South · Atlantic Flyway

Birds in Delaware

Birds in Delaware: Delaware Bay is one of the most important shorebird stopovers in the Western Hemisphere. This guide lists the common backyard birds, a month-by-month calendar, and the best places to go bird watching in Delaware.

420+Bird species
4Habitat types
1Birding hotspots

Popular cities in Delaware:

Common Birds in Delaware

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

Browse all birds →

Backyard Birds in Delaware

Delaware 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 Delaware

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

1

Bombay Hook NWR

Delaware Bay shorebird migration—Red Knots feed on horseshoe crab eggs.

Birds in Delaware by Month

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

Birds by Habitat in Delaware

Delaware spans 4 major habitat types. Explore birds adapted to each environment.

🏖️Coastal BirdsShorebirds, gulls, terns, and seabirds along the coastline.
🌊Wetland BirdsMarsh, lake, and river species—waterfowl, herons, and shorebirds.
🌲Forest BirdsWoodland and canopy birds including woodpeckers, warblers, and owls.
🏙️Urban BirdsCity-adapted birds thriving in parks, gardens, and neighborhoods.

Birds in neighboring states

About birding in Delaware

Delaware is located in the South region of the United States and falls along the Atlantic Flyway, one of four major North American migration routes. The state is home to more than 420 bird species across 4 habitat types: coastal, wetland, forest, urban.

Whether you’re a backyard birder in Wilmington or planning a trip to Bombay Hook NWR, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Delaware.