Immersed in a rich tapestry of wetlands, rivers, and lakes, Minnesota offers an exceptional sanctuary for a diverse range of water birds. With a total of 26 noteworthy species gracing the state’s waters, Minnesota presents a unique ecological treasure for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Minnesota Water birds
| Species | Frequency | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| American White Pelican | Common | Pelican Rapids, Lake Osakis |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Very Common | Statewide, especially large lakes |
| Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| Great Egret | Common | Mississippi River, Lake Minnetonka |
| Green Heron | Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Uncommon | Urban and suburban areas near water |
| Mallard | Very Common | Statewide in all types of wetlands |
| Wood Duck | Very Common | Statewide in forested wetlands |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Common | Wetland areas statewide |
| Northern Pintail | Common | Wetlands statewide, especially northern |
| Canvasback | Common | Larger lakes and rivers |
| Redhead | Common | Larger lakes and rivers |
| Ring-Necked Duck | Common | Northern half of the state, in forested wetlands |
| Lesser Scaup | Common | Larger lakes and rivers |
| Bufflehead | Common | Lakes and ponds statewide |
| Hooded Merganser | Common | Forested wetlands statewide |
| Common Merganser | Common | Northern Minnesota in rivers and lakes |
| American Coot | Common | Lakes and wetlands statewide |
| Sandhill Crane | Common | Northwestern part of the state in wetlands |
| American Wigeon | Common | Wetlands statewide, especially northern |
| Common Loon | Very Common | Northern lakes and larger southern lakes |
| Pied-Billed Grebe | Common | Lakes and wetlands statewide |
Water Bird Species Found in Minnesota
Where to Spot Minnesota’s Water Birds
Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Marshall County: A pristine ecosystem of marshes, shrub, and forest, this refuge is home to over 280 bird species, including numerous large birds such as Trumpeter Swans, tundra swans, American Bitterns, and various species of ducks including mallard ducks with breeding adults and female mallards nesting here according to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Becker County: This diverse landscape of forests, wetlands, and lakes attracts water birds like the Common Loon, American White Pelican, and Red-necked Grebe, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. It’s not only birds that enjoy this refuge, there is plenty of other wildlife to be seen.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Hennepin/Dakota County: Situated along the Minnesota River, it’s a haven for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and other water birds. Notably, it is one of the few places in the state where you can spot the Prothonotary Warbler in the freshwater marshes its preferred habitat.
Lake of the Woods, multiple counties: This enormous lake is excellent for spotting water birds, especially in the spring and fall migrations. It’s a known breeding area for the American White Pelican and various species of terns and gulls.
Itasca State Park, Clearwater County: The headwaters of the Mississippi River provide prime habitat for many water birds. You can spot the Common Loon (Minnesota’s state bird), as well as Ospreys, Bald Eagles, and many species of ducks and herons.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
|---|---|
| Iowa Water Birds | Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge |
| South Dakota Water Birds | Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Waubay National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge |
| North Dakota Water Birds | J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge |
| Wisconsin Water Birds | Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Chequamegon Bay |