From Cheyenne to Yellowstone, the Equality State is home to some amazing birds. With 442 species observed on ebird, Wyoming’s changing seasons and vast geography provide for a diverse habitat. In this post we’ll review 30 of the most common and colorful birds in Wyoming along with some helpful data on when and where to find them.
We even sampled 5 years of aggregate data from ebird’s Wyoming checklists to compile easy-to-use statistics and graphs to help identify each bird species. So whether you’re just watching the backyard bird feeder or venturing to birding hotspots like Hutton Lake or Lions Park – we’ll have you ready to start bird watching like a professional.
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a small finch with a short tail, widespread throughout North America.
- Carduelis tristis
- Size: 5″ (13cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 24% in May
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 5% in April
Identification and Color: A fan favorite at backyard feeders for its brilliant yellow color. A small, slim finch with a small bill and rounded wings. The back is black with white wing bars. Underparts are yellow with a black bill. The tail is white with black markings on the outer feathers.
Habitat and Behavior: The American Goldfinch nests and breeds in open woodlands, meadows, and fields. Commonly seen in gardens and parks. During the breeding season, the American Goldfinch is often seen in flocks. Known to hang upside down from branches while feeding. Typically nests late in the summer.
Diet: Strict vegetarian. The American Goldfinch feeds on tiny seeds, weeds and grasses. Enjoys nyjer and sunflower seeds. Rarely consumes insects.
American Kestrel
The American Kestrel can be seen year-round in Wyoming.
- Falco sparverius
- Size: 9″ (23cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 10% in May
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 2% in February
Identification and Color: Known as the smallest falcon. They have intricate patterns and multiple colors. Their bodies are covered with black spots. The male’s body has a top color of rusty red, then a grey or blue strip, then white. A female is red and white without the blue-grey stripe. Both sexes have black slash marks on their heads.
Habitat and Behavior: Found throughout the United States and some parts of Canada. Their habitat can vary but they prefer open spaces and perching high up above the ground. Will often spot prey from their high perch and swoop down on it.
Diet: The American Kestrel will feed on large insects such as grasshoppers or beetles. They will also catch small mammals or reptiles.
American Robin
Abundant throughout the entire country and commonly a welcome indicator of spring in northern states. The American Robin is a common sight in Wyoming.
- Turdus migratorius
- Size: 9-11″ (22.5-28cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 57% in May
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 9% in January
Identification and Color: Reddish-brown breast (almost looks pot-bellied) and grey back. The female usually has a lighter plumage than the male. Males have a darker black head.
Habitat and Behavior: The American Robin is found in open woodlands, gardens, and parks. It often forages for food on the ground cocking its head to the side in an effort to find worms. When it’s not eating, the American Robin can often be seen perched on a branch singing its cheerful song.
Diet: The American Robin feeds on insects, worms, berries, and fruits.
Barn Swallow
The Barn Swallow is a small common songbird that is often seen swooping in flight. Typically found in Wyoming during the summer months.
- Hirundo rustica
- Size: 7″ (17 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 20% in May
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 0% in Winter
Identification and Color: Easily identified by its long forked tail. Has a shiny blue hood and back with orange underparts.
Habitat and Behavior: Found in fields and meadows, specifically for foraging. Can also be seen near lakes and ponds. These birds are attracted to barns and other buildings because they provide a safe place to build their nests. These birds are known for their aerial acrobatics and often perform flips and twists while flying.
Diet: The Barn Swallow feeds on insects, which it often catches in mid-air. Can also be seen skimming the water’s surface for a drink.
Belted Kingfisher
The Belted Kingfisher is a year-round resident of Wyoming waterways.
- Megaceryle alcyon
- Size: 13″ (33 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 8% in September
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 2% in June
Identification and Color: These birds have bushy crests on their heads. Both males and females have blue-grey on their heads and their bodies are broken up with some white underparts. They also have a stripe in between their head and body. Females have a reddish brown part on their undersides. They have a thick pointed bill, short legs, and a large head.
Habitat and Behavior: Belted Kingfishers are common all over North America. Many will stay put in the United States for all seasons, and some fly very far south for winter. Will stay close to water such as streams or lakes. Spends most of the time alone overlooking the water for food.
Diet: The Belted Kingfisher mainly eats small fish but will also eat crayfish or frogs. May also eat some berries but only on a rare occasion.
Black-billed magpie
The Black-billed magpie can be seen year-round in Wyoming.
- Pica hudsonia
- Size: 24″ (61 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 33% in January
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 11% in August
Identification and Color: Black-billed magpies have black heads with two white patches along the body and blue-green iridescent wings. In flight, the white tips and blue-green colors make a striking image. Very long tail feathers and thick short bills. Fairly large bird between 17 and 24 inches in length.
Habitat and Behavior: Found in the upper northwest and into Canada. A social bird that can be found in large groups. Likes farmland, forest edges, and other semi-open areas. Generally does not migrate far if at all. Will forage on the ground.
Diet: The Black-billed magpie is omnivorous with a varied diet. Enjoys insects, carrion, berries, and seeds.
Blue Jay
Blue Jays are one of the most recognizable birds in North America. Not one of the “nicest” birds, but a common sight in Wyoming backyards year-round.
- Cyanocitta cristata
- Size: 11″ (28 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 11% in November
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 2% in June
Identification and Color: Larger than a sparrow but smaller than a crow, with a characteristic blue plumage and white chest. Has a loud screeching call.
Habitat and Behavior: Blue Jays make their homes in woods and forests, but can also be found in urban areas. They are known for their loud calls, which can often be heard before the bird is seen. Blue Jays are not typically shy around humans and can often be attracted to backyard bird feeders. However, Blue Jays can be very aggressive towards other birds and animals so proceed with caution.
Diet: Blue Jays are omnivorous, meaning they will eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes acorns, nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects.
Brown Creeper
The Brown Creeper can be seen year-round in Wyoming.
- Certhia americana
- Size: 5″ (13 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 4% in January
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 1% in May
Identification and Color: The Brown Creeper has streaks of brown, white, and black on the back of its head. These colors help them blend almost seamlessly with the bark of a tree. A white underpart is usually difficult to see when close to a tree. Small birds with a thin bill that is curved down.
Habitat and Behavior: Can be found in forests and woodlands with many large trees. Because they blend so well with the trees this is usually how they forage, by moving up and down trees. May also forage on the ground.
Diet: The Brown Creeper enjoys insects that are found on trees like weevils, beetles, or even spiders.
Brown-headed Cowbird
The Brown-headed Cowbird is commonly seen in Wyoming during warmer months.
- Molothrus ater
- Size: 7.5″ (19 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 22% in May
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 0% in Winter
Identification and Color: Males have a chocolate brown head and glossy black body. Females are duller in color with a streaked brown head and body.
Habitat and Behavior: Found in open areas like fields and meadows. Will also frequent forest edges. This bird gets its name from its habit of following cattle around and eating the insects they stir up. The Brown-headed Cowbird is a parasitic nester, meaning it will lay its eggs in other birds’ nests and let them raise its young.
Diet: Mainly insects and seeds. Will visit seed feeders.
Chipping Sparrow
The Chipping Sparrow is a small bird native to North America and seen year-round in Wyoming.
- Spizella passerina
- Size: 5.5″ (14 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 21% in May
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 0% in Winter
Identification and Color: Small and slender bird, measuring only about five and a half inches in length. Its body is brown and white, with a dark eye line extending from the beak past the eye.
Habitat and Behavior: The Chipping Sparrow can be found in open woodlands, suburbs, parks, farmland and backyards. Known to forage on the ground for seeds. Easy to mix up with other sparrows, the Chipping Sparrow loves open areas with scattered trees making it a common sight at feeders.
Diet: Primarily insects when available (mainly summer months). Enjoys finding seeds in the grass.
Cliff Swallow
The Cliff Swallow can be seen during the summer months in Wyoming.
- Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
- Size: 6″ (15 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 22% in July
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 0% in Winter
Identification and Color: The Cliff Swallow has a brown head with black at the very top and a white forehead patch. In proper light, their backs will have a metallic shine on their dark blue feathers. White underparts with brown wings and tails. Rounded wings and a medium-length tail. They have a very short, pointed bill.
Habitat and Behavior: Breeds all over the United States, Canada, and up to Alaska. A very long-distance migrant bird that will go all the way to southern South America. Will build their nests on upright surfaces like cliffs, bridges, or culverts. Will catch insects on wings for foraging.
Diet: The Cliff Swallow enjoys a wide variety of insects, including many flying insects such as bees, wasps, and flies. They will occasionally eat berries.
Common Grackle
The Common Grackle is abundant throughout most of central and eastern North America. A common backyard bird in Wyoming.
- Quiscalus quiscula
- Size: 12.5″ (32 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 30% in May
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 1% in Winter
Identification and Color: Easily identified by their glossy black feathers and yellow eyes, the Common Grackle also has a curved beak. Female is a bit smaller and less shiny than the male.
Habitat and Behavior: Common grackles typically live in open areas such as fields and marshes. Usually forages in flocks. Very common in towns and cities. Known for being aggressive towards other birds.
Diet: The Common Grackles is omnivorous. Grains, seed, and insects are all favorites. Will also scavenge through garbage for food.
Dark-eyed Junco
The Dark-eyed Junco is a small, sparrow-like bird that is one of Wyoming’s most common winter birds.
- Junco hyemalis
- Size: 6″ (15 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 34% in April
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 9% in May
Identification and Color: Rounded dark head and eyes. Charcoal back and white breast.
Habitat and Behavior: Enjoys a variety of wooded habitats throughout Canada and the northern United States. Dark-eyed Juncos are typically found in open woods, forest edges, weedy fields, and backyards. In winter they often form flocks and can be seen feeding on the ground beneath bird feeders.
Diet: Dark-eyed Juncos eat mostly insects and seeds.
Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker can be seen year-round in Wyoming.
- Picoides pubescens
- Size: 6″ (15 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 12% in December
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 1% in June
Identification and Color: Adult Downies are black and white, with a black back, white belly, and a small patch of red on the back of the head. They have a short bill and a barred tail.
Habitat and Behavior: Downy Woodpeckers live in forests, woodlands, orchards, and suburban areas. They are year-round residents in most of their range. They forage on tree trunks and branches, using their bills and barbed tongue to peck at bark to find food.
Diet: Downies feed on insects, spiders, berries, and nuts. Downies sometimes store food by caching it in cracks in trees or other hidden spots. Can be spotted at seed and suet feeders.
Eurasian Collared-Dove
The Eurasian Collared-Dove is most often seen during the summer months in Wyoming.
- Streptopelia decaocto
- Size: 13″ (33 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 34% in February
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 11% in June
Identification and Color: The Eurasian Collared-Dove has a light grey to brown head and a light brown body. They have a distinct black mark around the back of their neck and some white patches on their tail. They have rounded bodies and small heads. Rounded wings and squared tails. Their bills are slender with a slight curve.
Habitat and Behavior: Found all over the United States with no consistent migration. Can be found in urban areas and open farmland as well. When walking they can be seen bobbing their heads and flicking their tails. Will mainly forage on the ground.
Diet: The Eurasian Collared-Dove enjoys seeds from plants and waste grain. Will also eat some berries or insects.
European Starling
The European Starling is native to Europe but was introduced to North America in the late 1800’s. Considered an invasive species, they are a common backyard bird in Wyoming.
- Sturnus vulgaris
- Size: 8.5″ (22 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 31% in March
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 9% in July
Identification and Color: Small, stocky black birds with glossy feathers and a slender pointed bill. Speckled with white spots.
Habitat and Behavior: European starlings can be found in woods, fields, and other open areas. They often build their nests in trees or holes in buildings. European starlings are also known for their elaborate vocalizations, often imitating the sounds of other birds.
Diet: European starlings are opportunistic eaters and will feed on a variety of insects, fruits and seeds.
House Finch
The House Finch is a common bird across North America, seen year-round in Wyoming.
- Carpodacus mexicanus
- Size: 5″ (13 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 34% in February
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 10% in June
Identification and Color: Fairly small, measuring only about 5-6 inches long. House Finches are relatively easy to identify thanks to their characteristic red plumage near the eyes and throat. Males are typically redder than females, but both genders have distinctive streaks on their breast and belly.
Habitat and Behavior: House Finches are found in a variety of habitats, including woods, gardens, and open fields. A rather social bird that often travels in flocks. Can often be seen perching on power lines or fences in suburban areas.
Diet: House Finches are primarily seed eaters, but they will also consume insects and fruit on occasion.
House Sparrow
One of the most common backyard birds in Wyoming. The House Sparrow is seen year-round.
- Passer domesticus
- Size: 6″ (15 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 38% in February
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 13% in June
Identification and Color: A small plump bird with brown feathers and a grayish-plain breast. They have a black stripe on their face that extends from their bill to their throat. Wings are streaked with black and white.
Habitat and Behavior: Found in open areas with some trees nearby, such as farmland, parks, and suburban neighborhoods. They build their nests in holes in tree trunks or in man-made structures such as gutters, light fixtures, and nest boxes. House Sparrows are social birds that often form large flocks. You won’t be surprised to see them downtown near restaurants with outdoor seating!
Diet: House Sparrows eat mostly seeds and grains, but will also eat insects, berries, and other fruits. Happy to pick up crumbs and left over human food where available.
Killdeer
The Killdeer is typically seen in Wyoming during the warmer months.
- Charadrius vociferous
- Size: 10″ (25 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 21% in May
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 1% in Winter
Identification and Color: Mostly brown on the head and top of the body. The head is marked with black and white patches. A white underpart with two black stripes across it. An orange tail part can be seen when in flight. The Killdeer has a long tail and long wings. A small and short bill.
Habitat and Behavior: Located throughout North America. Southern birds are mostly permanent residents and northern birds will migrate. Killdeer like to be in very open areas of lawns, fields, and coastline. Spends the majority of time on the ground running around.
Diet: Insects make up the bulk of their diet. Beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars are frequent favorites. They may also eat a small number of seeds.
Mountain Chickadee
The Mountain Chickade can be seen year-round in Wyoming.
- Poecile gambeli
- Size: 6″ (15 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 20% in September
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 7% in April
Identification and Color: The Mountain Chickadee has a black and white head with gray on top of the body and underparts. Males and females look similar. The main identifier of the Mountain Chickadee is the white strip above the eye. They have narrow tails and rounded wings with a small and pointed bill.
Habitat and Behavior: Permanent residents of the southwest and northwest. Prefers forests that are mostly dry and mountainous. They like evergreens and high areas but can move to the lower levels in the winter. Very active and will jump around in their trees. Will join flocks of other birds when foraging in trees.
Diet: Mountain Chickadees enjoy a diet of insects, seeds, and berries. They will usually eat the insect eggs and pupae.
Mourning Dove
Mourning Doves are one of the most common birds in North America, and they can be found in a variety of habitats throughout Wyoming.
- Zenaida macroura
- Size: 12″ (30 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 27% in May
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 1% in Winter
Identification and Color: These slender birds have long, pointed tails and a tiny head. Brown and pale gray plumage with darker streaks on the wings and back.
Habitat and Behavior: Mourning Doves are relatively quiet birds, but they can often be heard cooing softly. Mourning Doves typically nest in trees, but they will also use man-made structures such as window ledges and gutters.
Diet: The Mourning Dove primarily eat seeds, but they will also eat insects and berries
Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker is seen year-round in Wyoming.
- Colaptes auratus
- Size: 12″ (30 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 27% in April
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 16% in June
Identification and Color: A fairly common large woodpecker, but size is where the similarities to other woodpeckers end. The male Northern Flicker is unique with a brown back, black bars and spotted breast. All North American Flickers have white rumps. There are also two different color groups of Northern Flickers – Yellow-shafted and Red-shafted. Yellow-shafted flickers have yellow underwings. Red-shafted flickers have reddish pink underwings.
Habitat and Behavior: Northern Flickers are hole-nesting birds, often making a home in a dead tree. Can be seen hopping around the ground while foraging or latched onto a tree eyeing a spot to search for food.
Diet: Northern Flickers mainly eat insects off the ground, but will also eat berries and nuts.
Pine Siskin
The Pine Siskin is seen year-round in Wyoming.
- Spinus pinus
- Size: 5″ (13 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 22% in May
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 3% in January
Identification and Color: The Pine Siskin is brown with black streaks all over its body. They have some yellow edges on their wings and tails. Very small birds between 4 and 5 inches in length. They have short notched tails. Their bills are sharp, short, and pointed.
Habitat and Behavior: Pine Siskins have a very odd migration and residency. Some will breed in the very far north, some will winter throughout the United States, and some are permanent residents along the United States and Canada border. Will primarily be in evergreen forests but can be found in other areas of thickets or weedy areas. Will forage in large flocks.
Diet: Seeds, vegetable matter, and some insects. Will feed on the tree, grass, and weed seeds.
Red-breasted Nuthatch
The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a year-round resident of Wyoming.
- Sitta canadensis
- Size: 4.5″ (11 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 19% in September
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 7% in June
Identification and Color: These birds have a black patch at the top of their head and a black stripe over their eyes, with white in between the black on the head. The top of their bodies is a blue grey. In males the underparts are a strong reddish brown, females are paler in their colors. They are small birds with short tails and short, broad wings. They have long and pointed bills.
Habitat and Behavior: Some remain permanent residents throughout Canada and some migrate south into the United States for winter. Can be found in either coniferous or deciduous forests along mountainous areas as well. Forages by quickly moving around trees.
Diet: The Red-breasted Nuthatch mainly eats insects during the summer and seeds in the winter.
Red-winged Blackbird
The Red-winged Blackbird is a year-round resident of Wyoming, especially near areas of water.
- Agelaius phoeniceus
- Size: 8.5″ (22 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 48% in May
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 1% in January
Identification and Color: A small black bird with a striking appearance. The male has black feathers and a red patch on each wing, while the female is mostly dark brown with vertical streaks.
Habitat and Behavior: These birds are found in open areas such as marshes, meadows, and fields. Often seen near water, where they build their nests. Red-winged Blackbirds are social birds and often form large flocks.
Diet: The Red-winged Blackbird diet consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Will also eat seeds, fruits, and berries.
Song Sparrow
The Song Sparrow is a small bird commonly found during warmer months in Wyoming.
- Melospiza melodia
- Size: 6″ (15 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 20% in May
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 2% in Winter
Identification and Color: The Song Sparrow is brown and gray in color with streaks on its breast and a grayish-brown back. Gets its name from its loud melody.
Habitat and Behavior: Can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The Song Sparrow is a relatively shy bird, but will happily visit bird feeders if food is available.
Diet: Song Sparrows primarily eat insects, but will also eat seeds and berries.
Western Kingbird
The Western Kingbird can be seen during the warmer months in Wyoming.
- Tyrannus verticalis
- Size: 9″ (23 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 10% in May
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 0% in Winter
Identification and Color: The Western Kingbird has a grey head with a white throat and chest. They have bright yellow bellies. Their wings are brown and their tails are black with white outlines. Long wings and square-tipped tails. Their bills are straight and heavy.
Habitat and Behavior: They are found in the western half of the United States during the summer. Migrates far south in the winter and some to Florida. They like open areas like grasslands or desert areas. Very territorial and will defend their areas. They forage by watching from their perch which can be either high or low.
Diet: The Western Kingbird mostly eats insects, wasps, bees, and beetles. May eat a small number of berries and fruits.
Western Meadowlark
The Western Meadowlark is the state bird of Wyoming, commonly seen during the warmer months.
- Sturnella neglecta
- Size: 9″ (23 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 35% in April
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 1% in Winter
Identification and Color: A bright yellow underpart that is marked with a black V in the summer and grey in the winter. Heavily streaked with brown, white, and black over their heads, top bodies, wings, and tails. They have short stiff tails and rounded wings. Bills are slender and long. They range about 6 to 9 inches in length.
Habitat and Behavior: The Western Meadowlark is a permanent resident in much of the west and midwest, the north-central states will see the birds migrate. Likes to be in open areas of grasslands and farms. Generally alone or in loose flocks. Will forage on the ground.
Diet: Insects and seeds make up the Western Meadowlarks’ diet.
Yellow Warbler
The Yellow Warbler calls Wyoming home from spring to fall before migrating for the winter.
- Dendroica petechia
- Size: 5″ (13 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 32% in May
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 0% in Winter
Identification and Color: A small warbler that is often mistaken for the American Goldfinch. Males have orange streaking on the chest area while females are a bit duller with a grayish yellow.
Habitat and Behavior: A common backyard bird during the summer months that likes gardens, shrubs, and thickets.
Diet: The Yellow Warbler enjoys a steady diet of insects.
Yellow-rumped Warbler
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is most commonly seen in Wyoming during the spring and fall.
- Dendroica coronata
- Size: 6″ (15 cm)
- WY Checklist Frequency High: 39% in May
- WY Checklist Frequency Low: 0% in Winter
Identification and Color: A small warbler with a soft song, all Yellow-rumped Warblers have a patch of yellow on their sides and rump (hence the name).
Habitat and Behavior: The Yellow-rumped Warbler is typically seen in large flocks during migration in the spring and fall. Enjoys larger open wooded areas as well as brush and thickets. Most often found in trees bearing needles and cones.
Diet: Enjoys insects and berries. Difficult to attract to feeders.
Conclusion
Wyoming is home to a wide variety of birds, many of which can be found in backyards throughout the state. From small songbirds to large waterfowl, Wyoming’s birds provide a beautiful and diverse backdrop to the landscape. With a little bit of knowledge and some patience, anyone can enjoy the beauty of these birds in their own backyard. Be sure to check out our other articles about birds in Wyoming:
Remember to keep that feeder full and have your checklist ready! Before you go, take a moment to review some of our favorite Wyoming birding resources:
