Illinois

Birds in Illinois

When the state's notable birds are present through the year, with arrival and departure timing.

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Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis
American Robin Turdus migratorius
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina
American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos
Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea
Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula
Dickcissel Spiza americana
Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna
Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
American Goldfinch Spinus tristis
Northern House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata
Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus
Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis
Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus
Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum

The complete Birds of Illinois

A complete birding reference for the state — every notable species, when it's present, and how to find it.

Guide coming soon