Arrangement in yellow and black — tail feathers of the Northern Flicker.
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Bold yet delicate, the Northern Flicker’s yellow-shafted undertail coverts display a hypnotic dappling of black and white.
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With their striped markings, Black-and-white Warblers are easy to spot — and their early appearance is a sure sign that spring birding has started. They build cup-shaped nests on the ground, and can be aggressive in protecting their territory. -
The Downy Woodpecker has a fondness for insects and forages not only on tree trunks and branches but also on shrubs and weed stalks. Widespread, this small, black and white bird can be found across most of the U.S. and Canada. -
The Gray Catbird, like its relative the mockingbird, can copy the sounds of other species. Its own call brings to mind a cat’s meow. -
Streaky brown, with a buffy eye-ring, Lincoln’s Sparrows are known to be a bit shy. This medium-sized, insect-eating bird forages near or on the ground — and builds its nest there too. It is named for Thomas Lincoln, who traveled with naturalist John James Audubon on a bird-finding trip to Labrador. -
While White-throated Sparrows are common during winter across the eastern and southern United States and California, they breed mainly in Canada. Use sunflower seeds and millet to lure them to your bird feeder. -
Pyrocephalus — the genus for the Vermilion Flycatcher — means “fire-headed,” certainly an apt name for the brilliant-colored male. And “flycatcher”? Yes. These smallish birds (4.8 to 5.4 inches in length) swoop in and catch flying insects on the wing — from flies and wasps to beetles and butterflies. -
With its reddish-brown cap and long tail often raised at an angle, the Rufous-capped Warbler can be found in Mexico and Guatemala, and sometimes into south Texas and Arizona. It feeds primarily on insects and favors weedy, brushy areas near woodlands. -
To deter other birds or predators, the resourceful Red-breasted Nuthatch might apply a sticky layer of tree resin to the entrance of its nest, then avoid the trap by flying directly through the opening. They can climb headfirst down tree trunks or hang upside down from branches while foraging for insects or seeds.
