If you see a Common Grackle on a cloudy day, you might dismiss it as just another black bird, but when the sun comes out, this member of the blackbird family becomes a work of art, its iridescent purple head, glossy body, and striking yellow eyes making you take a second look.

The month of May brings an influx of late migrants including the Indigo Bunting, a small sparrow-sized member of the cardinal family (which also includes grosbeaks, tanagers, and buntings).

Petite and seemingly almost delicate, April’s bird of the month arrives in Champaign County around the time that Dark-eyed Juncos are leaving. Each has a trilling spring song that can sound very similar.

This month, we answer questions about one of our area’s most recognizable birds, including “How did the American Robin get its name?” and “Where do our robins go in winter?” Plus, learn how to build a nesting platform specifically for robins!

If you blink, you might miss this bird visiting your feeder, but look along tree trunks and branches and you’ll soon find this acrobatic species stashing seeds and searching for insects.

One of Champaign County’s six resident woodpeckers, January’s featured bird has more red on its head than its namesake belly, but if you happen to spot it hanging upside down, you’ll see that hidden “blush of rose”!

This month’s featured species is one of only a few songbirds that comes in different “color morphs”! Some White-throated Sparrows have tan-and-brown crowns, others have white-and-black, and individuals prefer to mate with their opposite!

Ever been loudly scolded by a small reddish-brown ball of fluff with an upturned tail? You've met our latest bird of the month!

This fun waterbird can be a challenge from afar to birders. Small size, sitting low in the water, and a short, thick bill...so it can't be a duck... And it's an excellent diver too? It's a Pied-billed Grebe!

September’s bird of the month is one many of us have known since childhood, a bird which many people enjoy having at feeders because of their striking plumage and energy, while others resent them because they may drive other birds away from feeders.

You have likely already heard August’s bird of the month this summer. Named for its distinctive “kill-deer” call, this shorebird is a frequent visitor of lawns, pastures, fields, and golf courses.

July’s bird of the month is not a secretive one. It’s Latin name translates to “tyrant tyrant,” and it is not shy about letting other birds (and squirrels too!) know when they’re trespassing on its turf.

You won’t see June’s bird of the month at your feeders,
nor perched in your yard, or perched anywhere for that
matter. This bird belongs a family that people thought
for many centuries had no feet!

Spring is a great time to find warblers, as many migrate through Champaign County. This month’s featured bird is one of the warblers that sticks around, and is the most common to nest in our area.

April’s bird of the month is a flycatcher with a distinctive raspy call. Learn where to find this bird by its voice and spot its unique habit of “pumping” its tail up and down while perching.

There are many special birds that come to our area in March, but this sky-dancing, forest-dwelling shorebird is nothing short of extraordinary. Learn more about the American Woodcock and where you can watch their dusk mating dance this month.

February’s bird of the month is the smallest woodpecker in North America but easily confused with its cousin the the Hairy Woodpecker.

You may see January’s bird of the month at your backyard feeder, although it’s not there for any of the seed, nuts, fruit, or suet you’ve provided.

December’s bird of the month is one of the most iconic winter birds in North America, often found on greeting cards this time of year, beautifully contrasted with white snow .

November’s bird of the month arrived to Illinois in only the 1970s and is now a common visitor to backyard feeders year-round. The species is vulnerable to an illness that affects its eyes, and we encourage you to help stop the spread.