Birds in Oklahoma - USA Birds

With approximately 500 kinds of birds passing through Oklahoma, this terrain is ideal for bird watching. Migratory birds pass through Oklahoma twice a year in North America’s central flyway, and birders can expect to see a variety of species here, including Bald Eagles, American White Pelicans, and Lesser Prairie Chickens.

Bird watchers in Oklahoma can visit natural wonders such as the Tishomingo Wildlife Refuge, which is home to 275 bird species, the Red Slough Wildlife Management Area, which is home to 312 bird species, the Hackberry Flats Wildlife Management Area, which is teeming with wetlands, shorebirds, and waterfowl, and the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to tens of thousands of migratory birds each year.

In 1951, the state of Oklahoma designated the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (formerly Muscivora forficate; reclassified as Tyrannus forficatus) as its state bird. This flycatcher mostly feeds on insects, particularly flies, therefore its name. Its fondness for insects endeared it to the predominantly agrarian state.

Learn more about these birds as you go on to these sections.

Oklahoma birds of prey

An animal meat-eating bird of prey is distinguished by its curved beak and powerful talons, as well as its large size and curved bill. Vultures, eagles, owls, and hawks are some of the more well-known species of birds of prey.

The birds can be found all across the world, including Antarctica. Certain bird species, on the other hand, are more prevalent in Oklahoma than others. This is due to the fact that Oklahoma has sunny summers and cold winters, which attracts a wide variety of bird species to the region.

Hawks are magnificent birds of prey that are well-known for their keen vision and adept hunting ability. Accipiters and buetos are the two main classifications of accipiters and buetos. The good news is that both types of hawks may be found in Oklahoma, and you will also find other birds such as the bald eagle, vultures, and owls that prey on Oklahoma birds in this section, which will cover all of them.

Eagles in Oklahoma

Every year, more than 1,000 bald eagles congregate on the fringes of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Eagles migrate south from Canada to spend the winter near a number of rivers and lakes in the southern United States. The state of Oklahoma provides eagles with a safe haven as well as a reliable food source.

Beginning in late November or early December, the migration season officially begins. However, the greatest time to see them in their natural environment is from the middle of January until the middle of February. During that time of year, local parks serve as a haven for both eagles and birdwatchers.

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 Oklahoma

Owls, cryptic and knowledgeable, are a favorite bird for many. The fact that most of us never see them due to their camouflage and nocturnal lifestyle makes them all the more fascinating.

There are around 20 species of owls in North America, ten of which are found in Oklahoma. One reason Oklahoma has so many different varieties of owls is probably its size and central location in the country. This provides for many distinct habitats that can give a home to a broader diversity of owls.

In this piece, we will examine owls in Oklahoma. Such as what owls species dwell in the state of Oklahoma, a bit about their size and look, as well as what section of the state they may be located in.

Tyto Alba – Barn Owl

Finches of Oklahoma

These little and colorful finches are relatively frequent in Oklahoma. And happily, American Goldfinches are pretty easy to attract to bird feeders! Try feeding their favorite foods, sunflower kernels and Nyjer seed, which many other birds don’t consume.

Spinus Tristis – American Goldfinch

Spinus Pinus – Pine Siskin

Acanthis Flammea – Common Redpoll

Haemorhous Purpureus – Purple Finch

Haemorhous Mexicanus – House Finch

Hummingbirds of Oklahoma

Oklahoma is home to three hummingbird species. Two species, the Ruby-throated and the Black-chinned, nest in Oklahoma and are frequently seen here during the summer. The Rufous Hummingbird, the third species, does not breed in Oklahoma but migrates across the state in the spring and fall.

Oklahoma is home to both permanent (all-year residents) and seasonal hummingbirds (breeding or wintering).

Breeding populations arrive in the summer to nest, often in April and departing in September or early October at the latest. Male hummingbirds are typically the first to arrive or depart, followed by females and juveniles a few weeks later.

Archilochus Colubris – Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Selasphorus Rufus – Rufous Hummingbird

Backyard birds of Oklahoma

Putting up bird feeders and watching what comes to visit is a lot of fun, but it’s much better if you know who they are and can identify birds in your backyard.

Oklahoma, the ‘Sooner State,’ is home to a rich array of Avian species and is an excellent birdwatching destination. With four mountain ranges and about a fourth of the state covered in forest, it’s unsurprising that our feathered companions feel at home.

Today, we’re going to explore the backyard birds of Oklahoma and provide you with some information about them, as well as some feeder guidance and tips on where you can go in Oklahoma to get a glimpse of some birds you may not have known existed.

Let us discuss Oklahoma’s backyard birds!

Best Birdwatching Spots in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s landscape and ecosystem are diverse, ranging from high plains in the west to rainy lowlands in the southeast. The Red River marks the state’s southern boundary, and its tributaries drain the state’s southern half. Northern Oklahoma is drained by the Arkansas River and its tributaries, many of which are blocked by dams.

Indeed, Oklahoma has the most reservoirs of any state. The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains dominate the eastern third of the state, and almost a quarter of the state is forested, with sweet gum, hickory, and maple trees among the state’s dozens of native tree species.

A large portion of what was formerly tall grass grassland has been converted to agricultural land. The abundance of man-made lakes, the diversity of geography and habitats, and the fact that Oklahoma is located along the Central Flyway all contribute to the state’s inventory of 452 bird species.

Fort Morgan State Historic Site
Dauphlin Island
Dauphin Island – Shell Mound Park
Wheeler NWR
Dauphin Island – Audubon Bird Sanctuary

Other Oklahoma birds

Oklahomans are passionate about animals. Along with consumptive uses like hunting and fishing, an increasing number of individuals enjoy non-consumptive activities such as wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental studies. Many people have begun attracting wildlife to their own backyards through feeding and habitat programs in order to increase their prospects for wildlife viewing.

Birds, in particular, can be easily drawn to a homeowner’s yard when it is planned with wildlife in mind. Birds, like all wildlife, require three basic survival requirements: food, water, and cover.

The following are some of the more frequent birds in Oklahoma that you might see in your backyard or on a walk outside of parks, lakes, and streets.

Cardellina Pusilla – Wilson’s Warbler

Cardellina Canadensis – Canada Warbler

Setophaga Virens – Black-Throated Green Warbler

Setophaga Townsendi – Townsend’s Warbler

Setophaga Nigrescens – Black-Throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga Graciae – Grace’s Warbler

Setophaga Dominica – Yellow-Throated Warblers

Setophaga Coronata – Yellow-Rumped Warbler

Setophaga Pinus – Pine Warbler

Setophaga Striata – Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga Pensylvanica – Chestnut-Sided Warbler

Setophaga Fusca – Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga Castanea – Bay-Breasted Warbler

Setophaga Magnolia – Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga Americana – Northern Parula

Setophaga Cerulea – Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga Tigrina – Cape May Warbler

American Redstart – Setophaga Ruticilla

Setophaga Citrina – Hooded Warbler

Geothlypis Formosa – Kentucky Warblers

Geothlypis Philadelphia – Mourning Warbler

Leiothlypis Ruficapilla – Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis Luciae – Lucy’s 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 Affinis – Lesser Scaup

Aythya Marila – Greater Scaup

Aythya Americana – Redhead

Anas Crecca – Green-Winged Teal

Anas Acuta – Northern Pintail

Anas Rubripes – American Black Duck

Anas Platyrhynchos – Mallard

Mareca Americana – American 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

Branta Canadensis – Canada Geese

Branta Hutchinsii – Cackling Goose

Anser Rossii – Ross’s Geese

Anser Caerulescens – Snow Geese

Dendrocygna Bicolor – Fulvous 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

Calidris Ferruginea – Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris Pugnax – Ruff

Arenaria Interpres – Ruddy Turnstone

Limosa Fedoa – Marbled Godwits

Limosa Haemastica – Hudsonian Godwit

Numenius Phaeopus – Whimbrel

Bartramia Longicauda – Upland Sandpipers

Sterna Forsteri – Forster’s Tern

Sterna Hirundo – Common Tern

Chlidonias Niger – Black Tern

Hydroprogne Caspia – Caspian Tern

Sternula Antillarum – Least Tern

Larus Marinus – Great Black-Backed Gull

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

Sayornis Saya – Say’s Phoebe

Pyrocephalus Obscurus – Vermilion Flycatcher

Sayornis Phoebe – Eastern Phoebe

Empidonax Occidentalis – Cordilleran Flycatcher

Empidonax Oberholseri – Dusky Flycatcher

Empidonax Wrightii – Gray Flycatcher

Empidonax Hammondii – Hammond’s Flycatcher

Empidonax Minimus – Least Flycatcher

Empidonax Traillii – Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax Virescens – Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax Flavive – Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher

Contopus Virens – Eastern 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

Tyrannus Vociferans – Cassin’s Kingbird

Tyrannus Melancholicus – Tropical Kingbird

Myiarchus Crinitus – Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus Cinerascens – Ash-Throated Flycatcher

Spinus Tristis – American Goldfinch

Spinus Pinus – Pine Siskin

Acanthis Flammea – Common Redpoll

Haemorhous Purpureus – Purple Finch

Haemorhous Mexicanus – House Finch

Nyctanassa Violacea – Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

Butorides Virescens – Green Heron

Bubulcus Ibis – Cattle 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

Gymnorhinus Cyanocephalus – Pinyon 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

Bonasa Umbellus – Ruffed Grouse

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

Callipepla Squamata – Scaled Quail

Aechmophorus Occidentalis – Western Grebe

Podiceps Nigricollis – Eared Grebe

Podiceps Auratus – Horned Grebe

Podilymbus Podiceps – Pied-Billed Grebe

Antrostomus Arizonae – Mexican Whip-Poor-Will

Antrostomus Carolinensis – Chuck-Will’s-Widow

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii – Common Poorwill

Chordeiles Minor – Common Nighthawk

Grus Americana – Whooping Crane

Antigone Canadensis – Sandhill Crane

Recurvirostra Americana – American Avocet

Himantopus Mexicanus – Black-Necked Stilt

Nannopterum Brasilianum – Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum Auritum – Double-crested Cormorant

Pelecanus Erythrorhynchos – American White Pelican

Plegadis Chihi – White-faced Ibis

Cathartes Aura – Turkey Vulture

Coragyps Atratus – Black Vulture

Pandion Haliaetus – Osprey

Tyto Alba – Barn Owl

Falco Mexicanus – Prairie Falcon

Falco Peregrinus – Peregrine Falcon

Falco columbarius – Merlin

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

Polioptila caerulea - Blue-gray gnatcatche in the United Statesr

Polioptila caerulea – Blue-gray gnatcatcher

Campylorhynchus Brunneicapillus – Cactus Wren

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

Melanerpes Erythrocephalus – Red-Headed Woodpecker

Dryobates Villosus – Hairy Woodpecker

Dryobates Pubescens – Downy Woodpecker

Spizelloides Arborea – American Tree Sparrow

Passerculus Sandwichensis – Savannah Sparrow

Chondestes Grammacus – Lark Sparrow

Zonotrichia Leucophrys – White-Crowned Sparrow

Spizella Passerine – Chipping Sparrow

Junco Hyemalis – Dark-Eyed Junco

Pooecetes Gramineus – Vesper Sparrow

Melospiza Melodia – Song Sparrow

Cistothorus Palustris – Marsh Wren

Cistothorus Platensis – Sedge Wren

Troglodytes Hiemalis – Winter Wren

Salpinctes Obsoletus – Rock Wren

Mimus Polyglottos – Northern Mockingbird

Toxostoma Lecontei – LeConte’s Thrasher

Toxostoma Bendirei – Bendire’s Thrasher

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 Sinuatus – Pyrrhuloxia

Cardinalis Cardinalis – Northern Cardinal

Piranga Bidentata – Flame-Colored Tanager

If you have encountered a bird in Oklahoma 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.