15 Types of Small Birds in Northern California 

Northern California isn’t just known for its redwoods and rocky coastlines—it’s also a paradise for small birds in Northern California that fill the skies with song! From backyards in Berkeley to forests near Mount Shasta, these pint-sized wonders flutter, flit, and brighten the air with chirps, trills, and warbles.

Whether you’re a beginner birder or someone who just loves spotting feathered visitors at the feeder, this guide will introduce you to 15 small birds in Northern California. We’ll dive into their appearance, habitat, diet, and behavior—so the next time you see a quick flash of yellow or hear a bubbling tune in the bushes, you’ll know exactly who’s stopping by.

1. Bushtit

Appearance

Tiny and fluffy, the Bushtit measures just about 4.5 inches long. It has a round body, long tail, and a short, stubby bill. Its soft plumage is mostly grayish-brown with subtle pinkish or buff tones. Males and females look quite similar, though females often have pale eyes while males have dark eyes.

Habitat

Bushtits are year-round residents in oak woodlands, mixed chaparral, suburban gardens, and even city parks throughout Northern California. They love shrubs and thickets that offer both shelter and foraging opportunities.

Diet

These little birds are insectivores, dining mainly on small insects, spiders, and larvae. They glean bugs from leaves and twigs in a hyperactive fashion, rarely sitting still.

Behavior

Bushtits are extremely social and almost always travel in noisy flocks. You’ll often spot a swirling cloud of them bouncing through shrubs, sometimes hanging upside down while foraging.

Vocalizations

They make high-pitched, soft “tsit-tsit-tsit” calls that help the flock stay together as they forage.

Breeding/Nesting

They build fascinating hanging nests—large, sock-like structures made from spiderwebs, moss, and feathers. Both sexes help with nest-building and chick-rearing.

Conservation

Bushtits are common and stable in population. Their adaptability to human-altered landscapes helps them thrive even in residential areas.

Also Read : 20 Types of Ducks in Texas (Plus Duck-Like Species Found in Wetlands)

2. Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Appearance

This adorable chickadee stands out with its rich chestnut-brown back and flanks, contrasting with a dark cap and bib, white cheeks, and a stubby little black beak. It’s petite—only about 4.5 inches long—and always looks a little round and fluffy.

Habitat

Chestnut-backed Chickadees thrive in the coastal coniferous forests of Northern California. You’ll also find them in mixed woods, residential areas, and parks with mature trees.

Diet

They enjoy a balanced diet of insects, spiders, and seeds. In winter, they eagerly visit feeders for sunflower seeds, suet, and peanut butter.

Behavior

True to chickadee style, they’re curious, energetic, and agile, often seen flitting between branches, sometimes hanging upside down. They frequently join mixed-species flocks in the non-breeding season.

Vocalizations

They have a distinctive high-pitched “see-see-see” or buzzy “chicka-dee-dee” call. Their vocalizations help them communicate and warn others of predators.

Breeding/Nesting

They prefer to nest in tree cavities or nest boxes lined with fur or moss. Females do most of the incubation while the males provide food.

Conservation

Although not considered threatened, their range is somewhat limited to the Pacific coast, making them a special sight for NorCal birders.

Also Read : 15 TYPES OF Black Birds in South Carolina

3. Oak Titmouse

Appearance

The Oak Titmouse is a plain but perky little bird, about 5.5 inches long, with a grayish-brown body and a modest crest on its head (like a subtle mohawk!). Though it lacks flashy colours, its expressive face and alert posture make it surprisingly charismatic.

Habitat

As its name suggests, it’s often found in oak woodlands across Northern California, especially in the foothills and dry valleys. It also frequents backyard feeders and city parks with mature trees.

Diet

This bird munches on insects, caterpillars, spiders, and occasionally acorns and seeds. During fall and winter, it will visit feeders for suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.

Behavior

Oak Titmice are often seen in pairs or small groups, flitting about branches in jerky motions. They’re curious and alert, often popping out to investigate movement—even from humans!

Vocalizations

Their call is a loud, clear “pit-chu” or “peter-peter-peter” song, which sounds sharper and less musical than a chickadee. Males sing most frequently during breeding season.

Breeding/Nesting

They nest in tree cavities, natural hollows, or nest boxes. The female lays about 5–9 eggs, and both parents feed the young once hatched.

Conservation

The Oak Titmouse has a stable population, but habitat loss (especially oak woodland clearance) poses a long-term threat. Providing nest boxes helps them in suburban areas.

Also Read : Red Robin vs Cardinal: Key Differences

4. Anna’s Hummingbird

Appearance

Anna’s Hummingbird is a tiny, jewel-toned bird just about 4 inches long. Males dazzle with their iridescent pink-magenta throat and crown, which catch the sunlight in spectacular flashes. Females are greener with pale bellies and a light speckling on the throat.

Habitat

This hummingbird is a year-round resident in gardens, parks, chaparral, and urban areas across Northern California. It adapts well to human environments and can be seen hovering near feeders or flowering shrubs.

Diet

Anna’s feeds primarily on nectar from flowers, especially native plants like manzanita, sage, and currants. It also consumes small insects and spiders for protein, especially during breeding.

Behavior

They’re bold and territorial—males often dive-bomb rivals in dramatic, high-speed displays. They’re also known to hover and chirp inquisitively at humans, especially near feeders.

Vocalizations

Anna’s Hummingbirds have a sharp, scratchy “chip-chip” call and a buzzy song that includes squeaks and mechanical-sounding notes, often heard during courtship dives.

Breeding/Nesting

A female builds a tiny cup-shaped nest from spider silk and plant fluff on a branch. She lays 2 eggs and raises the chicks alone. In mild climates, breeding can begin in mid-winter!

Conservation

Their population is increasing, thanks to urban gardens and feeders. Anna’s has expanded its range due to human influence and warmer winters.

Also Read : 8 Birds That Look Like Ostriches: Emus, Rheas, and More

5. Black Phoebe

Appearance

The Black Phoebe is sleek and elegant, about 6.5 inches long, with sooty-black plumage, a crisp white belly, and a slightly crested head. Its long, wagging tail and upright posture make it easy to spot near water.

Habitat

You’ll often find this bird perched near creeks, ponds, fountains, and even backyard birdbaths throughout Northern California. It prefers areas close to water with open perching spots.

Diet

A classic flycatcher, the Black Phoebe eats flying insects like gnats, flies, mosquitoes, and moths. It catches prey mid-air with quick aerial dives, returning to the same perch repeatedly.

Behavior

It’s known for its tail-wagging habit, bobbing rhythmically while perched. These birds are solitary or seen in pairs, often perching low before darting out for food.

Vocalizations

The song is a sweet, sharp “sisee, sisee” or “fee-bee” repeated in series. Their call is soft and musical, often heard near water.

Breeding/Nesting

They build mud nests under bridges, eaves, or rock overhangs, usually near water. The nests are cup-shaped and lined with grass. Both parents feed the chicks.

Conservation

Black Phoebes are thriving, especially in urban settings with year-round water sources. Their adaptability makes them common in both rural and developed areas.

6. American Goldfinch

Appearance

This petite bird is pure sunshine in feathered form. Males in summer sport bright yellow bodies, black wings with white bars, and a black cap on their forehead. Females are more muted, with olive-yellow tones. In winter, both sexes adopt a drabber, tan look—but still show a touch of gold.

Habitat

American Goldfinches love weedy fields, thistle patches, open meadows, and suburban gardens across Northern California. They’re often spotted balancing delicately on plant stems while feeding.

Diet

Strict vegetarians, they feed mainly on seeds—especially from thistle, dandelions, sunflowers, and asters. They rarely eat insects, making them unique among small songbirds.

Behavior

These cheerful birds are bouncy fliers, with an undulating flight pattern and a sweet, fluttery energy. They’re social and often gather in small flocks, especially around feeders stocked with nyjer seed.

Vocalizations

Their song is a sweet, warbling series of chirps, and their flight call sounds like “per-chick-o-ree” or “po-ta-to-chip!”, often repeated mid-flight.

Breeding/Nesting

Goldfinches nest later than most birds—waiting until mid to late summer when thistles bloom. The nest is a tidy cup, often lined with thistle fluff. Only the female incubates the eggs, but both parents feed the young.

Conservation

Their population is strong and widespread, aided by backyard feeders and native seed-bearing plants. Avoid using pesticides to help them thrive naturally.

7. Yellow-rumped Warbler

Appearance

The Yellow-rumped Warbler is about 5.5 inches long and oh-so-stylish. In breeding season, males flaunt slate-gray feathers, black streaks, white wing bars, and bold yellow patches on the throat, flanks, and—yes—the rump! Females and non-breeding birds are browner but still show that signature “butter butt.”

Habitat

These adaptable warblers are found in a wide range of habitats—from coniferous forests to city parks and coastal scrublands. In winter, they often hang out in open woodlands, gardens, and areas with berry-producing shrubs.

Diet

They eat insects during the warmer months and shift to berries (especially wax myrtle and bayberry) in winter. This unique digestive ability allows them to stay farther north than many warblers.

Behavior

Active and acrobatic, they’re always flitting between branches, catching insects mid-air, or darting out from a perch in pursuit of prey. They’re often seen in mixed-species flocks during migration.

Vocalizations

Their song is a soft, musical trill, while the call is a sharp “chek” that helps them stay in touch with flockmates.

Breeding/Nesting

Yellow-rumped Warblers nest in conifer trees, often on horizontal branches. The female builds a neat cup-shaped nest and incubates the eggs while the male brings food.

Conservation

This species is thriving thanks to its flexible diet and adaptability. It’s one of the most widespread warblers in North America.

8. Bewick’s Wren

Appearance

Bewick’s Wren is a small, slender bird with a long tail that flicks constantly, a curved beak, and a bold white eyebrow stripe. Its plumage is warm brown above and pale gray below, with fine barring on the tail—dainty yet expressive.

Habitat

You’ll find this wren in chaparral, brushy woodlands, oak scrub, and even suburban backyards across Northern California. It loves areas with tangled vegetation or thickets where it can skulk and sing.

Diet

A true insectivore, it dines on beetles, caterpillars, spiders, ants, and earwigs. It gleans prey from crevices, bark, and leaf litter with precision.

Behavior

These wrens are inquisitive, quick-moving, and a little sassy. They often hop with their tails cocked high, investigating holes and cracks in search of insects. Males are particularly territorial, especially during the breeding season.

Vocalizations

The male sings a long, bubbly, musical song made up of clear, whistled phrases. Each bird has a large repertoire, and no two wrens sound quite the same!

Breeding/Nesting

They nest in cavities or nest boxes, often choosing garages, sheds, or crevices in woodpiles. The nest is a messy cup made of twigs and lined with softer materials.

Conservation

Once in decline due to competition from House Wrens, Bewick’s Wrens have rebounded in the west and are stable and thriving in Northern California.

9. Pacific-slope Flycatcher

Appearance

Delicate and olive-toned, the Pacific-slope Flycatcher is around 5.5 inches long. It has a greenish back, yellowish belly, teardrop-shaped white eye-ring, and two faint wing bars. It might look plain, but its gentle features and flicking tail give it subtle charm.

Habitat

This bird breeds in shady, moist forests, especially redwood groves, oak woodlands, and dense riparian corridors in Northern California. You’re most likely to spot one darting from a shady perch in the understory.

Diet

It survives almost entirely on insects—catching flies, gnats, moths, and beetles mid-air or plucking them from leaves and branches.

Behavior

True to flycatcher form, it perches quietly, then dashes out to snatch prey, often returning to the same perch. It flicks its tail downward frequently and is usually solitary or in pairs.

Vocalizations

Its call is a soft, descending “ps-SEET” or a whistled “pee-wee”, echoing through shady canyons. Males sing most often during early morning and dusk.

Breeding/Nesting

Nests are built on ledges, tree roots, or in building nooks—made of moss, bark, and spider silk. Females do most of the incubation, while both parents feed the chicks.

Conservation

While their population is stable, their forest habitat is sensitive to logging and fire damage. They are seasonal migrants, wintering in Mexico and returning each spring.

10. House Wren

Appearance

The House Wren is a small, compact bird, about 5 inches long, with a plain brown back, fine barring on the wings and tail, and a pale grayish throat and belly. Its slightly curved beak and perky tail (often held upright) give it loads of character.

Habitat

True to its name, it loves living around people! House Wrens are found in gardens, parks, yards, farmland, and forest edges throughout Northern California. They’ll readily nest in birdhouses, mailboxes, or old boots left in the garage.

Diet

They’re superb little bug hunters, feasting on beetles, caterpillars, earwigs, spiders, and other small insects they find crawling and flying about.

Behavior

Always on the move, House Wrens dart, hop, and flit through shrubs and low branches. Males are territorial and have been known to fill nearby nest boxes with sticks just to block rivals.

Vocalizations

Their song is a bubbly, gurgling series of trills and rattles, loud for such a tiny body! Males sing persistently, especially when establishing territory in spring.

Breeding/Nesting

House Wrens love cavities—they’ll nest in tree holes, crevices, pipes, or boxes, stuffing the nest cavity with sticks. Females line the nest with feathers and lay 5–8 eggs.

Conservation

They are very common and widespread, often thriving in urban and suburban areas. Their adaptability makes them one of North America’s most familiar small birds.

11. Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Appearance

Tiny and fast-moving, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is about 4.25 inches long with olive-green plumage, a pale eye ring, and flickering wings with white bars. Males sport a hidden ruby-red crown that flares up when excited—but is often concealed.

Habitat

These little dynamos inhabit coniferous forests, mixed woodlands, and urban trees and shrubs during migration and winter. In spring and summer, they prefer higher-elevation forests, but they’re common winter guests in lower elevations throughout Northern California.

Diet

Ruby-crowned Kinglets are insect specialists, feeding on tiny spiders, aphids, and insect eggs. They also supplement with berries, sap, and seeds during colder months.

Behavior

Flick-flick-flick! That’s their signature move—constantly flicking their wings while hopping and hovering to grab food. Though tiny, they’re bold and curious, often zipping quite close to human observers.

Vocalizations

Their song is surprisingly powerful for their size—a series of rising and falling whistles, ending in a fast trill. Males sing frequently during breeding season, especially at dawn.

Breeding/Nesting

They nest in conifers, often placing a globe-shaped nest high above the ground, hidden among needles. The female lays 6–12 eggs and handles incubation solo.

Conservation

Ruby-crowned Kinglets are widespread and stable, though they are vulnerable to habitat loss from logging and climate change affecting their breeding range.

12. Song Sparrow

Appearance

The Song Sparrow is a medium-small, chunky sparrow, about 6 inches long, with streaky brown plumage, a rounded head, grayish face, and a dark central spot on the chest. Their plumage can vary slightly by region, but they always look neatly streaked and expressive.

Habitat

Extremely adaptable, Song Sparrows live in wetlands, fields, gardens, shrublands, and urban backyards across Northern California. They especially love areas with low, dense cover for foraging and nesting.

Diet

They enjoy a diet of insects in spring and summer, shifting to seeds and berries in fall and winter. They’ll visit bird feeders for cracked corn, millet, and sunflower bits.

Behavior

Song Sparrows are shy but bold singers. You’ll often hear one before you see it, perched low in a bush or singing from a fencepost. They forage on the ground with energetic hops and short flights.

Vocalizations

Their song is a delightful mix of trills, chirps, and buzzes, starting with a couple of sharp notes and ending in a jumbled phrase. No two songs are quite the same!

Breeding/Nesting

Nesting low in shrubs or tall grasses, they weave cup-shaped nests of grass and rootlets. Females lay 3–5 eggs and may raise 2–3 broods per season in California’s mild climate.

Conservation

Song Sparrows are abundant and thriving, although local populations can be impacted by habitat development or overly tidy landscaping that removes essential brushy cover.

13. Dark-eyed Junco

Appearance

Dark-eyed Juncos are handsome, sparrow-sized songbirds, about 5.5 inches long. In Northern California, the most common variety is the “Oregon” form—which has a black hood, rusty-brown back, pale pink bill, and white outer tail feathers that flash when they fly. Males are darker than females.

Habitat

You’ll spot them in coniferous forests, oak woodlands, and open woodland edges, as well as yards, parks, and winter feeders. During cooler months, they’re one of the most familiar backyard visitors.

Diet

Juncos feed mostly on the ground, eating seeds, grains, and small insects. They’re fond of millet and cracked corn at feeders, especially when sprinkled under bushes.

Behavior

They forage in hopping flocks, often scratching in leaf litter and darting out from under shrubs. They may seem shy, but they’re quite alert and responsive, with tails always twitching.

Vocalizations

Their song is a simple, musical trill, often compared to a ringing telephone. Calls include soft “tchip” notes, especially while feeding in flocks.

Breeding/Nesting

They nest on or near the ground, hidden under logs, rocks, or grassy tufts. The nest is a tidy cup, and females typically lay 3–5 eggs. Both parents help feed the chicks.

Conservation

Dark-eyed Juncos are common and widespread. They’ve adapted well to human environments, and winter flocks in Northern California swell as migrants arrive from colder regions.

14. Orange-crowned Warbler

Appearance

True to its name—but not always visible—the Orange-crowned Warbler has a yellow-olive body, a faint eyeline, and a barely noticeable orange crown patch that’s usually hidden. It’s about 5 inches long, slim, and softly colored, making it easy to overlook in the foliage.

Habitat

You’ll find this warbler in coastal scrub, oak woodlands, chaparral, riparian thickets, and even urban gardens in Northern California. During migration, they’ll visit backyards with flowering shrubs and low trees.

Diet

They primarily eat insects and spiders, picking them off leaves and twigs. They’ll also sip nectar from flowers, and may even check out hummingbird feeders for a sweet treat.

Behavior

Active and sneaky, they flit through shrubs and trees, often staying low and hidden in dense foliage. They’re restless foragers, constantly probing for bugs while flicking their tails.

Vocalizations

Their song is a fast, buzzy trill, often descending in pitch. It sounds like a compressed version of a junco’s trill and can be hard to distinguish in noisy bird-rich areas.

Breeding/Nesting

They build cup-shaped nests on or near the ground, hidden under vegetation. Females handle the construction and incubation, while males defend the territory and help feed the young.

Conservation

Orange-crowned Warblers are stable and widespread, and one of the more common western warblers. Still, maintaining native plants and shrubs in your garden helps support their habitat needs.

15. Lesser Goldfinch

Appearance

The Lesser Goldfinch is a tiny, energetic bird—just 4.5 inches long—with bright yellow underparts, a black cap, and black or dark greenish backs, depending on the population. Males are bold and glossy, while females wear a more subdued olive-yellow outfit. Both have a stubby bill and short notched tail.

Habitat

Common throughout Northern California, they’re found in oak woodlands, parks, suburban neighborhoods, gardens, and even desert scrub. They love areas with sunflowers, thistle, and sycamore trees.

Diet

Primarily seed-eaters, they adore sunflower seeds, dandelion, and thistle. In fact, they’re one of the best birds to attract with a nyjer feeder. They also nibble buds and occasionally small insects.

Behavior

Lesser Goldfinches are social and acrobatic, often feeding in flocks. They bounce through the air with a cheerful flight pattern and chatter while perched in groups. Watch for them hanging upside down on flower heads.

Vocalizations

Their song is a sweet, rambling jumble of whistles and twitters—often incorporating mimicry of other birds. Their call is a nasal “cheeee” or a sharp “tee-yew!”

Breeding/Nesting

They nest in shrubs or small trees, building cup-shaped nests hidden in foliage. Females do most of the nest building, and both parents help raise the young.

Conservation

These finches are abundant and widespread, thriving in natural and human-altered environments. A pollinator-friendly yard with native plants and feeders helps keep them around.

Conclusion

Northern California is a haven for bird lovers, and its tiny feathered residents prove that good things come in small, chirpy packages. From the brilliant flash of an Anna’s Hummingbird to the secretive flutter of a Pacific-slope Flycatcher, each bird brings its own charm, song, and spark to the region’s woodlands, backyards, and coastlines.

Whether you’re filling a feeder, walking through an oak forest, or sipping coffee near your garden window, there’s always a chance to spot one of these delightful creatures. Keep your binoculars handy and your ears open—there’s a whole world of birdsong waiting just outside your door.

🪶 Tip: Want to attract more of these beauties? Plant native shrubs, offer fresh water, and avoid pesticides. Your yard could become the next hotspot on their feathered flight path!