Birds in Louisiana

Louisiana’s diverse habitats support a beguiling range of birds. And it is not only about diversity. Additionally, Louisiana is well-known for the sheer volume of birds that migrate to its waterways and wetlands. Certain waterbirds that are uncommon or sparsely scattered elsewhere in the country congregate in Louisiana in the tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands.

As of August 2020, 147 of the 485 species on the list are classified as accidental, while four were imported to North America. Two species are known to be extinct, two more are believed to be extinct, and two have been extirpated. A single species is considered speculative. Birds considered probable escapees, despite sightings of them flying free, are excluded.

In 1966, Louisiana designated the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) as the state bird.

Louisiana birds of prey

Louisiana is noted for its humid subtropical climate, which results in long, hot summers and brief, moderate winters. Louisiana is home to nearly two dozen state parks and 550,000 acres of wildlife refuge, which is home to over 400 kinds of birds, making it one of the top birding states in the country.

Hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures are all common in these states. The largest are hawks, some of which are dubbed the world’s most fearsome bird of prey.

Consider the following other birds of prey, more generally referred to as raptors, found in the state of Louisiana.

Eagles in Louisiana

Louisiana is now one of the bald eagle population hotspots, with only Florida hosting more eagle nests each year. Louisiana now has more than 350 nesting pairs.

In 1960, just four eagle pairs were reported in Louisiana; by 1973, there were five.

More information about these eagles can be found in the section below.

Buteo Platypterus – Broad-Winged Hawk

Buteo Lineatus – Red-Shouldered Hawk

Haliaeetus Leucocephalus – Bald Eagle

Accipiter Cooperii – Cooper’s Hawk

Accipiter Striatus – Sharp-Shinned Hawk

Circus Hudsonius – Northern Harrier

Aquila Chrysaetos – Golden Eagle

Buteo Jamaicensis – Red-Tailed Hawk

Owls in Louisiana

Louisiana has a subtropical climate, which means that the state experiences mild winters but extremely hot and humid summers. Louisiana has 21 dedicated state parks and only five officially recognized national parks.

Louisiana’s marshes and forests provide excellent habitat for a variety of owl species, some of which have adapted to dwell in a suburban or urban park and recreation areas. These incredible birds contribute significantly to the health of our communities, particularly by reducing rodent populations.

The following is a list of owl species found in Louisiana; we’ll look at photographs of each species and learn a few things about them.

Tyto Alba – Barn Owl

Bubo Virginianus – Great Horned Owl

Megascops Asio – Eastern Screech – Owl

Strix Varia – Barred Owl

Common backyard birds of Louisiana

Louisiana is home to a variety of indigenous bird species. Birds in Louisiana range from the more commonly observed Northern Cardinal to the less frequently seen Western Kingbird.

We’ve produced a list of the most gorgeous backyard birds found in Louisiana, complete with photographs and identification. Additionally, we added information on the frequency with which the birds are observed, as well as the time of year during which they are observed.

Corvus Brachyrhynchos- American Crow

Cyanocitta Cristata – Blue Jay

Zenaida Macroura – Mourning Dove

Zenaida Asiatica – White-Winged Dove

Columbina Inca – Inca Dove

Streptopelia Decaocto – Eurasian Collared-Dove

Columba Livia – Rock Pigeon

Baeolophus Bicolor – Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus Ridgwayi – Juniper Titmouse

Woodpeckers in Louisiana

It’s incredible to consider that there are over 300 species of woodpeckers worldwide, 22 of which are found in the United States. These vibrant, gorgeous birds thrive in and around residential areas, making them ideal subjects for photography.

Woodpeckers are all members of the Picidae family, which also includes piculets and wryneck birds. As of this writing, woodpeckers are largely not extinct.

You’ve come to the right site if you’re looking for woodpeckers in Louisiana. The following is a list of recognized species found in Pelican State!

Dryobates Scalaris – Ladder-Backed Woodpecker

Colaptes Auratus – Northern Flicker

Dryocopus Pileatus – Pileated Woodpecker

Melanerpes Erythrocephalus – Red-Headed Woodpecker

Dryobates Villosus – Hairy Woodpecker

Dryobates Pubescens – Downy Woodpecker

Best Birdwatching Spots in Louisiana

Louisiana is one of the best birding destinations in the world. Due to its mild climate and hospitable environments, particularly in the south, Louisiana is recognized as a year-round birding state.

Indeed, Louisiana is recognized throughout the world for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. This state is home to some of the best birding in the country. Utilize your visit to Louisiana to experience some of the country’s best wetland birding in the famed Bayou.

Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Martin
Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge
Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge

Other Louisiana birds

When you come across an unusual bird, the best thing you can do is make a mental note of everything about the bird. This will significantly aid you in identifying backyard birds. Additionally, you can draw a brief drawing if desired. Discover these additional common birds that you may have encountered.

Cardellina Pusilla – Wilson’s Warbler

Cardellina Canadensis – Canada Warbler

Setophaga Virens – Black-Throated Green Warbler

Setophaga Discolor – Prairie Warbler

Setophaga Dominica – Yellow-Throated Warblers

Setophaga Coronata – Yellow-Rumped Warbler

Setophaga Pinus – Pine Warbler

Setophaga Palmarum – Palm Warbler

Setophaga Caerulescens – Black-Throated Blue Warbler

Setophaga Striata – Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga Pensylvanica – Chestnut-Sided Warbler

Setophaga Petechia – Yellow Warbler

Setophaga Fusca – Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga Magnolia – Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga Americana – Northern Parula

Setophaga Cerulea – Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga Tigrina – Cape May Warbler

Setophaga Citrina – Hooded Warbler

Geothlypis Formosa – Kentucky Warblers

Geothlypis Philadelphia – Mourning Warbler

Oporornis Agilis – Connecticut Warbler

Leiothlypis Ruficapilla – Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis Celata – Orange-Crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis Peregrina – Tennessee Warblers

Protonotaria Citrea – Prothonotary Warbler

Vermivora Cyanoptera – Blue-Winged Warblers

Mniotilta Varia – Black-And-White Warbler

Parkesia Noveboracensis – Northern Waterthrush

Oxyura Jamaicensis – Ruddy Duck

Parkesia Motacilla – Louisiana Waterthrush

Helmitheros Vermivorum – Worm-Eating Warbler

Mergus Serrator – Red-Breasted Merganser

Mergus Merganser – Common Merganser

Lophodytes Cucullatus – Hooded Merganser

Bucephala Clangula – Common Goldeneye

Melanitta Americana – Black Scoter

Melanitta Deglandi – White-Winged Scoter

Aythya Marila – Greater Scaup

Aythya Americana – Redhead

Aythya Alisineria – Canvasback

Anas Crecca – Green-Winged Teal

Anas Acuta – Northern Pintail

Anas Rubripes – American Black Duck

Anas Platyrhynchos – Mallard

Mareca Americana – American Wigeon

Mareca Penelope – Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca Strepera – Gadwall

Spatula Clypeata – Northern Shoveler

Spatula Discors – Blue-Winged Teal

Aix Sponsa – Wood Duck

Branta Canadensis – Canada Geese

Branta Hutchinsii – Cackling Goose

Anser Albifrons – Greater White-Fronted Goose

Anser Rossii – Ross’s Geese

Anser Caerulescens – Snow Geese

Dendrocygna Bicolor – Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna Autumnalis – Black-Bellied Whistling Duck

Phalaropus Lobatus – Red-Necked Phalarope

Phalaropus Tricolor – Wilson’s Phalarope

Tringa Melanoleuca – Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa Semipalmata – Willet

Tringa Flavipes – Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa Solitaria – Solitary Sandpiper

Actitis Macularius – Spotted Sandpiper

Gallinago Delicata – Wilson’s Snipe

Limnodromus Scolopaceus- Long-Billed Dowitcher

Scolopax Minor – American Woodcock

Calidris Mauri – Western Sandpiper

Calidris Pusilla – Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris Melanotos – Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris Subruficollis – Buff-Breasted Sandpiper

Calidris Fuscicollis – White-Rumped Sandpiper

Calidris Minutilla – Least Sandpiper

Calidris Bairdii – Baird’s Sandpiper

Calidris Maritima – Purple Sandpiper

Calidris Alpina – Dunlin

Calidris Alba – Sanderling

Arenaria Interpres – Ruddy Turnstone

Limosa Haemastica – Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa Limosa – Black- Tailed Godwit

Numenius Americanus – Long-Billed Curlew

Bartramia Longicauda – Upland Sandpipers

Sterna Forsteri – Forster’s Tern

Sterna Hirundo – Common Tern

Chlidonias Niger – Black Tern

Hydroprogne Caspia – Caspian Tern

Gelochelidon Nilotica – Gull-Billed Tern

Sternula Antillarum – Least Tern

Larus Fuscus – Lesser Black-Backed Gull

Larus Argentatus – Herring Gull

Larus Delawarensis – Ring-Billed Gulls

Leucophaeus Pipixcan – Franklin’s Gull

Leucophaeus Atricilla – Laughing Gull

Hydrocoloeus Minutus – Little Gull

Chroicocephalus Philadelphia – Bonaparte’s Gull

Pyrocephalus Obscurus – Vermilion Flycatcher

Sayornis Phoebe – Eastern Phoebe

Empidonax Minimus – Least Flycatcher

Empidonax Traillii – Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax Virescens – Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax Flavive – Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher

Contopus Virens – Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus Sordidulus – Western Wood-Pewee

Contopus Cooperi – Olive-Sided Flycatcher

Tyrannus Savana – Fork-Tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus Forficatus – Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus Verticalis – Western Kingbird

Tyrannus Tyrannus – Eastern Kingbird

Myiarchus Crinitus – Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus Cinerascens – Ash-Throated Flycatcher

Spinus Tristis – American Goldfinch

Spinus Pinus – Pine Siskin

Haemorhous Purpureus – Purple Finch

Haemorhous Mexicanus – House Finch

Nyctanassa Violacea – Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

Butorides Virescens – Green Heron

Bubulcus Ibis – Cattle Egret

Egretta Rufescens – Reddish Egret

Egretta Tricolor – Tricolored Heron

Egretta Caerulea – Little Blue Heron

Egretta Thula – Snowy Egrets

Ardea Herodias – Great Blue Heron

Ixobrychus Exilis – Least Bittern

Botaurus Lentiginosus – American Bittern

Coturnicops Noveboracensis – Yellow Rail

Porphyrio Martinicus – Purple Gallinule

Gallinula Galeata – Common Gallinule

Porzana Carolina – Sora

Charadrius Montanus – Mountain Plover

Charadrius Nivosus – Snowy Plover

Charadrius Melodus – Piping Plover

Charadrius Vociferus – Killdeer

Pluvialis Dominica – American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis Squatarola – Black-Bellied Plover

Corvus Brachyrhynchos- American Crow

Cyanocitta Cristata – Blue Jay

Petrochelidon Fulva – Cave Swallow

Petrochelidon Pyrrhonota – Cliff Swallow

Hirundo Rustica – Barn Swallow

Progne Subis – Purple Martin

Stelgidopteryx Serripennis – Northern rough-winged Swallow

Tachycineta Bicolor – Tree Swallow

Riparia Riparia – Bank Swallow

Turdus Migratorius – American Robin

Hylocichla Mustelina – Wood Thrush

Catharus Guttatus – Hermit Thrush

Catharus Ustulatus – Swainson’s Thrush

Sialia Sialis – Eastern Bluebird

Catharus Minimus – Gray-Cheeked Thrush

Myadestes Townsendi – Townsend’s Solitaire

Quiscalus Guiscula – Common Grackle

Euphagus Cyanocephalus – Brewer’s Blackbird

Euphagus Carolinus – Rusty Blackbird

Molothrus Ater – Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus Aeneus – Bronzed Cowbird

Icterus Galbula – Baltimore Oriole

Icterus Spurius – Orchard Oriole

Sturnella Neglect – Western Meadowlark

Sturnella Magna – Eastern Meadowlark

Dolichonyx Oryzivorus – Bobolink

Xanthocephalus Xanthocephalus – Yellow-headed Blackbird

Meleagris Gallopavo – Wild Turkey

Zenaida Macroura – Mourning Dove

Zenaida Asiatica – White-Winged Dove

Columbina Inca – Inca Dove

Streptopelia Decaocto – Eurasian Collared-Dove

Columba Livia – Rock Pigeon

Coccyzus Erythropthalmus – Black-Billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus Americanus – Yellow-Billed Cuckoo

Geococcyx Californianus – Greater Roadrunner

Aechmophorus Occidentalis – Western Grebe

Podiceps Nigricollis – Eared Grebe

Podiceps Auratus – Horned Grebe

Podilymbus Podiceps – Pied-Billed Grebe

Antrostomus Vociferus – Eastern Whip-Poor-Will

Antrostomus Carolinensis – Chuck-Will’s-Widow

Chordeiles Minor – Common Nighthawk

Antigone Canadensis – Sandhill Crane

Recurvirostra Americana – American Avocet

Himantopus Mexicanus – Black-Necked Stilt

Anhinga Anhinga – Anhinga

Nannopterum Brasilianum – Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum Auritum – Double-crested Cormorant

Pelecanus Erythrorhynchos – American White Pelican

Plegadis Chihi – White-faced Ibis

Eudocimus Albus – White Ibis

Cathartes Aura – Turkey Vulture

Coragyps Atratus – Black Vulture

Pandion Haliaetus – Osprey

Tyto Alba – Barn Owl

Falco Peregrinus – Peregrine Falcon

Falco columbarius – Merlin

Caracara Plancus – Crested Caracara

Lanius Ludovicianus – Loggerhead Shrike

Baeolophus Bicolor – Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus Ridgwayi – Juniper Titmouse

Regulus Satrapa – Golden-Crowned Kinglet

Corthylio Calendula – Ruby-Crowned Kinglet

Bombycilla Cedrorum – Cedar Waxwing

Sitta Canadensis – Red-Breasted Nuthatch

Thryothorus Ludovicianus – Carolina Wren

Buteo Platypterus – Broad-Winged Hawk

Buteo Lineatus – Red-Shouldered Hawk

Haliaeetus Leucocephalus – Bald Eagle

Accipiter Cooperii – Cooper’s Hawk

Accipiter Striatus – Sharp-Shinned Hawk

Circus Hudsonius – Northern Harrier

Aquila Chrysaetos – Golden Eagle

Archilochus Colubris – Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Selasphorus Rufus – Rufous Hummingbird

Buteo Jamaicensis – Red-Tailed Hawk

Bubo Virginianus – Great Horned Owl

Megascops Asio – Eastern Screech – Owl

Strix Varia – Barred Owl

Dryobates Scalaris – Ladder-Backed Woodpecker

Colaptes Auratus – Northern Flicker

Dryocopus Pileatus – Pileated Woodpecker

Melanerpes Erythrocephalus – Red-Headed Woodpecker

Dryobates Villosus – Hairy Woodpecker

Dryobates Pubescens – Downy Woodpecker

Passerculus Sandwichensis – Savannah Sparrow

Chondestes Grammacus – Lark Sparrow

Zonotrichia Leucophrys – White-Crowned Sparrow

Spizella Passerine – Chipping Sparrow

Junco Hyemalis – Dark-Eyed Junco

Ammodramus Savannarum – Grasshopper Sparrow

Pooecetes Gramineus – Vesper Sparrow

Melospiza Melodia – Song Sparrow

Cistothorus Palustris – Marsh Wren

Cistothorus Platensis – Sedge Wren

Troglodytes Hiemalis – Winter Wren

Mimus Polyglottos – Northern Mockingbird

Toxostoma crissale - Crissal thrasher photo capture in surprise

Toxostoma Rufum – Brown Thrasher

Dumetella Carolinensis – Gray Catbird

Toxostoma Curvirostre – Curve-Billed Thrasher

Sturnus Vulgaris – European Starling

Peucedramus Taeniatus – Olive Warbler

Passer Domesticus – House Sparrow

Anthus Rubescens – American Pipit

Anthus Spragueii – Sprague’s Pipit

Calcarius Pictus – Smith’s Longspur

Calcarius Ornatus – Chestnut-Collared Longspur

Icteria Virens – Yellow-Breasted Chat

Spiza americana – Dickcissel

Passerina Cyanea – Indigo Bunting

Passerina Versicolor – Varied Bunting

Passerina Amoena – Lazuli Bunting

Passerina Caerulea – Blue Grosbeak

Cardinalis Cardinalis – Northern Cardinal

Piranga Bidentata – Flame-Colored Tanager

Piranga Olivacea – Scarlet Tanager

If you have encountered a bird in Louisiana that is not yet on our list or that you cannot identify yourself, we’ll be happy to identify it for you. Simply take a picture of it and upload your picture, a quick description and the U.S. state where it was found here on our bird identification page.