Photo by David Kanigan on Pexels
Imagine stepping into your backyard on a warm morning, coffee in hand, as the rising sun casts golden light across dew-covered grass. You hear a chorus of sounds from the trees—chirps, whistles, and songs that signal the beginning of summer. You catch a glimpse of red darting past your feeder, and just beyond the garden bed, a hummingbird hovers like a ruby in flight. Isn’t that a beautiful sight to behold?
There’s something magical about the presence of summer birds in the yard—it tells a story of life in motion, of the seasons changing, and of nature thriving right outside our door. As summer approaches in the U.S., gardens across the country begin to stir with the promise of vibrant bird activity. From the bold cardinal to the elusive scarlet tanager, these seasonal visitors bring color, music, and wonder to even the smallest outdoor spaces.
But while it’s a joy to welcome them back, the heat and hazards of summer can pose real challenges for birds. From soaring temperatures and scarce water to predators like domestic cats, our feathered friends face many threats this time of year.
In this article, we’ll explore which beautiful birds you’ll likely see in your garden this year and how you can make your backyard a safe, welcoming haven for them. We'll also share practical tips on keeping birds cool and how innovative solutions like bird-friendly collar covers can protect them from cat predation.
- Meet Your Summer Guests: Common Summer Birds in Your Garden
- How to Make Your Garden Bird-Friendly
- Why Summer Birds are Special
- Protecting Birds From Cats with Birdsbesafe Collar Covers
- A Summer of Song and Safety
Meet Your Summer Guests: Common Summer Birds in Your Garden
More than 900 bird species have been recorded in North America. As the seasons change, many of these birds either migrate into new areas or become more active in familiar ones. These migrations are guided by instinct and nature's cues. Birds navigate using Earth's magnetic field and the patterns of the stars during migration.
Summer, in particular, brings a noticeable increase in avian activity, especially in residential gardens filled with trees, shrubs, and bird feeders.
Avian summer residents typically arrive in spring and depart in fall. Their arrival is often subtle—many slip in quietly, blending into the natural environment before becoming more noticeable as summer settles in.
Here are some of the most common summer birds you might spot:
American Robins
The cheerful song of the American Robin signals the height of summer.
Photo by Genevieve Curry on Unsplash
American Robins are the most abundant bird in North America, with a population of more than 370 million. They are often associated with the arrival of spring and summer. Their cheerful presence and familiar songs make them a welcome sight in gardens across the country.
Appearance: They have a gray-brown back, warm orange belly, and white markings around the eyes and throat. Their upright posture and confident stride make them easy to spot as they forage on lawns.
Habitat: American Robins are highly adaptable and can be found in forests, fields, parks, and suburban neighborhoods. They often nest in trees, shrubs, and man-made structures like ledges or porch lights.
Behavior: These birds are early risers and are frequently seen hopping across lawns, searching for earthworms, insects, and berries. They’re also known for their loud, melodious songs that are most often heard in the early morning.
How to Attract Them: Plant native fruit-bearing trees like serviceberry, dogwood, or mulberry. Offering a clean birdbath will also draw Robins to your yard, especially during dry or hot periods. Avoid using pesticides, as Robins often forage directly on the ground.
Barn Swallows
Barn Swallows zip through the summer sky, their forked tails slicing the breeze.
Photo by Arvid Høidahl on Unsplash
The Barn Swallow is a graceful bird often seen soaring in summer skies, darting effortlessly over fields and ponds in pursuit of flying insects. Their presence is a familiar and welcome sign of summer across much of North America.
Appearance: Barn Swallows are sleek birds with glossy blue backs, pale underparts, and cinnamon-colored throats. Their most distinctive feature is their long, deeply forked tail, which enhances their agility in flight.
Habitat: Barn Swallows are commonly found throughout the continental United States during the summer, especially in open areas like farmlands, meadows, and near bodies of water. They often build their nests on man-made structures such as barns, porches, bridges, and under eaves.
Behavior: Barn Swallows are known for their acrobatic flight and feed almost exclusively on insects caught mid-air. They often nest in colonies and return to the same nesting sites year after year, using mud and grass to construct their cup-shaped nests.
How to Attract Them: To attract Barn Swallows to your yard, offer open flying space and avoid disturbing existing nests. Providing access to mud and water can help them build nests. They appreciate quiet, low-traffic areas for nesting and foraging.
Baltimore Orioles
The bright orange feathers of the Baltimore Oriole light up the summer treetops.
Photo by Andrew Patrick Photo on Pexels
Baltimore Orioles are striking summer birds commonly found in the eastern United States during the breeding season. Their bright colors and melodic calls make them a welcome sight in backyards and woodlands alike.
Appearance: Male Baltimore Orioles are known for their brilliant orange and black plumage, while females display a more muted mix of yellow-orange and gray. Both sexes have slender bodies and slightly curved bills, which are well-suited for sipping nectar and picking fruit.
Habitat: According to the National Audubon Society, Orioles are often found in open woods and groves in the summer. They favor forest edges and suburban yards with tall deciduous trees, where they typically nest high in the canopy.
Behavior: Baltimore Orioles are skilled weavers constructing hanging, pouch-like nests from fibers and grasses. Their song is a series of rich, whistling notes, and they often return to the same territory each breeding season.
How to Attract Them: Baltimore Orioles happily visit feeders offering oranges, jelly, or nectar. Offering nesting materials such as string or pet fur may also encourage them to settle nearby. Native fruiting trees and tall shade trees make your yard even more appealing.
Indigo Buntings
The Indigo Bunting turns heads with its dazzling, all-blue plumage.
Photo by pete weiler on Pexels
A flash of blue among the trees signals the arrival of the Indigo Bunting—one of the most striking summer birds in North America. These small songbirds add color and song to the warmer months, becoming a favorite to watch for both casual observers and dedicated birders. Their presence reminds us of the quiet beauty woven into wild places.
Appearance: The Indigo Bunting is a brilliant summer bird. During breeding season, males glow with vibrant blue feathers, while females and juveniles are brown with soft streaks, blending easily into the background. Males shine brightest in sunlight, making them a delight to watch in the wild.
Habitat: These birds spend the warmer months across the eastern and southern U.S. They favor open woodlands, brushy fields, and forest edges. You might even spot them around a golf course, where the combination of trees and open space provides ideal nesting and foraging conditions.
Behavior: Indigo Buntings are diurnal and known for their bright, warbling songs. Males sing to claim territory and attract mates. At night, they migrate using stars. Their diet of seeds, insects, and berries contributes to a thriving ecosystem and supports summer life.
How to Attract Them: Plant native shrubs like elderberry or serviceberry to draw them in. They’re fond of thistle feeders and appreciate shallow birdbaths. Maintain a natural-looking yard with open areas and a few trees, and you may get to watch them return each year.
Eastern Bluebirds
Eastern Bluebirds brighten fields and gardens with their soft warbles and vivid colors.
Photo by Patrice Bouchard on Unsplash
A symbol of happiness and renewal, the Eastern Bluebird is one of North America’s most beloved songbirds. Its gentle presence and vivid coloring make it a cherished sight in backyards, fields, and along country roads, especially during the warmer months when its sweet songs brighten the landscape.
Appearance: The Eastern Bluebird is a small thrush with a vivid blue back, rusty-red chest, and white belly. Males appear especially bright in summer, while females have softer blue and orange tones. Their colorful plumage and calm expression make them a joy to watch in open landscapes.
Habitat: These classic summer birds are widespread across the eastern and central U.S. They favor open habitats with scattered trees, like meadows, orchards, forest edges, and even the occasional golf course. Bluebirds nest in natural cavities or nest boxes and are loyal to their breeding sites year after year.
Behavior: Eastern Bluebirds hunt by sight, often seen perched on fences or low branches as they scan for prey. Their diet consists mainly of insects, caterpillars, and wild berries, but they’ve also been observed catching small frogs, especially near water sources. They're social, often raising multiple broods each summer.
How to Attract Them: Place a nest box in an open grassy area with minimal underbrush. Mealworms are a favorite food, and native berry-producing plants help provide year-round nutrition. Offer perching spots and shallow water sources, and avoid pesticides to support a healthy insect population.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
So tiny yet so bold, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird wears a jewel at its neck.
Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common hummingbird species in the eastern United States during the summer. These small birds, with their dazzling colors and rapid, hovering flight, bring energy and charm to any garden.
Appearance: Males are known for their iridescent ruby-red throats, emerald green backs, and white undersides. Females lack the red throat but share the green and white coloring. Both sexes are incredibly small—just 3 to 4 inches long—and beat their wings up to 80 times per second, producing the characteristic humming sound.
Habitat: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are found in a variety of environments, from forest edges and meadows to suburban gardens and city parks across the eastern U.S. during their breeding season.
Behavior: Ruby-throated hummingbirds are highly active and territorial, often seen hovering near flowers or feeders. They feed on insects and nectar from flowers, which are vital sources of protein. These birds migrate long distances, with some traveling from Central America to North America each spring.
How to Attract Them: Plant brightly colored, tubular flowers like bee balm, trumpet vine, and columbine to draw them in. Use sugar-water feeders (4 parts water to 1 part white sugar) and avoid honey or red dyes. Clean feeders regularly, especially in hot weather, to prevent mold and fermentation.
Yellow-rumped Warblers
The Yellow-rumped Warbler flashes a little sunshine on its backside as it flits by.
Photo by LeopARTnik on Unsplash
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is a hardy and adaptable bird commonly seen during spring and fall migration and throughout the winter in much of the U.S. Thanks to their ability to digest waxy berries, they’re one of the few warblers that can overwinter in colder climates. In summer, they migrate north to breed in the forests of Canada and the northern U.S. With their bright yellow rump, they’ve earned the playful nickname “butter butts.”
Appearance: These small birds display streaked gray plumage with flashes of yellow on the rump, sides, and crown—giving them their affectionate nickname.
Habitat: They breed in coniferous forests in the north and mountainous west but migrate widely in winter in various habitats, including woods, parks, and coastal scrub.
Behavior: Agile and active, they feed on insects in summer and switch to berries and waxy fruits in winter—one of the few warblers able to digest waxy coatings.
How to Attract Them: Plant native shrubs that bear berries like bayberry and juniper and provide a clean water source. In colder months, they may also visit suet feeders.
Northern Cardinals
The Northern Cardinal adds a splash of red to every green summer morning.
Photo by Paul Crook on Unsplash
A favorite among birdwatchers, the Northern Cardinal adds color and song to summer gardens across much of the country. These birds are year-round residents in many parts of the United States and are especially active in the summer.
Appearance: Male Northern Cardinals are easily recognized by their boldly red feathers and black facial masks. Females are more understated, with softer brown plumage accented by reddish tones on the wings, tail, and crest. Both have strong, cone-shaped beaks suited for cracking seeds.
Habitat: Northern Cardinals thrive in a variety of environments, including woodlands, shrublands, gardens, and suburban neighborhoods. They favor areas with dense vegetation that offers cover for nesting and protection.
Behavior: Cardinals are non-migratory and remain in their territory throughout the year. Their rich, whistling songs—sung by both males and females—help them defend their range and communicate. They are often seen foraging on the ground or perched in shrubs.
How to Attract Them: Northern Cardinals are experts at eating sunflower and safflower seeds. You can offer them these in hopper or platform feeders and plant dense shrubs or thickets to provide ideal nesting spots. A birdbath can also help make your yard a reliable stop for these bold and beautiful birds.
Scarlet Tanagers
Scarlet Tanagers glow like embers among the dense canopy of summer forests.
Photo by Patrice Bouchard on Unsplash
Scarlet Tanagers are stunning summer birds known for their vibrant contrast. Their vivid colors and smooth flying patterns make them a remarkable sight in wooded areas.
Appearance: During the breeding season, males are bright scarlet with jet-black wings and tails, while females and juveniles have olive-yellow bodies with darker wings. Their sharp color contrast and elegant form are unmistakable.
Habitat: During summer, these birds are typically found in deciduous forests and large wooded parks across the eastern United States. The scarlet tanager prefers to stay high in the tree canopy, which makes sightings extra special for observant birdwatchers.
Behavior: Scarlet Tanagers are more often heard than seen, as their rich, robin-like song filters down from the treetops. They are insectivores but will also eat fruit, especially during migration and late summer.
How to Attract Them: Though elusive, Scarlet Tanagers may be drawn to backyards that mimic their natural habitat. Native berry-producing trees and shrubs, along with fruit feeders, can help entice them to visit. A quiet yard with tall trees offers the best chance to spot these colorful flyers as they move gracefully through the canopy.
Common Yellowthroats
The Common Yellowthroat looks like a tiny masked bandit hiding in the brush.
Photo by Ray Hennessy on Unsplash
A familiar sound in the summertime, the Common Yellowthroat is one of the most widespread warblers in North America. Though small and often hidden in thick vegetation, its cheerful song and splash of yellow make it a favorite among birders who enjoy seeking out beauty in unexpected places.
Appearance: The Common Yellowthroat is a small, energetic warbler with olive-brown upperparts and a bright yellow throat and chest. Males are easily recognized by their bold black mask across the head, bordered with white. Females lack the mask but share the yellow coloring. Both sexes have rounded tails that they often flick as they move through vegetation.
Habitat: During warmer months, these summer birds are found throughout most of the U.S. They prefer marshes, wet meadows, and shrubby edges of open woods, especially where dense low cover is available. You might also spot them along streams or brushy fields.
Behavior: Common Yellowthroats are quick and secretive, weaving through grasses and twigs near the ground. Males sing a distinctive “witchety-witchety” song to mark territory. They mostly eat insects and spiders, playing an important role in local ecosystems.
How to Attract Them: Create dense plantings of native shrubs, tall grasses, or brush piles. Avoid excessive clearing of undergrowth, especially near wetlands or woodland edges. Yellowthroats are shy but rewarding to watch if you give them safe, low cover to forage and nest in.
How to Make Your Garden Bird-Friendly
Even birds need a cool dip on a hot day.
Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Pexels
Summer can be harsh on birds. As temperatures climb and heatwaves become more frequent, our backyard birds face real challenges staying cool, hydrated, and healthy. Like people, birds are vulnerable to overheating and dehydration, particularly during stretches of extreme weather.
Unlike humans, birds can't sweat to cool down. Instead, they rely on behaviors like panting, seeking shade, and bathing frequently to regulate their body temperature. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat stress, which affects their ability to forage, breed, and survive.
Fortunately, there are simple, effective ways to make your garden a bird-friendly refuge during the hottest months of the year. Here are some:
1. Provide Fresh Water Daily
Birds need water not just to drink but to bathe and cool off. Use shallow dishes, birdbaths, or even a small fountain. Make sure to:
- Refill and clean water sources daily.
- Place birdbaths in shady areas.
- Add a few stones for birds to perch on.
2. Offer Shade
Ensure parts of your garden are shaded throughout the day. Trees, large shrubs, and garden umbrellas can help provide relief from the heat. Providing birdhouses can also entice species like chickadees and bluebirds in your yard.
3. Mist Sprayers
Consider installing a gentle misting system or occasionally misting the foliage with water to create cool open spaces.
4. Avoid Pesticides
Heat and chemicals are dangerous together. To protect the health of your garden birds, opt for natural pest control methods.
5. Provide Food
Summer is an active time for birds feeding young or rebuilding energy after migration. Offer high-protein foods like mealworms, peanuts, or suet crumbles, and keep feeders clean and shaded.
Why Summer Birds are Special
Summer birds bring color, music, and life to our backyards. After long spring migrations, they arrive to nest, raise their young, and fill our green spaces with energy and song. Watching them offers a daily connection to nature’s rhythm.
Birds are essential to the environment in many ways. They act as a natural method of pest control, helping to maintain the balance of garden ecosystems. Birds are also crucial for biodiversity, playing vital roles in seed dispersal, pollination, and the overall health of natural habitats.
But these birds face real challenges—habitat loss, climate change, and fewer insects make it harder for them to survive. Human activities deplete avian habitats and increase global temperatures, putting even common species at risk as natural spaces disappear. The extinction of the passenger pigeon is a historical example of a significant impact on bird populations, reminding us how quickly a species can vanish when environmental pressures go unchecked.
The good news? We can help. Planting native flowers, skipping pesticides, and offering water and food can make your yard a safe haven. By supporting summer birds, we protect more than wildlife—we keep a bit of wild beauty in our everyday lives.
Protecting Birds From Cats with Birdsbesafe Collar Covers
One of the biggest threats to backyard birds, especially during nesting season, is domestic cats. While we all love our feline companions, their hunting instincts can be deadly for birds. It is a good thing that innovations like Birdsbesafe collar covers are designed to help lessen bird predation in cats.
What are Birdsbesafe Collar Covers?
Birdsbesafe collar cover is a colorful fabric cover that slips over a cat’s collar. The bright colors and patterns are highly visible to birds, giving them a better chance to spot and evade the cat before it's too late.
How They Work
Birds have excellent color vision. The flashy colors and patterns of Birdsbesafe collar covers act like a warning signal, alerting birds to the presence of a predator. Studies show these covers can reduce bird predation by up to 87%.
Benefits of Birdsbesafe:
- Protects birds from surprise attacks
- Doesn’t interfere with your cat’s comfort
- Works with breakaway collars for safety
- Comes in a variety of fun patterns and colors
Additional Cat Safety Tips:
- Keep cats indoors during peak bird activity hours (early morning and late afternoon).
- Supervise outdoor time with a leash or enclosed “catios.”
- Feed cats well to reduce hunting drive (though this doesn’t always stop it).
A Summer of Song and Safety
Watching summer birds flit through your yard is one of the great joys of the warmer months. Their appearance opens a new chapter in the beautiful book of seasons. These vibrant visitors bring movement, color, and life to our everyday surroundings. By taking simple steps—like providing fresh water, planting shade trees, and using tools such as Birdsbesafe collar covers to reduce cat predation—you enhance your ability to watch their fascinating behaviors and also help ensure their survival.
This summer, let your yard be more than just a space for plants—make it a lively, welcoming sanctuary where birds can thrive. In doing so, you'll enjoy the daily spectacle of wings in motion and melodies in the air while playing a meaningful role in the lives of these remarkable creatures.
And perhaps more importantly, it’s a chance to pass something on. Parents can use this season to teach children the joy of slowing down, listening closely, and caring deeply for the world right outside their window. Whether it's building a simple birdhouse together, jotting down observations in a nature journal, or even writing poems inspired by birdsong, these shared moments nurture a sense of wonder that lasts a lifetime.
Contrary to conventional wisdom, you don’t need to venture far or spend much to experience the magic of wildlife. Sometimes, the most powerful lessons in empathy, patience, and connection are taught in the backyard, one chirp at a time.
