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.

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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
White-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
Scale illustration of an average White-Breasted Nuthatch compared to other songbird species

The White-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) is a small songbird with a large head, short tail, and short wings. It has a pale-blue gray back, black head cap, and a white face and underbelly. The White Breasted Nuthatch is a noisy songbird with a range of different calls. This songbird is native to North America. It is often found in woodland edges and open areas that have large trees like parks. The diet of the White-Breasted Nuthatch is made up of insects like larvae, beetles, tree hoppers, scale insects, ants, and caterpillars. It may also eat seeds, acorns, and sunflower seeds.

The White-Breasted Nuthatch has a wingspan in the range of 7.9”-10.6” (20-27 cm) and total weight of .6-1.1 oz (18-30 g). The body of the White-Breasted Nuthatch has an overall length between 5.1”-6.3” (13-16 cm), body width of 1.6”-2” (4-5 cm), and standing height of roughly 2.4”-3” (6-7.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the White-Breasted Nuthatch is between 2-13 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the White-Breasted Nuthatch
The White-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) is a small songbird with a large head, short tail, and short wings. It has a pale-blue gray back, black head cap, and a white face and underbelly. The White Breasted Nuthatch is a noisy songbird with a range of different calls.

The White-Breasted Nuthatch has a wingspan in the range of 7.9”-10.6” (20-27 cm) and total weight of .6-1.1 oz (18-30 g). The body of the White-Breasted Nuthatch has an overall length between 5.1”-6.3” (13-16 cm), body width of 1.6”-2” (4-5 cm), and standing height of roughly 2.4”-3” (6-7.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the White-Breasted Nuthatch is between 2-13 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the White-Breasted Nuthatch
White-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
Height:
2.4”-3” | 6-7.5 cm
Width:
7.9”-10.6” | 20-27 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
5.1”-6.3” | 13-16 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.6-1.1 oz | 18-30 g
Area:

Body Width: 1.6”-2” | 4-5 cm

Scientific Name
Sitta carolinensis
Lifespan
2-13 years

Drawings include:

White-Breasted Nuthatch 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)

Details & Downloads

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2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
Comparison drawing of the Northern Mockingbird compared to other songbirds

The Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is a medium-sized songbird with a long tail. It has a gray upper plumage with a white underbelly and white parallel bars on its wings. The Northern Mockingbird is best known for imitating the calls of other birds like the Caroline Wren, Northern Cardinal, and House Sparrow. It can even imitate the sounds of cats, dogs, frogs, and crickets. It is native to North America, but has also been found in Europe. It is found in shrubby areas, parkland, suburban areas, and open ground. The diet of the Northern Mockingbird consists of insects like beetles, earthworms, moths, and fruit in the fall.

The Northern Mockingbird has a wingspan in the range of 12.2”-13.8” (31-35 cm) and total weight of 1.4-2 oz (40-58 g). The body of the Northern Mockingbird has an overall length between 8.3”-10.2” (21-26 cm), body width of 2”-2.75” (5-7 cm), and standing height of roughly 4.7”-5.9” (12-15 cm). The typical lifespan of the Northern Mockingbird is between 7-15 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Northern Mockingbird
The Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is a medium-sized songbird with a long tail. It has a gray upper plumage with a white underbelly and white parallel bars on its wings. The Northern Mockingbird is best known for imitating the calls of other birds.

The Northern Mockingbird has a wingspan in the range of 12.2”-13.8” (31-35 cm) and total weight of 1.4-2 oz (40-58 g). The body of the Northern Mockingbird has an overall length between 8.3”-10.2” (21-26 cm), body width of 2”-2.75” (5-7 cm), and standing height of roughly 4.7”-5.9” (12-15 cm). The typical lifespan of the Northern Mockingbird is between 7-15 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Northern Mockingbird
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
Height:
4.7”-5.9” | 12-15 cm
Width:
12.2”-13.8” | 31-35 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
8.3”-10.2” | 21-26 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1.4-2 oz | 40-58 g
Area:

Body Width: 2”-2.75” | 5-7 cm

Scientific Name
Mimus polyglottos
Lifespan
7-15 years

Drawings include:

Northern Mockingbird side view, front, flying (assorted)

Details & Downloads

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3D Downloads

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)

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Curve-Billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre)
Scale illustration of an average Curve-Billed Thrasher compared to other songbird species

The Curve-Billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre) is a medium-sized songbird with a long tail and short wings. Its bill is almost as long as its head width and its plumage is a gray-brown color. The song of the Curve-Billed Thrasher is abrupt and is similar to a person whistling to get someone’s attention. This songbird is native to the southwestern region of the United States and Mexico. It can be found in brushlands, mesquites, and grasslands. The diet of the Curve-Billed Thrasher is made up of insects, spiders, snails, fruits, and seeds. It forages on the ground and uses its bill clear the ground.

The Curve-Billed Thrasher has a wingspan in the range of 13.4”-13.8” (34-35 cm) and total weight of 2.2-3.3 oz (61-94 g). The body of the Curve-Billed Thrasher has an overall length between 10.6”-11” (27-28 cm), body width of 2.6”-3” (6.5-7.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 5.3”-5.7” (13.5-14.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Curve-Billed Thrasher is between 5-11 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Curve-Billed Thrasher
The Curve-Billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre) is a medium-sized songbird with a long tail and short wings. Its bill is almost as long as its head width and its plumage is a gray-brown color. The song of the Curve-Billed Thrasher is abrupt and is similar to a person whistling.

The Curve-Billed Thrasher has a wingspan in the range of 13.4”-13.8” (34-35 cm) and total weight of 2.2-3.3 oz (61-94 g). The body of the Curve-Billed Thrasher has an overall length between 10.6”-11” (27-28 cm), body width of 2.6”-3” (6.5-7.5 cm), and standing height of roughly 5.3”-5.7” (13.5-14.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Curve-Billed Thrasher is between 5-11 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Curve-Billed Thrasher
Curve-Billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre)
Height:
5.3”-5.7” | 13.5-14.5 cm
Width:
13.4”-13.8” | 34-35 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
10.6”-11” | 27-28 cm
Depth:
Weight:
2.2-3.3 oz | 61-94 g
Area:

Body Width: 2.6”-3” | 6.5-7.5 cm

Scientific Name
Toxostoma curvirostre
Lifespan
5-11 years

Drawings include:

Curve-Billed Thrasher side view, front, flying (assorted)

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

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