Types Of Birds in Wyoming

#1. American Robin

American Robins are one of the most familiar birds in Wyoming. They are medium-sized birds that have gray-brown upperparts, orange-red breasts, and yellow bills. They are often seen on lawns, gardens, parks, and forests, where they feed on worms, insects, fruits, and berries. They are also known for their cheerful and melodious songs, which they sing throughout the year.

#2. Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpeckers are the smallest and most widespread woodpeckers in Wyoming. They are about the size of a sparrow, and have black and white plumage, with a red patch on the back of the head in males. They are often seen on tree trunks and branches, where they peck for insects, sap, and seeds. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.

Downy Woodpeckers make a variety of sounds, such as drumming, tapping, whinnying, and pik-pik calls. You can listen to some of them below:

#3. Hairy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpeckers are larger and less common than Downy Woodpeckers, but they look very similar. They have black and white plumage, with a red patch on the back of the head in males. They are often seen on tree trunks and branches, where they peck for insects, sap, and seeds. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.

Here are the THREE best ways to tell these species apart:

• Size: Hairy Woodpeckers are about 9 inches long, while Downy Woodpeckers are about 6 inches long.
• Bill: Hairy Woodpeckers have longer and stouter bills, while Downy Woodpeckers have shorter and thinner bills.
• Outer tail feathers: Hairy Woodpeckers have white outer tail feathers with black bars, while Downy Woodpeckers have white outer tail feathers with black spots.

#4. American Goldfinch

American Goldfinches birds also found in Wyoming. are small and colorful birds that have yellow and black plumage in summer, and olive and brown plumage in winter. They have conical bills and black wings with white bars. They are often seen in flocks, flying in undulating patterns and calling “potato-chip”. They feed on seeds, especially those of thistles, sunflowers, and dandelions. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer nyjer, sunflower, and millet seeds.:

#5. House Sparrow

House Sparrows are small and ubiquitous birds that have brown and gray plumage, with black throats and white cheeks in males, and buff and brown plumage in females. They have conical bills and short tails. They are often seen in urban and suburban areas, where they feed on seeds, grains, insects, and human scraps. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer millet, corn, and bread.

House Sparrows are not native to Wyoming, or North America. They were introduced from Europe in the 1800s, and have since spread across the continent. They are considered pests by some people, as they compete with native birds for food and nesting sites.

#6. House Finch

House Finches are medium-sized birds that have brown and gray plumage, with red or yellow patches on the head, breast, and rump in males, and streaked plumage in females. They have conical bills and notched tails. They are often seen in flocks, perching on wires, trees, and buildings, where they feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer sunflower, safflower, and nyjer seeds.

House Finches are native to the western part of North America, but they have expanded their range eastward since the 1940s, when some captive birds were released in New York. They are now one of the most common and widespread birds in the continent.

#7. American Crow

American Crows are large and black birds in wyoming that have strong bills and feet, and glossy plumage. They are often seen in groups, flying, foraging, and roosting together. They feed on a variety of foods, such as carrion, garbage, eggs, fruits, nuts, and insects. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer peanuts, corn, and suet.

Believe it or not, American Crows are one of the smartest birds in Wyoming. They have a complex social structure, a large vocabulary, and a remarkable ability to use tools, solve problems, and remember faces. They can also mimic sounds, such as human speech, car horns, and other birds.

#8. Song Sparrow

Song Sparrows are medium-sized birds that have brown and gray plumage, with dark streaks on the breast and a central spot. They have conical bills and long tails. They are often seen in open and shrubby habitats, such as fields, marshes, and gardens, where they feed on seeds, insects, and plant matter. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer millet, sunflower, and cracked corn.

Song Sparrows are named for their beautiful and varied songs, which they sing throughout the year. Each song consists of several phrases, with some repeated and some improvised. The songs vary geographically, and each male has a repertoire of several songs. You can listen to a sample below:

#9. White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatches are small and agile birds that have blue-gray upperparts, white underparts, and black caps and necks. They have long and pointed bills and short tails. They are often seen

on tree trunks and branches, where they move upside down and sideways, looking for insects, seeds, and nuts. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer sunflower, peanuts, and suet.

White-breasted Nuthatches are known for their nasal and repetitive calls, which sound like “yank-yank” or “ank-ank”. They use these calls to communicate with their mates and to warn other birds of predators. You can hear an example below:

#10. Red-winged Blackbird

Red-winged Blackbirds are medium-sized birds that have black plumage, with red and yellow shoulder patches in males, and brown and streaked plumage in females. They have conical bills and pointed tails. They are often seen in large flocks, inhabiting wetlands, fields, and roadsides, where they feed on seeds, insects, and grains. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer millet, corn, and bread.

Red-winged Blackbirds are easy to identify by their sounds! (Press PLAY below)

Red-winged Blackbirds have loud and distinctive songs, which they sing to defend their territories and attract mates. The songs consist of a series of notes, ending with a trill or a buzz. The songs vary geographically, and each male has a repertoire of several songs. You can listen to a sample below:

#11. European Starling

European Starlings are medium-sized birds in Wyoming that have iridescent black plumage, with white spots in winter, and yellow bills in summer. They have short tails and pointed wings. They are often seen in large and noisy flocks, roosting on trees, wires, and buildings, where they feed on insects, fruits, seeds, and human scraps. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer suet, corn, and bread.

Did you know these birds are an invasive species and aren’t supposed to be in Wyoming?

European Starlings are not native to Wyoming, or North America. They were introduced from Europe in the 1890s, by a group of Shakespeare enthusiasts who wanted to bring all the birds mentioned in his plays to the continent. They have since spread across the continent, and are considered pests by some people, as they compete with native birds for food and nesting sites, and damage crops and buildings.

Starlings are impressive vocalists!

European Starlings have a variety of sounds, such as whistles, clicks, rattles, and squeaks. They can also mimic sounds, such as human speech, car alarms, and other birds. They use these sounds to communicate with their mates and flock members, and to deter predators and rivals.

#12. Brown-headed Cowbird

Brown-headed Cowbirds are medium-sized birds in wyoming that have black plumage, with brown heads in males, and brown and streaked plumage in females. They have conical bills and rounded tails. They are often seen in open and agricultural habitats, such as fields, pastures, and roadsides, where they feed on seeds, grains, and insects. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer millet, corn, and bread.

Brown-headed Cowbirds are considered “brood parasites.”

Brown-headed Cowbirds do not build their own nests, but instead lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, such as warblers, sparrows, and vireos. They rely on these host birds to incubate and raise their young, often at the expense of the host’s own offspring. This behavior is called “brood parasitism”, and it is a way for cowbirds to save time and energy, and to increase their reproductive success. However, it also has negative impacts on the host birds, such as reduced nesting success, lower survival, and genetic diversity loss.

#13. House Wren

The House Wren is a common birds in Wyoming. It is a small and brown bird, with a short tail and a long and curved bill. It has a plain plumage, with faint bars on the wings and tail. It is often seen in wooded and suburban habitats, such as forests, gardens, and parks, where it feeds on insects, spiders, and snails. It also visits bird feeders, especially those that offer suet, peanuts, and mealworms.

One of the best ways to locate a House Wren is to listen for their distinctive song.

House Wrens have loud and bubbly songs, which they sing to defend their territories and attract mates. The songs consist of a series of rapid and complex notes, with some variations. The songs vary geographically, and each male has a repertoire of several songs. You can listen to a sample below:

#14. Mourning Dove

This bird is the most common and familiar dove in Wyoming. It is a medium-sized bird, with gray-brown plumage, black spots on the wings, and a long and pointed tail. It has a small and black bill, and a pinkish wash on the face and breast. It is often seen in open and urban habitats, such as fields, farms, and backyards, where it feeds on seeds, grains, and fruits. It also visits bird feeders, especially those that offer millet,

Mourning Doves are common visitors to bird feeding stations!

Mourning Doves are attracted to bird feeders that offer seeds, especially millet, sunflower, and cracked corn. They usually feed on the ground, picking up the seeds that have fallen from the feeders. They can also perch on platform or tray feeders, and sometimes on tube or hopper feeders. They are often seen in pairs or small flocks, and are usually peaceful and gentle birds.

It’s common to hear Mourning Doves in Wyoming.

Mourning Doves have soft and mournful cooing calls, which they use to communicate with their mates and flock members. They also have a distinctive wing whistle, which is produced by the air passing through their feathers when they take off or land. You can hear some of their sounds below:

#15. Rock Pigeon

Rock Pigeons are large and colorful birds that have gray plumage, with various patterns of black, white, and iridescent green and purple on the neck, wings, and tail. They have red eyes, orange feet, and a fleshy cere at the base of the bill. They are often seen in urban and suburban areas, where they feed on seeds, grains, and human scraps. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer corn, bread, and peanuts.

Rock Pigeons are not native to Wyoming, or North America. They were introduced from Europe in the 1600s, and have since adapted to various environments and climates. They are considered pests by some people, as they can cause damage to buildings, transmit diseases, and compete with native birds.

#16. Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadees are small and cute birds that have black and white heads, gray backs, and buffy sides. They have short and thick bills and long and narrow tails. They are often seen in flocks, flitting from branch to branch, where they feed on insects, seeds, and nuts. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer sunflower, peanuts, and suet.

Black-capped Chickadees are easy to attract to bird feeders!

Black-capped Chickadees are one of the most common and friendly visitors to bird feeders. They are attracted to feeders that offer sunflower, peanuts, and suet, and they can also eat from your hand if you are patient and gentle. They are not shy, and will often come close to humans and other birds. They are also curious, and will investigate any new or unusual objects in their environment.

Try identifying Black-capped Chickadees by their sounds!

Black-capped Chickadees have a variety of sounds, such as calls, songs, and alarms. They use these sounds to communicate with their flock members, to convey information, and to warn of predators. One of their most distinctive sounds is their name-sake call, which sounds like “chick-a-dee-dee-dee”. You can hear it below:

#17. Common Grackle

Common Grackles are large black birds that have long and pointed bills and tails. They have iridescent purple and green plumage, and yellow eyes. They are often seen in large and noisy flocks, roosting on trees, wires, and buildings, where they feed on seeds, grains, insects, and fruits. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer corn, bread, and suet.

Common Grackles are common visitors to bird feeders!

Common Grackles are attracted to bird feeders that offer corn, bread, and suet, and they can eat large amounts of food in a short time. They are often dominant and aggressive and will chase away other birds from the feeders. They are also known to steal food from other birds, such as robins, bluebirds, and woodpeckers.

#18. Rufous Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbirds are small and fast birds that have metallic green upperparts, and orange-red underparts and throats in males, and green upperparts and white underparts with orange-red spots on the throat in females. They have long and thin bills and short and forked tails. They are often seen in forests, meadows, and gardens, where they feed on nectar, insects, and spiders. They also visit hummingbird feeders, especially those that offer sugar water.

How To Identify:

Rufous Hummingbirds are one of the smallest and most colorful hummingbirds in Wyoming. They are easy to identify by their bright orange-red plumage, which contrasts with their green backs and wings. They are also distinctive by their behavior, as they are very territorial and aggressive, and will chase away other hummingbirds and even larger birds from their feeding and nesting sites.

What sounds do Rufous Hummingbirds make?

Rufous Hummingbirds make a variety of sounds, such as buzzing, chirping, and squeaking. They use these sounds to communicate with their mates and rivals, and to warn of predators and intruders. They also make a loud humming sound with their wings, which can reach up to 200 beats per second. You can hear some of their sounds below:

#19. Bullock’s Oriole

Bullock’s Orioles are medium-sized and colorful birds that have black and orange plumage, with white wing bars and a black eye line in males, and yellow and gray plumage, with white wing bars and a gray eye line in females. They have long and pointed bills and tails. They are often seen in riparian and deciduous habitats, such as cottonwood trees, where they feed on insects, fruits, and nectar. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer sugar water, jelly, and oranges.

If you want to attract Bullock’s Orioles to your backyard, you can try using some of these feeders that are specially designed for orioles. They offer different types of food that orioles love, such as sugar water, jelly, and oranges. They also have bright colors, such as orange and yellow, that can catch the attention of these birds. You can check out some of the best feeders for orioles [here].

Bullock’s Orioles have beautiful and melodious songs, which they sing to defend their territories and attract mates. The songs consist of a series of whistles, warbles, and chatters, with some variations. The songs vary geographically, and each male has a repertoire of several songs. You can listen to a sample below:

Chipping Sparrows are small and slender birds that have brown and gray plumage, with a reddish cap, a black eye line, and a white eyebrow in summer, and a brown cap and a gray eye line in winter. They have conical bills and notched tails. They are often seen in open and grassy habitats, such as fields, lawns, and parks, where they feed on seeds, insects, and plant matter. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer millet, sunflower, and cracked corn.

Chipping Sparrows are named for their simple and repetitive songs, which they sing to defend their territories and attract mates. The songs consist of a series of high-pitched chips, with some variations. The songs vary geographically, and each male has a repertoire of several songs. You can listen to a sample below:

#20. Chipping Sparrow

Chipping Sparrows are small and slender birds that have brown and gray plumage, with a reddish cap, a black eye line, and a white eyebrow in summer, and a brown cap and a gray eye line in winter. They have conical bills and notched tails. They are often seen in open and grassy habitats, such as fields, lawns, and parks, where they feed on seeds, insects, and plant matter. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer millet, sunflower, and cracked corn.

Chipping Sparrows are named for their simple and repetitive songs, which they sing to defend their territories and attract mates. The songs consist of a series of high-pitched chips, with some variations. The songs vary geographically, and each male has a repertoire of several songs. You can listen to a sample below:

#21. Pine Siskin

Pine Siskins are small and streaky birds that have brown and yellow plumage, with yellow patches on the wings and tail. They have conical bills and forked tails. They are often seen in flocks, flying in erratic patterns and calling “zree”. They feed on seeds, especially those of conifers, alders, and birches. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer nyjer, sunflower, and peanuts.

Pine Siskins are nomadic and irruptive birds, which means they move around unpredictably and sometimes invade areas in large numbers. They do this in response to food availability and weather conditions. They can breed at any time of the year, as long as they have enough food and a suitable habitat.

#22. White-crowned Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrows are medium-sized birds that have brown and gray plumage, with a black and white striped head, and a pink or yellow bill. They have conical bills and rounded tails. They are often seen in shrubby and weedy habitats, such as thickets, edges, and roadsides, where they feed on seeds, insects, and fruits. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer millet, sunflower, and cracked corn.

White-crowned Sparrows have clear and whistled songs, which they sing to defend their territories and attract mates. The songs consist of a series of notes, ending with a trill or a buzz. The songs vary geographically, and each male has a repertoire of several songs. You can listen to a sample below:

#23. White-throated Sparrow

White-throated Sparrows are medium-sized birds that have brown and gray plumage, with a white throat, a yellow patch between the eye and the bill, and a black and white striped head. They have conical bills and rounded tails. They are often seen in forested and brushy habitats, such as woodlands, edges, and gardens, where they feed on seeds, insects, and fruits. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer millet, sunflower, and cracked corn.

White-throated Sparrows have sweet and melancholic songs, which they sing to defend their territories and attract mates. The songs consist of a series of clear notes, followed by a trill or a whistle. The songs vary geographically, and each male has a repertoire of several songs.

#24. Gray Catbird

Gray Catbirds are medium-sized and slender birds that have gray plumage, with a black cap and a chestnut patch under the tail. They have long and curved bills and tails. They are often seen in dense and shrubby habitats, such as thickets, hedgerows, and swamps, where they feed on insects, fruits, and berries. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer raisins, jelly, and oranges.

#25. Red-breasted Nuthatch

Red-breasted Nuthatches are small and agile birds that have blue-gray upperparts, reddish underparts, and black and white striped heads. They have long and pointed bills and short and square tails. They are often seen on tree trunks and branches, where they move upside down and sideways, looking for insects, seeds, and nuts. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer sunflower, peanuts, and suet.

Red-breasted Nuthatches are known for their nasal and repetitive calls, which sound like “yank-yank” or “ank-ank”. They use these calls to communicate with their mates and to warn other birds of predators. You can hear an example below:

#26. Common Raven

Common Ravens are large and black birds that have thick bills and wedge-shaped tails. They have glossy plumage and purple or blue iridescence. They are often seen in pairs or small groups, flying, soaring, and gliding in the air. They feed on a variety of foods, such as carrion, garbage, eggs, fruits, nuts, and insects. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer peanuts, corn, and suet.

Ravens are one of the SMARTEST birds in Wyoming!

Common Ravens have a complex social structure, a large vocabulary, and a remarkable ability to use tools, solve problems, and remember faces. They can also mimic sounds, such as human speech, car horns, and other birds. They use these skills to cooperate, compete, and communicate with their mates and rivals, and to adapt to different environments and situations.

#27. Black-billed Magpie

Black-billed Magpies are medium-sized and flashy birds that have black and white plumage, with iridescent green and purple on the wings and tail. They have long and pointed bills and tails. They are often seen in open and wooded habitats, such as fields, farms, and parks, where they feed on insects, fruits, seeds, and carrion. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer peanuts, corn, and suet.

It’s hard to miss these bold birds in Wyoming!

Black-billed Magpies are conspicuous and noisy birds, that are not shy of humans and other animals. They are also curious and intelligent and can use tools, cache food, and recognize themselves in mirrors. They have a variety of sounds, such as chatters, screeches, and whistles. They use these sounds to communicate with their mates and flock members, and to warn of predators and intruders.

#28. Mountain Bluebird

Mountain Bluebirds are medium-sized birds that have blue or blue-gray plumage, with a paler belly and a darker back in males, and a gray-brown plumage, with a blue tinge on the wings and tail in females. They have short and thin bills and tails. They are often seen in open and mountainous habitats, such as meadows, fields, and roadsides, where they feed on insects, fruits, and berries. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer mealworms, raisins, and suet.

There are not many things more beautiful than seeing one of these bluebirds while hiking in the mountains. 

Mountain Bluebirds are one of the most stunning and graceful birds in Wyoming. They are easy to spot by their bright blue plumage, which contrasts with the green and brown background. They are also known for their sweet and warbled songs, which they sing to defend their territories and attract mates. You can listen to a sample below:

#29. Steller’s Jay

Steller’s Jays are large and striking birds that have blue and black plumage, with a prominent crest and a black head. They have long and pointed bills and tails. They are often seen in coniferous and mixed forests, such as pine, fir, and oak, where they feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer peanuts, sunflower, and suet.

Steller’s Jays are one of the best mimics among birds!

Steller’s Jays have a variety of sounds, such as calls, songs, and alarms. They can also mimic sounds, such as human speech, car alarms, and other birds, especially the red-tailed hawk. They use these sounds to communicate with their mates and flock members, and to deceive or scare other animals. You can hear some of their sounds below:

#30. Western Bluebird

Western Bluebirds are medium-sized birds that have blue or blue-gray plumage, with a rusty-red breast and a white belly in males, and a gray-brown plumage, with a blue tinge on the wings and tail in females. They have short and thin bills and tails. They are often seen in open and grassy habitats, such as meadows, fields, and orchards, where they feed on insects, fruits, and berries. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer mealworms, raisins, and suet.

Western Bluebirds are cavity-nesters, and need our help to find suitable homes.

Western Bluebirds nest in natural or artificial cavities, such as holes in trees, fence posts, or nest boxes. They use grass, feathers, and other materials to line their nests, and lay 4 to 6 eggs per clutch. They face competition and predation from other birds and animals, such as house sparrows, European starlings, and raccoons. You can help them by providing and maintaining nest boxes in your backyard or in your community. You can learn more about how to do this [here].

#31. Spotted Towhee

Spotted Towhees are large and colorful birds that have black upperparts, white spots on the wings and back, and rufous sides. They have long and pointed bills and tails. They are often seen in brushy and wooded habitats, such as thickets, edges, and woodlands, where they feed on seeds, insects, and fruits. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer millet, sunflower, and cracked corn.

Spotted Towhees are easy to locate by their loud and raspy songs and calls.

Spotted Towhees have distinctive and musical songs, which they sing to defend their territories and attract mates. The songs consist of a long and clear note, followed by a series of short and buzzy notes. The songs vary geographically, and each male has a repertoire of several songs. You can listen to a sample below:

Spotted Towhees also have a variety of calls, such as alarm calls, flight calls, and contact calls. One of their most common calls is a harsh and metallic “chink” or “tow-hee”. You can hear it below:

#32. Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Juncos are small and plump birds that have gray or brown plumage, with a white belly and a dark hood. They have conical bills and rounded tails. They are often seen in flocks, foraging on the ground or in low vegetation, where they feed on seeds, insects, and plant matter. They also visit bird feeders, especially those that offer millet, sunflower, and cracked corn.

Dark-eyed Juncos are one of the most variable and widespread birds in North America.

Dark-eyed Juncos have several subspecies, which differ in their plumage color and pattern, and in their geographic distribution. Some of the subspecies that occur in Wyoming are:

• Slate-colored Junco: This is the most common and widespread subspecies, and has slate-gray plumage, with a white belly and a dark hood.
• Oregon Junco: This subspecies has a brown back, a black hood, and a rufous breast and sides.
• Pink-sided Junco: This subspecies has a gray head, a brown back, a pinkish-gray breast and sides, and a white eye ring.
• Gray-headed Junco: This subspecies has a gray head, a brown back, a reddish-brown breast and sides, and a white eye ring.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: What is the birds of Wyoming?

The Western Meadowlark is the state bird of Wyoming.

Q2: What birds are in Wyoming during the summer?

Wyoming hosts a variety of summer birds, including Western Tanager, Mountain Bluebird, Yellow Warbler, American Goldfinch, and various species of swallows.

Q3: Do Cardinals live in Wyoming?

No, Northern Cardinals are not native to Wyoming. They are primarily found in the eastern and southeastern parts of the United States.

Q4: What kind of birds are in Casper, Wyoming?

Casper, Wyoming, is home to a diverse range of birds, including species like Red-tailed Hawks, American Robins, Mountain Bluebirds, and various waterfowl near the North Platte River.

David Cooper