Louisiana is one of the most exciting birdwatching states in the South because it has bayous, swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes, pine forests, bottomland hardwoods, coastal wetlands, barrier islands, farms, and city parks. This mix gives birders a chance to see pelicans, herons, egrets, ibises, ducks, hawks, owls, woodpeckers, shorebirds, warblers, sparrows, and many familiar backyard birds.
Birds in Louisiana change by habitat and season. Coastal marshes and wetlands are excellent for wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, gulls, terns, and pelicans. Swamps and bottomland forests are good for woodpeckers, owls, herons, warblers, and songbirds. Backyards and neighborhoods often attract cardinals, blue jays, wrens, chickadees, doves, finches, and mockingbirds.
This guide covers common and interesting birds in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana
| Bird | Main ID Clue | Common Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Pelican | Large coastal bird, long bill pouch | Coasts, bays, barrier islands |
| Northern Cardinal | Bright red male, crest | Backyards, shrubs, woodland edges |
| Great Blue Heron | Tall gray-blue wading bird | Swamps, rivers, marshes |
| Great Egret | Tall white bird, yellow bill | Wetlands, marshes, ponds |
| White Ibis | White body, curved orange bill | Lawns, marshes, wetlands |
| Roseate Spoonbill | Pink body, spoon-shaped bill | Coastal marshes, wetlands |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | Reddish chest, barred wings | Swamps, forests, neighborhoods |
| Barred Owl | Brown-and-white barred body | Wooded swamps, forests |
| Pileated Woodpecker | Large black woodpecker, red crest | Mature forests, wooded swamps |
| Wood Duck | Colorful male, crested head | Swamps, wooded ponds, rivers |
