20 Largest Birds In Alabama
Alabama is home to a wide array of bird species, many of which are notable for their impressive size. From soaring raptors to graceful wading birds, here’s a look at the 20 largest birds found in Alabama, categorized by their distinct features and habitats.
1. Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is an iconic bird of prey and a symbol of strength and freedom. With its striking white head and tail contrasting with its dark brown body, it is a majestic sight near Alabama’s waterways.
- Wingspan: Up to 8 feet
- Weight: 6-14 pounds
- Habitat: Near large bodies of water
2. Golden Eagle
Golden Eagles are powerful hunters with dark brown feathers and golden highlights on their heads. These majestic birds are a less common but fascinating presence in Alabama’s skies.
- Wingspan: 6-7.5 feet
- Weight: 7-15 pounds
- Habitat: Forested and open areas
3. Great Blue Heron
This tall, elegant wading bird is known for its grayish-blue body and dagger-like bill. Great Blue Herons are frequently seen along rivers and wetlands.
- Wingspan: 5.5-6.6 feet
- Weight: 4.5-5.5 pounds
- Habitat: Wetlands and along rivers
4. Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Cranes are known for their long legs, long necks, and graceful movements. Their trumpeting calls often signal their presence in wetlands and grasslands.
- Wingspan: 6-7 feet
- Weight: 7-12 pounds
- Habitat: Wetlands and grasslands
5. Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vultures are scavengers with red, featherless heads. They play a vital role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carrion.
- Wingspan: 5.5-6 feet
- Weight: 3-5 pounds
- Habitat: Open areas and near forests
6. Black Vulture
Black Vultures, smaller than Turkey Vultures, have black heads and a more aggressive feeding behavior. They are common in Alabama’s open fields and woodlands.
- Wingspan: 4.5-5.3 feet
- Weight: 4-6 pounds
- Habitat: Open fields and woodlands
7. American White Pelican
American White Pelicans are massive birds with white plumage and large yellow-orange bills. They often glide gracefully over Alabama’s lakes and coastal areas.
- Wingspan: 9 feet
- Weight: 11-20 pounds
- Habitat: Lakes and coastal areas
8. Brown Pelican
Brown Pelicans are known for their grayish-brown bodies and their unique method of diving into water to catch fish. They are commonly seen in coastal areas.
- Wingspan: 6.5-7.5 feet
- Weight: 6-12 pounds
- Habitat: Coastal waters
9. Osprey
The Osprey, often called the “fish hawk,” has a white underside and dark upperparts. These raptors are usually spotted near water.
- Wingspan: 5-6 feet
- Weight: 2-4.5 pounds
- Habitat: Near water
Read also: 20 White Birds in Alabama
10. Great Egret
The Great Egret is an elegant white bird with a long neck and black legs. It is often seen stalking fish in shallow waters.
- Wingspan: 4.5-5.5 feet
- Weight: 2-3 pounds
- Habitat: Wetlands and shallow waters
11. Snowy Egret
The Snowy Egret is a smaller egret with distinctive yellow feet and pure white plumage. It is often found in marshes and wetlands.
- Wingspan: 3-4 feet
- Weight: 0.8-1.1 pounds
- Habitat: Marshes and wetlands
12. Mute Swan
Mute Swans are majestic birds with white feathers and orange bills. Although non-native, they can occasionally be seen gracing Alabama’s lakes and ponds.
- Wingspan: 7-8 feet
- Weight: 20-30 pounds
- Habitat: Lakes and ponds
13. Wood Stork
Wood Storks are large wetland birds with bald heads and impressive wingspans. They are an important species in Alabama’s wetlands.
- Wingspan: 5-6 feet
- Weight: 5-7 pounds
- Habitat: Wetlands
14. Double-crested Cormorant
These black waterbirds often perch with their wings outstretched to dry. Double-crested Cormorants are commonly found near Alabama’s lakes and rivers.
- Wingspan: 4-4.5 feet
- Weight: 2.6-5.5 pounds
- Habitat: Lakes, rivers, and coasts
15. Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk is a widespread and adaptable raptor in Alabama. Known for its piercing cry and reddish-brown tail, it thrives in open fields and forests where it hunts small mammals and birds.
- Wingspan: 4-4.8 feet
- Weight: 2-3.5 pounds
- Habitat: Open fields and forests
16. Barred Owl
The Barred Owl is a nocturnal predator with large dark eyes and distinctive vertical barring on its chest. Known for its “Who cooks for you?” call, it thrives in Alabama’s dense forests and swamps where it hunts small mammals and insects.
- Wingspan: 3.5-4 feet
- Weight: 1.6-2.8 pounds
- Habitat: Forests and swamps
17. Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl is a large and adaptable bird of prey found across Alabama. With its ear-like tufts, piercing yellow eyes, and deep resonating hoot, it commands the night as a top predator, hunting mammals, birds, and reptiles.
- Wingspan: 4.6-5 feet
- Weight: 2-5.5 pounds
- Habitat: Forests, deserts, and open fields
18. Mississippi Kite
Mississippi Kites are graceful raptors that feed on insects. They are often seen gliding effortlessly over Alabama’s open areas.
- Wingspan: 3.5-4 feet
- Weight: 0.5-1 pound
- Habitat: Open areas near water
Read also: 21 Yellow Birds in Alabama (ID, & Seasonal Guide)
19. Common Loon
The Common Loon is a striking bird with black-and-white patterns and haunting calls that echo across the water. Although rare in Alabama, these captivating visitors are often seen on lakes and large ponds during migration, offering birdwatchers a unique glimpse of their beauty.
- Wingspan: 4.2-5 feet
- Weight: 6.5-12 pounds
- Habitat: Lakes and large ponds
20. Wild Turkey
Wild Turkeys are large, ground-dwelling birds commonly found in Alabama. Known for their iridescent feathers and the males’ distinctive gobble, these birds play a key role in the ecosystem. They inhabit forests and grasslands, foraging for seeds, insects, and fruits, making them a vital part of Alabama’s natural landscape.
- Wingspan: 4.5-5 feet
- Weight: 11-24 pounds
- Habitat: Forests and grasslands
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest bird in Alabama?
The American White Pelican is the largest bird in Alabama with a wingspan of up to 9 feet and a weight of 11-20 pounds.
Are Bald Eagles common in Alabama?
Yes, Bald Eagles are relatively common near large bodies of water in Alabama, especially around lakes and rivers.
What bird has the largest wingspan in Alabama?
The American White Pelican has the largest wingspan in Alabama, measuring up to 9 feet.
Where can I see Sandhill Cranes in Alabama?
Sandhill Cranes can often be found in wetlands and grasslands, especially during migration seasons.
Why are vultures important to Alabama’s ecosystem?
Vultures, such as Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures, play a vital role by scavenging and cleaning up carrion, helping to prevent the spread of disease. Whether soaring above or wading through wetlands, these species offer a glimpse into the natural beauty of the state. Keep your eyes to the sky and your binoculars handy for a chance to spot these magnificent creatures!
