Top 15 Types Of Birds In Montana (With Pictures)

Gain fascinating insights into Montana's top 15 bird species, each uniquely adapted to thrive in its rugged landscapes—discover how.

birds of montana showcased

Montana is home to an array of bird species, reflecting its diverse habitats. Among the notable types, the Red-breasted Nuthatch thrives in coniferous forests, easily identified by its compact body and distinctive black cap in males. During the colder months, the Rough-legged Hawk, recognizable by its feathered legs and large wingspan, migrates from the Arctic to hunt using its unique hovering technique. The American Tree Sparrow, a winter visitor, sports a distinctive plumage suitable for colder climates. The Mourning Dove, known for its melancholic cooing, and the Cedar Waxwing, with its striking black mask and vibrant yellow belly, are also prominent. Exploring these species offers insights into Montana's ecological diversity.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

vocal bird with stripes

The Red-breasted Nuthatch, a small yet distinctive bird, thrives in the coniferous forests of Montana.

This species, recognized by its short tail and nearly absent neck, features males with striking black caps and females with subtler gray crowns.

Although their size is modest, these birds add significant charm to the local avian community, fostering a rich biodiversity within their woodland habitats.

Rough-legged Hawk

majestic bird of prey

Rough-legged Hawks, known for their expansive wingspan and distinctive feathered legs, migrate to Montana during the colder months. Originating from Alaska and Canada, these impressive raptors bring a unique aspect to Montana's winter avian scene.

They are easily recognizable by their rough-feathered legs, a feature that aids their adaptation to chilly environments and supports their hovering hunting technique.

American Tree Sparrow

winter visitor to canada

While Rough-legged Hawks dominate the winter skies, another seasonal visitor, the American Tree Sparrow, graces Montana's landscapes with its presence during the colder months.

These small birds, nesting in Alaska and Canada, migrate to the US and southern Canada to endure winter. Recognizable by their distinct plumage, they thrive on a diet of seeds, insects, and berries, embodying the quintessential 'winter sparrow.'

Mourning Dove

symbol of peace mourning

Montana's bird population is enriched by the presence of the Mourning Dove, a species known for its distinctive cooing and graceful, light gray-brown plumage. Native to Montana, these medium-sized birds exhibit monogamous behavior and are frequently heard mimicking the soft calls of owls.

As winter approaches, they migrate to warmer climates, adding greatly to the diversity of Montana's avian community.

Cedar Waxwing

beautiful bird with crest

Cedar Waxwings, known for their striking appearance, are medium-sized birds that frequent Montana primarily in the summer. They are seasonal visitors, showcasing unique features like yellow bellies, dark gray wings, and yellow-tipped tails.

Their bold black masks with a white border make them easily recognizable. These birds enjoy Montana's summer climate before migrating to warmer areas for winter.

House Wren

small brown songbird species

House Wrens, tiny songbirds weighing less than 0.5 ounces, are known for their lively and melodious tunes, resonating from Canada to South America. These small, vocal birds enhance parks and backyards with their cheery songs.

Active and agile, House Wrens frequently visit feeders, showcasing their energetic behavior as they dart around in search of food, adding a delightful ambiance wherever they go.

Northern Flicker

distinctive woodpecker with red

While House Wrens captivate with their melodic songs, the Northern Flicker offers a visual and auditory spectacle with its unique ground foraging behavior and striking plumage. Known as Colaptes auratus, this woodpecker species showcases red-shafted and yellow-shafted variations.

With a length of about 12.5 inches and a wingspan near 20 inches, these birds primarily forage for ants and emit distinctive calls like 'flicka, flicka, flicka'.

Rock Pigeon

urban bird with iridescent neck

Rock Pigeons, belonging to the Columbidae family, are prevalent in Montana's urban settings.

These medium-sized birds, weighing between 8.4 and 13 ounces, are highly adaptable and thrive in various city environments.

Recognizable by their distinctive cooing sounds, Rock Pigeons are a common sight in urban areas, contributing to the diverse avian population of Montana with their presence and adaptability.

Red-winged Blackbird

vibrant bird with call

Red-winged Blackbirds are a prominent feature of Montana's wetland and grassland habitats. They are characterized by their vivid shoulder patches and social behaviors. Males flaunt black plumage with eye-catching red and yellow shoulder patches, while females display a more subdued streaked brown. These birds are known for their territorial displays in these environments. They are often seen foraging for seeds and insects.

Snowy Owl

majestic white bird species

Snowy Owls, known for their striking white plumage, are a mesmerizing sight in Montana's winter landscape. These large, majestic birds feature females that are significantly larger than males.

They excel in camouflage, blending seamlessly into snowy surroundings. As agile hunters, Snowy Owls prey on small mammals and birds, their impressive size ranging from 20 to 28 inches enhances their hunting prowess.

Snow Bunting

arctic bird in winter

Snow Buntings, medium-sized passerine birds, exhibit a remarkable adaptation to Montana's harsh winter environments.

These birds, recognizable by their white plumage with black wingtips and females' rufous back, thrive in snowy environments.

Their ability to blend into the white landscapes makes them a mesmerizing sight in Montana's winter months, showcasing the diversity and adaptability of avian species in the region.

Western Meadowlark

songbird with distinctive call

From the frost-covered landscapes inhabited by Snow Buntings, we turn our attention to the open grasslands where the Western Meadowlark, Montana's state bird, heralds the arrival of spring with its melodious song.

This iconic bird, easily recognized by its bright yellow underparts and distinct black V on the chest, resonates its flute-like tunes across Montana's prairies, symbolizing the state's natural beauty.

Northern Shrike

predatory songbird of winter

In the diverse avian community of Montana, the Northern Shrike stands out as a formidable predator, adept in both aerial and terrestrial hunting. Common in Montana, it showcases a varied diet and skilled predatory behavior.

With plumage mainly grey, this bird blends into its surroundings, enhancing its hunting prowess. These skilled hunters are noted for their method of storing prey, often impaling it for later consumption.

Black-billed Magpie

chatty intelligent bird species

The Black-billed Magpie is a striking bird native to Montana. It is renowned for its distinctive black and white plumage and long tail feathers. These vocal birds exhibit an opportunistic diet, feeding on carrion, small animals, and seeds.

Their unique nesting behavior involves constructing domed nests from mud and sticks. This behavior reflects their adaptability and ingenuity in the diverse ecosystems of Montana.

What Type of Birds Can You Find in Both Montana and Vermont?

Montana and Vermont are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including many types of birds in Vermont such as chickadees, robins, and blue jays. In Montana, you can also find these same types of birds in addition to raptors like eagles and hawks. Montana also boasts a diverse population of mammals, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears. The beautiful birds in Vermont can be seen in lush forests and along the shores of Lake Champlain. In Montana, the birds can be found soaring over the expansive landscapes or perched in the tall trees of national parks like Glacier and Yellowstone.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

bird with yellow rump

Shifting focus to another avian resident of Montana, the Yellow-rumped Warbler stands out with its vibrant yellow markings and versatile feeding habits. Known for distinctive yellow patches on its rump and sides, these skilled foragers frequent bird feeders and are particularly fond of sunflower seeds.

During migration, they often gather in large flocks, adding a spectacular splash of color to the sky.