As the snow melts away and the days grow longer, Wisconsin residents eagerly await the cheerful arrival of one of nature’s most iconic heralds of spring: the American Robin: Wisconsin’s beloved songbird (Turdus migratorius). With its bright red breast and melodious song, the American Robin is a beloved symbol of the changing seasons and a familiar sight in gardens, parks, and suburban landscapes across the state.
Birds
Birds of the Midwest & Beyond
The Birds category explores Midwest birds found across Wisconsin and surrounding states. You’ll discover songbirds, woodpeckers, waterfowl, raptors, and wild turkeys.
Each post focuses on identification, behavior, habitat, and seasonal movement. Learn how different species nest, migrate, and adapt throughout the year.
You’ll also find feeding habits, habitat details, and simple tips to help you recognize birds in your area. Whether you watch goldfinches at your feeder or spot herons near quiet waters, this category helps you better understand the birds that share our landscape.
Common Goldeneye
The Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) is a species of diving duck commonly found in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Here are some key characteristics of the Common Goldeneye ducks:
3 Cool Facts About Wild Turkey
Wildlife > Birds > Galliformes 3 cool facts about wild turkey, do you know all three? Three Cool Facts About Wild Turkey 1.) They Have Nictitating Membranes A nictitating membrane is a transparent or translucent third eyelid present in some animals that can be drawn across the eye for protection and to moisten it while … Read more
Black-capped Chickadee
The black-capped chickadee might be one of the most recognized birds next to the Red Cardinals, Blue Jays, and Robins. The fluffy little Chickadee comes freely about dwellings even in towns and cities.
Redhead Duck
The redhead duck (Aythya americana) is a medium-sized diving duck. The duck is about 37 cm (15 in) long with an 84 cm (33 in) wingspan. The duck is a summer resident of Wisconsin.
Scarlet Tanager
The Scarlet Tanager is probably is our most brilliant plumaged songbirds and a common summer resident throughout the Midwest, It arrives late in April or early in May and stays with us well into September.
Winter Birds
Many birds migrate in the fall to warmer climates, but we have a variety of winter birds that stick around and tough out the harsh cold, and some birds even migrate to the Midwest for the cold winter months.
Interesting Facts About Hummingbirds
Love hummingbirds? So do I! Here are some interesting facts about hummingbirds you may not know.
Palm Warbler
Palm Warbler birds are yellow and brown birds with rusty brown head caps that are relatively common throughout Wisconsin during the spring and fall migration. General Information Name: Palm Warbler Scientific Name: Setophaga palmarum Higher Classification: American Redstarts Size: 4.9 – 5.7 in Habitat: Open woodland edges, scrubs, commonly found low to the ground or … Read more
American Redstart
American Redstart
The American Redstart is a warbler that can be found traveling through Wisconsin in the spring fleeting from tree to tree. The male and female have a different appearance but both have relatively long tails for warblers.
9 Woodpeckers of Wisconsin (With Photos & ID Guide)
There are 9 types of woodpeckers regularly found in Wisconsin. From the large Pileated Woodpecker to the small Downy Woodpecker, this guide will help you identify each species by size, markings, habitat, and seasonal behavior. In This Guide 9 Woodpeckers of Wisconsin 1.) Northern Flicker Flicker’s appearance differs by region that they are from (Eastern … Read more
Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal is a mid-sized songbird wat are about 8-9 inches in length. The Male is a vibrant red, while the female is a reddish olive color.
European Starlings
European starlings (starlings for short) are about the size of a blackbird with glossy black plumage that has a metallic look to them. During the winter months, the birds sport white flecking to them
Red-Breasted Nuthatch
Our winter visitors the red-breasted nuthatch are back for the season. As soon as the weather starts getting cold, I will usually see my first red-breasted nuthatch.
Pileated Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
The pileated woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America. The term pileated comes from the Latin word pileatus meaning “capped” which refers to the red crest on the top of the bird’s head.
Chestnut Sided Warbler
The Chestnut Sided Warbler is a fast-moving, yellow, black, brown, and white warbler. Found throughout Wisconsin during the spring through fall.
Northern Flicker
The northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) or common flicker is a medium-sized bird of the woodpecker family. It is native to most of North America, parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands, and is one of the few woodpecker species that migrate.
American Goldfinch
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a beautiful songbird that you can easily attract to your backyard. The males have bright yellow coats with a bold black cap and black wings barred with white. The female is less striking with olive-yellow feathers.
Downy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker The Downy woodpecker is the smallest of North America’s woodpeckers but there are many smaller species elsewhere, especially the piculets. General Information Woodpecker with mainly black on the upper parts & wings, with a white back, throat & belly and a white bar above the eye and one below. Name:: Downy Woodpecker Scientific … Read more