Summer is the perfect time to grab your binoculars and hit the trail—or even just step outside into your backyard! Whether you're new to birdwatching or a seasoned birder, summer offers a chance to see some amazing birds in action. From colorful songbirds to sleek waterbirds, here’s a fun Summer Bucket List of 10 birds to look out for this season, plus where you're likely to find them. This list is aimed at our North American friends; if you'd like to see a similar list for another part of the world, please let us know!

American Goldfinch

These bright yellow birds are common across most of the United States and southern Canada. Look for them in weedy fields and backyards, especially where thistles grow. If you don't have American Goldfinches breeding where you live, try looking for House Finches, whose year-round range includes much of the United States, apart from the central mountain region.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The only breeding hummingbird in the eastern U.S., they range from the Gulf Coast north to southern Canada. Attracted to gardens with flowers or nectar feeders, they’re a summer favorite. If you're out of their range, pick another native hummingbird to find, like the Black-chinned Hummingbird, widespread across the west. 

Barn Swallow

Found across almost all of North America during summer, Barn Swallows nest under eaves, bridges, and barns. Their acrobatic flight makes them easy to spot near open areas. For an added challenge, look for Chimney Swifts in the eastern half of the U.S., or White-throated Swifts in the west. These high fliers have similar traits -- see if you can learn the differences between these flying friends.

Eastern Bluebird

Common in the eastern half of the U.S. and parts of the Southwest during summer, Eastern Bluebirds prefer open country with scattered trees and nest boxes. If these blue beauties aren't in your neighborhood, try looking for Mountain Bluebirds, or Western Bluebirds.

Cedar Waxwing

These birds breed across most of southern Canada and the northern U.S., but can be seen throughout much of the continent in summer. Watch for flocks near fruiting trees and water. If you're south of their summer range, try finding another berry-loving species: the Northern Mockingbird.

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Herons can be found along coasts, wetlands, and inland waterways across great parts of the continent. During the summer, these imposing waders are active and visible around lakes, marshes, and coastal shores. 

Belted Kingfisher

Found across most of North America near lakes, rivers, and coasts, these little fish-lovers are recognizable by their rattling call and mohawk-like crest. Watch for them diving headfirst into water to catch fish.

Western Tanager

This colorful cutie is a summer visitor to western North America, from California to British Columbia and the Rockies. Males are eye-catching with red heads and yellow bodies. They often stay high in the canopy, but their vivid colors can give them away. Out of range alternatives to look for: Summer Tanagers across the south and Scarlet Tanagers across the east.

Killdeer

Widespread in open areas across North America, these familiar plovers often nest on gravel rooftops or bare ground and are famous for their “broken wing” act to lure predators away from their nests.

Common Nighthawk

Seen across most of North America, only in summer, Common Nighthawks are active at dusk in both cities and open areas. Listen for their nasal "peent" call and watch for their erratic flight. As an alternative, you could try looking for a Black-crowned Night Heron.

Could you find all of these birds during the summer? Would you have to travel far to see them, or can you check them off in your yard, neighborhood, or nearby park? Could you find them all in a day? A week?

With a little luck and some time outdoors, hopefully you can check off several of these birds from your summer list. See how many you can find in your area and let us know how you do in the comments! Happy summer birding!

Feeding birds in the summer can be just as rewarding as in winter, but the warmer weather brings different challenges. Birds still appreciate easy access to food, especially during breeding season when they’re raising hungry chicks. However, it’s important to follow some summer-specific tips to keep your feathered visitors safe and healthy.

Do keep feeders clean

In the heat, food can spoil quickly, especially suet and fruit. Moldy or rotten food can be dangerous for birds. Clean your feeders every few days with a diluted bleach solution or hot soapy water, and rinse them thoroughly. Regular cleaning helps prevent the spread of disease, no matter the season.

Don’t offer suet in high heat

Suet can melt in warm weather, turning rancid and attracting pests like insects or rodents. If you want to offer high-fat foods, use no-melt suet cakes that are designed for summer use, or switch to alternatives like sunflower seeds or peanuts.

Do provide fresh water

Water is even more important than food during the summer. Birds need it for drinking and bathing to regulate their body temperature. A shallow birdbath, dish, or fountain can be a lifeline during hot, dry spells. Change the water daily and clean the container every few days to avoid mosquito breeding and algae buildup. Offering movement via a drip hose or mister can help keep the water fresher longer.

Don’t overload feeders

Only put out as much food as the birds will eat in a day or two. Excess food spoils faster in heat, and it can also attract unwanted animals. Store birdseed in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and keep insects away.

Do adjust feeder placement

Move feeders into shaded areas to slow spoilage and keep birds more comfortable while feeding. Avoid placing feeders in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Do think about nesting birds

During summer, many birds are busy feeding their young. Offering live or dried mealworms and protein-rich food like black oil sunflower seeds can help support their growing families. Some species may even come to your yard just for these easy meals.

Don’t forget about native plants

Summer is a great time to supplement feeders with natural food sources. Native flowers, shrubs, and trees can provide nectar, seeds, berries, and insects. These natural foods support more species and contribute to a healthier ecosystem.

Feeding birds in summer requires a bit more attention, but it’s a great way to support wildlife during a critical time of year. By following a few simple dos and don’ts, you can keep your backyard visitors healthy, happy, and coming back for more.

When temperatures rise, birds have to work hard to keep cool. Unlike humans, birds don't sweat. So how do they survive the summer heat? Birds have evolved several clever ways to regulate their body temperature and stay safe when the sun is blazing.

One of the first things birds do when it's hot is seek out shade. They’ll retreat into dense shrubs, trees, or the shadowed side of buildings. Many birds become less active during the hottest part of the day and save their foraging and other activities for early morning or late afternoon when it's cooler.

Birds also rely on water. Bathing in shallow puddles or birdbaths helps them cool down and keeps their feathers in good condition. You might also see birds spreading their wings and holding their feathers away from their bodies to let air circulate and carry away heat. Some species, like Turkey Vultures, even urinate on their legs in a process called urohidrosis—when the liquid evaporates, it cools their blood vessels.

Panting is another common cooling method. Just like dogs, birds will open their beaks and breathe rapidly to increase evaporation from the respiratory system. This helps release excess body heat. Some birds, like owls, cormorants, and herons, use a technique called gular fluttering, which involves vibrating the throat tissues to boost cooling without expending much energy.

Feathers play an important role, too. Feathers act as a barrier that protects a bird's skin from direct solar radiation. This insulation works both ways—while feathers trap warmth in cold weather, they also reduce heat absorption by reflecting sunlight and blocking UV rays. This is particularly important for birds in sunny, arid regions.

Birds can fluff up their feathers to allow air to circulate close to their skin. This movement of air helps dissipate excess heat. Conversely, they can press feathers down tightly to reduce airflow and conserve warmth when needed.

Birds also adjust their behavior based on the season. Desert species like the Greater Roadrunner are especially adapted to extreme heat. They’re active mostly in the early morning and rest in the shade during midday. Nightjars, which are nocturnal, avoid the heat entirely by being active only after dark.

You can help backyard birds stay cool by providing clean, fresh water in birdbaths or shallow dishes. Place them in shady areas and clean them regularly. Planting native shrubs or trees can also give birds much-needed shelter during the hottest times of day.

Watching how birds handle the heat can be fascinating—and a great reminder that all animals, including us, need to adapt to our changing climate. Whether it’s panting, perching in the shade, or finding a cool bath, birds have plenty of tricks to beat the heat.

We've previously highlighted amazing avian dads in both Fun Avian Dad Facts for Father's Day and More Fun Avian Dad Facts for Father's Day. As dad's big day approaches again this year, let's take a look at some more fun facts about feathered fathers.

Native to Central and South America, the male Sungrebe is unique among birds for having specialized pouches under his wings to carry his chicks. After hatching, he places his altricial chicks into these pouches, keeping them safe and warm  while he forages. He will even carry the young when swimming, and flying! This remarkable adaptation allows him to transport and protect his young until they are ready to fend for themselves.

The African Jacana is a standout dad in the bird world. In this species, females are polyandrous—one female mates with multiple males—while the males take on virtually all of the parental responsibilities. After the female lays her eggs in the nest built mostly by the male, he incubates the eggs and raises the chicks entirely on his own. Using his long toes to carefully walk across lily pads and floating vegetation, he protects and feeds his young in freshwater wetlands across sub-Saharan Africa. If danger threatens, he can even tuck the chicks under his wings and carry them to safety, legs dangling comically from beneath his body.

Defying typical bird gender roles, the female Wilson's Phalarope is the more colorful of the sexes; she leaves incubation duties to the male. He develops a brood patch and is the only one to incubate the eggs and care for the chicks, often continuing to feed and protect them for weeks after they leave the nest.

Found in the southeastern United States, some Brown-headed Nuthatches exhibit cooperative breeding. Male offspring from previous broods often assist their parents in raising new chicks, feeding and defending the nest. These helpers act as father figures by helping in several aspects of raising young, from territory defense to nest-building, and feeding of chicks. Having a team of uncles like these can enhance the survival rate of the young.

These bird dads (and father-figure uncles) showcase the diverse and remarkable ways male birds contribute to raising their young. Their dedication and care are truly something to celebrate this Father’s Day.

Birds are everywhere — from your backyard to the deepest jungles and highest mountains. Whether you're a casual birdwatcher or a hardcore birder, there’s always something new to learn about these fascinating creatures. Here are ten fun and surprising bird facts that are perfect for sharing with friends.

Birds Are Living Dinosaurs

It’s true! Birds evolved from small feathered dinosaurs, and they’re the only living descendants of this ancient group. If you’ve ever thought a chicken looked a bit like a tiny T. rex, you’re not wrong.

The Bee Hummingbird Is the World’s Smallest Bird

Found in Cuba, the Bee Hummingbird is about the size of a large insect. It measures just over 2 inches long and weighs less than a penny. Despite its size, it can beat its wings up to 80 times per second. 

Pigeons Can Recognize Themselves in Mirrors

While most animals don’t pass the mirror test for self-recognition, pigeons can. They’ve also been trained to distinguish between different styles of art and even detect cancer in medical images. Not bad for city birds!

Owls Can’t Move Their Eyes — But They Can Rotate Their Heads

Owls’ eyes are fixed in their sockets, so to look around, they turn their entire head. They can rotate it up to 270 degrees without damaging blood vessels or cutting off circulation.

Flamingos Are Not Naturally Pink

The familiar pink color in flamingos comes from their diet of shrimp and algae rich in carotenoids. In zoos, if their diet lacks these pigments, they can turn pale or even white.

The Arctic Tern Migrates Farther Than Any Other Bird

Arctic Terns migrate from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back each year, covering over 50,000 miles annually. That’s more than one and a half trips around the Earth.

The American Woodcock Has the Slowest Recorded Bird Flight

Also called the "Timberdoodle," the American Woodcock holds the title for the slowest flying bird. During its courtship display, the male woodcock performs a slow, fluttering flight at speeds of about 5 MPH, making it the slowest recorded flight among birds.

The Hoatzin Has a Digestive System Like a Cow

This South American bird eats leaves and ferments them in a special stomach chamber, similar to how cows digest their food. The process gives the Hoatzin a distinctive, slightly funky smell—earning it the nickname “stinkbird.”

Lyrebirds Can Mimic Chainsaws and Camera Shutters

Native to Australia, Lyrebirds are incredible mimics. In the wild, they’ve been recorded copying sounds like camera shutters, car alarms, and even chainsaws—making them some of the best impressionists in the animal kingdom.

Killdeer Fake Injuries to Protect Their Nests

If a predator comes too close, a Killdeer may pretend to have a broken wing, flopping around dramatically to lure the threat away from its nest. Once the danger is gone, it quickly flies off—completely unharmed.

Birds are endlessly interesting, and these fun facts only scratch the surface. Whether it’s their incredible migrations, quirky behaviors, or surprising intelligence, birds have a lot going on — and it’s no wonder they fascinate people all over the world.

Bird poop might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about fascinating bird facts, but it’s actually full of surprises. From why it looks the way it does to how it helps scientists learn more about bird behavior, bird droppings have a lot to say. 

One of the most obvious features of bird waste is its color. Most of it is white. Birds excrete nitrogenous waste in the form of uric acid, not urea like mammals. Uric acid is pasty and white, and it's expelled along with fecal matter in one go. The darker part you see in the dropping is the feces, while the white part is uric acid (like urine). This combination comes out of a single opening called the cloaca, which handles both digestion and reproduction. So while bird waste contains both poop and pee, for the rest of this post we'll refer to this waste simply as poop.

Another curious thing about bird poop is how often birds go. Birds don’t have bladders, and they don’t store waste for long. This is an adaptation for flight—carrying extra weight isn’t ideal when you need to stay airborne. So instead of holding onto waste, birds eliminate it frequently. Smaller birds with faster metabolisms poop more often than larger ones. A little songbird might go every 10 to 20 minutes, while larger birds like hawks or pigeons have slightly longer intervals.

Bird poop also has real-world applications, especially in science. Ornithologists can analyze droppings to learn about a bird’s diet, health, and even where it's been. Traces of insects, seeds, and other food sources can be found in poop samples, giving clues to a bird’s foraging habits. Some researchers use poop to study migratory patterns, testing for isotopes that reveal where the bird has traveled. Bird droppings can also be analyzed for pollutants like pesticides or heavy metals, offering a glimpse into environmental health. This is useful when caring for individual birds, as in rehabilitation, pet birds, and aviaries, as well as surveying the health of wild bird populations. 

Some vultures have a unique way of using their waste to stay cool! They poop on their legs. This behavior is called urohidrosis. When a vulture defecates on its legs, the liquid waste evaporates and helps lower the bird’s body temperature, similar to how sweating works in humans. The uric acid in the waste also has a bleaching effect, which is why some vultures have white-streaked legs. It’s not the most glamorous cooling system, but it’s effective, especially in the hot, arid environments where many vultures live.

While most of us see bird poop as a nuisance—especially if it ends up on a car or outdoor furniture—it plays an important ecological role. Guano, the accumulated droppings of seabirds (or bats), is an extremely rich natural fertilizer. It’s high in nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. In some places, guano harvesting has been a major industry. Coastal islands where seabirds nest can develop thick layers of guano over centuries, supporting agriculture far from the ocean. Guano of seabirds has been used as an agricultural fertilizer for over a thousand years! Guano of birds like the Brown Pelican, Peruvian Booby, and Guanay Cormorant (with a name taken from the Spanish word for guano!) has been used for agriculture in South America.

So, while bird poop might seem like nothing more than an annoyance, it’s actually a product of evolutionary efficiency and even scientific utility. It reveals insights into a bird’s biology, environment, and behavior. And yes, it’s still annoying when it hits your windshield—but at least now you know what makes it so interesting.

In many bird species, all the eggs in a nest hatch around the same time. But in others, chicks emerge over a period of several days. This is called asynchronous hatching. It happens when a parent bird starts incubating the eggs right after the first one is laid, instead of waiting until the full clutch is complete. As a result, the first egg gets a head start in development, and each following egg is a little bit behind.

This hatching pattern is common in birds of prey, waterbirds like cormorants and Anhingas, as well as some herons, songbirds, and others.

One main reason for asynchronous hatching is to deal with uncertain food supplies. When food is plentiful, all chicks may survive, even the youngest and smallest. But if food becomes scarce, the oldest chick—being stronger and more developed—has the best chance of survival. In harsh times, the younger chicks may not make it. While this sounds harsh, it’s a natural strategy that increases the odds of at least one chick surviving in poor conditions.

In nests where asynchronous hatching occurs, one can often see clear size differences between the chicks. The older chicks often dominate when it comes to feeding time, especially when the parents bring limited food. The younger siblings sometimes get enough to survive, but in tough seasons, they may be out-competed and end up not receiving enough food to survive. This natural pecking order reduces the parents' burden and aligns survival with food availability.

Some scientists believe asynchronous hatching can also help reduce sibling rivalry in the long term. The oldest chick is so far ahead in development that the others don’t compete on equal terms, so instead of all fighting each other constantly, a clear hierarchy is formed. This can mean less energy spent on aggressive interactions in the nest.

Another theory is that parents use this method as a kind of insurance policy. If something happens to the older chick—like illness or predation—the younger survivors may still survive as "backup" offspring. While they have lower chances of survival, they still offer potential for the parents to pass on their genes if conditions shift.

Some birds, like the Macaroni Penguin, have a different take on asynchronous hatching. The first laid egg is typically around only 60% of the size of the second of two eggs. The first egg is unlikely to survive in these nests, and some mother birds have been observed removing the first egg from the nest upon successfully laying the second, larger egg. 

Other birds, like the Loggerhead Shrike, will start incubating the clutch when the second-to-last egg is laid, resulting in a lopsided asynchronous hatching situation for the final chick.

This nesting strategy isn’t without risks. If the gap between hatching times is too large, the youngest chicks may be too far behind to survive, even in good conditions. 

Asynchronous hatching is a fascinating survival strategy in the bird world. It reflects the incredible adaptability of birds in the face of environmental challenges. By staggering hatch times by simply adjusting the start of incubation, parent birds improve the chances that at least one chick will thrive, even if conditions change quickly.

There’s a new fan at Wrigley Field—and she’s got feathers. 

A Canada Goose recently found her way into the bleachers at Chicago’s iconic ballpark, home of the Cubs. Instead of honking for hot dogs, she picked a prime seat and settled right in.

Wrigley staff spotted the fluffy visitor and kindly blocked off part of the bleachers to give her a safe spot to nest (if she is indeed nesting -- whether or not she's on eggs is presently unknown). 

Is she a big Cubs fan? Probably! (At least, we hope she is. We here at Birdorable are.) 

One thing’s for sure: this goose hit a home run with her seat choice.

Read more about the Wrigley Field goose at MLB.com.

Whether you've seen birds of prey capture a snack on the wing, you've watched dabbling ducks feeding at the bottom of a pond, or you lure birds to your own yard by offering special snacks, eating is an interesting behavior to observe in birds. For this special edition of our Bird Terms series, we’re sharing a bunch of terms in rapid-fire style, letting you in on some truly special terminology related to birds and eating. 

Breadcrumbivore

Also known simply as crumbivore, the breadcrumbivore is a bird that has fully adapted to foraging in human-dominated habitats, particularly those rich in abandoned carbs. Crumbivores specialize in locating, inspecting, and consuming bread-related debris, often with incredible speed and accuracy. While most birds will opportunistically consume a crust, breadcrumbivores actively seek them out in habitats including city centers, popular picnic spots, fast food parking lots, oceanfront promenades, and schoolyards right after recess. Fun fact: the collective noun for breadcrumbivore is crumble.

Pecknical Difficulties

Pecknical difficulties occur when a bird encounters an unexpected obstacle in the food acquisition process, often involving a stubborn shell, an oddly shaped seed, or a snack that requires more coordination than a bird is physically (or emotionally) prepared to handle. It is typically accompanied by visible frustration, muttered chirps, dramatic head tilts, and sometimes flinging the food item with unnecessary force. Common causes of pecknical difficulties include rocks that look like seeds, deterrent feeders like upside-down suet cages (usually meant to keep honest European Starlings from getting a bite), and pistachio nuts.

Beak-spresso

Beak-spresso refers to an extremely amped-up bird, often after consuming fermented berries or hyper-sweet nectar. Cedar Waxwings are practically synonymous with this condition. A bird suffering from beak-spresso displays jittery behavior, chaotic flight patterns, and a suspiciously wide-eyed stare. While usually a harmless, temporary situation, a beak-spresso incident may cause mild alarm among flockmates due to nonstop movement and a tendency to vocalize one's entire life story in one breath. 

Wormageddon

Wormageddon is the chaotic, full-scale avian feeding frenzy that erupts after a heavy rain, when earthworms rise to the surface and all worm-loving birds lose their minds simultaneously. American Robins are especially prone to wormageddon situations. The phenomenon is marked by intense ground-pecking, high-stakes worm tug-of-war, and at least one bird screaming in triumph as it flies away with a 12-inch meat noodle dangling from its beak. Bonus term: a wormnado is when a single particularly wiggly worm causes four or more birds to chase it in circles like they're stuck in a cartoon.

Cheep Day

Cheep day is the one glorious, guilt-free day of the week when even the most seed-conscious birds go absolutely feral for junk food. Cheep days are all about indulgence, without a thought for typical diet staples and the importance of nutrition. The official motto for cheep day: "It's fine, I'll have sunflower seeds tomorrow".

Snackrobatics

Snackrobatics is the art (and sometimes accidental chaos) of birds performing aerial maneuvers to catch insects while in flight. This high-energy form of foraging combines precision, acrobatics, and hunger, all executed at warp speed. Birds who specialize in snackrobatics (think flycatchers, bee-eaters, and swallows) are not just eating, they’re performing (and a joy to watch!). Key techniques employed by snackrobatic specialists include the 'loop-n-gulp', the 'bug corkscrew', and the 'flutter-n-snatch'. 

We love sharing real bird terms with you, but today, we’ve flapped off the rails with these totally fake, completely made-up terms just in time for April Fool's Day! Did we get you? Some of them sound real, don't they? 

As a fun way to conclude our special Puerto Rico Week celebration, we’re shining a spotlight on a design that brings together some of the island’s most extraordinary feathered residents. Our Birdorable Puerto Rico design is a colorful, cartoon-style tribute to the endemic birds of this tropical paradise — species found only in Puerto Rico and nowhere else on Earth.

This cheerful and educational design features seven endemic birds of Puerto Rico, illustrated in our signature Birdorable style. Each species is endemic to the island, meaning they can’t be found anywhere else in the world! From the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot to the tiny, vibrant Puerto Rican Tody, this design showcases the incredible avian diversity of this Caribbean hotspot.

In the design, you'll find:

• Puerto Rican Amazon – A bright green symbol of conservation hope
• Adelaide’s Warbler – A cheerful songbird with a bold yellow belly
• Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo – Long-tailed and curious, with a striking red eye ring
• Puerto Rican Woodpecker – The island’s only endemic woodpecker, with a flashy color scheme
• Puerto Rican Tody – Small, green, and full of adorable energy
• Puerto Rican Bullfinch – Stocky, strong-billed, and dressed in reddish-brown and black
• Yellow-shouldered Blackbird – Shiny and sleek, with a pop of yellow on the wing

The birds are arranged around the bold phrase Puerto Rico, making it clear this design is a celebration of the island’s natural treasures. Whether you’re a local birder, a traveler who’s fallen in love with Puerto Rico, or simply a fan of tropical birds, this design is a perfect way to show your appreciation for island biodiversity.

You can find this design on a variety of products in the Birdorable shop — from stickers and mugs to tees and tote bags. It’s a great way to spread awareness, support conservation, or simply celebrate some very cool birds.

We created this design not just to be cute (though it definitely is), but also to be a conversation starter. Island endemics are often the first to face the threats of habitat loss and environmental change. Wearing or sharing this design is a fun way to show your appreciation for Puerto Rican wildlife and to raise awareness about conservation.

Whether you’re a proud Puerto Rican, a bird nerd on vacation, or just someone who loves cute animals with wings, this design is a great way to wear your bird love on your sleeve — literally! You'll find the Birdorable Puerto Rico design available on a wide variety of products — perfect for gifting, collecting, or simply celebrating your love for nature:

• T-shirts in youth and adult sizes
• Tote bags for beach days or farmers markets
• Stickers perfect for laptops or water bottles
• Mugs to sip your café con leche while birdwatching

With the addition of this fun design, along with five new endemic Puerto Rican birds this week, we're concluding our Puerto Rico Week here on Birdorable! We hope you have enjoyed learning about the island's endemic species, finding out about just a few of Puerto Rico's stellar birding sites, and meeting five new Birdorable birds: Adelaide's Warbler, Puerto Rican Woodpecker, Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo, Yellow-shouldered Blackbird and Puerto Rican Bullfinch. Thanks for joining us on our journey through La Isla del Encanto!