Birds of Arkansas

According to the list published by the Arkansas Audubon Society, the state of Arkansas has over 400 bird species. Around 50 of them are classified as rare, 4-5 as occasional visitors, and 50 as accidental. Five species have been introduced due to human intervention, 3 are extinct, and 5 extirpated from the state (found elsewhere but not in Arkansas). The Eskimo curlew, or northern curlew, is one example of an extirpated species which is considered critically endangered worldwide.

While finches like the American goldfinch and house finch are among the smallest birds in the state, the common birds of prey, the red-tailed hawk and sharp-shinned hawk, are two of the largest.

The Northern mockingbird has been Arkansas’ state bird since 1929. Known for its unique ability to mimic various sounds from cars to gates and calls of other birds, this bird can be seen year-round.

Birds of Arkansas

Birds of Prey: Sharp-shinned Hawk,Red-Shouldered Hawk, Red-Tailed Hawk

Backyard Birds: Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Eastern Bluebird

Rare Birds: Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, Cinnamon Teal, Black Scoter

Water Birds: Mallard, American Coot, American Wigeon

Common Birds Identification by Color

Blue Birds

  • Eastern Bluebird
  • Blue Jay
  •  Great Blue Heron

Red Birds

  • House Finch
  • Northern Cardinal
  • Red Crossbill
  • Common Redpoll
  • Pine Grosbeak

Black Birds

  • Brown-headed Cowbird
  • European Starling
  • Common Grackle
  • Rusty Blackbird
  • Red-winged Blackbird

Yellow Birds

  • American Goldfinch
  • Pine Warbler
  • Eastern Meadowlark
  • Nashville Warbler
  • Lesser Goldfinch

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