Finches and Buntings

From sociable finches to colorful buntings, these beautiful backyard birds can be seen across North America. Learn about the types of finches and buntings you can spot in your area, and find out how to attract them.

11 Interesting Cardinal Bird Facts You Should Know

Cardinals are popular backyard birds. Learn cardinal bird facts, including why male cardinals are red, and where to find cardinals.

Evening Grosbeaks Are Special Winter Visitors

Set out a tray feeder filled with sunflower seeds to attract an evening grosbeak. In winter, these yellow grosbeaks wander...


House Finch vs Purple Finch: How to Tell the Difference

It can be tricky to ID a house finch vs purple finch — here are the field marks and differences...


Look Up High to Spot Stunning Scarlet Tanagers

Birders may spot scarlet tanagers high in forest canopies across the eastern states. During summer, males are red and black...


How to Attract and Identify a Purple Finch

Attracting a purple finch is easy with the right food, but identifying one can be tricky! Here's how to spot...

6 Beautiful Bunting Bird Species You Should Know

Colorful bunting bird species stand out in a crowd. Learn where to find 6 types of buntings and the field...


Get Ready for Rose Breasted Grosbeaks

Learn what a male, female and juvenile rose breasted grosbeak looks like, what their song sounds like, what they eat...

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American Goldfinch: The Golden Bird

The American goldfinch is one of the last songbirds to breed each summer. Look for these bright, thistle-loving beauties in...


The Lesser Goldfinch is No Less Amazing

Why is the lesser goldfinch "lesser?" We have the answer, and we have tips for attracting these bright birds to...


Meet the Towhee Birds Scratching up a Storm

Look down! That noise under your shrubs is a shy, ground-feeding towhee in search of its next meal.


Head West to Spot a Spotted Towhee

Once grouped with its eastern counterpart in a species called the rufous-sided towhee, the spotted towhee now has its own...

Meet the Rosy Finch (and Learn the Best Place to See One)

To spot a rosy finch, birders should visit the western mountains. Learn about the best place to find the three...


How to Attract and Identify a Pine Siskin

When pine siskins visit, expect a flock. These feisty finches love thistle seeds. Learn what a pine siskin looks like...


Watch Your Feeders in Winter for a Common Redpoll

The resilient common redpoll brings lively cheer to cool-weather feeders. This small bird can handle the coldest temperatures in winter.


7 Types of Finch Birds to Look for in Winter

Flying where the food supply takes them, these seven colorful types of finches are a rare backyard treat. Look for...


Pine Siskin vs Goldfinch: How to Tell the Difference

Pine siskins are small birds in the finch family that look like sparrows. Learn how to tell the difference between...

What Does a Cardinal Song Sound Like?

Northern cardinals are one of the few bird species with both male and female singers. Learn what a cardinal song...


Look Down Low to Spot an Eastern Towhee

When you’re watching for this songbird, look out below. The Eastern towhee spends most of its time on the ground,...


What Do Cardinals Eat? How to Attract Cardinals

Feed cardinals by learning what cardinals like to eat. Offer their favorite seeds and berries, and grow native plants and...


Do Northern Cardinals Mate for Life?

We asked our birding experts: Do northern cardinals mate for life? Find out how long cardinals live and stay with...


Meet the Humble (but Adorable) House Finch

Learn how to identify and attract a house finch. Find out facts about the house finch nest, eggs, range, habitat...


Meet the 3 Types of Goldfinches in the United States

There are three types of goldfinches across the United States. Learn what these goldfinch species look like and where to...


How to Identify a Varied Bunting

Look for varied buntings along the southwest border in Texas and Arizona, or in Mexico. See photos of the males...


Lazuli Buntings: Vibrant Jewels of the West

Get to know lazuli buntings and where to find them. See the males' dazzling and colorful plumage, learn what females...


The Best Cardinal Bird Feeders and Birdseed

Cardinals are beloved backyard birds. To attract more redbirds, fill these cardinal bird feeders with their favorite types of birdseed.

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How to Identify Snow Buntings

In winter, look for snow buntings on shorelines, open fields and weedy roadsides. In spring, these birds head north to...


Rainbow Birds: All About Painted Buntings

Painted buntings sport a jaw-dropping rainbow of colors. Learn what males and females look like, what they eat and see...


Look and Listen for Bright Blue Indigo Buntings

Learn what male and female indigo buntings look like, what their song sounds like and about their nests and eggs....


Meet the Pyrrhuloxia: Desert Cardinal of the Southwest

Learn all about the pyrrhuloxia, or desert cardinal, a bird found in the Southwest. Experts describe what this species looks...


5 Grosbeaks Backyard Birders Should Know

Learn how to identify five species of grosbeaks in North America. Look for these large, colorful, eye-catching birds at your...


Head Up North to See Pine Grosbeaks

Pine grosbeaks are a common species in Canada's boreal forests and the western mountains. This tame oversized finch adds color...