West · Pacific Flyway

Birds in Washington

From Puget Sound to the Cascades, Washington offers year-round birding with strong wintering waterfowl.

490+Bird species
4Habitat types
2Birding hotspots
5+Cities

Popular cities in Washington

Common Birds in Washington

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

Browse all birds →

Backyard Birds in Washington

Birds that regularly visit feeders and gardens in Washington. 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 Washington

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

🏖️Coastal BirdsShorebirds, gulls, terns, and seabirds along the coastline.
🌲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 Washington

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

1

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Estuary boardwalks with shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors.

2

Olympic Peninsula

Old-growth rainforest and coastal specialties like Marbled Murrelet.

Bird Calendar — Washington

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 Washington

Washington 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 490 bird species across 4 habitat types: coastal, forest, wetland, urban.

Whether you're a backyard birder in Seattle or planning a trip to Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Washington.