In the Sky
A large bird, this raptor is famous for its white head and tail in its adult form.
What is a Bald Eagle?
Look for a deep blue back and rusty belly to identify this striking songbird.
What is an Eastern Bluebird?
A common resident of Minnesota ponds and waterways, the bright green head and yellow bill of the male of this duck species stands out greatly.
What is a Mallard?
The largest and loudest woodpecker of Minnesota, this bird has a striking red crest that makes it hard to miss.
What is a Pileated Woodpecker?
Male: red body, black mask and chin, orange beak
Female: grey-brown back, tan chest, orange beak
What is a Northern Cardinal?
Often seen on high-line wires and fence posts, this bird of prey can be easily identified by its brown streaked chest and the color of its tail, for which it is named.
What is a Red-tailed Hawk?
Often seen inhabiting bluebird houses, this aerobatic flyer shares a similar striking blue color with the bluebirds, but has a clean white underside.
What is a Tree Swallow?
Very rarely seen without a flock, this large bird sports a brown body, black neck, and white cheeks and chinstrap.
What is a Canada Goose?
This small, abundant songbird can be seen on virtually every walk through the woods. If its song doesn't help you to identify this bird, its distinctive black and white head, can give a clue to its name.
What is a Black-capped Chickadee?
Male: brownish-black body, bald, red/blue head, neck, and waddle
Female: brownish-grey body, bald, red/blue head and neck
What is a Wild Turkey?
Riding thermals high in the air, this bird can be confidently identified by its wingtips that look like outstretched fingers, its wings held in a "V" shape, and its black and white underside.
What is a Turkey Vulture?
This tuxedoed songbird of the prairie can be easily identified by its white-tipped tail field mark.
What is an Eastern Kingbird?
Immediately identified by its long neck, striking white color, and yellow bill, you'll find this large bird wading along the shores and shallows of ponds.
What is a Great Egret?
If its tendency to forage sideways or even upside down on tree trunks doesn't help you to identify this species, its white face, dark hood, and grey body can be helpful field marks.
What is a White-breasted Nuthatch?
Both sexes: black body, speckled with white spots, iridescent green neck, red eye, black bill.
What is a Common Loon?
Though not always seen flying, this large bird can be identified by the way it holds its neck in a tight "S" shape.
What is a Great Blue Heron?
The male of this species can be seen and heard singing his flute-like song in the spring. If his song isn't enough to identify him, look for his yellow chest marked with a bold black "V."
What is an Eastern Meadowlark?
A huge water bird, you'll find this species floating in large bodies of water, occasionally scooping for fish with its large bill. When not in the water, you'll see it soaring high in the air in circles with its flock.
What is an American White Pelican?
Go birding near dusk for your best chance to see this raptor of the woods. You can often find this species perched on fence posts or tree limbs, with its "ears" giving away its identification.
What is a Great-horned Owl?
Male: bluish-green crested head with white stripes down neck, red eyes, orange bill, reddish-brown breast with tan sides.
Female: brown overall with a speckled white chest, distinctive white eye-ring.
What is a Wood Duck?
Almost never seen except at dawn or dusk when it flies in looping patterns hunting for insects, this bird has a distinctive white patch two-thirds down each wing, which stand out against its silver-brown color.
What is a Common Nighthawk?
Our smallest raptor, this bird is often seen perched in prairies, carefully scanning for prey. It can be identified by not only its size, but its bluish-grey and rusty color combination.
What is an American Kestrel?
You'll more often see this bird perched over or next to rather than in the water with other members of its flock. Its large size, black color, and hooked, yellow bill are all field marks used to identify this species.
What is a Double-crested Cormorant?
The brilliant red body of the male of this species is all you'll need for a confident identification. If extra detail is needed, look for black wings as well.
What is a Scarlet Tanager?
Male: black back, head, and neck, white belly, red mark down breast, pink bill.
Female: brown overall with heavy streaking, white eyebrow mark, pale, pink bill.
What is a Rose-breasted Grosbeak?