22 of the Largest Birds in Michigan

Michigan’s diverse landscapes and abundant resources attract a remarkable array of avian species, many boasting considerable proportions. From the majestic bald eagles with their wingspans reaching 8 feet to the elegant sandhill cranes standing tall at 3 to 4 feet, Michigan’s huge native birds will leave you in awe with their impressive sizes.

The big birds inhabiting the more forested and elevated Upper Peninsula are the turkey vulture, osprey, golden eagle, and bald eagle, while the great blue heron is more common in the Lower Peninsula of the state.

List of the Common Big Birds of Michigan

The three factors considered for measuring birds are their length, weight, and wingspan. Here is a list of 22 0f the largest birds found in Michigan, arranged based on their length.

Bird Name	Length/ Height	Weight	Wingspan
Trumpeter Swan	58-72 in	300-400 oz	72-102 in
Mute Swan	56-62 in	280-400 oz	84-96 in
Great Blue Heron	46-52 in/48-50 in	80-120 oz	77-82 in
Great Egret	37-41 in/35-40 in	30-70 oz	54-55 in
Sandhill Crane	34-48 in/30-48 in	130-170 oz	73-90 in
Bald Eagle	34-43 in	168 oz	72-96 in
Canada Goose	25-45 in	110-230 oz	70-75 in
Glaucous Gull	22-30 in	48-55 oz	52-67 in
Black Vulture	23-27 in	76-80 oz	54-60 in
Snowy Owl	20-28 in	56-105 oz	45-57 in
Great Gray Owl	24-33 in	27-30 oz	54-60 in
Great Black-backed Gull	25-31 in	64 oz	60-65 in
Rough-legged Hawk	20-22 in	25-50 oz	52-55 in
Gyrfalcon	20-25 in	40-42 oz	48-64 in
Osprey	21-24 in	60-63 oz	54-72 in
Golden Eagle	27-38 in	70-160 oz	72-96 in
Turkey Vulture	26-32 in	40-90 oz	68-72 in
Red-tailed Hawk	18-24 in	44-52 oz	40-60 in
Great Horned Owl	18-25 in	32-88 oz	40-57 in
Common Loon	26-36 in	150-200 oz	50-58 in
Pileated Woodpecker	16-20 in	10-12 oz	26-30 in