West · Pacific Flyway

Birds in Utah

Utah's wetlands along the Great Salt Lake attract massive flocks of migrating shorebirds and waterfowl.

450+Bird species
4Habitat types
1Birding hotspots
4+Cities

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

Birds that regularly visit feeders and gardens in Utah. 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 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.

Top Bird Watching Spots in Utah

The best places to go bird watching 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.

Bird Calendar — Utah

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 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.