20 Common Birds in Georgia: Identification Guide

Are you looking for a list of the most common birds in Georgia? If so we have you covered with all you need to know about where to find these 20 birds for both avid bird watchers and those just wanting to keep an eye out of wildlife on vacation!

I think Georgia is a great vacation spot for those interested in birding! The state offers a diverse ecosystem with state parks known for their wooded forests, mountain habitats, costal waters, and protected wildlife estuaries. There are even zoos where you can learn about the birds that call Georgia home.

You are sure to spot one of the over 400 birds that call Georgia home! From backyard visitors to rare birds, to migratory species regardless of the time of year you visit Georgia you are sure to spot several species.

So sit back and get your binoculars ready, here is our list, both common and rare, of birds in Georgia!

two ducks swimming in the pond with the Atlanta skyline in the background at Piedmont park is the perfect place to spot birds in Georgia

20 Common Birds In Georgia: Identification Guide

Red Headed Woodpeckers

There are 8 different varieties of woodpeckers in Georgia! Depending on the area of Georgia you are visiting, from the coast to wetlands, mountains, or woodlands you will see a different variety of woodpeckers. There are many protected areas in Georgia that provide safety to birds.

The red-headed woodpecker is one of my favorite birds found in Georgia and is also one of the more common birds in Georgia. It is easily recognizable with its red head and neck and white body, and is known to be very noisy! There is also a red-bellied woodpecker.

One of our favorite spots to see woodpeckers is at Providence Canyon State Park! Bird watchers can spot woodpeckers, Georgia’s state bird, the brown thrasher, cedar waxwings, northern cardinals, and more!

The red-headed woodpecker with its red head and black and white body standing on a tree limb is one of the common birds in Georgia

Downy Woodpecker

Next, is the Downy woodpecker a small white and black bird that can be found along the water in areas like Jekyll Island. And the Hairy woodpecker is considered one of the most common sightings. You can spot the male easily by the red spot on the back of the head.

They often hang out right in your backyard, they are opportunistic feeders. Eating seeds, and whatever else they find in your feeders.

The largest woodpecker is the Pileated with its red “top hat” area and loves the forest areas such as Okefenokee or Harris Neck wildlife refuge. While the red-cockaded and northern flicker can be spotted year-round, the yellow-bellied sapsucker is a migratory bird.

a pair of the Downy Woodpecker black and white bird eating seed from a bird feeder

Red Shoulder and Red-Tailed Hawks

There are 6 species of hawks in Georgia. I have always been fascinated by hawks and their eyesight and find them to be majestic birds. So where can you find these native Georgia birds? Places like Tallulah Gorge or Red Top State Park, Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield, and the Harris Neck and Okefenokee Refuge areas are home to this bird of prey.

For bird enthusiasts, winter migration and breeding season is the best time to see hawks. One of the native birds to Georgia you can visit year-round however are the Red-Shouldered hawk and red-tailed hawks. You can often see them out the car window circling for their prey.

If you find yourself looking for things to do in Augusta Georgia, grab your hiking shoes and head to the Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. Trek down Beaver Dam Trail ( family friendly) , and spot wildlife like hawks, egrets, and herons!

One of the majestic birds in GA the red-tailed hawk is seen mid-flight with wings extended looking for prey

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

When I think of hummingbirds, I think of summer morning and watching the hummingbirds flock to our bird feeders. They are one of the most common birds in Georgia that can be found right in your backyard!

Ornithologists state that there are 11 species of hummingbirds in Georgia, however, only one the ruby-throated will nest in Georgia year-round. While the other 10 are migratory and can only be seen at specific points throughout the year. Starting at the end of February, the migration route begins.

If you want to increase your chance of bringing hummingbirds to your yard, just make a simple feeder of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water and place it in a red feeder. There are also plenty of native flowers and shrubs that can be planted that attract the birds.

a red-throated hummingbird feeding on a red flower feeder filled with sugar water

American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch is one of the year-round yellow birds in Georgia! Best of all this bird can be seen both in summer and in winter for birders coming to Georgia! Over a quarter of all bird watchers can spot this bird during their visit.

The Goldfinch is popular due to its bright yellow and black color of male, while the females are a more muted brown color. They love to hang out in fields, and flowery areas, but can also be found in parks, and your very own backyard.

Furthermore, other yellow birds that can be found in Georgia are the Baltimore Oriole, and the Yellow-Throated Warbler, as well as the Yellow Warbler during the migration period.

the yellow and black bird in Georgia sitting on a tree limb

Northern Cardinal

When you think of names of red birds in Georgia, the Cardinal is the first bird that comes to mind. The Northern Cardinal is one of the native birds to Georgia known for the male being a stunning red color, while the female bird is often more pale brown/orange with red only on her wings and tail.

There are a total of 12 species of red-birds that can be found in Georgia. These Georgia songbirds can often be heard before they can be seen in your backyard. Both males and females sing which is quite unusual! They whistle a high-pitched melody.

Northern Cardinals love to travel in pairs or small grounds, and can often be spotted in your backyards. For those with feeders, you will want to provide feeders with sunflower seeds, or simply spread the seed off the ground.

A pair of Northern Cardinals with the red male and brown female sitting on a tree are some of the birds in Georgia that are normally found in a pair

Baltimore Oriole

For those looking to check off a sighting of black birds in Georgia the Baltimore Oriole is one of our favorites. This gorgeous black bird is known for its bright orange/yellowish belly and is a favorite of the black birds in Georgia once spring returns.

First, these birds are one of the most common migratory birds found in Georgia starting in April to mid-fall! And if you feed them fruits and sugary foods they will flock to your feeders. They are attracted to orange color foods ( think orange slices, peaches, and nectarines), but also love the smell of grape jelly!

Another of the Georgia songbirds, the males who nest high in tree-tops can be heard with their flute-like whistle sounds, while the females have a much softer sound.

Baltimore Oriole is sitting on a rusted water can surrounded by flowers in the background with its recognizable black and white wings and bright orange and yellow body

Carolina Wren

On Georgia bird identification lists, the Carolina Wren can be spotted by more than half of the birdwatchers during both summer and winter. These backyard birds found in Georgia, are known for being more shy than other birds on our list but can be found year-round in the state.

These two-toned brown birds circular birds, are known for white eyebrow stripes and the loud tea kettle song the males sing. I personally think it is one of the cuter birds due to its rounded shape. If you want to attract these birds to your yard, they love large feeder tubes, with seeds. And will often call a cozy overgrown corner of your yard home.

the round Carolina Wren is a brown circle like bird sitting on a tree limb eating from a bag of seeds

Tufted Titmouse

I think this is one of the cutest small Georgia birds. The grey and white bird is known for having a “mohawk” looking head and can be found year-round in Georgia.

The Tufted Titmouse is a common Georgia bird that can be found in your backyard. And for such a small bird, this songbird makes quite a loud ”peter peter” sound to defend his territory.

Often spotted with their cousin the Carolina Chickadee they feed off of acorns, seeds, as well as insects. Unlike other common backyard birds who use feeders, they take the food and fly back to their nest to eat.

The tufted titmouse with its mohawk head is sitting on a branch with its cousin the Carolina Chickadee

Song Sparrows

So you are visiting Georgia in winter and still hoping to check some birds off your list? The Song Sparrows are one of the easiest Georgia winter birds to spot!

They are another of the brown birds in Georgia and can be found mainly along the coast. They are easily spotted by the white chest.

These birds are native to Canada and flock south for the winter! Song Sparrows love to be close to the water, or wet areas. And have a very diverse diet of insects, plants, as well as wheat, rice, and berries!

a Song sparrow bird sitting among flowers with its break open mid singing

Northern Mocking Bird

The Northern Mockingbird is one of the birds found in North Georgia. This grey-colored songbird can be heard all day and is commonly found in your backyard. Recognized by its long straight tail feathers. It loves to make its home in large open laws while feeding on insects in the ground.

A fun fact about this bird’s name comes from the fact that it repeats sounds it hears in its environments – other bird calls, or background noises and incorporates the sounds into their songs.

They love to be in urban environments making this an easy bird to spot year-round in Georgia! Birding is one of the best free things to do in Atlanta!

The Northern Mockingbird is a grey colored songbird that loves urban environments this one is resting on a welcome yard sign

Blue Jay

Are you looking for blue-colored birds in Georgia? We think the Blue Jay is one of the best birds in Georgia to find due to its gorgeous color and unique wing color pattern. We love the fact that the bird’s wings are trimmed in white, a truly majestic sighting when they take flight. Commonly sighted in yards across the state, especially those in wooded areas.

However, they can be more aggressive than other backyard birds. They love to collect and eat acorns, seeds, and insects. And like most birds in Georgia, these songbirds love to mimic the sounds of other birds around them! Blue Jays are not only some of the most colorful but also some of the loudest birds on our list!

a Brightly colored Blue Jay mid-flight about to land on a dead tree branch

Loggerhead Shrike

The Loggerhead Shrike is one of the predatory birds that live in Georgia! Known for its hunting prowess, this bird hunts its prey striking them on to trees, thorns, or other areas that immobilize their larger prey. Known as the “butcher bird” because of how it catches prey much like a hawk.

This midsized white and black bird has a sharp thick hooked bill that helps it catch its prey. The Loggerhead Shrike lives in open areas and is a year-round bird in Georgia. However, its population is on a sharp decline in recent years due to increased urbanization of its habitat.

a loggerhead shrike a predatory prey bird is eating its prey on a barbed wire fence

American Robin

The American Robin is one of the most common native Georgia birds! They can easily be found in any environment, and are very comfortable around people and urban environments. However, you will not spot these birds at your backyard feeders. A two-toned brownish color birds with white around its eyes.

The diet of the American Robin consists of insects, snails, and earthworms in the ground. The nests can be easily identified by the bright blue eggs they lay! This highly intelligent bird should be on every birder’s list of birds in Georgia to identify!

an American robin bid sitting on its nest with a blue egg peaking out in a a pinetree

Mute Swans

There are 4 species of swans that can be found in Georgia. These are some of the heaviest and largest birds in Georgia! Did you know male and female swans have different names? Females are called pens and males are called cobs. We think these instantly recognizable white birds can be seen floating idyllically year around.

Not native to Georgia, they are common Georgia birds now. The graceful white bird has an orange bill and black eyes and legs. They can often be spotted floating in city parks. But, please note that these highly intelligent birds are also very territorial about their babies so do not go too close!

As well as in shallow wetlands, and bird estuaries. There are 5 estuaries in Georgia: coastal Georgia, the Savannah, Ogeechee, Altamaha, Satilla, and St. Marys.

a white mute swan with its beak in the water near a rock in a pond outside of Rome georgia

Buffleheads

The Bufflehead is one of the smallest ducks that can be found in Georgia. This small but mighty duck is an excellent diver and not as social as most other ducks. In addition, they are one of the fastest waterbirds! Little Saint Simons Island is one of the prettiest islands to visit and also a very popular bird-watching destination!

They come in a variety of colors, but I think the ones with multicolored almost metallic-colored heads are the prettiest. Most commonly found in the winter, it spends its time in the water bobbing for food. Buffleheads love shallow saltwater areas, and lakes near forests.

the gorgeous Buffleheads getting ready to take flight with its metallic face covering and otherwise, white and black feathers sitting on the water

Great Blue Heron

Is finding large birds in Georgia on your list for your birding trip to Ga? If so, the Great Blue Heron can be seen near almost any type of shallow water. This large and tall bird is one species of Heron and is recognized by its long neck and black stripes over its eye with a grey feathered body.

Spotted year-round on the edges of rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water it moves slowly looking for its next meal! They eat fish, frogs, and even other birds!

Despite being a large bird, it can take flight when it folds its neck to an S shape as it takes flight to its nest high up in the trees. They like to nest in large colonies that can include up to 500 other birds!

Head to George L. Smith State Park Covered Bridge one of the best vacation spots in Georgia, to spot rare wildlife like the Blue Heron and White Ibis!

a great blue heron with the iconic S in the neck while it takes flight over a body of water with its wide wings and grey feathered body

Wild Turkey

One of the most recognizable birds in Georgia is the Wild Turkey. In regards to birds of Georgia identification, the wild turkey can be found year-round and is known for having a bald red and blue head with red hanging wattles from the throat and brown-fanned feathers shown for mating.

Wild Turkeys unlike other birds can not fly but instead can run extremely fast ( 20 + mph). Found in tree-heavy environments like forests, fields, and orchards. Their diet consists of seeds, nuts, and occasionally insects, fruit, and berries.

The largest of the game birds in Georgia, they are non-territorial. Mostly found in Northern Georgia, they can also be found in southern Georgia. For those visiting Athens, head to the Bear Hollow Zoo to catch sight of vultures, great horned owls, and wild turkeys!

A pair of male wild turkeys with red wattles and brown feathers with fanned-out tails are some of the wild birds in Georgia

Scarlet Tanager

I love spotting rare birds. The male Scarlet Tanager with its exotic red body and jet-black wings can only be seen in Georgia during its migration pattern when returning home from South America to the Northern US. The females are yellow-green with dark wings.

Beginning in April you can often spot this bird as it migrates home from its winters in Peru. One of the brightest and most vibrant of the birds in GA, you are in for a treat if you spot this bird.

While they can be spotted during the migration in areas like Stone Mountain, you have to scan the tree lines for this brightly colored bird who likes to hide! However, their song often gives them away. However, sometimes lucky bird enthusiasts will catch the bird at their feeder!

The rare Scarlet Tanager in a rare sighting with its red and black body on top of a bird feeder with seed

Painted Bunting

The Painted Bunting is a gorgeous multi-colored almost imaginary colored bird in GA. The coloring on this bird ranges from blue to purple, to red, green, yellow, and even pink! You would think it would be easily spotted with its dazzling coloring however, this bird likes to stay hidden in low dense covering.

Mostly found along the coast, if you happen to be lucky enough to spot this bird consider yourself lucky! If you want your best chance head to coastal areas like Skidaway Island State Park or Jekyll Islands ( also one of the prettiest beaches in Georgia) Tidelands Nature Center.