Exploring Chicago Birds

Author: Staff
Date: June 7, 2021

Chicago is positioned in one of the main bird migratory routes in North America, called the Mississippi Flyway. Natural areas along this route such as Chicago’s Lakefront, green spaces, and regional forest preserves, provide important rest stops for birds along their journey. Just as hundreds of species fly through the region, there are numerous species that live here year-round. Bird watching is a great activity to connect people and nature. It can be done at home or in a local natural area. And it’s an activity that kids and adults alike can participate in and develop their skill as much as they want.

At the Nature Museum, the Birds of Chicago exhibit features 115 bird species found in the Chicago region. All the specimens are from the museum’s ornithology collection.

If you would like to learn more about bird watching, there are local and national organizations that specialize in birding and offer a community of naturalists and scientists to learn from.

Bird identification guide books are a helpful resource for learning to distinguish different bird species. There are also apps to help with bird identification.

9 Common Birds in the Chicago Region

Copy of Untitled Design 30 — American Robin

Copy of Untitled Design 34 — Northern Cardinal

Copy of Untitled Design 27 — European Starling

Copy of Untitled Design 31 — American Goldfinch

Copy of Untitled Design 28 — Dark-eyed Junco

Copy of Untitled Design 35 — Mourning Dove

Copy of Untitled Design 26 — House Sparrow

Copy of Untitled Design 29 — Black-capped Chickadee

Copy of Untitled Design 25 — Downy Woodpecker

Learn more about how scientists use observations from birders and other naturalists!

Making observations with William Dreuth