Utah, known for its remarkable natural landscapes, is also a host to an array of water birds that add to the state’s unique biodiversity. With lots of water bird species making their home in this state, Utah’s waterways and wetlands have become vital habitats for these fascinating creatures.
Utah water birds
| Water Bird | Frequency | Where to Find in Utah |
|---|---|---|
| American White Pelican | Common | Great Salt Lake, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Very Common | Statewide, especially Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge |
| Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Statewide in wetland areas and riverbanks |
| Great Egret | Common | Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge |
| Snowy Egret | Common | Great Salt Lake, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge |
| Green Heron | Uncommon | Jordan River Parkway |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Common | Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge |
| Mallard | Very Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| Wood Duck | Uncommon | Logan River, Ogden River |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Common | Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge |
| Northern Pintail | Common | Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Great Salt Lake |
| Redhead | Common | Great Salt Lake |
| Ring-Necked Duck | Common | Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Great Salt Lake |
| Bufflehead | Uncommon | Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge during migration |
| Hooded Merganser | Uncommon | Provo River during migration |
| Common Merganser | Uncommon | Provo River during migration |
| American Coot | Very Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| Sandhill Crane | Common | Great Salt Lake, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge |
| American Wigeon | Common | Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge |
| Common Loon | Uncommon | Great Salt Lake during migration |
| Pied-Billed Grebe | Common | Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Great Salt Lake |
Water Bird Species Found in Utah
Where to Spot Utah’s Water Birds
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Brigham City: Located at the mouth of the Bear River and the northeast arm of the Great Salt Lake, the refuge is a major resting, nesting and feeding area for migratory birds, including a wide variety of waterfowl and shorebirds like the White-faced Ibis, American Avocet, and Northern Pintail.
Great Salt Lake: The lake itself, apart from being a natural wonder, is a globally important habitat for migrating and nesting birds. It supports millions of water birds, including Wilson’s Phalaropes, Red-necked Phalaropes, and American White Pelicans.
Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Juab County: Nestled in the desert of western Utah, Fish Springs provides lush wetlands for water birds. A wide variety of species can be seen here, such as the White-faced Ibis, Sandhill Cranes, and numerous duck species.
Antelope Island State Park: Located in the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island is home to a wide variety of bird species, including many water birds. It’s a great place to spot American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts, and various species of gulls.
Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area: This waterfowl management area located close to Salt Lake City is a crucial habitat for migrating water birds. Here, one can observe Bald Eagles, Tundra Swans, Northern Pintails, and other water birds in abundance during migration seasons.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
|---|---|
| Idaho Water Birds | Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Coeur d'Alene River Wildlife Management Area |
| Wyoming Water Birds | Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, Bighorn River, National Elk Refuge |
| Colorado Water Birds | Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge, Barr Lake State Park, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge |
| New Mexico Water Birds | Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park |
| Arizona Water Birds | Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Patagonia Lake State Park, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge |
| Nevada Water Birds | Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Lahontan State Recreation Area, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge |
FAQS on Waterbirds in Utah
What are some common waterfowl species in Utah?
Utah is home to a diverse array of waterfowl species, including Canada Geese, Green Winged Teal, Cattle Egrets, and Ruddy Ducks. These birds can often be found in the Great Salt Lake Wetlands, Bear River Bay, and the associated wetlands around the state.
Why are there so many birds in Utah?
Utah provides a diverse range of habitats for so many birds, including the dense vegetation of the Great Salt Lake Wetlands and the shallow wetlands of Farmington Bay WMA and Willard Spur. These environments provide ample food and shelter for both large birds and small birds, making Utah a haven for many species.
When do birds migrate south in Utah?
Waterfowl in Utah typically migrate south in the fall, with peak counts often occurring around mid-October. The state’s associated wetlands and water bodies like the Great Salt Lake and Bear River Bay serve as critical stopover points for these migratory shorebirds.
Where can I see large numbers of waterbirds in Utah?
Large numbers of waterbirds can be observed at the Great Salt Lake and its surrounding wetlands. Areas such as Farmington Bay WMA, Bear River Bay, and Willard Spur regularly host many species of birds, especially during the spring and fall migration periods.
What distinguishes the Green Winged Teal?
The Green Winged Teal, one of the three species of Teal found in Utah, is a small bird known for its excellent swimming abilities. Males have a bright green patch on their wings and are recognized by their vertical white stripe on the body. They are excellent swimmers and can often be seen foraging in dense vegetation for seeds and small animals.
How can I identify a Cattle Egret?
Cattle Egrets are relatively small, white wading birds with short bills and yellow legs. They are unique among herons and egrets in that they often feed in dry fields, catching insects and small animals disturbed by grazing cattle, hence their name. They are also often seen around golf courses and other grassy areas looking for an easy meal.
What is the role of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources?
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources works to manage the state’s wildlife and their habitats. They oversee the conservation of all wildlife species, including waterbirds, and manage the associated wetlands and water bodies that serve as these species’ habitats. They also conduct regular bird counts and provide resources to help the public identify and learn more about the state’s diverse bird species. long toes eared grebes wasatch front corn