Top 5 Backyard Birds That Make You Put Your Coffee Down

Common North American birds that make an ordinary morning at the window feel like a nature documentary.

1. 1

   Northern Cardinal

   A bright red bird sitting on a gray winter branch gets your attention every single time, no matter how many you've already seen.

2. 2

   Black-capped Chickadee

   Tiny, fearless and nosy, it looks you over from two feet away as if you're the one who should explain yourself.

3. 3

   Ruby-throated Hummingbird

   It shows up at the feeder for four seconds, hovers like a tiny helicopter, and makes the whole day better.

4. 4

   Blue Jay

   Loud, gorgeous and a bit of a bully, and it can copy a hawk's call well enough to clear the feeder for itself.

5. 5

   Downy Woodpecker

   Watching a bird the size of your fist hammer at a tree like it has a deadline is somehow very relaxing.