The best US states for bird watching can help you take your love for birding up a notch or two.
Maybe you've already learned how to attract birds into your garden. Or perhaps you've ticked off and spotted all the different types of birds you might see in your backyard, so figured it's time to go birding elsewhere?
When it comes to watching these flying creatures in their natural habitat, we understand the importance of ensuring that you are in the right place at the right time.
To help you secure the next winged species on your list, we've compiled a list of the best not-to-be-missed birding hot spots for you to explore. So keep reading to discover the best states in the USA for bird watching and then take your pick!
32 best states in the USA for bird watching
1. Texas
Birding sites are booming in Texas as it's home to some great spots for a weekend of bird-watching.
Escape to brilliant bird-centric locations, like the World Birding Center, the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, or the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail to find the likes of Green Kingfishers, Northern Mockingbirds, and more.
2. California
From Geese and Grebes to Pelicans and Bald Eagles, California is home to a wealth of winged species for you to discover and enjoy spotting.
So why not swing by the Wildlife Refuges of California to witness the beauty of these water birds?
3. Arizona
If one hummingbird just isn’t enough, Arizona is the spot for you. Within the Chiricahua Mountains reside 13 different species of hummingbirds with some more rare than others. This is a great opportunity to put your birding skills to the test.
4. Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a hotspot for our winged friends during migration. The vast wetlands and ecosystems that exist here are a recipe for the perfect birding vacation. From woodpeckers and songbirds to Snowy Owls and Gray Partridges. The list is endless.
5. Maine
Home to many breeding colonies, Maine has plenty to offer. Plan your summertime trip to see Puffins, Murres, and Razorbills at their best. There's also the American Goldfinch, American Robin, and Northern Cardinal to see. So grab your binoculars and prepare for pure birding magic.
6. Louisiana
There’s nothing grander than the sights at Grand Isle. This barrier island is regarded as one of the top spots in the state. Choose from salt marsh, sand dune beaches, and dense forest as you seek out the latest species on the top of your spotting list.
7. Maryland
Maryland gives birds the best of both worlds as it's home to a variety of species. So whether you are interested in water-loving gulls and herons or eagles there is truly something to spot for everyone.
And, if you're lucky enough to already live in this state, keep watch for common backyard birds like Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers, Palm Warblers, and Baltimore Orioles, which are known and loved for their bright orange and black coloring.
8. New Mexico
When the wildlife photographers arrive, you know you’ve found a good birding spot and the sights in New Mexico do not disappoint!
Whether you plan your trip for winter or spring you won’t be short of species to spot. From Snow Geese to Sandhill cranes, there’s so much to see.
9. New York
Whether you take the short walk to Central Park or venture out to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, in New York you stand the chance of witnessing more than 300 bird species passing you by.
Make a day of your birding trip and capture the movements of the summer and fall migration.
10. Florida
Ding Darling Refuge is a name you won’t soon forget with birding sights that will leave you hungry for more.
Home to more than 245 species — including Bald Eagles and Peregrine falcons — this National Wildlife Refuge in Florida is known for protecting endangered species. So come with your birding bucket list in hand.
11. Ohio
Once you’ve been to Ohio, this key birding state will keep calling your name!
Ohio is a prime bird-spotting location known best for leaving you wanting more. If it’s not the birding festival, known as the Biggest Week in American Birding, that keeps you coming back, it will be the area's fascinating wealth of warblers.
See if you can tick off the Kirtland's Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and the Northern Waterthrush.
12. Massachusetts
Massachusetts is the place to be if you're looking to spot a different bird every season. Take a family trip out to Plum Island and watch the species change from Fall to Winter and Spring to Summer.
Nothing says winter quite like spotting a Snowy Owl or welcoming in the spring with Songbirds.
13. Alabama
It wouldn't be a list of the best states in the USA for bird watching without including Alabama.
Alabama's coast is known for being one of the top birding spots in the Southeast. If you come for no other reason than to watch the neotropical birds rain down from the sky, it will be a trip worth making.
This breathtaking sight causes tourists to flock to the area year-on-year and for bird watchers, it’s an event not to be missed.
14. Alaska
Common birds to spot in Alaska include the American Robin, Chickadees, Fox Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and a European starling. You might even be lucky enough to spot a Bald Eagle, which is the biggest bird of prey in Alaska.
Your trip to the state in North America can take many forms, whether you prefer to bird spot on foot, venture out in a car, or take to the water with a boat tour. With nearly 200 species to find, this is the perfect starting point for all.
15. Colorado
If you’re looking to shift down a gear on your birding and really take your time, Colorado is the spot for you. So, why not take a self-guided tour across the vast prairie found at Pawnee National Grasslands where you can expect to see Owls and Lark lurking amongst the green?
16. Delaware
Whether you prefer to spot on the move or take in the sights while stationed in a tower, Delaware has it all.
Make a day of it, and explore purpose-built trails and towers around the state's marsh, woodland, and fields. And remember to keep your eyes peeled for Mourning Doves, House Finches, Blue Jays, and House Sparrows.
17. Georgia
Ready to dip your toe into water-loving winged species? Georgia is home to ten miles of tidal beaches and therefore the ideal habitat for shore and wading birds, oystercatchers, gannets, and more.
Birders like to head out to spot Georgia's 'big five' that are hard to spot elsewhere, including Caucasian Chiffchaff, Caucasian Snowcock, Güldenstädt's Redstart, Caucasian Black Grouse, and Great Rosefinch.
18. Idaho
Mad about Raptors? Idaho gives you plenty of Bald Eagle, Hawk, Kestrel, and Falcon-spotting opportunities. So take your birding experience to the next level with a trip to this must-see conservation spot.
19. Illinois
On the smaller size, but still mighty, if you are a first-time spotter, Illinois is a great place to start. The smaller birding area limits the chances of getting lost, but in no way inhibits the amount of feathered friends you will see!
Species to watch out for include the Northern Cardinal, Common Starling, Dark-eyed Juno, and Common Grackle.
20. Kansas
Unsure of where to start? Why not head straight for the heart of the USA? Kansas, located in the middle of the US, is a fantastic migration route for lots of species.
Choose from an Eastern Bluebird, a Downy Woodpecker, a Baltimore Oriole, and a Brown-headed Cowbird. Kansas is the perfect opportunity to add some breadth to your birding journal.
21. Michigan
Are you an owl fanatic? Then your search starts here in Michigan.
Experts believe you can spot up to 11 different species in Michegan so flock to the state to witness the likes of Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Eastern Screech Owls during your bird-spotting stay.
22. Minnesota
For those desperate to take their spotting skills seriously, it's worth exploring the beautiful feathered sights in Minnesota.
See if you're lucky enough to spot American Coots, Common Loons, or Double-Crested Cormorants. And if you can’t get to Canada, let Canada come to you. Add some wow factor to your journal with a sighting of Canada's Boreal bird as it settles in Minnesota for the winter.
23. Mississippi
Believe us when we say there is no better destination to tick a woodpecker (or two) off your life list. Mississippi is home to several Woodpecker trails giving you the greatest chances of seeing many species, including the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker.
24. Nebraska
Forget a sky full of stars, what about a sky full of Sandhill cranes? During their annual migration in March and April, it's a sight to behold that overwhelms the skies of Nebraska every year.
This jaw-dropping spectacle of nature is the prime opportunity for you to experience this species in all its glory.
25. New Hampshire
For bird lovers with a soft spot for a sing-song, New Hampshire is the place for you. Here you can surround yourself with numerous species of songbirds, from Warblers to Redstarts. Surround yourself with the sound for your next birding trip!
26. Oklahoma
Win the hearts of the whole family with this great birding destination, as there are plenty of feathered friends to tick off your list. See if you can spot Downy Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Carolina Chickadees, and a Carolina Wren.
27. Pennsylvania
Both birders and birds flock to the state's 43-mile Lake Erie shoreline as it's a treat for any bird spotter on the lookout for waterbirds and migrant species.
But your spotting doesn’t have to stop there. With wildlife refuges, national parks, and other habitats such as mountains and urbanized landscapes (beloved by the songbird) this state is a sweet spot for spotters all year round.
28. Rhode Island
Rhode Island is rich with top birding spots. No matter whether you're heading to its parks, beaches, or sanctuaries you’re bound to spot feathered species in all their glory here. Choose from Northern Cardinals, Northern Mockingbirds, Great Blue Herons, Canada Geese and more!
29. Tennessee
Join the flock in Tennessee and benefit from the state's beautiful national parks, prime spots during migration, paths, and trails all across the state.
With various habitats to explore from: wetlands, marsh, and mountains, to fields and woodlands there’s room to spot plenty of species during your stay. We'd keep a lookout for Purple Martins, Mockingbirds, and Eastern Bluebirds.
30. Utah
Utah is home to not only wonderful birding sights and a wealth of species but also some incredible birding groups.
Whether it's your first or thirty-first trip to Utah, it’s safe to say that there is a rich birding community to welcome you. Expert to see Black Rosy finches, California Gulls, and Gunnison Grouse.
31. Washington
Home to coastal and mountain routes, a trip out to Washington is hard to beat when it comes to the diversity of birds found within the ecosystems here.
Washington is also home to the favored Olympic National Park, so you can benefit from a self-guided driving tour of the breathtaking space and maximize your chances of spotting something new.
The park is the residence of hundreds of feathered friends, from birds of prey, shorebirds, waterfowl, and forest birds.
32. Nevada
Clear shorelines call for some breathtaking bird-spotting opportunities in Nevada.
The Wetlands and Springs welcome a number of species to this spot year-round. The Mountain Bluebird is the official state bird, but it's worth looking out for Black-throated Sparrows, Gambel's Quail, and a Sagebrush Sparrow.
Are you a new aviculturist? Or maybe you've been keeping feathered friends for years? Either way, check out our tips for taking care of pet birds.
