Background

We had previously gone birding before beginning the investigation and noticed how in certain areas there tended to be more birds than others, which is reflective of bird preferences:

Different birds prefer different areas. The availability of food sources, habitat, and feeling of security all determine where a bird is likely to spend its time. Noise level may impact a bird’s feeling of security because more noise can be indicative of human presence or structures. Many birds tend to avoid human spaces, but many bird species are accustomed to humans and some even choose to reside where humans do because they provide a food source (think of the common act of bird feeding).

The five birds we saw most often in the areas we frequented were Barn Swallows, American Robins, American Goldfinches, Song Sparrows, and House Sparrows. The fact that we saw these birds so often indicates that the locations around NEIU (and Big Marsh) have conditions that these specific birds enjoy. It may also be noted that all of these birds, with the exception of the Song Sparrow, tend to frequent spaces that humans do.

HOUse SParrows

House Sparrows tend to reside in urban areas and are used to humans as they have adapted with us. These birds often create nests either in or around human structures. Along with that they eat discarded human food, wheat, corn, seeds and various insects.

Song Sparrows

These birds can be found in a wide variety of environments. They are typically found in open areas such as prairies, overgrown pastures, the edges of lakes and forests, suburbs and more. They tend to eat insects such as caterpillars, dragonflies and earthworms. Judging by their habitats it's clear to see that they often prefer to keep their distance from humans and stay hidden.

Barn Swallows

hese birds frequent meadows, fields, and bodies of water, since they enjoy wide open spaces where the flying insects they eat are easy to spot. They tend to cruise low and are not high soarers in order to best spot their prey. They are generally not afraid to be in human-frequented environments.

American Robins

These birds are common sights on lawns across North America, you might often see them tugging earthworms out of the ground. American robins are at home in wilder areas including mountains, forests, and Alaskan wilderness. An American robin can also produce three successful broods in one year.

American Goldfinches

This type of bird can be found in a wide variety of environments. They can be found near open grassy meadows, roadsides, and backyards. They primarily eat seeds like thistle and sunflower seeds. Along with that they also eat bugs during breeding season. Goldfinches don't really mind humans as they are friendly and attracted to backyard feeders.

Sources

“Cornell Lab of Ornithology-Home.” Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, www.birds.cornell.edu/home/. Accessed 29 July 2025.

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