Arkansas is home to a wide variety of birds, each adding unique flair to the local biodiversity. Some notable species include the Northern Cardinal, recognized by its striking red plumage and black mask; the intelligent American Crow, with its glossy black feathers and distinct calls; the vibrant Blue Jay, known for its 'jeer' calls and bright blue plumage; the Carolina Chickadee, with its black cap and familiar 'chick-a-dee-dee' call; and the Tufted Titmouse, easily identified by its gray body and namesake crest. Discovering more about these birds reveals the intricate web of nature and their roles within ecosystems in Arkansas.
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal, a prominent species in Arkansas, is distinguished by its vivid red plumage and melodious song.
Male cardinals, with their striking red feathers and black masks, are especially noticeable.
The Arkansas Audubon Society notes their prevalence at local feeders, where they are drawn by a variety of seeds.
This bird's presence underscores the rich avian biodiversity in the region.
American Crow
Commonly observed throughout Arkansas, the American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is a large, intelligent bird species noted for its adaptability and distinctive vocalizations.
These large birds are effective scavengers, playing an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations.
Their glossy black plumage and social nature make them a notable presence in varied environments, from urban centers to rural landscapes.
Blue Jay
Following the American Crow, another notable bird found in Arkansas is the Blue Jay, known for its vivid blue plumage and complex behaviors. Common at bird feeding stations, Blue Jays are easily recognized by their striking blue and white colors and loud 'jeer' calls.
They frequently cache seeds and can imitate the calls of hawks, adding a dynamic presence to Arkansas backyards.
Carolina Chickadee
In Arkansas, one can often hear the distinctive 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' call of the Carolina Chickadee, a small, nonmigratory bird that graces the local backyards. Sporting a black cap and white cheeks, this bird is a familiar sight.
Carolina Chickadees are also cavity-nesting, utilizing old woodpecker holes or nest boxes, making them an integral part of the state's avian community.
Tufted Titmouse
The Tufted Titmouse is easily recognized by its gray plumage and distinctive crest. It thrives in Arkansas's deciduous forests and frequents local backyards. This grayish bird, with white underparts and a peach wash on its sides, often visits bird feeders seeking seeds and suet.
Known for its whistles and calls, the Tufted Titmouse adds a vibrant presence to the local avian community.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Shifting focus to another avian resident, the Red-bellied Woodpecker is a prominent species in Arkansas's varied bird population.
Distinguished by its striking red cap, this woodpecker species is often heard before seen due to its loud calls.
As versatile foragers, they feed on insects, fruits, nuts, and seeds, thriving in wooded areas, parks, and suburban neighborhoods across the state.
Carolina Wren
Among the diverse bird species in Arkansas, the Carolina Wren stands out with its distinctive crest and lively calls. Common in deciduous forests and backyard feeders, this grayish bird with a peach wash on its sides is easily recognized by its unique whistles and calls.
Carolina Wrens enjoy a diet of various seeds and suet, making them popular visitors in Arkansas homes.
Downy Woodpecker
Despite its small size, the Downy Woodpecker is a prominent presence in Arkansas, easily identified by its short bill and the male's distinctive red spot on the head.
These small birds, with their striking black and white coloring, are drawn to suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.
Their presence in Arkansas highlights the state's rich biodiversity and provides birdwatchers with delightful viewing opportunities.
Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove, characterized by its soft gray plumage and distinctive cooing, is a common sight in Arkansas landscapes.
Notable for large black spots on its wings and pinkish legs, these birds are known for their distinctive sound, a low coo-ah, coo, coo, coo.
They often perch in trees or on wires and are frequent visitors to bird feeders.
American Robin
Often spotted in Arkansas, the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) showcases a striking red breast contrasted with a gray-brown back. As one of the common birds in the region, they are notable for their melodious early morning songs.
Their nesting habits involve constructing cup-shaped nests in trees, using materials like mud and twigs, making them a familiar sight in local woodlands and gardens.
Turkey Vulture
Soaring majestically through Arkansas skies, the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) is distinguished by its impressive wingspan of up to 72 inches and a keen sense of smell for locating carrion.
This large bird features a distinctive red head and utilizes a V-shaped soaring pattern, making it a significant presence in Arkansas's diverse landscapes as it plays an essential role in the ecosystem by scavenging decaying matter.
White-throated Sparrow
During the chilly winter months, Arkansas becomes a temporary home for the White-throated Sparrow, a bird easily recognized by its distinctive black and white head stripes and a striking yellow spot between its eyes.
This species, known for its black bill and white markings, actively forages on the ground for seeds.
Their presence adds a melodious touch to the landscape with their sweet, whistled song.
House Finch
Shifting focus from the White-throated Sparrow, another familiar sight in Arkansas is the House Finch, known for its vibrant red males and modest brown females.
These birds feature notched tails and conical beaks, thriving in urban areas close to human activity.
Attracted to Nyjer seed and sunflower kernels, they are often the first to explore new bird feeders, showcasing their social and curious nature.
Northern Mockingbird
The Northern Mockingbird, distinguished as Arkansas's state bird, captivates with its ability to mimic the songs of other birds and its striking gray plumage.
These medium-sized birds boast long tails and distinctive white wing patches.
Commonly found in urban and suburban areas, they perch prominently on fences and trees, showcasing their vocal talents by mimicking a variety of other bird species.
What Types of Birds are Common in Both Arkansas and Mississippi?
Arkansas and Mississippi are home to various types of birds. The states boast a diverse range of species including the popular cardinal, blue jay, and woodpecker. Other common types of birds in Mississippi and Arkansas include the mockingbird, egret, and red-tailed hawk. Birdwatching in these states is a treat for nature enthusiasts.
White-breasted Nuthatch
While the Northern Mockingbird thrives in more urban settings, the White-breasted Nuthatch prefers the solitude of mature forests and wooded areas.
This small songbird, recognizable by its black cap and white face, is adept at foraging upside-down on tree trunks, searching for insects, seeds, and nuts.
Its distinctive nasal 'yank yank' call is a common sound in Arkansas's wooded landscapes.
