Welcoming you to the untamed wilderness of Montana, a state known not just for its mountains, but for its rich diversity of water birds as well. Home to a varied collection of 27 species of water birds, Montana’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands create the perfect haven for both migratory and resident birds.
Montana water birds
| Species | Frequency | Where to Find in Montana |
|---|---|---|
| American White Pelican | Common | Flathead Lake, Medicine Lake NWR |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Common | Yellowstone River, Clark Fork River |
| Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| Great Egret | Uncommon | Eastern Montana in marshy areas |
| Snowy Egret | Uncommon | Eastern Montana in marshy areas |
| Green Heron | Uncommon | Western Montana in wetland areas |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Uncommon | Eastern Montana in wetland areas |
| Mallard | Very Common | Statewide in all types of wetlands |
| Wood Duck | Common | Western Montana in forested wetlands |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Common | Eastern Montana in wetland areas |
| Northern Pintail | Common | Wetlands statewide, especially eastern |
| Canvasback | Common | Larger lakes and rivers |
| Redhead | Common | Larger lakes and rivers |
| Ring-Necked Duck | Common | Statewide, especially in aquatic habitats |
| Lesser Scaup | Common | Lakes and ponds statewide |
| Bufflehead | Common | Lakes and ponds statewide |
| Hooded Merganser | Common | Forested wetlands statewide |
| Common Merganser | Common | Larger lakes and rivers, particularly north |
| Ruddy Duck | Common | Eastern Montana in wetland areas |
| American Coot | Common | Lakes and wetlands statewide |
| Sandhill Crane | Uncommon | Central and eastern Montana |
| American Wigeon | Common | Wetlands statewide, especially eastern |
| Osprey | Common | Western Montana near lakes and rivers |
| Common Loon | Uncommon | Northwestern Montana in large lakes |
| Pied-Billed Grebe | Common | Statewide in aquatic habitats |
| White-faced Ibis | Uncommon | Eastern Montana in wetland areas |
| American Bittern | Uncommon | Eastern Montana in wetland areas |
Water Bird Species Found in Montana
Where to Spot Montana’s Water Birds
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, Stevensville: Nestled in the Bitterroot Valley, this refuge attracts a diverse range of water birds, including Trumpeter Swans, Great Blue Herons, and American Coots. Walking trails and observation points make it a great spot for birdwatching.
Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge, Charlo: This refuge is a waterfowl paradise with over 200 rarte bird species documented. It’s a great spot to see Ruddy Ducks, Northern Pintails, and Western Grebes along with a great selection of rare birds.
Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Great Falls: Benton Lake is renowned for attracting a diverse range of migratory water birds including Sandhill Cranes, White-faced Ibis, and Northern Shovelers and other native birds like the blue winged teal - known for its green plumage.
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Lima: An important habitat for the Trumpeter Swan, the refuge is also home to a wide variety of waterfowl (loads of Canada geese), wading birds, and shorebirds, including the American Avocet and Black-necked Stilt and other native species like the cattle egret - spot its yellow legs!.
Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area, Fairfield: Known for the spectacular spring migration of Snow Geese (known for their pink legs) and Tundra Swans, it’s also a habitat for a variety of ducks and other water birds, with many breeding males who can be quite aggressive in breeding season.
Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge in Sheridan County in Northeastern Montana is a great place for observing migratory waterfowl and shorebirds, as well as nesting species such as the American Avocet, Northern Pintail, and Gadwall. It is a designated Globally Important Bird Area due to its crucial role in bird conservation.
Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge: Located in central Montana, this vast refuge extends into the northeastern part of the state. It offers extensive shallow wetlands that attract a wide variety of waterfowl and shorebirds such as cattle egrets where this is their preferred habitat.
Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge: Near Malta in Eastern Montana, this refuge serves as a breeding ground for many water birds, including American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, and a variety of ducks and geese. It is also a major stopover point during spring and fall migration.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
|---|---|
| Idaho Water Birds | Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Coeur d'Alene Lake, Farragut State Park |
| Wyoming Water Birds | National Elk Refuge, Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, Yellowstone National Park |
| South Dakota Water Birds | Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Waubay National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge |
| North Dakota Water Birds | J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge |