Birds In Oklahoma: Common And Migratory Species In The State And Where To Find Them

Oklahoma has a diverse bird population that includes both resident and migratory species due to our state's various ecosystems.

The state is home to hundreds of birds, some live here permanently and others migrate to Oklahoma and spend parts of the year here.

The Oklahoma state bird is the scissor-tailed flycatcher and occasionally rare birds like a "Limpkin" make their way here too.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has an entire database of birds, and other animals, in Oklahoma. Here is some information from ODWC on the most common birds in the state and where you can find them.

Related: Bird And Animal Populations Disrupted As Lake Sherry Awaits Dam Repairs

What Are Some Of The Most Common Birds In Oklahoma?

1. Northern Cardinal — An Oklahoma staple with red/orange feathers, you can find these almost everywhere but the Panhandle, year-round.
2. American Robin — These robins have a gray-brown back, white throat and orange or reddish chest, with white rings around the eyes. Also found statewide and year-round, these are also confused with eastern and spotted towhees.
3. Blue Jay — A blue coloration on the tail, wings and back of this bird makes it easily recognizable, with a long tail and black “necklace.” These are found almost statewide, and common in urban and rural areas.
4. Mourning Dove — You'll know it when you hear it, the “coo-ooo-ooo” hymn it makes is where it gets its name. You'll see these on bird feeders, fence lines and more foraging for seeds. They are gray and brown.
5. Eastern Meadowlark — Identified by its yellow breast, these are all across Oklahoma in grassy fields, pastures, prairies and more. They can be confused with Western meadowlarks and dickcissels.

Image Provided By: Associated Press

What Are Some Common Migratory Birds In Oklahoma?

1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird — Small, unique and popular among bird fanatics, it is the most popular of four hummingbird species found in the state. It can be various colors from green, brown, gray black and goldish. They spend their summers in Oklahoma from about March to September.
2. American White Pelican — The most notable feature on this pelican is its large pouched bill. It's one of eight of the species here in the state and is found in large flocks on the water. You'll see these from September to November.
3. Sandhill Crane — Nicknamed the “ribeye of the sky” by early pioneers, this has fossils dating back 6 million years! It's large, about 4 feet tall with a 6-foot wingspan and is around during the winter months in Oklahoma.
4. Turkey Vulture — These all-black birds with red features on their heads feed on animal carcasses and are genetically similar to storks and flamingos. They fly high in the sky for several hours at a time.
5. Bald Eagle — A symbol of the United States, these are found around all the water sources in Oklahoma from October to April, spending winters at larger reservoirs.

Image Provided By: Associated Press

Where are some of the best places for bird watching, or “birding,” in Oklahoma?

1. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
2. Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge
3. Red Slough Wildlife Management Area
4. Hackberry Flats Wildlife Management Area
5. Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge
6. Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
7. Mohawk Park
8. Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
9. Black Mesa Preserve
10. Lake Hefner