Introduction: Birth month birds
There is a growing trend of people who believe that the month you are born in determines what kind of bird you are. While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, it can be fun to explore which bird best represents your personality.
January: The Blue Jay
January is typically the month when blue jays can be seen and heard throughout much of North America. These birds are one of the few species that can be identified by their voice alone, making them a favorite for birders. Blue jays are typically about 12 inches in length and have a blue-black head, white underparts, and a characteristic blue crest on their head. They feed on a variety of items, including insects, nuts, seeds, and fruit.
February: The American Robin
February is the month for the American Robin. These birds are prevalent all across North America and can be found in many different environments, from forests to cities. They typically eat insects, but will also consume fruits and seeds. American Robins are monogamous and typically have a clutch size of 3-5 eggs. The eggs incubate for around 13 days, and the chicks fledge after another 12-15 days. These birds are known for their beautiful songs, which they sing throughout the year.
March: The Northern Cardinal
March is a time of new beginnings and change. The month is named after Mars, the Roman god of war. For many bird species, March is also the time of year when they give birth to their young. One such bird is the Northern Cardinal.
The Northern Cardinal is a beautiful bird that can be found in most of the eastern United States. These birds are usually red with a black head and a bright yellow beak. Cardinals are one of the first birds to return to their breeding grounds in the spring, and they are one of the last to leave in the fall.
Cardinals mate for life and build their nests together. The female cardinal lays four to six eggs, and both parents help care for the young chicks. Cardinals eat insects, seeds, and fruit.
April: The American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a small songbird that is found in North America. These birds are typically between 5 and 6 inches in length and weigh between 0.25 and 0.4 ounces. American Goldfinches are typically pale yellow or olive in color, with black and white markings on their wings and tails. They have a stout body and a short, conical bill.
American Goldfinches are migratory birds, and they can be found in most of the continental United States during the summer months. In the winter, they migrate to southern Mexico, Central America, or South America. These birds are very social animals, and they can often be found in flocks of hundreds or even thousands of individuals.
American Goldfinches breed throughout the spring months, from April through June.
May: The Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore Oriole is a bird that can be found in the eastern United States. These birds are generally black and orange, with some white markings. They are most active during the morning and afternoon, and can be seen feeding on insects in trees or bushes. Orioles typically mate for life, and the female will build a nest made of twigs and grasses in a tree or shrub. The Baltimore Oriole is a popular bird to watch because of its bright colors, and it is often associated with the springtime season.
June: The Eastern Bluebird
June is a great time to spot the eastern bluebird. These birds are easy to identify by their bright blue feathers and white chest. They can be found in open fields and meadows, and they make a loud chirping noise.
Bluebirds typically lay their eggs in April or May, and the chicks will fledge (leave the nest) in late June or early July. So if you’re lucky, you may get to see some baby bluebirds!
Bluebirds are cavity nesters, which means they build their nests in holes in trees or other objects. They prefer to nest near water sources, such as ponds or streams.
Bluebirds are considered songbirds, and they sing throughout the year to communicate with other birds and mark their territory.
July: The Scarlet Tanager
One of my favorite things to do is watch the birds at the nearby park. Every month there seems to be a different bird occupying the feeders, and July is no exception. The Scarlet Tanager has been coming by almost every day to snatch a few seeds.
I was excited to see this vibrant bird for the first time. It’s easy to identify with its bright red body and black wings. I was even more thrilled when I learned that the Scarlet Tanager is one of the only birds that are truly red year-round!
I always enjoy watching these beautiful creatures flit around in the trees and chat with each other, but I’m glad they’re around for only a month. It means there’s always something new to look forward to at the park!
August: The Cedar Waxwing
The cedar waxwing is a North American bird that is found in open woodlands, parks, and gardens. They are common in the eastern and central United States, and southern Canada. These birds are often seen in flocks during the summer months.
The cedar waxwing is a medium-sized bird that has a wingspan of about 12 inches. They have a brown back with gray wings and a white belly. They have a black mask and a red crest on their head. These birds get their name from the waxy tips on their wings.
Cedar waxwings breed in the springtime, and the female will lay 3-6 eggs in a tree cavity or nest box. The chicks will hatch about two weeks later and will be cared for by both parents. Cedar waxwings eat insects, fruit, and berries.
September: The American Tree Sparrow
September is typically the month when the American Tree Sparrow can be seen and heard throughout most of North America. These sparrows are around 8 inches in length, and have a rusty red cap, a gray back and white underparts. They are most easily identified by their song, a series of high-pitched chirps.
American Tree Sparrows typically arrive in the spring, and stay through the summer until early fall. During this time, they can be found in open areas near trees or shrubs, where they build their nests and feed on insects, seeds and berries. They are not considered to be common birds, but can often be seen in large flocks during migration.
October: The House Sparrow
October is a great month to get outside and enjoy some of nature’s finest. For example, one can observe the house sparrow in its natural habitat. This little bird is ubiquitous in North America and can be found in many different environments. Males are easily identified by their bright chestnut coloration, while females are generally a drab gray. House sparrows typically feed on insects, but will also consume seeds and fruit. These birds are highly social and can often be seen congregating in large flocks. October is a great time to see these little birds as they prepare for winter.
November: The Dark-eyed Junco
The month of November is a great time to spot dark-eyed juncos. These small North American songbirds are common in many habitats, from forests and fields to backyards. Dark-eyed juncos are easily identified by their distinctive plumage: white underparts and a dark cap and eye stripe.
Dark-eyed juncos are active birds, always on the move as they forage for food. They eat a variety of items, including seeds, insects, and spiders. They are also known to cache food items in the ground for later consumption.
Male and female dark-eyed juncos look very similar, but males can be identified by their slightly darker cap. Juvenile birds have light gray plumage with hints of brown, which gradually turns black as they mature.
December: The Northern Mockingbird
In many parts of the world, people believe that certain animals or birds are associated with a person’s birth month. These animals or birds are thought to bring luck and good fortune to the person during their lifetime. In the United States, there are several animals and birds that are linked with different birth months.
The Northern Mockingbird is one of the most well-known American birds linked with a person’s birth month. The Northern Mockingbird is most commonly associated with December births. They are known as a symbol of happiness and good news. Mockingbirds are cheerful and lively birds, and they often sing songs to announce their presence. For this reason, they are thought to be a sign of good news and joy in the month of December.