Written by
Melissa Mayntz
Minnesota is known as “the star of the north” and birders know that Minnesota is a star destination to see amazing northern birds. While only 250 species have been recorded in the state, many of the birds in Minnesota are boreal and Arctic specialties that are difficult, if not impossible, to see in more southern areas. Winter birds are especially sought after at this northern destination, but even summer birding can yield surprising specialty birds. By watching for these 20 best Minnesota birds, birders are sure to have a fantastic time adding to their life list whenever they visit.
• 01of 20: Trumpeter Swan
Richard Borth / Seney NWR / Flickr / CC by-SA 2.0
Found year-round in the central part of the state, the trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator) is one of the largest swan species. This huge, heavy bird is easy to recognize by its all-white plumage and dark, sloping bill with a slim red grin patch. The plumage may occasionally be stained brown or rusty on the belly, breast, and neck, but overall these birds are brilliantly white.
• 02of 20: Common Goldeneye
Mike's Birds / Flickr / CC by-SA 2.0
A stunning duck with a brilliant yellow eye, the aptly named common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) breeds in the very northern part of Minnesota. Birders who have the chance to see this diving duck during the breeding season will marvel at its flexible courtship display, when males may bend their heads all the way back to touch their backs.
• 03of 20: Red-Necked Grebe
Becky Matsubara / Flickr / CC by 2.0
An elegant swimmer, the red-necked grebe (Podiceps grisegena) is a rare breeder in Minnesota, preferring marshy ponds for its nesting habitat. While these birds are relatively plain in winter, seeing them in breeding plumage with the white check contrasting with a black crown and richly colored chestnut neck is a treat for any birder.
• 04of 20: Common Loon
Russ / Flickr / CC by 2.0
No trip to the North Star State would be complete without seeing the common loon (Gavia immer), the state bird of Minnesota. Though only found in the northern and central parts of the state during the breeding season, these birds are instantly recognized with their checkered plumage, dagger-like bills, and yodel-like call that echoes across the forest lakes they prefer.
• 05of 20: Black Tern
Ken Sturm/USFWS / Flickr / Public Domain 1.0
Waterfowl aren’t the only birds that enjoy the “land of 10,000 lakes,” and the black tern (Childonias niger) breeds throughout the state in freshwater marshes, where they feed primarily on large insects. These small birds are elegant in their dusky, dark plumage with silvery wings and a whitish tail. In late summer, these birds are molting and will look patchy and mottled.
• 06of 20: Greater Prairie-Chicken
Gregory "Slobirdr" Smith / Flickr / CC by-SA 2.0
Minnesota may be known for its lakes, but its grasslands and prairies offer amazing birding opportunities as well, including the chance to see the greater prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus cupido). Found in the state’s western prairies year-round, this bird is scarce and easily disturbed. Birders should arrange a responsible visit to a breeding lek for the best viewing opportunities.
• 07of 20: Gyrfalcon
Andrea Pokrzywinski / Flickr / CC by 2.0
One of the most elegant raptors, the gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is the world’s largest falcon and prefers wide open spaces where it can hunt unimpeded. The white morph of these birds is especially stunning. While the gyrfalcon typically stays well north in Arctic regions, periodic winter irruptions can bring it into northern and central Minnesota, much to the delight of birders.
• 08of 20: Snowy Owl
Silver Leapers / Flickr / CC by 2.0
The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) is another raptor that is highly sought-after in Minnesota, and these white wonders are found year-round in the northeastern part of the state. In irruption years, snowy owls will move even further south. Look for them along lakeshores and in open areas where they roost on slight rises, rooftops, fence posts, and other good observation points.
• 09of 20: Great Gray Owl
Bettina Arrigoni / Flickr / CC by 2.0
Minnesota is an owl-lover’s paradise, and the great gray owl (Strix nebulosi) is one of the most desired owls to see in the state. These large, well-camouflaged owls are found in forests and along forest edges in the northern part of Minnesota year-round, spreading into the central areas of the state in winter as they range slightly further for the best food sources.
• 10of 20: Northern Hawk Owl
Caleb Putnam / Flickr / Public Domain 1.0
Though scarce, the northern hawk owl (Surnia ulula) is well worth watching for in Minnesota. With bold facial markings, these owls are active during the day as well as the night, and are found in the northernmost parts of the state during the winter months. Irruptions can be irregular, but do occasionally bring these raptors further south.
• 11of 20: Hoary Redpoll
Nick Saunders / Flickr / Used With Permission
Another winter specialty, the hoary redpoll (Carduelis hornemanni) typically stays in the Arctic region, but visits northern Minnesota during the coldest months. Often joining mixed flocks with common redpolls, juncos, and other winter finches, these tiny birds have frosted appearance, a snub-like pale bill, and a bright red forehead.
• 12of 20: Black-Billed Cuckoo
Nick Saunders / Flickr / Used With Permission
A stunning singer, the black-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) is a summer guest throughout Minnesota, where it prefers leafy, deciduous woods. Though elusive, the long, tapered tail of this bird as well as its slightly curved bill and bold red eye ring are distinctive field marks that can help birders identify black-billed cuckoos even with only a brief sighting.
• 13of 20: Black-Backed Woodpecker
Kurt Bauschardt / Flickr / CC by-SA 2.0
The black-backed woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) is a year-round resident of Minnesota typically preferring the northern and central parts of the state. Burned-out forests with standing snags are ideal habitat to spot this woodpecker, preferably with coniferous trees. In winter, these birds do occasionally venture further south in the state.
• 14of 20: Boreal Chickadee
Nick Saunders / Flickr / Used With Permission
Tiny but fierce, the boreal chickadee (Poecile hudsonica) is found in northern Minnesota year-round, with rare irruptions bringing them only slightly further south in the state. These birds are hardy in the state’s brutal winters, and they prefer dense spruce forests that provide good shelter and rich food sources. Their dusky brown cap makes them easy to distinguish from black-capped chickadees.
• 15of 20: Black-Billed Magpie
Kurt Bauschardt / Flickr / CC by-SA 2.0
A number of intelligent corvids can be seen in Minnesota, but the northwestern corner of the state is special in that it is the easternmost range of the black-billed magpie (Pica hudsonia). These large, playful birds with their long tails and elegant, iridescent plumage are a treat to see, especially for birders who haven’t had a chance to go birding in more western states such as Colorado, Montana, Idaho, or Utah.
• 16of 20: Least Flycatcher
Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren / Flickr / CC by 2.0
The least flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) may not have flashy coloration or bold markings, but they are a treat to see throughout Minnesota nonetheless. Birders will want to sharpen up their flycatcher identification skills to feel confident about seeing these birds. Look for their jerky tails and flicking wings as additional behavioral clues to proper identification.
• 17of 20: Sedge Wren
Alex Galt / Flickr / CC by 2.0
A perky bird, the sedge wren (Cistothorus platensis) is an energetic guest that breeds in all parts of Minnesota. These small wrens prefer short grass marshes and damp meadows rather than coarser vegetation, but they can still be elusive and challenging to see. Birding by ear can be a great way to locate sedge wrens, but take care not to confuse them with similar marsh wrens.
• 18of 20: Golden-Winged Warbler
Bettini Arrigoni / Flickr / CC by 2.0
One of the most colorful of Minnesota’s specialty birds, the golden-winged warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) is found in the northeastern part of the state during the summer, preferring swamps and woods for its breeding habitat. Though relatively uncommon, these birds are unmistakable with their bright crown and splash of sunny yellow on the wings.
• 19of 20: Le Conte's Sparrow
Ben Cvengros / Flickr / CC by 2.0
Shy but colorful, the le conte’s sparrow (Ammodramus leconteii) is a summer guest that breeds throughout Minnesota. Damp fields and shallow marshes are its preferred habitat, and it typically stays low and hidden in the vegetation. Its flight is weak and wobbly, but its striped back, nape, and facial pattern are all good clues for proper sparrow identification.
• 20of 20: Palm Warbler
Tony Clements / Flickr / CC by 2.0
A bird named after tropical plants isn’t expected in a northern state, but the palm warbler (Dendroica palmarum) raises its families in northern Minnesota. This gives birders a great opportunity to see its colorful breeding plumage instead of the drab colors it wears in the winter in the southeast. And don’t miss the wiggling, wagging tail that is characteristic of these bog-loving warblers.