PENNSYLVANIA — A newly compiled list of the most commonly seen birds at backyard feeders in Pennsylvania has revealed striking patterns in the state’s birdlife, based on data from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Project FeederWatch analyzed by Stacker. The ranking reflects the percentage of observation sites where each species was recorded during a mid-November count across more than 500 locations statewide.
Topping the list was the Northern Cardinal, which appeared at nearly four out of every five feeder sites, making it Pennsylvania’s most frequently observed backyard bird. The bright red songbird was followed closely by the Dark-eyed Junco and the House Finch, both seen at well over three-quarters of reporting sites, highlighting their widespread presence across the Commonwealth.
Mourning Doves and Blue Jays rounded out the top five, reinforcing their status as familiar and resilient visitors to residential feeders. The Downy Woodpecker and Tufted Titmouse also ranked high, demonstrating the appeal of backyard habitats to both woodpeckers and smaller forest birds even as colder weather sets in.
Rounding out the top ten were the Red-bellied Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Sparrow, and American Goldfinch. Together, the list reflects a blend of native woodland species and adaptable birds that thrive in suburban and urban environments.
The data was drawn from Project FeederWatch, a long-running citizen science program that relies on volunteer observations to track bird distribution and population trends across North America. The program has played a significant role in helping researchers monitor changes in bird behavior, migration patterns, and species health over time.
Top 10 Most Common Birds Seen in Pennsylvania:
- Northern Cardinal
- Dark-eyed Junco
- House Finch
- Mourning Dove
- Blue Jay
- Downy Woodpecker
- Tufted Titmouse
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- White-breasted Nuthatch
- House Sparrow
This ranking offers a snapshot of Pennsylvania’s winter birdlife and highlights the vibrant variety of species that rely on backyard feeders to survive colder months.
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