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Birds of California: Top 15 with Pictures

LB Lena Bergström Columnist August 13, 2026 2 min read № 015
Birds of California: Top 15 with Pictures

There are676 species of birdsin the Golden State, as mentioned by the CBRC (California Bird Records Committee) in the state’s official list of birds as of 7th July in 2021. If you live in California and you’re curious about the types of birds you can come across in your yard, then you’ve come to the right place! In today’s article, we’re sharing interesting facts and easy descriptions of the most common 15 California backyard birds to help you better attract and identify them. Let’s dive in! Where do we get our data from?In order to give you the most popular and rarest birds in California, we’ve used a variety of data sources including theNorth American Breeding Bird Surveywhich has been collecting data on birds of each state since 1966. Below you will find the most popular birds in California, in 2021 there were a total of 288 species counted including both migrant and non breeder birds. In total there were 50,900 sightings of birds throughout California in 2021. 1. Yellow-rumped Warbler Scientifically known as Setophaga coronata, the Yellow-rumped Warbler has a length of 4.7 to 5.5 inches, a wingspan of 7.5 to 9.1 inches, and weighs no more than 0.5 ounces. These birds are characterized by having patches of canary yellow color across their grey bodies. The pattern of these patches, however, can differ according to the bird’s location but the yellow is usually covering their faces, sides, and rump. Interestingly, Yellow-rumped Warblers don’t stay vibrant all year round. Their colors typically go paler in winter creating a duller brown plumage. In the northern half of California, these birds are both year-round residents and visitors during spring and summer breeding seasons. In the southern half, Yellow-rumped Warblers are commonly seen during the cold months. To attract Yellow-rumped Warblers, set up

There are676 species of birdsin the Golden State, as mentioned by the CBRC (California Bird Records Committee) in the state’s official list of birds as of 7th July in 2021.