BIRDING INDIANA

The first systematic treatment of the Indiana avifauna was conducted by a physician, A.W. Brayton, who in 1879 published the Catalogue of the Birds of Indiana ,using museum specimens during the “shotgun era” of ornithology.  302 species were included in this original listing. Since then, many great contributors have provided a wealth of information.  A few of these individuals were Amos Butler, J.L. Hine, Robert Ridgway, and F.M. Woodruff.  Butler was the foremost and most notable of these ornithologists.  Indiana now sits at over 420 species of birds, and includes both common and uncommon species.  Extinct birds remind us of our past.  Indiana recently dedicated a state historic marker for the last passenger pigeon.  The dedication, in 2017 can be viewed here courtesy Marty Jones.

Situated near the heartland of America, Indiana extends from Lake Michigan to the Ohio River, from northern tamarack bogs to southern bald cypress swamps, from productive wetlands to extensive cropland, and from prairie grasslands to extensive mature forests. More than 420 bird species have been found in Indiana with 260 plus observed somewhere in the state each year. A wide variety of habitats provide for an annual breeding population of about 180 species.

Western species such as Smith’s Longspur, Lark Sparrow, and Bell’s Vireo extend their ranges into the western edge of the state, more southern species such as Black-necked Stilt, Mississippi Kite, Chuck-wills-widow, Fish Crow, Blue Grosbeak, and Black Vulture reach central and southern Indiana, northern species such as Northern Shrike, Snow Buntings and winter finches regularly invade, and northern breeders such as Sandhill Crane, Veery, Alder Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, and Swamp Sparrow extend their range into Indiana.

The shores of Lake Michigan offer almost a “pelagic” experience in migration and winter with three jaeger species, Sabine’s Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake and more observed regularly. Migrant traps near the lake create a paradise for migrating passerines where finding thirty-plus species of warblers in a day is very “do-able”. State Fish and Wildlife areas throughout the state and Muscatatuck NWR provide ample opportunities to observe marshbirds and waterfowl including the largest concentration of Sandhill Cranes east of the Mississippi River (Jasper-Pulaski FWA). Grasslands at the Nature Conservancy’s Kankakee Sands in northwest IN, the reclaimed strip mine areas of the southwest, and Big Oaks NWR produce large numbers of grassland species such as Dickcissel, Blue Grosbeak, and the world’s largest population of Henslow’s Sparrow as well as Upland Sandpiper. The reclaimed wetlands of Goose Pond FWA in south-central Indiana is a hotspot for large numbers of waterfowl, marsh birds, shorebirds, and sparrows. The Hoosier National Forest covers much of south-central Indiana and is a haven for nesting neotropic migrants with significant populations of Wood Thrush, Worm-eating Warbler, and Hooded Warblers. River systems and reservoirs attract good numbers of Bald Eagles, especially in winter when a few Golden Eagles accompany them.

Overall Indiana offers new experiences for birders from all parts of the country.

OFFICIAL IBRC BIRD CHECKLIST

Indiana’s Official State Bird Checklist contains 420 species for which there is adequate evidence, either verified evidence (specimen, photograph, etc.) or convincing details, and for which origin is not questioned.  At the end of the Checklist are species categorized as Origin Hypothetical.  Species designated as Origin Hypothetical involve single records of that species where the correct identification has been established but for which origin is unresolved.  See the Seasonal Checklist for additional information for species appearing on the Official Bird Checklist.  Birders can now download the state’s field checklist for use when birding.

Bird Checklist

Thanks to Amy Kearns.

IBRC BIRD CHECKLIST DATA

ORDER FAMILY GENUS SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS*
Anseriformes Anatidae Dendrocygna autumnalis Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Review species
Waterfowl: Swans, Geese, and Ducks Dendrocygna bicolor Fulvous Whistling-Duck Review species
Anser albifrons Greater White-fronted Goose
Chen caerulescens Snow Goose
Chen rossii Ross’s Goose
Branta bernicla Brant Review species
Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose Review species
Branta hutchinsii Cackling Goose
Branta canadensis Canada Goose
Cygnus olor Mute Swan I
Cygnus buccinator Trumpeter Swan SE
Cygnus columbianus Tundra Swan
Aix sponsa Wood Duck
Anas strepera Gadwall
Anas penelope Eurasian Wigeon Review species
Anas americana American Wigeon
Anas rubripes American Black Duck
Anas platyrhynchos Mallard
Anas discors Blue-winged Teal
Anas cyanoptera Cinnamon Teal Review species
Anas clypeata Northern Shoveler
Anas acuta Northern Pintail
Anas crecca Green-winged Teal
Aythya valisineria Canvasback
Aythya americana Redhead
Aythya collaris Ring-necked Duck
Aythya marila Greater Scaup
Aythya affinis Lesser Scaup
Somateria spectabilis King Eider Review species
Histrionicus histrionicus Harlequin Duck Review species
Melanitta perspicillata Surf Scoter
Melanitta fusca White-winged Scoter
Melanitta americana Black Scoter
Clangula hyemalis Long-tailed Duck
Bucephala albeola Bufflehead
Bucephala clangula Common Goldeneye
Bucephala islandica Barrow’s Goldeneye Review species
Lophodytes cucullatus Hooded Merganser
Mergus merganser Common Merganser
Mergus serrator Red-breasted Merganser
Oxyura jamaicensis Ruddy Duck
Galliformes Odontophoridae Colinus virginianus Northern Bobwhite
Quail
Phasianidae Perdix perdix Gray Partridge I, Extirpated
Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys Phasianus colchicus Ring-necked Pheasant I
Bonasa umbellus Ruffed Grouse
Tympanuchus cupido Greater Prairie-Chicken Extirpated
Meleagris gallopavo Wild Turkey
Gaviiformes Gaviidae Gavia stellata Red-throated Loon
Loons Gavia pacifica Pacific Loon
Gavia immer Common Loon
Gavia adamsii Yellow-billed Loon Review species
Podicipediformes Podicipedidae Podilymbus podiceps Pied-billed Grebe
Grebes Podiceps auritus Horned Grebe
Podiceps grisegena Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps nigricollis Eared Grebe
Aechmophorus occidentalis Western Grebe
Procellariiformes Hydrobatidae Oceanodroma castro Band-rumped Storm-Petrel Review species
Storm-Petrels
Ciconiiformes Ciconiidae Mycteria americana Wood Stork Review species
Storks
Suliformes Fregatidae Fregata magnificens Magnificent Frigatebird Review species
Frigatebirds
Sulidae Morus bassanus Northern Gannet Review species
Gannets
Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax brasilianus Neotropic Cormorant Review species
Cormorants Phalacrocorax auritus Double-crested Cormorant
Pelecaniformes Pelecanidae Pelecanus erythrorhynchos American White Pelican
Pelicans Pelecanus occidentalis Brown Pelican Review species
Ardeidae Botaurus lentiginosus American Bittern SE
Bitterns, Herons, and Egrets Ixobrychus exilis Least Bittern SE
Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron
Ardea alba Great Egret SC
Egretta thula Snowy Egret
Egretta caerulea Little Blue Heron
Egretta tricolor Tricolored Heron Review species
Egretta rufescens Reddish Egret Review species
Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret
Butorides virescens Green Heron
Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night-Heron SE
Nyctanassa violacea Yellow-crowned Night-Heron SE
Threskiornithidae Eudocimus albus White Ibis Review species
Ibises and Spoonbills Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis Review species
Plegadis chihi White-faced Ibis Review species
Platalea ajaja Roseate Spoonbill Review species
Accipitriformes Cathartidae Coragyps atratus Black Vulture
Vultures Cathartes aura Turkey Vulture
Pandionidae Pandion haliaetus Osprey SE
Osprey
Accipitridae Elanus leucurus White-tailed Kite Review species
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Elanoides forficatus Swallow-tailed Kite Review species
Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle
Ictinia mississippiensis Mississippi Kite SC
Circus cyaneus Northern Harrier SE
Accipiter striatus Sharp-shinned Hawk SC
Accipiter cooperii Cooper’s Hawk
Accipiter gentilis Northern Goshawk
Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle SC
Buteo lineatus Red-shouldered Hawk SC
Buteo platypterus Broad-winged Hawk SC
Buteo swainsoni Swainson’s Hawk Review species
Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo regalis Ferruginous Hawk Review species
Buteo lagopus Rough-legged Hawk
Gruiformes Rallidae Coturnicops noveboracensis Yellow Rail Review species
Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Laterallus jamaicensis Black Rail SE, Review Species
Rallus elegans King Rail SE
Rallus limicola Virginia Rail SE
Porzana carolina Sora
Porphyrio martinicus Purple Gallinule Review species
Gallinula galeata Common Gallinule SE
Fulica americana American Coot
Gruidae Grus canadensis Sandhill Crane SC
Cranes Grus grus Common Crane Review species
Grus monacha Hooded Crane Review species
Grus americana Whooping Crane SE, FE, Extirpated
Charadriiformes Recurvirostridae Himantopus mexicanus Black-necked Stilt
Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostra americana American Avocet
Charadriidae Pluvialis squatarola Black-bellied Plover
Plovers Pluvialis dominica American Golden-Plover SC
Charadrius nivosus Snowy Plover Review species
Charadrius wilsonia Wilson’s Plover Review species
Charadrius semipalmatus Semipalmated Plover
Charadrius melodus Piping Plover SE, FE
Charadrius vociferus Killdeer
Charadrius montanus Mountain Plover Review species
Scolopacidae Actitis macularius Spotted Sandpiper
Sandpipers and Phalaropes Tringa solitaria Solitary Sandpiper SC
Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank Review species
Tringa melanoleuca Greater Yellowlegs SC
Tringa semipalmata Willet
Tringa flavipes Lesser Yellowlegs
Bartramia longicauda Upland Sandpiper SE
Numenius borealis Eskimo Curlew Extinct
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel Review species
Numenius americanus Long-billed Curlew Review species
Limosa haemastica Hudsonian Godwit
Limosa fedoa Marbled Godwit
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone SC
Calidris canutus Red Knot Review species
Calidris pugnax Ruff Review species
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Review species
Calidris himantopus Stilt Sandpiper
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper Review species
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint Review species
Calidris alba Sanderling
Calidris alpina Dunlin
Calidris maritima Purple Sandpiper Review species
Calidris bairdii Baird’s Sandpiper
Calidris minutilla Least Sandpiper
Calidris fuscicollis White-rumped Sandpiper
Calidris subruficollis Buff-breasted Sandpiper SC
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper
Calidris pusilla Semipalmated Sandpiper
Calidris mauri Western Sandpiper
Limnodromus griseus Short-billed Dowitcher SC
Limnodromus scolopaceus Long-billed Dowitcher
Gallinago delicata Wilson’s Snipe
Scolopax minor American Woodcock
Phalaropus tricolor Wilson’s Phalarope SC
Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked Phalarope
Stercorariidae Stercorarius pomarinus Pomarine Jaeger Review species
Jaegers Stercorarius parasiticus Parasitic Jaeger Review species
Stercorarius longicaudus Long-tailed Jaeger Review species
Alcidae Uria lomvia Thick-billed Murre Review species
Murres and Murrelets Brachyramphus perdix Long-billed Murrelet Review species
Synthliboramphus antiquus Ancient Murrelet Review species
Phalaropus fulicarius Red Phalarope Review species
Laridae Rissa tridactyla Black-legged Kittiwake Review species
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Xema sabini Sabine’s Gull Review species
Chroicocephalus philadelphia Bonaparte’s Gull
Chroicocephalus ridibundus Black-headed Gull Review species
Hydrocoloeus minutus Little Gull Review species
Rhodostethia rosea Ross’s Gull Review species
Leucophaeus atricilla Laughing Gull
Leucophaeus pipixcan Franklin’s Gull
Larus crassirostris Black-tailed Gull Review species
Larus canus Mew Gull Review species
Larus delawarensis Ring-billed Gull
Larus californicus California Gull Review species
Larus argentatus Herring Gull
Larus thayeri Thayer’s Gull Review species
Larus glaucoides Iceland Gull Review species
Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus schistisagus Slaty-backed Gull Review species
Larus hyperboreus Glaucous Gull Review species
Larus marinus Great Black-backed Gull Review species
Larus dominicanus Kelp Gull Review species
Onychoprion fuscatus Sooty Tern Review species
Sternula antillarum Least Tern SE, FE, Review species
Gelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern Review species
Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern
Chlidonias niger Black Tern SE
Chlidonias leucopterus White-winged Tern Review species
Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern Review species
Sterna hirundo Common Tern
Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern Review species
Sterna forsteri Forster’s Tern
Thalasseus maximus Royal Tern Review species
Rynchops niger Black Skimmer Review species
Columbiformes Columbidae Columba livia Rock Pigeon I
Pigeons and Doves Patagioenas fasciata Band-tailed Pigeon Review species
Streptopelia decaocto Eurasian Collared-Dove I
Zenaida asiatica White-winged Dove Review species
Zenaida macroura Mourning Dove
Ectopistes migratorius Passenger Pigeon Extinct
Columbina passerina Common Ground-Dove Review species
Cuculiformes Cuculidae Coccyzus americanus Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Cuckoos and Anis Coccyzus erythropthalmus Black-billed Cuckoo
Crotophaga sulcirostris Groove-billed Ani Review species
Strigiformes Tytonidae Tyto alba Barn Owl SE
Barn Owls
Strigidae Megascops asio Eastern Screech-Owl
Typical Owls Bubo virginianus Great Horned Owl
Bubo scandiacus Snowy Owl
Athene cunicularia Burrowing Owl Review species
Strix varia Barred Owl
Asio otus Long-eared Owl
Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl SE
Aegolius acadicus Northern Saw-whet Owl
Caprimulgiformes Caprimulgidae Chordeiles minor Common Nighthawk SC
Nighthawks and Nightjars Antrostomus carolinensis Chuck-will’s-widow
Antrostomus vociferus Eastern Whip-poor-will SC
Apodiformes Apodidae Chaetura pelagica Chimney Swift
Swifts
Trochilidae Colibri thalassinus Green Violetear Review species
Hummingbirds Archilochus colubris Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus alexandri Black-chinned Hummingbird Review species
Calypte anna Anna’s Hummingbird Review species
Selasphorus rufus Rufous Hummingbird
Selasphorus calliope Calliope Hummingbird Review species
Coraciiformes Alcedinidae Megaceryle alcyon Belted Kingfisher
Kingfishers
Piciformes Picidae Melanerpes erythrocephalus Red-headed Woodpecker
Woodpeckers Melanerpes carolinus Red-bellied Woodpecker
Sphyrapicus varius Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Picoides pubescens Downy Woodpecker
Picoides villosus Hairy Woodpecker
Picoides arcticus Black-backed Woodpecker Review species
Colaptes auratus Northern Flicker
Dryocopus pileatus Pileated Woodpecker
Falconiformes Falconidae Caracara cheriway Crested Caracara Review species
Falcons and Caracaras Falco sparverius American Kestrel
Falco columbarius Merlin
Falco rusticolus Gyrfalcon Review species
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon SE
Falco mexicanus Prairie Falcon Review species
Psittaciformes Psittacidae Myiopsitta monachus Monk Parakeet I, Review species
Parakeets Conuropsis carolinensis Carolina Parakeet Extinct
Passeriformes Tyrannidae Contopus cooperi Olive-sided Flycatcher
Tyrant Flycatchers Contopus sordidulus Western Wood-Pewee Review species
Contopus virens Eastern Wood-Pewee
Empidonax flaviventris Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Empidonax virescens Acadian Flycatcher
Empidonax alnorum Alder Flycatcher
Empidonax traillii Willow Flycatcher
Empidonax minimus Least Flycatcher
Sayornis phoebe Eastern Phoebe
Sayornis saya Say’s Phoebe Review species
Pyrocephalus rubinus Vermilion Flycatcher Review species
Myiarchus crinitus Great Crested Flycatcher
Tyrannus verticalis Western Kingbird Review species
Tyrannus tyrannus Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus dominicensis Gray Kingbird Review species
Tyrannus forficatus Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Review species
Tyrannus savana Fork-tailed Flycatcher Review species
Laniidae Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead Shrike SE
Shrikes Lanius excubitor Northern Shrike
Vireonidae Vireo griseus White-eyed Vireo
Vireos Vireo bellii Bell’s Vireo
Vireo flavifrons Yellow-throated Vireo
Vireo solitarius Blue-headed Vireo
Vireo gilvus Warbling Vireo
Vireo philadelphicus Philadelphia Vireo
Vireo olivaceus Red-eyed Vireo
Corvidae Cyanocitta cristata Blue Jay
Jays, Magpies, Crows, and Ravens Aphelocoma californica Western Scrub-Jay Review species
Pica hudsonia Black-billed Magpie Review species
Corvus brachyrhynchos American Crow
Corvus ossifragus Fish Crow Review species
Corvus corax Common Raven Review species
Alaudidae Eremophila alpestris Horned Lark
Larks
Hirundinidae Progne subis Purple Martin
Martins and Swallows Tachycineta bicolor Tree Swallow
Stelgidopteryx serripennis Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Riparia riparia Bank Swallow
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Cliff Swallow
Petrochelidon fulva Cave Swallow Review species
Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow
Paridae Poecile carolinensis Carolina Chickadee
Chickadees and Titmice Poecile atricapillus Black-capped Chickadee
Poecile hudsonicus Boreal Chickadee Review species
Baeolophus bicolor Tufted Titmouse
Sittidae Sitta canadensis Red-breasted Nuthatch
Nuthatches Sitta carolinensis White-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta pygmaea/Sitta pusilla Pygmy/Brown-headed Nuthatch Review species
Certhiidae Certhia americana Brown Creeper
Creepers
Troglodytidae Salpinctes obsoletus Rock Wren Review species
Wrens Troglodytes aedon House Wren
Troglodytes hiemalis Winter Wren
Cistothorus platensis Sedge Wren SE
Cistothorus palustris Marsh Wren SE
Thryothorus ludovicianus Carolina Wren
Thryomanes bewickii Bewick’s Wren Review species
Polioptilidae Polioptila caerulea Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Gnatcatchers
Regulidae Regulus satrapa Golden-crowned Kinglet
Kinglets Regulus calendula Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Muscicapidae Oenanthe oenanthe Northern Wheatear Review species
Old World Flycatchers
Turdidae Sialia sialis Eastern Bluebird
Thrushes Sialia currucoides Mountain Bluebird Review species
Myadestes townsendi Townsend’s Solitaire Review species
Catharus fuscescens Veery
Catharus minimus Gray-cheeked Thrush
Catharus ustulatus Swainson’s Thrush
Catharus guttatus Hermit Thrush
Hylocichla mustelina Wood Thrush
Turdus migratorius American Robin
Ixoreus naevius Varied Thrush
Mimidae Dumetella carolinensis Gray Catbird
Mockingbirds and Thrashers Toxostoma rufum Brown Thrasher
Oreoscoptes montanus Sage Thrasher Review species
Mimus polyglottos Northern Mockingbird
Sturnidae Sturnus vulgaris European Starling I
Starlings
Motacillidae Anthus rubescens American Pipit
Pipits
Bombycillidae Bombycilla garrulus Bohemian Waxwing Review species
Waxwings Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar Waxwing
Calcariidae Calcarius lapponicus Lapland Longspur
Longspurs and Snow Buntings Calcarius pictus Smith’s Longspur
Rhynchophanes mccownii McCown’s Longspur Review species
Plectrophenax nivalis Snow Bunting
Parulidae Seiurus aurocapilla Ovenbird
New World Warblers Helmitheros vermivorum Worm-eating Warbler SC
Parkesia motacilla Louisiana Waterthrush
Parkesia noveboracensis Northern Waterthrush
Vermivora chrysoptera Golden-winged Warbler SE
Vermivora cyanoptera Blue-winged Warbler
Mniotilta varia Black-and-white Warbler SC
Protonotaria citrea Prothonotary Warbler
Limnothlypis swainsonii Swainson’s Warbler Review species
Oreothlypis peregrina Tennessee Warbler
Oreothlypis celata Orange-crowned Warbler
Oreothlypis ruficapilla Nashville Warbler
Oporornis agilis Connecticut Warbler
Geothlypis philadelphia Mourning Warbler
Geothlypis formosa Kentucky Warbler
Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowthroat
Setophaga citrina Hooded Warbler SC
Setophaga ruticilla American Redstart
Setophaga kirtlandii Kirtland’s Warbler SE, FE Review Species
Setophaga tigrina Cape May Warbler
Setophaga cerulea Cerulean Warbler SE
Setophaga americana Northern Parula
Setophaga magnolia Magnolia Warbler
Setophaga castanea Bay-breasted Warbler
Setophaga fusca Blackburnian Warbler
Setophaga petechia Yellow Warbler
Setophaga pensylvanica Chestnut-sided Warbler
Setophaga striata Blackpoll Warbler
Setophaga caerulescens Black-throated Blue Warbler
Setophaga palmarum Palm Warbler
Setophaga pinus Pine Warbler
Setophaga coronata Yellow-rumped Warbler
Setophaga dominica Yellow-throated Warbler
Setophaga discolor Prairie Warbler
Setophaga nigrescens Black-throated Gray Warbler Review species
Setophaga townsendi Townsend’s Warbler Review species
Setophaga virens Black-throated Green Warbler
Cardellina canadensis Canada Warbler
Cardellina pusilla Wilson’s Warbler
Icteria virens Yellow-breasted Chat
Emberizidae Pipilo chlorurus Green-tailed Towhee Review species
Sparrows Pipilo maculatus Spotted Towhee Review species
Pipilo erythrophthalmus Eastern Towhee
Peucaea cassinii Cassin’s Sparrow Review species
Peucaea aestivalis Bachman’s Sparrow Review species
Spizella arborea American Tree Sparrow
Spizella passerina Chipping Sparrow
Spizella pallida Clay-colored Sparrow
Spizella pusilla Field Sparrow
Pooecetes gramineus Vesper Sparrow
Chondestes grammacus Lark Sparrow
Calamospiza melanocorys Lark Bunting Review species
Passerculus sandwichensis Savannah Sparrow
Ammodramus savannarum Grasshopper Sparrow
Ammodramus henslowii Henslow’s Sparrow SE
Ammodramus leconteii Le Conte’s Sparrow
Ammodramus nelsoni Nelson’s Sparrow
Passerella iliaca Fox Sparrow
Melospiza melodia Song Sparrow
Melospiza lincolnii Lincoln’s Sparrow
Melospiza georgiana Swamp Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia querula Harris’s Sparrow
Zonotrichia leucophrys White-crowned Sparrow
Junco hyemalis Dark-eyed Junco
Cardinalidae Piranga rubra Summer Tanager
Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks, etc. Piranga olivacea Scarlet Tanager
Piranga ludoviciana Western Tanager Review species
Cardinalis cardinalis Northern Cardinal
Pheucticus ludovicianus Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Pheucticus melanocephalus Black-headed Grosbeak Review species
Passerina caerulea Blue Grosbeak
Passerina cyanea Indigo Bunting
Passerina ciris Painted Bunting Review species
Spiza americana Dickcissel
Icteridae Dolichonyx oryzivorus Bobolink
Blackbirds and Orioles Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged Blackbird
Sturnella magna Eastern Meadowlark
Sturnella neglecta Western Meadowlark SC
Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus Yellow-headed Blackbird SE
Euphagus carolinus Rusty Blackbird
Euphagus cyanocephalus Brewer’s Blackbird
Quiscalus quiscula Common Grackle
Quiscalus mexicanus Great-tailed Grackle Review species
Molothrus ater Brown-headed Cowbird
Icterus spurius Orchard Oriole
Icterus bullockii Bullock’s Oriole Review species
Icterus galbula Baltimore Oriole
Fringillidae Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Review species
Finches Pinicola enucleator Pine Grosbeak Review species
Haemorhous mexicanus House Finch I
Haemorhous purpureus Purple Finch
Loxia curvirostra Red Crossbill
Loxia leucoptera White-winged Crossbill
Acanthis flammea Common Redpoll
Acanthis hornemanni Hoary Redpoll Review species
Spinus pinus Pine Siskin
Spinus tristis American Goldfinch
Coccothraustes vespertinus Evening Grosbeak
Passeridae Passer domesticus House Sparrow I
Old World Sparrows Passer montanus Eurasian Tree Sparrow I, Review Species
* Key to Status: Special Concern (SC), State Endangered (SE), Federal Threatened (FT), Federal Endangered (FE), Federal Candidate (FC), I (Introduced)
* Key to Status: Special Concern (SC), State Endangered (SE), Federal Threatened (FT), Federal Endangered (FE), Federal Candidate (FC), I (Introduced)

 

Last updated: August 2013

Thanks to Amy Kearns

9982200_origSteller’s Jay

by Alex Forsythe

My family and I took a 3-week road trip out west in September, and what a time we had! We saw many of the national parks and monuments, from the majesty of Glacier National Park to the moss-covered rain forests of Olympic to the prickly flora of Joshua Tree National Monument. No one else in the family is a birder, and it seemed no other visitors at the parks were birders, either. While everyone else was commenting on the vastness of the Painted Canyon, I was running back and forth across the Canyon’s rim to get a good look at the Spotted Towhee flitting about on the ledges several feet down. Oh, sure, I appreciated the beauty of the scenery, but come on! There were lifers to see!
This Steller’s Jay is another example of our differences in interest during the trip. The rest of the family was taking photos of the beautiful mountains, pristine streams, and perfect meadows. I, on the other hand, was watching a Steller’s Jay hoping for the opportunity to photograph it up close. A family was having a picnic nearby, and the Jay flew in to convince the visitors to share the bounty. At first the family was a little perplexed that I was taking so many photos of them, but after a time they realized the bird was the subject of my fascination, not them!
Steller’s Jays hold a special place in the Jay family. They are the only western Jays to have a crest, the only western Jay to build nests from mud, and they have a great deal of variation in coloration depending on where they are located. Some have blue crests and backs, while others have black crests and backs. They are also varied in their calls; they can imitate other birds and other animals including dogs, cats and squirrels. They’ve even been observed imitating the sounds of machines! The esophagus is elastic and quite expandable, allowing the Jay to carry items as large as acorns. The food is often stored in hidden locations for the winter.
They are named after Georg Steller, the naturalist who first discovered them on an Alaskan Island in 1741. The vivid blue birds are rather common in the western states, and they’re easy to find in campgrounds and picnic areas. They’ve risen to fame and claimed the throne in Canada; in 1987 the Steller’s was voted the most popular bird in British Columbia and it became the official bird for the province. About 85,000 people cast their votes, and when the votes were counted, the Steller’s Jay had received over 2,000 votes more than its next nearest competitor: the Peregrine Falcon. The Jay is British Columbia’s only symbol to be adopted after a public vote.
This election year, any of the presidential candidates should be jealous of the Steller’s Jay’s success. He ran a clean campaign, and he didn’t take any PAC money, yet he won in a landslide! Well done, Steller’s! Well done!

About the Author

Alex Forsythe 2Alexandra (“Alex”) Forsythe is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys teaching other young people about the natural world in which they live. In 2013, she was the first person to be named “Young Birder of the Year” by the Indiana Audubon Society and she was awarded the Charles D. Wise Conservation Award for “excellence in conservation practices by a youth under the age of 18”. Alex maintains a YouTube channel on which she reviews birding apps, and she has created two websites:MidwestBirdWatching.com and Young Conservationists.org. She gives programs and presentations across the state and she volunteers for several organizations including Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehab and several state and local parks.

INDIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

The Indiana Bird Records Committee (IBRC) evaluates the evidence for records of birds that are rare or unusual in Indiana and maintains a state checklist. The IBRC also maintains a Review List of birds that require documentation. Anyone observing a bird on the Review List should submit written documentation along with any photographic evidence to the IBRC chairman.

By judging the authenticity of these submitted reports, our aim is to contribute to the study of bird population and vagrancy.  For more information about our committee’s purpose and procedures, feel free to browse our Bylaws.

IBRC suggests birders follow the ABA Code of Birding Ethics

View the ABA Code of Birding Ethics here: http://listing.aba.org/ethics/

Documentation of rare birds or questions about the IBRC should be directed to the IBRC Chairman, Kirk Roth at (rothkirk@hotmail.com).

Bohemian Waxwing at Indiana Dunes State Park. Photo by John Kendall.

Roseate Spoonbill at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area 2009.  Photo by Jim Sullivan.

INDIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

The Indiana Bird Records Committee (IBRC) evaluates the evidence for records of birds that are rare or unusual in Indiana and maintains a state checklist. The IBRC also maintains a Review List of birds that require documentation. Anyone observing a bird on the Review List should submit written documentation along with any photographic evidence to the IBRC chairman.

By judging the authenticity of these submitted reports, our aim is to contribute to the study of bird population and vagrancy.  For more information about our committee’s purpose and procedures, feel free to browse our Bylaws.

IBRC suggests birders follow the ABA Code of Birding Ethics

View the ABA Code of Birding Ethics here: http://listing.aba.org/ethics/

Documentation of rare birds or questions about the IBRC should be directed to the IBRC Chairman, Kirk Roth at (rothkirk@hotmail.com).

Bohemian Waxwing at Indiana Dunes State Park. Photo by John Kendall.

Roseate Spoonbill at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area 2009.  Photo by Jim Sullivan.

Common Feeder Birds

Feeding backyard birds is often a lot of fun, but have you ever wondered what kind of bird is at your feeder? We’re here to help! Thanks to the photographic efforts of Marty Jones, this page will help you learn the most common birds that visit our Indiana feeders.

Thanks for visiting and THANK YOU for feeding our feathered friends!

 song_sparrowsm  housesparrowsm  mourning_dove_lg
 Song Sparrow  House Sparrow  Mourning Dove
 european_starling_sm  3718531147_a8de70ca7b_t  3662135216_3661368358_t
 European Starling  Carolina Chickadee  Brown-headed Cowbird
 american_robinlg  downie_woodp_sm  3661342307_bc532656af_t
 American Robin  Downy Woodpecker  Dark-eyed Junco
 3661340055_fbd2ffd231_t  1335572681_b76c9b725d_t  Ruby-ThroatedHummerSmall
 Northern Cardinal   White-breasted Nuthatch  Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Know of others in Indiana? Send us the information.

Surrounding states:

Surrounding states:

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