Top 15 Types Of Birds In Upper Michigan (With Pictures)

Yearn to discover Upper Michigan's top 15 birds, from the elusive Spruce Grouse to the vocal Yellow Rail—see who else makes the list!

birds of upper michigan

Upper Michigan boasts a diverse array of bird species, adapting to its rich, varied habitats. Prominently, the Gray Jay, commonly seen in coniferous forests, interacts closely with humans. The Spruce Grouse, a more elusive bird, faces conservation concerns due to its rare status. The Yellow Rail, often hidden and heard rather than seen, adds a unique acoustic presence. The Black-backed Woodpecker plays a critical role in forest regeneration after fires by consuming insects in dead wood. Meanwhile, the nocturnal Boreal Owl helps maintain ecological balance by preying on small mammals. Each species underscores the ecological richness of the region, hinting at a deeper understanding of its natural legacy.

Gray Jay

friendly bird of canada

In the dense coniferous forests of Upper Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the Gray Jay, also known as the 'Camp Robber,' is a familiar sight. This bird thrives in the spruce and fir-dominated habitats, displaying a fearless and sociable nature.

With its fluffy gray plumage and lighter underside, the Gray Jay often interacts closely with humans, sometimes even taking food directly from their hands.

Spruce Grouse

forest dwelling bird with feathers

While the Gray Jay is known for its sociable behavior, the Spruce Grouse, a more reserved inhabitant of Upper Michigan's forests, presents a stark contrast in its elusive nature.

Rare and nearing extinction, these large, pigeon-like birds thrive deep within the woods of the Upper Peninsula.

Designated as a species of special concern, conservation efforts are essential to safeguarding the secretive Spruce Grouse population.

Yellow Rail

elusive marsh bird species

The Yellow Rail, a rarely observed bird, enhances the avian diversity of Michigan's Upper Peninsula with its distinctive rhythmic ticking call.

This elusive bird, more often heard than seen, inhabits woodland areas, adding a unique element to the region's bird species.

Encountering a Yellow Rail is special due to its secretive nature, making sightings a notable event for bird enthusiasts.

Black-backed Woodpecker

woodpecker with black back

Shifting focus to another unique species, the Black-backed Woodpecker stands out with its distinctive gold-crown and stark black back plumage. Commonly found in recently burned forest areas, these woodpeckers are crucial for maintaining forest health.

They contribute to post-fire ecosystem recovery by feeding on insects in dead trees, playing an essential role in the natural regeneration processes of these impacted zones.

Boreal Owl

small nocturnal woodlands predator

Boreal Owls, nocturnal predators thriving in Upper Michigan, play an essential role in the region's ecological balance by feeding on small mammals and insects.

These owls primarily consume voles and chipmunks, thriving due to abundant prey. They nest in artificial boxes, enhancing their breeding habitats.

Known for their distinctive hooting at night, Boreal Owls help maintain forest health by also controlling insect populations.

Olive-sided Flycatcher

bird with distinctive call

During their breeding season in Upper Michigan, Olive-sided Flycatchers are easily recognized by their distinctive call that mimics the phrase 'Quick, Three Beers!'.

This Michigan bird species thrives in open coniferous or mixed forests, utilizing tall perches to hunt insects.

Conservation is crucial, as their numbers are declining, emphasizing the need to safeguard their habitats in Michigan to guarantee their survival.

Common Loons

elegant black and white

While the Olive-sided Flycatcher is known for its distinctive call, the Common Loon captivates with its eerie, haunting calls that resonate across Upper Michigan's lakes.

These large birds boast striking black and white plumage, red eyes, and a dagger-like bill. Common Loons are excellent underwater swimmers but struggle on land due to their rear-set legs, symbolizing true wilderness spirits.

Kirtland Warbler

endangered bird in michigan

Amid the dense young jack pine forests of Michigan thrives the rare and endangered Kirtland Warbler, a songbird distinguished by its blue-gray plumage and vibrant yellow underparts.

Exclusive to this habitat, its survival hinges on conservation efforts. Birdwatchers often visit to observe this elusive, rare species, contributing to both awareness and the local economy through eco-tourism.

American Coot

distinctive black and white

Shifting focus from the Kirtland Warbler, another notable species in Upper Michigan is the American Coot, a medium-sized waterbird with distinctive red eyes and a white bill.

These water birds are adapted for life in freshwater habitats, where they swim and dive using their lobed toes. Often found in groups, they forage for aquatic plants and small invertebrates across North America.

Killdeer

bird with broken wing

Despite their unassuming appearance, Killdeer are remarkably clever in protecting their offspring, famously performing a broken wing act to lure predators away from their nests.

These birds, identifiable by their short bill and distinctive black bands on the neck amid brown and white feathers, thrive in open habitats.

Their loud, high-pitched calls alert each other to dangers, safeguarding their precocial chicks.

Red-eyed Vireo

bird with red eyes

The Red-eyed Vireo is a small songbird found in Michigan, known for its vivid red eyes and olive-green upperparts. It is a frequent presence in the state's diverse avian landscape. This bird is recognized for its repetitive, melodious song and feeds primarily on insects and spiders in tree canopies.

Nesting in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the Red-eyed Vireo constructs cup-shaped nests from natural materials. Post-breeding, they migrate to Central and South America for the winter.

Long-tailed Duck

distinctive plumage and bill

Renowned for their distinctive winter plumage and elongated tail feathers, Long-tailed Ducks migrate to the frigid waters of Upper Michigan during the colder months.

Known as Oldsquaw, these medium-sized sea ducks are celebrated for their dramatic breeding look and unique vocalizations.

They thrive on a diet of aquatic invertebrates and small fish, expertly diving in the chilly waters of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Northern Bobwhite

small ground dwelling quail

Characterized by a distinctive call that echoes 'bob-WHITE,' the Northern Bobwhite is a small, ground-dwelling bird prevalent in Upper Michigan's grasslands and open woodlands.

This bird species features a mottled brown and buff plumage, highlighted by a striking white throat and eyestripe. Known for their quick, abrupt movements, Northern Bobwhites thrive in early successional habitats, making them a notable presence in Michigan.

Eastern Wild Turkey

eastern wild turkey habitat

Eastern Wild Turkeys, with their distinctive chestnut-tipped tail feathers, are a prominent species in Upper Michigan's diverse avian landscape. These turkeys exhibit unique plumage characteristics, making them easily recognizable.

Native to the region, their behavior and habitat preferences offer valuable insights. Observers can identify them by their chestnut brown tail feather tips and their unusual gait, typical of this species.

What Are the Differences Between Land Birds and Water Birds in Michigan?

Land birds in Michigan can be spotted in forests and fields, while types of water birds in Michigan can be found near lakes, rivers, and wetlands. The main difference lies in their habitats and behaviors, with water birds relying on aquatic environments for their survival.

Pileated Woodpecker

large red crested woodpecker

Shifting focus to another remarkable bird species in Upper Michigan, the Pileated Woodpecker stands out as the largest woodpecker in the state, boasting a striking appearance marked by its flaming-red crest.

Measuring 16-19 inches, these woodpeckers create large rectangular holes with their powerful bills, contributing to forest health by controlling insects and providing habitats for other species.

Their distinctive drumming sounds echo through the woodlands, making them a significant part of the ecosystem in Upper Michigan.