Exploring North American Birds: A Fun Guide for Kids 6-12

The great outdoors is a treasure trove of wonders waiting to be discovered, and for kids aged 6-12, there's no better way to start the adventure than by getting to know our common North American birds. In this guide, we'll embark on an exciting journey to explore and learn about the feathered friends that share our neighbourhoods, parks, and backyards. From vibrant robins to charismatic blue jays, let's dive into the fascinating world of common birds that captivate the imagination of young nature enthusiasts.

The Neighbourhood Robin 

Begin by introducing kids to the friendly and familiar Robin. Known for its cheerful red breast, the robin is a year-round resident in many regions. Learn about its distinct song and observe its foraging habits as it searches for worms and insects in the grass.

Charming Blue Jays 

The striking blue and white plumage of the blue jay makes it a standout character in the avian world. Explore the habitats where blue jays thrive and observe their intelligent behaviors, especially their ability to mimic other birds.

The Busybody Sparrow

Sparrows are common visitors to urban and suburban areas. Kids can observe their lively antics as they hop and flutter around when looking for food or just having fun. Learn about the different types of sparrows, each with its unique markings and preferences for nesting sites. There are at least 35 different types of Sparrows but all have little differences that can be identified.

Hummingbirds - The Tiniest Birds

Delve into the magical world of hummingbirds, the smallest birds in North America. Explore their incredible aerial acrobatics and discover the vibrant flowers that attract these nectar-loving beauties.

The best ways to see a Hummingbird is to be close to a large area of nectar flowers or even hang up a Hummingbird feeder. This is especially important during the winter because their little bodies need food ALL of the time, and with bugs hiding or hibernating it is harder for Hummingbirds to find food.

Woodpeckers - The Noisiest Eaters

Introduce kids to the rhythmic sounds of woodpeckers as they tap on trees in search of insects. Learn about the diverse species of woodpeckers found across North America and the crucial role they play in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems.

Birds of Prey - Avian Raptors 

Elevate the excitement by exploring majestic birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles. Discover their impressive hunting skills, keen eyesight, and the crucial role they play in maintaining ecological balance.18 birds fall in this section but the most common in North America are:

• Hawks
• Vultures
• Eagles 
• Owls
• Osprey
• Falcons

It’s always great to keep a look out for more even when in new locations, You never know what Avian Raptor you might see!

A Fun Idea

Something that we can do with kids is to create a bird spotting challenge; turn bird watching into an engaging challenge by creating a checklist of common North American birds. Encourage kids to keep track of the birds they spot and share their findings with friends or classmates. Consider adding a fun reward system to make the challenge even more exciting.

Learning about common North American birds opens a world of discovery and connection to the vibrant ecosystems that surround us. By exploring the characteristics, behaviours, and habitats of these feathered friends, kids can develop a deeper appreciation for nature. So, grab your binoculars, put on your explorer hat, and join us on this exciting journey to uncover the wonders of North American birds right in our backyards and forests.