Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Alabama, a remarkable haven awaits bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Alabama’s abundant water bodies play host to a diverse array of captivating water birds, providing an enchanting spectacle for those who seek to explore the avian wonders of the state.
From graceful herons to vibrant ducks, the world of water birds in Alabama is a vibrant tapestry waiting to be discovered. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting world of water birds in Alabama!
Alabama Water Birds
| Common Name | Family | Habitat | Specific Locations in Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mallard | Ducks | Freshwater Wetlands | Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge |
| Mottled Duck | Ducks | Marshes and Wetlands | Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge |
| Wood Duck | Ducks | Wooded Swamps | Little River Canyon National Preserve |
| American Wigeon | Ducks | Lakes and Ponds | Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge |
| Ruddy Duck | Ducks | Ponds and Lakes | Guntersville Lake |
| Canvasback | Ducks | Large Lakes and Bays | Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge |
| Redhead | Ducks | Lakes and Ponds | Mobile-Tensaw River Delta |
| Northern Pintail | Ducks | Wetlands | Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge |
| Northern Shoveler | Ducks | Wetlands | Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge |
| Blue-winged Teal | Ducks | Wetlands | Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge |
| Green-winged Teal | Ducks | Wetlands | Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge |
| Black-bellied Whistling Duck | Ducks | Wetlands and Lakes | Gulf Coast region, particularly Mobile and Baldwin counties |
| Canada Goose | Geese | Wetlands and Lakes | Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge |
| Snow Goose | Geese | Wetlands and Lakes | Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge |
| Common Loon | Loons | Large Lakes and Oceans | Gulf Shores |
| American Coot | Coots | Wetlands and Lakes | Guntersville Lake |
| Yellow Rail | Rails | Wet Meadows and Marshes | Dauphin Island |
| Clapper Rail | Rails | Salt Marshes | Dauphin Island |
| Pied-billed Grebe | Grebes | Ponds and Lakes | Guntersville Lake |
| Horned Grebe | Grebes | Lakes and Oceans | Guntersville Lake |
| American White Pelican | Pelicans | Large Lakes and Coasts | Gulf Coast region, particularly Mobile and Baldwin counties |
| Great Blue Heron | Herons | Wetlands, Marshes, Lakes | Mobile-Tensaw River Delta |
| Green Heron | Herons | Wetlands and Marshes | Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge |
| Great Egret | Egrets | Wetlands, Marshes, Lakes | Mobile-Tensaw River Delta |
| American White Ibis | Ibises | Wetlands and Marshes | Gulf Shores |
Water Bird Species Found in Alabama
Where to Spot Alabama’s Water Birds
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge: Located along the Tennessee River, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for water birds in Alabama. This expansive refuge offers diverse habitats including wetlands, lakes, and bottomland hardwood forests, attracting a wide variety of species. Look out for Mallards, Wood Ducks, American Wigeons, Northern Shovelers, and Great Blue Herons among the many water bird species that call this refuge home.
Gulf Shores: With its coastal location, Gulf Shores provides an ideal environment for spotting water birds. The beaches, marshes, and lagoons attract an array of species. Keep an eye out for Ruddy Ducks, Green-winged Teals, American White Pelicans, and Great Egrets as you explore this coastal paradise.
Mobile Bay: Mobile Bay is a hotspot for water bird enthusiasts. The expansive bay and its surrounding wetlands offer a rich feeding ground for a diverse range of species. Here, you may encounter Mottled Ducks, American Coots, Clapper Rails, and American White Ibises, among others, as they forage in the marshes and along the shores of the bay.
Wheeler Lake: As part of the Tennessee River system, Wheeler Lake offers another fantastic location for observing water birds. This reservoir attracts numerous species, including Canvasbacks, Pied-billed Grebes, Northern Pintails, and Snow Geese. The lake’s scenic beauty and abundant wildlife make it a prime destination for birdwatchers.
Dauphin Island: Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, Dauphin Island serves as a critical stopover point for migrating water birds. The island’s beaches, mudflats, and marshes provide essential resting and feeding areas. Look for Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Great Blue Herons, Redheads, and Great Egrets during their migration seasons.
| State | Main Water Bird-Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| Georgia's Water Birds | Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, Okefenokee Swamp, Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge |
| Tennessee's Water Birds | Reelfoot Lake State Park, Radnor Lake State Park, Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge |
| Mississippi's Water Birds | Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Ross Barnett Reservoir, St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge |
| Florida's Water Birds | Everglades National Park, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge |
There are over 100 species of water birds in Alabama, we have just picked the 25 must see ones, but there are plenty of other birds which could beincluded in this list from sandhill cranes, great blue herons, green crested head of the Carolina duck and many other closely related ducks and many more Alabama birds. The American white pelicans with their yellow feet, and many birds which are migrating to central and south america and stop in Alabama on their way.