Top 15 Types Of Birds In Iowa (With Pictures)

Spot Iowa's top 15 bird species, from vibrant finches to elusive woodpeckers, and discover what makes these avian wonders a must-see.

bird diversity in iowa

Iowa hosts a vibrant array of bird species, ranging from the easily recognizable American Robin with its rusty red breast to the intelligent and glossy black American Crow. The state bird, the American Goldfinch, sports vibrant yellow plumage during breeding season. Both the Downy and Hairy Woodpecker make their homes here, marked by their distinctive pecking calls. The environment also supports invasive species like the European Starling and House Sparrow, which compete with native birds. These species, among others, form a rich tapestry of avian life that contributes uniquely to Iowa's ecosystems. Exploring further reveals detailed insights into their behaviors and roles.

American Robin

red breasted bird with song

The American Robin, recognizable by its rusty red breast and dark head, is a common year-round resident in Iowa's diverse habitats.

Both males and females boast white throats and eye splotches, enhancing their distinct appearance.

These robins primarily sustain themselves on a diet of invertebrates and fruit, making them a familiar and continual presence for local birdwatchers across the state.

Downy Woodpecker

small black white bird

Commonly spotted across Iowa, Downy Woodpeckers are small, nimble birds distinguished by their short bills and striking white bellies.

This species features a black and white pattern with males sporting a red spot on their head. They thrive in various habitats and are often seen enjoying suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.

Their presence is marked by sharp 'peek' calls, making them a familiar sight in backyards.

Hairy Woodpecker

black and white bird

Distinguished by their larger size and chisel-like bills, Hairy Woodpeckers are a notable presence in Iowa's diverse habitats. They possess striking black and white plumage, and males feature a distinct red patch on their heads.

These woodpecker species thrive by insect feeding, using their sharp bills to excavate trees. Their sharp peek call is a familiar sound in both woodlands and urban parks.

American Goldfinch

bright yellow summer bird

Renowned for its vibrant yellow plumage during the breeding season, the American Goldfinch stands out as Iowa's state bird.

These finches, with males featuring a bright yellow body and black cap, and females in olive-brown, thrive on seeds from plants like coneflowers.

They breed in late summer, adapting their nesting period to the peak availability of seeds, essential for feeding their young.

House Sparrow

small common urban bird

The House Sparrow, originally native to parts of Europe and Asia, has firmly established itself across Iowa's urban and rural landscapes.

Also known as the English Sparrow, this small bird features a gray crown, black bib, and white cheeks in males.

Recognized as an invasive species, House Sparrows are abundant in Iowa, thriving in environments altered by humans and competing aggressively with native species for resources.

House Finch

common north american bird

House Finches, characterized by their rosy red males and brown females, are a common and delightful presence in Iowa's diverse habitats.

These small birds sport conical beaks and notched tails, readily visiting bird feeders to snack on seeds like sunflower, Nyjer, and safflower.

Their vibrant plumage and sociable nature make them a favored subject among Iowa's bird-watching community.

American Crow

intelligent black bird species

American Crows, with their glossy black plumage, are a prominent and intelligent presence across Iowa's varied landscapes. These large, social birds are known for their distinctive cawing calls.

Omnivorous and adaptable, they feed on insects, small animals, fruits, and carrion. You can spot American Crows in urban, suburban, and rural settings, often in groups, utilizing their complex communication skills to thrive in diverse environments.

Song Sparrow

melodic bird with stripes

Song Sparrows, distinguishable by their brown streaked backs and melodious tunes, are a common sight in Iowa's brushy landscapes and marshy areas.

This medium-sized sparrow features a grayish head with a brown crown and a central chest spot.

Known for their unique variations of tunes, these birds are important contributors to local ecosystems, thriving in Iowa's varied habitats and feeding on insects, seeds, and berries.

White-breasted Nuthatch

bird with black cap

Despite its small size, the White-breasted Nuthatch is easily recognized by its black cap and bright white face as it skillfully maneuvers down tree trunks. Found in deciduous forests across Iowa, this bird is known for its nasal 'yank yank' call and frequent visits to bird feeders.

With strong bills, White-breasted Nuthatches are efficient foragers, adept at extracting food from bark.

Red-winged Blackbird

bird with red wings

The Red-winged Blackbird is a prevalent species in Iowa. It is easily identifiable by its striking red and yellow shoulder patches on a sleek black body. These medium-sized birds frequent marshes and agricultural fields. Their vocal presence is marked by the distinctive 'conk-la-ree' call.

Males showcase vibrant shoulder patches, while females display a more subdued, streaked brown plumage, blending into their natural habitats.

European Starling

invasive bird species proliferating

Following the Red-winged Blackbird, another notable bird species in Iowa is the European Starling, an invasive species that has made a significant impact on local ecosystems. Known for their disruptive flock behavior, European Starlings are skilled mimics and aggressive towards native species, often competing for food.

Their diet includes a wide variety of items, from insects and seeds to fruits and garbage.

Brown-headed Cowbird

nest parasite lays eggs

Shifting to another avian species, the Brown-headed Cowbird displays a distinctive brood parasitism behavior, influencing various bird populations across Iowa.

Characterized by glossy black plumage and a distinctive brown head, these brood parasites lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species.

Primarily feeding on seeds and insects, they thrive in open habitats, where their parasitic nesting behavior can impact local avifauna.

House Wren

small bird with melodious song

House Wrens are a familiar sight in Iowa's diverse habitats because they are small, brown American birds that are common backyard birds in the state. This is mainly due to their adaptability and insectivorous habits. They thrive by consuming insects like beetles and caterpillars. Their melodious songs echo through woodlands and gardens, where they energetically build dome-shaped nests and chatter continuously while defending their territory.

House Wrens are well-suited to Iowa's environment, where they can be found in various habitats due to their ability to adapt and thrive on insects. Their presence adds to the natural soundscape with their melodious songs, making them a charming and common sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Mourning Dove

peaceful bird of mourning

Mourning doves, with their soft, mournful cooing, are a common and soothing presence in Iowa's diverse landscapes. These gray-brown birds thrive in open habitats, including farms and urban areas, where their cooing calls contribute to a peaceful ambiance.

Frequent visitors to bird feeders, they primarily sustain themselves on seeds. Their presence is marked by long tails, pointed wings, and distinctive cooing.

What Types of Birds in Iowa Can Also Be Found in Oklahoma?

Iowa and Oklahoma share similar bird species such as the Northern Cardinal, American Robin, and Blue Jay. If you’re curious about the types of birds in Oklahoma pictures, you’ll find familiar species in both states due to their geographic proximity and similar habitats.

Rock Pigeon

urban bird species common

Moving from the serene cooing of Mourning Doves, we encounter the Rock Pigeon, another familiar feathered resident of Iowa. Rock Pigeons display distinctive gray-blue plumage and are frequently spotted in urban areas.

Their diverse diet includes seeds, grains, and scraps, while their cooing calls and quick flight patterns highlight their adaptability across Iowa's cities and parks, thriving amidst the hustle of human activity.