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Have you spotted any of these birds yet? These are the 10 most common for April

Karl Schneider, Indianapolis Star
2 min read

Spring is the time to clean up those bird feeders and fill them with fresh foods to attract a variety of birds visiting Indiana in the warm weather.

USA TODAY analyzed and organized millions of backyard bird observations since 2011 as part of Project FeederWatch, a citizen science program and joint effort of The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada.

Here are the top 10 most common birds you might see at Indiana feeders this month.

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Indiana’s most-sighted birds in April

House sparrow, Passer domesticus - This nonnative songbird originates from Eurasia and northern Africa and was first released in the U.S> in 1841. This is one of the most widespread and abundant species in the world.

A damp house sparrow perches on a tree after a night of heavy rain on Thursday, April 11, 2024, in Indianapolis.
A damp house sparrow perches on a tree after a night of heavy rain on Thursday, April 11, 2024, in Indianapolis.

American goldfinch, Spinus tristis - This perching bird will remain up north during the winter if there is a good supply of food. The birds are late nesters and wait until mid-summer to start settling down for breeding.

American Goldfinch feeds in thistles at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge near Seneca Falls, NY Saturday, July 29, 2017.
American Goldfinch feeds in thistles at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge near Seneca Falls, NY Saturday, July 29, 2017.

House Finch, Haemorhous mexicanus Originally found only in the Southwest, these birds were introduced to other parts of the U.S. in the 1940s. These flittering finches are adaptable and have learned to live in cities, towns and farmland.

A House Finch warms it's self in the sun on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Indianapolis.
A House Finch warms it's self in the sun on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Indianapolis.

Mourning Dove, Zenaida macroura With one of the most easily identifiable coos, these doves can raise up to six broods every year. Mourning doves are found in a wide variety of places but avoid unbroken forests.

A Mourning Dove sits on a branch by the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center, at Eagle Creek Park, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019.
A Mourning Dove sits on a branch by the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center, at Eagle Creek Park, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019.

Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis Indiana’s state bird shares the same title in at least six other states. The perching bird has slowly been expanding its range north. Males will actively attack nest intruders, even its own reflection in windows.

A Northern Cardinal perched on an agave, June 11, 2023, at Cave Creek Ranch, Portal, Arizona.
A Northern Cardinal perched on an agave, June 11, 2023, at Cave Creek Ranch, Portal, Arizona.

Brown-headed cowbird, Molothrus ater A sneaky bird that will replace eggs from other nests with its own. These seed and insect eaters forage mostly on the ground and are widely found across the U.S.

A Brown-headed Cowbird perches on a tree on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Indianapolis.
A Brown-headed Cowbird perches on a tree on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Indianapolis.

Common Grackle, Quiscalus quisculaThis blackbird nests in colonies and large flocks gather in the evening as they head toward roosts. Grackles can be found foraging in farm fields, pastures and suburban laws.

Common Grackles look for food by the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center, at Eagle Creek Park, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019.
Common Grackles look for food by the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center, at Eagle Creek Park, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019.

Dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis These New World sparrows overwinter throughout much of the U.S. They prefer conifer and mixed-wood habitats, especially in open spaces like edges or clearings.

Dark-eyed Junco – fluffed up to stay warm – Winter visitor to our area.
Dark-eyed Junco – fluffed up to stay warm – Winter visitor to our area.

European Starling, Sturnus vulgaris Tough, adaptable and smart, these starlings were brought to the U.S. in 1890 and occupy most of the country. The birds gather in large flocks during fall and winter and break up during the mating season.

A European Starling feeds in Ellison Park in Brighton. The birds, originally brought to the North America in the 19th century, are covered in white spots in winter and turn dark and glossy in summer.
A European Starling feeds in Ellison Park in Brighton. The birds, originally brought to the North America in the 19th century, are covered in white spots in winter and turn dark and glossy in summer.

Blue Jay, Cyanocitta cristata Loud and colorful, these magpies will eat almost anything. These jays are intelligent and are known to slip through treetops to rob nests of other birds.

A blue jay at a bird feeder. (Getty Images)
A blue jay at a bird feeder. (Getty Images)

Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk

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IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Which birds are found in Indiana? A look at the most common for April

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