Birds in Providence

Robins are known for their orange breasts and bellies and large size. They can often be found eating the fruit off of the trees in Pembroke.

House Sparrows are an invasive species introduced to America by accident. They can be found in large flocks around many urban centers.

Known for their iconic black, white, and blue coloring, Blue Jays are easy to spot flying through the trees.

Cardinals are known for their striking red color and tufted cap. They are non-migratory, and are often easier to spot in the winter against the white snow.

Like most birds, female Cardinals are distinct from their male counterparts, but the two sexes are often seen flying or perching together, and easy to identify.

Crows are one of the smartest species of birds in America, able to recognize and remember people based on their face and clothing. Crows will deliver shiny objects to people they deem kind and helpful, and even attack those they don't like.

Chickadees are social birds often found in flocks around other species. Their distinctive "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call makes them easy to identify by ear.

European Starlings are an invasive species brought to America because of their use in Shakespeare and other famous literature. They can be distinguished from crows and other black birds by their white, star-like spots.

Song Sparrows, unlike House Sparrows, are native to North America, being one of the most common species of sparrows. They are named for their diverse medley of calls, often repeating one song multiple times.

Mourning Doves are named for their sad-sounding call, which may sound like someone crying. They are sometimes confused for pigeons because of their body shape.

Grackles are often mistaken for crows, but can be distinguished with their shiny, iridescent feathers, contrasting the crow's matte black coloring.

Red-Winged Blackbirds are easily identified by their red shoulder and yellow wing bar. They usually prefer to inhabit marshes and wetlands over urban environments.

Goldfinches are known for their bright yellow coloring and black foreheads. They're often seen feeding on thistle bushes.

These small songbirds can sometimes be seen descending trees head-first to eat nuts and seeds. They can also hang upside-down on branches and twigs.

The average Titmouse is very small, only about 6 inches in length. They're very curious birds and can sometimes be spotted on window ledges peering into the windows to watch what's going on inside.

Downy Woodpeckers are the smallest species of woodpeckers in North America. The female looks almost identical to the male, lacking the red patch on the head.

Hairy Woodpeckers are non-migratory, so they can sometimes be spotted in the trees during the winter.

Red-Bellied Woodpeckers are easily distinguishable from other species because of their light coloring and red cap.

One of the most common species of hawk in the east, Red-Tailed Hawks can sometimes be seen flying high above Providence. They can be identified from a distance by their brick-red tails.

Turkey Vultures circle over their prey waiting for it to die, before feeding as a group. While this may seem grim, detrivores play a vitally important role in the ecosystem.

You can identify a flying Osprey because they seem to only flap the tips of their wings, while most birds move their whole wing. They like to nest in high places, like the tops of trees or on telephone poles.

Canada Geese are common migratory birds that are seen (and heard!) mostly during the Fall and Spring. They can be aggressive towards humans, so approaching one is not advisable.

Mergansers are usually seen on the Seekonk River next to Blackstone Park. While the males normally have round heads, the females have "mohawks," making them almost as flashy as the males!

Mallards are usually seen on water, but can sometimes be seen walking on the Main Green after a rainy day. Males and females are seen together more often than not.

These birds are commonly seen on the Seekonk River next to Blackstone Park. They often congregate in big groups to dry off in the sun.

Mute Swans, an introduced species to North America, are known not only for their size and white feathers, but also for their orange bills. Their young start out dark brown, and turn white later in life.

Black Ducks are a common duck seen around Rhode Island rivers. While the male has a dull yellow beak, the female's will generally be a dull green.