Perching birds are the largest order of all birds, almost half of all bird species are included in the perching bird order. Perching birds are distinguished by the formation of their toes, with 3 toes in the front and one strong toe in the back that supports their ability to perch. Perching birds are sometimes referred to as songbirds, and some species are born knowing their songs and others learn their songs from other birds. All the young perching birds are hatched as featherless and helpless and rely on their parents for feeding. Perching birds are found all over the world and come in wide variety of colors and sizes.

What do songbirds eat?

Songbirds typically eat a variety of foods including insects, seeds, berries, nectar, and fruit. Much of a songbird’s diet consists of insects and this helps farmers keep insects from damaging crops. Some birds can eat as many as 300 insects a day during the summer season.

How do you attract songbirds?

The best way to attract songbirds is to plant native shrubs, vines, and trees. Other methods are to provide a water source, create a songbird border by placing trees and shrubs that meet the needs of songbirds, and rake leaves under shrubs. It is also recommended to reduce lawn space by at least 25%.

Why do songbirds sing?

Songbirds sing to defend themselves as well as impress others. Although singing can take a lot of their energy they do so to claim and defend their territory against potential predators. Singing is also part of their mating process and may attract any potential mates as well as inform them of their overall health.

Songbirds Guides
Browse through our curated Songbirds Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Songbirds. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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5.5”-6.9” | 14-17.5 cm
12.2”-15.75” | 31-40 cm (Wingspan)
9.1”-11” | 23-28 cm
2.3-3 oz | 65-84 g
2-14 years
American Robin
17.500
40.000
28.000
0.084
14.00
49100
GUIDE
3D
American Robin
3.1”-3.9” | 8-10 cm
10.2”-11.4” | 26-29 cm (Wingspan)
5.5”-6.7” | 14-17 cm
.9-1.1 oz | 26-32 g
5-10 years
Blue Grosbeak
10.000
29.000
17.000
0.032
10.00
7700
GUIDE
3D
Blue Grosbeak
Blue Jay
304100
5.7”-7.7” | 14.5-19.5 cm
13.4”-16.9” | 34-43 cm (Wingspan)
8.7”-11.8” | 22-30 cm
2.3-3.5 oz | 65-100 g
7-26 years
Blue Jay
19.500
43.000
30.000
0.100
26.00
304100
GUIDE
3D
Blue Jay
1.6”-2” | 4-5 cm
6.7”-7.9” | 17-20 cm (Wingspan)
4.7”-5.5” | 12-14 cm
.2-.35 oz | 5.7-9.9 g
2-5 years
Brown Creeper
5.000
20.000
14.000
0.010
5.00
7250
GUIDE
3D
Brown Creeper
5.5”-7.3” | 14-18.5 cm
11.4”-13” | 29-33 cm (Wingspan)
9.1”-11.8” | 23-30 cm
2.2-3.1 oz | 61-88 g
2-13 years
Brown Thrasher
18.500
33.000
30.000
0.088
13.00
25080
GUIDE
3D
Brown Thrasher
3.7”-4.7” | 9.5-12 cm
10.6”-11” | 27-28 cm (Wingspan)
7.1”-9.1” | 18-23 cm
1.2-1.7 oz | 33-47 g
2-7 years
Cactus Wren
12.000
28.000
23.000
0.047
7.00
8620
GUIDE
3D
Cactus Wren
3”-3.5” | 7.5-9 cm
9.4”-11.4” | 24-29 cm (Wingspan)
4.7”-5.5” | 12-14 cm
.6-.8 oz | 18-23 g
6-9 years
Carolina Wren
9.000
29.000
14.000
0.023
9.00
39050
GUIDE
3D
Carolina Wren
3.3”-4.7” | 8.5-12 cm
8.7”-11.8” | 22-30 cm (Wingspan)
5.5”-7.9” | 14-20 cm
1-1.1 oz | 28-32 g
3-8 years
Cedar Waxwing
12.000
30.000
20.000
0.032
8.00
39350
GUIDE
3D
Cedar Waxwing
5.5”-6.9” | 14-17.5 cm
13.4”-15.4” | 34-39 cm (Wingspan)
9.1”-11.4” | 23-29 cm
2.8-4.4 oz | 80-125 g
2-22 years
Common Blackbird
17.500
39.000
29.000
0.125
22.00
34300
GUIDE
3D
Common Blackbird
12.2”-15.75” | 31-40 cm
45.3”-59” | 115-150 cm (Wingspan)
20.9”-26.4” | 53-67 cm
24.7-70.5 oz | .7-2 kg
10-44 years
Common Raven
40.000
150.000
67.000
2.000
44.00
49000
GUIDE
3D
Common Raven
5.3”-5.7” | 13.5-14.5 cm
13.4”-13.8” | 34-35 cm (Wingspan)
10.6”-11” | 27-28 cm
2.2-3.3 oz | 61-94 g
5-11 years
Curve-Billed Thrasher
14.500
35.000
28.000
0.094
11.00
1650
GUIDE
3D
Curve-Billed Thrasher
5.3”-7.9” | 13.5-20 cm
13.8”-15.75” | 35-40 cm (Wingspan)
7.5”-11” | 19-28 cm
2.7-5.3 oz | 76-150 g
3-9 years
Eastern Meadowlark
20.000
40.000
28.000
0.150
9.00
4890
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Meadowlark
3.7”-4.7” | 9.5-12 cm
11.8”-13.4” | 30-34 cm (Wingspan)
6.3”-7.9” | 16-20 cm
1-1.7 oz | 28-48 g
2-8 years
Horned Lark
12.000
34.000
20.000
0.048
8.00
5050
GUIDE
3D
Horned Lark
3.9”-4.5” | 10-11.5 cm
11”-12.6” | 28-32 cm (Wingspan)
7.9”-9.1” | 20-23 cm
1.2-1.8 oz | 34-51 g
7-13 years
Loggerhead Shrike
11.500
32.000
23.000
0.051
13.00
7650
GUIDE
3D
Loggerhead Shrike
4.3”-5.1” | 11-13 cm
9.8”-12.2” | 25-31 cm (Wingspan)
8.3”-9.4” | 21-24 cm
1.5-1.7 oz | 42-48 g
2-16 years
Northern Cardinal
13.000
31.000
24.000
0.048
16.00
43000
GUIDE
3D
Northern Cardinal
4.7”-5.9” | 12-15 cm
12.2”-13.8” | 31-35 cm (Wingspan)
8.3”-10.2” | 21-26 cm
1.4-2 oz | 40-58 g
7-15 years
Northern Mockingbird
15.000
35.000
26.000
0.058
15.00
30200
GUIDE
3D
Northern Mockingbird
Rook
46400
10.6”-12.6” | 27-32 cm
31.9”-39” | 81-99 cm (Wingspan)
16.1”-19.3” | 41-49 cm
9.9-18.7 oz | 280-530 g
6-24 years
Rook
32.000
99.000
49.000
0.530
24.00
46400
GUIDE
3D
Rook
3”-3.5” | 7.5-9 cm
7.9”-10.2” | 20-26 cm (Wingspan)
5.5”-6.3” | 14-16 cm
.6-.9 oz | 17-26 g
2-13 years
Tufted Titmouse
9.000
26.000
16.000
0.026
13.00
37100
GUIDE
3D
Tufted Titmouse
4.1”-4.9” | 10.5-12.5 cm
11.8”-13” | 30-33 cm (Wingspan)
6.3”-7.5” | 16-19 cm
.8-1.1 oz | 24-31 g
6-9 years
Western Bluebird
12.500
33.000
19.000
0.031
9.00
8200
GUIDE
3D
Western Bluebird
2.4”-3” | 6-7.5 cm
7.9”-10.6” | 20-27 cm (Wingspan)
5.1”-6.3” | 13-16 cm
.6-1.1 oz | 18-30 g
2-13 years
White-Breasted Nuthatch
7.500
27.000
16.000
0.030
13.00
17060
GUIDE
3D
White-Breasted Nuthatch
Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)
Scale illustration of an average Loggerhead Shrike compared to other songbird species

The Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) also referred to as the Butcherbird, is a songbird with a large head and thick bill. It is a gray bird with a black and white pattern in its underbelly and wings. The song of the Loggerhead Shrike is harsh and includes whistles and trills. The Loggerhead Shrike is native to southern Canada, United States, and Mexico. The Loggerhead Shrike is found in areas of short vegetation or low trees. It feeds off insects, arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and birds. At times it may also eat roadkill and carrion. The Loggerhead Shrike is near threatened to extinction.

The Loggerhead Shrike has a wingspan in the range of 11”-12.6” (28-32 cm) and total weight of 1.2-1.8 oz (34-51 g). The body of the Loggerhead Shrike has an overall length between 7.9”-9.1” (20-23 cm), body width of 2”-2.4” (5-6 cm), and standing height of roughly 3.9”-4.5” (10-11.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Loggerhead Shrike is between 7-13 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Loggerhead Shrike
The Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) also referred to as the Butcherbird, is a songbird with a large head and thick bill. It is a gray bird with a black and white pattern in its underbelly and wings. The song of the Loggerhead Shrike is harsh and includes whistles and trills.

The Loggerhead Shrike has a wingspan in the range of 11”-12.6” (28-32 cm) and total weight of 1.2-1.8 oz (34-51 g). The body of the Loggerhead Shrike has an overall length between 7.9”-9.1” (20-23 cm), body width of 2”-2.4” (5-6 cm), and standing height of roughly 3.9”-4.5” (10-11.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Loggerhead Shrike is between 7-13 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)
Height:
3.9”-4.5” | 10-11.5 cm
Width:
11”-12.6” | 28-32 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
7.9”-9.1” | 20-23 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1.2-1.8 oz | 34-51 g
Area:

Body Width: 2”-2.4” | 5-6 cm

Scientific Name
Lanius ludovicianus
Lifespan
7-13 years

Drawings include:

Loggerhead Shrike side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Common Blackbird (Turdus merula)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Common Blackbird to other species of songbirds

The Common Blackbird (Turdus merula) also referred to as the Eurasian Blackbird, has a long tail and back plumage. It also has an orange-yellow bill and black-brown legs. The Common Blackbird has various calls that can alert potential predators and warn them to leave. The male Common Blackbird sings from the top of trees in a low melody. The Common Blackbird is native to Europe, Asiatic Russia, and North Africa. It can be spotted in grasslands, marshes, meadows, but also is areas populated by humans such as lawns, parks, and streets. It typically eats insects, earthworms, seeds, and berries.

The Common Blackbird has a wingspan in the range of 13.4”-15.4” (34-39 cm) and total weight of 2.8-4.4 oz (80-125 g). The body of the Common Blackbird has an overall length between 9.1”-11.4” (23-29 cm), body width of 2.6”-3.1” (6.5-8 cm), and standing height of roughly 5.5”-6.9” (14-17.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Blackbird is between 2-22 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Blackbird in various poses with dimensions
The Common Blackbird (Turdus merula) also referred to as the Eurasian Blackbird, has a long tail and back plumage. It also has an orange-yellow bill and black-brown legs. The Common Blackbird has various calls that can alert potential predators and warn them to leave.

The Common Blackbird has a wingspan in the range of 13.4”-15.4” (34-39 cm) and total weight of 2.8-4.4 oz (80-125 g). The body of the Common Blackbird has an overall length between 9.1”-11.4” (23-29 cm), body width of 2.6”-3.1” (6.5-8 cm), and standing height of roughly 5.5”-6.9” (14-17.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Blackbird is between 2-22 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Blackbird in various poses with dimensions
Common Blackbird (Turdus merula)
Height:
5.5”-6.9” | 14-17.5 cm
Width:
13.4”-15.4” | 34-39 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
9.1”-11.4” | 23-29 cm
Depth:
Weight:
2.8-4.4 oz | 80-125 g
Area:

Body Width: 2.6”-3.1” | 6.5-8 cm

Scientific Name
Turdus merula
Lifespan
2-22 years

Drawings include:

Common Blackbird side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Blue Jay to other species of songbirds

The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a songbird with a lavender-blue to mid-blue plumage as its name suggests. The call of the Blue Jay varies as each individual Blue Jay has its own vocal style and has the ability to mimic other sounds. The Blue Jay is known as a highly intelligent songbird. The Blue Jay is native to the eastern and central region of the United States. This songbird can be found near oak trees and near the edge of forests. It feeds on nuts, acorns, soft fruits, seeds, and sometimes small vertebrates. A Blue Jay generally feeds from trees, shrubs, or the ground.

The Blue Jay has a wingspan in the range of 13.4”-16.9” (34-43 cm) and total weight of 2.3-3.5 oz (65-100 g). The body of the Blue Jay has an overall length between 8.7”-11.8” (22-30 cm), body width of 2.4”-3.1” (6-8 cm), and standing height of roughly 5.7”-7.7” (14.5-19.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Blue Jay is between 7-26 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Blue Jay in various poses with dimensions
The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a songbird with a lavender-blue to mid-blue plumage as its name suggests. The call of the Blue Jay varies as each individual Blue Jay has its own vocal style and has the ability to mimic other sounds. The Blue Jay is known as a highly intelligent songbird.

The Blue Jay has a wingspan in the range of 13.4”-16.9” (34-43 cm) and total weight of 2.3-3.5 oz (65-100 g). The body of the Blue Jay has an overall length between 8.7”-11.8” (22-30 cm), body width of 2.4”-3.1” (6-8 cm), and standing height of roughly 5.7”-7.7” (14.5-19.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Blue Jay is between 7-26 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Blue Jay in various poses with dimensions
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
Height:
5.7”-7.7” | 14.5-19.5 cm
Width:
13.4”-16.9” | 34-43 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
8.7”-11.8” | 22-30 cm
Depth:
Weight:
2.3-3.5 oz | 65-100 g
Area:

Body Width: 2.4”-3.1” | 6-8 cm

Scientific Name
Cyanocitta cristata
Lifespan
7-26 years

Drawings include:

Blue Jay side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)
Scale illustration of an average Cedar Waxwing compared to other songbird species

The Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is a medium-sized songbird that has a brown, gray, and yellow plumage. It was named after its wax-like wings. This songbird has a very high-pitched whistle and a sighing while that is very short. The Cedar Waxwing will often call while in flight. The Cedar Waxwing is native to Central America, southern Canada, and southern United States. It can be found in open woodlands as well as grasslands, and old fields. Generally, the Cedar Waxwing eats cedar cones, fruits, and insects. A Cedar Waxwing at times may eat too much fruit and become intoxicated or die due to overripe berries.

The Cedar Waxwing has a wingspan in the range of 8.7”-11.8” (22-30 cm) and total weight of 1-1.1 oz (28-32 g). The body of the Cedar Waxwing has an overall length between 5.5”-7.9” (14-20 cm), body width of 1.6”-2.4” (4-6 cm), and standing height of roughly 3.3”-4.7” (8.5-12 cm). The typical lifespan of the Cedar Waxwing is between 3-8 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Cedar Waxwing
The Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is a medium-sized songbird that has a brown, gray, and yellow plumage. It was named after its wax-like wings. This songbird has a very high-pitched whistle and a sighing while that is very short. The Cedar Waxwing will often call while in flight.

The Cedar Waxwing has a wingspan in the range of 8.7”-11.8” (22-30 cm) and total weight of 1-1.1 oz (28-32 g). The body of the Cedar Waxwing has an overall length between 5.5”-7.9” (14-20 cm), body width of 1.6”-2.4” (4-6 cm), and standing height of roughly 3.3”-4.7” (8.5-12 cm). The typical lifespan of the Cedar Waxwing is between 3-8 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Cedar Waxwing
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)
Height:
3.3”-4.7” | 8.5-12 cm
Width:
8.7”-11.8” | 22-30 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
5.5”-7.9” | 14-20 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1-1.1 oz | 28-32 g
Area:

Body Width: 1.6”-2.4” | 4-6 cm

Scientific Name
Bombycilla cedrorum
Lifespan
3-8 years

Drawings include:

Cedar Waxwing side view, front, flying (assorted)

Details & Downloads

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Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Northern Cardinal to other species of songbirds

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) also known as the Redbird or Cardinal, is a medium-sized songbird with a red plumage and black mask over its face and eyes. The song of the Northern Cardinal is a loud whistle that is typically given from the top of a tree to defend its territory. A chipping noise is also used by Northern Cardinal pairs to find each other during dusk or when visibility is limited. The Northern Cardinal is native to southeastern Canada, eastern and southern United States, Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. The Northern Cardinal feeds off mainly seeds, dogwood, wild grapes, buckwheat, grasses, and insects like beetles and cicadas.

The Northern Cardinal has a wingspan in the range of 9.8”-12.2” (25-31 cm) and total weight of 1.5-1.7 oz (42-48 g). The body of the Northern Cardinal has an overall length between 8.3”-9.4” (21-24 cm), body width of 2”-2.4” (5-6 cm), and standing height of roughly 4.3”-5.1” (11-13 cm). The typical lifespan of the Northern Cardinal is between 2-16 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Northern Cardinal in various poses with dimensions
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) also known as the Redbird or Cardinal, is a medium-sized songbird with a red plumage and black mask over its face and eyes. The song of the Northern Cardinal is a loud whistle that is typically given from the top of a tree to defend its territory.

The Northern Cardinal has a wingspan in the range of 9.8”-12.2” (25-31 cm) and total weight of 1.5-1.7 oz (42-48 g). The body of the Northern Cardinal has an overall length between 8.3”-9.4” (21-24 cm), body width of 2”-2.4” (5-6 cm), and standing height of roughly 4.3”-5.1” (11-13 cm). The typical lifespan of the Northern Cardinal is between 2-16 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Northern Cardinal in various poses with dimensions
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Height:
4.3”-5.1” | 11-13 cm
Width:
9.8”-12.2” | 25-31 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
8.3”-9.4” | 21-24 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1.5-1.7 oz | 42-48 g
Area:

Body Width: 2”-2.4” | 5-6 cm

Scientific Name
Cardinalis cardinalis
Lifespan
2-16 years

Drawings include:

Northern Cardinal side view, front, flying (assorted)

Details & Downloads

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