Welcome to Tulsa, Oklahoma—home to a wide variety of birds! This city is a great place for bird watching, as it is home to many different species of birds, both native and migratory.
From ducks and geese to cardinals and raptors, you can find a variety of birds in Tulsa’s parks, woodlands, and waterways. Whether you’re an experienced birder or are just starting out, you can find plenty of opportunities to explore the avian life of this city.
In addition to birding, Tulsa also offers a variety of other outdoor activities, from hiking and biking trails to fishing spots and more. So come join us in Tulsa and experience the beauty of birds in their natural habitat!
1. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove, a member of the Columbidae dove family, is a small-bodied bird with a long, pointed tail. It is commonly found in North America from the boreal forests of Canada to the Gulf Coast of Mexico.
It is also known as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, and colloquially as the turtle dove. It has a long history and was once known as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove.
The species is easily identified by its soft, cooing call, which is often heard during the early morning and evening hours. It has a grayish-brown back and wings, with a white underside, and a distinctive black patch on its throat.
The mourning dove feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects, and is a popular game bird. It is often seen perched on fences or wires and roosting in trees. Its graceful flight and presence make it a welcome sight in many gardens and parks.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
2. Red-Winged Blackbird
Source: Wikipedia
The red-winged blackbird is a beautiful and unique bird found in many parts of North America and Central America. It belongs to the family Icteridae, which includes birds such as orioles, meadowlarks, and grackles.
These birds are passerines, meaning they perch on branches and wires and have a pointed bill. The red-winged blackbird has a glossy black body with bright red and yellow patches on its wings and tail. This is an adaptation to help the bird be camouflaged in its environment.
The male has a particularly striking appearance with its vibrant red and yellow wing patches. The female is browner overall and has a streaky pattern on its wings. These birds are found in a variety of habitats including wetlands, grasslands, meadows, and agricultural fields.
They are omnivorous, feeding on insects, seeds, grains, and berries. Red-winged blackbirds are also known to form large flocks when migrating, providing a spectacular sight.
Overall, the red-winged blackbird is an integral part of the North American and Central American ecosystems and is an important bird to appreciate and protect.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
3. Brown-Headed Cowbird
The brown-headed cowbird is a small species of icterid bird found in temperate and subtropical North America. It is an obligate brood parasite, meaning it lays its eggs in the nests of other species, often leaving its own young to be raised by the host birds.
The cowbird is a permanent resident in the southern parts of its range.
During the winter months, birds in the northern parts of its range will migrate to the southern United States and Mexico and will remain there until around March or April when they will return to their summer habitat.
This behavior allows the cowbird to take advantage of the resources available in both their northern and southern habitats throughout the year.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. ater |
4. Red-Bellied Woodpecker
The red-bellied woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that is found in the eastern United States and Canada. It is part of the family Picidae, which includes other woodpeckers, such as the pileated woodpecker.
This bird is medium-sized, with a red-colored belly as its distinctive feature. It breeds in both the northern and southern regions of its range, from Canada to Florida. It is a year-round resident in some areas, while in other regions it is a seasonal migrant.
The red-bellied woodpecker is a cavity nester, which means that it builds its nest in a hole in a tree or other structure. It also feeds on insects, nuts, and fruits.
The red-bellied woodpecker is an important part of the ecosystem in its range, providing food for predators and helping to control the insect population.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. carolinus |
5. Painted Bunting
The Painted Bunting is a beautiful species of bird belonging to the Cardinal family, Cardinalidae. It is native to North America and is known for its brightly colored plumage.
Every year, the male Painted Bunting transforms, with its feathers changing from dull and grey to vibrant shades of blue, green, and red. However, this transformation does not occur until the bird’s second year of life.
During its first year, the only way to tell the male from the female is by carefully examining the two birds side by side. This is because both genders look the same in their first year, with the male-only beginning to develop its showy plumage in its second year.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. ciris |
6. House Finch
The House Finch is a species of bird belonging to the Fringillidae family. It is native to western North America, but it has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii.
The House Finch is part of the genus Haemorhous, along with the other two American Rosefinches.
This genus is characterized by its red and pink plumage and its distinctive chirping call. The House Finch has a variety of habitats, ranging from desert areas to suburban backyards.
It is mainly found in northwestern Mexico, the western United States, and southwestern Canada, but it can also be found in some parts of the eastern United States and Hawaii. The House Finch is a very adaptable bird, and it can survive in a variety of climates and habitats.
Its diet consists mainly of seeds, fruits, and insects. It is a social bird, and it can often be seen in flocks feeding or nesting. The House Finch is an important part of the North American bird population, and it is a beautiful and interesting species to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
7. Northern Flicker
The northern flicker, or common flicker, is a species of woodpecker that is native to a wide range of regions. It is found throughout most of North America, as well as parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.
It is a medium-sized bird, usually measuring between 11 and 14 inches in length, with a wingspan of around 17 to 21 inches. The flicker’s body is mainly a greyish-brown color, with white and black barring on its wings and tail.
Its head has a distinctive black “V” shape, and a white line runs along its neck. The northern flicker is unique among woodpecker species in that it is one of the few that migrate.
During the winter months, they can be found in states as far south as Florida, while in the summer they can be seen in areas as far north as Alaska.
This species of bird will often form large flocks of up to several hundred individuals and will migrate in these large groups. The flicker’s diet consists mainly of ants and other insects, which it obtains by digging into the ground with its strong beak.
It also eats fruits, nuts, and even small reptiles. It is a very adaptable species and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. Overall, the northern flicker is an interesting and important species of bird.
Its wide range and adaptability make it an important part of many different ecosystems. Its unique migratory behavior also makes it an interesting species to observe and study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
8. Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is a type of woodpecker that is considered to be the smallest woodpecker in North America. These birds range in size from 14 to 18 cm in length.
They are primarily found in forested areas across the United States and Canada, except certain desert regions in the southwest and the northern tundra.
Downy Woodpeckers are usually seen in pairs or small groups, and they often feed on insects and spiders that live on tree bark. They also feed on suet, seeds, nuts and fruits.
These birds are known for their distinct “drumming” sound, which they use to communicate with other woodpeckers. They are also known for their habit of nesting in dead trees, which helps to create cavities that other species can use for shelter.
Downy Woodpeckers are important to the ecosystem as they help to maintain healthy forests by eating pests and dispersing seeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. pubescens |
9. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird that is part of the true thrush genus and the Turdidae family. Despite its name, the American robin is not closely related to the European robin, which is part of the Old World flycatcher family.
The two birds are named similarly due to their similar reddish-orange breast. The American robin is a migratory bird, meaning it will fly long distances between its breeding grounds in the summer and its wintering grounds in the winter.
It is found across most of North America and is a familiar sight in gardens, parks, and forests.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
10. Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal is a species of bird that is native to North America and is a popular backyard visitor. It is known by several different names, including the redbird, common cardinal, red cardinal, and just cardinal.
It belongs to the genus Cardinalis, which is a group of passerine birds that includes species such as the pyrrhuloxia, the vermilion cardinal, and the crested cardinal.
The northern cardinal is easily identifiable by its bright red plumage, as well as its black face and crest.
It is a medium-sized bird, averaging about 21 centimeters in length and 28 grams in weight. Northern cardinals are primarily seed-eaters, but they also eat insects and fruit. They are monogamous and typically remain with their mate throughout the year.
Northern cardinals are known for their loud, clear song, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and suburban gardens.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Cardinalis |
| Species | C. cardinalis |
11. Tufted Titmouse
The tufted titmouse is a small songbird that is native to North America and belongs to the tit and chickadee family. It is easily identified by its distinctive tufted head and its gray and white plumage.
The tufted titmouse is found in a wide range of habitats, from woodlands to suburban backyards. The black-crested titmouse is a related species to the tufted titmouse and was once classified as a subspecies.
However, it is now recognized as its species, Baeolophus atricristatus. This species is found mainly in central and southern Texas, with its range extending southward. The black-crested titmouse is identified by its black crest on its head and its black and white plumage.
Both species of the Titmouse family are highly social birds, often seen in groups of up to 15 individuals. They are active foragers, searching for food in trees and shrubs, and can often be seen at feeders.
They are also known for their vocalizations, which are melodious and often loud.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. bicolor |
12. Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is a small bird native to North America. It is a migratory thrush, meaning it spends part of the year in one area and then moves to another area for the other part of the year. Generally, they prefer to inhabit open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards.
The bright blue breeding plumage of the male Eastern Bluebird is easily visible on a wire or open perch, making it a favorite among birders.
This plumage is noticeable because of its vibrant color and the fact that it stands out against the more natural colors of the woodlands, farmlands, and orchards.
The Eastern Bluebird is also a popular bird among birders due to its friendly demeanor and its bright song, which often sounds like a trill.
The Eastern Bluebird is an important species for North America, as it plays a role in the dispersal of seeds and the control of insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. sialis |
13. Northern Mockingbird
The northern mockingbird is a species of mockingbird found in North America. It is a permanent resident, meaning it does not migrate. However, some northern birds may migrate south during periods of extreme weather.
This species has rarely been observed in Europe and is not known to migrate there. It is found mainly in North America and has adapted to living in a variety of habitats, including wooded areas, grasslands, and urban areas.
The northern mockingbird can be identified by its unique song, which is made up of several different types of calls. It also has a very distinct plumage, with gray-brown upperparts, white underparts, and a black patch on the wings.
It is a very adaptable bird and is often seen in gardens and parks, where it is known to feed on insects, berries, and other small prey.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Mimus |
| Species | M. polyglottos |
14. Carolina Chickadee
The Carolina chickadee is a species of small bird found in the southeastern United States. It is part of the tit family Paridae, which includes birds such as the blue tit and the great tit.
The Carolina chickadee is a small passerine bird, meaning it has a wide, flattened bill for feeding on a variety of foods. It is about 5 inches in length with a wingspan of 7-8 inches and a weight of 0.3-0.4 ounces.
Its plumage is predominately gray and white, with a black cap and bib and white cheeks. Its diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and small fruits. It is found in open woodlands, forests, and gardens, and often visits feeders for food.
The Carolina chickadee is a social bird, and can often be seen in small flocks, foraging in trees and shrubs. It is also a very vocal species, with its trademark “chick-a-dee-dee” call.
The Carolina chickadee is a widespread species and is a welcome guest in many backyard bird feeders..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Poecile |
| Species | P. carolinensis |
15. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a small bird native to North America. They belong to the finch family and migrate between different regions of the continent depending on the season. During the breeding season, they can be found from mid-Alberta down to North Carolina.
In the winter, they migrate further down from just south of the Canada-United States border to Mexico. This species of bird has an interesting pattern of migration, and it is an important part of their natural habitat and behavior.
The American goldfinch is a colorful species of bird with a bright yellow body and black wings with white stripes. They are known to feed on grass seeds, thistles, and other small plants.
They can often be seen flocking together in small groups, and they are known for their cheerful chirping. The American goldfinch is an important part of the North American ecosystem, and their migratory patterns are an important part of their life cycle.
They play an important role in pollination, as well as providing food for other animals. They are also a popular choice for birdwatchers, as they can be seen in many different regions of the continent during different seasons.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
16. Dark-Eyed Junco
The dark-eyed junco is a species of junco, a type of small gray New World sparrow. It is found in much of temperate North America, and its range extends as far north as the Arctic in summer.
This species is very variable, similar to the fox sparrow, and there is still much to be discovered and understood about it. The dark-eyed junco typically has gray feathering, with a white belly and black tail feathers.
Its head is usually a darker gray, with a light gray and black stripe across its eyes. It is a small bird, usually between 4.5 to 6.25 inches in length, and weighs around 0.7 to 1.2 ounces. The dark-eyed junco is a common bird, found in deciduous, coniferous, and mixed woodlands.
It is also found in urban and suburban areas and is a regular visitor to bird feeders.
This species is highly adaptable and opportunistic, taking advantage of a variety of habitats and food sources. The dark-eyed junco is a ground-feeding bird, foraging for food on the ground or among low vegetation.
It mainly eats insects and seeds, but will also eat fruit, berries, and other plant material. It is also known to eat suet and other bird feeder items. The dark-eyed junco is a social bird, often seen in small flocks.
It has a simple song, consisting of a few notes repeated over and over. Its call is a sharp, metallic ‘chip’.The dark-eyed junco is an important species in North America, and its systematics are still not completely untangled.
Its variable nature and wide-ranging habitat make it a fascinating species to study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Junco |
| Species | J. hyemalis |
17. Red-Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a bird of prey found all across North America, from the far northern parts of Alaska and Canada down to Panama and the West Indies. It is a very common species in its genus Buteo and is found in many countries around the world.
In North America, it is seen in a variety of habitats, from open grasslands and deserts to forests and urban areas. It usually hunts small mammals like rodents, but it will also take birds and reptiles.
Its reddish-brown tail feathers are the most distinguishing feature, and they can be seen from a great distance. In addition to providing food for its family, the red-tailed hawk can also be a vocal predator, often scaring away other birds to protect its territory.
Its diet and behavior make it a very important part of the ecosystem, as it helps to keep the population of its prey species in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. jamaicensis |
18. Carolina Wren
The Carolina wren is a species of wren that is native to the eastern half of the United States, the extreme south of Ontario, Canada, and the extreme northeast of Mexico.
It is one of the most common species of wrens in the eastern part of North America and is easily identified by its distinctive reddish-brown back, white belly, and long tail.
It is mostly found in wooded areas, such as forests and swamps, where it feeds on insects and other invertebrates. The Carolina wren is also known for its loud and melodious song, which it uses to attract mates and defend its territory.
In addition to its beautiful song, the Carolina wren also has a clever and resourceful nature, often building nests in unusual places, such as hanging plants, mailboxes, and even the hoods of cars.
The Carolina wren is an important part of the North American ecosystem, and plays an important role in the food chain, providing food for many other species of birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Troglodytidae |
| Genus | Thryothorus |
| Species | T. ludovicianus |
19. Blue Jay
The blue jay is a type of bird belonging to the Corvidae family, native to the eastern part of North America. It is widely distributed in the eastern and central United States, with some populations migrating seasonally.
It has a permanent presence in Newfoundland, Canada, and there are breeding populations across southern Canada. Blue jays are known for their strikingly blue feathers and their loud, raucous calls.
They are often found in backyards and gardens, where they eat nuts, seeds, and berries. They are also known to build large nests in trees, often near the tops. Blue jays are important parts of the ecosystem, as they help to disperse seeds and control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. cristata |
20. House Sparrow
The house sparrow is a small bird belonging to the sparrow family Passeridae. It is found in many regions around the world, with a typical length of 16 cm and a mass of 24–39.5 g.
Females and juvenile birds are typically colored pale brown and grey, while males are more brightly colored with black, white, and brown markings. The house sparrow is a social species and can often be seen in large flocks.
They are an omnivorous species, often living near human habitations and feeding on a variety of food sources such as grains, insects, and bird seeds.
House sparrows are also known to nest in cavities, such as wall crevices or tree holes, and can be seen building nests with straw, twigs, and feathers.
They are an important species for ecosystem health, helping to control insects and providing food sources for other birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passeridae |
| Genus | Passer |
| Species | P. domesticus |
21. Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher
The scissor-tailed flycatcher is an insectivorous bird that is part of the genus Tyrannus, or kingbirds. It is also known as the Texas bird-of-paradise and swallow-tailed flycatcher. This bird is most commonly found in North and Central America.
It is recognized for its long tail, which can be as long as the length of its body. The tail is usually forked, creating a scissor-like shape. The bird is primarily gray and white, with a pinkish-red breast. It has a black head with a white crown.
The scissor-tailed flycatcher feeds on insects, such as grasshoppers, moths, and beetles, and can be found in open grasslands and fields. It is a vocal bird, and its call is a loud, clear “pee-pee-pee”.
The scissor-tailed flycatcher is a popular bird for bird watchers, as it is easy to identify and can often be seen soaring in the sky.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Tyrannus |
| Species | T. forficatus |
22. American Kestrel
The American kestrel, also known as the sparrow hawk, is a small falcon native to North America. It is the most common falcon species in the region, and it exhibits a wide range of sizes between its various subspecies and genders.
The smallest individuals weigh about as much as a blue jay, while the largest can weigh as much as a mourning dove. This large range in size is unique among North American falcons, and it helps the kestrel adapt to different environments and prey sources.
The kestrel’s size and agility also make it a formidable hunter, capable of taking down a wide range of small prey.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | F. sparverius |
23. Rock Pigeon
The rock dove, rock pigeon, or common pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is often referred to simply as the “pigeon” in everyday language. This species is the ancestor of the domestic pigeon, which was domesticated by humans at some point in history.
As a result, populations of feral pigeons have been established in many parts of the world due to escaped domestic pigeons. These feral pigeons are descendants of the rock dove and are essentially wild versions of the same species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
24. Pileated Woodpecker
The pileated woodpecker is a large, mostly black bird that is native to North America. It is part of the woodpecker family and is an insectivore, meaning that it primarily feeds on insects.
Its range covers a large portion of North America, from the east coast to the Great Lakes, the boreal forests of Canada, and parts of the Pacific Coast.
It prefers to inhabit deciduous forests, which are forests that lose their leaves in the fall and regrow them in the spring. The pileated woodpecker is a fascinating bird, as it is one of the largest woodpeckers in the world.
It has a distinctive red crest on its head and a white line that runs down its neck and chest. Its wingspan is usually around 30 inches, and it has a strong, sharp beak that it uses to peck at trees and find insects.
When it is drumming, it can be heard up to a mile away! The pileated woodpecker is an important part of its local ecosystems. It helps to control insect populations, and its holes in tree trunks create homes for other animals such as owls, bats, and wood ducks.
The pileated woodpecker is also an important species for cultural and spiritual reasons, as it has been featured in stories, art, and even used in traditional ceremonies. Overall, the pileated woodpecker is an incredible species and an important part of North American forests.
It is a beautiful bird, and its presence in a forest is a sign of a healthy, vibrant ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryocopus |
| Species | D. pileatus |
Conclusion
Birds in Tulsa can be found in a variety of habitats from urban parks to remote forests. With nearly 200 species of birds, Tulsa provides a great opportunity for birders of all levels to explore and observe the diversity of avian life in the area.
With ongoing efforts to protect and restore bird habitats, Tulsa is a great place for birders to explore and observe the many birds of Oklahoma.