Top 25 Exciting Backyard Birds of Washington you can explore

Washington is an excellent place for bird watching because it has diverse species of birds. The state has mountains, forests, and prairies that offer a variety of habitats for birds. Additionally, Washington is located along the Pacific flyway, making it a popular stopover location for migratory birds.

So why are so many different types of birds drawn to Washington’s backyards? There are several reasons. For starters, Washington has a wide variety of habitats, from the Pacific coast to the Cascade Mountains and everything in between. This diversity allows many bird species to find suitable homes and food sources.

Additionally, Washington has a relatively mild climate, which is attractive to many birds. The state typically doesn’t experience extreme weather conditions, making it a more hospitable environment for many birds. The lack of severe weather means that there are fewer instances of bird populations being wiped out by harsh winters or summers.

So whether you’re in the Cascade Mountains or on the pacific coast, there is sure to be a backyard bird species waiting to be discovered in Washington.

This blog post will look at 25 of Washington’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 at any time of the year.

Backyard Birds Of Washington

According to the latest data from ebird, there are 514 observed species of Birds in Washington. This data comes from over 1.7 million checklists from over 35,000 avid birdwatchers

Identifying and seeing all 514 species is a daunting 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 Washington:

• 514 observed species
• The American Robin is the most common backyard bird species in Washington.
• The Dark-eyed Junco is the most common feeder bird of Washington.
• The Anna’s Hummingbird is the smallest most common feeder bird in Washington.
• The American Crow is the largest backyard bird in the top 25 list.
• The American Goldfinch is the state bird of Washington.

Top 5 Hotspots For Birdwatching In Washington

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

1. Discovery Park
2. Point No Point
3. Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
4. Ocean Shores
5. Union Bay Natural Area

Top 25 Backyard Birds Of Washington

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

1. Dark-eyed Junco

The Dark-Eyed Junco is a medium-sized sparrow found in the Northern Hemisphere from Alaska to Newfoundland and is a year-round resident of Washington backyards.

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 98% of all feeder sites in Washington.

2. Black-capped Chickadee

The Black-Capped Chickadee is a widespread species of bird found throughout the Northern half of North America and is a year-round resident of Washington state.

They have a black cap and black throat with white cheeks, and mostly gray-olive feathers on their back with a white chest and belly.

Black-capped Chickadees are tiny in size – with males and females only about 12-15cm (4.7-5.9 inches) long and weighing between 9-14g (0.3-0.5oz). They have a large head and short neck, and long narrow tails with short thick dark bills.

They can survive the harshest winter weather by eating high-calorie foods, fluffing their feathers for insulation, and roosting in tree cavities at night, often in small groups.

The Black-Capped Chickadee is an energetic species that prefers deciduous woods often found in forests or residential areas and parks where plenty of large trees are used for roosting and nesting.

Their diet consists of insects, spiders, small fruits, and seeds, but they are also familiar visitors to backyard bird feeders where they will readily eat sunflower seeds or suet. They will often make multiple trips to feeders to store extra food in tree crevices throughout the day.

The Black-capped Chickadee has been seen at 90% of all feeder sites in Washington.

3. Pine Siskin

The Pine Siskin is widespread throughout North America and some parts of Canada and Mexico. These tiny birds can be seen in Washington all year round.

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 85% of all feeder sites in Washington.

4. Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker is one of the most common woodpecker species in Washington and can be seen all year round in the state.

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 85% of all feeder sites in Washington.

5. Spotted Towhee

The Spotted Towhee is a large-sized sparrow that lives in the western half of North America and Mexico. These large sparrows can be seen in western Washington all year round and in eastern Washington during the summer and spring breeding months.

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 83% of all feeder sites in Washington.

6. Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird is a common species of bird found in the far western region of the United States and Canada (British Columbia). They are the most common hummingbird in Washington and can be seen in the state all year round.

They are about 10cm (4 inches) long and weigh between 3-6g (0.1-0.2oz). They are stockier than most hummingbirds and have a short, straight bill and broad tail.

Anna’s hummingbirds are metallic green above and grayish-white and green below. Males have rose-red coloring around their heads and throat, while females have a white throat with green and red spots.

They can be found in woodlands near streams or rivers, coastal scrubs, city parks, and yards.

Anna’s Hummingbirds feed mainly on nectar from flowers but will also eat insects, such as spiders, when the opportunity presents itself.

Anna’s Hummingbirds are common in backyards with flower gardens or hummingbird feeders.

The Anna’s Hummingbird has been seen at 81% of all feeder sites in Washington.

7. 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 can be seen in Washington state backyards 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 79% of all feeder sites in Washington.

8. Song Sparrow

The Song Sparrow is a medium-sized sparrow found throughout North America and is a year-round resident of Washington.

Males and Females are about 12-17cm (4.7-6.7 inches) long and weigh between 12-53g (0.4-1.9oz). They have relatively long, rounded tails and broad wings.

Song Sparrows are generally brown above with brown streaking on white below. They have a reddish-brown crown, a pale gray eyebrow, and a brown streak through the eye.

They live in most open areas such as forests edges, scrublands, wetlands, marshes, farmlands, and grasslands year-round in North America.

They mainly eat insects in the spring and summer and seeds and berries the rest of the year.

Song Sparrows are common backyard birds that visit bird feeders if the feeder offers cracked corn or millet and over some good cover. They prefer seeds scattered on the ground or a platform feeder.

The Song Sparrow has been seen at 78% of all feeder sites in Washington.

9. Red-breasted Nuthatch

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a small songbird found across most of North America and much of Canada, and is a year-round resident of Washington.

Both males and females are about 11-12cm (4.3 inches) long and weigh between 8-13g (0.3-0.5oz). They have a long, pointy bill, short, broad wings, and very short tails.

Both sexes are blueish-gray above and reddish-cinnamon below. Their heads are striped with a black cap, white eyebrows, a black line through the eye, and finally, white cheeks. Very similar looking to the white-breasted nuthatch.

Red-breasted nuthatches can be found in coniferous forests such as spruce and fir, where they like to forage on the trunks and branches. They are very energetic and acrobatic birds and can often be seen hanging upside down while searching for food.

Their diet is primarily insects and spiders they glean from trees and bark in the summer and eat seeds in the winter.

They are also familiar visitors to backyard bird feeders where they eat seeds and suet.

The Red-breasted Nuthatch has been seen at 76% of all feeder sites in Washington.

10. Chestnut-backed Chickadee

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee is a tiny bird found in North America, but almost exclusively along the west coast of California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska. They are year-round residents of western Washington.

Males and Females are about 10-12cm (3.9-4.7 inches) long and weigh between 7-12g (0.3-0.4oz). They are the smallest and shortest-tailed chickadee and have short rounded wings.

They have a black and white head with white cheeks and a brown-chestnut-colored back. Depending on the region, they can either have brown-chestnut (Northern California and up) or duller gray sides (Central and Southern California).

Chestnut-backed Chickadees live in coniferous forests, woodlands, scrubland, parks, and suburbs year-round on the Pacific coast. They eat primarily insects they can glean from foliage and often supplement their diet with seeds, fruit, and berries.

They are common backyard birds that will visit bird feeders, especially if the feeder offers sunflower seeds or suet during the winter months.

The Chestnut-backed Chickadee has been seen at 73% of all feeder sites in Washington.

11. Steller’s Jay

Steller’s Jay is a large songbird that lives in North America. They are most abundant in the western United States and Canada, and are year-round residents of Washington state.

Males and Females are about 30-34cm (11.8-13.4 inches) long and weigh between 100-140g (3.5-4.9oz). These Jays have large heads, rounded wings, and long tails. They also have a prominent crest on their heads and a strong, long, straight bill.

They have blue feathers on most of their bodies, black feathers on their head, and grayish shoulders. Some will have blue or white lines on their crown, depending on the region.

They prefer coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests commonly found on the west coast of North America, which includes suburban areas such as backyards, picnic areas, and campgrounds.

They are bold, intelligent, curious omnivores that forage on the ground or among tree branches for insects, baby birds, bird eggs, fruit, nuts, acorns, and seeds.

They are common at backyard bird feeders that offer sunflowers seeds, peanuts, peanut butter mixed with birdseed, or bread. 

The Steller’s Jay has been seen at 69% of all feeder sites in Washington.

12. American Robin

The American Robin is a common species of bird found throughout North America and is a year-round resident of Washington state.

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 61% of all feeder sites in Washington.

13. Downy Woodpecker

The Downy Woodpecker is a small woodpecker found throughout North America and can be seen in Washington all year round.

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 59% of all feeder sites in Washington.

14. Bushtit

The Bushtit is a tiny bird that lives in western areas in North America and can be seen along the western edge of Washington state all year round.

Males and females are about 7-8cm (2.8-3.1 inches) long and weigh around 4-6g (0.1-0.2oz). They are plump-looking birds with a long tail, large head, seemingly no neck, and a short, stout bill. Bushtits are dull gray above and slightly paler gray below.

They live in various habitats such as forests, woodlands, shrublands, woody areas near streams, and urban areas such as gardens and parks. You will usually always see flocks of bushtits moving together.

Bushtits eat primarily insects and spiders year-round. They glean insects from foliage and catch them mid-air as they fly off branches or pick them from leaves.

They can be found visiting bird feeders that offer mealworms, suet balls, sunflower hearts (hulled or shelled), and sometimes whole peanuts or peanut hearts.

The Bushtit has been seen at 55% of all feeder sites in Washington.

15. 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. They can also be seen in Washington all year round.

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 51% of all feeder sites in Washington.

16. Bewick’s Wren

The Bewick’s Wren is a medium-sized wren found primarily in the southwestern United States, Pacific Coast, and Central America. They can be seen in the western half of Washington state 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 50% of all feeder sites in Washington.

17. Varied Thrush

The Varied Thrush is a large thrush that lives in western North America, in forests along the pacific coast. They are year-round residents of western Washington and can be seen in eastern Washington during the colder non-breeding months.

Males and females are about 19-26cm (7.5-10.2 inches) long and weigh between 65-100g (2.3-3.5oz). They have a plump body with a large head, long legs, a short tail, and a straight bill.

Male Varied Thrushes are bluish-gray above and orange below. They have a black band across their chest and an orange eyebrow that goes down the back of the neck. They have an intricate orange and black pattern on their wings. Females have the same coloring but are grayish-brown above, and the orange colors are not as rich or intense.

They live primarily in moist coniferous forests on the pacific coast most of the year and suburban parks and gardens during winter months.

Varied thrushes eat insects and spiders primarily and consume fruit, berries, and seeds in winter. Fruits and berries make up the majority of their food and winter. They forage on the ground under leaves and dense vegetation by flicking and tossing debris around.

Varied thrushes can be found visiting backyards and feeders in winter that offer mealworms, sunflower seeds (hulled or shelled), fruits, and berries from platform or ground feeders.

The Varied Thrush has been seen at 46% of all feeder sites in Washington.

18. American Crow

The American Crow is a large bird found throughout most of North America, except in some areas in the southern United States along the border with Mexico.

American Crows are large at about 40-53cm (115.8-21 inches) long and weigh between 316-620g (11.2-22oz). They are black all over, including their legs, feet, bill, and eyes.

They have a very distinct, short tail with broad wings that allow for a quick flight. They are known to be brilliant birds – able to use tools to obtain the food they otherwise couldn’t reach.

Their preferred habitat is open areas such as pastures with some trees – either deciduous or coniferous to roost at night when they sleep. They will often be found in urban areas where food is plentiful – for example, at dumpsters behind supermarkets or garbage bins.

They are omnivores and very opportunistic and will eat small mammals, insects, and amphibians but may also be found eating fruits or grain in the wintertime when other food sources are scarce. We have even personally seen crows stealing chicks from other nests and flying away to eat them.

Not your typical visitor to backyard bird feeders but may hang around yards that offer a compost heap, easy access to garbage, or pet food lying around.

The American Crow has been seen at 46% of all feeder sites in Washington.

19. Golden-crowned Sparrow

The Golden-crowned Sparrow is a large sparrow found along North America and Mexico’s west coast. They can be seen in western Washington during the colder months and in eastern Washington during their yearly migration.

Males and females are about 15-18cm (5.9 to 7 inches) long and weigh around 20-35g (0.6 to 01.25 oz). They have a small head, a long tail, and a short, stout bill.

Golden-crowned Sparrows have streaked brown above and gray below. Breeding adults have a gray face and a black cap with a bright yellow forecrown. Non-breeding or winter adults have a brownish face and cap, with a duller yellow forecrown.

Golden-crowned Sparrows can be found in open woodlands, chaparral, edge forests, and gardens. They prefer areas with dense vegetation for nesting but will also use open spaces if available.

Golden-crowned Sparrows are omnivorous and eat a variety of insects, berries, and seeds.

They have been known to visit bird feeders that offer sunflower seeds, cracked corn, or thistle seed.

The Golden-crowned Sparrow has been seen at 43% of all feeder sites in Washington.

20. American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch is a common species of bird found throughout North America and is a year-round resident of Washington backyards.

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 40% of all feeder sites in Washington.

21. House Sparrow

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

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 36% of all feeder sites in Washington.

22. White-crowned Sparrow

The White-crowned Sparrow is a medium-large-sized sparrow found throughout North America and can be seen in Washington state during the colder non-breeding months.

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 36% of all feeder sites in Washington.

23. Fox Sparrow

The Fox Sparrow is a large-sized sparrow that lives in various habitats in North America. They can be seen in most of Washington state during the summer and spring breeding months, and along the pacific coast during the colder months.

Males and females are about 15-19cm (5.9-7.5 inches) long and weigh around 26-44g (0.9-1.6oz). They have a round body, medium-length tail, and thick bill.

Fox Sparrow’s plumage varies depending on the region, but they all have white underparts with heavily marked triangular spots that get bigger the closer to the breast. Their heads typically have a mix of gray and regional colors.

“Red” Fox Sparrows – Found in the East

“Slate-Colored” Fox Sparrow – Found in the Rockies and great basin

“Sooty” Fox Sparrow – Found in Pacific Northwest

They live in various habitats across North America but will typically be seen in the undergrowth of dense trees or shrubs in backyards during the winter months. They do not usually venture far from cover.

Fox Sparrows eat seeds primarily but eat insects in the summer months. They forage mainly on the ground by kicking or flicking leaf litter about to find their food.

Fox Sparrows can be found in backyards with dense undergrowth and will often visit bird feeders that offer a variety of seeds.

The Fox Sparrow has been seen at 32% of all feeder sites in Washington.

24. Cooper’s Hawk

The Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized hawk found throughout North America. This beautiful bird of prey can be seen in southern Washington all year round and in northern Washington during the warmer breeding months.

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 32% of all feeder sites in Washington.

25. Purple Finch

The Purple Finch is a small finch found mainly in the eastern half of the North American continent. They can also be seen on the west coast of the United States and southern Canada, and can be seen in the western half of Washington state all year round.

Males and Females are about 12-16cm (4.7-6.3 inches) long and weigh between 18-32g (0.6-1.1oz). They are about the same size as a house finch but with a chunkier appearance. They have short notched tails and a robust conical bill, perfect for cracking seeds.

Contrary to the name, Purple Finches are not really purple. The males have a raspberry-colored head, breast, and rump, with their wings and back having a pinky tinge. The females have no red and a patterned head and are more brown and white above and streaked below.

They live in coniferous forests, woodlands, gardens, and parks. They primarily forage on the ground or in trees for seeds, buds, fruit, and some insects and spiders. 

They are also common at backyard bird feeders that offer sunflower seeds, thistle, or nyjer seed during the winter.

The Purple Finch has been seen at 31% of all feeder sites in Washington.

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

• American Robin (46% frequency)
• American Crow (45% frequency)
• Song Sparrow (44% frequency)
• Dark-eyed Junco (38% frequency)
• Black-capped Chickadee (36% frequency)
• Spotted Towhee (32% frequency)
• Northern Flicker (32% frequency)
• European Starling (30% frequency)
• House Finch (26% frequency)
• Anna’s Hummingbird (23% frequency)

What Are The Most Common Winter Backyard Birds Of Washington?

• Dark-eyed Junco (46% frequency)
• Song Sparrow (46% frequency)
• American Crow (44% frequency)
• Black-capped Chickadee (38% frequency)
• American Robin (38% frequency)
• Northern Flicker (34% frequency)
• Spotted Towhee (32% frequency)
• European Starling (28% frequency)
• Anna’s Hummingbird (26% frequency)
• House Finch (25% frequency)

Birds To Spot Beyond The Backyard In Washington

If you decide to birdwatch away from your home, these are some of the other birds to look out for:

1. Vaux’s Swift
2. Red-winged Blackbird
3. Brewer’s Blackbird
4. Violet-green Swallow
5. Bank Swallow
6. Western Tanager
7. Yellow-rumped Warbler
8. Snow Bunting
9. Tree Swallow
10. Yellow-headed Blackbird
11. Western Meadowlark
12. Bohemian Waxwing
13. Cedar Waxwing
14. Golden-crowned Kinglet
15. Ruby-crowned Kinglet
16. Red-tailed Hawk
17. Red Crossbill
18. Purple Martin
19. Evening Grosbeak
20. Common Nighthawk
21. Bald Eagle
22. Sharp-shinned Hawk
23. Rufous Hummingbird
24. Clark’s Nutcracker
25. Calliope Hummingbird
26. Wilson’s Warbler
27. Pacific Wren
28. Lewis’s Woodpecker
29. Bobolink
30. Marsh Wren

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Keep an eye out for the backyard birds of Washington

Washington is truly a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 500 species of birds that call the state home. No matter what time of year it is, there are always backyard birds to be spotted and new adventures to be had while exploring beyond the backyard.

If you’re looking to venture out and do some birding, then visit one of Washington’s best hotspots for birdwatching. We would also love to hear about your favorite birdwatching spots or experiences in Washington.

If you have questions about identifying more species or finding out which ones live near you, let us know! We would love to help identify new bird species for our readers.

So, grab your binoculars and go find your feathered friends!