Wyoming is a wonderful state for birdwatching because it has mountains, sagebrush flats, grasslands, rivers, lakes, wetlands, forests, canyons, and high desert habitats. This mix gives birders a chance to see meadowlarks, bluebirds, hawks, eagles, owls, woodpeckers, grouse, waterfowl, sparrows, jays, and many seasonal migrants.
Birds in Wyoming often change by elevation and habitat. Open prairie and sagebrush areas are good for Western Meadowlarks, Sage Thrashers, raptors, and grouse. Mountain forests attract jays, nuthatches, woodpeckers, chickadees, and owls, while lakes, rivers, and wetlands bring ducks, geese, herons, grebes, and shorebirds.
This guide covers common and interesting birds in Wyoming, with simple identification tips based on color, size, habitat, season, and behavior. You can also explore our main Birds in the United States guide to find bird identification pages for all 50 states.
Quick Look at Birds in Wyoming
| Bird | Main ID Clue | Common Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| Western Meadowlark | Yellow chest, black V mark | Grasslands, prairies, open fields |
| Mountain Bluebird | Bright sky-blue male | Open country, meadows, sagebrush |
| Sage Thrasher | Gray-brown body, streaked chest | Sagebrush flats, dry scrub |
| Greater Sage-Grouse | Large grouse, spiky tail | Sagebrush country |
| Red-tailed Hawk | Broad wings, reddish tail | Roadsides, fields, open country |
| Golden Eagle | Large dark eagle, golden nape | Mountains, cliffs, open country |
| Great Horned Owl | Large owl, ear tufts | Forests, cliffs, towns |
| Black-billed Magpie | Black-and-white body, long tail | Open country, towns, fields |
| Clark’s Nutcracker | Gray body, black wings | Mountain forests |
| Canada Goose | Black neck, white cheek patch | Lakes, rivers, wetlands |
