconsin. These include:

* American Crow

* Northern Cardinal

* Mourning Dove

* Blue Jay

Getting Started with Bird Identification

If you're new to backyard birding, it can be overwhelming trying to identify all the different species that visit your yard. But don't worry – with a little practice and patience, you'll soon become an expert at spotting and identifying Wisconsin's common backyard birds.

To get started, try keeping a bird journal or using a bird identification app on your phone. Record the dates and times of each sighting, as well as any notable characteristics you observe. You can also use online resources like eBird to track your sightings and learn more about each species.

Free ID Chart

As a bonus, we're offering a free ID chart that you can print and use to help identify the most common backyard birds in Wisconsin. Simply click on the link below to download your copy:

With this guide and a little practice, you'll be well on your way to becoming a master of bird identification in Wisconsin. Happy birding!

Birds sounds chart