Birdwatching in North America

Cranes

Sandhill Crane

Gathering at their Midwestern staging grounds in numbers up to half a million strong, spring-time flocks of stately Sandhill Cranes are an awe-inspiring sight. These partial migrants enthrall birdwatchers with their unique calls and dancing displays.

Herons, storks and ibises

Great Blue Heron

Poised to strike, the Great Blue Heron stalks along American waterways in search of fish and other small animals. These widespread waterbirds are among the tallest of North America’s birds.

Cardinals

Northern Cardinal

Brilliant red and resilient all year long, the beloved Northern Cardinal is the official bird of seven American states. These common songbirds bring a splash of color and some adorable antics to backyard birdfeeders across the east.

Pigeons and doves

Mourning Dove

From suburban gardens to farms and wilderness areas, the mourning dove is one of the most common and familiar birds in North America.

Kites, hawks and eagles

Bald Eagle

Closely associated with rivers and coastlines, the majestic Bald Eagle is America's national bird. A symbol of strength and power, and a sacred symbol for many Native American peoples, these eagles are one of the most recognizable birds on Earth.

Buntings

Snow Bunting

The Snow Bunting is a small songbird that breeds in extreme climates. These gregarious birds live in cold, open habitats, frequently flying from spot to spot and showing off their snow-white wing and tail feathers.