Birds in Michigan

Among the eastern states, Michigan is the second largest. Its population also matches up with its rank being the 10th most populated among the states. That doesn’t mean you can catch birds only in populated cities though. Luckily, for bird watchers in Michigan, it’s only the extreme south that consists of urban cities, and the rest is just free-roaming land for birds.

What Is The State Bird Of Michigan?

American Robin was officially crowned the state bird of Michigan in 1931. The reason for it was the simple fact that Robin is well known as it is loved by the people of Michigan.

What Are The Top Spots To Go Bird Watching In Michigan?

A favorite of locals and tourists during summer, Warren Dunes State Park is right at the shore of Lake Michigan and particularly known for the dunes that’s 240 above water level. The birds fly along the shoreline during migration and you’re likely to come across raptors during April. May sees a good number of songbirds. It’s also favored by Pine Warbler, White-eyed Vireo, Summer Tanager among many.

Tawas Point State Park has the ideal location and shape, lying on Lake Huron’s narrow peninsula with its 183-acre. If you visit on the right day in May, finding birds in Michigan becomes absolutely worth it with Say’s Phoebe, Kirtland’s Warbler and Prothonotary Warbler.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the breeding home of the endangered prairie warbler and piping plover. Considered as a National park since 1970, you can also see common loons and bald eagles here.

Marsh, forests, and bogs are Seney National Wildlife Refuge’s primary characteristics, along with the home of Trumpeter Swan, American Bitter, Merlin. If you’re lucky enough, you will catch a glimpse of Yellow Rail and Spruce Grouse.

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge has recorded 280 species in 6.5-mile of the main route alone. Black Tern, Virginia Rail, Caspian tern are among the many species you will see here.

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How Many Birds Can You See In Michigan?

Michigan has 435 different bird species. Chippewa has recorded the most species with 355 among the counties. After that, we have Berrien with 336, Wayne with 324, Monroe with 320, and Alger with 317.

A known hotspot by most locals is the Whitefish Point where 338 species have been recorded, some permanent residents while others are visitors. Tawas point has also seen 294 species and Pte. Mouillee SGA is another hotspot with 290.

Top Birds To See In Michigan

The eye-catching white Iceland gull might be an uncommon sight elsewhere, but the southern side of Lake Michigan does say hello to it from time to time. The yellow bill and pink legs easily distinguish it from others.

An endangered species, Piping plover is a small, and adorable species with a yellow bill, grey wings, yellow legs, and a white body.

Michigan is visited by different members of the Warbler species but Mourning warbler is particularly sought after because it’s usually found well in the north and usually in forests.

Common Birds To See In Michigan

When it comes to birds in Michigan, you’re likely to come across Broad-winged Hawk everywhere. Along with it is a large number of Common Grackle, European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird, and Tree Swallow. For bird watchers in Michigan, even if you never get to see the rare birds, a glimpse of a Red-winged blackbird might become a precious memory to you.

Final Thoughts

If you really want the best out of bird watchers experience in Michigan, it might be a good idea to focus more on the northern sides of the states, as that’s where you’re likely to come across rare birds.