Midwest · Mississippi Flyway

Birds in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's Horicon Marsh and Great Lakes shoreline make it a Midwest birding hub.

420+Bird species
3Habitat types
1Birding hotspots
3+Cities

Popular cities in Wisconsin

Common Birds in Wisconsin

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

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Backyard Birds in Wisconsin

Birds that regularly visit feeders and gardens in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin

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

1

Horicon Marsh

Largest freshwater cattail marsh in the U.S.

Bird Calendar — Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin is located in the Midwest region of the United States and falls along the Mississippi Flyway, one of four major North American migration routes. The state is home to more than 420 bird species across 3 habitat types: forest, wetland, urban.

Whether you're a backyard birder in Milwaukee or planning a trip to Horicon Marsh, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Wisconsin.