Top 25 Water Birds in North America

The United States, with its sprawling lakes, mighty rivers, extensive coastlines, and numerous wetlands, serves as an impressive natural habitat for a diverse range of water birds.

From the icy shores of Alaska to the tropical wetlands of Florida, our nation teems with an array of winged inhabitants who have adapted remarkably well to life on and around water.

There are several hundred types of waterbirds in the US. This includes a wide variety of species such as ducks, geese, swans, wading birds, seabirds, and shorebirds, among others.

This variety of species offers an unparalleled opportunity for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and even casual observers to witness unique behaviors, stunning plumage, and extraordinary survival techniques.

Waterbirds in North America

Common Name	Family	Habitat	Foraging Behavior
Mallard	Ducks	Lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes	Dabbling
American Wigeon	Ducks	Ponds, marshes, wet grasslands	Dabbling and grazing
Northern Pintail	Ducks	Marshes, shallow lakes and ponds	Dabbling
Northern Shoveler	Ducks	Ponds, marshes, wetlands	Dabbling
Blue-winged Teal	Ducks	Marshes, ponds, wetlands	Dabbling
Green-winged Teal	Ducks	Wetlands, marshes, ponds	Dabbling
Bufflehead	Ducks	Lakes, ponds, saltwater bays	Diving
Hooded Merganser	Ducks	Wooded ponds, rivers	Diving
Common Merganser	Ducks	Rivers, lakes	Diving
Canada Goose	Geese	Lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes	Grazing
Snow Goose	Geese	Tundra, marshes, fields	Grazing
Tundra Swan	Swans	Tundra, large lakes and rivers	Dabbling and diving
Great Blue Heron	Herons	Marshes, lake edges, tide-flats	Wading Birds
Pacific Loon	Loons	Lakes, oceans	Diving
Red-throated Loon	Loons	Coastal waters, lakes	Diving
Common Loon	Loons	Lakes, marine coastlines	Diving
Yellow-billed Loon	Loons	Large Arctic lakes, oceans	Diving
Horned Grebe	Grebes	Lakes, marine waters	Diving
Red-necked Grebe	Grebes	Lakes, marine waters	Diving
Short-tailed Albatross	Albatrosses	Open ocean	Surface seizing and diving
Laysan Albatross	Albatrosses	Open ocean	Surface seizing
Black-footed Albatross	Albatrosses	Open ocean	Surface seizing
Northern Fulmar	Fulmars	Open ocean	Surface seizing
Short-tailed Shearwater	Shearwaters	Open ocean	Surface diving
Sooty Shearwater	Shearwaters	Open ocean	Surface diving

Water Bird Species Found in North America

Tips on How to Spot Water Birds in US

Research and Plan Ahead: Before setting out on your birdwatching expedition, conduct research about the water birds native to the region you’re planning to visit. Each species has its unique characteristics, behaviors, and preferred habitats, so knowing what to expect will significantly increase your chances of successful sightings.

Equip Yourself: A good pair of binoculars is essential for birdwatching. Spotting scopes are also useful, particularly for water birds that tend to stay further from shore. Don’t forget a reliable field guide or a bird identification app for quick and accurate identification.
Timing Is Key: Water birds can be more active during certain parts of the day. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times for birdwatching, as many species are actively feeding during these periods.
Silence and Patience: Water birds can be quite skittish, and they may fly away at sudden movements or loud noises. Remain quiet, move slowly, and be patient. You may need to wait a while for the birds to become comfortable with your presence.
Check the Weather: Weather plays a crucial role in bird activity. Some water birds prefer calm, sunny days, while others may be more active in overcast or slightly rainy conditions.
Visit Different Habitats: Water birds can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats - from saltwater beaches and coastal marshes to freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds. Exploring different environments will provide opportunities to spot a wider variety of species.
Join a Birdwatching Group: Joining a local birdwatching group or guided tour can be incredibly beneficial, especially for beginners. Experienced birdwatchers or guides can provide invaluable knowledge, tips, and companionship, making your birdwatching adventure even more enjoyable.

Remember, the joy of birdwatching lies as much in the journey as in the sighting itself. Happy birdwatching!

Water birds by State

Atlantic Coastal States

Gulf Coast States

Pacific Coastal States

Great Lakes States

Interior Plains and Prairie States

Appalachian and Inland Eastern States

Mississippi River States

How many birds are considered waterbirds in US?

There are over 400 water birds in America, from wading birds in marshy wetlands to diving ducks. We’ve just focused on the top 25, but also included could be little blue herons, yellow crowned night heron, tricolored herons, reddish egret, great egrets, night herons, white faced ibis and many many more. The little blue heron is my favorite!

Do all waterbirds have waterproof feathers?

Yes, all waterbirds, also known as aquatic birds, have waterproof feathers. This waterproofing is a key adaptation for their lifestyle, which involves spending substantial time in or around water. The feature protects them from the cold and wet conditions, helping them to maintain their body temperature, buoyancy, and the ability to fly.