Do you love spending time outdoors surrounded by beautiful wildlife? If so, then North America is the place for you! This vast continent is home to an incredible variety of birds, including owls, hawks, eagles, and more. In this comprehensive guide to North American birds, we will provide an in-depth look at some of the most popular species found in this region. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned birdwatcher, we guarantee you’ll find something new in this guide!
Waterfowl (Anatidae)
Waterfowl are some of the most common birds that you’ll find in North America and this is the collective name for ducks, geese, and swans. While they may look similar at first glance, there are actually many different types of waterfowl found in this region.
Geese
We’ve done a full breakdown of all the Geese found in North America along with Geese species by state.
Goose breeds in North America
- Emperor Goose
- Snow Goose
- Ross’s Goose
- Greater White-fronted Goose
- Pink-footed Goose
- Brant (Brent Geese)
- Barnacle Goose
- Cackling Goose
- Canada Goose
Geese found by State
Swans
There are three main species of Swans in North America, the Tundra, the Trumpeter and the Mute Swan.
Ducks
Gallinaceous Birds
Gallinaceous birds are a type of ground-dwelling bird that includes chicken, quail, pheasants, and more. These birds are typically found in wooded areas and forests and they play an important role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and controlling insect populations.
Chachalacas
New World Quail
Pheasants
Grouse
Flamingos
Flamingos are a type of wading bird that is best known for their bright pink feathers. These beautiful birds are actually native to the Americas and can be found in both North and South America. While they typically live in warm climates near bodies of water, some species of flamingos have been known to venture into colder regions.
Grebes
Grebes are a type of waterbird that is closely related to ducks and coots. There are over 6 different species of grebes found all over the world, including North America. These birds are excellent swimmers and can often be seen diving underwater in search of food.
Pigeons and Doves
Pigeons and doves are a type of bird that is found in nearly every part of the world. In North America, there are over 16 different species of these birds. They are typically small in size with plump bodies and short beaks. Pigeons and doves are known for their gentle cooing sounds.
Cuckoos and Allies
Cuckoos and allies are a type of bird that is best known for their distinctive calls. In North America, there are over 7 different species of cuckoos. These birds typically live in wooded areas and forests. Some species of cuckoos are also known to parasitize the nests of other birds.
Goatsuckers / Nightjars
Goatsuckers or nightjars are a type of nocturnal bird that is closely related to the nightjar. In North America, there are 9 different species of goatsuckers. These birds are typically found in open habitats such as grasslands and deserts.
Swifts and Hummingbirds
Cranes and Allies
Shorebirds
Tropicbirds
Loonbs
Tubenoses
Storks
Boobies, Cormorants, Darters, Frigatebirds and Gannets
Large Waterbirds
New World Vultures
Diurnal Raptors
Owls
Trogons and Quetzals
Kingfishers
Woodpeckers and Relatives
Falcons and Caracaras
Parrats and Cockatoos
Passerines
Jim Addison is an avid bird watcher and has been obsessed with the activity since he was a young boy.
He has traveled all over North America in search of new and interesting species to observe, and his detailed knowledge of the subject makes him a sought-after expert on the topic.
