Midwest · Mississippi Flyway
Birds in Illinois
Birds in Illinois: Illinois's Lake Michigan shoreline funnels migrating warblers and sparrows through Chicago. This guide lists the common backyard birds, a month-by-month calendar, and the best places to go bird watching in Illinois.
Popular cities in Illinois:
Common Birds in Illinois
The 24 most-reported bird species in Illinois, ranked by the number of eBird records from 2020 to 2024. Click any bird for its full profile and attraction tips.
Backyard Birds in Illinois
Illinois 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.
Where to Go Bird Watching in Illinois
The best places to see birds in Illinois, from national wildlife refuges to local sanctuaries.
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Chicago's lakefront migrant trap—warblers in May.
Birds in Illinois by Month
Arrivals, departures, and peaks by month, derived from the share of Illinois eBird records each species accounts for. Birders log the most records in May, April, September.
Birds by Habitat in Illinois
Illinois spans 3 major habitat types. Explore birds adapted to each environment.
Birds in neighboring states
About birding in Illinois
Illinois is located in the Midwest 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 440 bird species across 3 habitat types: forest, wetland, urban.
Whether you’re a backyard birder in Chicago or planning a trip to Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds across Illinois.