Iowa, often associated with its rolling plains and cornfields, is also a remarkable sanctuary for a variety of water birds. With numerous rivers coursing through the state and an array of wetlands dotting its landscape, Iowa offers a rich medley of habitats that support these avian species.
Iowa water birds
| Water Bird Species | Frequency in Iowa | Where to Find in Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| American White Pelican | Common | Mississippi River, Saylorville Lake |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Common | Clear Lake, Big Spirit Lake |
| Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Wetlands and rivers statewide |
| Great Egret | Common | Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge |
| Snowy Egret | Uncommon | Mississippi River backwaters |
| Green Heron | Common | Wetlands, streams, and ponds statewide |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Common | Urban rivers and wetlands |
| Mallard | Very Common | Ponds, rivers, and lakes statewide |
| Wood Duck | Common | Wooded wetlands and rivers |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Common | Wetlands and marshy areas |
| Northern Pintail | Common | Wetlands and marshy areas |
| Canvasback | Uncommon | Large rivers and lakes |
| Redhead | Uncommon | Large rivers and lakes |
| Ring-Necked Duck | Common | Forested wetlands |
| Lesser Scaup | Common | Large bodies of water |
| Bufflehead | Common | Ponds, lakes, and rivers statewide |
| Hooded Merganser | Common | Wooded wetlands and ponds |
| Common Merganser | Uncommon | Large rivers and lakes |
| Ruddy Duck | Common | Ponds, lakes, and rivers statewide |
| American Coot | Very Common | Wetlands, lakes, and rivers statewide |
| Sandhill Crane | Common | Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge |
| American Wigeon | Common | Wetlands, ponds, and reservoirs |
| American Avocet | Uncommon | Wetlands and mudflats |
| Black-necked Stilt | Uncommon | Wetlands and mudflats |
| Osprey | Uncommon | Near large bodies of water |
| Common Loon | Uncommon | Large bodies of water |
| Pied-billed Grebe | Common | Wetlands and lakes |
Water Bird Species Found in Iowa
Where to Spot Iowa’s Water Birds
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Prairie City: This refuge features a range of habitats, from prairies to wetlands, making it an excellent spot to see a variety of aquatic birds such as pelicans, herons, and various duck species. It is often used by breeding birds so expect to see breeding adults and many immature birds about.
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri Valley: Straddling the Iowa-Nebraska border, this refuge is an important stopover for migratory waterfowl. You can find numerous species of ducks, geese, and shorebirds here. Snow geese often nest here.
Lake Red Rock, Marion County: The largest lake in Iowa, Lake Red Rock is a hotspot for water birds, including various species of gulls, terns, and waterfowl.
Big Marsh Wildlife Management Area, Butler County: This 6,000-acre marsh is one of the largest remaining cattail marshes in Iowa, attracting many water bird species such as Northern Pintails, American Coots, and Snowy Egrets. You can often see many wading birds here including the little blue heron, or the pied-billed grebe, attracted by the floating vegetation.
Rathbun Lake, Appanoose County: As one of Iowa’s largest reservoirs, Rathbun Lake hosts a wide variety of water birds, including herons, egrets, and multiple duck species.
Mississippi River: The Mississippi River forms the eastern border of Iowa, separating it from Wisconsin and Illinois. This mighty river flows through several Iowa towns and cities including Dubuque, Davenport, and Burlington.
As a critical waterway and habitat, the Mississippi River hosts many species of water birds from shore birds to other large birds who like slow moving rivers. Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets are frequently spotted along the riverbanks, hunting in the shallow waters. Other common species include the Double-crested Cormorant and a variety of ducks, such as Mallards, Northern Pintails, and Wood Ducks. During migration seasons, one might also observe larger flocks of Canada Geese and Tundra Swans. Bald Eagles and other birds of prey in Iowa, which eat fish, can be commonly seen especially in winter when the river is one of the few open bodies of water.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
|---|---|
| Minnesota Water Birds | Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge |
| Wisconsin Water Birds | Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Devil's Lake State Park |
| Illinois Water Birds | Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve |
| Missouri Water Birds | Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Mingo National Wildlife Refuge |
| Nebraska Water Birds | Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Platte River State Park |
| South Dakota Water Birds | Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Waubay National Wildlife Refuge, LaCreek National Wildlife Refuge |