West · Pacific Flyway

Birds in Idaho

Birds in Idaho: Idaho's Rocky Mountain terrain and sagebrush steppe host forest birds, grouse, and raptors. This guide lists the common backyard birds, a month-by-month calendar, and the best places to go bird watching in Idaho.

430+Bird species
4Habitat types
1Birding hotspots

Popular cities in Idaho:

Common Birds in Idaho

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

Browse all birds →

Backyard Birds in Idaho

Idaho 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 Idaho

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

1

Camas National Wildlife Refuge

Greater Sage-Grouse leks and Sandhill Crane staging.

Birds in Idaho by Month

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

Birds by Habitat in Idaho

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

🌲Forest BirdsWoodland and canopy birds including woodpeckers, warblers, and owls.
🏜️Desert BirdsDesert specialists—from thrashers to quail adapted to arid conditions.
🌊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 Idaho

Idaho is located in the West region of the United States and falls along the Pacific Flyway, one of four major North American migration routes. The state is home to more than 430 bird species across 4 habitat types: forest, desert, wetland, urban.

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