Oklahoma, a state crisscrossed by numerous rivers and dotted with lakes, serves as a welcoming habitat for an array of diverse water bird species. These avian denizens not only add vibrancy to the state’s wildlife scene but also play a significant role in its ecological balance.
Oklahoma water birds
Oklahoma, with its numerous lakes and wetlands, provides habitat for a variety of water bird species. Here are 25 of the most common water birds you might find in Oklahoma
| Species | Frequency | Where to Find in Oklahoma |
|---|---|---|
| American White Pelican | Common | Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Keystone Lake |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Common | Lake Texoma, Lake Thunderbird |
| Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Thunderbird |
| Great Egret | Common | Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Lake Hefner |
| Snowy Egret | Common | Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Overholser |
| Green Heron | Common | Oxley Nature Center, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Common | Lake Overholser, Oxley Nature Center |
| Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron | Common | Oxley Nature Center, Lake Hefner |
| Mallard | Very Common | Throughout the state in various ponds, lakes and rivers |
| Wood Duck | Common | Oxley Nature Center, Keystone Ancient Forest |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Common | Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge |
| Northern Pintail | Common | Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge |
| Canvasback | Common | Lake Hefner, Lake Texoma |
| Redhead | Common | Lake Hefner, Lake Texoma |
| Ring-Necked Duck | Common | Lake Thunderbird, Lake Hefner |
| Bufflehead | Common | Lake Hefner, Lake Texoma |
| Hooded Merganser | Common | Lake Hefner, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge |
| Common Merganser | Common | Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Lake Thunderbird |
| Ruddy Duck | Common | Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Texoma |
| American Coot | Very Common | Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Overholser |
| Sandhill Crane | Common | Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge |
| American Wigeon | Common | Lake Hefner, Lake Texoma |
| Canada Goose | Very Common | Throughout the state in various ponds, lakes and rivers |
| Common Loon | Common | Lake Texoma, Lake Hefner |
| Pied-Billed Grebe | Common | Lake Thunderbird, Lake Overholser |
| American Bittern | Uncommon | Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge |
Water Bird Species Found in Oklahoma
Where to Spot Oklahoma’s Water Birds
Oklahoma’s varied landscapes and abundant waterways make it a great state for spotting Oklahoma birds. Here are some key locations:
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Indiahoma: This diverse habitat attracts various species of water birds including the American Avocet, Double-Crested Cormorant, and Ruddy Duck. You can see them around the lakes and rivers of this refuge.
Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Vian: Located where the Canadian and Arkansas Rivers meet, this refuge is a haven for waterfowl like the Mallard, Northern Pintail, and Snowy Egret, especially during migratory seasons.
Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman: The park’s large reservoir attracts a broad range of water birds including the Bufflehead, Western Grebe, and Northern Shoveler. It’s also a great place for bird photography.
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Jet: This refuge is a prime location to see an array of water birds such as the Greater Flamingo, White-faced Ibis, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron and other large birds like the Snow goose with its black tail feathers. The salt plains themselves also attract unique species. You can spot the Little Blue Herons with their yellow legs.
Red Slough Wildlife Management Area, Idabel: This area contains a diverse mix of wetland habitats, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers to spot species like the Great Egret, Cattle Egrets,Green Heron, and Sandhill Crane. Plenty of large wading birds can be found in this spot.
Oxley Nature Center: Located in Tulsa, the center’s wetlands and Lake Sherry are home to numerous bird species.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
|---|---|
| Texas Water Birds | High Island, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, South Padre Island |
| New Mexico Water Birds | Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park |
| Colorado Water Birds | Barr Lake State Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Fruitgrowers Reservoir |
| Kansas Water Birds | Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, Cheyenne Bottoms, Milford Nature Center & Fish Hatchery |
| Missouri Water Birds | Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area |
| Arkansas Water Birds | Buffalo National River, Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Chicot State Park |