List of birds of Iowa facts for kids

This is a list of all the different types of birds that have been seen and officially recorded in the U.S. state of Iowa. The Iowa Ornithologists' Union (IOU) keeps this official list. As of January 2023, there are 433 different bird species on it!
Some of these birds are:
- Accidental (A): These birds have been seen only a few times, less than 4 out of the last 10 years. They don't usually live in Iowa.
- Casual (C): These birds are seen more often than accidental ones, but not every year. They've been spotted in at least 3 but less than 9 of the last 10 years.
- Introduced (I): These are species that humans brought to North America, and they now live and reproduce here on their own.
- Extinct (E): These birds no longer exist anywhere in the world.
- Extirpated (Ex): These birds no longer live in Iowa, but they can still be found in other places.
This list only includes birds that have made Iowa their home and are raising their young here without human help. Birds that might have escaped from captivity, even if seen flying free, are not included. The birds are listed in a special scientific order, just like how scientists organize them.
Contents
- Ducks, Geese, and Swans
- New World Quail
- Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys
- Grebes
- Pigeons and Doves
- Cuckoos
- Nightjars and Allies
- Swifts
- Hummingbirds
- Rails, Gallinules, and Coots
- Cranes
- Stilts and Avocets
- Lapwings and Plovers
- Sandpipers and Allies
- Skuas and Jaegers
- Auks, Murres, and Puffins
- Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
- Loons
- Storks
- Frigatebirds
- Boobies and Gannets
- Anhingas
- Cormorants and Shags
- Pelicans
- Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns
- Ibises and Spoonbills
- New World Vultures
- Osprey
- Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
- Barn-Owls
- Owls
- Kingfishers
- Woodpeckers
- Falcons and Caracaras
- New World and African Parrots
- Tyrant Flycatchers
- Vireos and Allies
- Shrikes
- Crows, Jays, and Magpies
- Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice
- Larks
- Swallows
- Kinglets
- Waxwings
- Nuthatches
- Treecreepers
- Gnatcatchers
- Wrens
- Mockingbirds and Thrashers
- Starlings
- Thrushes and Allies
- Old World Sparrows
- Wagtails and Pipits
- Finches and Allies
- Longspurs and Snow Buntings
- New World Sparrows
- Yellow-breasted Chat
- Troupials and Allies
- New World Warblers
- Cardinals and Allies
- Images for kids
- See Also
Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
This family includes all the ducks, geese, and swans. These birds are amazing swimmers! They have webbed feet, flat bills, and special oily feathers that help water slide right off. Forty-four different kinds of these birds have been seen in Iowa.
- Black-bellied whistling-duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis (C)
- Fulvous whistling-duck, Dendrocygna bicolor (A)
- Snow goose, Anser caerulescens
- Ross's goose, Anser rossii
- Greater white-fronted goose, Anser albifrons
- Taiga bean-goose, Anser fabalis (A)
- Brant, Branta bernicla (A)
- Cackling goose, Branta hutchinsonii
- Canada goose, Branta canadensis
- Mute swan, Cygnus olor (I)
- Trumpeter swan, Cygnus buccinator
- Tundra swan, Cygnus columbulianus
- Wood duck, Aix sponsa
- Garganey, Spatula querquedula (A)
- Blue-winged teal, Spatula discors
- Cinnamon teal, Spatula cyanoptera
- Northern shoveler, Spatula clypeata
- Gadwall, Mareca strepera
- Eurasian wigeon, Mareca penelope (A)
- American wigeon, Mareca americana
- Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos
- American black duck, Anas rubripes
- Mottled duck, Anas fulvigula (C)
- Northern pintail, Anas acuta
- Green-winged teal, Anas crecca
- Canvasback, Aythya valisineria
- Redhead, Aythya americana
- Ring-necked duck, Aythya collaris
- Greater scaup, Aythya marila
- Lesser scaup, Aythya affinis
- King eider, Somateria spectabilis (A)
- Common eider, Somateria mollissima (A)
- Harlequin duck, Histrionicus histrionicus (C)
- Surf scoter, Melanitta perspicillata
- White-winged scoter, Melanitta deglandi
- Black scoter, Melanitta americana
- Long-tailed duck, Clangula hyemalis
- Bufflehead, Bucephala albeola
- Common goldeneye, Bucephala clangula
- Barrow's goldeneye, Bucephala islandica (A)
- Hooded merganser, Lophodytes cucullatus
- Common merganser, Mergus merganser
- Red-breasted merganser, Mergus serrator
- Ruddy duck, Oxyura jamaicensis
New World Quail
Order: Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae
New World quails are small, round birds that live on the ground. They look a bit like the quails from other parts of the world, but they are not closely related. Only one species has been recorded in Iowa.
- Northern bobwhite, Colinus virginianus
Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
This family includes pheasants, partridges, grouse, and turkeys. These birds live on land and vary in size. They are usually plump with wide, short wings. Many of them are hunted for sport or raised for food. Six species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo
- Ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus
- Sharp-tailed grouse, Tympanuchus phasianellus (Ex)
- Greater prairie-chicken, Tympanuchus cupido (A)
- Gray partridge, Perdix perdix (I)
- Ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus (I)
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-sized birds that dive in freshwater. They have special lobed toes that make them excellent swimmers and divers. However, their feet are set far back on their bodies, so they are clumsy on land. Six species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps
- Horned grebe, Podiceps auritus
- Red-necked grebe, Podiceps grisegena
- Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis
- Western grebe, Aechmorphorus occidentalis
- Clark's grebe, Aechmorphorus clarkii (A)
Pigeons and Doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are birds with sturdy bodies, short necks, and thin bills. Seven species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
- Eurasian collared-dove, Streptopelia decaocto (I)
- Passenger pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius (E)
- Inca dove, Columbina inca (A)
- Common ground dove, Columbina passerina (A)
- White-winged dove, Zenaida asiatica
- Mourning dove, Zenaida macroura
Cuckoos
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
This family includes cuckoos and roadrunners. These birds come in different sizes, but they all have slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. Three species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Groove-billed ani, Crotophaga sulcirostris (A)
- Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus
- Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus
Nightjars and Allies
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized birds that are active at night. They usually build their nests on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. Their soft feathers are colored to help them blend in with tree bark or leaves. Three species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor
- Chuck-will's-widow, Antrostomus carolinensis
- Eastern whip-poor-will, Antrostomus vociferus
Swifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small birds that spend most of their lives flying. They have very short legs and almost never land on the ground. Instead, they perch on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long, swept-back wings that look like a crescent moon. One species has been recorded in Iowa.
- Chimney swift, Chaetura pelagica
Hummingbirds
Order: Apodiformes Family: Trochilidae
Hummingbirds are tiny birds famous for hovering in the air by flapping their wings incredibly fast. They are the only birds that can fly backward! Five species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Mexican violetear, Colibri thalassinus (A)
- Ruby-throated hummingbird, Archilochus colubris
- Anna's hummingbird, Calypte anna (A)
- Rufous hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus (C)
- Broad-billed hummingbird, Cynanthus latirostris (A)
Rails, Gallinules, and Coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
This is a large family of small to medium-sized birds like rails, crakes, and coots. They usually live in thick plants near lakes, swamps, or rivers. They are often shy and hard to spot. Most have strong legs and long toes, perfect for walking on soft, uneven ground. They tend to have short, rounded wings and are not strong fliers. Eight species have been recorded in Iowa.
- King rail, Rallus elegans (C)
- Virginia rail, Rallus limicola
- Sora, Porzana carolina
- Common gallinule, Gallinula galeata
- American coot, Fulica americana
- Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus (A)
- Yellow rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis
- Black rail, Laterallus jamaicensis (A)
Cranes
Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large birds with long legs and long necks. Unlike herons, which look similar, cranes fly with their necks stretched out straight. Most cranes have special, loud "dances" they do to find a mate. Two species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Sandhill crane, Antigone canadensis
- Whooping crane, Grus americana (A)
Stilts and Avocets
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
This family includes avocets and stilts, which are large wading birds. Avocets have long legs and bills that curve upwards. Stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. Two species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus
- American avocet, Recurvirostra americana
Lapwings and Plovers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
This family includes plovers and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short thick necks, and long, pointed wings. They live in open areas all over the world, often near water. Six species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
- Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus
- Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
- Piping plover, Charadrius melodus
- Snowy plover, Charadrius nivosus (A)
Sandpipers and Allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
This is a large and varied family of small to medium-sized shorebirds. It includes sandpipers, curlews, godwits, and phalaropes. Most of these birds eat small bugs they find in mud or soil. Their different leg and bill lengths allow many species to feed in the same places without competing for food. Thirty-four species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda
- Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
- Eskimo curlew, Numenius borealis (E)
- Long-billed curlew, Numenius americanus (A)
- Bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica (A)
- Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica
- Marbled godwit, Limosa fedoa
- Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
- Red knot, Calidris canutus (C)
- Ruff, Calidris pugnax (C)
- Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Calidris acuminata (A)
- Stilt sandpiper, Calidris himantopus
- Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea (A)
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Dunlin, Calidris alpina
- Baird's sandpiper, Calidris bairdii
- Least sandpiper, Calidris minutilla
- White-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis
- Buff-breasted sandpiper, Calidris subruficollis
- Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos
- Semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla
- Western sandpiper, Calidris mauri
- Short-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus griseus
- Long-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus
- American woodcock, Scolopax minor
- Wilson's snipe, Gallinago delicata
- Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularius
- Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria
- Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes
- Willet, Tringa semipalmata
- Greater yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
- Wilson's phalarope, Phalaropus tricolor
- Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus
- Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius (C)
Skuas and Jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
Skuas and jaegers are related to gulls and other shorebirds. The smaller species have long central tail feathers. Three species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus (A)
- Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus (C)
- Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus (A)
Auks, Murres, and Puffins
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Alcidae
Alcids look a bit like penguins because they are black and white and stand upright. However, they are not closely related and can fly! Auks live in the open sea and only come to land to nest. This family also includes murres and puffins. Three species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Thick-billed murre, Uria lomvia (A)
- Long-billed murrelet, Brachyramphus perdix (A)
- Ancient murrelet, Synthliboramphus antiquus (A)
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
This family includes gulls, terns, and skimmers. They are medium to large seabirds, usually gray or white, often with black on their heads or wings. They have strong, longish bills and webbed feet. Twenty-eight species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Black-legged kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla
- Ivory gull, Pagophila eburnea (A)
- Sabine's gull, Xema sabini
- Bonaparte's gull, Chroicocephalus philadelphia
- Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus (A)
- Little gull, Hydrocoloeus minutus (C)
- Ross's gull, Rhodostethia rosea (A)
- Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla
- Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan
- Black-tailed gull, Larus crassirostris (A)
- Heermann's gull, Larus heermanni (A)
- Short-billed gull, Larus brachyrhynchus (A)
- Ring-billed gull, Larus delawarensis
- California gull, Larus californicus (C)
- Herring gull, Larus argentatus
- Iceland gull, Larus glaucoides
- Lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus
- Slaty-backed gull, Larus schistisagus (A)
- Glaucous-winged gull, Larus glaucescens (A)
- Glaucous gull, Larus hyperboreus
- Great black-backed gull, Larus marinus (C)
- Least tern, Sternula antillarum
- Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
- Black tern, Chlidonias niger
- Common tern, Sterna hirundo
- Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea (A)
- Forster's tern, Sterna forsteri
- Royal tern, Thalasseus maxima (A)
Loons
Order: Gaviiformes Family: Gaviidae
Loons are aquatic birds about the size of a large duck, but they are not related to ducks. They are mostly gray or black and have spear-shaped bills. Loons swim well and fly fine, but they are very awkward on land because their legs are placed far back on their bodies. Four species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Red-throated loon, Gavia stellata
- Pacific loon, Gavia pacifica
- Common loon, Gavia immer
- Yellow-billed loon, Gavia adamsii (A)
Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, heavy wading birds with long legs, long necks, and strong bills. They have wide wings. Storks do not have a voice box, so they are mute. One species has been recorded in Iowa.
- Wood stork, Mycteria americana (A)
Frigatebirds
Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds found over tropical oceans. They are black, or black and white, with long wings and deeply forked tails. Males have colorful throat pouches that can inflate. They cannot swim or walk well and cannot take off from flat ground. They are amazing fliers, able to stay in the air for over a week! One species has been recorded in Iowa.
- Magnificent frigatebird, Fregata magnificens (A)
Boobies and Gannets
Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae
This family includes gannets and boobies. Both are medium-large coastal seabirds that dive into the water to catch fish. One species has been recorded in Iowa.
- Brown booby, Sula leucogaster (A)
Anhingas
Order: Suliformes Family: Anhingidae
Anhingas are water birds that look like cormorants, but they have very long necks and straight beaks. They eat fish and often swim with only their neck above the water. One species has been recorded in Iowa.
- Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga (A)
Cormorants and Shags
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Cormorants are medium to large water birds, usually with dark feathers and colorful skin on their faces. Their bills are long, thin, and hooked. They have four webbed toes. Two species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Double-crested cormorant, Nannopterum auritum
- Neotropic cormorant, Nannopterum brasilianum
Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are very large water birds with a special pouch under their beak. Like other birds in their group, they have four webbed toes. Two species have been recorded in Iowa.
- American white pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
- Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis (A)
Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
This family includes herons, egrets, and bitterns. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns have shorter necks and are more secretive. These birds fly with their necks pulled back, unlike storks or ibises. Twelve species have been recorded in Iowa.
- American bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus
- Least bittern, Ixobrychus exilis
- Great blue heron, Ardea herodias
- Great egret, Ardea alba
- Snowy egret, Egretta thula
- Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea (C)
- Tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor (A)
- Reddish egret, Egretta rufescens (A)
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
- Green heron, Butorides virescens
- Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
- Yellow-crowned night-heron, Nyctanassa violacea
Ibises and Spoonbills
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
The family Threskiornithidae includes ibises and spoonbills. They have long, wide wings and long bodies and necks. Their bills are also long; ibises have downward-curving bills, while spoonbills have flat, spoon-shaped bills. Four species have been recorded in Iowa.
- White ibis, Eudocimus albus (A)
- Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus (C)
- White-faced ibis, Plegadis chihi
- Roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja (A)
New World Vultures
Order: Cathartiformes Family: Cathartidae
New World vultures look like vultures from other parts of the world, but they are not closely related. They are scavengers, meaning they eat dead animals. Unlike other vultures that find food by sight, New World vultures have a great sense of smell. Two species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Black vulture, Coragyps atratus (C)
- Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura
Osprey
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
The Osprey family has only one type of bird: the Osprey. These birds of prey eat fish. They have a large, strong, hooked beak for tearing meat, powerful legs, strong claws, and excellent eyesight. One species has been recorded in Iowa.
- Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
This family includes hawks, eagles, and kites. These birds of prey have very large, strong, hooked beaks for tearing meat from their prey. They also have strong legs, powerful claws, and sharp eyesight. Sixteen species have been recorded in Iowa.
- White-tailed kite, Elanus leucurus (A)
- Swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus (C) (Ex)
- Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
- Northern harrier, Circus hudsonius
- Sharp-shinned hawk, Accipiter striatus
- Cooper's hawk, Accipiter cooperii
- American goshawk, Accipiter atricapillus
- Bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Mississippi kite, Ictinia mississippiensis
- White-tailed hawk, Geranoaetus albicaudatus (A)
- Red-shouldered hawk, Buteo lineatus
- Broad-winged hawk, Buteo platypterus
- Swainson's hawk, Buteo swainsoni
- Red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis
- Rough-legged hawk, Buteo lagopus
- Ferruginous hawk, Buteo regalis
Barn-Owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn-owls are medium to large owls with big heads and unique heart-shaped faces. They have long, strong legs with powerful claws. One species has been recorded in Iowa.
- Barn owl, Tyto alba
Owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
Typical owls are usually alone and active at night. They have large eyes that face forward and good hearing. They have a beak like a hawk and a clear circle of feathers around each eye. Eleven species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Eastern screech-owl, Megascops asio
- Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus
- Snowy owl, Bubo scandiacus
- Northern hawk owl, Surnia ulula (A)
- Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia (C)
- Barred owl, Strix varia
- Great gray owl, Strix nebulosa (A)
- Long-eared owl, Asio otus
- Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
- Boreal owl, Aegolius funereus (A)
- Northern saw-whet owl, Aegolius acadicus
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. One species has been recorded in Iowa.
- Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon
Woodpeckers
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks. They have short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues that help them catch insects. Many woodpeckers tap loudly on tree trunks with their beaks. Eleven species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Lewis's woodpecker, Melanerpes lewis (A)
- Red-headed woodpecker, Melanerpes erythrocephalus
- Acorn woodpecker, Melanerpes formicivorus (A)
- Red-bellied woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus
- Yellow-bellied sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius
- Red-breasted sapsucker, Sphyrapicus ruber (A)
- Black-backed woodpecker, Picoides arcticus (A)
- Downy woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens
- Hairy woodpecker, Dryobates villosus
- Northern flicker, Colaptes auratus
- Pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus
Falcons and Caracaras
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
This family includes falcons and caracaras. They are different from hawks and eagles because they kill their prey with their beaks, not their claws. Six species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Crested caracara, Caracara plancus (A)
- American kestrel, Falco sparverius
- Merlin, Falco columbarius
- Gyrfalcon, Falco rusticolus (C)
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
- Prairie falcon, Falco mexicanus
New World and African Parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae
Parrots are birds with a special curved beak. Their upper beak can move a little, and they usually stand upright. All parrots have two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward on each foot. Most of the more than 150 species in this family live in the Americas. One species has been recorded in Iowa.
- Carolina parakeet, Conuropsis carolinensis (E)
Tyrant Flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tyrannidae
Tyrant flycatchers are songbirds found all over North and South America. They look a bit like flycatchers from other parts of the world but are stronger and have tougher bills. They don't sing as complex songs as other songbirds. Most of them eat insects. Seventeen species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Great crested flycatcher, Myiarchus crinitus
- Western kingbird, Tyrannus verticalis
- Eastern kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus
- Scissor-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus
- Fork-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus savana (A)
- Olive-sided flycatcher, Contopus cooperi
- Western wood-pewee, Contopus sordidulus (A)
- Eastern wood-pewee, Contopus virens
- Yellow-bellied flycatcher, Empidonax flaviventris
- Acadian flycatcher, Empidonax virescens
- Alder flycatcher, Empidonax alnorum
- Willow flycatcher, Empidonax traillii
- Least flycatcher, Empidonax minimus
- Western flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis (A)
- Eastern phoebe, Sayornis phoebe
- Say's phoebe, Sayornis saya (C)
- Vermilion flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus (A)
Vireos and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
Vireos are small to medium-sized songbirds. They are usually greenish and look like wood warblers, but they have stronger bills. Seven species have been recorded in Iowa.
- White-eyed vireo, Vireo griseus
- Bell's vireo, Vireo bellii
- Yellow-throated vireo, Vireo flavifrons
- Blue-headed vireo, Vireo solitarius
- Philadelphia vireo, Vireo philadelphicus
- Warbling vireo, Vireo gilvus
- Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus
Shrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae
Shrikes are songbirds known for catching other birds and small animals. They sometimes impale their uneaten prey on thorns, like a butcher. A shrike's beak is hooked, similar to a bird of prey. Two species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Loggerhead shrike, Lanius ludovicianus
- Northern shrike, Lanius borealis
Crows, Jays, and Magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
This family includes crows, ravens, jays, and magpies. These birds are larger than average songbirds, and some of the bigger ones are very smart. Eight species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Canada jay, Perisoreus canadensis (A)
- Pinyon jay, Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus (A)
- Blue jay, Cyanocitta cristata
- Clark's nutcracker, Nucifraga columbiana (A)
- Black-billed magpie, Pica hudsonia
- American crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos
- Fish crow, Corvus ossifragus (C)
- Common raven, Corvus corax (A)
Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae
The Paridae family includes small, sturdy woodland birds with short, strong bills. Some have crests on their heads. They are adaptable birds that eat both seeds and insects. Three species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Black-capped chickadee, Poecile atricapilla
- Boreal chickadee, Poecile hudsonica (A)
- Tufted titmouse, Baeolophus bicolor
Larks
Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small birds that live on the ground. They often have amazing songs and special display flights. Most larks don't have very bright colors. They eat insects and seeds. One species has been recorded in Iowa.
- Horned lark, Eremophila alpestris
Swallows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae includes songbirds that are great at catching food while flying. They have slender, streamlined bodies, long pointed wings, and short bills with wide mouths. Their feet are made for perching, not walking. Eight species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Bank swallow, Riparia riparia
- Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor
- Violet-green swallow, Tachycineta thalassina (A)
- Northern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis
- Purple martin, Progne subis
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
- Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
- Cave swallow, Petrochelidon fulva (A)
Kinglets
Order: Passeriformes Family: Regulidae
Kinglets are a small family of birds that look a bit like titmice. They are very tiny birds that eat insects. Adult kinglets have colorful crowns on their heads, which is how they got their name. Two species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Ruby-crowned kinglet, Coythylio calendula
- Golden-crowned kinglet, Regulus satrapa
Waxwings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Bombycillidae
Waxwings are birds with soft, silky feathers and unique red tips on some of their wing feathers. These tips look like sealing wax, which is where their name comes from. They live in northern forests and eat insects in summer and berries in winter. Two species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Bohemian waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus
- Cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum
Nuthatches
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have a special ability to climb down trees headfirst, which most other birds can't do. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails, and strong bills and feet. Three species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Red-breasted nuthatch, Sitta canadensis
- White-breasted nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis
- Pygmy nuthatch, Sitta pygmaea (A)
Treecreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae
Treecreepers are small woodland birds that are brown on top and white underneath. They have thin, pointed, downward-curving bills that they use to pull insects out of tree bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which help them support themselves on vertical trees. One species has been recorded in Iowa.
- Brown creeper, Certhia americana
Gnatcatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Polioptilidae
These delicate birds look and act like Old World warblers, constantly moving through leaves to find insects. Gnatcatchers are mostly soft bluish-gray and have the long, sharp bill typical of insect-eating birds. Many species have unique black patterns on their heads (especially males) and long, often upright, black and white tails. One species has been recorded in Iowa.
- Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Polioptila caerulea
Wrens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
Wrens are small birds that are hard to spot, but they have very loud songs. They have short wings and thin, downward-curved bills. Several species often hold their tails straight up. All wrens eat insects. Eight species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Rock wren, Salpinctes obsoletus (C)
- House wren, Troglodytes aedon
- Pacific wren, Troglodytes pacificus (A)
- Winter wren, Troglodytes hiemalis
- Sedge wren, Cistothorus platensis
- Marsh wren, Cistothorus palustris
- Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus
- Bewick's wren, Thryomanes bewickii
Mockingbirds and Thrashers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae
This family includes thrashers, mockingbirds, and New World catbirds. These birds are famous for their amazing songs and their ability to copy many different bird calls and other sounds they hear. They usually have dull gray and brown feathers. Five species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Gray catbird, Dumetella carolinensis
- Curve-billed thrasher, Toxostoma curvirostre (A)
- Brown thrasher, Toxostoma rufum
- Sage thrasher, Oreoscoptes montanus (A)
- Northern mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos
Starlings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized songbirds with strong feet. They fly strongly and directly and often gather in large groups. They prefer open areas and eat insects and fruit. Their feathers are usually dark with a shiny, metallic look. One species has been recorded in Iowa.
- European starling, Sturnus vulgaris (I)
Thrushes and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
Thrushes are a group of songbirds that are plump and have soft feathers. They are small to medium-sized birds that eat insects or sometimes everything. They often feed on the ground. Many thrushes have beautiful songs. Ten species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Eastern bluebird, Sialia sialis
- Mountain bluebird, Sialia currucoides (C)
- Townsend's solitaire, Myadestes townsendi
- Veery, Catharus fuscescens
- Gray-cheeked thrush, Catharus minimus
- Swainson's thrush, Catharus ustulatus
- Hermit thrush, Catharus guttatus
- Wood thrush, Hylocichla mustelina
- American robin, Turdus migratorius
- Varied thrush, Ixoreus naevius (C)
Old World Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Old World sparrows are small songbirds. They are generally small, plump, brownish or grayish birds with short tails and strong, short beaks. Sparrows eat seeds, but they also eat small insects. Two species have been recorded in Iowa.
- House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)
- Eurasian tree sparrow, Passer montanus (I)
Wagtails and Pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
This family includes wagtails and pipits. They are slender, small songbirds with medium to long tails. They eat insects they find on the ground in open areas. Two species have been recorded in Iowa.
- American pipit, Anthus rubescens
- Sprague's pipit, Anthus spragueii (C)
Finches and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are songbirds that eat seeds. They are small to medium-sized and have strong, often cone-shaped beaks. All finches have twelve tail feathers and nine primary flight feathers. These birds fly with a bouncing motion, flapping their wings then gliding. Most finches sing well. Thirteen species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla (A)
- Evening grosbeak, Coccothraustes vespertinus (A)
- Pine grosbeak, Pinicola enucleator (A)
- Gray-crowned rosy-finch, Leucosticte tephrocotis (A)
- House finch, Haemorhous mexicanus (native to the southwestern U.S.; introduced to the east)
- Purple finch, Haemorhous purpureus
- Common redpoll, Acanthis flammea
- Hoary redpoll, Acanthis hornemanni (C)
- Red crossbill, Loxia curvirostra
- White-winged crossbill, Loxia leucoptera
- Pine siskin, Spinus pinus
- Lesser goldfinch, Spinus psaltria (A)
- American goldfinch, Spinus tristis
Longspurs and Snow Buntings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Calcariidae
This group of songbirds used to be considered part of the New World sparrows. However, they are different in several ways and usually live in open grassy areas. Four species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Lapland longspur, Calcarius lapponicus
- Chestnut-collared longspur, Calcarius ornatus (A)
- Smith's longspur, Calcarius pictus
- Snow bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis
New World Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passerellidae
Until 2017, these species were grouped with another family. Most of them are called sparrows, but they are not closely related to the Old World sparrows. Many of these birds have unique patterns on their heads. Twenty-six species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Grasshopper sparrow, Ammodramus savannarum
- Black-throated sparrow, Amphispiza bilineata (A)
- Lark sparrow, Chondestes grammacus
- Lark bunting, Calamospiza melanocorys (A)
- Chipping sparrow, Spizella passerina
- Clay-colored sparrow, Spizella pallida
- Field sparrow, Spizella pusilla
- Fox sparrow, Passerella iliaca
- American tree sparrow, Spizelloides arborea
- Dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis
- White-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys
- Golden-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia atricapilla (A)
- Harris's sparrow, Zonotrichia querula
- White-throated sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis
- Vesper sparrow, Pooecetes gramineus
- LeConte's sparrow, Ammospiza leconteii
- Nelson's sparrow, Ammospiza nelsoni
- Baird's sparrow, Centronyx bairdii (A)
- Henslow's sparrow, Centronyx henslowii
- Savannah sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis
- Song sparrow, Melospiza melodia
- Lincoln's sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii
- Swamp sparrow, Melospiza georgiana
- Green-tailed towhee, Pipilo chlorurus (A)
- Spotted towhee, Pipilo maculatus
- Eastern towhee, Pipilo erythrophthalmus
Yellow-breasted Chat
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteriidae
This bird was once thought to be a wood-warbler, but scientists were unsure. In 2017, it was placed in its own family.
- Yellow-breasted chat, Icteria virens
Troupials and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
This group includes grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. They are small to medium-sized, often colorful songbirds found only in the Americas. Most species are mainly black, sometimes with bright yellow, orange, or red colors. Fifteen species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Yellow-headed blackbird, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
- Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus
- Eastern meadowlark, Sturnella magna
- Western meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta
- Orchard oriole, Icterus spurius
- Hooded oriole, Icterus cucullatus (A)
- Bullock's oriole, Icterus bullockii (A)
- Baltimore oriole, Icterus galbula
- Scott's oriole, Icterus parisorum (A)
- Red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus
- Brown-headed cowbird, Molothus ater
- Rusty blackbird, Euphagus carolinus
- Brewer's blackbird, Euphagus cyanocephalus
- Common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula
- Great-tailed grackle, Quiscalus mexicanus
New World Warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae
The wood-warblers are a group of small, often colorful songbirds found only in the Americas. Most live in trees, but some, like the ovenbird, live more on the ground. Most birds in this family eat insects. Thirty-nine species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla
- Worm-eating warbler, Helmitheros vermivorum
- Louisiana waterthrush, Parkesia motacilla
- Northern waterthrush, Parkesia noveboracensis
- Golden-winged warbler, Vermivora chrysoptera
- Blue-winged warbler, Vermivora cyanoptera
- Black-and-white warbler, Mniotilta varia
- Prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea
- Swainson's warbler, Limnothlypis swainsonii (A)
- Tennessee warbler, Leiothlypis peregrina
- Orange-crowned warbler, Leiothlypis celata
- Nashville warbler, Leiothlypis ruficapilla
- Connecticut warbler, Oporornis agilis
- MacGillivray's warbler, Geothlypis tolmiei (A)
- Mourning warbler, Geothlypis philadelphia
- Kentucky warbler, Geothlypis formosa
- Common yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas
- Hooded warbler, Setophaga citrina
- American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla
- Cape May warbler, Setophaga tigrina
- Cerulean warbler, Setophaga cerulea
- Northern parula, Setophaga americana
- Magnolia warbler, Setophaga magnolia
- Bay-breasted warbler, Setophaga castanea
- Blackburnian warbler, Setophaga fusca
- Yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia
- Chestnut-sided warbler, Setophaga pensylvanica
- Blackpoll warbler, Setophaga striata
- Black-throated blue warbler, Setophaga caerulescens
- Palm warbler, Setophaga palmarum
- Pine warbler, Setophaga pinus
- Yellow-rumped warbler, Setophaga coronata
- Yellow-throated warbler, Setophaga dominica
- Prairie warbler, Setophaga discolor (C)
- Black-throated gray warbler, Setophaga nigrescens (A)
- Townsend's warbler, Setophaga townsendi (A)
- Black-throated green warbler, Setophaga virens
- Canada warbler, Cardellina canadensis
- Wilson's warbler, Cardellina pusilla
Cardinals and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae
The Cardinalidae are a family of strong, seed-eating birds with powerful bills. They usually live in open woodlands. Males and females often have different colored feathers. Eleven species have been recorded in Iowa.
- Summer tanager, Piranga rubra
- Scarlet tanager, Piranga olivacea
- Western tanager, Piranga ludoviciana (C)
- Northern cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis
- Rose-breasted grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus
- Black-headed grosbeak, Pheucticus melanocephalus (C)
- Blue grosbeak, Passerina caerulea
- Lazuli bunting, Passerina amoena
- Indigo bunting, Passerina cyanea
- Painted bunting, Passerina ciris (C)
- Dickcissel, Spiza americana
Images for kids
See Also
- List of birds
- Lists of birds by region
- List of North American birds