Indiana, a state marked by rolling farmlands and a diverse array of water bodies, is a haven for a wide variety of water birds. Its extensive network of lakes, rivers, and wetlands offers an attractive mosaic of habitats that draw in these remarkable creatures.
Indiana water birds
| Water Bird Species | Frequency in Indiana | Where to Find in Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| American White Pelican | Common | Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Common | Geist Reservoir, White River |
| Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Wetlands and rivers statewide |
| Great Egret | Common | Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area |
| Snowy Egret | Common | Kankakee Sands Preserve |
| Green Heron | Common | Wetlands, streams, and ponds statewide |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Common | Urban parks and wetlands |
| Mallard | Very Common | Ponds, rivers, and lakes statewide |
| Wood Duck | Common | Wooded wetlands and rivers |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Common | Wetlands and marshy areas |
| Northern Pintail | Common | Wetlands and marshy areas |
| Canvasback | Uncommon | Large rivers and lakes |
| Redhead | Uncommon | Large rivers and lakes |
| Ring-Necked Duck | Common | Forested wetlands |
| Lesser Scaup | Common | Large bodies of water |
| Bufflehead | Common | Ponds, lakes, and rivers statewide |
| Hooded Merganser | Common | Wooded wetlands and ponds |
| Common Merganser | Uncommon | Large rivers and lakes |
| Ruddy Duck | Common | Ponds, lakes, and rivers statewide |
| American Coot | Very Common | Wetlands, lakes, and rivers statewide |
| Sandhill Crane | Common | Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area |
| American Wigeon | Common | Wetlands, ponds, and reservoirs |
| American Avocet | Uncommon | Wetlands and mudflats |
| Osprey | Uncommon | Near large bodies of water |
Water Bird Species Found in Indiana
Where to Spot Indiana’s Water Birds
In total, according to the Indiana bird records committee there are over 422 types of birds in Indiana, and we’ve only chosen a tiny selection of the water birds above.
Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area, Linton: This 9,000-acre wetland reserve is one of the largest restoration projects in Indiana history. With over 30 different ponds, it is a prime location for observing a vast array of water birds, including egrets, herons, and ducks and even the yellow crowned night heron or little blue heron.
Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis: One of the largest city parks in the U.S., Eagle Creek is home to a large reservoir and wetland areas. Water birds are abundant here, including various species of ducks, grebes, and coots.
Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge, Oakland City: This refuge provides habitat for a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds. Species commonly seen here include Sandhill Cranes, Great Blue Herons, and a range of duck species.
Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, Seymour: With its wetlands, ponds, and creeks, this refuge is a haven for water birds. Look for species such as the Black-Crowned Night-Heron, American Coot, and the Northern Shoveler. You might also find the cattle egret and little blue herons, along with lots of wading birds and other large birds included barn owls. Cattle egrets, Tricolored Herons and other wading birds (at least ten species) are known to frequent the marshes during migration periods, making this location a birder’s paradise.
Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton: Situated on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the dunes provide a crucial stopover for migrating water birds. This location offers birders a chance to see numerous gull species, Double-Crested Cormorants, and various species of ducks and grebes.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
|---|---|
| Michigan Water Birds | Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Tawas Point State Park |
| Ohio Water Birds | Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
| Kentucky Water Birds | Sloughs Wildlife Management Area, Mammoth Cave National Park, Lake Barkley State Resort Park |
| Illinois Water Birds | Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve |