Immerse yourself in the prairie landscapes of Nebraska, a state where water and land intermingle to create an inviting home for a wide variety of water birds. With 27 species calling this state their home, Nebraska’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands form an essential habitat for these captivating avian residents.
Nebraska water birds
| Species | Frequency | Where to Find in Nebraska |
|---|---|---|
| American White Pelican | Common | Sandhills region, Rainwater Basin |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Common | Along the Platte River, Lake McConaughy |
| Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| Great Egret | Uncommon | Rainwater Basin, along Platte River |
| Snowy Egret | Uncommon | Rainwater Basin, along Platte River |
| Green Heron | Common | Fontenelle Forest, wetlands statewide |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Common | Wetlands statewide, Lincoln Saline Wetlands |
| Mallard | Very Common | Statewide in all types of wetlands |
| Wood Duck | Common | Fontenelle Forest, wetland areas |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Common | Wetlands statewide, especially in the Sandhills region |
| Northern Pintail | Common | Rainwater Basin, wetlands statewide |
| Canvasback | Uncommon | Sandhills region, Rainwater Basin |
| Redhead | Uncommon | Sandhills region, Rainwater Basin |
| Ring-Necked Duck | Common | Wetlands statewide, Rainwater Basin |
| Lesser Scaup | Common | Wetlands statewide, Lake McConaughy |
| Bufflehead | Common | Lake McConaughy, wetlands statewide |
| Hooded Merganser | Uncommon | Sandhills region, Rainwater Basin |
| Common Merganser | Uncommon | Missouri River, Platte River |
| Ruddy Duck | Common | Rainwater Basin, Sandhills region |
| American Coot | Very Common | Lakes and wetlands statewide |
| Sandhill Crane | Very Common | Platte River Valley, Kearney region |
| American Wigeon | Common | Wetlands statewide, Sandhills region |
| Osprey | Uncommon | Missouri River, Platte River |
| Common Loon | Uncommon | Lake McConaughy, larger lakes statewide |
| Pied-Billed Grebe | Common | Wetlands statewide, Rainwater Basin |
| White-faced Ibis | Uncommon | Rainwater Basin, Platte River region |
| American Bittern | Uncommon | Wetlands statewide, Sandhills region |
Water Bird Species Found in Nebraska
Where to Spot Nebraska’s Water Birds
Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District, Funk: This region is one of the most important in North America for migratory waterfowl. During the spring migration, millions of ducks and geese descend on the area. Here, you can see species such as Mallards, Northern Pintails, and Snow Geese and other Nebraska waterfowl.
Rowe Sanctuary, Gibbon: Famous for the annual Sandhill Crane migration, Rowe Sanctuary is also a significant habitat for many species of ducks, herons, and other water birds such as Canada Geese.
Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Ellsworth: Home to over 240 bird species, this refuge is a great spot to see American Avocets, White-faced Ibis, Green winged teal and Buffleheads.
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri Valley, Eastern Nebraska: The refuge’s large lake attracts thousands of migratory water birds, including ducks, geese, herons, and pelicans.You will see a wide variety of large birds such as Snow Goose, Great Blue Heron and American White Pelican.
Lewis and Clark Lake, Yankton: Along this Missouri River reservoir, birdwatchers can spot a variety of water birds like Double-crested Cormorants, Western Grebes, and a range of duck species.
Fontenelle Forest: Situated in Bellevue, this location has wetlands and floodplains along the Missouri River that attract a variety of water birds.
Platte River: During the spring migration, the Platte River becomes a vital stopover for hundreds of thousands of Sandhill Cranes, along with numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds and small birds.
Chalco Hills Recreation Area: Located in Omaha, this area offers several reservoirs that serve as a habitat for various species of water birds such as northern shovelers.
Two Rivers State Recreation Area: Near the confluence of the Platte and Elkhorn Rivers, this park provides varied water habitats attracting different species of ducks, waders, and other water birds.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
|---|---|
| South Dakota Water Birds | South Dakota: Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Waubay National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge |
| Iowa Water Birds | Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge |
| Missouri Water Birds | Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area |
| Kansas Water Birds | Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, Marais Des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge |
| Colorado Water Birds | Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge, Barr Lake State Park, Prewitt Reservoir |
| Wyoming Water Birds | National Elk Refuge, Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, Yellowstone National Park |