From Woonsocket to Newport, Rhode Island is home to many amazing birds. With 410 species observed on ebird, the changing seasons and diverse geography of Rhode Island provide for an amazing habitat. In this post we’ll review 30 of the most common and colorful birds in Rhode Island along with some useful data on when and where to find them.
We sampled 5 years of aggregate data from ebird’s Rhode Island checklists to compile easy to use statistics and graphs to assist in identifying each bird species. So whether you’re just watching the backyard bird feeder or venturing to birding hotspots like Napatree Point or Fisherville Brook – we’ll have you ready to start bird watching like a professional.
American Goldfinch
A small finch with a short tail, the American Goldfinch is widespread throughout North America.
- Carduelis tristis
- Size: 5″ (13cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 54% in August
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 9% in February
Identification and Color: A fan favorite at backyard feeders for its brilliant yellow color. A small, slim finch with a small bill and rounded wings. The back is black with white wing bars. Underparts are yellow with a black bill. The tail is white with black markings on the outer feathers.
Habitat and Behavior: The American Goldfinch nests and breeds in open woodlands, meadows, and fields. Commonly seen in gardens and parks. During the breeding season, the American Goldfinch is often seen in flocks. Known to hang upside down from branches while feeding. Typically nests late in the summer.
Diet: Strict vegetarian. The American Goldfinch feeds on tiny seeds, weeds and grasses. Enjoys nyjer and sunflower seeds. Rarely consumes insects.
American Robin
Abundant throughout the entire country and commonly a welcome indicator of spring in northern states. The American Robin is seen year-round in Rhode Island.
- Turdus migratorius
- Size: 9-11″ (22.5-28cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 71% in May
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 18% in January
Identification and Color: Reddish-brown breast (almost looks pot-bellied) and grey back. The female usually has a lighter plumage than the male. Males have a darker black head.
Habitat and Behavior: The American Robin is found in open woodlands, gardens, and parks. It often forages for food on the ground cocking its head to the side in an effort to find worms. When it’s not eating, the American Robin can often be seen perched on a branch singing its cheerful song.
Diet: The American Robin feeds on insects, worms, berries, and fruits.
Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore oriole is a bright orange and black bird common in Rhode Island during the spring and summer months. Most commonly found in the eastern United States, although it will occasionally travel as far north as Canada.
- Icterus galbula
- Size: 8″ (21 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 47% in May
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 0% in Winter
Identification and Color: Easily recognizable by its brilliant orange plumage. It has a black hood and wings, orange breast with black and orange tail. The male has a more vibrant plumage than the female.
Habitat and Behavior: Typically builds its nest in tall trees near the end of a large branch. Actively hops around and forages high up in trees. Can be a bit tough to spot due to its tendency to reside up in the canopy.
Diet: The Baltimore Oriole feeds on insects, berries, and nectar. Known to enjoy slices of cut fruit, specifically oranges.
Belted Kingfisher
The Belted Kingfisher is a year-round resident of Rhode Island coastline and waterways.
- Megaceryle alcyon
- Size: 13″ (33 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 15% in September
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 2% in June
Identification and Color: These birds have bushy crests on their heads. Both males and females have blue-grey on their heads and their bodies are broken up with some white underparts. They also have a stripe in between their head and body. Females have a reddish brown part on their undersides. They have a thick pointed bill, short legs, and a large head.
Habitat and Behavior: Belted Kingfishers are common all over North America. Many will stay put in the United States for all seasons, and some fly very far south for winter. Will stay close to water such as streams or lakes. Spends most of the time alone overlooking the water for food.
Diet: The Belted Kingfisher mainly eats small fish but will also eat crayfish or frogs. May also eat some berries but only on a rare occasion.
Black-capped Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadees are small songbirds commonly found at feeders and nest boxes. Year-round residents of Rhode Island.
- Poecile atricapillus
- Size: 5.5″ (14 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 56% in May
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 26% in July
Identification and Color: Easily distinguished by their black caps and white cheeks. They have grey bodies with light grey wings and tail feathers.
Habitat and Behavior: Typically inhabit woodlands where there are plenty of trees for them to nest and forage in. Commonly found in suburban areas and parks. Has no issue with harsh winters. Black-capped Chickadees are not timid birds and can easily be attracted to backyard bird feeders
Diet: Consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates like caterpillars. Chickadees will also eat seeds and berries, especially in the winter months when food is scarce.
Blue Jay
Blue Jays are one of the most recognizable birds in North America. Not one of the “nicest” birds, but a ubiquitous sight in Rhode Island backyards.
- Cyanocitta cristata
- Size: 11″ (28 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 58% in October
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 23% in January
Identification and Color: Larger than a sparrow but smaller than a crow, with a characteristic blue plumage and white chest. Has a loud screeching call.
Habitat and Behavior: Blue Jays make their homes in woods and forests, but can also be found in urban areas. They are known for their loud calls, which can often be heard before the bird is seen. Blue Jays are not typically shy around humans and can often be attracted to backyard bird feeders. However, Blue Jays can be very aggressive towards other birds and animals so proceed with caution.
Diet: Blue Jays are omnivorous, meaning they will eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes acorns, nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects.
Brown-headed Cowbird
The Brown-headed Cowbird is seen most often during summer months in Rhode Island.
- Molothrus ater
- Size: 7.5″ (19 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 35% in May
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 1% in Winter
Identification and Color: Males have a chocolate brown head and glossy black body. Females are duller in color with a streaked brown head and body.
Habitat and Behavior: Found in open areas like fields and meadows. Will also frequent forest edges. This bird gets its name from its habit of following cattle around and eating the insects they stir up. The Brown-headed Cowbird is a parasitic nester, meaning it will lay its eggs in other birds’ nests and let them raise its young.
Diet: Mainly insects and seeds. Will visit seed feeders.
Carolina Wren
The Carolina Wren is a common bird in eastern North America.
- Thryothorus ludovicianus
- Size: 5.5″ (14 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 38% in September
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 20% in January
Identification and Color: Small, slightly chunky with reddish-brown feathers and a rusty gold/yellowish belly. The Carolina wren is known for its loud, distinctive rollicking call.
Habitat and Behavior: Very curious and active, they are often seen moving around in low areas searching for food. These birds build their nests in trees or shrubs.
Diet: The Carolina Wren diet consists mostly of insects and spiders from trees, but they will also eat fruit, berries, and seed.
Cedar Waxwing
The Cedar Waxwing is most often seen in Rhode Island during the summer months.
- Bombycilla cedrorum
- Size: 7.5″ (19 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 30% in June
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 1% in Winter
Identification and Color: These birds truly have a variety of colors. A brown head, but with a black line across the eyes outlined in white. A dark grey top meets darker colors on the wings and tail feathers. Pale yellow belly. Red tips on their wings and bright yellow tip at the end of their tails. A short square tail and short wide bill.
Habitat and Behavior: Found in many different areas and moves around irregularly. Likes to be around woodlands, especially fruiting trees or farm orchards. Very social and can be seen in large flocks.
Diet: The Cedar Waxwing prefers berries and small fruits but will also eat some insects.
Chimney Swift
The Chimney Swift is a common resident of urban areas in Rhode Island during the summer.
- Chaetura pelagica
- Size: 5″ (13 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 24% in May
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 0% in Winter
Identification and Color: A dark brown swift with some pale gray around the throat. The Chimney Swift has been described as a “cigar with wings.” Wings are long and appear rounded while soaring through the sky.
Habitat and Behavior: Found in the eastern part of North America, The Chimney Swift receives its name for nesting in chimneys or building shafts. Often seen in residential areas soaring high in search of food or darting down to a large pool of water for a drink.
Diet: The Chimney Swift mainly enjoys insects, often catching them in flight. Will skim the water for a drink much like a Swallow.
Chipping Sparrow
The chipping sparrow is a small bird native to North America. Easy to mix up with other sparrows, the Chipping Sparrow loves open areas with scattered trees making it a common sight at feeders.
- Spizella passerina
- Size: 5.5″ (14 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 44% in May
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 1% in Winter
Identification and Color: Small and slender bird, measuring only about five and a half inches in length. Its body is brown and white, with a dark eye line extending from the beak past the eye.
Habitat and Behavior: The Chipping Sparrow can be found in open woodlands, suburbs, parks, farmland and backyards. Known to forage on the ground for seeds.
Diet: Primarily insects when available (mainly summer months). Enjoys finding seeds in the grass.
Common Grackle
The Common Grackle is abundant through most of central and eastern North America. One of the most common backyard birds in Rhode Island.
- Quiscalus quiscula
- Size: 12.5″ (32 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 46% in June
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 2% in Winter
Identification and Color: Easily identified by their glossy black feathers and yellow eyes, the Common Grackle also has a curved beak. Female is a bit smaller and less shiny than the male.
Habitat and Behavior: Common grackles typically live in open areas such as fields and marshes. Usually forages in flocks. Very common in towns and cities. Known for being aggressive towards other birds.
Diet: The Common Grackles is omnivorous. Grains, seed, and insects are all favorites. Will also scavenge through garbage for food.
Dark-eyed Junco
The Dark-eyed Junco is a small, sparrow-like bird that is most often seen in Rhode Island during the winter months.
- Junco hyemalis
- Size: 6″ (15 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 33% in February
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 1% in Summer
Identification and Color: Rounded dark head and eyes. Charcoal back and white breast.
Habitat and Behavior: Enjoys a variety of wooded habitats through Canada and the northern United States. Dark-eyed Juncos are typically found in open woods, forest edges, weedy fields, and backyards. In winter they often form flocks and can be seen feeding on the ground beneath bird feeders.
Diet: Dark-eyed Juncos eat mostly insects and seeds.
Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker can be seen year-round in Rhode Island.
- Picoides pubescens
- Size: 6″ (15 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 39% in May
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 17% in June
Identification and Color: Adult Downies are black and white, with a black back, white belly, and a small patch of red on the back of the head. They have a short bill and a barred tail.
Habitat and Behavior: Downy Woodpeckers live in forests, woodlands, orchards, and suburban areas. They are year-round residents in most of their range. They forage on tree trunks and branches, using their bills and barbed tongue to peck at bark to find food.
Diet: Downies feed on insects, spiders, berries, and nuts. Downies sometimes store food by caching it in cracks in trees or other hidden spots. Can be spotted at seed and suet feeders.
Eastern Phoebe
The Eastern Phoebe is most often seen in Rhode Island during the spring and fall months.
- Sayornis phoebe
- Size: 6″ (15 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 31% in October
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 1% in Winter
Identification and Color: A dark grey to a black head and light grey top, wings, and tail. The underparts are a white to greyish color. In fall a pale yellow around the belly can be seen with some faint white on the wing’s edges. A plump, rounded-looking bird with a large head. They have a short, thin bill.
Habitat and Behavior: Located in the eastern half of the US and parts of Canada. They migrate early in the spring and late in the fall. Prefers open areas such as fields, forest edges, or riverside areas. Active birds that will perch low and frequently fly out to catch insects.
Diet: Insects such as bees, flies, and grasshoppers are all favorites. Will also eat some berries during the winter months.
European Starling
The European Starling is native to Europe but was introduced to North America in the late 1800’s. Considered an invasive species, they are one of the most common backyard birds in Rhode Island.
- Sturnus vulgaris
- Size: 8.5″ (22 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 32% in June
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 14% in December
Identification and Color: Small, stocky black birds with glossy feathers and a slender pointed bill. Speckled with white spots.
Habitat and Behavior: European starlings can be found in woods, fields, and other open areas. They often build their nests in trees or holes in buildings. European starlings are also known for their elaborate vocalizations, often imitating the sounds of other birds.
Diet: European starlings are opportunistic eaters and will feed on a variety of insects, fruits and seeds.
Gray Catbird
The Gray Catbird is a small songbird commonly seen in Rhode Island during the summer months.
- Dumetella carolinensis
- Size: 8.5″ (22 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 70% in May
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 5% in Winter
Identification and Color: A slender gray bird with a black cap and tail. Gray Catbirds are named for their call, which sounds like a cat meowing.
Habitat and Behavior: Gray Catbirds are found in wooded areas, often near streams or wetlands. Likes thickets and brushy shrubs. They are shy birds that do not often come into contact with humans. Gray Catbirds build cup-shaped nests out of leaves, twigs, and grasses.
Diet: Mainly insects in the spring and summer. Primarily berries and seed in the winter.
House Finch
The House Finch is a common bird across North America, seen year-round in Rhode Island.
- Carpodacus mexicanus
- Size: 5″ (13 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 24% in February
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 12% in January
Identification and Color: Fairly small, measuring only about 5-6 inches long. House Finches are relatively easy to identify thanks to their characteristic red plumage near the eyes and throat. Males are typically redder than females, but both genders have distinctive streaks on their breast and belly.
Habitat and Behavior: House Finches are found in a variety of habitats, including woods, gardens, and open fields. A rather social bird that often travels in flocks. Can often be seen perching on power lines or fences in suburban areas.
Diet: House Finches are primarily seed eaters, but they will also consume insects and fruit on occasion.
House Sparrow
One of the most common backyard birds in Rhode Island. The House Sparrow is seen year-round.
- Passer domesticus
- Size: 6″ (15 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 35% in July
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 15% in September
Identification and Color: A small plump bird with brown feathers and a grayish-plain breast. They have a black stripe on their face that extends from their bill to their throat. Wings are streaked with black and white.
Habitat and Behavior: Found in open areas with some trees nearby, such as farmland, parks, and suburban neighborhoods. They build their nests in holes in tree trunks or in man-made structures such as gutters, light fixtures, and nest boxes. House Sparrows are social birds that often form large flocks. You won’t be surprised to see them downtown near restaurants with outdoor seating!
Diet: House Sparrows eat mostly seeds and grains, but will also eat insects, berries, and other fruits. Happy to pick up crumbs and left over human food where available.
Mourning Dove
Mourning Doves are one of the most common birds in North America, and they can be found in a variety of habitats throughout Rhode Island.
- Zenaida macroura
- Size: 12″ (30 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 45% in July
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 14% in January
Identification and Color: These slender birds have long, pointed tails and a tiny head. Brown and pale gray plumage with darker streaks on the wings and back.
Habitat and Behavior: Mourning Doves are relatively quiet birds, but they can often be heard cooing softly. Mourning Doves typically nest in trees, but they will also use man-made structures such as window ledges and gutters.
Diet: The Mourning Dove primarily eat seeds, but they will also eat insects and berries
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is a beautiful red bird residing in Rhode Island year-round.
- Cardinalis cardinalis
- Size: 9″ (22.5 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 62% in May
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 26% in January
Identification and Color: A very common medium-size songbird with a pointed crest and long tail. Cardinals are easily identified by their bright red plumage, making them one of the most recognizable birds in North America. The Northern Cardinal is so popular it has been named the state bird by seven states – more than any other bird.
Habitat and Behavior: Cardinals are typically found near wooded areas but can be seen in a variety of places such as suburban backyards and parks. These birds are very social creatures, and they often form pairs that mate for life.
Diet: Northern Cardinals are up for anything and will visit most bird feeders. A rather varied diet that consists of insects, fruit, berries and seeds.
Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker is seen year-round in Rhode Island.
- Colaptes auratus
- Size: 12″ (30 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 31% in October
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 10% in January
Identification and Color: A fairly common large woodpecker, but size is where the similarities to other woodpeckers end. The male Northern Flicker is unique with a brown back, black bars and spotted breast. All North American Flickers have white rumps. There are also two different color groups of Northern Flickers – Yellow-shafted and Red-shafted. Yellow-shafted flickers have yellow underwings. Red-shafted flickers have reddish pink underwings.
Habitat and Behavior: Northern Flickers are hole-nesting birds, often making a home in a dead tree. Can be seen hopping around the ground while foraging or latched onto a tree eyeing a spot to search for food.
Diet: Northern Flickers mainly eat insects off the ground, but will also eat berries and nuts.
Northern Mockingbird
The Northern Mockingbird is a common sight in Rhode Island, known for its distinctive song and plumage.
- Mimus polyglottos
- Size: 10″ (25 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 21% in July
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 9% in February
Identification and Color: Northern Mockingbirds are mostly gray in color with white patches on the wings and tail. They have a long black bill and yellow eyes.
Habitat and Behavior: Northern Mockingbirds are found in open habitats such as parks, woods edges, and suburban backyards. They are active throughout the day and are known for their territorial behavior, often chasing away other birds or small animals that come too close to their nest. The Northern Mockingbird is a bit of a joker with its constant imitating of other bird calls.
Diet: Northern Mockingbirds mainly eat insects, but will also eat fruits and berries in the winter.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a small to medium-sized woodpecker seen in Rhode Island year-round.
- Melanerpes carolinus
- Size: 9″ (23 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 35% in May
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 7% in August
Identification and Color: The Red-bellied woodpecker gets its name from the vaguely-visible reddish color on its belly, which is typically only seen when the bird is perched. They have a black and white striped back, white underparts, and a red nape.
Habitat and Behavior: The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a non-migratory bird, meaning it will stay in the same general area year-round. Forages for insects in trees or catches them in air. Can dominate other smaller woodpeckers and birds at feeders.
Diet: Consists mainly of insects and other invertebrates. Will also eat seeds, nuts and fruit.
Red-winged Blackbird
Mainly seen in the summer for most of the state. The Red-winged Blackbird is a year-round resident of Rhode Island coastal areas.
- Agelaius phoeniceus
- Size: 8.5″ (22 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 55% in July
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 2% in Winter
Identification and Color: A small black bird with a striking appearance. The male has black feathers and a red patch on each wing, while the female is mostly dark brown with vertical streaks.
Habitat and Behavior: These birds are found in open areas such as marshes, meadows, and fields. Often seen near water, where they build their nests. Red-winged Blackbirds are social birds and often form large flocks.
Diet: The Red-winged Blackbird diet consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Will also eat seeds, fruits, and berries.
Song Sparrow
The Song Sparrow is a small bird that is commonly found year-round in Rhode Island.
- Melospiza melodia
- Size: 6″ (15 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 65% in July
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 31% in January
Identification and Color: The Song Sparrow is brown and gray in color with streaks on its breast and a grayish-brown back. Gets its name from its loud melody.
Habitat and Behavior: Can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The Song Sparrow is a relatively shy bird, but will happily visit bird feeders if food is available.
Diet: Song Sparrows primarily eat insects, but will also eat seeds and berries.
Tufted Titmouse
The Tufted Titmouse is a small songbird native to the eastern United States. Found year-round in Rhode Island.
- Baeolophus bicolor
- Size: 6″ (15 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 54% in May
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 17% in August
Identification and Color: A small songbird, adults have gray upper parts and whitish under parts. A distinctive tuft of black feathers on the head with dark eyes.
Habitat and Behavior: Tufted Titmice are non-migratory birds and can be found in woods, gardens, and parks throughout the state. Tufted Titmice are social birds that often form flocks with other titmice, chickadees, and nuthatches. Has a distinct “peter-peter-peter” call.
Diet: Likes to snag insects from bark or foliage. The Tufted Titmouse also consumes seeds, fruits, and berries.
White-breasted Nuthatch
The White-breasted Nuthatch can be found year-round in Rhode Island.
- Sitta carolinensis
- Size: 6″ (15 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 33% in May
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 13% in July
Identification and Color: A stocky short-tailed bird. Has a black cap above an all white face and breast. Blueish upper parts.
Habitat and Behavior: The White-breasted Nuthatch can be found in forests, woodlands, and parks. Known for its acrobatic abilities, it can easily move up, down, and sideways on trees.
Diet: The White-breasted Nuthatch feeds on insects, spiders, and small nuts. Relies on seeds in the winter and will often cache them in a crevice for a later date.
White-throated Sparrow
The White-throated Sparrow is a common winter bird in Rhode Island.
- Zonotrichia albicollis
- Size: 7″ (18 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 34% in October
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 0% in Summer
Identification and Color: A small sparrow with a brown back, white belly, and yellow spot between eyes and bill.
Habitat and Behavior: The White-throated Sparrow can be identified by its song which is often described as “oh sweet Canada-Canada-Canada.” The White-throated Sparrow is a shy bird that is often seen hopping through brushy thickets or heavily wooded areas.
Diet: Mainly insects. Also fond of seeds and berries.
Yellow Warbler
The Yellow Warbler calls Rhode Island home from spring to fall before migrating for the winter.
- Dendroica petechia
- Size: 5″ (13 cm)
- RI Checklist Frequency High: 59% in May
- RI Checklist Frequency Low: 0% in Winter
Identification and Color: A small warbler often mistaken for the American Goldfinch. Males have orange streaking on the chest area while females are a bit duller with a grayish yellow.
Habitat and Behavior: A common backyard bird during the summer months that likes gardens, shrubs, and thickets.
Diet: The Yellow Warbler enjoys a steady diet of insects.
Conclusion
Rhode Island is home to a wide variety of backyard birds. With a little patience and a keen eye, birdwatchers of all levels can enjoy the beauty and diversity of these feathered friends. With a little knowledge and effort, backyard birding can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Be sure to check out our other articles about birds in Rhode Island:
Remember to keep that feeder full and have your checklist ready! Before you go, take a moment to review some of our favorite Rhode Island birding resources:
