Top 15 Birds of Minnesota

Minnesota’s diverse landscapes provide sanctuary to a wide range of bird species. From forest dwellers to prairie specialists, here are 15 remarkable birds you’re likely to encounter in the North Star State.

1. Common Loon (Gavia immer)

• Description: A striking black-and-white waterbird known for its eerie, haunting calls. It has red eyes and a dagger-like bill.
• Habitat: Deep freshwater lakes, especially in northern Minnesota.
• Ecosystem Services: Indicator of clean water; helps control fish populations.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern, but sensitive to water pollution and habitat disturbance.

2. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

• Description: A massive raptor with a white head and tail, brown body, and yellow beak.
• Habitat: Lakeshores, rivers, and wetlands across the state.
• Ecosystem Services: Scavenger that helps clean ecosystems; top predator maintaining food web balance.
• Conservation Status: Recovered from endangered status; now Least Concern.

3. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)

• Description: Small finch with vibrant yellow plumage (males in breeding season) and black cap.
• Habitat: Open fields, weedy areas, and suburban gardens.
• Ecosystem Services: Important seed disperser, especially of native thistles.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

4. Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa)

• Description: Large owl with a round face, yellow eyes, and gray plumage with fine barring.
• Habitat: Boreal forests and forest edges in northern Minnesota.
• Ecosystem Services: Controls rodent populations.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern but vulnerable to habitat loss.

5. Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

• Description: Brilliant red plumage in males, warm brown with red accents in females, and a prominent crest.
• Habitat: Woodlands, suburbs, and parks in southern Minnesota.
• Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser and insect control.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

6. Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

• Description: Black plumage with bright red and yellow shoulder patches (males).
• Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, and agricultural fields.
• Ecosystem Services: Controls crop pests; part of wetland food webs.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

7. Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)

• Description: Crow-sized woodpecker with a flaming red crest and black-and-white facial stripes.
• Habitat: Mature forests with standing dead trees.
• Ecosystem Services: Creates nest cavities used by other wildlife; controls forest insect pests.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

8. Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)

• Description: Large white owl with varying black barring, especially on females and juveniles.
• Habitat: Winters in open fields and shores; breeds in the Arctic.
• Ecosystem Services: Predator of rodents and small mammals.
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable globally due to climate change impacts.

9. Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)

• Description: Small thrush with bright blue upperparts and rusty chest.
• Habitat: Open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards.
• Ecosystem Services: Insect control; cavity nester benefiting from nest box programs.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern; conservation efforts have helped populations rebound.

10. Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)

• Description: The largest native North American waterfowl, pure white with a black bill.
• Habitat: Shallow lakes and wetlands.
• Ecosystem Services: Influences aquatic vegetation; indicator of wetland health.
• Conservation Status: Increasing thanks to reintroduction programs.

11. Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)

• Description: Sleek brown-gray bird with a black mask, yellow-tipped tail, and waxy red wing tips.
• Habitat: Woodlands, orchards, and suburban areas.
• Ecosystem Services: Major fruit and berry disperser.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

12. Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis)

• Description: Tall, gray bird with a red forehead and long legs and neck.
• Habitat: Wet meadows, prairies, and marshes.
• Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser; helps maintain wetland ecosystems.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern overall, but some populations are threatened.

13. Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)

• Description: Small, friendly bird with a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and fluffy appearance.
• Habitat: Forests, woodlots, and backyards statewide.
• Ecosystem Services: Insect control and seed dispersal.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

14. Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)

• Description: Small warbler with streaked gray plumage and distinctive yellow rump and sides.
• Habitat: Forests during breeding; widespread during migration.
• Ecosystem Services: Insect control, especially during migration periods.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

15. Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)

• Description: Colorful duck with iridescent green head (male) and intricate patterns; female is brown with white eye ring.
• Habitat: Woodland ponds, swamps, and rivers.
• Ecosystem Services: Cavity nester a