Top 15 Birds in Virginia

Virginia is home to a rich variety of bird species, ranging from backyard favorites to majestic raptors. This guide highlights 15 of the most iconic birds found in the state, including key facts about their appearance, habitat, role in the ecosystem, and conservation status.

1. Northern Cardinal

• Description: The Northern Cardinal is known for its brilliant red plumage in males and warm brown tones with red highlights in females. Both have a distinctive crest and a black face mask.
• Habitat: Common in woodlands, gardens, and suburban areas throughout Virginia.
• Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser and insect controller, helping balance garden pests.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

2. American Robin

• Description: A familiar bird with a reddish-orange breast, gray back, and cheerful song.
• Habitat: Lawns, parks, and forests; often seen hunting for worms on grassy areas.
• Ecosystem Services: Insect control and seed dispersal.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

3. Blue Jay

• Description: Striking blue plumage with black and white markings, loud calls, and intelligent behavior.
• Habitat: Forest edges, suburban neighborhoods, and parks.
• Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser, especially of oaks, and predator deterrent through alarm calls.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

4. Carolina Wren

• Description: Small, reddish-brown bird with a white eyebrow stripe and a loud, musical call.
• Habitat: Dense shrubs, woodlands, and suburban yards.
• Ecosystem Services: Controls insect populations.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

5. Bald Eagle

• Description: Large raptor with white head and tail, dark brown body, and powerful yellow beak.
• Habitat: Near rivers, lakes, and coastal areas where fish are abundant.
• Ecosystem Services: Scavenger and top predator, helping maintain healthy ecosystems.
• Conservation Status: Recovered; Least Concern (was previously endangered).

6. Eastern Bluebird

• Description: Small thrush with vivid blue back and rusty red throat and chest.
• Habitat: Open fields, orchards, and suburban areas with nest boxes.
• Ecosystem Services: Insect control and seed dispersal.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

7. Red-tailed Hawk

• Description: Large hawk with a reddish tail, pale underparts, and broad wings.
• Habitat: Open country, fields, and highways.
• Ecosystem Services: Controls rodent populations.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

8. Mourning Dove

• Description: Slender, grayish-brown bird with a soft, mournful cooing call.
• Habitat: Open woodlands, fields, and urban areas.
• Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

9. Pileated Woodpecker

• Description: Large woodpecker with black body, red crest, and white stripes on the face and neck.
• Habitat: Mature forests and wooded swamps.
• Ecosystem Services: Helps control insect pests and creates nest cavities used by other species.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

10. Carolina Chickadee

• Description: Small songbird with black cap and bib, white cheeks, and soft gray body.
• Habitat: Deciduous forests and residential areas.
• Ecosystem Services: Insect control and seed dispersal.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

11. Great Blue Heron

• Description: Tall wading bird with blue-gray feathers, long neck, and dagger-like bill.
• Habitat: Wetlands, rivers, and lakes.
• Ecosystem Services: Controls fish and amphibian populations.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

12. Tufted Titmouse

• Description: Small gray bird with a crest, large black eyes, and a hint of peach on the flanks.
• Habitat: Woodlands, parks, and gardens.
• Ecosystem Services: Insect control and seed dispersal.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

13. Wild Turkey

• Description: Large ground bird with dark plumage and iridescent sheen; males have a fan-shaped tail.
• Habitat: Forests and clearings.
• Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser and insect controller.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

14. Ruby-throated Hummingbird

• Description: Tiny bird with iridescent green feathers and a brilliant red throat in males.
• Habitat: Gardens, woodlands, and meadows with flowering plants.
• Ecosystem Services: Pollinator of native plants.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

15. Barn Swallow

• Description: Sleek bird with blue upperparts, reddish throat, and long forked tail.
• Habitat: Open areas, farmland, and near water bodies.
• Ecosystem Services: Insect control, especially of flying insects like mosquitoes.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.