Topic
Bird Behavior
Watching what a bird does tells you as much as seeing what it looks like. The way a bird feeds, moves, perches and flies often identifies it faster than color. A nuthatch walks headfirst down a trunk, a kingfisher hovers over water, a swallow snaps insects in flight. Behavior also reveals what a bird needs and when you are too close. Alarm calls, repeated flights and distraction displays are signs that a bird is stressed or protecting young, and the right response is to back away quietly. This hub collects guides and tools about behavior, starting with reading bird behavior, which explains feeding methods, flocking, courtship and territory. For ethical viewing, the guide on observing birds responsibly covers distance, nests and playback. You can also use the explore tool to filter birds by behavior, such as ground foraging, soaring or perch hunting. Notes on behavior are included on each species page. The more you watch, the more patterns you will recognize, and that makes birding richer and also more respectful of the animals you are enjoying.
Guides
Behaviors in our library
These are tendencies, not rules. Many birds do several of these things.
Visits feeders
Comes to backyard feeders, often for seed, suet, nectar or fruit.
American Goldfinch Anna’s Hummingbird Black-capped Chickadee Blue Jay Downy Woodpecker Eastern Bluebird House Finch Mourning Dove Northern Cardinal Red-bellied Woodpecker Red-winged Blackbird Ruby-throated Hummingbird Song Sparrow Steller’s Jay White-breasted Nuthatch
Forages on the ground
Spends much of its feeding time walking or hopping on the ground.
American Robin Blue Jay Canada Goose Greater Roadrunner House Finch Mallard Mourning Dove Northern Cardinal Northern Mockingbird Red-winged Blackbird Sandhill Crane Song Sparrow Steller’s Jay Western Meadowlark
Works trunks and branches
Climbs or clings to bark while searching for food.
Black-capped Chickadee Downy Woodpecker Red-bellied Woodpecker White-breasted Nuthatch
Feeds in the air
Catches prey in flight or in short sallies from a perch.
Wades in shallows
Walks slowly through shallow water to hunt or feed.
Swims or dives
Feeds while swimming, dabbling, or plunging into water.
Soars or glides
Rides air currents with few wingbeats.
Bald Eagle Brown Pelican Great Blue Heron Osprey Red-tailed Hawk
Hovers
Holds nearly still in the air while feeding.
Anna’s Hummingbird Belted Kingfisher Osprey Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Hunts from a perch
Watches from a high spot, then drops, dives or pounces.
Bald Eagle Belted Kingfisher Eastern Bluebird Great Blue Heron Great Horned Owl Greater Roadrunner Northern Mockingbird Osprey Red-tailed Hawk
Often in flocks
Commonly seen in groups, especially outside the breeding season.
American Goldfinch American Robin Barn Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Blue Jay Brown Pelican Canada Goose Eastern Bluebird House Finch Mallard Mourning Dove Red-winged Blackbird Sandhill Crane Steller’s Jay Western Meadowlark