Michigan is home to more than 400 species of birds, making it an ideal destination for bird watchers and nature lovers.
From the majestic bald eagle to the colorful and vibrant wood thrush, Michigan’s diverse avian population provides a unique opportunity to experience a variety of bird species and habitats.
From the dunes of the Sleeping Bear Dunes and National Lakeshore to the wetlands of Saginaw Bay, Michigan’s diverse landscape provides a variety of habitats for birds to thrive.
This article will briefly overview some of the most common birds found in Michigan and their habitats.
49 Birds Of Michigan
Michigan is home to many bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. At the same time, there are far more than 49 species in the state.
Here’s a selection of some commonly spotted birds in Michigan:
1. 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 |
2. 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 |
3. 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 |
4. 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 |
5. 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 |
6. 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 |
7. Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers are an incredibly diverse bird species found worldwide, except for Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, and the extreme polar regions.
They live in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, rocky hillsides, and deserts with no trees.
Their beaks are adapted to pecking at tree bark to find food, such as insects or larvae hidden beneath it, while they use their long tongues to catch them from deep inside crevices.
Woodpeckers have tough skulls that protect their brains from impact when they bang into things during drumming – a behavior used by males for territorial signaling and reproduction using strong, rapid beats against hollow objects like dead branches or metal poles.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Infraorder | Picides |
| Family | Picidae Leach, 1820 |
8. 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 |
9. Downy Woodpecker
The downy woodpecker is a small species of woodpecker found in North America. Growing up to 7 inches long, it can be identified by its white belly and spotted wings.
It inhabits forests throughout the United States and Canada, except deserts in the southwest and northern tundra.
This bird nests in tree cavities and feeds mostly on insects but will supplement its diet with fruit or nuts when available.
The Downy Woodpecker has an unmistakable call that sounds like a loud ‘piker,’ similar to other members of its family, such as the Hairy Woodpecker.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. pubescens |
10. 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 |
11. 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 |
12. 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 |
13. 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, where 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 |
14. 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 |
15. 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 |
16. 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 |
17. 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 |
18. 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 |
19. Kirtland’s Warbler
Kirtland’s warbler is a small songbird belonging to the New World warbler family named after Jared Potter Kirtland. It was nearly extinct 50 years ago, but thanks to conservation efforts, its population has recovered.
This bird requires large areas of habitat with young jack pine stands for nesting, making it vulnerable when this type of habitat becomes scarce or disturbed.
The male birds have distinctive black streaks on their yellow chest and wings during breeding season from April through June in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Outside these months, they migrate across Mexico, the Caribbean islands, and Florida before returning north again in springtime.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. kirtlandii |
Also Featured In: Yellow Birds You’ll Find in Minnesota, Yellow Birds You’ll Find in Michigan
20. 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, and grasshoppers, along with 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 |
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 |
22. 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 brushland, 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 |
23. 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 |
24. 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 mainly feed on insects such as caterpillars, grasshoppers, and beetles while also eating fruits like berries or cherries during the summer months.
Despite being commonly seen alone or in pairs, these birds will 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 |
25. 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 |
26. Thrush
Thrushes are small to medium-sized birds belonging to the Turdidae family and found all over the world. They live on or near the ground and feed on insects, other invertebrates, and fruit.
Their feathers range from greyish browns to deep blues, with spotted wings that help them blend into their natural habitats, such as forests, woodlands, and shrubs.
Thrushes sing distinctive songs during spring mating season; many species also perform complex flight displays for courtship rituals.
These birds may be solitary creatures but can often be seen foraging together in groups or pairs when searching for food sources like worms, snails, or berries.
A healthy thrush population indicates a balanced environment since they require clean water sources and plenty of vegetation cover – making them important indicators of ecosystem health worldwide.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Suborder | Passeri |
| Family | Turdidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
27. 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 |
28. 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 |
29. Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl is an impressive bird of prey native to the North American and Palearctic Arctic regions.
It has a unique white plumage that helps it blend in with its snowy tundra habitat and several adaptations that make it suitable for life in cold climates.
These include thick feathers that insulate their bodies from frigid temperatures, large eyes adapted for hunting during long winter nights, and talons designed for gripping slippery surfaces such as ice or snow.
This majestic owl will soar high above its territory, searching for food before gliding back down again to perch atop rocks or trees.
The Snowy Owl truly stands out amongst other birds of prey – an iconic symbol of the beauty and mystery of the north.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Bubo |
| Species | B. scandiacus |
30. 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 |
31. Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern bluebird is a small migratory thrush found in open woodlands, farms, and orchards across North America.
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 |
32. Mute Swan
The Mute Swan is a species of swan belonging to the waterfowl family Anatidae. It can be found in much of Eurosiberia, North America, Australasia, and southern Africa, where it has been introduced.
The ‘mute’ part of its name comes from its soft call, which is more muffled than other swans.
They have an almost entirely white plumage with black legs and feet and an orange bill with a distinctive knob at the base.
These striking birds are large, reaching up to 1 meter tall when fully grown, with wingspans reaching 3 meters or more.
In flight, they hold their necks arched gracefully above their body while beating powerful wings slowly through the air – creating quite a spectacle.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. olor |
33. Evening Grosbeak
The Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) is a beautiful passerine bird in the finch Fringillidae native to North America.
It has an impressive wingspan of up to 20 inches, and its plumage is mostly black, yellow, or grey, with distinctive white patches on each side of its head.
Its diet consists mainly of seeds, other plant matter, and small insects, fruit, and berries when available.
The male’s song is loud and melodic, which can be heard from some distance away during the breeding season, making it a popular species for avid backyard birders.
The Evening Grosbeak typically nests high in coniferous trees, building cup-shaped structures lined with feathers or grass that protect predators.
Overall, this species makes an excellent addition to any backyard aquarium.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Hesperiphona |
| Species | H. vespertina |
34. Common Loon
The Common Loon is a beautiful bird found in North America. It has a large black head and neck, with a greenish to purple sheen that stands out against its dark grey upperparts.
The underparts are white except for some black on the undertail cover and vent.
During the non-breeding season, adults have brown plumage instead of the bright shades they show during the breeding season.
They also exhibit unique behaviors, such as diving underwater to catch fish or swimming along lakeshores while calling loudly, which is how they got their name “great northern diver.”
With their stunning colors and interesting behavior, it’s no wonder why these birds make up an iconic part of many landscapes across North America.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae |
| Genus | Gavia |
| Species | G. immer |
35. 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 |
36. Northern Goshawk
The Northern Goshawk is a medium-large bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. It has been known as one of the true hawks, with “Accipiter” meaning hawk in Latin and “gentiles” referring to its noble characteristics.
They are found worldwide, most commonly in wooded areas such as forests or thickets, where they hunt small birds and mammals.
The males have spotted grey upperparts, while females tend to be fully brown above with some lighter barring on their underparts.
These raptors rely heavily on speed and agility when hunting from either perches or during aerial dives at high speeds for their prey, making them formidable predators that can reach up to 40 mph.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Accipiter |
| Species | A. gentilis |
37. House Wren
The House Wren is a small bird of the Wren family found in Canada and South America. It’s quite common in suburban areas and is one of the most widely distributed native birds in North and South America.
Its taxonomy can be complicated, with some subspecies groups considered separate species.
The House Wren has a brown back, grey head, white eyebrow stripes, light chestnut belly, and buffy flanks.
They often inhabit old or abandoned buildings and shrublands near fields or open woods for nesting sites.
During the breeding season, they are highly territorial, so create an inviting environment to invite them into your yard.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Troglodytidae |
| Genus | Troglodytes |
| Species | T. aedon |
38. 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 small 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 |
39. Crow Family
The Crow family is a cosmopolitan group of birds that contains crows, ravens, rooks, jackdaws, jays, magpies, and more.
Altogether, there are 133 members in this bird family, which all share similar characteristics such as large beaks and feet.
Corvus alone makes up over a third of the entire crow family population, with species like the common crow or blackbird being some of its most recognizable members.
All these birds have strong social bonds, so they often travel in groups to find food sources or build nests together for protection against predators.
With their intelligence and adaptation skills, they are able to survive almost anywhere on Earth, from mountains to cities, making them one of the world’s most successful families of avian creatures.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Corvoidea |
| Family | Corvidae Leach, 1820 |
40. Red-Breasted Nuthatch
The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a beautiful and vocal songbird found in coniferous forests across Canada, Alaska, the northeastern United States, and the western US.
This small bird has blue-grey upperparts with cinnamon underparts, a white throat and face with black eye stripe, a straight grey bill, and a black crown.
Its call sounds like a tin trumpet; it’s high-pitched yet nasal.
During mating season, they form monogamous pairs to build their nest near tree trunks or branches at low heights off the ground, where they lay 2 – 8 eggs at once.
They are very active little birds who love clinging to trees while searching for insect larvae or seeds within the bark of trees, which helps control pest populations.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. canadensis |
41. Bald Eagle
The majestic Bald Eagle is a bird of prey found in North America and recognized as the national symbol of the United States.
With its distinctive white head, brown body, and striking yellow beak, this sea eagle has two known subspecies that form a species pair with the White-tailed Eagle.
It inhabits much of Canada, Alaska, all states in the US, contiguous area, and Northern Mexico near large bodies of water where they feed mainly on fish.
These birds have an impressive wingspan ranging from 1.8 to 2 meters depending on their size, making them one of nature’s most magnificent creatures.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Haliaeetus |
| Species | H. leucocephalus |
42. 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 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 |
43. Cerulean Warbler
The Cerulean Warbler is a small songbird in the Parulidae family. It migrates long distances, breeding in eastern North American hardwood forests and spending its non-breeding season on the east slope of the Andes in South America.
This bird displays strong sexual dichromatism, with adult males having vivid cerulean blue and white upperparts with black streaks running down their neck to the chest area.
Females have olive-green above, yellowish tones beneath them, and some dark streaks.
These birds feed mainly on insects but consume fruits during migration or when rearing young ones.
They make nests near tree trunks and lay three to five eggs per clutch, which hatch after about ten days of incubation by both parents.
The Cerulean Warbler is classified as Near Threatened due to human disturbances such as habitat loss caused by deforestation, amongst other factors like climate change that threaten this species’ survival.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. cerulea |
44. Great Egret
The Great Egret is a large, white bird found in many regions of the world. It has four subspecies reside across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe.
This species usually lives near bodies of water such as lakes and marshes. They are also spreading into more northern areas of Europe due to climate change.
These birds have long yellow legs with an impressive wingspan, allowing them to soar majestically through the sky, hunting for fish or amphibians in shallow waters below.
Their feathers have been used historically by Native Americans as part of traditional garments or ceremonies. Still, this practice should be avoided today so these amazing creatures can thrive without harm from humans.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. alba |
45. Piping Plover
The Piping Plover is a small shorebird found along sandy or gravel beaches in North America.
It has yellow-orange-red legs, and its distinctive features include a black band across the forehead from eye to eye and a thicker chest band for males during the breeding season.
They are threatened by human activity in their habitats, such as the increasing development of coastal areas and the destruction of their nesting sites due to recreation activities like beach driving and off-leash dogs.
Conservation efforts aim to protect these birds through habitat protection measures, including fencing off areas where they nest and restricting access during breeding seasons.
The future looks brighter with conservation initiatives by local governments slowly bringing the population up again over time.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. melodus |
46. Mourning Warbler
The Mourning Warbler is a small songbird that belongs to the New World warbler family.
Originating in eastern and central North America and some Central American countries, these birds migrate with the seasons and prefer dense second-growth forests.
They are easily identified by their bright yellow-green plumage with a distinct black mask extending from their beak down to their neck, giving them an almost melancholic look – hence the name ‘Mourning’ Warbler.
This bird species loves singing and can often be heard chirping away during mating season or just mid-flight.
With large eyes surrounded by white spectacles, they also have strong legs, allowing them to perch on trees for long periods while hunting insects among leaves and branches.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Geothlypis |
| Species | G. philadelphia |
Also Featured In: Common Central Park Birds, Common Birds in Saskatchewan
47. Chipping Sparrow
The Chipping Sparrow is a small passerine bird in most of North America. It has two subspecies, the eastern and western chipping sparrows, which migrate seasonally to overwinter in warmer climates.
The birds are grey above with white underparts, have a rufous cap with black stripes, and large eyes surrounded by light brown feathers.
They feed mainly on seeds but can also be seen eating insects during breeding season when raising their young chicks.
These intrepid little birds live in open grasslands such as prairies or meadows, building cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs to raise their young family.
Their cheerful song often sounds like ‘chips,’ hence its name: Chipping Sparrow.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Spizella |
| Species | S. passerina |
48. Barn Owl
Barn owls are a beautiful and fascinating species of birds found around the world, except in polar and desert regions, most of Indonesia, and some Pacific Islands.
They have large eyes, thin legs, and long wings that help them to hunt silently in low-light conditions.
Their white coloring helps them blend into their surroundings, making it easier for them to catch prey.
Barn owls are nocturnal hunters using their impressive hearing capabilities to locate rodents moving within vegetation or underground tunnels.
They also feed on insects such as beetles, moths, etc., which they can detect from high up in flight using their excellent vision even at night.
The barn owl plays an important role in balancing ecosystems by controlling rodent populations, so they should be protected wherever possible so that this vital service continues uninterruptedly.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Tytonidae |
| Genus | Tyto |
| Species | T. alba |
49. Pine Siskin
The Pine Siskin is a small bird from the finch family, primarily found in North America. It has an irregular migratory range and was first described by American ornithologist Alexander Wilson in 1810.
Due to its frequent presence near coniferous trees, the species gets its name pinus, which means “pine tree” in Latin.
Pine siskins are known for their yellow wing bars, streaked chests, and perky mannerisms when perched on branches or flying around looking for food during colder months.
They feed mostly on seeds of weeds, grasses, and other plants but can also be seen consuming insects during the summertime nesting season.
Its loud calls often alert nearby birds of potential danger while they nest high up among pine tree limbs where predators cannot reach them easily.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. pinus |
Conclusion
Michigan offers a rich and diverse avian landscape, attracting birdwatchers from all over the world. While the list provided highlights just a fraction of the many species in the state, it underscores the variety and beauty of Michigan’s birdlife.
From the iconic American Robin to the majestic Bald Eagle and from the vibrant Northern Cardinal to the elusive Yellow-rumped Warbler, Michigan provides a habitat for a wide range of birds throughout the year.
