As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, birdwatchers across the globe are in for a treat. Fall migration brings a flurry of activity to the skies, and with millions of birds embarking on their journey south to warmer climates, there are countless species to spot and admire during this magical time of year.
Here are 20 bird species to keep an eye out for during fall migration.
1. Owls. When thinking about fall migration, many people immediately think of songbirds. However, some owl species also take part in this annual journey. Short-eared Owls head south for the winter, while Northern Saw-whet owls stealthily travel at night, remaining unnoticed. Snowy Owls breed in the Arctic and venture south searching for food, often appearing in unexpected places. Some Burrowing Owls choose to stay in one location for their entire lives, while others migrate regularly every spring and fall.
2. Sparrows. From the charming White-crowned Sparrow to the elusive Lincoln’s Sparrow, fall migration is a great time to spot a variety of sparrow species foraging for food in fields and grasslands.
3. Orioles. The vibrant Baltimore Oriole and Bullock’s Oriole are a sight to behold as they flit through the treetops, their bright orange and black plumage against the autumn foliage.
4. Grosbeaks. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Evening Grosbeak are a welcome sight during fall migration, their colorful plumage and melodic songs adding to the seasonal beauty.
5. Warblers. These small, vibrant songbirds are a favorite among birdwatchers during fall migration. Look out for species such as the Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Cape May Warbler, and Black-throated Blue Warbler as they pass through on their journey south.
6. Finches. Species like the Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, and American Goldfinch add a splash of color to fall migration sightings, their cheerful songs filling the air as they pass through.
7. Thrushes. Look for the melodious Hermit Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, and Wood Thrush as they flit through the trees during fall migration, filling the air with their beautiful songs.
8. Hawks. Keep your eyes on the skies for soaring raptors like the Broad-winged Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Sharp-shinned Hawk as they migrate south in search of warmer temperatures.
9. Eagles. Bald Eagles will occupy a territory year-round, using available water and food resources. However, many eagles migrate south or to the coasts for food during the winter. Depending on your location, you can observe wintering eagles during some of the year’s coldest months.
10. Vireos. Species like the Red-eyed Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, and Warbling Vireo can be spotted darting through the foliage in search of insects to fuel their journey south.
Red-eyed Vireos are long-distance migrants leaving the U.S. and Canada each fall to spend winters in the Amazon basin of South America
11. Flycatchers. Look for flycatcher species such as the Eastern Phoebe, Least Flycatcher, and Willow Flycatcher perched on branches and wires as they hunt for flying insects.
12. Swallows. Barn, Tree, and Cliff Swallows can be seen gathering in large flocks before migrating south, performing acrobatic aerial displays as they feed on insects in flight.
13. Sandpipers. Shorebirds like the Semipalmated Sandpiper and Least Sandpiper can be seen along coastlines and wetlands.
14. Kinglets. Watch for the tiny Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets moving through the trees. Their energetic movements and distinctive calls give them away.
15. Gulls. Watch for gull species like the Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, and Bonaparte’s Gull as they gather in large flocks along coastlines and lakeshores during fall migration.
16. Woodpeckers. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, and Red-bellied Woodpecker are active during fall migration.
17. Cuckoos. Watch for the Black-billed and Yellow-billed Cuckoos as they move through wooded areas, their distinctive calls echoing through the trees.
18. Bluebirds. Eastern Bluebirds and Mountain Bluebirds can be seen perched on fence posts and branches, their bright blue feathers standing out against the autumn backdrop.
19. Herons. Look for heron species like the Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, and Black-crowned night heron along waterways and marshes as they feed on fish and other aquatic prey.
20. Waterfowl. Ducks and geese, including species like the Mallard, Canada Goose, and Northern Pintail, can be seen congregating in large numbers on lakes, ponds, and marshes as they make their way south for the winter.
Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting out, fall migration offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and diversity of bird species as they journey to their wintering grounds. So grab your binoculars, head outdoors, and immerse yourself in the wonder of fall migration as you witness the incredible diversity of bird species making their way through the skies on their epic journey south.
Check out our guide to spectacular bird fall migration destinations here.
Happy birdwatching!
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