Spring is an exciting time of the year for bird enthusiasts in Illinois. Throughout the state, there is a flurry of activity as birds migrate back north from their winter homes in the south.
From majestic eagles to colorful warblers, Illinois boasts a diverse array of bird species that arrive in the springtime to breed and populate the state’s habitats.
This season offers unique bird-watching opportunities as the birds sing, build nests, and engage in courtship displays.
This article explores the variety of bird species that can be observed in Illinois during the spring season and highlights some of the best locations for bird watching in the state.
51 Birds That Migrate Through Illinois In The Spring
Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy the beauty and diversity of birds in Illinois. The state is a major stopover for many migratory birds that travel between their wintering grounds in the south and their breeding grounds in the north.
Some birds stay in Illinois for the summer, while others continue their journey to other destinations.
Here are 51 birds you can expect to see in Illinois during the spring migration season, along with some information about their habits, habitats, and identification.
1. Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is a beautiful bird, easily identified by its bright red plumage. It can be found in the eastern United States from Maine to Minnesota and south through Mexico and Belize.
Along with its striking coloration, it has a distinctive crest on its head and sharp black facial markings around the eyes.
Despite their small size (7-9 inches), they are very vocal birds – males sing persistently throughout springtime to attract mates or proclaim their territory.
They typically feed on insects, seeds, and fruits but enjoy suet at backyard bird feeders.
The female is less brightly colored than her mate but still stands out among other songbirds due to her warm brownish-red feathers.
Cardinals pair for life, so you may often see them together in your garden or neighborhood park.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Cardinalis |
| Species | C. cardinalis |
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2. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird belonging to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family.
It was named after its European counterpart due to the similar reddish-orange breast they possess; however, they are not closely related.
This species can be seen through most of North America during winter and in parts of Mexico and Central America, where it also breeds.
They have plump bodies with gray upperparts and white underparts that vary from yellow on their throats down to orange toward their bellies.
Robins feed on fruits such as berries or insects like worms, making them an important part of ecosystems by helping disperse seeds naturally throughout these areas.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
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3. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a small North American bird in the finch family. Males are vibrant yellow with black wings and tails, while females are duller in coloration.
It migrates from mid-Alberta to North Carolina during the breeding season, south of Canada–United States border to Mexico for its wintering grounds.
The only finch that undergoes complete molt every year displays sexual dichromatism, where males have brighter colors than their female counterparts.
They feed mainly on seeds but also eat insects such as aphids and caterpillars when raising young; they often occur near thistles or other plants that produce viable seed heads.
Their call consists of various chirps and trills, making them quite conspicuous.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
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4. Black-Capped Chickadee
The black-capped chickadee is a small, cheerful songbird in deciduous and mixed forests across North America. It has an iconic black cap, white cheeks, gray back, and wings with whitish bars.
The underparts are usually light-colored or greyish-brown. This species is well adapted to cold winters as it can reduce its body temperature by up to 8°C while roosting at night; this helps save energy during the year’s colder months.
It feeds mainly on insects but eats seeds, fruits, and suet from bird feeders when available.
Black-capped chickadees are popular birds among backyard visitors due to their sociable nature – they often establish lifelong partnerships with one another for breeding purposes.
Furthermore, they have been designated as state birds of Massachusetts and Maine in the USA and New Brunswick in Canada – a testament to how beloved these little avian friends are.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. atricapillus |
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5. Wrens
Wrens are a family of small brown passerine birds found mainly in the Americas. They are considered one of the most abundant bird species, with 88 known varieties divided into 19 genera.
The Eurasian wren is the only type inhabiting Europe and other parts of the Old World, commonly referred to simply as “wren.”
This species has been given its name due to similar-looking unrelated birds living elsewhere, such as New Zealand wrasses.
Wrens have tiny bodies with thin bills and long tails, which they often hold upright for hours while singing their loud, cheery songs from treetops or low shrubs.
Their diet consists mostly of insects but can also include fruits and seeds depending on availability in their habitat range.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Certhioidea |
| Family | Troglodytidae Swainson, 1832 |
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6. Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern bluebird is a small migratory thrush in North America’s open woodlands, farms, and orchards.
The male has bright-blue breeding plumage, which makes it easily recognizable by birders.
It produces melodious songs such as jeew, chair-wi, and chili WEEW widow.
This popular species was declared the state bird of Missouri back in 1927 due to its beauty and charm.
In addition to being beautiful, these birds are also beneficial for farmers because they eat insects like grasshoppers and beetles, which damage crops.
They nest in cavities, so providing nesting boxes helps them thrive even more.
With their vibrant colors, sweet melodies, and helpful nature, it’s easy to see why the Eastern Bluebird is beloved worldwide.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. sialis |
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7. Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore Oriole is a small, blackbird-like bird in eastern North America. It’s named for the resemblance of its male colors to those on Lord Baltimore’s coat-of-arms from the 17th century.
These birds migrate and breed during springtime and are quite common in their habitats.
Studies have shown that this species interbreeds with western Bullock’s orioles, classifying both as a single species – Icterus galbula.
The males typically have orange feathers along the chest, back, wings, and tail, while females display tan or yellowish shades instead of bright orange-like males.
Both sexes share white wing bars and dark brown eyes, making them easily distinguishable from other birds.
They can often be seen flitting around trees, feeding off nectar buds or insects such as grasshoppers & caterpillars they catch while flying around.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Icterus |
| Species | I. galbula |
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8. Brown Thrasher
The brown thrasher is a member of the Mimidae family, along with catbirds and mockingbirds. It is found throughout much of North America in the eastern and central United States and southern and central Canada.
The only place it does not inhabit is west of the Rockies or Central Texas.
This bird can be identified by its reddish-brown back feathers, white underbelly, and long tail that often drags behind it when walking on the ground hunting for food like insects, fruits, or berries.
Its loud song consists of over 2000 different notes.
Brown Thrashers are known to build nests close to human activity, which makes them easily accessible for observation, making them a popular backyard species among many birdwatchers.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Toxostoma |
| Species | T. rufum |
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9. Blue Jay
The Blue Jay is a beautiful bird residing in the eastern and central United States and Newfoundland, Canada.
They have an unmistakable blue plumage with white markings on their heads and wings.
These birds are highly adaptable to habitats ranging from deciduous forests to urban areas.
As part of the Corvidae family, they are known for being intelligent problem solvers who often use tools or mimic vocalizations of other species, like hawks, when defending their territories.
Their diet consists mostly of insects, seeds, and nuts but can also include small vertebrates such as frogs or lizards if food resources become scarce.
Overall, these birds provide much-needed color to our environment while playing important roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems through pollination services and seed dispersal activities.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. cristata |
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10. New World Warblers
New World warblers are an incredibly diverse family of small birds found only in the Americas. They range in size from tiny hummingbirds to large thrushes and come in various vibrant colors.
All have thin bills for eating insects, which form their main diet. Most species live predominantly arboreal lives, meaning they spend most of their time among trees or bushes searching for food.
However, some members, such as ovenbirds and waterthrushes, prefer more terrestrial habitats like forest floors where they can scavenge for bugs on the ground instead.
Warblers provide a great source of entertainment with their beautiful songs, often filling up woodlands during mornings and evenings throughout springtime.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Emberizoidea |
| Family | Parulidae Wetmore et al., 1947 |
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11. American Crow
The American crow is a large bird of the Corvidae family, native to most parts of North America.
It is similar in size and structure to its European counterpart, the carrion crow and Eurasia’s hooded crow.
The three species occupy the same ecological niche but are distinguishable by their differences in appearance.
American crows have black feathers covering their entire body, with wingspans averaging between 17-21 inches wide for males and 16-19 inches for females.
They feed on insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars; they also eat grains from fields or abandoned farms during winter when food sources become scarcer.
In addition to feeding habits, American crows can be identified by their distinct call, which resembles a “caw” sound that travels long distances over open terrain, making them popular among birdwatchers.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Corvus |
| Species | C. brachyrhynchos |
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12. House Sparrow
The house sparrow is a small bird of the Passeridae family. It has an average length of 16 cm and weighs 24-39.5 gm.
Females have dull brown and grey plumage, whereas males are brighter, with black, white, and brown markings on their wings and back feathers.
This species is one among 25 different kinds in its genus Passer. These birds are found worldwide, mainly near human dwellings where they feed off food scraps from garbage bins or gardens.
They also make nests close to houses, making them even more visible to nearby people.
House sparrows can be seen hopping around yards for food during daytime hours but usually hide in colonies at night.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passeridae |
| Genus | Passer |
| Species | P. domesticus |
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13. Red-bellied woodpecker
The Red-bellied woodpecker is a beautiful bird with an orange-red crown and nape. It breeds mainly in the eastern United States, from Florida to Canada.
This medium-sized woodpecker of the family Picidae has black wings, white stripes on its back, and tail feathers barred with black.
Its underside is mostly pale yellow or white, but it has red coloration around its neck.
Despite this subtle red hue, it should not be mistaken for the entirely red head and neck belonging to the Red-headed woodpecker of the same genus, Melanerpes carolinus.
The Red-bellied Woodpeckers’ diet consists primarily of insects such as ants, beetles, grasshoppers, nuts, fruits, berries, and tree sap, which they will feed upon at different times throughout their life cycle.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. carolinus |
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14. House Finch
The House Finch is a finch species native to western North America and has been introduced in the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii.
It’s an average-sized finch with adults measuring 12.5 – 15 cm (5 – 6 inches) long and wingspan between 20 – 25 cm (8 – 10 inches).
The upperparts are brown, while its underparts range from pale grayish white to yellow depending on subspecies.
Its face is streaked or spotted with reddish coloration; males typically have brighter plumage than females due to sexual dimorphism.
They’re mostly found near human habitations such as farms and gardens, where they feed on grains, fruits, insects, etc. making them very popular among birders who want something colorful for their backyard.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
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15. Dark-Eyed Junco
The Dark-eyed Junco is a species of small, grayish sparrows found across much of temperate North America and in the Arctic during summer.
Carl Linnaeus formally described it in 1766 and named it after its distinctive dark eyes.
This bird has a very variable appearance due to the many different subspecies it contains, making its systematics difficult to unravel.
The plumage varies from white or light gray on their underparts with slate grey backs and wings, black heads with white outer tail feathers, brown head stripes, yellow bills, pink legs, and feet, as well as various shades between all these colors.
They also have considerable sexual dimorphism; males tend to be more colorful than females but share similar characteristics such as short tails and rounded bodies – both sexes being around 16 cm long when fully grown.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Junco |
| Species | J. hyemalis |
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16. Common Starling
The Common Starling is a medium-sized passerine bird that belongs to the Starling family. It has glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen; at certain times of the year, it can be speckled with white.
The bill and legs are typically pink or black depending on the season, while its length measures about 8 inches long.
Its diet consists mainly of insects but includes small fruits, seeds, and human food waste.
They live in large flocks, which protects predators, although they can become quite aggressive when defending their nesting sites during breeding seasons.
Overall, this species is highly adaptable and widely distributed across many parts of Europe, making them one of the most successful birds in the region today.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
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17. Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove is a breathtakingly beautiful bird. It has stunning gray and brown feathers with white-tipped wings, giving it an elegant appearance. Its long tail also adds to its graceful look in flight.
A symbol of peace and serenity, they are abundant across North America and can be found in gardens or open fields throughout the year.
As well as being popular game birds for hunters, they feed on grains such as wheat and millet, providing important food sources for wildlife species, including foxes, coyotes, skunks, and raccoons.
These doves have a distinctive cooing sound that can often be heard echoing through woodlands during summer evenings, making them one of nature’s greatest treasures.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
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18. Tufted Titmouse
The Tufted Titmouse is a small, cheerful songbird found in North America. It’s part of the tit and chickadee family (Paridae).
It has distinctive white feathers around its eyes, grey-brown wings, and upper body, with a pale tan underside.
Its most notable feature is the black crest on top of its head, which gives it an inquisitive look. The male also sports a pinkish breast, which can be seen.
When singing from high perches during the spring months. This bird loves to eat sunflower seeds or suet at backyard feeders and insects in summertime.
You may even see them poking into crevices and bark, looking for food.
They are quite social birds, too, being often spotted in mixed flocks alongside other species, such as nuthatches and woodpeckers, all year round.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. bicolor |
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19. White-Breasted Nuthatch
The White-breasted Nuthatch is a medium-sized bird belonging to the nuthatch family Sittidae. It measures around 15.5 cm long, and its color varies throughout its range.
Males have a light blue-grey upperpart, with a black crown and nape, whereas females have a dark grey crown instead of a black one.
The underparts are whitish, with reddish tinge on sides and flanks while the bill is short and stout with pale base near eyes which can be yellow or white depending upon geographic location..
This species feeds mainly on insects but eats seeds, nuts, and berries when available.
They prefer open woodlands where they often climb trees searching for food along trunks and branches underneath bark crevices, creating their nest there too.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. carolinensis |
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20. Red-Winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is a beautiful bird found in most of North America and Central America.
Its distinct features include a glossy black body, white shoulder patches, and bright red wing coverts year round.
It prefers wetland habitats such as marshes, ponds, lakeshores, and agricultural fields. During breeding season, they inhabit grassy areas near water, then move south for the winter months.
For food, they mainly eat insects but also consume wild fruit or grains.
They are very social birds, often seen in large flocks during migration when their unmistakable “conk-la-ree” call can be heard echoing across the sky.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
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21. Brown-Headed Cowbird
The Brown-headed Cowbird is a small, obligate brood parasitic icterid native to temperate and subtropical North America. It has a brown head with glossy black plumage on the body, wings, and tail feathers.
During summer, they can be found in prairies, grasslands, and open wooded areas, but during winter, they migrate southwards towards the United States of Mexico for warmer climates.
They are mainly insectivorous birds that feed on insects like caterpillars or beetles but consume some grains.
The female bird lays its eggs in nests of other species and then incubates them until hatching time, thus leaving their chicks uncared for.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. ater |
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22. American White Pelican
The American White Pelican is a majestic bird from the Pelecaniformes order, known for its impressive size and ability to soar gracefully in the sky.
It breeds during summer months in North America and migrates southwards towards Central and South America during winter.
The species was first described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin back in 1789 as part of his updated version of Carl Linnaeus’ work.
This large aquatic bird has an all-white plumage with black primary flight feathers on its wings, while its beak features a characteristic yellowish coloration at the base near the face.
Its diet mainly consists of fish, which it typically catches after dipping into the water using its long bill; yet sometimes, they can be seen stealing food items from other birds, such as cormorants or gulls.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. erythrorhynchos |
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23. Gray Catbird
The Gray Catbird is a medium-sized bird native to North and Central America. It is the only species in its genus, Dumetella, which makes it unique among other perching birds of the Mimidae family.
Its plumage features shades of gray with some brownish tones on top and lighter grey below.
The underside of its tail has white feathers contrasting against their otherwise monochromatic coloration; this feature gives them their name as they often flick their tails when alarmed or excited as cats do.
They are omnivorous but feed on insects such as caterpillars, grasshoppers, and beetles while eating fruits like berries or cherries during summer.
Despite being commonly seen alone or in pairs, these birds sometimes flock together for protection from predators like hawks, who are drawn to their dark coloration against green foliage, making them harder to spot.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Dumetella C.T. Wood, 1837 |
| Species | D. carolinensis |
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24. Yellow-Rumped Warbler
The Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) is a migratory bird species throughout North America.
It has an extensive range, from the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the US to Canada and Central America, with a concentration in northern areas during the breeding season.
These birds migrate southwards for wintering grounds, where they find plentiful food sources such as insects and berries.
They are easily identified by their yellow patches on either side of their tails, white underparts, gray back feathers, and two distinct crown stripes.
One black or greyish-brown above the eyes extends towards its neck, banded in yellow or light brown.
Furthermore, these warblers have strong legs, which allow them to cling onto branches while hunting for prey, making them adept at maneuvering through tree cover quickly.
Altogether, this makes the Yellow-rumped Warbler an attractive backyard visitor year-round.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. coronata |
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25. Canada Goose
The Canada goose is a majestic bird with a black head and neck, white cheeks, chin, and brown body. It’s native to North America but occasionally migrates to northern Europe across the Atlantic.
The species has also been introduced in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Finland. Canada geese are strong flyers that travel in flocks for protection from predators and form monogamous pairs for life.
They feed on grasses or grains near ponds or wetlands where they make their nests of down, which incubate eggs during the summertime before hatching them into goslings later.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Branta |
| Species | B. canadensis |
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26. Common Grackle
The Common Grackle is a large icterid bird commonly found in North America. It has an iridescent head and pale yellow eyes framed by its long dark bill and long tail.
Males typically have more vivid colors on their heads than females do. These birds can be seen across much of the continent, in fields, forests, wetlands – even urban areas.
They form huge flocks to search for food, such as grains or insects, that they catch with their bills.
If available, the grackles may also scavenge from human sources like garbage dumps or picnic tables. With its colorful plumage and distinct call, this species is easy to spot amongst other birds.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. quiscula |
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27. Ovenbird
Ovenbirds are a family of small passerine birds found in Central and South America. They have around 315 species, divided into 70 genera. The most popular ovenbird is the Seiurus aurocapilla, which breeds in North America.
These birds typically inhabit wooded areas like forests or shrubland habitats, where they can forage for food such as insects and berries on the ground or low-lying vegetation.
Ovenbirds also build unique nests that resemble an oven with a side entrance—hence their name.
With its bright colors, melodic call, and interesting nesting habits, it’s no wonder why this bird has become so popular with birdwatchers worldwide.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Infraorder | Tyrannides |
| Family | Furnariidae Gray, 1840 |
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28. Cardinal
Cardinalidae is a family of passerine birds endemic to the New World, including cardinals, grosbeaks, and buntings.
This large group has great diversity in its members, ranging from tanager-like Piranga to warbler-like Granatellus.
They are usually distinguished by their bright plumage, with reds, oranges, and yellows common among them.
Their strong bills enable them to feed on seeds, fruits, insects, and other small prey items like lizards or frogs, depending upon species.
Cardinals also have loud calls often used for territorial defense and courtship purposes, while some can even imitate sounds made by other animals.
These adaptable birds inhabit various habitats across North America, making them an important part of many ecosystems there.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Emberizoidea |
| Family | Cardinalidae Ridgway, 1901 |
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29. White-Throated Sparrow
The White-throated Sparrow is a small passerine bird of the New World sparrow family, Passerellidae.
It has distinctive yellow and black stripes on its head, white throat and chest, grey back and wings, and light brown legs.
The scientific name “Zonotrichia albicollis” comes from Ancient Greek for band, referring to its distinctive striped crown and Latin for ‘white neck’ (albus collum).
These birds are usually found in wooded areas such as coniferous forests or deciduous habitats in North America, where they feed mainly on insects during the summer months, transitioning to seeds during winter.
They build their nests near ground level using grasses, twigs, or moss lined with feathers.
White-throated Sparrows may be solitary but also form flocks when migrating southward each fall season, which typically occurs over mid-late October through November, depending on location within range.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Zonotrichia |
| Species | Z. albicollis |
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30. Song Sparrow
The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a small yet abundant bird in North America.
They have brown upperparts with dark streaks and are white underneath, complete with a distinct dark brown spot on the breast.
Their cap is also brown, and long, rough feathers can be seen sprouting from their neck area.
This sparrow species is highly variable and adaptable to many environments, including dry brush land, wetlands, and open fields.
It has been noted that adult song sparrows will sing even during winter when other birds remain quiet.
These energetic little animals make great backyard companions as they sing their lovely melodies.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Melospiza |
| Species | M. melodia |
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31. Cape May Warbler
The Cape May Warbler is a species of New World warbler that breeds in northern North America, ranging from southern Canada to the Great Lakes region and New England.
During wintertime, it migrates to the West Indies. This bird is an uncommon vagrant in Western Europe, with two records in Britain as of 2013.
It gets its name from being first discovered near Cape May, New Jersey, in 1811 by Alexander Wilson, who noted its yellow breast plumage and black streaking on his specimen’s sides.
The males are more brightly colored than females, but both sexes have white eye rings, which help distinguish them from other warblers during migration season.
They mainly feed on insects and can often be seen foraging at high levels up amongst trees or shrubs, where they tend to nest, containing 3-5 eggs each breeding season between April and June.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. tigrina |
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32. Pine Warbler
The Pine Warbler is a small New World warbler family bird with an olive-brown upperparts and white belly.
Its distinguishing features include two white wing bars, dark legs, thin pointed bills, and yellowish ‘spectacles’ around its eyes.
Adult males have bright yellow throats and breasts on top of their olive upper parts; females and immatures are less vibrant in color but retain similar characteristics.
These birds can be found near pine forests throughout North America during the summer months before migrating to warmer climates for winter.
They feed mainly on insects such as caterpillars, spiders, and flies while consuming fruits like blueberries when food becomes scarce in colder times.
These tiny songbirds provide us with much beauty through their unique plumage patterns whilst serving important roles within their ecosystems.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. pinus |
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33. Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Cranes are a large crane species native to North America and northeastern Siberia. They are known for their distinctive calls, long legs, and long necks.
These birds typically inhabit wetland areas like the Platte River in Nebraska’s Sandhills on the Great Plains.
In Central Florida, they often gather at the edges of bodies of water such as lakes or rivers.
During the breeding season, sandhill cranes can be seen performing elaborate courtship dances that involve bowing and jumping in unison with their partner.
Their diet consists mainly of plant material, including grains, roots, tubers, and aquatic plants, which they obtain by pecking or digging into mudflats using their bill or feet.
With an average lifespan of 10-20 years, these majestic creatures greatly add to any wetland habitat.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Antigone |
| Species | A. canadensis |
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34. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a hummingbird species with an impressive migration pattern, spending the winter in Central America, Mexico, and Florida before flying to Canada and other parts of Eastern North America for the breeding season.
It’s the most common type seen east of the Mississippi River in North America.
Formally described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758, this tiny bird has bright metallic green upperparts with white underparts, a small black bill, and a red throat patch, which gives it its name; they measure around 3 inches long on average.
They feed primarily on nectar from flowers but eat insects such as flies or mosquitoes for extra protein during their migrations or when raising young chicks.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. colubris |
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35. Red-Headed Woodpecker
The red-headed woodpecker is a mid-sized bird found in temperate North America. It has striking plumage, with its head and neck bright red, while the rest of its body is primarily black and white.
Its wings are rounder than those of similar species, allowing it to maneuver through tight spaces easily when searching for food or shelter.
The breeding habitat of this bird consists mainly of open fields across Canada and the east-central United States.
Despite facing threats such as deforestation, urbanization, predation from larger birds, and collisions with windows or cars due to their inquisitive nature.
These birds remain listed on IUCN’s Red List as the least concerned, thanks largely to conservation efforts by local governments and organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife habitats.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. erythrocephalus |
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36. Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a small passerine bird native to North America. It has olive-green plumage, white wing bars, an eye ring, and a distinctive red crown patch on the males.
Juveniles look similar to adults with no distinguishing features other than size.
They are usually found in coniferous forests or woodlands, where they spend much of their time searching for insects among foliage and branches while constantly flitting from place to place.
These birds have incredible energy levels that allow them to travel long distances during migration season without getting exhausted too quickly, making them one of nature’s most resilient species.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Regulidae |
| Genus | Corthylio Cabanis, 1853 |
| Species | C. calendula |
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37. Indigo Bunting
The Indigo Bunting is a small bird in the cardinal family throughout North and South America.
It has an unmistakable bright blue plumage that stands out against its natural habitat of farmland, brush areas, and open woodland.
During the breeding season, it can be seen from southern Canada to northern Florida, while during winter months, it migrates south towards Central and Northern South America.
The Indigo Bunting prefers to migrate at night using the stars as navigation aids.
This species feeds on insects and seeds they find near the ground or catch mid-flight with their agile wingspan.
An iconic sight for many farmers across both continents, these birds are a welcome addition to any backyard oasis or wildflower meadow.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. cyanea |
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38. Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey native to North America. It belongs to the Accipiter genus and is known for its agility and small size compared to other hawks.
They usually inhabit wooded areas, making them well-adapted hunters in dense environments.
Cooper’s Hawks have rounded wings with short tails that help them maneuver quickly through trees when chasing after prey, such as small rodents or birds.
These raptors also possess powerful feet equipped with sharp talons to catch food items on the ground and even out of midair.
The adult plumage has barred upperparts, ranging from greyish brown on lighter individuals to dark chestnut colors found in darker specimens; they also display rusty underparts marked by thin white streaking down either side of their chests and bellies.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Accipiter |
| Species | A. cooperii |
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39. Snow Bunting
The snow bunting is a small and colorful passerine bird found in the Arctic regions of the northern hemisphere.
With its bright white feathers and black markings on its wings and tail, it stands out amongst other birds that inhabit these cold climates.
This species has adapted well to survive in this harsh environment; they nest under boulders or rocks, so their eggs are shielded from predators and blizzards.
They feed mainly on insects during summer but switch to seeds when winter arrives, seeking food sources that will not freeze over with ice.
The Snow bunting is an important part of the local ecosystem because it sustains larger animals, such as foxes and owls, who rely upon them for survival throughout the wintertime.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Calcariidae |
| Genus | Plectrophenax |
| Species | P. nivalis |
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40. Two-Barred Crossbill
The Two-barred crossbill is a small passerine bird from the finch family Fringillidae.
It gets its scientific name, Loxia leucoptera, from Ancient Greek – with ‘Loxia’ meaning ‘crosswise’ and ‘leucoptera’ translating to “white-winged” about its white wings.
The species has two subspecies: the white-winged crossbill (Loxia leucoptera leucoptera) that can be found in North America and the two-bar crossbill (Loxia leucocephala), which inhabits Europe, Asia as well as parts of northern Africa.
These birds feed mainly on conifer seeds but have also been seen consuming insects such as beetles or caterpillars during breeding season when food resources are scarce for their young ones.
They construct nests made out of twigs near trunks of spruce trees where they lay 2–6 eggs at one time.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Loxia |
| Species | L. leucoptera |
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41. Ring-Billed Gull
The Ring-billed Gull is a medium-sized seabird seen throughout North America. Its head, neck, and underparts are white, while its back and wings are silver-gray.
It has a short yellow bill with a dark ring and yellow legs.
The genus name for this species of gull comes from the Latin word ‘Larus,’ which refers to large sea birds or gulls, while the specific delawarensis refers to the Delaware River where these birds were first discovered.
These beautiful creatures thrive near coasts, lakeshores, and other bodies of water. However, they have also been known to inhabit urban areas such as parks close by those watersides due to their adaptability towards human habitats.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. delawarensis |
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42. Black-And-White Warbler
The Black-and-white Warbler is a unique species of bird native to North America. It has striking black and white plumage and breeds in the northern part of the continent, wintering in Central America, Florida, the West Indies, and Peru.
This warbler is rarely seen as far west as Europe, but it’s still being studied for its behavior and ecology.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, which it catches by clinging to trees like a woodpecker before quickly darting away again when prey appears.
The population remains stable, although they are vulnerable to habitat loss due to deforestation or other human activities, so their conservation status should be monitored closely over time.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Mniotilta Vieillot, 1816 |
| Species | M. varia |
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43. Tree Swallow
The Tree Swallow is a migratory bird of the Hirundinidae family, first described by French ornithologist Louis Vieillot in 1807. It has glossy blue-green upperparts and white underparts with iridescent violet on its throat and breast.
Its wings are blackish above with pale grey below, while its tail feathers are blackish-blue with white edges.
During the breeding season, they build cup-shaped nests out of grasses or twigs lined with animal hair or fur found near their nesting sites.
They feed mainly on insects such as flies and beetles that they catch while flying over fields or water surfaces during summer when food is abundant for them to survive migration back southward in the wintertime.
The tree swallow is an important part of our environment both aesthetically and ecologically due to its insectivorous diet helping keep pest populations low in certain areas where crops may otherwise be damaged without these birds around.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. bicolor |
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44. Purple Martin
The Purple Martin is a beautiful passerine bird in the swallow family and the largest in North America.
It has dark blackish-blue feathers with an iridescent sheen, making them appear blue or deep purple depending on the light; they may even look green.
These birds are quite social creatures and often build communal roosts with multiple nests, having as many as hundreds of individuals living together at once.
They feed mainly on flying insects such as flies, moths, wasps, and bees.
Their habitats include areas near bodies of water like lakes or rivers where there’s plenty for these birds to eat all year round.
The Purple Martin is truly an amazing species worth protecting.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Progne |
| Species | P. subis |
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45. Common Yellowthroat
The Common Yellowthroat is a small New World Warbler found throughout North America. It has distinctive yellow and black plumage, earning it the nickname “Yellow Bandit” in the Midwest United States.
This highly adaptable species inhabits wetlands, grasslands, shrubland habitats, and suburban areas.
The genus of this bird’s scientific name means ‘ground’ and ‘small bird,’ which are fitting characteristics for such an elusive yet common little creature.
Its diet consists predominantly of insects but may also include other invertebrates like spiders or worms.
Overall, its cheerful song makes the Common Yellowthroat an excellent addition to any backyard.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Geothlypis |
| Species | G. trichas |
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46. Palm Warbler
The palm warbler is a small songbird in the New World, belonging to the warbler family.
It has two distinct subspecies that differ mainly in their plumage – eastern palm warblers have yellower underparts and bolder rufous streaks on their breast and flanks than western ones.
These birds are light olive above with whitish bellies and yellow throats.
They also have distinctive white-tipped tail feathers that often flick while foraging or singing during the breeding season, when males establish territories through song duels.
The diet of these birds consists mostly of insects such as beetles, moths, ants, and caterpillars collected from trees or ground vegetation like grasses or sedges.
Palm Warblers migrate long distances between their wintering grounds near Central America to northeastern North American states, where they breed each summer before returning south again in the fall.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. palmarum |
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47. Horned Lark
The Horned Lark, known as the Shore Lark in Europe and North America, is a lark species belonging to the Alaudidae family.
It can be found across the northern hemisphere and has been classified under its Latin name, Eremophila alpestris, which means “of high mountains,” referring to its prevalence in mountainous areas like the Alps.
This bird is distinguished by two black tufts or ‘horns’ on either side of its head. Its size varies from 11-13 cm long, with brown upperparts and pale whitish underparts sporting darker streaks throughout them both.
With an adaptation for ground nesting, it builds nests out of grasses lined with feathers near open fields where food sources are abundant, such as insects, grains, and seeds, giving this species great potential for survival even when conditions may become harsh during winter months.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Alaudidae |
| Genus | Eremophila |
| Species | E. alpestris |
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48. Wood Duck
The wood duck, also known as the Carolina Duck, is a species of perching duck native to North America. It is renowned for its beautiful plumage and vibrant colors.
On average, an adult wood duck stands 19-21 inches long with a wingspan ranging from 26 to 29 inches. Its weight typically falls between 454–800 grams, depending on gender and seasonality.
This medium-sized bird can be seen swimming or perched atop branches near bodies of water like lakes, ponds, and rivers – where it feeds mostly on aquatic plants and insects.
The female builds nests inside cavities in trees close to these waters, while the male protects her eggs during the incubation period until they hatch into adorable little chicks.
Wood ducks are beloved by many due to their stunning looks, which make them popular subjects among photographers, too.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aix |
| Species | A. sponsa |
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49. Northern Flicker
The Northern flicker is a woodpecker species found in North America, Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands. This medium-sized bird is known for its unique migration behavior.
Over 100 common names refer to the Northern Flicker, one of them being “yellowhammer.” It is a beautiful bird with distinctive markings and colorful plumage.
The Northern flicker is an important species in its ecosystem and is key to maintaining a healthy environmental balance.
Despite being a woodpecker, the Northern Flicker has a diverse diet, including insects, fruits, and seeds.
Observing this bird as it pecks at trees for food, communicates with its unique vocalizations, and performs its incredible aerial displays is fascinating.
The Northern flicker is a remarkable bird species worthy of our admiration and protection.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
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50. Cedar Waxwing
The Cedar waxwing, also known as Bombycilla cedrorum, is a medium-sized bird in North and Central America.
Their body has a mixture of brown, gray, and yellow feathers, and their wings have wax-like tips.
These birds prefer open wooded areas in Southern Canada for breeding, and during winter, they migrate to the Southern part of the United States, Central America, and the far.
The Cedar waxwing is a member of the waxwing family of birds or Bombycillidae family.
They are known for their distinctive crest on their head and a black mask-like area around their eyes.
These birds are social creatures and can often be seen in large flocks, sometimes even intermixing with other bird species.
Their diet consists mainly of fruit and insects, which are important fruit seed dispersers.
The Cedar waxwing bird is a beautiful and fascinating creature to observe in the wild.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Bombycillidae |
| Genus | Bombycilla |
| Species | B. cedrorum |
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51. Solitary Sandpiper
The Solitary sandpiper is a small shorebird that belongs to the Tringa genus. Its scientific name is Tringa solitaria, which means “solitary” in Latin. It measures 18-23 cm long and has a distinct white-rumped tail.
The name Tringa comes from the Ancient Greek trungas, which refers to a thrush-sized wading bird.
The Solitary sandpiper is named so because it is often found alone. It is a migratory bird that breeds in North America and winters in South America.
Its diet consists of insects, crustaceans, and small fish, which it picks up using its long, thin bill. Despite its name, this bird is not entirely solitary and has been known to feed and roost with other shorebirds.
The Solitary sandpiper is a unique and fascinating species in wetland habitats across North and South America.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Tringa |
| Species | T. solitaria |
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Conclusion
Spring migration in Illinois brings diverse bird species traveling through the state, ranging from tiny hummingbirds to majestic raptors.
Observing this seasonal phenomenon offers birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of migration and the remarkable journeys these winged travelers undertake.
While the list provided includes common migrants, it’s important to note that migration patterns can vary, and there may be additional species passing through the state during this time.
Whether it’s the vibrant colors of warblers, the melodic songs of thrushes, or the graceful flights of swallows, spring migration in Illinois is a spectacle worth experiencing and cherishing.