Top 15 Types Of Birds In The Midwest (With Pictures)

Spot vibrant cardinals, majestic hawks, and more in our visual guide to the Midwest's top 15 bird species—discover who else made the list!

midwest bird species list

The Midwest offers an eclectic range of bird species, each contributing uniquely to the region's biodiversity. Among the standout species are the American Goldfinch, recognizable by its vibrant yellow feathers and intricate nests; the Northern Cardinal with its striking red plumage; and the American Robin, noted for its red breast and early migration patterns. The Blue Jay brings a flash of blue to the landscape, while the Red-tailed Hawk dominates the skies with its broad wingspan and hunting prowess. Each species adapts distinctively to the Midwestern environment, enhancing local ecosystems. Exploring these birds further reveals the complexity and beauty of avian life in the Midwest.

American Goldfinch

bright yellow north american bird

The American Goldfinch is recognized for its vivid yellow plumage and black forehead. It is a common sight in the Midwestern United States. During breeding season, their appearance becomes even more striking, with males showcasing brighter yellow hues against sharp black and white markings.

Their nests are intricately woven in trees and shrubs, often featuring bright red plant fibers, adding a splash of color to their environment.

Northern Cardinal

vibrant red bird species

Easily recognized by its bright red plumage and distinctive black mask, the Northern Cardinal stands out as a vivid presence in Midwest landscapes.

During the breeding season, males exhibit a striking red throat and sing prominently in open areas near feeders.

Preferring dense, tangled branches for nesting, these birds are also known for their twilight foraging, adding a splash of color to the evening hours.

American Robin

familiar red breasted songbird

Shifting focus to another beloved bird of the Midwest, the American Robin is recognized as Wisconsin's state bird and is distinguished by its red breast.

Renowned for its orangey chest and grayish back, it thrives in gardens and parks, feeding on insects and fruits.

This bird, known for early migration, frequently builds cup-shaped nests, becoming a familiar, delightful sight in many backyards across the region.

Blue Jay

beautiful bird with crest

Often spotted causing a lively ruckus at bird feeders, Blue Jays are known for their striking blue plumage and distinctive white facial markings. Their vibrant color pattern makes them one of the more eye-catching species in the eastern United States.

Social and inquisitive, these birds enjoy a diet rich in walnuts and peanuts, bringing dynamic presence and commotion to any bird-watching area.

Red-tailed Hawk

majestic bird of prey

Red-tailed Hawks, with their impressive wingspans of up to 4 feet, are formidable birds of prey in the Midwest.

Known for their distinct reddish-brown tails and pale undersides, these hawks excel in hunting small mammals, utilizing their acute eyesight from high vantage points.

They are often spotted soaring above open fields and highways, showcasing their prowess as skilled hunters in their natural habitat.

Eastern Bluebird

colorful bird with song

From the predatory majesty of the Red-tailed Hawk, we turn our attention to the smaller, yet equally enchanting Eastern Bluebird, known for its vivid blue and rusty plumage.

Thriving in the Midwest, these birds occupy man-made birdhouses and contribute vibrant colors to the region. Their diet includes insects and fruits, underscoring their role in local biodiversity and conservation success.

Sandhill Crane

migratory bird with call

Sandhill Cranes are recognized by their towering stature and iconic red crowns. These tall, gray birds exhibit impressive wingspans that enhance their majestic flight visuals. Famed for their loud, trumpeting calls, they nest in marshy wetlands, favoring these areas during breeding seasons.

Their back and wings blend seamlessly with natural surroundings, symbolizing longevity and fortune.

Great Horned Owl

majestic nocturnal bird species

The Great Horned Owl, distinguished by its striking ear tufts, is a formidable nocturnal predator found across the Americas.

These birds eat a varied diet including small mammals and birds, and are known to even feed on insects. Their silent flight aids in stealthily approaching prey.

Adapted to diverse habitats, they dominate as apex predators, effectively controlling local ecosystem populations.

Mallard Duck

graceful waterfowl with iridescent plumage

Mallard Ducks, easily recognizable by their vibrant plumage and distinct calls, are prevalent near various freshwater bodies throughout the Midwest.

Male Mallards sport iridescent green heads and curled black tail feathers, while females display mottled brown plumage with orange bills.

These ducks, a common bird species in the United States, thrive on a diet of aquatic plants, insects, and small fish.

Bald Eagle

majestic national bird symbol

Shifting focus from the water's edge, where Mallard Ducks thrive, we observe the majestic Bald Eagle, a symbol of strength and freedom in the United States.

Renowned for their white heads and tails contrasting against a mostly black body and gray underside, these birds are skilled fish-eating raptors.

They build large nests in tall trees near water, playing an essential role in ecosystem balance.

Cedar Waxwing

small sleek crested bird

Among the more striking avian species in the Midwest, Cedar Waxwings are noted for their sleek appearance and sociable nature. These brown birds display unique red wax-like tips on their secondary feathers and are often seen in large flocks.

They mainly feast on fruit, especially berries, but also consume insects. Their distinctive high-pitched, buzzy calls are easily recognizable in the wild.

Indigo Bunting

vibrant blue bird species

While Cedar Waxwings are often noticed for their communal behavior, another enchanting species in the Midwest is the Indigo Bunting, known for its vivid blue plumage in males and melodious songs.

These songbirds thrive in open woodlands and brushy areas, essential habitats that support their diverse diet of seeds, insects, and berries.

Their striking appearance and sweet tunes make them a favorite among birdwatchers.

Pileated Woodpecker

large black woodpecker species

As one of the most visually striking birds in the Midwest, the Pileated Woodpecker is easily identified by its vibrant red crest and robust size. Renowned for drumming loudly on tree trunks, they search for insects, thereby playing an important role in forest health.

Their excavation of large holes in trees is essential for controlling insect populations, maintaining ecosystem balance, and enhancing biodiversity.

Yellow Warbler

delicate bird with song

The Yellow Warbler, a small and vividly colored bird, graces the Midwest with its presence, particularly noted for its striking yellow plumage and melodious song.

These migratory birds feast on insects, adeptly catching them in flight or plucking them from foliage.

Their journey includes impressive feats like crossing the Gulf of Mexico, highlighting their resilience and adaptability in diverse environments.

What Types of Birds Overlap Between the Midwest and Northern Indiana?

The diverse range of types of birds in northern Indiana includes the American robin, eastern bluebird, and northern cardinal. These species are commonly found in both the Midwest and the northern region of Indiana, making them the perfect representatives of the overlapping bird populations in the area.

Ring-necked Pheasant

colorful bird with long tail

Ring-necked Pheasants, recognized for their strikingly colorful plumage, have become a prominent feature of the Midwest's fauna. Native to Asia and introduced for hunting, these birds thrive in agricultural areas.

Males display vibrant plumage with iridescent green, copper, and a distinctive white neck ring. They prefer grasslands with dense cover, essential for nesting and protection, and are known for their crowing call during breeding.