Vermont, with its myriad of lakes, rivers, and marshes, is home to a spectacular array of water birds that significantly enrich its diverse ecosystem.
Vermont water birds
| Water Bird Species | Frequency in Vermont | Specific Locations in Vermont |
|---|---|---|
| American White Pelican | Uncommon | Champlain Valley |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Common | Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog |
| Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Statewide in wetland areas and riverbanks |
| Great Egret | Uncommon | Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge |
| Snowy Egret | Uncommon | Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge |
| Green Heron | Uncommon | Woodbury Lake, East Barre Dam |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Uncommon | Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge |
| Mallard | Very Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| Wood Duck | Common | Statewide, particularly in northern parts |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Common | Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge |
| Northern Pintail | Uncommon | Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge |
| Common Goldeneye | Common | Lake Champlain, Connecticut River |
| Hooded Merganser | Common | Statewide in lakes and ponds |
| Common Merganser | Common | Statewide in rivers and lakes |
| Red-Breasted Merganser | Uncommon | Lake Champlain during migration |
| American Coot | Uncommon | Lake Champlain, Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge |
| Sandhill Crane | Uncommon | Champlain Valley |
| American Wigeon | Common | Lake Champlain, Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge |
| Osprey | Uncommon | Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area |
| Common Loon | Uncommon | Northeast Kingdom lakes |
| Pied-Billed Grebe | Uncommon | Lake Champlain, Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge |
| Ring-Billed Gull | Very Common | Lake Champlain, city landfill sites |
| Herring Gull | Very Common | Lake Champlain, city landfill sites |
| Great Black-backed Gull | Common | Lake Champlain, city landfill sites |
| Caspian Tern | Uncommon | Lake Champlain during summer |
Water Bird Species Found in Vermont
Where to Spot Vermont’s Water Birds
Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, Swanton: This refuge consists of extensive wetlands and is home to over 200 species of birds. It is known for its water bird populations including the American Black Duck, Wood Duck, and Green-winged Teal.
Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area, Addison: A popular location for bird watchers, Dead Creek is best known for the fall migration of Snow Geese. It also provides a habitat for a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and marsh birds.
Lake Champlain: As the largest freshwater body in the state, Lake Champlain attracts a variety of water birds. Species such as the Common Loon, Great Blue Heron, and various duck species can be observed here.
Sandbar State Park, Milton: Situated on the broad lake plain of Lake Champlain, this state park is a nesting habitat for many species of waterfowl. It’s a great place to spot ducks, gulls, and other water birds.
Bomoseen State Park, Fair Haven: The park’s swamp and marsh areas are home to many water birds, including various duck species, Great Blue Herons, and Belted Kingfishers.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
|---|---|
| New York Water Birds | Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Central Park, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge |
| New Hampshire Water Birds | Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Massabesic Audubon Center, Lake Winnipesaukee |
| Massachusetts Water Birds | Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Cod National Seashore, Plum Island |
FAQS About Waterbirds in Vermont
What birds are common in Vermont?
Vermont, located in the northeastern United States, is home to a variety of bird species due to its mixed forests, wetlands, and open fields. Some common birds found in Vermont include:
- American Goldfinch - The state bird of Vermont, it is bright yellow in the summer and olive-brown in the winter.
- Black-capped Chickadee
- Northern Cardinal
- American Robin
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Blue Jay
- Tufted Titmouse
- Downy Woodpecker
- Common Loon - Especially in the northeastern lakes during summer.
- Turkey Vulture
What is the famous bird from Vermont?
The most famous bird from Vermont is the American Goldfinch, primarily because it is the state bird.
What is the bright yellow bird in Vermont?
The bright yellow bird you’re thinking of is again the American Goldfinch, especially the males during the summer breeding season.
It’s worth noting that while the American Goldfinch is bright yellow during the summer, its plumage changes in the winter to a more muted olive-brown. The females and juveniles are not as bright as the adult males but still have some yellow tones.
In Vermont, wild birds flourish in areas with dense vegetation. Among the medium-sized birds and wading birds, little blue herons with their dark gray plumage stand out. Additionally, the majestic bald eagles can often be spotted soaring above the state’s waterways.