Arkansas is a strong birdwatching state because it has forests, rivers, lakes, wetlands, farmland, mountains, and open fields. This mix of habitats gives birders a chance to see backyard birds, woodpeckers, hawks, owls, herons, ducks, sparrows, warblers, and many migrating songbirds throughout the year.
Birds in Arkansas change by season and region. The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains are great for forest birds, while the Mississippi Alluvial Plain and wetland areas attract waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds. Backyards and parks are also active with cardinals, chickadees, wrens, finches, doves, and blue jays.
This guide covers common and interesting birds in Arkansas, 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 Arkansas
| Bird | Main ID Clue | Common Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Cardinal | Bright red male, crest | Backyards, shrubs, woodland edges |
| Blue Jay | Blue body, crest, loud call | Forests, yards, parks |
| Carolina Chickadee | Black cap, white cheeks | Woodlands, feeders, neighborhoods |
| Tufted Titmouse | Gray body, small crest | Forests, yards, parks |
| Red-bellied Woodpecker | Red head markings, barred back | Woodlands, feeders, yards |
| Eastern Bluebird | Blue back, orange chest | Fields, farms, open woods |
| Great Blue Heron | Tall gray-blue wading bird | Lakes, rivers, wetlands |
| Red-tailed Hawk | Broad wings, reddish tail | Roadsides, fields, forests |
| Barred Owl | Brown-and-white barred body | Forests, wooded swamps |
| Mallard | Green-headed male duck | Lakes, ponds, wetlands |
