Northeast · Atlantic Flyway

Birds in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's Hawk Mountain and Appalachian ridges are legendary for fall raptor migration.

440+Bird species
3Habitat types
1Birding hotspots
4+Cities

Popular cities in Pennsylvania

Common Birds in Pennsylvania

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

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Backyard Birds in Pennsylvania

Birds that regularly visit feeders and gardens in Pennsylvania. 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 →

Birds by Habitat in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania 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.

Top Bird Watching Spots in Pennsylvania

The best places to go bird watching in Pennsylvania, from national wildlife refuges to local sanctuaries.

1

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

World's first raptor sanctuary—fall Broad-winged Hawk migration.

Bird Calendar — Pennsylvania

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

February
Steady winter residents
March
Steady winter residents
June
Steady winter residents
July
Steady winter residents
August
Steady winter residents
November
Steady winter residents
December
Steady winter residents

Explore neighboring states

About birding in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is located in the Northeast 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 440 bird species across 3 habitat types: forest, wetland, urban.

Whether you're a backyard birder in Philadelphia or planning a trip to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Pennsylvania.