Wisconsin Winter Birds: Complete Guide with Photos, ID & Feeding Tips

Author: Tammy Poppie
Updated:
Reviewed by:
Cardinal on branch when snowing

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Wisconsin Winter Birds: Complete Guide with Photos, ID & Feeding Tips

Author: Tammy Poppie
Updated:
Reviewed by:
Cardinal on branch when snowing

This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our links.

Discover the world of Wisconsin winter birds in this article. You’ll find photos and essential information about 21 common bird species for easy identification, including details on their winter diet, habitat, range maps, and the best food to offer them for survival. With over 25 years of backyard birdwatching experience in Wisconsin, I’ll help make winter bird identification a breeze!

21 Common Winter Birds in Wisconsin Backyards

Based on 2022 winter data from Feederwatch.org, the top 21 birds in Wisconsin backyards are:

  1. Black-capped Chickadee
  2. Downy Woodpecker
  3. Dark-eyed Junco
  4. American Goldfinch
  5. Northern Cardinal
  6. White-breasted Nuthatch
  7. Mourning Dove
  8. Red-bellied Woodpecker
  9. House Finch
  10. Blue Jay
  11. Hairy Woodpecker
  12. House Sparrow
  13. Red-breasted Nuthatch
  14. Common Redpoll
  15. American Crow
  16. Tufted Titmouse
  17. European Starling
  18. Pine Siskin
  19. Pileated Woodpecker
  20. Purple Finch
  21. American Tree Sparrow

Wisconsin Winter Bird Identification Guide

In this guide, you’ll find photos, descriptions, natural diets, feeder diets, and range maps for 21 common winter backyard birds.

In order of the most common to the least, let’s begin with the black-capped chickadee.

1. Black-Capped Chickadee

Black-capped chickadee. Photo taken with Canon PowerShot SX70-HS 10' away.
Black-capped chickadee by Tammy Poppie.

Black-capped chickadees are small birds, approximately 5 1/4″ long, with a black cap, throat, and cheek, white breasts and bellies, and gray-olive bodies and wings. Their winter belly becomes a buff tan.

They primarily feed on seeds, especially pine cones, small fruits, and berries that stay on trees, shrubs, and vines.

At feeders, they enjoy black-oil sunflower and safflower seeds, suet, peanut butter, hulled peanuts, and mixed seeds.

During winter in Wisconsin, they prefer coniferous forest edges with abundant pine cones, open wooded areas, shrubs, willow thickets, and even tree-lined urban parks. Trees are important for their cavity nesting and winter roosting needs.

Range Map

Black capped chickadee range map

2. Downy Woodpecker

Downy woodpecker. Photo taken with Panasonic Lumix FZ80 25' away.
Downy woodpecker by Tammy Poppie.

Downy woodpeckers are small birds, measuring 6″ – 7″ long. Males have tuxedo-black bodies with a white stripe on the back, white belly, white outer tail feathers, spotted white wings, a yellow/tan spot above the beak, and a distinctive red patch on the back of the crown. Females lack the red coloring but are otherwise nearly identical.

Their diet consists of fruit and berries found on trees, shrubs, vines, and plants.

At feeders, they enjoy suet, peanut butter spread, hulled sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, hulled peanuts, corn, fruits, nectar (sugar water), and mixed seeds.

These non-migrating woodpeckers reside in Wisconsin year-round, tolerating snow and ice. They can be found wherever there are trees.

Range Map

Downy woodpecker range map

3. Dark-eyed Junco

attract dark eyed juncos to your yuard
Dark-eyed Junco by Tammy Poppie.

Dark-eyed juncos are tiny birds, measuring about 5.5″ – 6.5″ long. Males are dark gray with a white underside and a pink bill, while females are similar but brownish gray.

During winter, their diet primarily consists of seeds, and at feeders, they prefer Nyjer, black-oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked corn, hulled peanuts, and suet.

These winter visitors are found in various Wisconsin habitats, including thick coniferous and deciduous forests, open spaces, wooded edges, parks, and backyards.

Range Map

Map of the dark-eyed junco range

4. American Goldfinch

American goldfinch Indiana winter bird
American goldfinch in winter plumage by Tammy Poppie.

In winter, American goldfinches are small birds, around 4.5″ long, with dull brown bodies, paler yellow heads, and thicker white wing stripes after molting from their bright yellow summer plumage. Females resemble males but have more white tips on their wings.

Their winter diet consists of seeds from standing seed-bearing flowers (weeds and grasses) and dormant insects.

At bird feeders in winter, they prefer thistle seed (Nyjer).

These birds are common winter visitors throughout the contiguous US and can be found in weedy fields, roadsides, orchards, and backyards.

While most American goldfinches spend all four seasons in Wisconsin, some migrate west and south during winter.

Range Map

American goldfinch map range

5. Northern Cardinal

male and female northern cardinals Wisconsin winter birds
Male and female cardinals. Photo by Patrice Bouchard on Unsplash

Male northern cardinals are medium-sized, measuring about 8 1/2″ long, with bright red feathers, a black mask, red crown, orange beak, and black areas on their wings and tail. Females have an orange beak, buff-brown plumage with a tan crown, and a hint of red with red spots on their wings and tail.

During winter, they forage for small berries and seeds remaining on plants.

Frequent visitors to backyard feeders, they enjoy black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, striped sunflower seeds, hulled peanuts, and cracked corn.

Northern cardinals are year-round residents in Wisconsin, favoring wooded edges, thickets, vines, city parks, and backyards.

Range Map

Northern cardinal range map

6. White-breasted Nuthatch

fall bird feeding with white breasted nuthatch on nut feeder
White-breasted nuthatch on nut feeder by Tammy Poppie.

The white-breasted nuthatch is a small bird, approximately 5-6″ long, with a gray/blue back, white head, black cap, chestnut under the tail, and a slender pick-like beak. Females share a similar appearance, with a gray cap and neck.

During winter, their diet includes insects hibernating beneath tree bark and seeds, particularly from pine cones.

At bird feeders in winter, they enjoy suet, sunflower seeds, and shelled peanuts.

These birds are year-round residents in Wisconsin, thriving in mature deciduous and mixed forests, especially where cone crops are abundant. They are also commonly found in wooded suburban areas, orchards, parks, and backyards, often seen moving head-first down tree trunks while foraging for insects beneath the bark.

White breasted nuthatch range map

7. Mourning Dove

mourning dove in the snow
Mourning dove by Cathy Cardone.

Mourning doves are sizable birds, approximately 12″ long, with smooth fawn-colored plumage. They have black spots on their wings and tail, a single black spot behind and below their eyes, wide brown tails with white edges, red-orange legs, a gray patch between their head and back, iridescent colors around their neck, large black eyes with light blue eye rings, and a pointy bill.

During winter, they primarily feed on seeds and are ground foragers, often eating seeds that drop below feeders.

Mourning doves are year-round residents in the lower two-thirds of Wisconsin, favoring open areas and tolerating chilly weather.

Range Map

Mourning dove range map.

8. Red-bellied woodpecker

red-belied woodpecker Indiana winter bird
Red-bellied woodpecker. Photo by Mark Olsen on Unsplash

Red-bellied woodpeckers are medium-sized birds, measuring around 9 1/4″ long, with a zebra-like striped back and a white rump. They have a red crown that extends down the neck and tan chests with a hint of red on the belly. Females lack the red crown.

In winter, their diet includes insects hibernating beneath tree bark, nuts, remaining fruits on trees and shrubs, and seeds, particularly from pine cones.

They enjoy suet and hulled peanuts at feeders during the winter.

Year-round residents in the lower two-thirds of Wisconsin, red-bellied woodpeckers prefer habitats in or near forests and woodlands.

Red-bellied woodpecker range map.
Red-Bellied Woodpecker range

9. House Finch

YouTube video
female house finch Indiana winter bird
Female house finch. Photo by Tammy Poppie.

The house finch is a small bird, approximately 5″ long, with an orange/red face, chest, and rump, brown wings streaked with white, and a white belly with brown streaks. Females and juveniles are brown with white streaks.

In winter, they primarily feed on seeds and fruit, with black oil sunflower seeds being their favorite at feeders.

Year-round residents in the lower half and eastern parts of Wisconsin, house finches prefer areas around human dwellings, including buildings, backyard trees, shrubs, barns, as well as parks and urban areas.

Range Map

House finch range map.

10. Blue Jay

Blue jay Indiana winter bird
Blue jay. Photo by Cathy Cardone.

Blue jays are large birds, measuring about 12″ long, with a medium blue and white body, a blue crest that they can flatten at will, a gray belly, and a white face. Their wings are a mix of white and blue with black spots. Female plumage looks the same.

During winter, their diet includes fruit, seeds on trees, shrubs, vines, and nuts.

At feeders in winter, they prefer whole peanuts, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn.

Year-round residents in Wisconsin, they can be found in coniferous forests, mixed wooded areas, suburbs, and urban regions.

Range Map

Blue jay range map

11. Hairy Woodpecker

Male hairy woodpecker Indiana winter bird
Male hairy woodpecker. Image by Jennifer Beebe from Pixabay

The hairy woodpecker is a medium-sized bird, approximately 9″ long, with black-and-white plumage, a white belly, black wings adorned with white spots, a white stripe down the back, a red mark on the back of the head, and a long black bill. Females look similar but lack the red mark.

During winter, they primarily feed on seeds, nuts, and insects hibernating beneath tree bark.

At feeders in winter, they enjoy suet and hulled peanuts.

Year-round residents in Wisconsin, hairy woodpeckers prefer mature forests and areas with dense trees in urban and suburban regions.

Hairy woodpecker range map.

12. House Sparrow

Male house sparrow Indiana winter bird
Male house sparrow in winter plumage. Image by SAM_MINO from Pixabay

In winter, house sparrows are small birds, around 6″ long, with brown plumage, a grayish-edged bib (which turns black in spring and summer), a white wing bar, gray belly, and crown. Females are slightly smaller, entirely light brown without black markings.

Their winter diet consists of seeds and fruit, and at feeders, they enjoy black oil sunflower seeds, cracked corn, peanut hearts, millet, milo, and mixed seed.

Year-round residents in Wisconsin, house sparrows are commonly found in urban, suburban, and rural areas, including cities, towns, villages, suburbs, and farms.

Range Map

House sparrow range map.

13. Red-Breasted Nuthatch

red-breasted nuthatch on a snowy branch in winter
Red-breasted nuthatch. Image by Sabine Löwer from Pixabay

Red-breasted nuthatches are petite birds, measuring about 4.5″ long, with gray/blue backs, white heads featuring black stripes over each eye, and orange-cinnamon-colored breasts, along with a pointed pick-like beak. Females share the same appearance but with a more subdued underside color.

During winter, they primarily feed on insects hibernating beneath tree bark and seeds, especially from pine cones.

At feeders in winter, they enjoy suet, sunflower seeds, shelled peanuts, and fruit.

In the northern part of Wisconsin, red-breasted nuthatches are year-round residents, while in the rest of the state, they visit only during the winter. They are often seen climbing upside-down on deciduous trees while foraging for insects beneath the bark, and they are drawn to coniferous forests, particularly where cone crops are abundant.

Map of the red-breasted nuthatch range

14. Common Redpoll

male and female common redpolls perched on snowy branch in winter
Common redpolls (male and female).

The common redpoll, often called the “winter finch,” is a small bird, approximately 5″ long, heavily streaked, with a bright red crown, a black spot beneath the chin, and a raspberry splotch on its chest. During winter, the chest becomes redder/pink. Females resemble males but lack the raspberry chest, with whiter underparts during winter.

In winter, their diet mainly consists of seeds, often feeding on the ground or in seed-bearing trees when in flocks.

At winter backyard feeders, they prefer black-oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, and nyjer.

While many common redpolls leave their breeding grounds in northern Canada for Wisconsin during the winter, a few may venture even further south, although such instances are rare. They favor open areas with tree-lined surroundings.

Range Map

Common redpole range map.

15. American Crow

American crow Indianawinter bird
American crows in winter. Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay

American crows are large all-black birds, measuring approximately 16-20″ long, with wide necks and long straight bills. Both males and females share the same appearance.

Their diet is opportunistic, consisting of scavenged items found on the ground, including garbage. They also feed on insects, spiders, frogs, snakes, and other birds’ eggs and young.

Crows do not visit backyard feeders.

Common throughout the US, including Wisconsin, American crows can be found in a variety of habitats such as fields, open woods, forests, riverbanks, shores, towns, cities, parks, and more.

american crow range map

16. Tufted Titmouse

Tufted titmouse Indiana winter bird
Tufted titmouse. Image by Gregory Sabin from Pixabay

The tufted titmouse is a small bird, approximately 6″ long, with slate gray plumage on its upper parts, white on its chest, belly, and around the eyes. Beneath the wings, there is a patch of rusty brown, and their legs are gray. Their eyes are dark, and they sport a pointed “tuft” crest.

During winter, they primarily feed on seeds and fruits remaining on branches and vines.

At winter backyard feeders, they prefer suet.

Year-round residents in the southern half of Wisconsin, tufted titmice favor orchards due to the availability of fruit, often staying through the snowy season to glean whatever remains on the vines. They are also found in deciduous wooded areas and mixed woods.

Tufted titmouse range map.

17. European Starling

The European starling is a medium-sized bird, approximately 7 1/2″ long, with iridescent shades of purple and black, adorned with white speckles. They have a long pointed gray bill in fall, which turns yellow in spring, and a short tail. Females share the same appearance.

During winter, they primarily feed on seeds and fruit that remain on barren branches.

At winter feeders, they are opportunistic and will consume a variety of foods.

Year-round residents in Wisconsin, some migrate south to Mexico. They do not have strong habitat preferences but are commonly found in urban and residential areas, including backyard lawns, parks, and fields.

European starling range map

18. Pine Siskin

pine siskin perched on a branch with berries in winter
Pine siskin. Photo by Ann Spiers.

The pine siskin is a small brown bird, approximately 5″ long, with streaks on the back, breast, and belly. It features faint yellow plumage in the wing bars and at the end of the tail. Females resemble males but have less yellow on the wings and tail.

Their winter diet mainly consists of seeds.

At winter backyard feeders, they favor Nyjer, black-oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, and suet.

While some pine siskins remain in northern Wisconsin throughout the year, others expand their range to settle throughout the rest of the state during the winter. They are commonly found in open areas and wooded edges.

Pine siskin range map.
Pine siskin range map. Compliments of The Cornell Lab.

19. Pileated Woodpecker

pileated woodpecker climbing tree in winter
Female pileated woodpecker. Photo by Anne Spiers

Pileated woodpeckers are large birds, approximately 19″ long, mainly black with white stripes on their face and neck, and white underwings. Their distinctive flaming red triangle-shaped crest is noticeable, and males also sport a red cheek stripe. Females are similar but have a shorter crest and lack the red cheek stripe.

In winter, they primarily feed on insects, particularly carpenter ants found under tree bark.

They can be attracted to winter feeders with suet, shelled peanuts, safflower seeds, and sunflower seeds.

These woodpeckers remain in Wisconsin for winter, except in the southeastern part of the state where they are uncommon. They inhabit forested areas with tall deciduous and coniferous trees, as well as lower fruit and nut-bearing trees and shrubs.

US map showing the range of the pileated woodpecker

20. Purple Finch

purple finch perched on a snowy branch in winter
Purple finch. Photo by Kevin Cress on Unsplash

Purple finches are small birds, around 6″ long, featuring a raspberry-red head with lighter shades on the breast, back, and rump, while their wings and tail are brown. Females have brown plumage with striped breasts and white streaks across their eyes.

Their diet consists of seeds, insects, and fruit.

At backyard feeders, they favor black oil sunflower seeds.

Many purple finches in northern Wisconsin remain there for winter, while others migrate south into the rest of the state just for the season. They prefer coniferous forests in the summer and mixed forests near streams, as well as tree-lined backyards.

Purple finch range map.

21. American Tree Sparrow

American tree sparrow
American tree sparrow amidst a backdrop of snow. Photo by Patrice Bouchard on Unsplash

The American tree sparrow is a small bird, around 6″ long, with brown plumage, a tan breast, and a rust-colored crown. They feature a single black spot on their chest, dark upper bills, and yellow lower bills, with gray eyebrows around their eyes. Females look the same.

In winter, they primarily eat seeds and can be attracted to black-oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, nyjer, cracked corn, and peanut hearts at backyard feeders.

These sparrows migrate to Wisconsin exclusively for the winter season, preferring wooded areas, especially along the edges.

American tree sparrow range map

More Wisconsin Winter Birds

Alright, now that we’ve covered the 21 common backyard winter birds, what about the rest? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Some birds make Wisconsin their winter home, while others drop by only when the first snowflake falls.

If you’re curious about the birds you might spot in your specific area of the state, let’s dive into it.

Birds that Stay in Wisconsin for the winter

Let’s praise the year-round birds that decide to stay in Wisconsin for winter. They deserve props!

Some of them are part of the 21 common backyard winter birds while others are not. Here are the birds that stay in Wisconsin for the winter.

American Crow
American Goldfinch
American Robin
Barred Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Black-Capped Chickadee
Blue Jay
Brown Creeper
Canada Jay (Gray Jay)
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Meadowlark
Eastern Screech-Owl
Eurasian Collared-Dove
European Starling
European Starling
Evening Grosbeak
Great Horned Owl
Hairy Woodpecker
Horned Lark
House Finch
House Sparrow
Mallard
Mourning Dove
Mute Swan
Northern Bobwhite
Northern Cardinal
Northern Flicker
Northern Mockingbird
Pileated Woodpecker
Pine Siskin
Purple Finch
Red Crossbill
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Red-Breasted Nuthatch
Red-Headed Woodpecker
Red-Tailed Hawk
Red-Winged Blackbird
Rock Pigeon
Sharp-Shinned Hawk
Short-eared Owl
Song Sparrow
Tufted Titmouse
White-Breasted Nuthatch
White-Winged Crossbill
Wild Turkey
Wood Duck

Wisconsin Winter Birds Just Visiting for the Season

While it may be hard to believe, a few brave bird species choose to migrate to Wisconsin for the winter, despite the freezing temperatures and harsh climate. These winter visitors include common redpolls, pine grosbeaks, American tree sparrows, white-crowned sparrows, white-throated sparrows, snow buntings, northern shrikes, great gray owls, gyrfalcon, rough-legged hawk, and snowy owls.

Their presence adds diversity to the landscape and gives us something to look forward to during winter. You can find photos of these birds below, and more details about them are provided later in the article.

Common Redpoll

Common redpole perched on a b ranch
Common redpole. Image by No-longer-here from Pixabay

Pine Grosbeak

male pine grosbeak perched on branch in winter
Pine grosbeak (male). Image by simardfrancois from Pixabay

American Tree Sparrow

American tree sparrow perched on a branch
American tree sparrow. Image by Hans Toom from Pixabay

White-Throated Sparrow

White throated sparrow perched on a branch
White-throated sparrow. Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

White-crowned Sparrow

white crowned sparrow
White-crowned sparrow. Image by stephmcblack from Pixabay

Snowy Owl

a snowy owl on snow in winter
Snowy owl. Photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash

Snow Bunting

snow bunting perched on a rock
Snow bunting. Image by Image by Dr. Georg Wietschorke from Pixabay

Gyrafalcon

Gyrfalcon looking straight ahead
Gyrfalcon. Image by Steve Crowhurst from Pixabay

Rough-Legged Hawk

Rough-legged hawk headshot.
Rough-legged hawk. Image by Светлана from Pixabay

Northern Shrike

Northern shrike perched on the top of a tree
Northern shrike. Photo by Joe Becker.

Winter Birds of Northern Wisconsin

Do you live in northern Wisconsin and wonder which winter birds you can expect to see – before the first snowflake falls? No problem. They’re all listed below.

American Crow
American Goldfinch
American Tree Sparrow
Barred Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Black-Capped Chickadee
Blue Jay
Brown Creeper
Canada Goose
Cedar Waxwing
Common Raven
Common Redpoll
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Screech-Owl
European Starling
Evening Grosbeak
Gray Jay (Canada Jay)
Great Horned Owl
Great Blue Heron
Great Gray Owl
Gyrfalcon
Hairy Woodpecker
House Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Northern Flicker
Northern Mockingbird
Northern Shrike
Pileated Woodpecker
Pine Grosbeak
Pine Siskin
Purple Finch
Red Crossbill
Red-Breasted Nuthatch
Rock Pigeon
Rough-Legged Hawk
Sharp-Shinned Hawk
Snowy Owl
Snow Bunting
White-Breasted Nuthatch
White-Winged Crossbill
Wild Turkey

Winter Birds of Southern Wisconsin

I didn’t forget about you southern Wisconsinites! Below are the birds you can expect to see in winter:

American Crow
American Goldfinch
American Robin
American Tree Sparrow
Bald Eagle ??
Barred Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Black-Capped Chickadee
Blue Jay
Brown Creeper
Canada Goose
Cedar Waxwing
Common Grackle
Common Redpoll
Cooper’s Hawk
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Meadowlark
Eurasian Collared-Dove
European Starling
Golden-Crowned Kinglet
Great Blue Heron
Great Horned Owl
Hairy Woodpecker
Horned Lark
House Finch
House Sparrow
Mallard
Mourning Dove
Mute Swan
Northern Cardinal
Northern Flicker
Northern Mockingbird
Northern Shrike
Pine Grosbeak
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Red-Breasted Nuthatch
Red-Headed Woodpecker
Red-Shouldered Hawk
Red-Tailed Hawk
Red-Winged Blackbird
Rock Pigeon
Rough-Legged Hawk
Sharp-Shinned Hawk
Short-Eared Owl
Song Sparrow
Snow Bunting
Snowy Owl
Swamp Sparrow
Tufted Titmouse
White-Breasted Nuthatch
White-Throated Sparrow
White-Crowned Sparrow
White-Winged Crossbill
Wild Turkey
Wood Duck

Conclusion

Winter in Wisconsin can feel never-ending, but watching these common winter backyard birds can make it more enjoyable. Attract them by offering their favorite foods and fresh water.

When spring arrives, bid farewell to the winter visitors and welcome back the returning migratory birds to Wisconsin.

I hope you’ve identified your favorite winter Wisconsin bird or learned more about them. Happy Birding!


References

More than 25 years ago, Tammy put her first bird feeder outside her kitchen window. Since then she learned how to attract wild birds to her backyard. Studying the meaning & symbolism of wild birds is also a passion of hers. Read more about Tammy