List of birds of Washington (state) facts for kids
The state of Washington is home to many different kinds of birds! This list tells you about the 522 types of birds that have been seen here. Some birds live in Washington all the time, while others visit in summer or winter, or just pass through.
You'll see some special letters next to certain birds:
- (A) Accidental: These birds don't usually live in Washington. They've only been seen 20 or fewer times in the last 10 years.
- (S) Sight record: These birds have only been seen and written about, but there's no photo or other proof.
- (I) Introduced: Humans brought these birds to Washington, either on purpose or by accident.
Contents
- Ducks, Geese, and Swans
- Quails and Game Birds
- Grebes
- Pigeons and Doves
- Cuckoos
- Nightjars and Swifts
- Hummingbirds
- Rails, Gallinules, and Coots
- Cranes
- Shorebirds
- Skuas and Jaegers
- Auks, Murres, and Puffins
- Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
- Tropicbirds
- Loons
- Albatrosses
- Storm-Petrels and Shearwaters
- Frigatebirds
- Boobies and Gannets
- Cormorants and Pelicans
- Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns
- Ibises and Spoonbills
- New World Vultures
- Osprey
- Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
- Owls
- Kingfishers
- Woodpeckers
- Falcons and Caracaras
- Tyrant Flycatchers
- Vireos
- Shrikes
- Crows, Jays, and Magpies
- Chickadees and Titmice
- Larks
- Swallows
- Long-tailed Tits
- Kinglets
- Waxwings
- Silky-Flycatchers
- Nuthatches
- Treecreepers
- Gnatcatchers
- Wrens
- Mockingbirds and Thrashers
- Starlings
- Dippers
- Thrushes and Allies
- Old World Flycatchers
- Accentors
- Old World Sparrows
- Wagtails and Pipits
- Finches and Allies
- Longspurs and Snow Buntings
- Old World Buntings
- New World Sparrows
- Yellow-breasted Chat
- Troupials and Allies
- New World Warblers
- Cardinals and Allies
- See also
Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
This group includes ducks, geese, and swans. These birds are great at living in water! They have webbed feet, flat beaks, and special oily feathers that shed water easily. Forty-eight different kinds of these birds have been seen in Washington.
- Fulvous whistling-duck, Dendrocygna bicolor (A)
- Emperor goose, Anser canagica
- Snow goose, Anser caerulescens
- Ross's goose, Anser rossii
- Pink-footed goose, Anser brachyrhynchus (A)
- Greater white-fronted goose, Anser albifrons
- Taiga bean-goose, Anser fabalis (A)
- Brant, Branta bernicla
- Cackling goose, Branta hutchinsii
- Canada goose, Branta canadensis
- Trumpeter swan, Cygnus buccinator
- Tundra swan, Cygnus columbianus
- Whooper swan, Cygnus cygnus (A)
- Wood duck, Aix sponsa
- Baikal teal, Sibirionetta formosa (A)
- Garganey, Spatula querquedula (A)
- Blue-winged teal, Spatula discors
- Cinnamon teal, Spatula cyanoptera
- Northern shoveler, Spatula clypeata
- Gadwall, Mareca strepera
- Falcated duck, Mareca falcata (A)
- Eurasian wigeon, Mareca penelope
- American wigeon, Mareca americana
- Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos
- Northern pintail, Anas acuta
- Green-winged teal, Anas crecca
- Canvasback, Aythya valisineria
- Redhead, Aythya americana
- Ring-necked duck, Aythya collaris
- Tufted duck, Aythya fuligula
- Greater scaup, Aythya marila
- Lesser scaup, Aythya affinis
- Steller's eider, Polysticta stelleri (A)
- King eider, Somateria spectabilis (A)
- Common eider, Somateria mollissima (A)
- Harlequin duck, Histrionicus histrionicus
- 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
- Smew, Mergellus albellus (A)
- Hooded merganser, Lophodytes cucullatus
- Common merganser, Mergus merganser
- Red-breasted merganser, Mergus serrator
- Ruddy duck, Oxyura jamaicensis
Quails and Game Birds
Order: Galliformes
This group includes quails, pheasants, and grouse. They are usually plump birds that live on the ground. Many of them are hunted for sport or raised for food.
New World Quail
Family: Odontophoridae
New World quails are small, round birds. They look a bit like Old World quails but are not closely related. Three species have been seen in Washington.
- Mountain quail, Callipepla pictus
- Northern bobwhite, Colinus virginianus (I)
- California quail, Callipepla californica (I)
Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies
Family: Phasianidae
This family includes pheasants and grouse. They are ground-dwelling birds that vary in size. Many have short, broad wings. Eleven species have been recorded in Washington.
- Wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo (I)
- Ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus
- Greater sage-grouse, Centrocercus urophasianus
- Spruce grouse, Canachites canadensis
- White-tailed ptarmigan, Lagopus leucurus
- Dusky grouse, Dendragapus obscurus
- Sooty grouse, Dendragapus fuliginosus
- Sharp-tailed grouse, Tympanuchus phasianellus
- Gray partridge, Perdix perdix (I)
- 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 lobed toes, which help them swim and dive very well. However, their feet are set far back on their bodies, making them clumsy on land. Seven species have been seen in Washington.
- Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis (A)
- 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
Pigeons and Doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are birds with sturdy bodies, short necks, and thin beaks. Six species have been recorded in Washington.
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
- Band-tailed pigeon, Patagioenas fasciata
- European turtle-dove, Streptopelia turtur (A)
- Eurasian collared-dove, Streptopelia decaocto (I)
- White-winged dove, Zenaida asiatica (A)
- Mourning dove, Zenaida macroura
Cuckoos
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
This family includes cuckoos and roadrunners. These birds have slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. Two species have been seen in Washington.
- Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus (A)
- Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus (A)
Nightjars and Swifts
Order: Apodiformes
This group includes birds that are amazing fliers!
Nightjars and Allies
Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized birds that are active at night. They usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short beaks. Their soft feathers are colored to help them blend in with tree bark or leaves. Two species have been seen in Washington.
- Common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor
- Common poorwill, Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
Swifts
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. Three species have been seen in Washington.
- Black swift, Cypseloides niger
- Vaux's swift, Chaetura vauxi
- White-throated swift, Aeronautes saxatalis
Hummingbirds
Order: Apodiformes Family: Trochilidae
Hummingbirds are tiny birds famous for hovering in the air by flapping their wings super fast. They are the only birds that can fly backward! Nine species have been recorded in Washington.
- Ruby-throated hummingbird, Archilochus colubris (A)
- Black-chinned hummingbird, Archilochus alexandri
- Anna's hummingbird, Calypte anna
- Costa's hummingbird, Calypte costae (A)
- Calliope hummingbird, Selasphorus calliope
- Rufous hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus
- Allen's hummingbird, Selasphorus sasin (A)
- Broad-tailed hummingbird, Selasphorus platycercus (A)
- 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, coots, and gallinules. 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. Five species have been seen in Washington.
- Virginia rail, Rallus limicola
- Sora, Porzana carolina
- American coot, Fulica americana
- Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus (A)
- Yellow rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis (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. They often have fancy and loud "dances" during mating season. Two species have been seen in Washington.
- Sandhill crane, Antigone canadensis
- Common crane, Grus grus (A)
Shorebirds
Order: Charadriiformes
This large group includes many birds that live near water, like stilts, avocets, oystercatchers, plovers, and sandpipers.
Stilts and Avocets
Family: Recurvirostridae
This family includes avocets and stilts, which are large wading birds. Avocets have long legs and long, upward-curved beaks. Stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight beaks. Two species have been seen in Washington.
- Black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus
- American avocet, Recurvirostra americana
Oystercatchers
Family: Haematopodidae
Oystercatchers are large, noticeable, and noisy birds. They have strong beaks that they use to smash open or pry apart shellfish. One species has been seen in Washington.
- Black oystercatcher, Haematopus bachmani
Plovers and Lapwings
Family: Charadriidae
This family includes plovers and dotterels. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short thick necks, and long, pointed wings. They live in open areas worldwide, especially near water. Twelve species have been seen in Washington.
- Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
- Pacific golden-plover, Pluvialis fulva
- Eurasian dotterel, Charadrius morinellus (A)
- Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus
- Common ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula (A) (S)
- Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
- Piping plover, Charadrius melodus (A)
- Lesser sand-plover, Charadrius mongolus (A)
- Wilson's plover, Charadrius wilsonia (A)
- Snowy plover, Charadrius nivosus
- Mountain plover, Charadrius montanus (A)
Sandpipers and Allies
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. Different beak and leg lengths allow many species to feed in the same places without competing for food. Forty-four species have been seen in Washington.
- Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda (A)
- Bristle-thighed curlew, Numenius tahitiensis (A)
- Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
- Long-billed curlew, Numenius americanus
- Bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica
- Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica
- Marbled godwit, Limosa fedoa
- Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
- Black turnstone, Arenaria melanocephala
- Red knot, Calidris canutus
- Surfbird, Calidris virgata
- Ruff, Calidris pugnax
- Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Calidris acuminata
- Stilt sandpiper, Calidris himantopus
- Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea (A)
- Temminck's stint, Calidris temminckii (A)
- Red-necked stint, Calidris ruficollis (A)
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Dunlin, Calidris alpina
- Rock sandpiper, Calidris ptilocnemis
- Baird's sandpiper, Calidris bairdii
- Little stint, Calidris minuta (A)
- Least sandpiper, Calidris minutilla
- White-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis (A)
- 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
- Jack snipe, Lymnocryptes minimus (A) (S)
- Wilson's snipe, Gallinago delicata
- Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularia
- Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria
- Gray-tailed tattler, Tringa brevipes (A)
- Wandering tattler, Tringa incana
- Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes
- Willet, Tringa semipalmata
- Spotted redshank, Tringa erythropus (A) (S)
- Greater yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
- Wood sandpiper, Tringa glareola (A)
- Wilson's phalarope, Phalaropus tricolor
- Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus
- Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius
Skuas and Jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
Skuas are medium to large birds, usually gray or brown. They look like big, dark gulls but have a hooked beak. They are strong, acrobatic fliers. Four species have been seen in Washington.
- South polar skua, Stercorarius maccormicki
- Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
- Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
- Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus
Auks, Murres, and Puffins
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Alcidae
This family includes auks, murres, and puffins. These birds have short wings and live on the open sea, only coming to land to breed. Sixteen species have been seen in Washington.
- Common murre, Uria aalge
- Thick-billed murre, Uria lomvia (A)
- Pigeon guillemot, Cepphus columba
- Long-billed murrelet, Brachyramphus perdix (A)
- Marbled murrelet, Brachyramphus marmoratus
- Kittlitz's murrelet, Brachyramphus brevirostris (A)
- Scripps's murrelet, Synthliboramphus scrippsi
- Guadalupe murrelet, Synthliboramphus hyoleucus (A)
- Ancient murrelet, Synthliboarmphus antiquus
- Cassin's auklet, Ptychoramphus aleuticus
- Parakeet auklet, Aethia psittacula
- Least auklet, Aethia pusilla (A)
- Crested auklet, Aethia cristatella (A)
- Rhinoceros auklet, Cerorhinca monocerata
- Horned puffin, Fratercula corniculata
- Tufted puffin, Fratercula cirrhata
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 marks on their heads or wings. They have strong beaks and webbed feet. Thirty-one species have been seen in Washington.
- Swallow-tailed gull, Creagrus furcatus (A)
- Black-legged kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla
- Red-legged kittiwake, Rissa brevirostris (A)
- 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 (A)
- Ross's gull, Rhodostethia rosea (A)
- Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla (A)
- Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan
- Black-tailed gull, Larus crassirostris (A)
- Heermann's gull, Larus heermanni
- Short-billed gull, Larus brachyrhynchus
- Ring-billed gull, Larus delawarensis
- Western gull, Larus occidentalis
- California gull, Larus californicus
- 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
- Glaucous gull, Larus hyperboreus
- Great black-backed gull, Larus marinus (A)
- Least tern, Sternula antillarum (A)
- Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
- Black tern, Chlidonias niger
- Common tern, Sterna hirundo
- Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea
- Forster's tern, Sterna forsteri
- Elegant tern, Thalasseus elegans
Tropicbirds
Order: Phaethontiformes Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are slender white birds that live in tropical oceans. They have very long central tail feathers. One species has been seen in Washington.
- Red-billed tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus (A)
Loons
Order: Gaviiformes Family: Gaviidae
Loons are aquatic birds, about the size of a large duck. They are mostly gray or black and have spear-shaped beaks. Loons swim and fly well, but they are very clumsy on land because their legs are at the back of their bodies. Five species have been seen in Washington.
- Red-throated loon, Gavia stellata
- Arctic loon, Gavia arctica (A)
- Pacific loon, Gavia pacifica
- Common loon, Gavia immer
- Yellow-billed loon, Gavia adamsii
Albatrosses
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Diomedeidae
Albatrosses are among the largest flying birds. Some have the biggest wingspans of any living bird! Four species have been seen in Washington.
- White-capped albatross, Thalassarche cauta (A)
- Laysan albatross, Phoebastria immutabilis
- Black-footed albatross, Phoebastria nigripes
- Short-tailed albatross, Phoebastria albatrus
Storm-Petrels and Shearwaters
Order: Procellariiformes
This group includes small seabirds that often feed on tiny ocean creatures while hovering over the water.
Southern Storm-Petrels
Family: Oceanitidae
Storm-petrels are the smallest seabirds. They are related to petrels and eat tiny crustaceans and small fish from the water's surface. Their flight is fluttery, sometimes like a bat. One species has been seen in Washington.
- Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus (A)
Northern Storm-Petrels
Family: Hydrobatidae
These storm-petrels look and act much like the southern ones, but genetic differences mean they are in a separate family. Three species have been seen in Washington.
- Fork-tailed storm-petrel, Hydrobates furcatus
- Leach's storm-petrel, Hydrobates leucorhous
- Ashy storm-petrel, Hydrobates homochroa (A)
Shearwaters and Petrels
Family: Procellariidae
This family includes medium-sized "true petrels." They have nostrils that are joined together and a long outer wing feather. Fifteen species have been seen in Washington.
- Northern giant-petrel, Macronectes halli (A)
- Northern fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis
- Providence petrel, Pterodroma solandri (A)
- Murphy's petrel, Pterodroma ultima
- Mottled petrel, Pterodroma inexpectata
- Hawaiian petrel, Pterodroma sandwichensis (A)
- Cook's petrel, Pterodroma cookii (A)
- Wedge-tailed shearwater, Ardenna pacificus (A)
- Buller's shearwater, Ardenna bulleri
- Short-tailed shearwater, Ardenna tenuirostris
- Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus
- Great shearwater, Ardenna gravis (A)
- Pink-footed shearwater, Ardenna creatopus
- Flesh-footed shearwater, Ardenna carneipes
- Manx shearwater, Puffinus puffinus
Frigatebirds
Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds found in tropical oceans. They are mostly black or black and white, with long wings and deeply forked tails. Males have colorful throat pouches that can inflate. They don't swim or walk well and can't take off from flat ground. They are amazing fliers, able to stay in the air for over a week! One species has been seen in Washington.
- 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 headfirst into the water to catch fish. Four species have been seen in Washington.
- Nazca booby, Sula granti (A)
- Blue-footed booby, Sula nebouxii (A)
- Brown booby, Sula leucogaster
- Red-footed booby, Sula sula (A)
Cormorants and Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes
These are large water birds, often found near coasts or large bodies of water.
Cormorants and Shags
Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Cormorants are medium to large aquatic birds, usually dark-feathered with colored skin on their faces. Their beaks are long, thin, and sharply hooked. They have webbed feet with four toes. Three species have been seen in Washington.
- Brandt's cormorant, Urile penicillatus
- Pelagic cormorant, Urile pelagicus
- Double-crested cormorant, Nannopterum auritum
Pelicans
Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are very large water birds with a unique pouch under their beak. Like other birds in their group, they have four webbed toes. Two species have been seen in Washington.
- American white pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
- Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis
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. Nine species have been seen in Washington.
- American bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus
- Great blue heron, Ardea herodias
- Great egret, Ardea alba
- Snowy egret, Egretta thula (A)
- Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea (A)
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis (A)
- Green heron, Butorides virescens
- Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
- Yellow-crowned night-heron, Nyctanassa violacea (A)
Ibises and Spoonbills
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
This family includes ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings and long bodies, necks, and legs. Ibises have downward-curved beaks, while spoonbills have straight, flattened beaks. Three species have been seen in Washington.
- White ibis, Eudocimus albus (A)
- Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus (A)
- White-faced ibis, Plegadis chihi
New World Vultures
Order: Cathartiformes Family: Cathartidae
New World vultures look like Old World vultures but are not closely related. They are scavengers, meaning they eat dead animals. Unlike Old World vultures, which find food by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell. Two species have been seen in Washington.
- Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura
- California condor, Gymnogyps californianus (A) (S) extirpated
Osprey
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
The Osprey is a unique bird of prey that eats fish. It has a very large, powerful hooked beak, strong legs, sharp talons, and excellent eyesight.
- 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, powerful hooked beaks for tearing meat from their prey. They also have strong legs, powerful talons, and sharp eyesight. Fifteen species have been seen in Washington.
- White-tailed kite, Elanus leucurus (A)
- 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
- Red-shouldered hawk, Buteo lineatus
- Broad-winged hawk, Buteo platypterus
- Swainson's hawk, Buteo swainsoni
- Zone-tailed hawk, Buteo albonotatus (A)
- Red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis
- Rough-legged hawk, Buteo lagopus
- Ferruginous hawk, Buteo regalis
Owls
Order: Strigiformes
Owls are fascinating nocturnal (nighttime) birds of prey.
Barn-Owls
Family: Tytonidae
Barn-owls are medium to large owls with big heads and unique heart-shaped faces. They have long, strong legs with powerful talons. One species has been seen in Washington.
- Barn owl, Tyto alba
Typical Owls
Family: Strigidae
Typical owls are usually solitary birds of prey that hunt at night. They have large eyes that face forward and big ears. They have a hawk-like beak and a circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. Fourteen species have been seen in Washington.
- Flammulated owl, Psiloscops flammeolus
- Western screech-owl, Megascops kennicottii
- Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus
- Snowy owl, Bubo scandiacus
- Northern hawk owl, Surnia ulula
- Northern pygmy-owl, Glaucidium gnoma
- Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia
- Spotted owl, Strix occidentalis
- Barred owl, Strix varia
- Great gray owl, Strix nebulosa
- Long-eared owl, Asio otus
- Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
- Boreal owl, Aegolius funereus
- Northern saw-whet owl, Aegolius acadicus
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed beaks, short legs, and stubby tails. Two species have been seen in Washington.
- Ringed kingfisher, Megaceryle torquata (A)
- 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 seen in Washington.
- Lewis's woodpecker, Melanerpes lewis
- Acorn woodpecker, Melanerpes formicivorus
- Williamson's sapsucker, Sphyrapicus thyroideus
- Yellow-bellied sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius (A)
- Red-naped sapsucker, Sphyrapicus nuchalis
- Red-breasted sapsucker, Sphyrapicus ruber
- American three-toed woodpecker, Picoides dorsalis
- Black-backed woodpecker, Picoides arcticus
- Downy woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens
- Hairy woodpecker, Dryobates villosus
- White-headed woodpecker, Dryobates albolarvatus
- Northern flicker, Colaptes auratus
- Pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus
Falcons and Caracaras
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
This family includes falcons and caracaras. Unlike hawks and eagles, falcons kill their prey with their beaks instead of their talons. Eight species have been seen in Washington.
- Crested caracara, Caracara plancus (A)
- Eurasian kestrel, Falco tinnunculus (A)
- American kestrel, Falco sparverius
- Merlin, Falco columbarius
- Eurasian hobby, Falco subbuteo (A)
- Gyrfalcon, Falco rusticolus
- 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 Old World flycatchers but are stronger and have sturdier beaks. Most of them eat insects. Twenty-four species have been seen in Washington.
- Dusky-capped flycatcher, Myiarchus tuberculifer (A)
- Ash-throated flycatcher, Myiarchus cinerascens
- Variegated flycatcher, Empidonomus varius (A)
- Tropical kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus
- Western kingbird, Tyrannus verticalis
- Eastern kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus
- Scissor-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus (A)
- Fork-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus savana (A)
- Olive-sided flycatcher, Contopus cooperi
- Greater pewee, Contopus pertinax (A) (S)
- Western wood-pewee, Contopus sordidulus
- Eastern wood-pewee, Contopus virens (A)
- Yellow-bellied flycatcher, Empidonax flaviventris (A)
- Alder flycatcher, Empidonax alnorum (A)
- Willow flycatcher, Empidonax traillii
- Least flycatcher, Empidonax minimus
- Hammond's flycatcher, Empidonax hammondii
- Gray flycatcher, Empidonax wrightii
- Dusky flycatcher, Empidonax oberholseri
- Western flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis
- Black phoebe, Sayornis nigricans
- Eastern phoebe, Sayornis phoebe (A)
- Say's phoebe, Sayornis saya
- Vermilion flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus (A)
Vireos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
Vireos are small to medium-sized songbirds, mostly found in the Americas. They are usually greenish and look a bit like wood warblers, but with heavier beaks. Nine species have been seen in Washington.
- White-eyed vireo, Vireo griseus (A) (S)
- Bell's vireo, Vireo bellii (A)
- Hutton's vireo, Vireo huttoni
- Yellow-throated vireo, Vireo flavifrons (A)
- Cassin's vireo, Vireo cassinii
- Blue-headed vireo, Vireo solitarius (A)
- Philadelphia vireo, Vireo philadelphicus (A) (S)
- Warbling vireo, Vireo gilvus
- Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus
Shrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae
Shrikes are songbirds known for catching small animals and impaling them on thorns. Their beaks are hooked, like a bird of prey. Two species have been seen in Washington.
- Loggerhead shrike, Lanius ludovicianus
- Northern shrike, Lanius borealis
Crows, Jays, and Magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
This family includes crows, ravens, jays, and magpies. Corvids are larger than average songbirds, and some of the bigger species are very smart! Ten species have been seen in Washington.
- Canada jay, Perisoreus canadensis
- Pinyon jay, Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus (A)
- Steller's jay, Cyanocitta stelleri
- Blue jay, Cyanocitta cristata
- California scrub-jay, Aphelocoma californica
- Woodhouse's scrub-jay, Aphelocoma woodhouseii (A)
- Clark's nutcracker, Nucifraga columbiana
- Black-billed magpie, Pica hudsonia
- American crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos
- Common raven, Corvus corax
Chickadees and Titmice
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae
Chickadees are small, sturdy woodland birds with short, strong beaks. They are adaptable and eat a mix of seeds and insects. Four species have been seen in Washington.
- Black-capped chickadee, Poecile atricapilla
- Mountain chickadee, Poecile gambeli
- Chestnut-backed chickadee, Poecile rufescens
- Boreal chickadee, Poecile hudsonica
Larks
Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small ground birds known for their fancy songs and display flights. Most larks look fairly plain. They eat insects and seeds. Two species have been seen in Washington.
- Eurasian skylark, Alauda arvensis (I) (A)
- Horned lark, Eremophila alpestris
Swallows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
Swallows are built for catching food in the air. They have slender bodies, long pointed wings, and short beaks with wide mouths. Their feet are better for perching than walking. Seven species have been seen in Washington.
- Bank swallow, Riparia riparia
- Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor
- Violet-green swallow, Tachycineta thalassina
- Northern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis
- Purple martin, Progne subis
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
- Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Long-tailed Tits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Aegithalidae
Long-tailed tits are small songbirds with medium to long tails. They build woven, bag-like nests in trees. Most eat a mix of insects. One species has been seen in Washington.
- Bushtit, Psaltriparus minimus
Kinglets
Order: Passeriformes Family: Regulidae
Kinglets are a small family of very tiny insect-eating birds. Adult kinglets have colored crowns, which is how they got their name. Two species have been seen in Washington.
- Ruby-crowned kinglet, Corthylio calendula
- Golden-crowned kinglet, Regulus satrapa
Waxwings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Bombycillidae
Waxwings are songbirds with soft, silky feathers and unique red tips on some wing feathers that look like sealing wax. They live in northern forests and eat insects in summer and berries in winter. Two species have been seen in Washington.
- Bohemian waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus
- Cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum
Silky-Flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Ptiliogonatidae
Silky-flycatchers are a small family of songbirds, mostly found in Central America. They are related to waxwings and also have soft, silky feathers, usually gray or pale yellow. They have small crests. One species has been seen in Washington.
- Phainopepla, Phainopepla nitens (A)
Nuthatches
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have a special ability to climb down trees headfirst, unlike most other birds that only climb up. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails, and strong beaks and feet. Three species have been seen in Washington.
- Red-breasted nuthatch, Sitta canadensis
- White-breasted nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis
- Pygmy nuthatch, Sitta pygmaea
Treecreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae
Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown on top and white underneath. They have thin, pointed, downward-curved beaks that they use to pull insects from tree bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which help them support themselves on trees. One species has been seen in Washington.
- Brown creeper, Certhia americana
Gnatcatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Polioptilidae
These delicate birds look and act like Old World warblers, moving quickly through leaves to find insects. Gnatcatchers are usually soft bluish-gray and have the long, sharp beak of an insect-eater. Many have distinct black head patterns and long, often cocked, black-and-white tails. One species has been seen in Washington.
- Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Polioptila caerulea
Wrens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
Wrens are small and often hard to see, but they have very loud songs! They have short wings and thin, downward-curved beaks. Several species often hold their tails straight up. All wrens eat insects. Seven species have been seen in Washington.
- Rock wren, Salpinctes obsoletus
- Canyon wren, Catherpes mexicanus
- House wren, Troglodytes aedon
- Pacific wren, Troglodytes pacificus
- Winter wren, Troglodytes hiemalis (A)
- Marsh wren, Cistothorus palustris
- Bewick's wren, Thryomanes bewickii
Mockingbirds and Thrashers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae
This family includes thrashers, mockingbirds, and catbirds. These birds are famous for their amazing songs and their ability to copy many different bird calls and other sounds. They tend to be dull gray and brown. Four species have been seen in Washington.
- Gray catbird, Dumetella carolinensis
- Brown thrasher, Toxostoma rufum (A)
- Sage thrasher, Oreoscoptes montanus
- 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 metallic shine. One species has been seen in Washington.
- European starling, Sturnus vulgaris (I)
Dippers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cinclidae
Dippers are small, sturdy birds that feed in cold, fast-moving streams. One species has been seen in Washington.
- American dipper, Cinclus mexicanus
Thrushes and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
Thrushes are a group of songbirds, mostly found in the Old World. They are plump, soft-feathered, and small to medium-sized. They eat insects or sometimes everything, often feeding on the ground. Many have beautiful songs. Eleven species have been seen in Washington.
- Western bluebird, Sialia mexicana
- Mountain bluebird, Sialia currucoides
- Townsend's solitaire, Myadestes townsendi
- Veery, Catharus fuscescens
- Swainson's thrush, Catharus ustulatus
- Hermit thrush, Catharus guttatus
- Dusky thrush, Turdus eunomus (A) (S)
- Redwing, Turdus iliacus (A)
- Song thrush, Turdys philomelos (A)
- American robin, Turdus migratorius
- Varied thrush, Ixoreus naevius
Old World Flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae
Old World flycatchers are a large family of small songbirds. These are mainly small birds that live in trees and eat insects, often catching them in flight. Two species have been seen in Washington.
- Red-flanked bluetail, Tarsiger cyanurus (A)
- Northern wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe (A)
Accentors
Order: Passeriformes Family: Prunellidae
Accentors are small, rather plain birds with thin, sharp beaks. They look a bit like sparrows but are not closely related. They are native to Europe and Asia and only rarely appear in North America. One species has been seen in Washington.
- Siberian accentor, Prunella montanella (A)
Old World Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Old World sparrows are small songbirds. Generally, sparrows are small, plump, brownish or grayish birds with short tails and strong beaks. They eat seeds but also small insects. One species has been seen in Washington.
- House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)
Wagtails and Pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
This family includes wagtails and pipits. They are slender songbirds with medium to long tails that feed on insects on the ground in open areas. Five species have been seen in Washington.
- Eastern yellow wagtail, Motacilla tschutschensis (A)
- Gray wagtail, Motacilla cinerea (A)
- White wagtail, Motacilla alba (A)
- Red-throated pipit, Anthus cervinus (A) (S)
- American pipit, Anthus rubescens
Finches and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating songbirds that are small to medium-large. They have strong, usually cone-shaped beaks. They have a bouncy flight, flapping their wings and then gliding with them closed. Most finches sing well. Fifteen species have been seen in Washington.
- Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla (A)
- Evening grosbeak, Coccothraustes vespertinus
- Pine grosbeak, Pinicola enucleator
- Gray-crowned rosy-finch, Leucosticte tephrocotis
- House finch, Haemorhous mexicanus
- Purple finch, Haemorhous purpureus
- Cassin's finch, Haemorhous cassinii
- Common redpoll, Acanthis flammea
- Hoary redpoll, Acanthis hornemanni (A)
- Red crossbill, Loxia curvirostra
- White-winged crossbill, Loxia leucoptera
- Pine siskin, Spinus pinus
- Lesser goldfinch, Spinus psaltria
- Lawrence's goldfinch, Spinus lawrencei (A)
- American goldfinch, Spinus tristis
Longspurs and Snow Buntings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Calcariidae
This group of songbirds was once thought to be part of the New World sparrows, but they are different and usually live in open grassy areas. Six species have been seen in Washington.
- Lapland longspur, Calcarius lapponicus
- Chestnut-collared longspur, Calcarius ornatus (A)
- Smith's longspur, Calcarius pictus (A)
- Thick-billed longspur, Rhyncophanes mccownii (A) (S)
- Snow bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis
- McKay's bunting, Plectrophenax hyperboreus (A)
Old World Buntings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
This family of songbirds contains only one group. Until recently, New World sparrows were also in this family. Two species have been seen in Washington.
- Little bunting, Emberiza pusilla (A)
- Rustic bunting, Emberiza rustica (A)
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. Twenty-six species have been seen in Washington.
- Cassin's sparrow, Peucaea cassinii (A)
- Grasshopper sparrow, Ammodramus savannarum
- Black-throated sparrow, Amphispiza bilineata
- Lark sparrow, Chondestes grammacus
- Lark bunting, Calamospiza melanocorys (A)
- Chipping sparrow, Spizella passerina
- Clay-colored sparrow, Spizella pallida
- Field sparrow, Spizella pusilla (A)
- Brewer's sparrow, Spizella breweri
- Fox sparrow, Passerella iliaca
- American tree sparrow, Spizelloides arborea
- Dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis
- White-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys
- Golden-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia atricapilla
- Harris's sparrow, Zonotrichia querula
- White-throated sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis
- Sagebrush sparrow, Artemisiospiza nevadensis
- Vesper sparrow, Pooecetes gramineus
- LeConte's sparrow, Ammospiza leconteii (A)
- Nelson's sparrow, Ammospiza nelsoni (A) (S)
- Savannah sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis
- Song sparrow, Melospiza melodia
- Lincoln's sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii
- Swamp sparrow, Melospiza georgiana
- Green-tailed towhee, Pipilo chlorurus
- Spotted towhee, Pipilo maculatus
Yellow-breasted Chat
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteriidae
This bird used to be grouped with the wood-warblers, but scientists decided it was unique enough to have its own family in 2017.
- Yellow-breasted chat, Icteria virens
Troupials and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
This family 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 feathers. Sixteen species have been seen in Washington.
- Yellow-headed blackbird, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
- Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus
- Eastern meadowlark, Sturnella magna (A)
- Western meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta
- Orchard oriole, Icterus spurius (A)
- Hooded oriole, Icterus cucullatus (A)
- Bullock's oriole, Icterus bullockii
- Baltimore oriole, Icterus galbula (A)
- Scott's oriole, Icterus parisorum (A)
- Red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus
- Tricolored blackbird, Agelaius tricolor
- Brown-headed cowbird, Molothrus ater
- Rusty blackbird, Euphagus carolinus
- Brewer's blackbird, Euphagus cyanocephalus
- Common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula (A)
- Great-tailed grackle, Quiscalus mexicanus (A)
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, live more on the ground. Most members of this family eat insects. Thirty-six species have been seen in Washington.
- Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla (A)
- Northern waterthrush, Parkesia noveboracensis
- Golden-winged warbler, Vermivora chrysoptera (A)
- Blue-winged warbler, Vermivora cyanoptera (A)
- Black-and-white warbler, Mniotilta varia
- Prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea (A)
- Tennessee warbler, Leiothlypis peregrina
- Orange-crowned warbler, Leiothlypis celata
- Lucy's warbler, Leiothlypis luciae (A)
- Nashville warbler, Leiothlypis ruficapilla
- MacGillivray's warbler, Geothlypis tolmiei
- Mourning warbler, Geothlypis philadelphia (A) (S)
- Kentucky warbler, Geothlypis formosa (A) (S)
- Common yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas
- Hooded warbler, Setophaga citrina (A)
- American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla
- Cape May warbler, Setophaga tigrina (A)
- Northern parula, Setophaga americana (A)
- Magnolia warbler, Setophaga magnolia (A)
- Bay-breasted warbler, Setophaga castanea (A)
- Blackburnian warbler, Setophaga fusca (A)
- Yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia
- Chestnut-sided warbler, Setophaga pensylvanica
- Blackpoll warbler, Setophaga striata (A)
- Black-throated blue warbler, Setophaga caerulescens (A)
- Palm warbler, Setophaga palmarum
- Yellow-rumped warbler, Setophaga coronata
- Yellow-throated warbler, Setophaga dominica (A)
- Prairie warbler, Setophaga discolor (A)
- Black-throated gray warbler, Setophaga nigrescens
- Townsend's warbler, Setophaga townsendi
- Hermit warbler, Setophaga occidentalis
- Black-throated green warbler, Setophaga virens (A)
- Canada warbler, Cardellina canadensis (A)
- Wilson's warbler, Cardellina pusilla
- Painted redstart, Myioborus pictus (A)
Cardinals and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae
Cardinals are sturdy, seed-eating birds with strong beaks. They usually live in open woodlands. Males and females often have different feather colors. Ten species have been seen in Washington.
- Summer tanager, Piranga rubra (A)
- Scarlet tanager, Piranga olivacea (A)
- Western tanager, Piranga ludoviciana
- Rose-breasted grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus
- Black-headed grosbeak, Pheucticus melanocephalus
- Blue grosbeak, Passerina caerulea (A)
- Lazuli bunting, Passerina amoena
- Indigo bunting, Passerina cyanea (A)
- Painted bunting, Passerina ciris (A)
- Dickcissel, Spiza americana (A)
See also
- List of birds of Mount Rainier National Park
- List of birds of Olympic National Park
- List of birds
- Lists of birds by region
- List of North American birds