Introduction
Ready to spot the red flash of a cardinal, the loud announcement of a blue jay, or the tiny blur of a hummingbird? This quiz is a cheerful, slightly quirky trip through common North American backyard birds and a few feathered friends you might spot on a walk. Along the way you’ll find fun facts (and a few identification tricks) that will make you sound delightfully bird-smart at your next coffee chat.
If you love the spiritual lore behind bird visits, check out our posts on mockingbirds and bluebirds, or learn how to invite hummingbirds to your garden here. Now stretch your eyes and ears—let’s see how many of these common species you can identify!
About the Quiz
This multiple-choice quiz mixes easy, confidence-building questions with a few trickier ones. Questions focus on color, behavior, calls, and a handful of surprising facts. It’s perfect for backyard birdwatchers, nature lovers, and anyone who likes learning little natural-world nuggets you can share on a walk.
Instructions
- Answer all 10 questions — no peeking at your phone!
- Each question has four options; choose the best match.
- Score 70% or higher to pass. Explanations appear after each answer so you can learn as you go.
Share your score and challenge a friend — bird nerd badges available for the bragging rights only.
Can You Identify These Common North American Birds?
A 10-question multiple-choice quiz to test your ability to identify common North American birds by looks, behavior, and sound.
Which bird is famous for its bright red plumage and prominent crest?
The male Northern Cardinal is iconic for its vivid red feathers and pointed crest. Females are brownish with red tinges.
Which common backyard bird is known for tugging worms from lawns and has a round orange breast?
The American Robin often forages on lawns for earthworms and has a distinctive orange-red breast. It’s a thrush, not closely related to the European robin.
Which tiny bird can hover in midair and fly backward?
Hummingbirds (like the Ruby-throated) have unique wing mechanics that let them hover and even fly backwards—a helpful trick for feeding on nectar.
Which bird is famous for imitating the songs of other species and even man-made sounds?
The Northern Mockingbird is an expert mimic, often copying the songs of other birds and noises from its environment.
Which bright yellow bird molts into a duller, olive-brown color in winter?
American Goldfinches are brilliant yellow in summer but molt into a drab, olive-brown winter plumage—nature’s seasonal wardrobe change.
Which blue-crested bird is known for loud, raucous calls and sometimes mimicking hawks?
Blue Jays are loud, social birds with a crest. They sometimes mimic hawk calls, which can confuse other birds.
Which raptor often seen perched on roadside posts has a distinctive rusty-red tail?
The Red-tailed Hawk is commonly seen across North America and is named for its rich, rusty-red tail—a helpful ID mark in flight or perched.
Which woodpecker is smaller and has a shorter bill relative to its head—often drilling tiny holes in branches?
The Downy Woodpecker is small with a short bill compared to the Hairy. Pileateds are much larger with chisel-like bills.
Which large black corvid has a wedge-shaped tail and a deep croaking call (often larger than the crow)?
The Common Raven is larger than the American Crow, with a wedge-shaped tail in flight and a deeper, croaking call.
Which group of birds includes many species that migrate at night and navigate using stars and magnetic cues?
Many songbirds migrate at night, using stars, magnetic fields, and internal compasses to navigate long distances.