Michigan is home to a wide variety of birds, from the colorful and majestic bald eagle to the curious and playful chickadee. With over 400 species of birds to discover, Michigan is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, there is always something new and exciting to see in the skies with Michigan birds.
Michigan is home to a diverse array of birds, ranging from common backyard species to rare and endangered species. Some of the more common birds found in Michigan include American robins, bluejays, cardinals, and chickadees. These birds can often be seen in gardens, parks, and other urban areas, as well as in forests and other natural habitats.
Other common birds found in Michigan include woodpeckers, sparrows, finches, and wrens. These birds are often found in wooded areas and are known for their distinctive calls and songs.
Some of the more unusual birds that can be found in Michigan include owls, eagles, and hawks, as well as a variety of waterfowl such as ducks and geese.
25 Types of birds found in Michigan
Michigan is home to a diverse range of bird species, including many that are found throughout much of the United States and Canada.
Here are 25 types of birds that can be found in Michigan, along with some information about each one:
1. American Robin
This is a common and well-known bird that can be found throughout much of North America. It is known for its reddish-orange breast and gray-brown back, and it is often seen foraging for worms and insects on lawns.
2. American Goldfinch
This small, brightly colored finch is known for its yellow body, black wings, and distinctive call. It feeds on seeds and insects, and it is often seen in gardens and parks.
3. Blue Jay
This large, colorful songbird is known for its blue and white plumage, distinctive crest, and loud calls. It feeds on a variety of foods, including seeds, nuts, and insects, and it is often seen in wooded areas.
4. Canada Goose
This large waterfowl is known for its distinctive black head and neck and white chin strap. It feeds on grasses, grains, and aquatic plants, and it is often seen in fields, parks, and near bodies of water.
5. Cedar Waxwing
This small, sleek bird is known for its distinctive brown and yellow plumage and its habit of eating fruit. It is often seen in gardens and orchards, and it is known for its melodic song.
6. Downy Woodpecker
This small woodpecker is known for its distinctive black and white plumage and its habit of drumming on trees. It feeds on insects and seeds, and it is often seen in wooded areas.
7. Eastern Bluebird
This small, colorful thrush is known for its bright blue upper parts and reddish-orange breast. It feeds on insects and fruit, and it is often seen in open wooded areas and gardens.
8. Great Blue Heron
This large wading bird is known for its long neck, blue-gray plumage, and habit of stalking prey in shallow water. It feeds on fish, amphibians, and small mammals, and it is often seen near bodies of water.
9. Hairy Woodpecker
This medium-sized woodpecker is similar to the Downy Woodpecker, but it is larger and has a longer bill. It feeds on insects and seeds, and it is often seen in wooded areas.
10. House Sparrow
This small, drab-colored bird is a common sight in urban areas and is known for its distinctive chirping call. It feeds on seeds and insects, and it is often seen around bird feeders and in gardens.
11. Mourning Dove
This slender, dove-like bird is known for its soft, mournful call. It feeds on seeds and grains, and it is often seen in gardens and open areas.
12. Northern Cardinal
This large, brightly colored songbird is known for its red body and black face mask. It feeds on seeds and insects, and it is often seen in gardens and wooded areas.
13. Northern Flicker
This medium-sized woodpecker is known for its distinctive black and white barred plumage and its habit of foraging for insects on the ground. It is often seen in wooded areas and open fields.
14. Osprey
This large, hawk-like bird is known for its distinctive white head and underparts and its habit of diving into the water to catch fish. It is often seen near bodies of water.
15. Pileated Woodpecker
This large woodpecker is known for its distinctive red crest and black body and its habit of making large, rectangular holes in trees while foraging for insects. It is often seen in wooded areas.
16. Purple Martin
This large, purple-colored swallow is known for its distinctive flight and melodic song. It feeds on insects, and it is often seen near bodies of water.
17. Red-tailed Hawk
This large raptor is known for its reddish-brown tail and habit of soaring in circles on thermal currents. It feeds on a variety of small mammals and birds, and it is often seen in open fields and wooded areas.
18. Ring-necked Pheasant
This large, colorful game bird is known for its distinctive ring-shaped neck markings and long tail. It feeds on seeds, grains, and insects, and it is often seen in open fields and grasslands.
19. Rock Pigeon
This familiar, urban bird is known for its distinctive blue-gray plumage and habit of roosting on ledges and buildings. It feeds on seeds and grains, and it is often seen in cities and towns.
20. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
This small, brightly colored bird is known for its distinctive humming flight and bright red throat. It feeds on nectar from flowers, and it is often seen in gardens and wooded areas.
21. Sandhill Crane
This large, graceful bird is known for its distinctive red crown and a long, pointed bill. It feeds on a variety of plants and small animals, and it is often seen in wetlands and grasslands.
22. Turkey Vulture
This large raptor is known for its distinctive bare red head and habit of soaring on thermals while searching for carrion. It feeds on dead animals, and it is often seen in open areas.
23. White-breasted Nuthatch
This small, stocky bird is known for its distinctive blue-gray upper parts and white underparts and its habit of climbing up and down tree trunks while foraging for insects. It is often seen in wooded areas.
24. Wood Duck
This colorful, medium-sized duck is known for its distinctive iridescent plumage and habit of nesting in tree cavities. It feeds on seeds, grains, and insects, and it is often seen near bodies of water.
25. Yellow-rumped Warbler
This small, brightly colored songbird is known for its distinctive yellow rump and habit of feeding on insects and berries. It is often seen in wooded areas and gardens.
Best places to go birdwatching in Michigan
Michigan is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a great destination for birdwatching.
Here are some of the best places to go birdwatching in Michigan:
Point Pelee National Park
Located in southern Ontario, Canada, this national park is home to a wide variety of birds, including many warblers, sparrows, and thrushes. It is known as one of the best places in North America to see migrating birds.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge
Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, this national wildlife refuge is home to a wide variety of bird species, including many waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. It is also home to a large population of Sandhill Cranes.
Holland State Park
Located on the western coast of Michigan, this state park is known for its large population of gulls, terns, and waterfowl. It is also a good spot to see migrating warblers and other songbirds.
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
Located in the eastern part of the state, this national wildlife refuge is home to a wide variety of bird species, including many waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. It is also a good spot to see migrating warblers.
Keweenaw Peninsula
Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Keweenaw Peninsula is home to a diverse range of bird species, including many waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. It is also a good spot to see migrating warblers and other songbirds.
Belle Isle Park
Located in the Detroit River, this park is home to a wide variety of bird species, including many waterfowl, gulls, and terns. It is also a good spot to see migrating warblers and other songbirds.
Shiawassee River State Game Area
Located in the eastern part of the state, this state game area is home to a wide variety of bird species, including many waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. It is also a good spot to see migrating warblers and other songbirds.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Located on the western coast of Michigan, this national lakeshore is home to a wide variety of bird species, including many waterfowl, gulls, and terns. It is also a good spot to see migrating warblers and other songbirds.
Hiawatha National Forest
Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, this national forest is home to a wide variety of bird species, including many waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. It is also a good spot to see migrating warblers and other songbirds.
Shiawassee River Water Trail
This water trail is located in the eastern part of the state and is home to a wide variety of bird species, including many waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. It is also a good spot to see migrating warblers and other songbirds.
How to attract birds to your backyard in Michigan
There are many ways to attract birds to your backyard in Michigan. Here are a few things you can try:
Install a bird feeder
One of the easiest and most effective ways to attract birds to your backyard is to install a bird feeder. Choose a feeder that is appropriate for the types of birds you want to attract, and fill it with a suitable type of food, such as seeds, suet, or nectar.
Plant native plants
Native plants are an important source of food and shelter for birds, so consider incorporating a variety of native plants into your backyard landscape. Some good choices for Michigan include oak trees, dogwood trees, and wildflowers.
Provide a water source
Birds need a source of water for drinking and bathing, so consider installing a birdbath or small pond in your backyard. Make sure to keep the water clean and fresh.
Provide nesting sites
Many birds, especially songbirds, will use nesting boxes or other types of artificial nesting sites. Consider installing a few nesting boxes or placing natural materials, such as straw or moss, in your yard to provide nesting sites for birds.
Avoid using pesticides
Pesticides can be harmful to birds, so try to avoid using them in your backyard. Instead, consider using natural pest control methods, such as planting herbs or flowers that attract predatory insects.
Be patient
Attracting birds to your backyard can take time, especially if you are starting from scratch. Be patient and keep trying different techniques until you find what works best for your yard.
Rare and endangered bird species in Michigan
Michigan is home to a number of rare and endangered bird species. Here are a few examples:
Kirtland’s Warbler
This small, brightly colored warbler is native to Michigan and is considered endangered. It breeds only in young jack pine forests in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and migrates to the Bahamas in the winter. Habitat loss and degradation are major threats to this species.
Piping Plover
This small, sandy-colored shorebird is considered endangered in Michigan. It breeds on the Great Lakes shorelines and migrates to the Gulf Coast in the winter. Habitat loss and disturbance are major threats to this species.
Bald Eagle
This large, iconic raptor is considered endangered in Michigan. It was once common throughout the state, but habitat loss and pollution led to a decline in its population. Conservation efforts have helped to recover the species, and it can now be found in many parts of the state.
Whooping Crane
This large, white crane is considered endangered in Michigan. It breeds in Canada and migrates to the Gulf Coast in the winter. Habitat loss and human disturbance are major threats to this species.
Golden-winged Warbler
This small, brightly colored warbler is considered endangered in Michigan. It breeds in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and migrates to Central and South America in the winter. Habitat loss and degradation are major threats to this species.
Cerulean Warbler
This small, brightly colored warbler is considered endangered in Michigan. It breeds in the eastern United States and migrates to South America in the winter. Habitat loss and degradation are major threats to this species.
American Kestrel
This small, colorful falcon is considered endangered in Michigan. It breeds throughout the state and migrates to Central and South America in the winter. Habitat loss and degradation are major threats to this species.
Chimney Swift
This small, insect-eating bird is considered endangered in Michigan. It breeds throughout the state and migrates to Central and South America in the winter. Habitat loss and degradation are major threats to this species.
How to identify different Michigan bird species by their songs
Identifying birds by their songs can be a rewarding and challenging hobby. Here are a few tips for identifying different Michigan bird species by their songs:
- Listen carefully and try to remember the sound of each song. Some birds have distinctive songs that are easy to recognize, while others may have more subtle or complex songs that are harder to identify.
- Pay attention to the quality of the song. Is it a clear, ringing sound, or is it more harsh or subdued? Does it have a particular rhythm or pattern? These characteristics can help you narrow down the possibilities.
- Look for visual clues. Many birds sing while perched in a visible location, so try to get a good look at the bird while it is singing. Note its size, shape, and coloration, as well as any distinctive markings or behaviors.
- Use a bird identification guide or app. There are many resources available, such as field guides and apps, that can help you identify birds by their songs. These resources often include recordings of the songs of various bird species, as well as descriptions of the songs and other identifying features.
- Practice makes perfect. The more you listen to and observe birds, the better you will become at identifying them by their songs. So get out there and start listening.
How to properly feed and care for Michigan birds in the winter
Providing food and shelter for birds during the winter months can help them survive the colder weather and harsh conditions.
Here are a few tips for properly feeding and caring for Michigan birds in the winter:
Offer a variety of food
Different bird species have different dietary needs, so try to offer a variety of food to attract a diverse range of birds. Good options include seeds, suet, nuts, and fruit.
Keep feeders clean
Clean your bird feeders regularly to prevent the buildup of mold or bacteria that can make birds sick. Disinfect them with a solution of one part vinegar to four parts water, and rinse thoroughly before refilling.
Offer fresh water
Birds need a source of water for drinking and bathing, especially in the winter when natural sources may be frozen. Keep a birdbath or other water source available, and make sure to keep it clean and refreshed regularly.
Provide shelter
Birds need a place to roost and escape from the cold and wind. Consider installing a birdhouse or other type of artificial shelter, or provide natural materials such as straw or moss for birds to use as nesting material.
Protect against predators
Birds are vulnerable to predators, especially in the winter when food is scarce. Keep feeders in open, well-lit areas, and consider installing baffles or other protective measures to help deter predators.
Be patient
It may take time for birds to discover and start using your feeders and other resources. Be patient and keep trying different techniques until you find what works best for your yard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Michigan is home to a wide variety of bird species, including both resident and migratory species. These birds can be found in a range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas.
The diverse bird life in Michigan adds to the state’s natural beauty and contributes to its ecological health. It is important to protect and preserve these birds and their habitats in order to ensure their continued survival and to thrive in the state.
This can be done through conservation efforts such as habitat protection, responsible land use, and responsible pet ownership. By valuing and protecting Michigan birds, we can ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from their presence.