South Dakota

Birds in South Dakota

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
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater
Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura
Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
American Robin Turdus migratorius
Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris
Grasshopper Sparrow Ammodramus savannarum
Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Northern House Wren Troglodytes aedon
American Goldfinch Spinus tristis
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
Ring-necked Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum
Dickcissel Spiza americana
Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus

The complete Birds of South Dakota

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

Guide coming soon