Back in September, when we showcased the popular star bird rankings from CoolFly APP, it didn’t take long for most of readers to fall in love with our featured birds - like the charming Red-crested Cardinal family, the dazzling Blue Jay, and the gentle Mourning Dove. Remember which bird caught your eyes last time? Check out the whole list and revisit the highlights here: CoolFly Top 5 Most Popular Birds.
And now, as October draws to a close, a new flock of favorites is in. The FUN continues! Ready to welcome the new stars? Scroll down to discover who made the cut this month!
#5：Tufted titmouse
In a birdbath filled with water, an adorable little bird is joyfully soaking up its bath time. From the round, chubby body, silvery-gray back, and white belly, not to mention that playful crest on head - it’s easy to guess who it is! That’s right. The Tufted Titmouse!
The Tufted Titmouse is a remarkably neat bird. Setting up a birdbath in the backyard for them to drink, bathe, or cool off in will certainly win their favor.
And notice how the little bird looks around carefully before flapping his wings in delight? Because Tufted Titmice like to make sure the coast is clear before bathing. They need to be able to spot predators and dart to the nearest branch for safety. So giving them a birdbath with a wide, open view helps them feel much more secure.
This bathing Tufted Titmouse is just too cute - can you believe it only ranked fifth? Let’s see what’s next.
#4：Northern Flicker
Even though this Northern Flicker looks absolutely adorable while eating, its plumage is just impossible to ignore - that’s exactly why it earned the fourth-place spot.
Northern Flickers have several subspecies, and their feather colors vary depending on where they live. The one in the video has a grayish-brown body covered with black bars and spots, and bright red patches on the back of its neck and both cheeks - those splashes of color make it even more distinctive.
As members of the woodpecker family, Northern Flickers possess a specialized tongue ideal for catching ants and beetles - a trait that often draws them to the ground to feed. While they do venture into trees, these birds favor resting horizontally on branches instead of clinging upright to trunks like most of their reletives.
Clever as they are, Northern Flickers move gracefully between trees and ground, smartly taking advantage of both worlds to thrive. Quite an ingenious little bird, don’t you think?
#3：European Starling
Third place goes to the European Starling! In this video, under the sunlight, its feathers shimmer with a metallic sheen of blackish green.
Sometimes at dusk, you can see them flocking together in the sky - forming a phenomenon known as murmuration. Actually, this serves not only to confuse predators, but may also help them attract more companions to share body warmth through the night.
And notably, few birds demonstrate adaptability quite like the this bird species. Their natural diet includes seeds, insects, and fruits, but now they’re equally comfortable scavenging human leftovers. A starling pecking at fries on a billboard might look amusing, but for them, it’s simply another meal in an ever-changing world.
#2: White-necked Jacobin
Coming in at number two, it’s the light and lively White-necked Jacobin!
As seen in the video, the White-necked Jacobin is an expert flier, like all hummingbirds, capable of hovering, making sharp turns, even flying backward, all with incredible grace and agility!
It feeds mainly on nectar but also snacks on small insects. If there’s a HiLush or Rapidity hummingbird feeder in your backyard, you’ll likely spot these little beauties fluttering nearby quite often.
And do you know the White-necked Jacobin has a fascinating habit? Unlike most birds, they never walk or hop! Curious why? You can find the answer in our article 10 Fun Facts About Hummingbirds You Didn’t Know. Give it a read — you’ll be amazed by how extraordinary these tiny creatures are!
#1：Northern Cardinal
Ranked #1 among the most adored birds, the Northern Cardinal has always been a fan favorite. With its bright red feathers, flag-like crest, and signature black mask, it’s the bird you can't forget.
Like little fiery sprites of wild, Northern Cardinals bring life and energy to the world in their own unique way. Their loud, cheerful calls sound like a joyful melody, filling the air with positivity.
And these little fiery aren’t just pretty face - they’re hardworking messengers of nature. They munch on plant seeds, wild berries and insects, helping to spread plant seeds and keep pests under control. Northern Cardinal are true guardians of ecosystem.
If you haven’t spotted on one or hear its beautiful song yet, why not give the CoolFly app a try? Every day, bird lovers share their amazing sightings in the community - you’re bound to come across a Northern Cardinal!
Scan to start your birding journey.
