Spring marks the arrival of many migratory birds in Iowa, adding a splash of color and melody to the state’s landscape. Birds flock to Iowa’s prairies, wetlands, and woodlands to breed and nest in the warmer months.
Iowa boasts an impressive variety of avian species, from the majestic bald eagle to the tiny warblers.
Birdwatching enthusiasts and casual nature lovers alike can enjoy the sights and sounds of these feathered creatures as they fly, feed, and sing their way through the Hawkeye state.
Whether in your backyard or on hiking trails, Iowa’s spring birds are a delight to observe and appreciate.
50 Birds In Iowa Spring
If you love birds, spring is the best time to visit Iowa. The state is home to more than 400 species of birds, many of which are migratory and stop by Iowa on their way to their breeding grounds in the north.
Here are 50 of Iowa’s most common and beautiful birds during spring.
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 valid 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 essential 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. Western Meadowlark
The western meadowlark is a medium-sized icterid bird native to North America. It has a distinct yellow breast with black and white patches, making it easy to spot in open grasslands.
Its diet consists primarily of bugs but also includes seeds and berries. The western meadowlark’s call is unique – its sound is flute-like or watery, differentiating it from the similar eastern meadowlark species.
When the nesting season arrives, they build their nests on the ground near shrubs or low trees in areas like fields and pastures.
This beautiful songbird adds life to our open lands with its melodious tunes.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Sturnella |
| Species | S. neglecta |
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5. 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 friendly 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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6. 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 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 mainly 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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7. Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern bluebird is a small migratory thrush found 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 melodic songs such as Jeew, chair-wi, and Chili WEEW Widow.
This widespread 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,s, 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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8. 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 standard 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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9. Blue Jay
The Blue Jay is a beautiful bird 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 mainly 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 essential 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 made for eating insects, which form their primary 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” ca” 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, gardens, etc.
They also make nests close to houses, making them even more visible to people nearby.
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 primarily pale yellow or white but has some 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 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 a 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 challenging 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, and 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 and can be sprinkled with w at certain times.
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 echo 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. 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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19. 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-re” 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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20. 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, grassland, 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 eat and consume some grains of insects like caterpillars or beetles.
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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21. Barn Swallow
The Barn Swallow is a beautiful passerine bird with blue upperparts and a long, deeply forked tail. Found in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
It has an astonishingly sizeable natural distribution spanning 251 million square kilometers globally, likely making it one of the world’s most widespread species.
This swallow typically nests near human habitation and other open areas such as fields or grasslands, providing them with suitable invertebrate prey to feed on.
They are insectivorous birds that often fly together in flocks, looking for food over rivers or marshes, usually just above treetop level.
The barn swallow can also be identified by its strong flight of swift, continuous wing beats interspersed with glides. They hold their wings slightly raised at the shoulders, giving them distinct V-shaped silhouettes in the sky.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Hirundo |
| Species | H. rustica |
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22. Barred Owl
The Barred Owl is a large species of owl native to eastern North America. It belongs to the genus Strix, part of the true owl family Strigidae.
These beautiful birds are mainly brown with distinct stripes on their bodies and wings. Its face has dark eyes, a white chin patch, and two black bars across its yellow-brownish beak, giving it an intimidating appearance.
The barred owls have powerful nails for hunting small mammals like mice and voles and other animals such as fish, amphibians, or insects.
They also rely heavily on hearing when looking for prey in low-light conditions.
With their fantastic camouflage abilities, these birds can often remain undetected while observing potential threats from predators – making them highly successful hunters.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Strix |
| Species | S. varia |
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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 it its name as it often flicks its tail 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 the summer.
Despite being commonly seen alone or in pairs, these birds often flock together for protection from predators like hawks. They 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. 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 considerable 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, it spottingasy amongst other birds.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. quiscula |
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25. 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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26. 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,y in 1811 by Alexander Wilson,n 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 singers 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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27. Yellow-Throated Warbler
The Yellow-throated Warbler (Setophaga dominica) is a small migratory songbird in temperate North America. It belongs to the Parulidae family of New World warblers.
Males have grey upperparts and wings with double white wing bars, yellow throats, and white underparts streaked with black on the flanks.
Females are less brightly colored, having olive green or brownish gray back and wings with two fainting bars instead of one bright one visible in males.
These birds feed mainly on insects during their breeding season but will also eat fruits at other times of the year while they migrate southwards for wintering grounds, where they will search for nectar from flowers and fruit sources such as berries and wild grapes.
They can be seen actively searching through trees for food items near bird feeders during migration, making them an exciting species to observe.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. dominica |
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28. Tundra Swan
The Tundra swan is a small species of swan found in the Holarctic region. It can be divided into two separate taxa, Bewick’s Swan and Whistling Swan.
The former inhabits the Palearctic area, while the latter resides near North America.
These birds are typically white with black bills and eyes, but their legs vary from yellow to greyish-black depending on which subspecies they belong to.
They feed mainly on aquatic plants such as algae, roots, tubers, and various seeds.
During migration, these birds fly together in large flocks containing hundreds or thousands of individuals simultaneously.
This majestic bird is an essential part of many wetland ecosystems worldwide. It is vital in controlling vegetation growth and nutrients across its habitat range.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. columbianus |
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29. 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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30. 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; during winter, 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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31. Purple Finch
The Purple Finch is a species of finch from North America belonging to the Fringillidae family.
It’s also known as an “American Rosefinch” due to its resemblance in color and size to some European rosefinches.
Their plumage ranges from pinkish-purple on their heads and wings with a light brown underside.
Small birds measure about 5-6 inches long with short, thin beaks for eating seeds and insects.
In addition, they have thick, round bodies, which help them stay warm during cold winters in the northern parts of their range.
The Purple Finch has adapted well over time, making it easier for them to survive despite increasing threats posed by humans, such as deforestation or habitat destruction caused by development projects near their habitats.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. purpureus |
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32. Scarlet Tanager
The Scarlet Tanager is a beautiful medium-sized bird in North and South America. It belongs to the Cardinal family and has striking red plumage with black wings and tail feathers.
Its song is similar to other cardinals yet also unique in its way – it’s recognizable by its high whistles that become lower towards the end.
The species feeds mainly on insects and berries from trees or shrubs during the breeding season, when they may form loose flocks over open woodlands foraging for food.
They are highly territorial birds during nesting season,n between April and June each year; both males and females fiercely defend their nests against intruders such as cats or squirrels.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. olivacea |
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33. Broad-Winged Hawk
The Broad-winged Hawk is a medium-sized raptor of the Buteo genus. It has distinct subspecies distributed throughout eastern North America, ranging from British Columbia to Texas and migrating south during winter to places like Mexico and Brazil.
Other subspecies are year-round residents in the Caribbean Islands. Like most birds of prey, female Broad-winged Hawks tend to be larger than males – they can have up to 48-inch wingspans.
These hawks feed mainly on small mammals such as mice or voles but also eat insects, reptiles, and amphibians.
They nest high in trees, typically near open fields where food sources abound; their nests are often made with sticks lined with grasses or other materials for insulation purposes.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. platypterus |
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34. White-Eyed Vireo
The White-eyed Vireo is a small songbird in the family Vireonidae, native to parts of the eastern United States from New England to northern Missouri, Texas, and Florida.
It also occurs in Mexico, Central America, Cuba, and Caribbean islands such as the Bahamas.
These birds are migratory on their North American range but become residents further south towards the Gulf Coast.
They inhabit wooded areas with thick shrubbery or foliage that offer plenty of insects to feed upon.
Their call consists of sharp ‘chick’ notes while they sing a sweet, melodious warble during the breeding season, making them popular among birdwatchers worldwide.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. griseus |
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35. Brown Creeper
The Brown Creeper is a small songbird from the Certhiidae family and native to North America. It has brown upperparts with light spotting that resembles tree bark and white underparts.
Its bill is long and thin with a slight downward curve, while its tail is long yet stiff; this helps it creep up trees.
This bird feeds mainly on insects found in crevices of barks or dead plants, thanks to its curved bill allows access to these hard-to-reach places.
When searching for food, they move diagonally upwards around trunks so their camouflage blends in perfectly with the background, making them difficult to spot.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Certhiidae |
| Genus | Certhia |
| Species | C. americana |
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36. Eastern Kingbird
The Eastern kingbird is an impressive large grey bird with a white underbelly and pointed wings. It can be seen perched atop trees or bushes in open areas while foraging for insects.
This species of tyrant flycatcher breeds across much of North America during the spring and summer months before migrating southwards come wintertime.
During this time, they have been known to travel as far south as Central and South America.
These birds are particularly territorial when nesting, having been observed chasing off even larger animals, such as hawks, away from their nests. A truly remarkable sight to behold.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Tyrannus |
| Species | T. tyrannus |
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37. 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 breeding, they build cup-shaped nests from 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 integral 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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38. Orange-Crowned Warbler
The Orange-crowned Warbler is a small songbird from the New World warbler family. It was formally described in 1822 by Thomas Say, who gave it its scientific name Sylvia celatus – Latin for ‘cloaked’.
This species has an olive green back and wings with yellowish underparts. The males have bright orange crowns during breeding season, which gives this bird its namesake.
They can be found mainly in North America but also migrate to Central America during winter.
Their diet consists of insects such as butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, and beetles; they may also consume fruits occasionally when available.
These birds are relatively quiet except for their mating calls, which include whistles or buzzing sounds that last a few seconds long each time.
The Orange-crowned Warbler is one of the most widespread passerines today due to their hardiness and adaptability; however, habitat destruction remains threatening and could affect many populations negatively if not addressed soon enough.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Leiothlypis |
| Species | L. celata |
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39. American Yellow Warbler
The American Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) is a species of New World warbler found across North America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
Its genus name, Setophaga, comes from Ancient Greek words meaning “moth” and “eating,” while its specific name, Petechia, originates from Italian for tiny red spots.
This bird has striking yellow plumage with reddish-brown streaks on their chest that can be seen during mating season when they are most colorful.
They live in open woodlands near wetlands or bodies of water where they can find food, such as insects like spiders, beetles, and caterpillars, which comprise much of their diet.
The male will sing to attract a mate during the breeding season before setting up a home in twig nests built by both sexes together high in trees or shrubs.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. petechia |
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40. Orchard Oriole
The Orchard Oriole is a small species of icterid bird, with the subspecies I. s. Fuerteiis is sometimes considered a separate species known as the Ochre or Fuertes’ Oriole.
The adult male of the nominate subspecies has chestnut upperparts and black wings and tail, while females are more yellowish-green in coloration on their back and wings.
Its bill is pointed and black, with some blue-gray at the base of its lower mandible.
This beautiful bird can also be found across North America during migration season; they inhabit woodlands near streams or rivers to breed before migrating south for winter months.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Icterus |
| Species | I. spurius |
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41. Common Yellowthroat
The Common Yellowthroat is a tiny 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 familiar 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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42. Wilson’s Warbler
Wilson’s warbler is a small, brightly colored bird across North America. It has greenish-uppers, yellow underparts, rounded wings,s, and a long tail.
The male has an easily identifiable black crown pattern, which may or may not be present in the female, depending on the subspecies.
They breed from Canada down to central parts of Mexico and then winter south through much of Central America.
These birds usually flit around low vegetation as they search for insects to eat – their primary food source.
Their cheerful song can often be heard during spring migration when they travel back up north to breed again after spending winter further south.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Cardellina |
| Species | C. pusilla |
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43. Nashville Warbler
The Nashville Warbler is a small bird found in North and Central America. It has a gray head, green bac,k, and yellowish-white underparts.
During the breeding season, it can be seen in parts of the northern and western United States, southern Canada, and Mexico; during winter, it migrates to places like California, Texas, or further south into Central America.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, which they find by foraging on trees or shrubs near open woodlands with dense vegetation.
They are pretty active birds that move around often when searching for food, making them easy to spot if you know where to look.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Leiothlypis |
| Species | L. ruficapilla |
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44. 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 mainly 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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45. Blue-Winged Warbler
The Blue-winged Warbler is a common species of New World warbler, measuring 11.5 cm (4.5 in) long and weighing 8.5 g (0.30 oz).
It breeds mainly in eastern North America from southern Ontario to the US east coast, with its range gradually expanding northwards as it replaces its closely related cousin – the Golden-winged Warbler – in these parts of the world.
The name “Blue-winged” refers to its distinctive blue wings, which contrast sharply against an olive green body plumage and white underparts scattered with yellow spots or streaks on either side of the breast region.
Males often have brighter colors than females during the breeding season, while nonbreeding birds tend to be duller regardless of sex difference.
Its diet consists mainly of insect prey items such as caterpillars, beetles & moths gleaned off foliage or caught midflight by this active forager.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Vermivora |
| Species | V. cyanoptera |
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46. American Redstart
The American Redstart is a beautiful New World Warbler, first documented by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
An elegant black and orange plumage sets it apart from other birds.
The genus Setophaga comes from the Ancient Greek words ‘sēs,’ meaning moth, and ‘pages,’ which means eating – referencing its insect-eating habits.
Its song is joyful, with short repeating phrases making up their melodic tune.
They are mostly found hopping around trees on their long legs during breeding season but migrate to Central America for winter months when food sources become scarce in North America.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. ruticilla |
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47. Kentucky Warbler
The Kentucky Warbler is a beautiful bird, with its olive-green back and brilliant yellow underside.
Its short tail and sluggish behavior distinguish it from other singers, as it prefers to stay on or near the ground rather than fly around like others.
These birds are native to North America and can be seen in deciduous woodlands searching for insects among leaf litter during summer.
They have a slight hint of black at their throat, which stands out against their vibrant coloring,g making them stand out even more.
During breeding season, males sing loudly from high perches to court females, who will then build nests hidden away close to the ground and near sources of water such as streams or ponds where food supplies are plentiful for raising young chicks.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Geothlypis |
| Species | G. formosa |
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48. Magnolia Warbler
The Magnolia Warbler is a small and beautiful bird native to North America. It belongs to the wood warbler family of Parulidae, and its name derives from the type locality Fort Adams, Mississippi, where Alexander Wilson first discovered it.
This species has an overall length of 4 – 5 inches, with a wingspan measuring 6-7 inches long.
Its plumage consists of a yellow chest, which turns olive green on top; its underside takes a white hue, and its throat remains black in coloration, along with two white wing bars on either side.
Regarding diet, they feed mainly on insects like caterpillars, moths, etc., but also feed on fruits or seeds occasionally during the winter and migratory periods.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. magnolia |
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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 essential species in its ecosystem and is crucial in 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 ely a remarkable bird 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, essential 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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Conclusion
Spring in Iowa offers a vibrant spectacle of avian activity, with a diverse array of 50 bird species gracing its landscapes. From the Eastern Bluebird’s melodious songs to the Bald Eagle’s majestic flight, each species contributes to the rich tapestry of Iowa’s natural heritage.
Whether in forests, fields, or wetlands, birdwatchers are treated to a symphony of sights and sounds that make spring a genuinely enchanting season for birding in Iowa.