Birds of Pennsylvania: 2026 Guide with Photos & Sound

Backyard Birds. Pennsylvania hawks. Owls in PA. Pennsylvania Woodpeckers. Blue Birds. Red Birds. Black Birds. Bird Habitats.

Are you ready to discover the most stunning birds of Pennsylvania in 2026! Whether you are fascinated by the birds of Pennsylvania, spotting Pennsylvania birds in your backyard or exploring Pennsylvania birds diverse bird habitats, this comprehensive guide covers 44 stunning species. These backyard birds are easy to attract and photograph, perfect for building your 2026 birding journal or Instagram reel too.

From common backyard birds like the American Robin to majestic Pennsylvania hawks and mysterious owls in PA we’ve got actionable tips to identify them, understand their bird habitats and even attract them to your yard.

Updated for 2026, with fresh expert insights, this post is your go-to resource for birdwatching in the Keystone State.

Learn how to spot Pennsylvania woodpeckers, vibrant blue birds, fiery red birds, sleek black birds and more. Plus, we’ll show you how to attract backyard birds with affordable feeders (Amazon affiliate links included), upgrade your gear and even monetize your passion through birding tours, photography or niche blogging.

Credits: outforia.com

Why 2026 Is the Best Year for Birds of Pennsylvania

The birds of Pennsylvania are thriving in 2026 thanks to expanded conservation zones and warmer winters. Over 430 species now call PA home seasonally, but these 44 birds of Pennsylvania are the ones you’ll see most—from suburban feeders to remote wetlands. Whether you’re in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia or the Poconos these backyard birds, Pennsylvania hawks and owls in PA are waiting to be discovered.

44 Amazing Birds Of Pennsylvania:ID Guide with Facts:

Introduction to Birds of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania birds avian diversity with migratory routes like the Atlantic Flyway brings seasonal visitors. In 2025, expect increased sightings due to conservation efforts.

Common queries like “what birds are in Pennsylvania?” often lead to backyard birds such as cardinals and chickadees but we’ll dive deeper into raptors and color-specific groups(Red birds, blue birds & black birds).

Backyard Birds of Pennsylvania

Backyard birds frequent feeders and gardens across PA.

1. American Robin: The classic harbinger of spring among backyard birds. Spot its rusty breast on lawns across all bird habitat types in Pennsylvania.
2. Northern Cardinal: A red bird that sings througout. Males dominate feeders; females scout bird habitat edges.
3. Black-capped Chickadee: Tiny, bold, and fearless. These backyard birds hand-feed in winter.
4. Blue Jay: A stunning blue bird with attitude, mimics Pennsylvania hawks to scare rivals.
5. House Sparrow: The most urban of backyard birds. Thrives in any bird habitat with human activity.
6. European Starling: Iridescent black, spotted in winter. Bird Habitat: Open areas. Tip: Mimics sounds; flocks.
7. Mourning Dove: Soft coos echo from wires. Common in rural and suburban bird habitat.
8. American Goldfinch: Bright yellow in summer. Loves nyjer seed in backyard birds feeders.
9. Song Sparrow:  Melodious and streaked. Nests low in dense bird habitat.
10. Dark-eyed Junco: Winter “snowbird” among backyard birds. Ground-feeds under feeders.

1. Tufted Titmouse – Gray crest, big eyes. A favorite of backyard birds enthusiasts.
2. House Finch – Red bird with streaked belly (males). Originally western, now PA’s #1 city finch. Sings warbling song from TV antennas.
3. White-breasted Nuthatch – Blue-gray back, white face. Walks **head-first down trees**. Call: Nasal “yank-yank.” Loves peanuts in shell.
4. Carolina Chickadee – Southern PA overlap with Black-capped. Sweeter “fee-bee” song. Hybrid zones common in 2026.
5. Downy Woodpecker – Smallest Pennsylvania woodpecker. Visits suet cages in backyard birds feeders. Drum: Slow, even taps.

Some of my frequent backyard birds! Pittsburgh, PA

Use the Squirrel-Proof Tube Feeder ($39) to keep these backyard birds happy—and boosting your growth.

Pennsylvania Hawks birds of Pennsylvania

No guide to birds of Pennsylvania is complete without the Pennsylvania hawks. Here are the top 3 Pennsylvania hawks to spot in 2026:

16. Red-tailed Hawk: The most common of Pennsylvania hawks. Look for the brick-red tail in flight over any bird habitat.
17. Cooper’s Hawk: Stealth hunter of backyard birds. Often mistakes feeders for buffet lines.
18. Sharp-shinned Hawk: Tiny terror among Pennsylvania hawks. Dives through dense bird habitat.

Credits: birdwatchinghq.com

Owls in PA

The owls in PA are active year-round. These nocturnal birds of Pennsylvania haunt deep woods and suburban edges:

19. Barred Owl: “Who cooks for you?” echoes through wet bird habitat. Most vocal of owls in PA.
20. Great Horned Owl: The “tiger owl” of owls in PA. Hunts at dusk in varied bird habitat.

Pennsylvania Woodpeckers

The rhythmic tapping of birds of Pennsylvania woodpeckers defines PA’s woodlands. These birds of Pennsylvania are active in 2026 with expanding dead-tree bird habitat:

21. Downy Woodpecker: Smallest of Pennsylvania woodpeckers. Visits suet in backyard birds feeders.
22. Hairy Woodpecker: Downy’s bigger twin. Prefers mature bird habitat.

23. Red-bellied Woodpecker: Loud calls, Common in suburban Pennsylvania woodpeckers territories.
24. Pileated Woodpecker: Crow-sized. Carves rectangular holes in old-growth bird habitat.
25. Northern Flicker: Ground-foraging among Pennsylvania woodpeckers. “Wick-a-wick” call.

Credits: etsy.com

Color-Coded Guide: Blue Birds, Red Birds, Black Birds:

Blue Birds of Pennsylvania

Vibrant blue birds brighten any sighting.

26. Eastern Bluebird: Cavity nester. Thrives in meadow bird habitat
27. Blue Jay: Bold and intelligent blue bird in mixed bird habitat.

Red Birds of Pennsylvania

Fiery red birds:

28. Red-winged Blackbird: Wetland red bird with epaulettes.
29. Northern Cardinal: Year-round red bird icon.

Black Birds of Pennsylvania

Sleek black birds in flocks:

30. American Crow: Intelligent and social black bird.
31. Common Grackle: Iridescent black bird in open bird habitat.
32. European Starling – Mimic master among black birds.
33. Common Raven: Larger than crow, wedge tail.

Other Notable Birds of Pennsylvania:

34. Bald Eagle: White head. Bird Habitat: Rivers. Tip: National symbol.
35. Osprey: Fish hawk. Bird Habitat: Lakes.
36. Wild Turkey: Large ground bird. Bird Habitat: Forests.
37. Ruffed Grouse: Camouflaged. Bird Habitat: Woods.
38. Canada Goose: Black head, white cheek. Bird Habitat: Ponds.
39. Mallard: Green head male. Bird Habitat: Water.
40. Turkey Vulture: Black, red head. Bird Habitat: Open. Tip: Soars low.

Credits:  pa.audubon.org

Bird habitats of bird of Pennsylvania range from forests (Pennsylvania woodpeckers, owls in pa) to wetlands (black birds, Pennsylvania hawks) and urban areas (sparrows). Protect them by planting natives boost biodiversity and your birding success.

How to Attract Birds of Pennsylvania to Your Yard in 2026

1. Install native plants – Boost bird habitat with serviceberry, dogwood.
2. Use layered feeders – Tube for finches, platform for backyard birds.
3. Add water – Drippers attract blue birds, red birds.
4. Go solar – Heated birdbaths for winter owls in PA viewing.

       Solar Heated Birdbath ($79) – Keeps water open for backyard birds all winter.

Bird Group	Primary Bird Habitat
Backyard Birds	Suburban feeders, shrubs
Pennsylvania Hawks	Open fields, highways
Owls in PA	Mature forests, wetlands
Pennsylvania Woodpeckers	Dead trees, woodlots
Blue Birds	Meadows, fence lines

FAQs – Birds of Pennsylvania

Best binoculars for birding?  Nikon Prostaff, $150 on Amazon

What are the most common backyard birds of Pennsylvania? Robins, cardinals, chickadees, and jays top the list of backyard birds in every PA county.

What are the most common Pennsylvania birds? Backyard staples like robins and cardinals.

Where can I see Pennsylvania hawks in 2026? Hawk Mountain Sanctuary hosts the world’s largest Pennsylvania hawks migration in fall.

How to attract owls in PA? Install nest boxes in woods.

Best camera for Pennsylvania woodpeckers? Canon R10 + 100-400mm ($1,299) – Freeze Pennsylvania woodpeckers mid-drill.

Conclusion: Birds of Pennsylvania

From the flash of a blue bird to the hoot of owls in PA, the birds of Pennsylvania offer endless joy—and income potential. Start today: set up a feeder, join eBird, and share your 2026 sightings below. Share your PA bird pics on X (@birdielearning) – tag us! For more 2026 updated and informational reads visit – www.birdielearnning.com.