South · Mississippi Flyway

Birds in Arkansas

Birds in Arkansas: Arkansas's Ozark and Ouachita forests and river valleys offer rich interior birding. This guide lists the common backyard birds, a month-by-month calendar, and the best places to go bird watching in Arkansas.

400+Bird species
3Habitat types
1Birding hotspots

Popular cities in Arkansas:

Common Birds in Arkansas

The most frequently reported bird species across Arkansas. Click any bird for full profiles, photos, calls, and attraction tips.

Browse all birds →

Backyard Birds in Arkansas

Arkansas backyard birds that regularly visit feeders and gardens. These are the species you’re most likely to attract with the right food, plants, and habitat setup.

Find the right feeder →Bird-friendly plants →

Where to Go Bird Watching in Arkansas

The best places to see birds in Arkansas, from national wildlife refuges to local sanctuaries.

1

Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge

Bald Eagle concentration and waterfowl wintering.

Birds in Arkansas by Month

What to expect each month: migration arrivals, departures, and seasonal highlights.

Birds by Habitat in Arkansas

Arkansas spans 3 major habitat types. Explore birds adapted to each environment.

🌲Forest BirdsWoodland and canopy birds including woodpeckers, warblers, and owls.
🌊Wetland BirdsMarsh, lake, and river species—waterfowl, herons, and shorebirds.
🏙️Urban BirdsCity-adapted birds thriving in parks, gardens, and neighborhoods.

Birds in neighboring states

About birding in Arkansas

Arkansas is located in the South region of the United States and falls along the Mississippi Flyway, one of four major North American migration routes. The state is home to more than 400 bird species across 3 habitat types: forest, wetland, urban.

Whether you’re a backyard birder in Little Rock or planning a trip to Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Arkansas.