Backyard Birds of Michigan

In 1837, the 26th state to develop an American state was Michigan. Michigan’s capital city is Lansing. The state contains two nicknames. One is the reputable Great Lake State, and the other nickname is Wolverine State.

State Bird of Michigan

The state bird of Michigan is American Robin. It was the bird carefully chosen through voting the Michigan Audubon society participated in. This state bird has been the certified state bird since 1931.

Furthermore, this state bird is also called Robin Redbreast. This is as the chest part of the American Robin is red, whereas the rest of its body is generally black in color. As stated by the law, this state bird is not only the most famous bird in Michigan, but it is also more loved.

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The Most Common Spots for Bird Watching in Michigan

A favorite of citizens and tourists in the summer season, Warren Dunes State Park is at the coastline of Lake Michigan and mainly known for the hills that are around 240 beyond water level. In addition, the birds fly alongside the seashore while migrating, and you will find raptors in April.

Furthermore, Tawas Point State Park contains the ideal place and shape, present on Lake Huron’s having its 183-acre. When you visit in the daytime in May, discovering birds in Michigan gets completely worth it with Kirtland’s Warbler as well as Prothonotary Warbler.

Additionally, marsh, woodlands, and swamps are Seney National Wildlife Refuge’s main features, accompanied by the home of Trumpeter Swan or Merlin. Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge has spotted approximately 280 backyard species in 6.5-mile of the key route only. You will see Black Tern, Virginia Rail, and Caspian Tern here.

Backyard Bird Count in Michigan

Michigan contains around 435 bird species. Besides, Chippewa has noted the different species with around 355 between the counties. Afterward, we have Berrien containing 336 species, Wayne having 324, Monroe with around 320 bird species, and Alger containing 317.

Besides, a famous hotspot by several citizens is the Whitefish place where 338 backyard bird species have been spotted, some permanent people while others are visitors.

Top Backyard Birds to See in Michigan

A beautiful white Iceland Gull can be an unusual sight elsewhere; however, the southern part of Lake Michigan says hello to. The yellow beak and pink legs easily differentiate it from others.

A vanishing species called Piping Plover is a little and gorgeous species having a yellow beak, grey wings, as well as yellow legs. Furthermore, Michigan is visited by several Warbler species members; however, the Mourning Warbler is mainly sought after as it’s generally found in the north and commonly occurs in forests.

Black-capped Chickadee

The Black-capped Chickadees are gray and white with a “black cap”. Chickadees are easy to attract to backyard feeders because they like seeds. The Black-capped Chickadee can be found throughout North America.

Black Capped Chickadee

Hairy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpeckers are black and white with two white stripes on their head. Hairy Woodpeckers are found throughout North America. They have declined in their population, but are still fairly common. These Woodpeckers make their habitat in forests, shade trees, and river groves. Hairy Woodpeckers eat insects but can be found eating sunflower seeds in backyard feeders. Hairy Woodpeckers are permanent residents, but those that live in the north move south for the winter.

Mourning Dove

The Mourning Dove is a graceful bird with a small head and tail. These Doves can be found throughout North America. Mourning Doves perch on telephone wires or other high locations. Their flight is fast and straight. The Mourning Dove likes to eat seeds usually found on the ground.

Mourning Dove Picture

Pine Siskin

The Pine Siskin is found throughout North America. Pine Siskins are small songbirds with pointed bills and a short tail. They are brown birds with yellow on their wings and tails. Pine Siskins can be found in pine trees looking for seeds, sometimes even hanging upside down.

White-breasted Nuthatch

The White-breasted Nuthatch is white but also has black and gray markings. These Nuthatches are active and enjoy eating insects and large seeds. The White-breasted Nuthatch is a small bird with a loud voice. The White-breasted Nuthatch can be found throughout North American, near deciduous trees.

Song Sparrow

The Song Sparrow is one of the most familiar Sparrows. It has a brown and gray body with streaks. Song Sparrows are found all over North America. Their coloring can change depending upon the area they are in. Song Sparrows nest in shrubs and around wetlands. They eat small insects but will also come to bird feeders for seed.

Purple Finch

The Purple Finch is a purple-red finch that lives in eastern North America. They also have a large beak that they use to crack open seeds. The Purple Finch makes a warbling sound but can often mimic other birds like the Barn Swallow or Brown-headed Cowbird.

Common Backyard Birds to See in Michigan


When we talk about birds in Michigan, you will find Broad-winged Hawk all over the place. You can also see Common Grackle, European Starling, as well as Red-winged Blackbird. For bird viewers in Michigan state, even if you do not get the rare birds, a sight of a Red-winged Blackbird can become a valuable memory to you.

Conclusion

If you want to get the best out of bird watchers’ know-how in Michigan, it can be the perfect idea to focus on the northern regions of the state, where you can find rare birds.

Ornithology

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