Midwest · Mississippi Flyway

Birds in Indiana

Birds in Indiana: Indiana's Lake Michigan shoreline and interior forests support migrating songbirds. This guide lists the common backyard birds, a month-by-month calendar, and the best places to go bird watching in Indiana.

400+Bird species
3Habitat types
1Birding hotspots

Popular cities in Indiana:

Common Birds in Indiana

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

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Backyard Birds in Indiana

Indiana 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 Indiana

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

1

Indiana Dunes National Park

Lake Michigan shorebird and warbler migration stop.

Birds in Indiana by Month

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

Birds by Habitat in Indiana

Indiana 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 Indiana

Indiana 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 400 bird species across 3 habitat types: forest, wetland, urban.

Whether you’re a backyard birder in Indianapolis or planning a trip to Indiana Dunes National Park, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Indiana.