Top 25 Backyard Birds of Nevada: What Species you can expect to see in your backyard

Nevada is an excellent place for birdwatching. There are so many different types of birds to be seen in the state, from large birds of prey to tiny songbirds. If you’re interested in getting started in backyard birdwatching or just want to learn more about the backyard birds of Nevada that live near you, then this post is for you!

This blog post has listed 25 of Nevada’s most common backyard birds by surveying residents and utilizing data from ebird and other citizen science databases. By reading this article, we hope you will identify some new species and find out which ones live near you!

Backyard Birds Of Nevada

According to the latest data from ebird, there are 479 observed species of Birds in Nevada. This data comes from over 212,000 checklists from just under 13,000 avid birdwatchers. Identifying and seeing all 479 may be an overwhelming challenge, so we have chosen to focus on the birds you are more likely to see in your home, backyard, or bird feeders.

Here are some things to know about Backyard Birds of Nevada:

• 479 observed species
• The Mourning Dove is the most common backyard bird in Nevada
• The House Finch is the most common feeder bird in Nevada
• The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is the smallest most common feeder bird in Nevada
• The Cooper’s Hawk is the largest backyard bird on this list
• The Mountain Bluebird is Nevada’s state bird

Top 5 Hotspots For Birdwatching In Nevada

If you prefer to venture away from home to do some birding, then visit one of Nevada’s best hotspots for birdwatching. These hotspots are determined by the total number of species observed by fellow birdwatchers in Nevada.

1. Desert National Wildlife Range
2. Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
3. Floyd Lamb Park Las Vegas
4. Clark County Wetlands Park
5. Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge

Top 25 Backyard Birds Of Nevada

The list below is determined by the number of bird watchers in Nevada who have seen a species at least once, divided by the total number of bird feeder sites.

1. House Finch

The House Finch is a small bird found in most of North America, including parts of the United States and Southern Canada.  They are the most common backyard feeder bird in Nevada and can be seen in the state all year round.

House Finches are 12-15cm (5.1-5.5 inches) long and weigh between 16-27g (0.6-0.9oz).

They have short wings that allow for a quick flight, and their beaks are stubby and slightly curved on top with a long flat head. The males are known for their bright red heads and breast with brown wings, tails, and back.

Their preferred habitat is open, grassy areas with some trees – often near farmlands. They will also be found around towns and suburbs to find food quickly on the ground, such as birdseed spilled from backyard bird feeders (or even at pet food bowls left out for our furry friends).

They are ground forages whose preferred diet consists mainly of seeds, buds, and fruit. They are common at backyard bird feeders and will often feed in large numbers, especially when black oil sunflowers seeds are present in your feeders.

The House Finch has been seen at 93% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

2. Mourning Dove

The Mourning Dove is a common species of bird found throughout North America and is a year-round resident of Nevada.

They are about the size of an American Robin, with adults between 23-34cm (9.1-13.4 inches) long and weighing between 86-170g (3-6oz). Mourning Doves have grayish-brown feathers, and their heads are pale gray; however, they lack crests or head adornments.

Mourning Doves prefer open habitats in rural and urban areas and weedy fields.

Mourning Doves are ground foragers meaning that they eat seeds, grains, and other vegetation found on the ground. They have a varied diet but prefer to eat weed seeds such as dandelions or grasses in open fields rather than forest floors. Mourning doves also drink water from puddles created by rain which they find near trees and shrubs.

They are frequent visitors to backyard bird feeders and typically eat seeds that have fallen on the ground or platform feeders.

The Mourning Dove has been seen at 83% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

3. Dark-eyed Junco

The Dark-Eyed Junco is a medium-sized sparrow found in the Northern Hemisphere from Alaska to Newfoundland. They can be seen throughout Nevada all year round.

Males and Females are about 14-16cm (5.5-6.3 inches) long and weigh between 18-30g (0.6-1.1oz). They have a round head, short conical bill, and long tail.

The Dark-Eyed Junco varies in color depending on what region you are in but are mainly dark gray or brown with a light/pale pink bill and white outer tail feathers that are noticeable in flight.

The three most common sub-types and colors are:

• Slate-colored Junco – Alaska, and East of the Rocky Mountains
• Oregon Junco – Northern Rockies and Farther West
• Gray-headed Junco – Southern Rockies

They live in coniferous forests, woodlands, scrubland, and tundra across the United States and Canada. You are more likely to find them in open areas like backyards, fields, and parks in winter.

They are ground foragers and eat insects, seeds, and berries. They eat mostly insects in the spring and summer and seeds and berries in the fall and winter.

They are also expected at backyard bird feeders in the winter, especially ones that offer sunflower seeds, millet, or cracked corn.

The Dark-eyed Junco has been seen at 83% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

4. White-crowned Sparrow

The White-crowned Sparrow is a medium-large-sized sparrow found throughout North America and can be seen in Nevada all year round.

Males and Females are about 15-16cm (5.9-6.3 inches) long and weigh between 25-28g (0.9-1.0oz). They have relatively long tails and short pointed bills. Their bill can vary from pink to orange to yellow, depending on the subspecies and geographic location.

Their color is generally grayish-brown and has a distinctive bland and white striped crown.

They live in most open areas such as forest edges, scrublands, wetlands, marshes, farmlands, grasslands year-round in North America. They breed primarily in Canada during the summer and migrate south to the United States in winter.

White-crowned Sparrows eat mainly insects in the summer and seeds and berries the rest of the year.

They are common backyard birds that visit bird feeders if they offer cracked corn or millet. They prefer seeds scattered on the ground or a platform feeder.

The White-crowned Sparrow has been seen at 80% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

5. Lesser Goldfinch

The Lesser Goldfinch is a common species of songbird found in the western half of North and Central America. They are most commonly seen in Nevada during the summer and spring breeding months.

Both males and females are 9-11cm (3.5-4.3 inches) long and weigh between 8-11.5g (0.3-0.4oz). They have stubby bills, long pointed wings, and short tails.

Male Lesser goldfinches are bright yellow below, black or green above (depending on location), white patches on their wings, and white corners on a black tail. Female Lesser Goldfinches are dull olive above and pale yellow below.

Lesser Goldfinches live in various habitats but prefer areas with budding trees and bushes. They are also seen in weedy residential areas, often in large groups.

The Lesser goldfinches mainly eat seeds, tree buds, berries, and sometimes insects. They prefer composite plants such as thistle and purple coneflower.

Lesser goldfinches are very common in backyards, and will visit bird feeders that offer a variety of seeds.

The Lesser Goldfinch has been seen at 80% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

6. Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker is one of North America’s most common woodpecker species and can be seen in Nevada all year round. They are also the most commonly observed woodpecker species in Nevada.

They are about 28-31cm (11-12.2 inches) long and weigh 110-160g (3.9-5.6oz). They are slim woodpeckers with rounded heads, long pointy tails, and a long, slightly downward curving bill. 

Northern Flickers are brownish-gray above and paler below. They have a crescent-looking black bar on their chest and black spots on their bellies.

Eastern males have black whiskers, a red nape, and bright yellow under their tails, while females lack the same black whiskers as males.

Western males have red whiskers and red under their tails, while females lack the same red whiskers as males.

Northern Flickers live in open areas such as fields, pastures, woods but can also be seen around towns and suburbs.

Northern Flickers are seen foraging for ants and other insects on the ground, but they also eat fruits, nuts, and seeds. They use their long curved bill to pry insects out of logs or trees.

They will often visit backyard bird feeders that offer sunflower seeds, suet, or peanut butter.

The Northern Flicker has been seen at 68% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

7. California Quail

The California Quail is a small, ground-dwelling bird found in the most western parts of the United States. They can be seen in the northwestern part of Nevada all year round.

Males and females are about 24-27cm (9.4-10.6 Inches) long and weigh around 140-230g (4.9-8.1oz). California Quails are plump birds with short necks, small heads, and bills. Both males and females have a topknot of feathers that are shaped like a comma that projects forward. The topknot is longer in males than it is in females.

Male California Quails are a mix of gray and brown feathers and have a dark head with white stripes and a chestnut-colored patch on their whitish-creamy-colored bellies. Females are browner and lack the strong face pattern of the males.

California Quails can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, forests of the west and northwest states, open fields, agricultural land, and suburban areas. They are most likely to be seen during dawn or dusk and prefer to hide in cover during hotter times of the day.

They eat primarily buds, shoots, and insects during the warmer months and seeds, fruits and berries during the colder months. They forage mainly on the ground but can also be seen perching on low branches.

Californian Quails have been known to visit birdbaths and bird feeders that offer cracked corn, millet, or grain.

The California Quail has been seen at 65% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

8. House Sparrow

The House Sparrow is a common species of bird found throughout the world and is a year-round resident of Nevada.

Males and Females are about 15-17cm (5.9-6.7 inches) long and generally weigh between 27-30g (0.9-1.1oz). They have gray color on their head and chest, black spots on the feathers around their eyes, and brownish tails; however, they also have distinctive white spots on their wings.

House Sparrows are prevalent backyard visitors that can be identified by the distinctive appearance of two white spots on each side of the wing. They typically live in cities and towns with large populations, although they will visit backyards if suet feeders or birdseed is available.

House Sparrows eat mainly weed seeds, grain, and insects during breeding time. They typically prefer sunflower hearts and suet, although they also eat thistle seed, safflower seeds, and fruit when available.

Sparrows are highly social birds living in large flocks outside of breeding season that can sometimes become aggressive towards other birds.

The House Sparrow has been seen at 65% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

9. American Robin

The American Robin is a common species of bird found throughout North America. and can be seen throughout Nevada all year round.

American Robins are 20-28cm (7.9-11 inches) long and weigh 77-85g (2.7-3oz).

American Robins have a distinctive orange chest with black spots; however, their back feathers are brownish gray. Their beaks are tiny but comprehensive at the base, giving them a very distinct appearance.

They are common in most environments across North America, especially in gardens, parks, and wooded areas around towns and suburbs.

The American Robin is known to poke around in leaf litter, looking for insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and earthworms to eat in the summer months. They prefer berries or fruit during the autumn and winter months.

They are also known for being very friendly birds found at most bird feeders and prefer feeders that offer live mealworms.

The American Robin has been seen at 60% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

10. Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay

The Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay is a medium-sized jay found in western North America and is a year-round resident of Nevada.

Males and females are about 28-30cm (11-11.8 inches) long and weigh around 70-100g (2.5-3.5oz). They are slender, long-tailed Jays with a long, straight bill with a pointed tip.

Their heads, tails, and wings are blue, and they have a grayish-brown back. Below, they are gray with a white throat and a blue band that separates the white throat from the gray belly.

They live in various habitats, including chaparral, oak woodlands, pine-juniper forests, and open areas with scattered trees.

Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays are omnivores and feed on various food items such as insects, acorns, berries, snakes, bird eggs, and lizards. They forage primarily on the ground and visit bird feeders if sunflower seeds or peanuts are available.

Thanks to their intelligence and adaptability, Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays are one of the most common backyard birds across western North America.

The Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay has been seen at 58% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

11. American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch is a common species of bird found throughout North America. These tiny birds can be seen in northern Nevada all year round and in southern Nevada during the winter months.

They are small songbirds 11-13cm (4.3-5.1 inches) long and weigh between 11-20g (0.4-0.70 oz), with males being slightly larger than females. 

Breeding adult males have a bright yellow color on their heads and rump with a black cap and black-tipped wings, making them easy to identify from other birds. Winter adult males are tan above and pale gray below with a yellow face and throat. 

Breeding adult females are olive-brown above and yellow below, and winter adult females are generally gray overall.

Their preferred habitat is overgrown, weedy fields, pastures, and well planted suburban areas and backyards.

They mainly eat seeds from wild sunflowers, composite flowers or thistles, and very few insects. 

American Goldfinches are frequent visitors of backyard bird feeders – making them easy to spot around the yard. They prefer hulled sunflower and nyjer seeds.

The American Goldfinch has been seen at 55% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

12. Eurasian Collared-Dove

The Eurasian Collared-Dove is a small dove that lives in the Northern Hemisphere. They are abundant throughout Europe, North America, and South Asia. These Doves can be found anywhere in the US besides the Northeast and Canada.

Males and Females are about 29-30cm (11.4-11.8 inches) long and weigh 140-180g (4.9-6.3oz). They are plump doves with long, squared-off tails and small heads. They have broad, round, black-tipped wings. Their plumage is a pale gray with darker flight feathers, and adults have a black hindneck collar.

Eurasian Collared Doves usually perch on tree branches, telephone wires, or other elevated structures. They are very social birds and can be seen in small to large flocks. They usually roost together at night in tall trees.

These Doves live in suburbs, towns, and agricultural areas and avoid heavily forested areas and city centers.

Eurasian Collared-Doves eat mainly seeds and some wasted grain, berries, and insects. They will visit backyard bird feeders that offer sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, corn, and millet.

The Eurasian Collared-Dove has been seen at 53% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

13. Cooper’s Hawk

The Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized hawk found throughout North America and is a year-round resident of Nevada.

Males are about 37-39cm (14.6-15.3 inches) long and weigh 220-410g (7.8-14.5oz). Females are about 42-45cm (16.5-17.7 inches) long and weigh 330-680g (11.6-24oz).

They have broad rounded wings, a long, rounded tail, and a large head. Adults are bluish-gray above, with rusty colored bars below and thick darker bands on their tails. Juveniles are brown above, with orange-colored highlights on the head and dark streaks below.

Cooper’s hawks are often found in riparian woodlands, suburbs, and parks where they can find plenty of prey.

The Cooper’s Hawk is a versatile predator that preys on small mammals such as squirrels and rats and small birds up to the size of a Blue Jay. They often hunt by perching on a branch and waiting for prey to pass by. When prey is spotted, they will swoop down, grasp it with their feet and kill using a sharp blow of the bill.

In suburban areas, they sometimes hunt birds at bird feeders or squirrels in backyards and small rodents such as mice and rats.

The Cooper’s Hawk has been seen at 50% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

14. European Starling

The European Starling, also known as the Common Starling or just simply Starling, is a loud, boisterous bird that can be found throughout most of North America, Europe, and parts of Asia to North Africa in wintertime. 

European Starling is roughly the size of a Robin at about 20-23cm (7.9-9.1 inches) long and weighing around 60-96g (2.1-3.4oz). Their breeding plumage is a glossy purplish-green with yellow beaks, and winter plumage is brown with white spots and a black bill. They have short wings which allow for a quick flight and a short tail. They have a long, slender bill and legs that are pinkish.

European Starlings winter in large flocks – often roosting with other bird species such as Blackbirds or Fieldfares to keep warm at night.

Their preferred habitat is open, grassy areas with some trees, but they can also be found in towns, suburbs, or human settlements out in the countryside.

They are opportunistic feeders that mainly eat insects and feed on berries, seeds, and grains. They are known to visit bird feeders in backyards to eat almost any type of food available – including suet mixes or peanuts.

The European Starling has been seen at 48% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

15. Spotted Towhee

The Spotted Towhee is a large-sized sparrow that lives in the western half of North America and Mexico. These sparrows can be seen throughout Nevada all year round.

Males and females are about 17-21cm (6.7-8.3 inches) long and weigh around 33-49g (1.2-1.7oz). They are a chunky sparrow with a thick conical bill, and a long rounded tail tipped with white.

Male Spotted Towhees are black above and white below, with a black hood and throat with white spots on their wings. Their sides are a rusty-orange color, and they have ruby red eyes. Females are similar in color but are a slate gray color above.

They live primarily in open areas close to native habitats such as forest edges, thickets, underbrush, or ravines with brushy vegetation for shelter. They also live around agricultural land and residential areas with trees or hedgerows where they can find food sources like insects and spiders.

Spotted towhees eat mostly insects all year round. They prefer to forage on the ground through leaf litter and amongst the thicket or undergrowth of bushes and shrubs. They will supplement their diet with berries, nuts, and seeds when insects aren’t available.

Spotted towhees will often visit backyards with some low vegetation, brush piles, and bird feeders that offer mealworms, sunflower seeds (hulled or shelled), cracked corn, and suet nuggets.

The Spotted Towhee has been seen at 48% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

16. Pine Siskin

The Pine Siskin is widespread throughout North America and some parts of Canada and Mexico. These tiny birds are year-round residents of Nevada.

Both males and females are about 11-14cm (4.3-5.5 inches) long and weigh between 12-18g (0.4-0.6oz). Both males and females are brown, with dark streaking throughout their bodies. They are a small finch with a sharply pointed bill and a short notched tail.

They are slightly darker above and paler below with two whitish-yellow wing bars. A yellow wing stripe can be seen during flight but is more difficult to see when perched.

They prefer open coniferous forests where they can forage in trees, looking for seeds among needles of the branches. Pine siskins are social birds and often travel in a few hundred bird flocks. They are very active and can be seen hopping around on the ground or flying quickly from tree to tree.

Pine siskins eat seeds almost exclusively but will take insects or larvae when available if seeds are not readily accessible. They are also frequent visitors to backyard bird feeders that offer sunflower seeds, or nyjer seeds.

The Pine Siskin has been seen at 45% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

17. Mountain Chickadee

The Mountain Chickadee is a small-sized songbird that is found in mountains of North America, including the Sierra Nevada Mountains located in California to the Rocky Mountains range that runs through Alberta, British Columbia, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, and into South Dakota.

Males and females are about 11-14cm (4.3-5.5 inches) long and weigh around 11g (0.4oz). They have large heads, rounded wings, tiny bills, and long rounded wings.

Like other chickadee species, they are gray above and paler grayish-white below. They have a black cap and throat and a white stripe over the eye that resembles an eyebrow. The white line is what differentiates Mountain Chickadees from other species.

They live across mountainous coniferous forests but will also be seen in mixed woodlands, urban parks, and gardens with similar habitats at lower elevations.

Mountain Chickadees are insectivores and will feed on insects, spiders, caterpillars, beetles, and insect eggs. They mostly forage by gleaning from tree branches and trunks and hovering to catch their prey.

They can be found in backyards with bushes and trees and will often visit bird feeders that offer black oil sunflower seeds and suet cakes.

The Mountain Chickadee has been seen at 43% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

18. Northern Mockingbird

The Northern Mockingbird is a common species of bird found in the United States, Mexico and some areas of Central America.  They can be seen in Nevada all year round.

They are very similar to American Robins except for their size – with both sexes 21-26cm (8.3-10.2 inches) long and weighing between 45-58g (1.6-2oz). They have grayish-brown feathers with black spots on their wings and tails; however, they also have white bellies, making them recognizable.

Northern Mockingbirds are not migratory but instead stay in the same location year-round. They prefer dense shrubby areas with open patches nearby, descriptive of most backyards.

Northern Mockingbirds build open-cup nests found high in trees or bushes – making them easy to see. They are primarily carnivorous, feeding mainly on insects during the summer months and switching to berries or fruit in autumn and winter.

They are a frequent visitor to backyards and will typically visit suet feeders.

The Northern Mockingbird has been seen at 43% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

19. Downy Woodpecker

The Downy Woodpecker is a small woodpecker found throughout North America and is a year-round resident of Nevada.

They are smaller than most woodpeckers at about 14-17cm (5.5-6.7 inches) long and weigh between 21-28g (0.7-1oz).

Downy Woodpeckers have a black back and white stripe down the middle. They are white below, and their wings have a checkered black and white detailing them. The males have a red patch at the back of the head, and females have a black head. They have a petite-looking bill compared to their other woodpecker relatives.

Their beaks are short, solid, and pointed at the end, which they use to chisel wood for excavation or peck at the bark to find food underneath.

Their preferred habitat is wooded areas with plenty of trees near rivers, ponds, or wetlands – even urban areas with a mix of grasslands, shrubs, and woodlands.

They are acrobatic foragers whose main diet consists of insects it can glean and probe from trees. They will also eat seeds, berries, or fruit when needed and are more common at bird feeders than their larger relatives. They prefer suet feeders and enjoy black oil sunflower seeds, peanut butter, seeds, and millet.

The Downy Woodpecker has been seen at 43% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

20. Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warblers are small songbirds found throughout North and Central America from Canada down to Panama. They are are most often seen in Nevada during the Summer and spring breeding months.

They are about 12-14cm (4.7-5.5 inches) long, weigh between 12-13g (0.4-0.5oz) and have long wings that allow for quick travel in thick vegetation or high into the trees where they will find their nests on a thin branch close to the trunk of a tree. Their beaks are short, solid, and pointed at the end, which they use to catch insects.

They are light gray with flashes of white in their wings. They have a yellow patch under their chin and yellow sides. Females’ colors are duller than the males, and winter plumage for both is a pale brown.

The Yellow-rumped Warbler prefers coniferous and mixed woodland habitats that provide plenty of shrubs, underbrush, and leafy trees for protection. They can also be found in parks and residential areas in the fall and winter.

They are insectivores that will prey on many insects they can catch. They will also eat small fruits or berries from early fall to spring.

The Yellow-rumped Warbler has been seen at 40% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

21. Cassin’s Finch

The Cassin’s Finch is a small, sparrow-sized bird found in the western half of North America. These beautiful finches can be seen in Nevada all year round.

Males and females are about 16cm (6.3-6.5 inches) long and weigh around 24-34g (0.8-1.2oz). They are similar to the Purple Finch and House Finch but have longer and heavier pointed bills and longer wings. They have notched short to medium-length tails and a peaked head.

Males and females have streaked undertail coverts, wings, and backs. Males have a bright red cap, rosy pink face, breast, and rump. The females are brown and white with fine steaks on their chests and underparts.

Cassin’s Finches can be found in evergreen forests located in the mountains during the warmer months and tend to move to lower elevations during the colder months.

They eat mostly seeds, berries, and buds but also feed on insects when available. They forage mainly in the trees with other finches like Pine Siskins and crossbills.

Cassin’s Finches have been known to visit bird feeders that offer sunflower seeds, millet, or thistle seeds in the winter months.

The Cassin’s Finch has been seen at 38% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

22. Bewick’s Wren

The Bewick’s Wren is a medium-sized wren found primarily in the southwestern United States and Central America. They can be seen on the very edge of western Nevada all year round.

Both sexes are about 13cm (5.1 inches) long and weigh 8-12g (0.3-0.4oz). They have short rounded wings, a long tail cocked upward, and a long downward curving bill.

Their plumage varies depending on location but is primarily grayish-brown above (southwest) or brown (pacific coast) above. They are grayish-white below and have white eyebrows. Their tail has black barring and is tipped with white bars at the end.

They live primarily in bushy woodlands, coastal and desert scrub, thick brush in open woods, residential parks, and gardens.

Bewick’s Wrens eat mostly small insects and spiders it can glean from bark crevices, roots, and rocks. They will also occasionally eat seeds and fruit, especially during winter when insects are harder to find.

Bewick’s Wrens can be found year-round in backyards with some low vegetation or brush piles. They will often visit bird feeders that offer mealworms, hulled sunflower seeds, and suet nuggets.

The Bewick’s Wren has been seen at 33% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

23. Rock Pigeon

The Rock Pigeon is a medium-sized bird found throughout North, Central, and South America.

Males and females are about 30-36cm (12 to 14 inches) long and weigh around 265-380g (9.3-13.5oz). They have broad wings, wide rounded tails, short legs, and a small head.

Rock Pigeons are gray with two black bars on their wings, and a black-tipped tail. They also have a white rump and a black neck with iridescent feathers on their throat.

Rock pigeons can be found in urban areas such as cities, towns, and villages. They prefer cliffs or ledges for roosting and nesting but will also use buildings if available.

Rock pigeons eat mostly seeds, grains, and fruits. They will also eat insects, snails, and other small invertebrates if given a chance.

They have been known to visit bird feeders that offer sunflower seeds, cracked corn, or millet. Rock pigeons will also eat bread crumbs and other human food scraps.

The Rock Pigeon has been seen at 30% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

24. Ruby-crowned Kinglet

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a small bird found throughout much of North America and is a year-round resident of Nevada.

Males and females are about 9-11cm (3.5 to 4.4 inches) long and weigh around 5-10g (0.2 to 0.3oz). They have a small round body, a short tail, and a small head with a thin, straight bill.

Ruby-crowned Kinglets are olive green, white around the eye, and have two white wing bars. The adult male has a ruby-red crown that is only visible when he is excited or singing.

Ruby-crowned kinglets can be found in forests up north into Canada and the Rocky Mountains to the west during the breeding season. In winters, they move to lower elevations in the southern US and Mexico, such as woodlands, gardens, parks, and backyards.

Ruby-crowned kinglets eat small insects such as spiders, mites, and bugs but will also eat some fruit during the winter months.

They have been known to visit bird feeders that offer sunflower seeds or suet. However, they prefer to eat insects, so a bird feeder with live mealworms would be more attractive.

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet has been seen at 28% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

25. Sharp-shinned Hawk

The Sharp-shinned hawk is a small raptor with short, rounded wings and a long tail. They are found throughout North and Central America, and are a year-round resident of Nevada.

Males and Females are about 24-34cm (9.4-13.4 inches) long and weigh between 87-218g (3.1-7.7oz). They are just a bit larger than a Jay and the females are noticeably larger than the males. They are bluish-gray above and reddish-orange below with a darker cap.

They live in various habitats, including woodland edges, suburban areas, parks, open fields, and agricultural land from Canada to Southern Mexico.

Sharp-shinned hawks eat mostly songbirds and consume small mammals such as mice, rats, and squirrels. They ambush their prey by hiding in trees and pouncing on their unsuspecting victim.

They are common backyard birds that can often be seen perched on a tree branch or flying overhead. Sharp-shinned hawks prefer to feed on live prey and visit bird feeders that have attracted small mammals or songbirds.

The Sharp-shinned Hawk has been seen at 25% of all feeder sites in Nevada.

What Are The Most Common Backyard Birds All Year Round In Nevada?

• Mourning Dove (34% Frequency)
• House Finch (30% Frequency)
• White-crowned Sparrow (27% Frequency)
• Yellow-rumped Warbler (24% Frequency)
• American Robin (22% Frequency)
• Northern Flicker (21% Frequency)
• Rock Pigeon (19% Frequency)
• Lesser Goldfinch (18% Frequency)
• Red-winged Blackbird (18% Frequency)
• European Starling (17% Frequency)

What Are The Most Common Winter Backyard Birds Of Nevada?

• White-crowned Sparrow (45% Frequency)
• House Finch (34% Frequency)
• Northern Flicker (30% Frequency)
• Mourning Dove (29% Frequency)
• Yellow-rumped Warbler (28% Frequency)
• Dark-eyed Junco (26% Frequency)
• Rock Pigeon (25% Frequency)
• European Starling (21% Frequency)
• American Robin (21% Frequency)
• Ruby-crowned Kinglet (20% Frequency)

Birds To Spot Beyond The Backyard In Nevada

When you decide to venture away from your home to do some birdwatching, these are some of the other birds to look out for:

1. Mountain Bluebird
2. Bank Swallow
3. Tree Swallow
4. Barn Swallow
5. Violet-green Swallow
6. Brewer’s Blackbird
7. Cliff Swallow
8. Yellow-headed Blackbird
9. Common Raven
10. Pinyon Jay
11. Killdeer
12. Savannah Sparrow
13. Sharp-shinned Hawk
14. White-throated Swift
15. Great-tailed Grackle
16. Western Kingbird
17. Tricolored Blackbird
18. Swainson’s Hawk
19. Cedar Waxwing
20. Green-tailed Towhee
21. Lesser Nighthawk
22. Bohemian Waxwing
23. Vesper Sparrow
24. American Kestrel
25. Broad-tailed Hummingbird
26. Pygmy Nuthatch
27. Marsh Wren
28. Brewer’s Sparrow
29. Western Tanager
30. Song Sparrow

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Keep an eye out for the backyard birds of Nevada

Nevada is a great place for birdwatching because of the large variety of birds that can be found in the state. Backyard birdwatching is a great way to get started in birdwatching, and it can be done in most backyards across Nevada.

There are many different types of birds that visit backyard bird feeders, and they are all suitable for Nevada’s climate. By reading this blog post, we hope you will be able to identify some of the most common backyard birds of Nevada and find out which ones live near you.

You can also visit Nevada’s top birdwatching hotspots to see even more species.

Thank you for reading, and we hope you enjoy birdwatching in Nevada!