Top 15 Types Of Birds In Northern Wisconsin (With Pictures)

Hover over Northern Wisconsin's skies and discover 15 stunning bird species, each with unique traits and vibrant visuals, ready to captivate your curiosity.

birds of northern wisconsin

Northern Wisconsin is home to a fascinating array of bird species. The majestic Bald Eagle, known for its impressive wingspan and distinct white head, often thrives near water bodies. The colorful Baltimore Oriole and the tiny, vibrant Ruby-throated Hummingbird are summer visitors, while the haunting calls of the Barred Owl echo in mature forests. Bird enthusiasts can also spot the melodious Wood Thrush and the striking black-and-white plumage of the Common Loon on lakes. Other notable species include the Red-tailed Hawk, Pileated Woodpecker, and the graceful Great Blue Heron. Each bird plays an essential role, contributing uniquely to the local ecosystem, and offers more intriguing details to uncover.

Bald Eagle

symbol of american freedom

The Bald Eagle, recognized as the national bird of the United States, epitomizes strength and freedom with its striking presence and formidable hunting abilities. Known for its impressive wingspan and keen eyesight, it thrives near water bodies, skillfully spotting and capturing fish.

Unlike species with red plumage, adult Bald Eagles are distinguished by a white head and tail, achieved around 4-5 years of age.

Baltimore Oriole

bird with black feathers

Baltimore Orioles, with their striking orange and black plumage, grace Northern Wisconsin during their summer migration. These birds, notable for their black wings, feed on nectar, fruits, and insects, playing a key role in pollination.

They construct elaborate hanging nests from plant fibers. Their vibrant colors and melodious calls make them a favorite among local birdwatchers each summer.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

vibrant bird with iridescent feathers

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, distinguished by their astonishing ability to hover and fly backwards, are the sole hummingbird species breeding in Wisconsin. Adult males showcase a vibrant red throat patch, contrasting with the plain white throat of females.

These birds achieve remarkable feats, beating their wings up to 80 times per second and undertaking non-stop 18-20 hour flights during migration.

Wood Thrush

migratory songbird with flute like call

Moving from the aerial acrobatics of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, we encounter the Wood Thrush, a songbird celebrated for its melodious calls that resonate through the forests of Northern Wisconsin.

This medium-sized, beautiful bird thrives in mature deciduous forests, feasting on insects, fruits, and berries.

Conservation efforts are essential to address the challenges of habitat loss and climate change that threaten this species.

Barred Owl

silent winged night hunter

In the shadowy domains of Northern Wisconsin's mature forests, the Barred Owl reigns with its hauntingly distinctive call. This large, round-headed owl features striking brown and white striped plumage and dark, soulful eyes.

It thrives in dense woodlands near water, primarily hunting small mammals like mice and squirrels. Remarkably, the Barred Owl's call resonates as a deep, rhythmic 'Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all.'

American Goldfinch

small yellow north american bird

From the haunting calls of the Barred Owl, we shift our focus to the vibrant American Goldfinch, known for its bright yellow plumage and lively song.

These cheerful birds, adorned with a striking black forehead, thrive in Northern Wisconsin.

Their diet primarily consists of seeds found in shrubs and trees, making them a delightful sight in both summer's green and winter's red landscapes.

Common Loon

distinctive black and white

Echoing across the tranquil waters of Northern Wisconsin, the haunting calls of the Common Loon mark its presence as a mesmerizing feature of the region's freshwater lakes.

This bird, known for its striking black and white plumage and red eyes, is an adept diver, hunting fish while submerged.

They nest by these lakes, laying 1-2 eggs and vigorously defending their territory.

Red-tailed Hawk

majestic bird of prey

Perched atop the forest canopy, the Red-tailed Hawk dominates the skies of Northern Wisconsin with its impressive wingspan and distinctive reddish tail feathers.

Renowned for their hunting prowess, they primarily feast on small mammals, using their keen eyesight from high perches.

Unlike the vibrant Northern Cardinal, their presence is signaled by a piercing scream, echoing as they patrol the forests.

Pileated Woodpecker

woodpecker with bright plumage

Among the towering trees of Northern Wisconsin, the Pileated Woodpecker is easily recognized by its bold red crest and powerful bill.

This large woodpecker contrasts sharply with the region's small birds, drumming loudly on trees to find insects.

Their role in maintaining forest health is crucial, as they help control insect populations while also consuming fruits and nuts, making them essential to the ecosystem.

Great Blue Heron

watching over the water

The Great Blue Heron, a majestic wader, is distinguished by its expansive six-foot wingspan and striking blue-gray plumage.

Unlike small birds, this heron utilizes its considerable size, waiting motionlessly in shallow waters to ambush fish.

They nest in tree-top colonies near water bodies, communicating with loud, distinctive squawks.

Their presence underscores the diverse avian life inhabiting Northern Wisconsin's aquatic landscapes.

Sandhill Crane

elegant bird with red

Sandhill Cranes, distinguished by their towering stature and striking red crowns, are a notable migratory presence in Northern Wisconsin. These gray birds thrive in wetlands, constructing large, mound-shaped nests.

Known for their loud, trumpeting calls, they play an essential role in maintaining wetland ecosystems. Their presence underscores the region's rich natural beauty and the importance of habitat conservation.

Cedar Waxwing

elegant bird with crest

Shifting focus to another avian species, Cedar Waxwings are elegant birds characterized by their sleek, crested appearance and distinctive markings.

Unlike the house finch, these birds boast a unique yellow-tipped tail and red wax-like tips on their secondary wing feathers.

Common in northern Wisconsin, they favor open woodlands and orchards, feeding primarily on fruits and insects while producing high-pitched, buzzing calls.

Northern Cardinal

vibrant red bird species

Northern Cardinals, distinguished by the male's vivid red plumage, are a prominent feature of Northern Wisconsin's avian population.

The bright red males and subtly reddish females are known for their clear, melodious songs throughout the year.

These birds, primarily feeding on seeds and insects, thrive in local gardens, parks, and woodlands, playing an essential role in the ecosystem.

Black-capped Chickadee

tiny bird with cap

The Black-capped Chickadee, a small yet charismatic bird, is easily recognized by its black cap and bib. This acrobatic bird is often seen energetically flitting around backyard feeders. Its distinctive 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' call is a familiar sound in Wisconsin, where it resides year-round.

Feeding on a diet of insects and seeds, it remains a cheerful presence throughout all seasons.

Are the Types of Birds in Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota Similar?

Yes, the types of birds in Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin are quite similar. Both states share many of the same bird species due to their similar climates and habitats. You can easily find a variety of types of birds in Minnesota with pictures that are also common in Northern Wisconsin.

White-breasted Nuthatch

bird with black cap

White-breasted Nuthatches, recognized by their black or gray caps, are adept climbers frequently spotted at backyard feeders in Wisconsin. These small birds are drawn to sunflower seeds and peanuts.

They exhibit a unique behavior of descending tree trunks head-first while hunting for insects and seeds. Year-round residents across North America, their nasal 'yank yank' calls are a distinctive sound in the local woods.