31 Winter Birds In Illinois:Legth,weight,wingspan

When winter comes, Illinois becomes a special place for birds. Many colourful and unique birds make this state their home during the cold months. If you want to enjoy watching them, it’s easy!

With a simple bird feeder and some patience, you can see these winter wonders right in your backyard. Let’s learn how to spot and appreciate these feathered friends this season.

Table of Contents

List of 31 winter birds in illinois

1.Northern Cardinal:

The Northern Cardinal is a bright red bird often seen in Illinois. They love places like woods and gardens. These birds are special because they stay here even in winter.

They make their homes, called nests, in thick bushes or trees, using twigs and leaves to keep them hidden and safe.In these nests, the female cardinal lays about three to four eggs. She takes care of them, keeping them warm until they hatch into adorable baby birds.

Length: 21–23.5 cm (8.3–9.3 in)
Weight: 33.6–65 g (1.19–2.29 oz), with an average of 44.8 g (1.58 oz). The average weight of adult cardinals is 42 to 48 g.
Wingspan: 25–31 cm (9.8–12.2 in)

2.Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

Blue Jays are bright blue birds that are easy to spot. They live in forests, parks, and even backyards. Blue Jays are smart and can make a lot of different sounds. They build safe nests in trees, where the mother lays four to five eggs. The eggs stay in the nest, being kept warm and protected, until they hatch into young birds. Blue Jays are amazing creatures to observe and learn about.

Length: 22–30 cm (9–12 in)
Weight: 70–100 g (2.5–3.5 oz)
Wingspan: 34–43 cm (13–17 in)

3.American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

The American Crow is a large, black bird that is very smart. They live in many places like cities, farms, and forests. Crows make big nests in trees using sticks. In these nests, they lay about three to six eggs. The mother crow takes care of the eggs, keeping them warm until they hatch. Crows are common birds that are easy to see and hear in our surroundings.

Length: 40–53 cm (16–21 in)
Weight: (not found)
Wingspan: 85 to 100 cm (33 to 39 in)

4.Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)

The Black-capped Chickadee is a small, friendly bird with a cute black cap on its head. They love living in woods, gardens, and parks. Chickadees make their nests in tree holes or small boxes, filling them with soft materials. Inside the nest, the female lays about six to eight eggs, keeping them warm and safe. Chickadees are lovely birds that bring joy with their sweet songs and quick, playful movements.

Length: 12–15 cm (4.7–5.9 in)
Weight: 9–14 g (0.32–0.49 oz)
Wingspan: 16–21 cm (6.3–8.3 in)

5.Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)

The Tufted Titmouse is a charming bird with a soft grey body and a cute crest on its head. They enjoy being in woods and gardens where trees are plenty. These birds create cosy nests inside tree holes or nest boxes, using soft materials like moss and hair. In these comfortable nests, the mother bird lays about five to six eggs, caring for them until they hatch into adorable baby birds.

Length: 14–16 cm (5.5–6.3 in)
Weight: 17–26 g (0.6–0.9 oz)
Wingspan: 20–26 cm (7.9–10.2 in)

6.White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a cool bird that can walk down trees head first! They have a white belly and grey-blue back and like living in woods and forests. They make their nests in tree holes, making them cosy with bark and fur. In the nest, the female lays about six to eight eggs. She keeps them warm and safe, waiting for the little birds to hatch and join the world.

Length: 13–14 cm (5-6 in)
Weight: 17–30 g (0.6–1.1 oz)
Wingspan: 20–28 cm (8-11 in)

7.Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)

The Downy Woodpecker is a small, busy bird with black and white feathers. You can find them in woods, parks, and gardens, where they peck at trees to find bugs. They make their nests in holes in trees, where it’s safe. Inside, the mother lays about three to seven eggs. She takes care of the eggs, keeping them warm until they hatch into cute baby woodpeckers ready to explore the world.

Length: 14–18 cm (5.5 to 7.1 in),
Weight: 20 to 33 g (0.71 to 1.16 oz),
Wingspan: 25 to 31 cm (9.8 to 12.2 in)

8.Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a colourful bird with a red cap and a soft red belly. They like living in forests, where they can find lots of trees. Woodpeckers make their nests in tree holes, keeping them comfy with soft materials. In these nests, they lay about four to five eggs. The parents take turns keeping the eggs warm, waiting for the baby birds to hatch and start their lives in the woods.

Length: 22.9 to 26.7 cm
Weight: about 72.5 grams (range 56 to 91 g)
Wingspan: 38 to 46 cm

9.Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)

The Dark-eyed Junco is a cute, small bird with soft grey and white feathers. They enjoy cold weather and love to stay in forests and gardens. Juncos build their nests on the ground, hidden by grass and leaves. In these secret places, they lay about three to five eggs. The mother bird keeps the eggs warm and safe, waiting for the tiny baby birds to hatch and see the world for the first time.

Length: 13–17.5 cm (5.1 to 6.9 in)
Weight: 18 to 30 g (0.63 to 1.06 oz)
Wingspan: 18 to 25 cm (7.1 to 9.8 in)

10.American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea)

The American Tree Sparrow is a small, brown bird with a sweet, round face. These sparrows like open spaces and fields where there are lots of trees and bushes. They build their nests on the ground, hidden under plants. In the nest, the female sparrow lays about four to six eggs. She carefully watches over them, keeping them warm until the happy day when the baby birds hatch and come into the world.

Length: 5.5 inches (14 cm)
Weight: 0.5 to 1.0 ounces (13-28 grams)
Wingspan: 9.4 inches (24 cm)

11.White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

The White-throated Sparrow is a lovely bird with a white throat and beautiful stripes on its head. They enjoy staying in forests and gardens with many trees and bushes. These sparrows create hidden nests on the ground, where they lay about four to five eggs. The mother sparrow keeps the eggs cosy and safe, waiting patiently for the new baby birds to hatch and start their wonderful lives in nature.

Length: 15 to 19 cm (5.9 to 7.5 inches)
Weight: 22 to 32 grams (0.78 to 1.13 ounces), with an average weight of around 26 grams (0.92 ounces)
Wingspan: 23 cm (9.1 inches)

12.Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

The Song Sparrow is a cheerful bird known for its beautiful songs. They like living in meadows, gardens, and near water. These sparrows make their nests close to the ground, hidden by plants. In the nest, they lay about three to five eggs. The mother carefully watches over the eggs, keeping them warm and safe until the little birds are ready to hatch and fill the world with their lovely melodies.

Length: Ranges from 11 to 18 cm (4.3 to 7.1 inches)
Wingspan: Can range from 18 to 25.4 cm (7.1 to 10.0 inches)
Weight: Varies widely, ranging from 11.9 to 53 grams (0.42 to 1.87 ounces)

The Bald Eagle is a powerful bird with a white head and a strong beak. They are found near lakes and rivers where they can catch fish. Eagles build huge nests in tall trees or cliffs. In these nests, they lay about one to three eggs. The parents take good care of the eggs, protecting them until the mighty baby eagles are ready to hatch and explore the sky.

Length: Adult Bald Eagles typically range from 70 to 102 cm (28 to 40 inches) in length.
Weight: Their weight varies from 3 to 6.3 kg (6.6 to 13.9 lb). Females are generally about 25% larger than males.
Wingspan: The wingspan of a Bald Eagle ranges from 1.8 to 2.3 meters (5.9 to 7.5 feet)

14.Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

The Red-tailed Hawk is a big bird with wide wings and a red tail. They like open areas like fields and deserts where they can fly freely. Hawks build their nests high in trees or on cliffs. In these nests, they lay about one to three eggs. The mother hawk takes care of the eggs, keeping them safe and warm until the baby hawks are ready to hatch and spread their wings

Length: 17.7 to 22.1 inches (45 to 56 cm)
Weight: 690 to 1,600 grams (1.5 to 3.5 pounds)
Wingspan: 44.9 to 52.4 inches (114 to 133 cm)

15.Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)

The Cooper’s Hawk is a sleek, fast bird that is great at flying between trees. They like woods and forests where they can find plenty of birds to catch. Cooper’s Hawks build their nests in tall trees, keeping them hidden. In these nests, they lay about two to four eggs. The mother stays with the eggs, keeping them warm and safe until the adventurous baby hawks are ready to hatch and explore the skies.

Length: 36 to 51 centimeters (14 to 20 inches).male Cooper’s Hawks are typically between 35 to 46 cm (14 to 18 inches) in length, while females, which are generally larger, range from 42 to 50 cm (17 to 20 inches).
Weight: 479 to 678 grams (17 to 24 ounces). Male Cooper’s Hawks weigh between 302 to 402 grams (10 to 14 ounces).
Wingspan: 62 to 94 centimeters (24 to 37 inches)

16.Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus)

The Rough-legged Hawk is a strong bird with feathered legs that help it stay warm. They visit open fields and marshes where they can find food in winter. These hawks make their nests on cliffs or tall trees. Inside the nest, they lay about two to five eggs. The parents take turns watching over the eggs, keeping them safe until the new baby hawks are ready to hatch and start their journey in the sky.

Length: 46 to 68 cm (18 to 27 inches) in length. Other sources indicate a range of 18 to 24 inches, and a specific mention of 21 inches.
Weight: 600 to 1,660 grams (1.32 to 3.66 pounds), with females typically being larger and heavier than males. One source specifically mentions a weight of 2.2 pounds (990 grams).
Wingspan: The wingspan of the Rough-legged Hawk ranges from 120 to 153 cm (47 to 60 inches)

17.Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

The Mallard is a popular duck known for its colourful feathers. They enjoy places with water like lakes, ponds, and rivers. Mallards build their nests near the water, hidden in tall grass. In these nests, the mother duck lays about eight to thirteen eggs. She keeps them warm, waiting for the day the cute ducklings will hatch and follow her into the water for their first swim.

Length: Mallards have a total body length ranging from 20 to 26 inches (50 to 65 cm).
Weight: Adult Mallards typically weigh between 1.5 to 3.5 pounds (700 to 1600 grams).
Wingspan: Their wingspan ranges from 32 to 39 inches (81 to 99 cm)

18.Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

The Canada Goose is a big bird with a long neck and a black head. They like to live near lakes, ponds, and rivers. These geese build their nests close to the water, using grass and feathers. In the nest, the mother goose lays about three to eight eggs. She takes care of them, keeping them warm until the fluffy goslings are ready to hatch and explore the world.

Length: 45 inches or 1.15 meters. Other sources indicate a length range of 76 to 110 centimeters (about 30 to 43 inches).
Weight: 5 to over 20 pounds. Males are generally larger than females.
Wingspan: 51 to 71 inches (1.3 to 1.8 meters), with some of the largest specimens exceeding 7 feet (2.1 meters)

Related article: 20 Largest Birds In Illinois to see

19.Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)

The Common Merganser is a diving duck with a long, narrow beak. They love lakes and rivers where they can find fish to eat. Mergansers make their nests in hollow trees near water, lining them with feathers. Inside, the mother duck lays about six to seventeen eggs, waiting and caring for them until the baby ducks, or ducklings, are ready to hatch and join the watery world.

Length: Common Mergansers have a length ranging from 58 to 72 cm (23 to 28.5 inches). Another source mentions a specific length of about 25 inches.
Weight: Their weight varies between 0.9 to 2.1 kg (2 to 4.6 pounds). It’s noted that males generally are slightly larger than females, but there is some overlap in their sizes.
Wingspan: The wingspan of the Common Merganser is typically between 78 to 97 cm (30.5 to 38 inches)

20.Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

The Great Horned Owl is a big bird with tufts on its head that look like horns. They live in forests, deserts, and even city parks. These owls don’t build their own nests but use old nests made by other birds. In these nests, the mother owl lays about two to three eggs. She watches over them, keeping them safe and warm until the baby owls are ready to hatch and see the night for the first time.

Length: 45 to 63.5 cm (17.7 to 25 inches) in length. Another source mentions that they are often more than 60 cm (2 feet) long.
Weight: 1.706 kg (3.76 pounds), and males weigh about 1.304 kg (2.87 pounds). The overall weight range for this species is from 0.680 to 2.503 kg (1.5 to 5.5 pounds).
Wingspan: Their wingspan ranges from about 101 to 145 cm (39.8 to 57.1 inches), with an average of 122 cm (48 inches). Some sources mention wingspans approaching 200 cm (80 inches)

21.Barred Owl (Strix varia)

The Barred Owl is a mysterious bird with big, dark eyes and striped feathers. They like to live in deep woods where it’s quiet and peaceful. Barred Owls make their nests in tree holes or use nests made by other birds. In the nest, they lay about two to four eggs. The mother owl stays with the eggs, keeping them warm until the baby owls are ready to hatch and explore the night.

Length: 48 cm (18.9 inches), while females are slightly larger.
Weight: 630 grams (22.2 ounces), and females weigh about 800 grams (28.2 ounces)
Wingspan: 107 to 111 cm (42 to 44 inches). Other sources mention a wingspan ranging from 96 to 125 cm (38 to 49 inches)

22.Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio)

The Eastern Screech Owl is a small owl with a big voice. They live in woods and forests, close to people’s homes. These owls find cosy nests in tree holes where they can hide. Inside the nest, the mother owl lays about two to six eggs. She stays there, keeping the eggs safe and warm, waiting for the baby owls to hatch and bring their sweet sounds to the nighttime world.

Length: 16 to 25 cm (6.5 to 10 inches).
Weight: 121 to 244 grams (4.3 to 8.6 ounces).
Wingspan: 46 to 61 cm (18 to 24 inches)

23.American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)

The American Goldfinch is a small, bright yellow bird that loves sunny places like gardens and meadows. They build their nests in trees and shrubs, making them very secure and snug. In these nests, the mother goldfinch lays about four to six eggs. She keeps them warm and safe, waiting for the little goldfinches to hatch and bring happiness and beauty to the world with their lovely colours.

Length: The American Goldfinch typically measures between 4.3 to 5.1 inches in length.
Weight: It weighs between 11 to 20 grams (0.39 to 0.71 ounces).
Wingspan: The wingspan of this bird ranges from 19 to 22 cm (7.5 to 8.7 inches)

24.House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

The House Finch is a friendly bird with red, brown, and white feathers. They like living near people, in trees, shrubs, or even buildings. These finches make their nests in safe, hidden places where they lay about two to six eggs. The mother finch takes care of the eggs, keeping them warm until the baby birds are ready to hatch and join the lively world outside.

Length: House Finches are typically 12.5 to 15 centimeters (5 to 6 inches) long.
Weight: Their body mass can vary from 16 to 27 grams, with an average weight of around 21 grams. Another source notes a weight range of 19 to 22 grams.
Wingspan: The wingspan of House Finches ranges from 20 to 25 centimeters (8 to 10 inches)

25.Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)

The Purple Finch is a beautiful bird with lovely red and purple feathers. They enjoy being in forests, gardens, and places with lots of trees. Purple Finches create their nests in high tree branches, making them comfy and safe. In these nests, they lay about four to five eggs. The mother bird takes good care of the eggs, waiting for the colourful baby birds to hatch and brighten the world with their presence.

Length: The Purple Finch typically measures between 12 to 16 cm (4.7 to 6.3 inches) in overall length.
Weight: It weighs between 18 to 32 grams (0.63 to 1.13 ounces).
Wingspan: The wingspan of the Purple Finch ranges from 23 to 27 cm (9.25 to 10.5 inches)

26.Brown Creeper (Certhia Americana)

The Brown Creeper is a small bird that loves to climb up tree trunks. It has brown feathers that help it blend in with the trees. These birds build hidden nests behind loose tree bark. In their cosy nests, they lay about four to seven eggs. The mother bird keeps the eggs warm and safe, waiting for the tiny creepers to hatch and start climbing the trees just like their parents.

Length: They typically measure from 12 to 14 cm (4.7 to 5.5 inches) in length. Another source mentions a specific length of 5.25 inches.
Weight: Brown Creepers weigh between 5 to 10 grams (0.2 to 0.4 ounces), with some sources specifying a range of 0.2 to 0.35 ounces (5.7 to 9.9 grams).
Wingspan: Their wingspan ranges from 17 to 20 cm (6.7 to 7.9 inches), with a specific mention of 7.75 inches in one source

27.Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)

The Yellow-rumped Warbler is a colourful bird with bright yellow spots. They like woods and places with lots of trees. In spring, they find a good place to make their nests, using grass and feathers. In these nests, they lay about four to five eggs. The mother warbler takes care of the eggs, keeping them warm until the little warblers are ready to hatch and fill the forest with their playful chirping.

Length: Ranges from 12 to 15 cm (4.7 to 5.9 inches).
Weight: The body mass of this species can vary from 9.9 to 17.7 grams (0.35 to 0.62 ounces), with averages between 11 and 14 grams (0.39 and 0.49 ounces).
Wingspan: The wingspan of the Yellow-rumped Warbler is between 19 to 24 cm (7.5 to 9.4 inches)

28.Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)

The Snowy Owl is a magnificent white owl that looks like snow. They come to open fields and beaches in winter. These owls make their nests right on the ground in quiet, open spaces. In their nests, they lay about three to eleven eggs. The mother owl guards and warms the eggs, waiting for the fluffy baby owls to hatch and explore the frosty world with their big, curious eyes.

Length: They range in length from 52 to 71 cm (20 to 28 inches).
Weight: Snowy Owls weigh between 700 grams to 2.95 kg (1.5 to 6.5 pounds), with females being larger and heavier than males.
Wingspan: Their wingspan varies from 137 to 164 cm (about 4.5 to 5.4 feet), with some sources stating a range of 126 to 166 cm (about 4.1 to 5.4 feet)

29.Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)

The Pine Siskin is a small bird with streaky feathers. They love places with many pine trees where they can find lots of seeds to eat. Siskins build their nests high in trees, hidden among the branches. In these nests, they lay about three to four eggs. The mother bird takes care of the eggs, keeping them cosy until the baby birds are ready to hatch and flutter around the pine trees.

Length: The total length of the Pine Siskin ranges from 11 to 14 cm (4.3 to 5.5 inches).
Weight: These birds weigh between 12 to 18 grams (0.42 to 0.63 ounces).
Wingspan: The wingspan of the Pine Siskin is between 18 to 22 cm (7.1 to 8.7 inches)

30.Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a cute bird with a black eye mask and a chestnut belly. They enjoy forests filled with pine trees. These small birds create their nests in tree trunks, using wood chips and grass. Inside these cosy nests, they lay about five to seven eggs. The mother takes care of the eggs, warming them until the baby birds hatch, ready to explore the beautiful world of the forest.

Length: It measures about 11 cm (4.3 to 4.5 inches) in length.
Weight: The weight of the Red-breasted Nuthatch ranges from 8 to 13 grams (0.3 to 0.5 ounces), with some sources specifically mentioning 9.9 grams (0.35 ounces) and 10 grams.
Wingspan: Its wingspan varies between 18 to 22 cm (7.1 to 8.5 inches)

31.Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)

The Common Redpoll is a tiny bird with a red spot on its head. They like cold places and enjoy being in open fields and woods. Redpolls make their nests in bushes or trees, where they lay about four to six eggs. The mother bird watches over the eggs, keeping them warm and safe until the baby birds are ready to hatch and join the frosty, beautiful outdoors.

Length: They range in length from 12 to 14 cm (4.7 to 5.5 inches).
Weight: Common Redpolls weigh between 12 to 16 grams (0.4 to 0.6 ounces).
Wingspan: The wingspan of this species is between 20 to 25 cm (7.9 to 9.8 inches)

FAQs:

What are the most common winter birds in Illinois?
The most common winter birds in Illinois include the Northern Cardinal, Dark-eyed Junco, and the American Tree Sparrow. These birds are often seen in backyards and parks throughout the winter.
When is the best time to spot winter birds?
The best time to spot winter birds is during the early morning and late afternoon. During these times, birds are usually more active, searching for food and water.
How can I attract winter birds to my yard?
You can attract winter birds by providing bird feeders with seeds and fresh water. Also, consider having sheltered places like birdhouses or shrubs where birds can find cover from the cold winds and snow.

Conclusion:

Illinois’s winter is a canvas painted with the diverse and captivating beauty of its feathered residents. From the vibrant Northern Cardinal to the elusive Snowy Owl, these birds add a touch of magic to the chilly season.

As we marvel at their presence, let us also embrace the role of birdwatchers and conservationists. By providing food, shelter, and care, we can ensure the well-being of these remarkable creatures. So, take a moment to observe and protect Illinois’s winter birds, and you’ll discover the true wonder of nature right in your own backyard.