West · Pacific Flyway
Birds in Washington
Birds in Washington: From Puget Sound to the Cascades, Washington offers year-round birding with strong wintering waterfowl. This guide lists the common backyard birds, a month-by-month calendar, and the best places to go bird watching in Washington.
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.
Backyard Birds in Washington
Washington 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.
Where to Go Bird Watching in Washington
The best places to see birds in Washington, from national wildlife refuges to local sanctuaries.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Estuary boardwalks with shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors.
Olympic Peninsula
Old-growth rainforest and coastal specialties like Marbled Murrelet.
Birds in Washington by Month
What to expect each month: migration arrivals, departures, and seasonal highlights.
Birds by Habitat in Washington
Washington spans 4 major habitat types. Explore birds adapted to each environment.
Birds in 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.