Keep A Lookout For These 11 Birds In Utah Backyards This Spring

One of the best things about spring in Utah is the happy chirping of birds every morning. The Beehive State is home to hundreds of bird species, and some like to hang out right in our backyards. Keep an eye out for these 11 birds that might just stop by to say hello this season:

1. American Goldfinch

With its bright yellow plumage, the American Goldfinch is hard to miss. Put out a bird feeder, and keep an eye out for these brilliant visitors.

2. American Robin

The American Robin is a common sight on the front lawn every morning, as it hunts for worms.

3. Black-Billed Magpie

Black-billed magpies, with their brilliant splash of bright blue feathers, are common in northern Utah's foothills and valleys.

4. Black-Capped Chickadee

The tiny black-capped chickadee is just four to five inches long, and it's rare to see just one at a time. These little guys travel in flocks, stopping by to grab some free birdseed in your yard before heading off to the trees above to dine.

5. California Quail

These pretty birds might be named after another state, but make no mistake - they're plentiful here in Utah. If you're lucky, a mating pair might take up residence in your yard, and you could experience the joy of seeing a little row of baby quail following their mother across your lawn.

6. Cedar Waxwing

If you have cedar, crabapple, cherry, or hawthorn in your yard, you might get a look at some cedar waxwings this spring. These little birds rely almost completely on fruit and berries for their diet.

7. Cooper's Hawk

You might think of hawks as living in more rural areas, but Cooper's hawks are frequently spotted hanging out in neighborhoods. They like to prey upon smaller starlings and quail.

8. Mourning Dove

Mourning doves arrive in Utah in April, and they love bird seed. In fact, seeds make up about 90 percent of their diets. They're common all over the state, and nest in both rural and urban areas.

9. Northern Flicker

Keep a lookout for the northern flicker. It's a member of the woodpecker family, and you'll often find it up in the trees, digging away for insects.

10. Spotted Towhee

Spotted Towhee hang out along the Wasatch Front year-round. These lovely little birds can be found eating seeds and fruits up in the trees, or pecking away at the ground for spiders and other insects.

11. Downy Woodpecker

If you're awakened by a repetitive drilling sound coming from the trees in your yard, you might look up to see a downy woodpecker. These insect-lovers have been spotted all throughout Utah, and often hang out in urban areas like public parks and residential backyards.

What birds do you see in your backyard? We'd love to read your birdwatching stories and see your photos in the comments!

These are just a few of the many birds you might encounter in your own backyard this spring. For a full list of birds found in Utah, visit the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources website.

If you want to see even more birds in Utah, you might consider visiting the Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve Trail, or the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. Both are home to many bird species year-round.