Birds of Nebraska

Nebraska has over 450 species officially enlisted and accepted by the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union (NOU). The state has about 100 accidental, over 100 casual, 3 extirpated, and 2 extinct species. The passenger pigeon and Carolina parakeet are the two extinct birds, while the lesser prairie-chicken, ruffed grouse, and swallow-tailed kite have been extirpated.

Most backyard birds can be spotted all year or seasonally in the case of migratory species. Yet certain birds remain specific to a particular region. For instance, the common loon is mostly found in eastern Nebraska during spring and fall. Whereas the great Blue heron inhabits the western and central part of the state. The double-crested cormorant mainly thrives in northern and western Nebraska. The sandhill crane is one of the most notable migratory birds in the state, visiting from February through April.

Along with the sandhill crane, the wild turkey, and double-crested cormorant are some of the biggest birds found here. On the other hand, the black-capped chickadee and white-breasted nuthatch are the smaller birds of Nebraska.

The western meadowlark has been designated as Nebraska’s state bird officially.