West · Pacific Flyway

Birds in Utah

Birds in Utah: Utah's wetlands along the Great Salt Lake attract massive flocks of migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. This guide lists the common backyard birds, a month-by-month calendar, and the best places to go bird watching in Utah.

450+Bird species
4Habitat types
1Birding hotspots

Popular cities in Utah:

Common Birds in Utah

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

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Backyard Birds in Utah

Utah 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 Utah

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

1

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

One of the largest freshwater marshes west of the Mississippi.

Birds in Utah by Month

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

Birds by Habitat in Utah

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

🏜️Desert BirdsDesert specialists—from thrashers to quail adapted to arid conditions.
🌲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 Utah

Utah 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 450 bird species across 4 habitat types: desert, forest, wetland, urban.

Whether you’re a backyard birder in Salt Lake City or planning a trip to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Utah.