Dotted with numerous lakes, rivers, and wetlands, Pennsylvania provides the perfect backdrop for a diverse ecosystem of intriguing water bird species. The varied landscape of this state plays host to a feathered spectacle, an orchestra of colors, sounds, and behaviors.
Pennsylvania water birds
Here is a list of the most common water bird species that you might encounter around Pennsylvania’s waterways and wetland habitats:
| Water Bird | Frequency | Where to Find in Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Goose | Very Common | Throughout the state in wetlands and along rivers |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Common | Presque Isle State Park, Lake Erie |
| Belted Kingfisher | Common | Throughout the state in wetlands and along rivers |
| Great Egret | Common | John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Presque Isle State Park |
| Snowy Egret | Uncommon | John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge |
| Green Heron | Common | Erie National Wildlife Refuge, Moraine State Park |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Uncommon | John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge |
| Mallard | Very Common | Throughout the state in various ponds, lakes, and rivers |
| Wood Duck | Common | Throughout the state, especially in wooded wetlands |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Common | John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Presque Isle State Park |
| Northern Pintail | Common | Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, Pymatuning State Park |
| Canvasback | Uncommon | Presque Isle State Park |
| Redhead | Uncommon | Presque Isle State Park, Moraine State Park |
| Ring-Necked Duck | Common | Presque Isle State Park, Lake Erie |
| Bufflehead | Common | Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park |
| Hooded Merganser | Common | Moraine State Park, Pymatuning State Park |
| Common Merganser | Common | Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park |
| American Coot | Common | Presque Isle State Park, Lake Erie |
| Sandhill Crane | Uncommon | Pymatuning State Park, Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area |
| American Wigeon | Common | Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, Pymatuning State Park |
| Osprey | Common | Delaware River, Susquehanna River |
| Common Loon | Common | Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park |
| Pied-Billed Grebe | Common | Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, Pymatuning State Park |
| American Bittern | Uncommon | John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Erie National Wildlife Refuge |
| Least Bittern | Uncommon | John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge |
Water Bird Species Found in Pennsylvania
Where to Spot Pennsylvania’s Water Birds
If you’re in Pennsylvania and interested in spotting water birds, there are several prime locations where bird watchers can find these avian species:
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, Philadelphia: As America’s first urban refuge, it is home to over 300 species of birds, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers. This refuge serves as an excellent habitat for water birds such as the American Coot, Mallard, and Great Blue Heron.
Presque Isle State Park, Erie: This park is a crucial stopover for migratory birds, and its numerous bodies of water attract a range of species. Water birds like the Snowy Egret, Double-Crested Cormorant, and American Avocet can be spotted here.
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, Lancaster and Lebanon counties: Known for hosting large populations of migrating waterfowl in the spring, this area offers sightings of Northern Pintail, Bufflehead, and Green Heron, among others.
Conneaut Marsh/Geneva Marsh, Crawford County: This is the largest natural marsh in Pennsylvania and a key habitat for water birds. You can expect to see species like the Great Egret, Black-Crowned Night-Heron, and Ruddy Duck.
Pymatuning State Park, Crawford County: This park’s extensive wetlands and reservoir make it an excellent location for water bird sightings. Look out for Sandhill Crane, Northern Shoveler, and Surf Scoter.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
|---|---|
| Delaware Water Birds | Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Delaware Seashore State Park |
| Maryland Water Birds | Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge, Patuxent Research Refuge |
| West Virginia Water Birds | Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, New River Gorge National Park |
| New Jersey Water Birds | Cape May Point State Park, Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge |
| New York Water Birds | Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Central Park in Manhattan |
| Ohio Water Birds | Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
FAQs On Waterbirds in Pennsylvania
What are some common waterbirds in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania birds found around water include a wide variety of species, such as the Green-winged Teal, Ruddy Ducks, Sea ducks, Tundra Swans, Cattle Egret (known for their yellow legs), Long-tailed Duck, and many more.
How can you identify a Green-winged Teal?
The Green-winged Teal, a type of dabbling duck, is small and characterized by a vertical black stripe along its side, a dark eye line, and a distinctive green patch on its wings.
What is the diet of Pennsylvania Ducks?
Most small birds in Pennsylvania, including diving ducks like the Ruddy Duck and other species, feed on a diet consisting of aquatic plants, seeds, and small creatures such as insect larvae.
Where do Ruddy Ducks migrate from?
Ruddy Ducks, a species of diving ducks, are often migratory birds that can travel great distances. Some may even come from as far as South America to visit Pennsylvania and lake Erie.
How can I identify a Long-tailed Duck?
Long-tailed Ducks, a type of sea duck, are known for their long, slender tail feathers in males. They have a light gray body and can often be found among large birds gathering on Pennsylvania’s large lakes during migration.
What is the Federal Duck Stamp?
The Federal Duck Stamp is a required purchase for waterfowl hunters in the United States. The revenue from these stamps is used to conserve and protect wetland habitats, which are crucial for Pennsylvania birds including waterbirds.
Where do waterbirds nest in Pennsylvania?
Many waterbirds, including dabbling ducks like the Green-winged Teal, prefer to nest in areas with dense vegetation near water bodies. This provides them with protection from predators and easy access to food sources.
Why do I see so many Snow Geese in Pennsylvania?
Snow Geese are large birds that migrate in massive flocks. Pennsylvania is part of their migration route, so it’s common to see them in large numbers, particularly during the spring and fall migration seasons.