Overview
Virginia stretches from the Blue Ridge to the Chesapeake Bay, giving it mountain songbirds, piedmont backyard regulars, and coastal waterbirds alike. There is rewarding birding in every corner and season.
This guide covers common and iconic Virginia birds — the field marks that identify them, their habitats, and where to look. Pair it with a photo and the app to confirm any bird you spot.
Key Species to Know
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
Virginia's state bird — the male is brilliant red with a black face and crest, the female warm buff with red highlights. A year-round backyard favorite.
Carolina Chickadee
Poecile carolinensis
A tiny, tame bird with a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and soft gray back. Bold at feeders and constantly calling its buzzy "chick-a-dee-dee."
Carolina Wren
Thryothorus ludovicianus
A small, energetic rusty-brown wren with a bold white eyebrow and upturned tail, far louder than its size suggests. Sings a ringing "teakettle-teakettle."
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
A familiar thrush with a gray back and brick-red breast, often on lawns hunting worms. Its caroling is a classic sound of spring.
Pileated Woodpecker
Dryocopus pileatus
A spectacular crow-sized woodpecker, black with bold white neck stripes and a flaming red crest. Chisels rectangular holes in dead trees.
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
A large fish-eating raptor, brown above and white below with a dark eye-stripe, often hovering over water or nesting on platforms and channel markers.
Seasonal Guide
- Spring and fall migration bring warblers to the mountains and shorebirds to the coast.
- Early morning is the most active time for feeding and song.
- Ospreys return to the Chesapeake in spring and are easy to watch nesting through summer.
Safety Reminder
Observe birds without disturbing them, and never approach nests. Identification results are reference information for learning and enjoyment.
Identify it instantly
Found something and not sure what it is? Point your camera with Spotter and get a species identification in seconds — with detailed reference info and species notes.