Delaware may be the second smallest state in the US, but its avian richness is far from lacking. Its strategic location along the Atlantic Flyway, combined with the presence of numerous wetlands, rivers, and coastal areas, makes it a hotspot for a variety of water birds. These creatures add a distinct vibrancy to the state’s ecosystems, engaging visitors and residents alike with their unique displays of colors and behaviors.
As you delve into the world of water birds in Delaware, you’re set to embark on an enriching journey through an integral part of the state’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
Delaware water birds
| Water Bird Species | Frequency in Delaware | Specific Locations in Delaware |
|---|---|---|
| American White Pelican | Rare | Bombay Hook NWR, occasionally in other coastal areas |
| Brown Pelican | Uncommon | Delaware Bay, Indian River Inlet |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Very Common | Delaware Bay, inland lakes and ponds |
| Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Bombay Hook NWR, Delaware River |
| Great Egret | Common | Bombay Hook NWR, Delaware Bay |
| Snowy Egret | Common | Delaware Bay, Bombay Hook NWR |
| Green Heron | Common | Inland lakes and ponds, Bombay Hook NWR |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Common | Delaware River, Bombay Hook NWR |
| Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron | Uncommon | Bombay Hook NWR, occasionally in coastal marshes |
| Glossy Ibis | Uncommon | Delaware Bay, Bombay Hook NWR |
| American Coot | Common | Inland lakes and ponds, Delaware River |
| Mallard | Very Common | Just about any water body in the state |
| Wood Duck | Very Common | Inland lakes and ponds, Delaware River |
| Common Merganser | Uncommon | Delaware River, occasionally inland waters |
| Hooded Merganser | Common | Delaware River, inland lakes and ponds |
| Red-Breasted Merganser | Uncommon | Delaware Bay, coastal waters |
| American Black Duck | Very Common | Delaware Bay, inland lakes and ponds |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Common | Bombay Hook NWR, Delaware Bay |
| Northern Pintail | Common | Bombay Hook NWR, Delaware Bay |
| Green-Winged Teal | Common | Delaware Bay, Bombay Hook NWR |
| Ring-Necked Duck | Common | Inland lakes and ponds, Delaware River |
| Canvasback | Uncommon | Delaware Bay, Bombay Hook NWR |
| Redhead | Rare | Occasionally sighted at Delaware Bay |
| Common Goldeneye | Uncommon | Delaware Bay, coastal waters |
| American Wigeon | Common | Bombay Hook NWR, Delaware Bay |
| Northern Shoveler | Common | Bombay Hook NWR, Delaware Bay |
Water Bird Species Found in Delaware
Where to Spot Delaware’s Water Birds
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Situated on the coast, this refuge is a major stop on the Atlantic Flyway. It’s renowned for its extensive tidal salt marsh, freshwater impoundments, and diverse water bird population, including herons, egrets, ducks, and shorebirds.
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Another crucial habitat on the Atlantic Flyway, Prime Hook is a haven for water birds. The marshes, ponds, and forests attract diverse species, such as migrating snow geese and numerous wading birds.
Cape Henlopen State Park: Located at the point where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, this park is a migratory hotspot for numerous water bird species. It is also the nesting ground for ospreys and is known for its populations of gulls, terns, and waterfowl.
Delaware Seashore State Park: Located on a barrier island, this park’s diverse habitats, including sandy beaches, marshes, and bays, attract a range of water birds, from herons and egrets to sandpipers and plovers.
Port Mahon: This area near Little Creek is a notable spot for birding. The shoreline and surrounding wetlands are known to attract a variety of water birds, including rare and migrating species.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
|---|---|
| Maryland Water Birds | Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Deal Island Wildlife Management Area, Assateague Island National Seashore |
| Pennsylvania Water Birds | Conneaut Harbor, Presque Isle State Park, Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area |
| New Jersey Water Birds | Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Cape May Point State Park, Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area |
FAQS on Waterbirds in Delaware?
Are there many wading birds in Delaware bay?
Yes, there are many species of wading birds that you can find in the Delaware Bay, an estuary outlet of the Delaware River on the Northeast seaboard of the United States. There is also a wide range of marsh birds and many other species of birds in Delaware from the bald eagle to backyard birds found around bird feeders.
How many birds are in Delaware?
The exact number of individual birds in Delaware at any given time can be difficult to determine due to factors such as migration, breeding, and varying populations of different species. However, according to the Delaware Ornithological Society there are approximately 420 species of birds that have been recorded in Delaware ranging from the marsh wren, to secretive birds such as Salt Marh sparrows, shore birds with their long legs and even snow geese with their pink legs.