Read all about common birds in Los Angeles.
With the first signs of spring come the first changes, and with them the diversity of birds. Many domestic birds have already largely built their nests and brought into the world a multitude of young, while in the meantime, long-distance migrants have slowly begun to arrive. The City of Flowers and Sunshine is simply teeming with life.
Given that this city, but also the entire state, is the main station along the Pacific Flyway, thousands and sometimes millions of bird species will pass by. There is a tremendous variety of birds for you to enjoy in your backyards and neighborhoods.
Stay with us and meet some of the most common birds in Los Angeles.
Table of Contents
A Detailed List (And Description) Of Common Birds In Los Angeles
Yellow-Rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)
Although Yellow-Rumped Warblers are more frequently spotted in Los Angeles during the cold period of the year, they are frequent visitors even during the hot summer days. As for their appearance, they are usually gray with flashes of yellow on the face, and sides, but are also rump and white on the area of their wings.
Females tend to be slightly brownish unlike males, and in both males and females the color is much pale during the winter, and in the spring it becomes bright yellow and gray again. If you want to watch them, they can most often be found in coniferous forests, especially during the breeding season, and during the winter they can be found in open areas with fruiting shrubs.
They feed mainly on insects and fruit, including bayberry and wax myrtle. If you want to attract them to your yard you can do so with sunflower seeds, suet, raisins, and most interesting of all, peanut butter.
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
House Finches are year-round residents of California, including Los Angeles. As for their appearance, males have a red head as well as breasts while the rest of their body is in most cases brown-streaked. Females on the other hand are completely brown-streaked.
These are birds that originated in the western United States and were later introduced to the eastern United States and did very well, even to the point that they have completely eliminated the Purple Finch.
They are one of the common birds in Los Angeles and can be found in parks, farms, forest edges, and backyard feeders. They are known for being quite noisy so they are hard to miss. If you want to observe this species while resting in your garden, fill your feeders with black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer seeds, these birds simply adore them.
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)
The third, and also one of the common birds in Los Angeles is the Black Phoebe. This bird species can be observed in this area all year round but is more often seen during winter.
You can recognize this bird by its characteristic appearance, they are black on the back, head, and chest, and completely white underneath. Also, depending on the light and the angle from which you observe them, they can take on grayish tones. Black Phoebes live mostly in the southwestern states, but can also be seen in some other locations, of which Mexico and Central America predominate.
If you want to observe them, go to places like coastal areas, rivers, lakes, or ponds because these birds usually perch above the ground waiting for insects or arthropods to come along. If you want to attract this beauty to your yard, we recommend adding some water features and native plants to attract insects.
California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica)
California Scrub-Jay are one of the most common birds in Los Angeles and are also its year-round residents. These are fairly large birds that have long tails, whitish undersides, and characteristic blue and gray backs, as well as a bright blue breast band
In terms of size, California Scrub-Jays are larger than a robin but smaller than a crow. They can most often be found in suburban yards and parks, and for those who like excursions, feel free to head to the scrubs and oak woodlands, as there is almost a 100% chance that you will meet them.
As for the diet, during the warmer months of the year, they eat insects and fruits, and then seeds and nuts, especially acorns during the colder days. Attract them to your vicinity with sunflower seeds and peanuts.
Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus)
The Bushtits are non-migratory residents of Los Angeles. These are small, almost round, soft gray birds that have mild brown tinges to the face as well as underneath. These common birds in Los Angeles can be found in open woodland or scrubby areas, as well as parks, and your backyards (if you’re lucky).
Did you know that they have the ability to build amazing hanging nests out of plant material and spider webs? The construction of such a nest can take up to a month. If you want to attract them, feel free to plant native shrubs and trees, and fill your feeders with black oil sunflower seeds, suet, or mealworms.
Final Verdict On Common Birds In Los Angeles
These were the favorites that we carefully selected among the most common birds in Los Angeles. We hope you found this article useful.
Is your favorite on this list? Write us your answers in the comments below.
Happy birdwatching everyone!
Read More: How To Scare Hawks Away From Your Chickens? (5 Proven & Effective Methods)
FAQ’s
What Birds Are Native To Los Angeles?
These are birds that are native to the Los Angeles area:
- Greater Roadrunner
- Red-shafted Flicker
- Great Horned Owl
- Band-tailed Pigeon
- Allen's Hummingbird
- Wandering Tattler
- Lewis's Woodpecker
What Are Common Birds In Southern California?
These are well known, as well as most common in Southern California:
- House Finch
- Allen’s Hummingbird
- Mourning Dove
- Spotted Towhee
- Anna’s Hummingbird
- American Robin
Does LA Have Birds?
While many would not think so at first, mostly because of the county’s reputation for urban and suburban development, LA does have its own native, non-migratory and migratory bird species.
