Birds of Wisconsin

Wisconsin has around 440 documented species as of the March 2021 records, which the Records Committee of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology or WSORC accepts. Of these, 91 are accidental, 34 casual, 53 rare, eight introduced, twelve hypothetical, and two extinct.

The state has a combination of big and small birds, some found year-round, while some are seasonal, inhabiting Wisconsin only in summer or winter. The big birds found here include the raptors like the red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk, and bald eagle. On the other hand, the smaller species comprise the northern cardinal, American robin, and American crow.

The American robin, seen throughout the state mainly in summer, has been designated Wisconsin’s state bird since 1949.

Birds of Wisconsin

Backyard Birds:

All-year-round: American Crow, Mourning Dove, American Goldfinch, Red-winged Blackbird

Migratory Birds:

In Summer: Bobolink, American Robin, Sedge Wren, Horned Lark, Upland Sandpiper, Vesper Sparrow

In Winter: Blue Jay,  Dark-eyed Junco,  Downy Woodpecker ,  Pine Siskin, White-breasted Nuthatch

Birds of Prey: Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Cooper’s Hawk , Bald Eagle

Water Birds: American Coot, Mallard, Great Blue Heron,Canadian Geese,Ring-billed Gull

Common Birds Identification by Color

Red Birds

Black Birds

Yellow Birds

  • American Goldfinch
  • Cedar Waxwing
  • Common Yellowthroat
  • Northern Flicker
  • Yellow-rumped Warbler

Blue Birds

  • Eastern Bluebird
  • Blue Jay
  • Little Blue Heron
  • Black-throated Blue Warbler
  • Belted Kingfisher