List of birds of Utah facts for kids

This is a list of all the different types of birds that have been seen and officially recorded in the state of Utah. As of July 2022, there are 469 bird species on this official list! Some of these birds live in Utah all the time, while others just visit during certain seasons or when they are migrating (traveling).
You'll see some special letters next to certain bird names. Here's what they mean:
- (A) Accidental: These birds are not usually found in Utah. It's a rare surprise to see them!
- (O) Occasional: These birds don't show up every year, but you might see a few of them sometimes in the right places.
- (R) Rare: These birds are found in Utah every year, but only in very small numbers.
- (I) Introduced: These birds were brought to Utah or North America by people, either on purpose or by accident. They weren't originally from here.
- (P) Provisional: These birds have been seen, but there isn't enough strong proof (like a photo or a specimen) to fully add them to the official list yet.
This list follows the order used by bird experts in North and Middle America.
Contents
- Ducks, Geese, and Swans
- New World Quail
- Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies
- Grebes
- Pigeons and Doves
- Rails, Gallinules, and Coots
- Cranes
- Stilts and Avocets
- Plovers and Lapwings
- Sandpipers and Allies
- Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
- Loons
- Pelicans
- Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns
- New World Vultures
- Osprey
- Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
- Owls
- Kingfishers
- Woodpeckers
- Falcons and Caracaras
- Tyrant Flycatchers
- Crows, Jays, and Magpies
- Swallows
- Wrens
- Mockingbirds and Thrashers
- Starlings
- Thrushes and Allies
- Finches, Euphonias, and Allies
- New World Sparrows
- Troupials and Allies
- New World Warblers
- Cardinals and Allies
- Images for kids
Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
This group includes ducks, geese, and swans. These birds are amazing swimmers and divers! They have webbed feet to help them paddle and special feathers that shed water easily. About 39 different kinds of ducks, geese, and swans have been seen in Utah.
- Snow goose, Anser caerulescens
- Canada goose, Branta canadensis
- Trumpeter swan, Cygnus buccinator (R)
- Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos
- Northern shoveler, Spatula clypeata
- Ruddy duck, Oxyura jamaicensis
New World Quail
Order: Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae
New World quails are small, plump 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. Three types of New World quails have been recorded in Utah.
- California quail, Callipepla californica (I)
- Gambel's quail, Callipepla gambelii
Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
This family includes pheasants, grouse, and similar birds. They are mostly ground-dwelling birds that vary in size. Many of them are popular for hunting or are raised for food. Ten species from this family have been seen in Utah.
- Wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo (I)
- Greater sage-grouse, Centrocercus urophasianus
- Ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus (I)
- Chukar, Alectoris chukar (I)
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-sized diving birds that live in freshwater. They have special lobed toes that help them swim and dive really well. However, because their feet are set far back on their bodies, they are quite clumsy on land! Six different grebe species have been recorded in Utah.
- Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps
- Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis
- Western grebe, Aechmorphorus occidentalis
Pigeons and Doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are birds with sturdy bodies, short necks, and slender beaks. Eight different species have been recorded in Utah.
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
- Eurasian collared-dove, Streptopelia decaocto (I)
- Mourning dove, Zenaida macroura
Rails, Gallinules, and Coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
This large family includes rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. These birds 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, which are great for walking on soft, uneven ground. Five species have been recorded in Utah.
- Virginia rail, Rallus limicola
- American coot, Fulica americana
Cranes
Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large birds with long legs and long necks. Unlike herons, cranes fly with their necks stretched out straight. They are known for their loud calls and fancy "dances" during mating season. Two crane species have been recorded in Utah.
- Sandhill crane, Antigone canadensis
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 Utah.
- Black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus
- American avocet, Recurvirostra americana
Plovers and Lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
Plovers, dotterels, and lapwings are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies and short, thick necks. They are found in open areas around the world, especially near water. Seven species have been recorded in Utah.
- Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus
- Snowy plover, Charadrius nivosus
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 areas without competing for food. Thirty-four species have been recorded in Utah.
- Long-billed curlew, Numenius americanus
- Marbled godwit, Limosa fedoa
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Wilson's snipe, Gallinago delicata
- Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularius
- Willet, Tringa semipalmata
- Wilson's phalarope, Phalaropus tricolor
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 markings. They have strong, longish bills and webbed feet. Twenty-four species have been recorded in Utah.
- Bonaparte's gull, Chroicocephalus philadelphia
- Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan
- Ring-billed gull, Larus delawarensis
- California gull, Larus californicus
- Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
- Black tern, Chlidonias niger
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 with spear-shaped bills. Loons are excellent swimmers and flyers, but they are very awkward on land because their legs are placed far back on their bodies. Four species have been recorded in Utah.
- Common loon, Gavia immer
Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are very large water birds famous for the big pouch under their beak, which they use to scoop up fish. Like other birds in their group, they have four webbed toes. Two species have been recorded in Utah.
- American white pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
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 are usually shorter-necked and more secretive. These birds fly with their necks pulled back, which is different from other long-necked birds like storks. Twelve species have been recorded in Utah.
- Great blue heron, Ardea herodias
- Great egret, Ardea alba
- Snowy egret, Egretta thula
- Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
New World Vultures
Order: Cathartiformes Family: Cathartidae
New World vultures look like Old World vultures, but they are not closely related. They both eat dead animals (carrion). Unlike Old World vultures, which find food by sight, New World vultures have a great sense of smell to find carcasses. Two species have been recorded in Utah.
- California condor, Gymnogyps californianus (R) (I)
- Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura
Osprey
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
The Osprey is a bird of prey that eats fish. It has a very large, strong, hooked beak for tearing meat, powerful legs, sharp talons, and excellent eyesight. It's the only bird in its family.
- Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
This family includes hawks, eagles, kites, and harriers. These birds of prey have very large, strong, hooked beaks for tearing meat, powerful legs, sharp talons, and keen eyesight. Seventeen species have been recorded in Utah.
- Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
- Bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis
- Northern harrier, Circus hudsonius
Owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
Typical owls are solitary birds of prey that hunt mostly at night. They have large eyes that face forward and ears that help them hear very well. They also have a hawk-like beak and a circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. Thirteen species have been recorded in Utah.
- Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus
- Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia
- Long-eared owl, Asio otus
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 Utah.
- Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon
Woodpeckers
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues for catching insects. Many woodpeckers tap loudly on tree trunks with their beaks. Thirteen species have been recorded in Utah.
- Lewis's woodpecker, Melanerpes lewis
- Northern flicker, Colaptes auratus
- Downy woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens
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 instead of their talons. Five species have been recorded in Utah.
- American kestrel, Falco sparverius
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
- Prairie falcon, Falco mexicanus
Tyrant Flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tyrannidae
Tyrant flycatchers are songbirds found across North and South America. They look a bit like other flycatchers but are stronger and have more powerful bills. Most of them eat insects. Twenty-three species have been recorded in Utah.
- Western kingbird, Tyrannus verticalis
- Olive-sided flycatcher, Contopus cooperi
- Say's phoebe, Sayornis saya
Crows, Jays, and Magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
This family includes crows, ravens, jays, and magpies. These birds are larger than average for songbirds, and some of the bigger species are very intelligent. Nine species have been recorded in Utah.
- Pinyon jay, Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus
- Steller's jay, Cyanocitta stelleri
- Black-billed magpie, Pica hudsonia
- American crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos
- Common raven, Corvus corax
Swallows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
Swallows are birds that are great at catching insects while flying. They have slender bodies, long pointed wings, and short bills with wide mouths. Their feet are better for perching than walking. Seven species have been recorded in Utah.
- Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
- Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Wrens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
Wrens are small, often hard-to-see birds, but they have very loud songs! They have short wings and thin, downward-curved bills. Many species hold their tails straight up. All wrens eat insects. Eight species have been recorded in Utah.
- Rock wren, Salpinctes obsoletus
- House wren, Troglodytes aedon
- Marsh wren, Cistothorus palustris
Mockingbirds and Thrashers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae
This family includes thrashers and mockingbirds. 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. Eight species have been recorded in Utah.
- Northern mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos
- Sage thrasher, Oreoscoptes montanus
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 metallic shine. One species has been recorded in Utah.
- European starling, Sturnus vulgaris (I)
Thrushes and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
Thrushes are plump, soft-feathered songbirds that are small to medium-sized. They eat insects or sometimes a mix of food, often finding food on the ground. Many have beautiful songs. Eleven species have been recorded in Utah.
- Western bluebird, Sialia mexicana
- Mountain bluebird, Sialia currucoides
- American robin, Turdus migratorius
- Hermit thrush, Catharus guttatus
Finches, Euphonias, and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating songbirds that range from small to moderately large. They have strong, often cone-shaped beaks. All finches have twelve tail feathers and nine main wing feathers. They fly with a bouncy motion, flapping and then gliding with closed wings. Most sing well. Seventeen species have been recorded in Utah.
- House finch, Haemorhous mexicanus
- Cassin's finch, Haemorhous cassinii
- Pine siskin, Spinus pinus
- American goldfinch, Spinus tristis
New World Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passerellidae
These birds are often called sparrows, but they are not closely related to the "Old World sparrows." Many of them have unique patterns on their heads. Thirty-two species have been recorded in Utah.
- Black-throated sparrow, Amphispiza bilineata
- Chipping sparrow, Spizella passerina
- Dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis
- White-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys
- Song sparrow, Melospiza melodia
- Spotted towhee, Pipilo maculatus
Troupials and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
This group includes grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. These 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. Sixteen species have been recorded in Utah.
- Yellow-headed blackbird, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
- Western meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta
- Bullock's oriole, Icterus bullockii
- Red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus
- Brewer's blackbird, Euphagus cyanocephalus
New World Warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae
Wood-warblers are a group of small, often colorful songbirds found only in the Americas. Most live in trees, but some, like the ovenbird, spend more time on the ground. Most members of this family eat insects. Forty-one species have been recorded in Utah.
- Yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia
- Common yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas
- Yellow-rumped warbler, Setophaga coronata
- Wilson's warbler, Cardellina pusilla
Cardinals and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae
Cardinals are a family of strong, seed-eating birds with powerful bills. They usually live in open woodlands. The males and females often have different feather colors. Twelve species have been recorded in Utah.
- Western tanager, Piranga ludoviciana
- Black-headed grosbeak, Pheucticus melanocephalus
- Lazuli bunting, Passerina amoena