The Peach State is named for its vast peach and fruit-growing industry. Nestled in the southeast of the United States, it offers a range of environments that support wildlife. In this post, we will look at some of the most interesting birds the state offers.
The State of Georgia
While there are only 100 miles of coastline in Georgia, the shoreline itself measures 3,400 miles comprising of many salt and freshwater estuaries that support a range of forests and extensive coastal plains. The Atlantic coast brings a wide variety of sea and shorebirds.
In the northern areas of Georgia, the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountain Ranges make their presence felt with rolling mountains, valleys and plains. Pastureland and forests abound here with completely different environments and ecosystems.
Georgia Birds
For the reasons listed above, Georgia plays host to some amazing birds. It ranks at 32 out of the states for number of species reported on eBird. That might seem low but it sits within a range of 30 other states with over 400 species of birds present. Georgia has a respectable 437 reported species and that does not count any classed as exotic or feral, including birds like the Common Pheasant and Whooper Swan.
The state bird of Georgia is the Brown Thrasher, which seems like a good place to start.
Best of the Birds Found at Bird Feeders
Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum)
Identification
The Brown Thrasher is instantly recognizable but not by the streaky breast or bright, rufous back. It is the startling yellow eye that first catches your attention. It looks like it should belong to the thrush family but actually it is in the Mimidae group, which is Mockingbirds and Thrashers.
Range and Migration
As you can see from the map below, the thrasher is migratory and moves from northern states to Texas to winter. In Georgia, however, it is resident all year round as the climate is warmer here.
Behavior
The Brown Thrasher can be found on the ground mostly, looking for insects to eat. It looks inelegant when it flies, almost heavy and uncertain. Don’t be fooled though, this bird is very aggressive in defense of its nest and will attack intruders, using its large bill to good effect.
Brown Thrashers will visit backyard feeders but may need some encouragement. As they feed on the ground and like dense cover, lay a feeder or feed directly onto the ground near bushes and be patient. Even though it is a common bird, getting a Brown Thrasher to your bird feeder is a wonderful sight.
Sounds
The Brown Thrasher is known for its variation of song. It can learn new sounds and is a capable at mimicry. Its wide repertoire is perhaps the link with the equally vocal mockingbirds. Here is a sample of the bird’s song, including some mimicry.
What you might not know
As the Brown Thrasher lives low down in the shrubbery, it needs to raise its family fast to get them out of the way of predators (Brown Thrashers are targeted by the Peregrine Falcon), so chicks fledge at just 11 or 12 days old. That is fast growing!
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Identification
The Mourning Dove is a mid-brown color with dark spots on the back. This bird frequents the ground underneath backyard feeders.
Size
- Length: 9.1-13.4 in (23-34 cm)
- Weight: 3.4-6.0 oz (96-170 g)
- Wingspan: 17.7 in (45 cm)
Range
The Mourning Dove is one of the most common birds in Georgia and can be seen year round.
What you might not know
The Mourning Dove thrives in desert and dry areas as it is able to drink brackish water.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
Identification
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a small hummingbird with a glossy green back and pale front. The male also has a startling red throat.
Size
- Length: 2.8-3.5 in (7-9 cm)
- Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz (2-6 g)
- Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 in (8-11 cm)
Range
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a summer visitor to Georgia and can be found pretty much anywhere as it looks for places to breed. It will visit backyard feeders and also nest in any suitable manmade structure.
What you might not know
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird has short and stumpy legs that it can only use to support itself when resting. It cannot properly walk, only shuffle.
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
Identification
A more patterned sparrow than others, the Song Sparrow is a rich mix of brown and cream. The strong streaks on the breast are indicative.
Size
- Length: 4.7-6.7 in (12-17 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-1.9 oz (12-53 g)
- Wingspan: 7.1-9.4 in (18-24 cm)
Range
The Song Sparrow is one of the most widespread sparrows in the U.S. and it can be found in a range of habitats that include human spaces. It is a common backyard bird. As you can see below, it can be found across the state.
What you might not know
While the populations of the Song Sparrow vary in plumage and coloration, their song is consistent across the country. It is a sound that represents the countryside, I always think and you can find samples of it on xeno-canto org.
Best of the Common Birds in Georgia
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Identification
As you can see in the photo above, this raptor is unmistakable with its brown and white plumage and thick band passing through bright yellow eyes. It is the only bird of prey that plunges into the water to grab fish. It is a large bird with a wingspan of over 1.5 meters.
Range and Migration
The Osprey can be found across the world in suitable habitats. It is widespread also in Georgia. While it is migratory in many populations, it is a resident bird in Georgia and can be found in any large body of water where fish is available. It is also present along the coastline.
Behavior
Another rather ungainly bird on the ground, you will rarely see the Osprey walking on land. It spends its time in the air hunting, sitting on branches while resting and eating or in their rather large nests. The Osprey is a solitary bird, only pairing during mating season.
Sounds
Generally, we only hear the Osprey screeching while in flight (play sample below) but it actually has several calls that communicate different messages. They are: alarm, begging, guard, excitement and screaming. I’m fairly certain to the untrained ear, they sound pretty much the same!
What you might not know
I always thought the Osprey was a fish eagle but the more I read about it, I see it called an eagle, hawk, eagle-hawk etc. The Osprey is in fact, the sole member of the family Pandionidae. That doesn’t help define it much but my research has found that the Osprey is actually related to the Accipitridae family of hawks. So they are the closest relatives of the Osprey.
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Identification
The American Crow is a small and very common member of the Corvid family. It is jet black and usually seen in large groups.
Size
- Length: 15.8-20.9 in (40-53 cm)
- Weight: 11.2-21.9 oz (316-620 g)
- Wingspan: 33.5-39.4 in (85-100 cm)
Range
The American Crow is a very common resident of Georgia and can be seen in rural, forested and urban areas as can be seen by the darker purple concentration on the Range Map below.
What you might not know
The American Crow gather together in the winter to keep warm at night. These groups can number in the millions of birds.
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Identification
The Barn Swallow is an attractive mix of iridescent blue on the back and rusty brown on the front. The belly pales towards the tail.
Size
- Length: 5.9-7.5 in (15-19 cm)
- Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz (17-20 g)
- Wingspan: 11.4-12.6 in (29-32 cm)
Range
The Barn Swallow is a summer visitor to Georgia and can be found in open areas and wetlands.
What you might not know
Juvenile Barn Swallows may stick around to help its parents with the next brood. They need that help as unmated males have been known to kill eggs and nestlings.
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
Identification
The Eastern Bluebird male is a vibrant royal blue on the back and a chestnut color underneath. The female is dialed down but still has the chestnut flanks.
Size
- Length: 6.3-8.3 in (16-21 cm)
- Weight: 1.0-1.1 oz (28-32 g)
- Wingspan: 9.8-12.6 in (25-32 cm)
Range
The Eastern Bluebird is one of Georgia’s most common birds where it may pose nicely on platform feeders. It can be seen across the state all year round.
What you might not know
The male Eastern Bluebird chooses a nest site and then gives a display to attract the female. Once she has accepted, it is up to her to build the nest alone.
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Identification
The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common raptor in the U.S. and is a very attractive raptor with variable plumage with browns and creams. The short tail is red on the top and is diagnostic.
Size
- Male
- Length: 17.7-22.1 in (45-56 cm)
- Weight: 24.3-45.9 oz (690-1300 g)
- Wingspan: 44.9-52.4 in (114-133 cm)
- Female
- Length: 19.7-25.6 in (50-65 cm)
- Weight: 31.8-51.5 oz (900-1460 g)
- Wingspan: 44.9-52.4 in (114-133 cm)
Range
The Red-tailed Hawk is commonly found in open areas either soaring while searching for prey or sitting on fence posts or utility poles. It is an Georgia resident and present all year round.
What you might not know
Red-tailed Hawks are smart and co-operative. They will work in pairs to outsmart their prey by splitting up and waiting a either end of its means of escape.
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Identification
The Great Horned Owl is a large bird with plumage varying from grays to reds but always well camouflaged. It is named for the large tufts above the ears that look like horns from a distance.
Size
- Length: 18.1-24.8 in (46-63 cm)
- Weight: 32.1-88.2 oz (910-2500 g)
- Wingspan: 39.8-57.1 in (101-145 cm)
Range
Sightings of the Great Horned Owl vary as it is nocturnal. It is a resident of Georgia in any wooded area.
What you might not know
The Great Horned Owl is a fearsome creature. It will hunt and crush the spine of large animals and birds. It is capable of taking something as large as an Osprey.
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
Identification
This is a large and striking woodpecker with brown plumage and black spots on the belly. A large black crescent sits on the breast and there is yellow or red on the tail.
Size
- Length: 11.0-12.2 in (28-31 cm)
- Weight: 3.9-5.6 oz (110-160 g)
- Wingspan: 16.5-20.1 in (42-51 cm)
Range
The Northern Flicker is a common bird if Georgia and it can be found in forests or on the ground where it looks for ants and worms.
What you might not know
Although it is a woodpecker, it does not climb trees too much and doesn’t probe bark for grubs. It prefers searching with its decurved bill on the ground and hoovering up ants.
Best Common Backyard Birds in Georgia
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)
Identification
The Tufted Titmouse is a very endearing little Georgia backyard bird and is one of the commons birds across the state. A pale front blends nicely into rusty sides and the gray back. A dark eye and bill match the spot above the bill. A short crest finishes off an elegant look and makes identifying it easy. They are familiar sightings on platform feeders in backyards.
Range and Migration
The Tufted Titmouse is resident in Georgia and across the eastern parts of the U.S. The migration map below confirms it is resident and doesn’t migrate.
Behavior
The Tufted Titmouse is a curious little bird and will investigate anything that piques its interest. That includes whistling sounds or playback of its own calls. They are also quite social birds and will interact and flock with other common backyard birds. However, despite their cuteness they will assert themselves over other birds, particularly chickadees.
Sounds
The Tufted Titmouse has a distinctive call which you can listen below on the xeno-canto org recording. It is a repeated ‘peter-peter-peter’ sound that is rather sweet.
What you might not know
The Tufted Titmouse builds an interesting nest. Materials used in construction are:
- moss
- grass
- leaves
- hair
- bark
- feathers
- snake skin
Then, it is lined with an even more odd list of contraband:
- wool
- cotton
- hair (collected or plucked from: raccoon, opossum, dog, fox squirrel, red squirrel, rabbit, horse, cow, cat, mouse, woodchuck, and humans)
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
Identification
This attractive finch is covered in brown and cream streaks with a variable amount of red, yellow or orange on their heads and breast.
Size
- Length: 5.1-5.5 in (13-14 cm)
- Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz (16-27 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in (20-25 cm)
Range
The House Finch is a common resident of Georgia and can be seen all year round. It is adaptable to country and urban environments and the darker shading represent more concentrated populations.
What you might not know
The House Finch was exported from the west of the U.S. to the east where they were captive birds. Once they escaped they quickly established populations all throughout the east that are now classed as feral. This is why the coloring on the Range Map is orange. It is now widespread across North America.
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)
Identification
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest species and looks very similar to the Hairy Woodpecker (check the bill though, the Downy’s is very short compared to the Hairy). The plumage is pale underneath and black with white spots on the back. A red patch on the back of the head may or may not be visible.
Size
- Length: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)
- Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz (21-28 g)
- Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in (25-30 cm)
Range
This is a very common woodpecker, found in pretty much any wooded area where it searches for bugs in the bark.
What you might not know
The drumming noise made by the pecking at wood by this gorgeous little bird isn’t really much to do with looking for food. To do that they dig and poke in the bark for grubs. The drumming noise is either a territorial warning or communicating with their mate.
Best of the Birds Found in Georgia
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)
Identification
What a gorgeous and unusual bird. But common in the forests of Georgia in the summer. The Great Crested Flycatcher is a large but slim flycatcher with a bright yellow belly and gray throat and face, blending into the brown crest.
Range and Migration
The Great Crested Flycatcher is a summer migrant to Georgia returning to Central and South America during the winter months.
Behavior
The Great Crested Flycatcher is a busy bird. It perches and waits for prey and then sallies to catch it. Therefore, it is an agile flyer, making fast movements. It is never in a group of other flycatchers and only seen in a pair during breeding.
Sounds
The call of the Great Crested Flycatcher is a sort of trilling whistle. You can hear it below. It makes contact between sexes or adult and chick. The male bird, like other tyrant flycatchers, has a specific call made in early morning and known as the Dawn Song.
What you might not know
Great Crested Flycatchers are cavity nesters and in places where tree holes are scarce, they will resort to pipe holes, nesting boxes or gutter pipes. The nest itself is made of an eclectic mix of material from natural (eg, snake skin) to manmade (eg, duct tape, cloth or plastic waste).
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Identification
This tiny raptor is incredible in many ways, beginning with its unique and beautiful plumage. The wings and head are slate gray while the back and front are a rich brown. Black spots can be found on the body. The cheeks are black and white stripes.
Size
- Length: 8.7-12.2 in (22-31 cm)
- Weight: 2.8-5.8 oz (80-165 g)
- Wingspan: 20.1-24.0 in (51-61 cm)
Range
The American Kestrel hunts over road sides and open country. It can be seen across the state fairly regularly.
What you might not know
Unlike most nesting birds, the American Kestrel does not removed feces. It just squirts in on the inside of the nest taking care to keep the chicks clean. Makes quite a smally enivronment.
Conclusion
Georgia has a wide range of places to see birds, starting with your own backyard! When I am birding, I always try to look at birds with fresh eyes. We often overlook our most interesting and beautiful birds, simply because we see them all the time! From the cuteness of the Tufted Titmouse to the majestic terror of the Osprey, there is a lot to see in our local community.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know some of the birds in Georgia and that you will get looking for them in your backyard or further afield.
Related Questions
What is the most common bird of Georgia?
That would probably be the Northern Cardinal. It is regularly seen across the state, in backyards, gardens and rural areas, making them very common Georgia birds.
What are the rarest birds in Georgia?
The Red-cockaded Woodpecker is certainly one of the rarest birds in Georgia. It is listed as Near Threatened and there are less than 2,500 reported sightings on eBird. However, it can be spotted in open pine woodlands across the state so if you are in the right environment, keep your eyes peeled.
What are the little brown birds in Georgia?
The House Sparrow is abundant in Georgia’s gardens and backyards. It is considered invasive and a feral pest. That might sound a bit harsh but the reality is that it shouldn’t be here and it puts pressure on resources that should be available for native species. I must also say that it too, is very cute!
