Birds in Nevada - USA Birds

Nevada is a large state with a lot of sparsely populated desert, but it nevertheless has a diverse bird population. While some of these species spend the entire year in Nevada, others are migratory and only visit during the summer or winter.

The term “birds of Nevada” refers to species that have been documented in the United States of America’s state of Nevada and acknowledged by the Nevada Bird Records Committee (NBRC). As of March 2021, the official list has 491 species and two species pairs. 108 are currently under consideration (see below), and six have been introduced into North America.

One could assume that the Nevada desert, as a wasteland, would be lifeless and desolate — but the birds alone demonstrate that this is not the case.

Nevada birds of prey

Raptors are a good example of predators that may inflict damage by preying on poultry and other birds, as well as on pets and other animals. Hawks and owls are both considered birds of prey, as are falcons, eagles, vultures, kites, ospreys, northern harriers, and crested caracaras. They are extremely specialized predators that occupy the apex of the food chain.

Experience Raptors in an intimate environment in Northern Nevada’s stunning High Desert.

Eagles in Nevada

The Carson Valley is without a doubt one of the most scenic areas in Nevada. Nestled along the state’s western boundary — between the Carson Range and the Pinenut Mountains — this valley is always a sight to behold. There, you may witness the majority of eagles, including bald eagles. Each year, scores of magnificent bald eagles visit the Carson Valley.

Make time to visit Nevada; either way, it’s certain to be a bucket list trip to remember.

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 Nevada

When the state of Nevada is mentioned, the image of Las Vegas casinos almost always comes to mind. However, the state has a great deal to offer nature lovers, as it boasts the most mountain ranges of any state. Additionally, it is home to four national parks, and around 16% of its land area is covered in forests, where you may see magnificent owl faces.

Typical owls’ range in size from little to huge nocturnal birds of prey. They feature huge forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a prominent feathered circle called a face disk around each eye. Nevada is home to twelve species.

The following is a list of owl species found in Nevada County.

Tyto Alba – Barn Owl

Megascops Kennicottii – Western Screech Owl

Bubo Virginianus – Great Horned Owl

Common backyard birds of Nevada

Backyard birding is one of the most soothing and gratifying hobbies that either an amateur or a professional can do. Whether or not you live in Nevada, you can still participate in this activity and have a good time doing it. Consider the following list of birds that are most likely to be found near feeders and bird homes.

Chroicocephalus Philadelphia – Bonaparte’s Gull

Sayornis Saya – Say’s Phoebe

Pyrocephalus Obscurus – Vermilion Flycatcher

Sayornis Nigricans – Black Phoebe

Empidonax Occidentalis – Cordilleran Flycatcher

Empidonax Difficilis – Pacific-Slope Flycatcher

Empidonax Oberholseri – Dusky Flycatcher

Empidonax Wrightii – Gray Flycatcher

Empidonax Hammondii – Hammond’s Flycatcher

Empidonax Traillii – Willow Flycatcher

Contopus Cooperi – Olive-Sided Flycatcher

Tyrannus Savana – Fork-Tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus Forficatus – Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus Verticalis – Western Kingbird

Tyrannus Tyrannus – Eastern Kingbird

Turdus Migratorius – American Robin

Catharus Guttatus – Hermit Thrush

Catharus Ustulatus – Swainson’s Thrush

Catharus Minimus – Gray-Cheeked Thrush

Myadestes Townsendi – Townsend’s Solitaire

Sialia Currucoides – Mountain Bluebird

Zenaida Macroura – Mourning Dove

Columbina Inca – Inca Dove

Streptopelia Decaocto – Eurasian Collared-Dove

Columba Livia – Rock Pigeon

Woodpeckers in Nevada

Nevada’s geographic location makes Nevada woodpeckers a fantastic delight for inhabitants and visitors alike.

The state’s arid areas attract some less common Southwest species, while the state’s mountain parts draw some less common northern species. Everywhere else in the state, the more common woodpecker species are attracted, resulting in a total of thirteen woodpecker species representing all five native woodpecker genera.

The following is a list of woodpecker species found in Nevada County.

Dryobates Scalaris – Ladder-Backed Woodpecker

Colaptes Auratus – Northern Flicker

Dryobates Villosus – Hairy Woodpecker

Dryobates Pubescens – Downy Woodpecker

Best Birdwatching Spots in Nevada

Nevada is enormous—really enormous. Between its prime birding destinations, a large expanse of countryside exists. Drive one of the Great Basin’s lonely roadways and you’ll understand why it’s the nation’s driest state—yet it also contains mountains, woods, lakes, and marsh.

Due to Nevada’s arid climate, birds are frequently abundant in riparian regions, particularly during migration. Numerous lakes, rivers, and marshes near the state’s largest cities are hotspots for birdwatching, where you are sure to see western specialties.

Desert National Wildlife Refuges
Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs
Mount Charleston
Great Basin National Park

Other Nevada birds

Cardellina Rubrifrons – Red-Faced Warbler

Cardellina Pusilla – Wilson’s Warbler

Setophaga Occidentalis – Hermit Warbler

Setophaga Townsendi – Townsend’s Warbler

Setophaga Graciae – Grace’s Warbler

Setophaga Dominica – Yellow-Throated Warblers

Setophaga Coronata – Yellow-Rumped Warbler

Setophaga Petechia – Yellow Warbler

Setophaga Fusca – Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga Citrina – Hooded Warbler

Geothlypis Tolmiei – MacGillivray’s Warbler

Leiothlypis Ruficapilla – Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis Luciae – Lucy’s Warbler

Leiothlypis Celata – Orange-Crowned Warbler

Protonotaria Citrea – Prothonotary Warbler

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

Aythya Marila – Greater Scaup

Aythya Americana – Redhead

Anas Crecca – Green-Winged Teal

Anas Acuta – Northern Pintail

Anas Platyrhynchos – Mallard

Mareca Americana – American Wigeon

Mareca Penelope – Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca Strepera – Gadwall

Spatula Clypeata – Northern Shoveler

Spatula Cyanoptera – Cinnamon Teal

Spatula Discors – Blue-Winged Teal

Aix Sponsa – Wood Duck

Cygnus Columbianus – Tundra Swan

Cygnus Buccinator – Trumpeter Swan

Branta Canadensis – Canada Geese

Branta Hutchinsii – Cackling Goose

Anser Rossii – Ross’s Geese

Anser Caerulescens – Snow Geese

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

Calidris Mauri – Western Sandpiper

Calidris Melanotos – Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris Minutilla – Least Sandpiper

Calidris Bairdii – Baird’s Sandpiper

Calidris Alpina – Dunlin

Numenius Americanus – Long-Billed Curlew

Sterna Forsteri – Forster’s Tern

Sterna Hirundo – Common Tern

Chlidonias Niger – Black Tern

Hydroprogne Caspia – Caspian Tern

Sternula Antillarum – Least Tern

Larus Hyperboreus – Glaucous Gull

Larus Fuscus – Lesser Black-Backed Gull

Larus Argentatus – Herring Gull

Larus Californicus – California Gull

Larus Delawarensis – Ring-Billed Gulls

Leucophaeus Pipixcan – Franklin’s Gull

Chroicocephalus Philadelphia – Bonaparte’s Gull

Sayornis Saya – Say’s Phoebe

Pyrocephalus Obscurus – Vermilion Flycatcher

Sayornis Nigricans – Black Phoebe

Empidonax Occidentalis – Cordilleran Flycatcher

Empidonax Difficilis – Pacific-Slope Flycatcher

Empidonax Oberholseri – Dusky Flycatcher

Empidonax Wrightii – Gray Flycatcher

Empidonax Hammondii – Hammond’s Flycatcher

Empidonax Traillii – Willow Flycatcher

Contopus Cooperi – Olive-Sided Flycatcher

Tyrannus Savana – Fork-Tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus Forficatus – Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus Verticalis – Western Kingbird

Tyrannus Tyrannus – Eastern Kingbird

Spinus Tristis – American Goldfinch

Spinus Psaltria – Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus Pinus – Pine Siskin

Loxia Curvirostra – Red Crossbill

Haemorhous Cassinii – Cassin’s Finch

Haemorhous Mexicanus – House Finch

Leucosticte Tephrocoti – Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch

Pinicola Enucleator – Pine Grosbeak

Coccothraustes Vespertinus – Evening Grosbeak

Butorides Virescens – Green Heron

Bubulcus Ibis – Cattle Egret

Egretta Caerulea – Little Blue Heron

Egretta Thula – Snowy Egrets

Ardea Herodias – Great Blue Heron

Ixobrychus Exilis – Least Bittern

Botaurus Lentiginosus – American Bittern

Gallinula Galeata – Common Gallinule

Porzana Carolina – Sora

Charadrius Nivosus – Snowy Plover

Charadrius Vociferus – Killdeer

Corvus Corax- Common Raven

Corvus Brachyrhynchos- American Crow

Pica Hudsonia – Black-billed Magpie

Nucifraga Columbiana – Clark’s Nutcracker

Aphelocoma Woodhouseii - Woodho found in western part of the US

Aphelocoma Woodhouseii – Woodhouse’s scrub-Jay

Cyanocitta Stelleri – Steller’s Jay

Gymnorhinus Cyanocephalus – Pinyon Jay

Petrochelidon Fulva – Cave Swallow

Petrochelidon Pyrrhonota – Cliff Swallow

Hirundo Rustica – Barn Swallow

Stelgidopteryx Serripennis – Northern rough-winged Swallow

Tachycineta Thalassina – Violet-Green Swallow

Tachycineta Bicolor – Tree Swallow

Riparia Riparia – Bank Swallow

Turdus Migratorius – American Robin

Catharus Guttatus – Hermit Thrush

Catharus Ustulatus – Swainson’s Thrush

Catharus Minimus – Gray-Cheeked Thrush

Myadestes Townsendi – Townsend’s Solitaire

Sialia Currucoides – Mountain Bluebird

Quiscalus Guiscula – Common Grackle

Molothrus Ater – Brown-headed Cowbird

Icterus Parisorum – Scott’s Oriole

Icterus Cucullatus – Hooded Oriole

Sturnella Neglect – Western Meadowlark

Alectoris Chukar – Chukar

Phasianus Colchicus – Ring-necked Pheasant

Dendragapus Obscurus – Dusky Grouse

Centrocercus Urophasianus – Greater Sage-Grouse

Meleagris Gallopavo – Wild Turkey

Zenaida Macroura – Mourning Dove

Columbina Inca – Inca Dove

Streptopelia Decaocto – Eurasian Collared-Dove

Columba Livia – Rock Pigeon

Coccyzus Americanus – Yellow-Billed Cuckoo

Geococcyx Californianus – Greater Roadrunner

Callipepla Californica – California Quail

Aechmophorus Occidentalis – Western Grebe

Podiceps Nigricollis – Eared Grebe

Podiceps Auratus – Horned Grebe

Podilymbus Podiceps – Pied-Billed Grebe

Antrostomus Arizonae – Mexican Whip-Poor-Will

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii – Common Poorwill

Chordeiles Minor – Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles Acutipennis – Lesser Nighthawk

Aeronautes Saxatalis – White-Throated Swift

Cypseloides Niger – Black Swift

Antigone Canadensis – Sandhill Crane

Recurvirostra Americana – American Avocet

Himantopus Mexicanus – Black-Necked Stilt

Nannopterum Auritum – Double-crested Cormorant

Pelecanus Erythrorhynchos – American White Pelican

Plegadis Chihi – White-faced Ibis

Cathartes Aura – Turkey Vulture

Pandion Haliaetus – Osprey

Tyto Alba – Barn Owl

Falco Mexicanus – Prairie Falcon

Falco Peregrinus – Peregrine Falcon

Falco columbarius – Merlin

Lanius Borealis – Northern Shrike

Lanius Ludovicianus – Loggerhead Shrike

Auriparus Flaviceps- Verdin

Poecile Gambeli – Mountain Chickadee

Psaltriparus Minimus – Bushtit

Regulus Satrapa – Golden-Crowned Kinglet

Corthylio Calendula – Ruby-Crowned Kinglet

Bombycilla Cedrorum – Cedar Waxwing

Phainopepla nitens – Phainopepla

Sitta Pygmaea – Pygmy Nuthatch

Sitta Canadensis – Red-Breasted Nuthatch

Polioptila caerulea - Blue-gray gnatcatche in the United Statesr

Polioptila caerulea – Blue-gray gnatcatcher

Campylorhynchus Brunneicapillus – Cactus Wren

Thryomanes Bewickii – Bewick’s Wren

Haliaeetus Leucocephalus – Bald Eagle

Accipiter Cooperii – Cooper’s Hawk

Accipiter Striatus – Sharp-Shinned Hawk

Circus Hudsonius – Northern Harrier

Aquila Chrysaetos – Golden Eagle

Archilochus Alexandri – Black-Chinned Hummingbird

Selasphorus Rufus – Rufous Hummingbird

Buteo Jamaicensis – Red-Tailed Hawk

Megascops Kennicottii – Western Screech Owl

Bubo Virginianus – Great Horned Owl

Dryobates Scalaris – Ladder-Backed Woodpecker

Colaptes Auratus – Northern Flicker

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

Amphispiza Bilineata – Black-Throated Sparrow

Cistothorus Palustris – Marsh Wren

Troglodytes Pacificus – Pacific Wren

Catherpes Mexicanus – Canyon Wren

Salpinctes Obsoletus – Rock Wren

Mimus Polyglottos – Northern Mockingbird

Oreoscoptes Montanus – Sage Thrashe

Toxostoma Crissale – Crissal Thrasher

Toxostoma Lecontei – LeConte’s Thrasher

Toxostoma Redivivum – California Thrasher

Toxostoma Bendirei – Bendire’s Thrasher

Sturnus Vulgaris – European Starling

Passer Domesticus – House Sparrow

Anthus Rubescens – American Pipit

Icteria Virens – Yellow-Breasted Chat

Passerina Versicolor – Varied Bunting

Passerina Amoena – Lazuli Bunting

Pheucticus Melanocephalus – Black-Headed Grosbeak

If you have encountered a bird in Nevada 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.